「To future generations,
On the 100th anniversary of the founding of Cayenne, the 4th King, Ryan Blake, actively pursued a policy of ethnic integration.
This involved promoting marriages between the royal family and prominent figures from Daemon, such as Melon, Russell, and Duncan.
However, be aware that this was not truly for the purpose of ethnic integration, but rather out of caution regarding their abilities.
From a letter to future kings, page 89」
* * *
The tension between the King and the nobles remained unchanged today. As expected, Duke Duncan opened the discussion.
“Your Majesty, please give me another opportunity to speak about the reinstatement of Albert Duncan.”
Roderick, resting his chin on his hand, looked somewhat bored.
“Duke Duncan.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Aren’t you tired of this yet? I feel like I can hear your voice even in my sleep.”
When the King jokingly laughed, the pro-imperial nobles also let out insincere laughter.
“I don’t know why you keep insisting on this, but I also saw Albert Duncan’s skills during the hunting competition. Of course, hunting is not a virtue of a military commander. But frankly, I am not satisfied with someone of that skill level being responsible for the western border.”
As the Duke fell silent, Roderick looked around at the nobles and asked,
“Who was the winner of this hunting competition?”
One of the pro-imperial nobles, reading the King’s intention, quickly replied,
“The Captain of the First Knights.”
“Ah, that’s right. Captain.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“How about you take on that position this time?”
Jade, serious, replied,
“I am not capable enough for that.”
Roderick shrugged at Duke Duncan.
“That’s what he says.”
“…”
“Duke, the power of appointment lies with me. If he wants an important position, he needs to not hide under his father’s shadow, and make people’s hearts move. I have already given him the opportunity, so prove his skills. If Albert Duncan achieves military success in the south, I will consider it then.”
The nobles felt that the King had changed recently. Although he had a very annoyed and sullen expression, there was no emotional fluctuation. However, the content of his words was much sharper than before.
But Duke Duncan was the leader of the anti-imperial nobles. He too could not back down.
“Then at least allow me to have an audience with the Queen. Your Majesty may find this unpleasant, but I am the father of the Queen. Blocking access like this is too much.”
The Queen had already rejected the Duke’s requests twice. Recently, she had even refused Duke Duncan’s request for an audience.
Roderick, of course, knew this, but he made a slightly strange expression.
“Are you saying… that I am blocking you?”
The Duke did not answer, but that was as good as a yes. His expression said, ‘Otherwise, why would my daughter refuse my request for an audience?’
“Why are you blaming me for the Queen not being able to meet you due to her circumstances? Do you think the Queen is someone without any will of her own?”
What kind of father knows so little about his daughter?
Roderick, who had been looking disinterested, frowned for the first time since the meeting began.
After the meeting, the King’s people immediately sent word to the Queen’s palace. Although the rules were vague, there were no exceptions on days when the Duke of Duncan was in a bad mood.
As expected, when Roderick visited the Queen’s palace, Lee-Jae was carving something again.
“What are you carving this time?”
“Something similar to what I gave you last time.”
Lee-Jae planned to strengthen the barrier even more. She was a bit annoyed by the alcohol spirit knocking on the window.
It was a resolute plan to build almost a fortress, but Roderick, who had no idea, said,
“You’re always so consistent.”
“Thank you.”
“Hailey, do you really think that sounds like a compliment?”
“It is a compliment, Your Majesty. It’s rare to find someone so consistent. It’s not like I’m doing anything bad.”
Roderick was taken aback but found her argument strangely convincing and chuckled. Pulling a chair next to Lee-Jae, he said,
“The Duke told me not to block his access to you. He seems to think I’m doing that.”
“So, my father is going crazy again today.”
“I take back what I said about you being consistent. You’re getting more outrageous by the day.”
Lee-Jae laughed, finding it amusing, while Roderick’s expression turned peculiar. Setting aside her lack of interest in her family affairs, she clearly seemed to dislike the Duke.
When the Duke first brought up the idea of a meeting, he looked triumphant, and today he acted as if the Queen couldn’t possibly refuse him. Why were they so different from each other?
As Roderick frowned, deep in thought, Lee-Jae suddenly said,
“Should I meet him?”
“What?”
“I’ll do as you wish, Your Majesty.”
“…Why?”
Lee-Jae casually continued carving the wood as she replied,
“I told you to use me, didn’t you?”
Her words echoed the goals of the pro-imperial faction. Even Jade had told Roderick to win her over by any means necessary on their wedding day. But hearing those words now, Roderick’s face hardened.
