The Return of the Female Knight
CHAPTER 94
The woman standing beside Marissa looked at Elena in surprise.
“The bride's dress is the most incredible thing I've ever seen. ”
"ah! My husband wears diamonds in his wedding dress. ”
Elena deliberately boasted the value of the dress to another woman, despite it being her nature to order. The noble lady who asked the question widened her eyes.
"D-diamond? So it's all real jewelry? "
"Yes it . ”
"Yes God!"
Marisa, who was listening from the side, looked at Elena with envious eyes.
"You must truly have the love of the Crown Prince. I have heard rumors that she asked her father that no bride dowry was needed. ”
Elena could feel their eyes on her when she heard the rumor, and she hesitantly nodded.
“Yes, that's all true. I am very grateful to him. ”
The doubts of the nobles turned into surprises.
"The Crown Prince really should be romantic. ”
"I envy you, Your Majesty. You two seem like the perfect couple. ”
Elena makes herself smile as widely as possible, faithful to the role of a happy bride marrying her true love. In fact, he never really liked to boast like this, and he wondered what it would be like to show his true self to others. Happiness is not about competing with anyone. He believes that everyone defines happiness differently, and that being satisfied with one's life is the only way to live happily.
However, being the Crown Princess meant playing a different game where she had to hide her true thoughts. Carlisle had to express his affection for her, and show that their financial resources were not lacking. Wealth was power, and with so many dresses and jewelry given to her by Carlisle, Elena now had a sizable personal fortune as well. From now on, he had to think of how to use these assets effectively.
“Marchioness Holland was very helpful to me. Instead, I want to give you the precious cloth I received from the Freegrand kingdom. I'm hoping you'll take it. ”
A wedding gift given by a foreign country is, in all practical respects, an award. They are wrapped as gifts, but not the same as those given by close acquaintances. The emperor could give such items to the nobles who helped with the marriage.
"How can I accept something so precious …!"
Marissa looked surprised as if she could never imagine this situation. However, this was the true feeling of Elena's heart. She grew up in the south, and thanked Marissa for her hospitality. Right now, Elena was prioritizing revenge over grace, but she wanted to restore her good feelings if possible.
"Please come to the palace wearing this cloth the next time. ”
"Thank you very much, Your Majesty. ”
Marissa looked around with an excited and confused expression, proud at the extent of her relationship with Elena. Hopefully it will help to the south, and in any case, having a close relationship with the Crown Princess will be beneficial.
After speaking with Marissa sufficiently, Elena took a step back.
“I'll go now. ”
"Yes, yes, Your Majesty!"
Elena received Marissa's bow, which was more honorable than the first, then walked away to meet the other nobles. Already, there was a passionate conversation about the wedding dress she was wearing earlier. Elena looked on with a delighted expression, capturing the disjointed conversation of the crowd, as an unexpected figure appeared.
"Itu—"
Helen, a beautiful young woman in green clothes. Elena briefly saw him sitting in the guest row at the wedding, so she wasn't too surprised to see him at the reception. More importantly, the Selby family was also quite strong.
Elena looked at Helen for a moment, before the latter began to vaguely walk towards her, the clicking sound of her heels getting louder as she approached. Helen, who looked drunk, widened her eyes when she saw Elena, and her expression turned sour. Helen's enmity was obvious, but Elena approached her without a care.
“For a long time, Lady Selby. ”
Perhaps she did not want to be criticized, but Helen saluted Elena even though she was reluctant.
"Greetings to the Crown Princess. Eternal glory to the Ruford Empire. ”
"I heard you became the Queen's hostess. ”
"Ah yes . Fine . ”
Helen's face was triumphant when it mentioned "the woman who waits". "Elena spoke in a low voice, a smile on her face.
"You should celebrate. You can never show your face in society again, but this is like a lifeline. ”
"…!"
"So I'll warn you one last time, hold on to that lifeline. If you try to hurt me once again— ”
Elena stepped into Helen's room and spoke in a voice slightly above the whisper.
“—I won't let it pass. ”
Elena is suspicious about Helen's sudden appointment as a waiting woman. Their relationship is already stormy — Helen accuses Elena of sleeping with a different man every night, and Helen is considered a villain who tries to destroy Elena's face out of jealousy. Of course, the charges against Elena were false, whereas the charges against Helen were exaggerated.
But in the end, it was water under the bridge. As Elena told Carlisle at the time, it would not help Carlisle ascend the throne if Marquis Selby was involved. However, if Helen continued to provoke Elena, Elena would not let it continue anymore. Carlisle wanted revenge after becoming emperor, but if Helen stopped now, Elena planned to be more generous.
So, Elena gave her final warning.
"Don't forget my words. ”
Elena offered a dignified smile, then turned her head and walked away.
Moments later, Sarah, who had been watching breathlessly nearby, appeared. Sarah had been glued to Helen's side since the tea party in the south, and Elena recognized her face. Somehow, Sarah seemed more disgusting than Helen. He hurriedly lowered his head when Elena's gaze fell on him, and the Crown Princess uttered her own warning to him.
"You should look at the line and see which side is more favorable. ”
Elena swept past Sarah into the middle of the hall, and Sarah stared at her back, her face stiff.
Chaeng-geulang!
Helen's face was flushed red, and her glass slipped out of her trembling hand. The broken pieces of glass were scattered on the floor. People whispered and widened their distance from him, but he paid no attention. Helen gritted her teeth furiously.
The next person Elena approached at the reception was Countess Stella Viviana, one of the most important social figures in the capital. Stella is a potential enemy, as Elena is forced to blackmail Stella about her hidden son. It was because of this exploitation that Elena was able to become the crown princess, and she felt uneasy.
