Chapter 17
Arden once asked me if I trusted my father.
His words were tantamount to saying that he didn’t trust the Duke of Castanein. My father trusts him, but he doesn’t trust my father.
“I don’t know what was discussed, but regardless, my feelings remain the same. There has been no progress in finding Mother. Besides, I became the queen in the first place to find her…”
I never found out anything about Mother until the end.
Knowing the outcome, there was no need for me to stay by his side. Whether I loved him or not, his feelings would remain the same.
“I can’t fulfill his wishes, so neither of us meets the conditions. So even if we break the deal, it’s fine as long as it’s beneficial to both of us, not a disadvantage.”
“Was this discussed with His Majesty?”
Letícia lowered her head.
She had demanded a divorce from him, but he didn’t listen. Instead, they ended up spending the night together.
Although the story that Arden slept that night was absurd, Letícia didn’t use her power, so she didn’t think it was her doing.
“Unfortunately, it seems the deal conditions are being met.”
“…What?”
“His Majesty told me directly. He said he slept on the day you were together.”
“…What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I heard that they’re conducting an investigation because elves are disappearing. So even if you don’t think you’re causing trouble, the king values you.”
Mary also informed her that Arden had slept. Although she didn’t completely believe it, if Arden himself had said it, it changed the story.
However, Letícia still found the whole situation suspicious.
She couldn’t believe that Arden had slept because of her, and it seemed like a lie that there was progress in the investigation.
‘Why is it different from before? Surely nothing has been found, just the passage of time…’
Letícia blinked her eyes slowly and tapped her finger on the edge of the teacup, lost in thought.
What could she be missing?
“I think it’s best to go back and talk to His Majesty. But, your father is on your side. So if you make up your mind, let him know.”
“…Thank you.”
“I always wanted you to be loved. Without you, there would be no reason for me to live.”
Sadness flickered in the Duke of Castanein’s eyes.
Letícia’s throat stung with a slightly moist voice.
“To me, it’s just my father.”
She looked up from the teacup and smiled faintly at the Duke. Their gazes intertwined in the air.
“I wish Ellosha were here at times like this. I’m sorry that Father doesn’t know much.”
“No, no.”
Letícia thought of her mother.
With a tightening sensation in her throat and a slight moistness in her eyes, she suppressed her emotions. After checking the time on the clock, she got up from her seat.
“I should go now. I have an appointment with His Majesty for dinner.”
“Alright, go ahead.”
The Duke turned around and took out a handkerchief.
Letícia pretended not to see it and turned her head towards the door, walking towards it.
“I’ll keep in touch often.”
With a hasty farewell, she quickly left the study.
Letícia headed towards the palace with Mary in a carriage, her steps quickening with a sense of urgency.
She needed to organize her thoughts before dinner time at the palace to talk to Arden about various matters.
“I’ll have a lot to discuss. I don’t know if the conversation will go smoothly, but I’ll try.”
Nevertheless, she was determined to make an effort.
At that moment, a familiar carriage entered the palace courtyard. Letícia’s eyes widened as she saw it.
“…Cadius.”
She repeated the name to herself silently, her head instinctively turning away.
Cold sweat ran down her body, and she began to take backward steps involuntarily. Facing him like this was something she hadn’t even considered.
Her hands and feet trembled so much that she couldn’t breathe properly. Before the door of the carriage he was riding could open, Letícia froze in place.
“Your Majesty…?”
“Mary, it would be best to quickly get on the carriage.”
“Are you not feeling well?”
Letícia nodded her head.
With great effort, she managed to compose herself and hurriedly climbed into the carriage. Just as the door was about to close, it was opened again by someone.
“Your Majesty.”
Her body stiffened at the soft voice. Letícia, who had been looking ahead, slowly turned towards the door.
Thump, thump.
The sound of her heart beating loudly echoed in her ears.
“What is the meaning of this! How dare you block the carriage of Her Majesty!”
Mary raised her voice, her face contorted in anger as she spoke to Caren.
Letícia raised her hand to stop Mary. Provoking him wouldn’t be wise.
She licked her lips nervously, trying to control her expression.
Letícia clasped her hands tightly on her knees, trying to conceal her trembling. She forced a smile that seemed okay.
“It’s been a while, Lord Caren.”
“Didn’t you see me coming?”
“I was in a hurry to get to the palace, so I didn’t pay attention. Could you please let go of the door you’re holding? You know very well that what you just did was rude.”
Letícia spoke to him calmly. Caren’s eyebrows twitched.
“I apologize. I acted rashly out of haste… Please forgive my rudeness.”
He shrugged, unable to hide his regretful expression.
“I seem to have come too late. I regret missing the opportunity to have a conversation with Her Majesty after a long time.”
The pressure on the hand holding the door released.
“It seems it may be difficult to have a conversation for a while.”
“Do you have something important?”
“Should I tell you my business? It’s better to maintain decorum. Despite us being friends, I am the Queen of the Brivent Kingdom. You should know that.”
Caren’s lips curled slightly at Letícia’s words.
He nodded and stepped back.
“I understand. Please don’t be angry. I simply crossed the line out of disappointment as a friend.”
Letícia smiled again at his words.
‘What does he want to talk to Father about?’
She wanted to listen to their conversation in the carriage, but she couldn’t. Even in this moment facing him, she needed a lot of patience.
“One more thing. It’s good to be friendly with Father, but it’s best not to see him too often. I trust you know the reason.”
“…Is that so? Maybe it’s because I’ve kept a proper distance. I think we should stop here for the conversation.”
Letícia suggested politely. Caren bowed his head in farewell.
He closed the carriage door that he had opened.
Even though she felt his gaze from outside the window, she didn’t look at him. Her forced smile caused a twitch in her lips.
She felt a sharp pain in her hand from clenching her fist so tightly.
“You… Your Majesty.”
“Mary, I don’t like it when trivial matters spread among others.”
“I didn’t see or hear anything.”
Mary immediately understood Letícia’s intention and replied.
Letícia’s attention was completely focused on Caren and Father. She worried about what kind of conversation they would have and if Caren would cause any harm.
‘I need to think of a plan quickly. Would it be better to be honest with Arden?’
No, he might end up doubting me instead.
Tingling.
She continued to feel a headache. Her body didn’t feel well due to the tingling sensation, as if needles were passing through her head.
Her body began to feel heavy like soaked cotton.
Fear rushed over her as if she were trapped in thick fog.
She shrank her arm, which had been staring intently, brushing it away with another arm.