A few days ago, when he heard her say that, he laughed it off. The pillow talk made it sound like a joke. But hearing it repeatedly now felt strangely chilling.
How did Duke Duncan raise his child to say such things at her age?
“Hailey, did my words not get through to you?”
“…What?”
“I mean, have I been so cold to you that you think it’s natural to say I should use you?”
“…”
“I wish you wouldn’t talk like that.”
Lee-Jae quietly set down the carving knife and the piece of wood she was holding. The King seemed genuinely upset.
As the atmosphere grew tense, the attendants began to exchange glances and slowly started to leave the room. It was clear that the King had been indulgent with his young wife until now.
His nickname, ‘the Beast,’ was not for nothing. He had the power and position to tear apart anyone if he wished. But as the King’s attendants slipped away, they worried about the Queen’s safety. With the few pacifiers left, there was no way to replenish the ranks if they were eliminated.*
[*T/N: It’s speaking metaphorically. The pacifiers are what calms him down and they’re saying if all that goes away (or gets killed in Lee-Jae’s case) then there would be no way to find any more options because they exhausted it all.]
“…”
“…”
A long silence filled the room after everyone had left. Lee-Jae maintained a calm expression, her gaze lowered, while Roderick, frowning, just stared at her. But soon, he let out a deep sigh. When the Queen fell silent, it was he who felt frustrated.
“Hailey.”
“…”
“Say something.”
“…”
“Don’t you know how to cheer someone up when they’re in a bad mood? I’m sulking right now.”
Lee-Jae, who had been looking down, let out a soft laugh. She fidgeted with her skirt, vigorously wiping the sawdust off her palms. Then she scooted her chair closer to Roderick. She hesitated but carefully took his hand.
Roderick’s anger had already begun to subside. Lee-Jae, who usually pulled her hand away, had initiated holding his hand this time. Even though it was just resting her hand on his, it meant a lot to him.
“Your Majesty, why are you like this? Are you angry?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t be too angry.”
“Why? Are you going to get angry too?”
“No, I won’t get angry… but I might feel a bit sad.”
Roderick slumped back in his chair, feeling drained. He rubbed his face. “Why do you do this to me?” he muttered, feeling like he was going crazy.
“If you’re feeling bad…”
“Stop it.”
“But you said not to stop you from talking…”
“Ah, I’m sorry, okay? Let’s just stop this.”
He pulled her chair even closer. His blue eyes gazed at her lips, and he felt her shrink back slightly. He lightly embraced her shoulders and kissed her a few times, gently, like a bird pecking. Then he licked her lower lip before releasing her.
“Was this forced too?” he asked.
“…I never said that.”
“So, you’re okay with it? That’s become very important to me lately.” I don’t understand your feelings or your heart.
“It was okay.”
“Ah, so it wasn’t good.”
“…It was good.”
When Lee-Jae answered clearly, albeit softly, he ran his hand through his hair. “That’s enough for me,” he said.
“…”
“I apologize for what I said earlier.”
“Why should Your Majesty apologize? You said you were angry because of me.”
“I brought up the Duke first.”
Lee-Jae smiled slightly and tilted her head. She didn’t say anything, but Roderick felt strangely accused. Her pure eyes seemed to say, ‘You’re lying, aren’t you?’
“Why are you looking at me like that? Fighting with someone small like you just makes me look foolish.”
“I’m not small.”
“Fine. I just don’t want to fight with my wife. I have enough people wanting to fight me; I don’t need to fight with my wife in addition too.”
Lee-Jae burst into laughter. “I apologize too. I just wanted to help you. I guess I chose the wrong words.”
“Okay, I understand.”
Their first marital spat ended before it even began. Roderick had a realization at that moment. When the Queen looked down and avoided his gaze, he couldn’t stay angry. It was as if she was preparing for a moment to come.
Running his hand through his hair, he found Lee-Jae’s smiling face annoying and blurted out, “Madam, so how often are you willing to kiss me?”
Lee-Jae flinched. The King found her reaction cute and wanted to tease her more. She only looked innocent in moments like these.
“You said you didn’t dislike it. That you liked it.”
“…”
“Can we do it once a day?”
“…”
“In our honeymoon phase, shouldn’t you be generous with your affection while your husband is begging?”
As Lee-Jae feigned a cough and genuinely started to choke, Roderick brought her some water. Watching the Queen gulp down the water, he wore a mischievous smile. However, the chill he had felt earlier lingered in his heart.
Lee-Jae said she had chosen the wrong words, but the perceptive Roderick knew better. She, who occasionally lied, had spoken the truth at that moment.