Elena easily found the Countess, as she was the one with the most women gathered around her. Stella greeted Elena with a glowing smile as she watched her approach.
"Oh, thank you for coming all the way here, Your Majesty. ”
Stella's words caught the attention of the other women, and as soon as they all greeted her with a bow.
"Hail the Crown Princess. Eternal glory to the Ruford Empire. ”
Elena still felt awkward as everyone bowed to her in this manner, but she returned her smile without the slightest bit of discomfort.
“Happy to meet you all. I came to see Countess Viviana, and found you all here. ”
Stella answered confidently, as if she knew Elena. The other women smiled at both of them.
"Yes, please come back, Countess. ”
“Congratulations on your wedding today, Your Majesty. ”
The women gave their choirs, and Elena and Stella received their words with bright smiles. The two of them headed outside the hall towards the open terrace. It was already sunset, and the cool spring breeze blew delightfully on their faces. They were those only two souls there, but Stella kept a polite smile on her face.
"What do you want to talk to me about, Your Majesty?"
Elena was curious how calm Stella remained, as if their last meeting had never happened. After pondering how to start the conversation, Elena decided to come clean.
“I don't expect a warm welcome from you. ”
"Is there any reason why I'm not happy to see you, Your Majesty?"
That question may seem absurd. Elena clarified herself, as she wondered what Stella was thinking.
“We did not leave the first meeting on the best terms. ”
“You kept your promise to keep quiet, so I decided to forget about it. ”
Hearing Stella's reply, Elena understood once again that the most dangerous opponents were not those who were outwardly frightening. The Countess' reputation as an astute woman meant nothing. Stella already knew that open hostility towards the Crown Princess was not in her favor.
"But he can't help but be wary of me. '
It was impossible for anyone to feel comfortable possessing their deepest secrets. Another saying flashed through Elena's mind.
'Close your friends, and your enemies are closer. '
Stella keeps her enemy, Elena, closer. But so is Elena. She could not leave Stella alone, but since the Countess had yet to make a move, Elena had not been able to touch her. Elena tried to withdraw her heart this time, but the Countess was more skilled than she thought, and she couldn't help but admire the other women. He doesn't know if Stella will stab him in the back, but no relationship starts with complete confidence. Elena decides to keep Stella around for now and, if possible, make her an ally.
“I'm afraid you're in doubt with me, so I'm glad you trust me. ”
"Of course . There was no one on this continent who did not believe in the Imperial Crown Princess Ruford. I'm also worried that you might be reluctant about me, so I'm glad to hear that you trust me too. ”
It was a pleasant comment with deserved praise. If the Ruford Empire was as free as the Freegrand Kingdom, Stella could have been an excellent ambassador in another country. It was a waste of talent. After all, even though Stella's true intentions were unknown, she wasn't hostile towards Elena.
Elena continued with a gentle smile.
“It's nice to see you again. Please come to the palace sometime after today's reception. I'll send you an invitation in person. ”
"Oh, it's an honor, Your Honor. ”
Both of them sensed the other while keeping their true intentions. And funny enough, they both realized it, but pretended not to know anything.
After a short conversation with Stella, Elena headed inside the reception hall again. Stella followed him and bowed.
"I'll see you later, Your Majesty. ”
"Yes . ”
Stella parted ways with Elena and returned to her flock of noble women. While Elena watched him walk away and consider who he should meet next. Before he could make a decision, however, there was the sound of footsteps approaching Elena.
Tabak—
Elena immediately noticed them, but pretended not to know as it raised suspicions of her abilities. The sound of footsteps stopped, and a voice spoke.
"It's good to see you again, Your Majesty. ”
Elena turned around and looked at the Freegrand ambassador in front of her.
"Oh, you …"
“My name is Log Ashmore. ”
Elena took her well-pressed uniform.
"Dame Ashmore?"
He was not sure if the ambassador was a knight, but he could easily see the posture of the swordsman.
"No, it's just a Log, Your Honor. ”
Her permission to let Elena use her first name meant she wanted to get closer.
"Alright, Log. ”
Elena was accepted without protest. He was very interested in getting acquainted with the Freegrand delegation, especially for the sake of Mirabelle. As Elena used her name, Log's expression brightened.
"I saw you at the wedding, and was completely blown away by your beauty, Your Majesty. The wedding dress was amazing too. ”
“I'm glad you think so. My sister donated a lot of ideas to it. ”
“Ah, she's quite talented. ”
Elena swelled proud of Log's praise. Elena tried to restrain herself because of her position as Crown Princess, but if anyone praised Mirabelle, she could not help feeling happy.
Elena smiled faintly, then spoke in a low voice.
"Is there anything else you want to tell me?"
"Oh. I heard that you gift the Freegrand cloth from a delegation to another noble lady. ”
Elena has promised Marissa. It seemed that the story was quickly spreading, and Elena nodded lightly.
"If I can, I want to give you another cloth personally, Your Majesty. ”
"I?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Hope you will enjoy it. ”
Elena knew that in all kingdoms, gifts given to the country could be given re-gifts to other nobles. However, meetings and appointments of personal gifts are completely different. Elena's red eyes glowed. Human relations are very simple, and politics can be easily summed up as “Give and receive. ”
'Log wants to give me the ingredients, so what does he want to take?'
Elena wanted to know her intentions, so she accepted Log's offer and made sure they had a chance to talk again.
“I can't possibly refuse your sincerity. Then I will make sure to call you before you leave the Imperial Palace. ”
"Yes thank you! Your majesty!"
Log's tense expression softened into relief, and Elena watched him with curious eyes.
