Chapter 95

In a way, it was an opportunity for the Queen. She had always been in the King’s shadow, but now the situation had changed. People believed she would gain some power, having given birth to the only heir who would become the next King. But everyone’s expectations were proven wrong. The Queen did not change. She continued as before, focusing only on diplomatic matters or household management within the palace, occasionally mediating disputes among noble ladies.

It was hard to believe in many ways that the Queen was the Marchioness Shyler’s niece. Olivia wondered how many people knew this. Even as a Countess active in society, Olivia hadn’t known, so probably very few.

At the same time, Olivia realized why the Marchioness could get the Queen’s permission for an audience a day in advance and be invited into such a private space.

“And this is…?”

After warmly embracing the Marchioness, the Queen turned her gaze to Olivia. Unsure how to react, Olivia looked at the Marchioness, who nodded. It meant Olivia could speak honestly.

“It’s a pleasure to greet you again, Your Majesty. You probably don’t remember, but I am Olivia Sione from Gaether. Once, I was…”

The next words came with difficulty.

“Olivia Harper.”

“Oh, I remember.”

Apparently, bringing up her past was worthwhile, as the Queen’s curious expression turned to recognition.

“I’ve heard much about you. The noblewoman who threw away her divorce papers and left.”

It had already been half a year since Olivia fled Terez. She knew it had been gossip in society, but didn’t expect the Queen to remember. Perhaps it was because it was such a rare event.

The Queen, as if reading Olivia’s thoughts, looked at her closely and then offered a seat.

“Please, sit down.”

As they sat opposite, the maid who had just exited the bedroom approached and whispered something to the Queen. The Queen nodded and turned her gaze back to Olivia and the Marchioness. When the maid left, only the three of them remained. On the glass table between the couches, Olivia noticed for the first time that refreshments had been prepared.

“If you’ve just woken up, aren’t you hungry?”

The Marchioness asked, and the Queen waved her hand lightly.

“Not really. I don’t have much appetite in the morning. I asked the maid to bring fresh tea because the old one must have cooled.”

“Your Majesty, you have always been delicate. I worry for you. I hope your appetite returns soon.”

A few more polite exchanges followed. It was conversation anyone could hear. The maid returned with a reheated teapot and left again, and as soon as the door closed, the cheerful atmosphere stopped. As if planned, silence settled, and it was the Queen—not Olivia or the Marchioness—who got to the point.

“Well, now I’d like you to tell me.”

It sounded as if she was speaking to the Marchioness, but her gaze was fixed on Olivia. Leaning loosely against the backrest, the Queen spoke slowly.

“What brings you to see me so suddenly?”

Contrary to her reputation for gentleness, her voice was direct and firm. Olivia’s fingers instinctively clenched. The help was over; now it was up to Olivia alone. The Queen’s sharp eyes and the Marchioness’s gaze beside her both focused on Olivia.

“Your Majesty.”

Olivia’s throat felt dry. She swallowed carefully and spoke again.

“May I ask if you know of Sir Vincent Moore?”

There was another round of silence, then the Queen nodded.

“…I do. If you mean the knight imprisoned in the dungeon a few days ago.”

Dungeon. The word made Olivia’s heart tighten. Judging by the Queen’s expression, she didn’t know about Vincent’s birth.

“He is my fiancé.”

“What…?”

The Queen’s surprised face straightened, and her wide eyes turned to the Marchioness. The Marchioness met her gaze and nodded quietly. The Queen’s face grew even more surprised, and she stammered.

“I’ve never heard such news. Since when?”

“The engagement ceremony was held recently. His Majesty gave permission beforehand.”

Actually, it was more of a negotiation about Olivia than permission. Vincent pretended to be watching Olivia in order to get approval for their engagement, and the King agreed, even granting Vincent leave.

It was less than a month ago. Now, everything had changed, and Vincent’s life was at risk.

“…I see why you’re here. But unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do.”

“Your Majesty.”

“Both of you should leave now. Nothing good will come of being seen by His Majesty.”

The Queen, having calmed herself, took a deep breath and stood. Olivia hurried to speak, but the Marchioness intervened.

“Your Majesty, he is innocent.”

“…Aunt.”

“For five years, he has faithfully served His Majesty. I know him well. He’s not that kind of person. I guarantee it.”

A tiny crack appeared in the Queen’s fortress-like attitude. Olivia couldn’t let it slip. She stood and slowly knelt on the carpet.

“Lady Olivia…!”

The Marchioness’s shocked voice rang out, but Olivia didn’t care. This was nothing. She could do much more. She couldn’t let go of the happiness she had finally found.

“Your Majesty.”

“Please, stand.”

Looking up at the Queen’s startled face, Olivia spoke as calmly as she could.

“I did not come to plead with His Majesty to release him.”

“…”

“Nor did I come to see his face one last time.”

The first would never be accepted, and the second would only make things worse.

“I simply have something to say as a subject of the Kingdom, sincerely and earnestly.”

She had thought for a long time, all the way from Nihil to the capital, about what she could do. The answer was clear.

“If you k*ll him now, this country will be in danger.”

The Queen was a mother with a young child. Olivia had to emphasize that. She quietly added,

“If that happens, perhaps even the land your son will rule someday will disappear.”

As Olivia spoke, a cold silence settled as if someone had poured icy water into the room.

“…Stand up.”

The voice from across broke the silence. Olivia took the Marchioness’s hand and stood. The Queen’s face, now at eye level, was hard and cold, unlike before.

“If you’re just saying this, you can’t imagine the consequences.”

“It’s not just words.”

Olivia stood at the edge of a cliff, knowing the risks, but she wanted to be there. The Queen’s eyes snapped open at Olivia’s determined answer.

* * *

“Explain what you mean, in detail.”

The Queen dropped formalities with the Marchioness. Sitting across from Olivia, she radiated a new sense of authority. She was shrouded, but unmistakably the mother of the nation. If Olivia showed any weakness, the Queen would crush her.

“Your Majesty, you know about the Katia civil war.”

The Queen’s reaction was as if Olivia had given an irrelevant answer.

“…I heard it was a struggle for the throne between brothers. Not uncommon.”

“His Majesty declared neutrality.”

The Queen nodded.

“But what if there are forces acting against that?”

“What?”

“There are people who endlessly send support to Katia.”

For a moment, the Queen’s expression hardened, her gaze sharp.

“…That could be. But His Majesty would surely know.”

“Yes, he would. He probably knows who they are, too.”

“If so, I don’t need to hear more, do I?”

It was said that the King and Queen’s relationship was neither good nor bad. Twice a week, they shared a bedroom and attended diplomatic events together, but that was all.

The cunning King, wary of the Queen’s family, had brought in a second wife from an obscure family. He likely never discussed politics with the Queen. Olivia’s guesses seemed to be right. The Queen looked at Olivia as if asking if she had anything else. Olivia shook her head.

“No, Your Majesty. You must listen to me.”

Olivia took a breath and continued.

“His Majesty has suspicions but not enough evidence. So, with obvious danger before him, he can’t take decisive action.”

Olivia hoped her cards were the best she had.

“Earl Harper has supported Katia since the first signs of unrest. I know where his secret ledger is kept. If we’re lucky, we could catch even the nobles involved.”

Olivia cut through the heavy silence with her next words.

“If Sir Vincent is executed, His Majesty will lose that chance. And he’ll also lose a knight willing to give his life for him.”

Tonight, Olivia hoped the Queen would tell the King. She hoped the King would realize it was wiser to extinguish the fire at his feet than chase distant sparks.