Kays Translations

Chapter 87: Queen Aliyah’s Hope

　When Eldor VIII was alone with Mitchell Howler, his demeanor instantly changed from that of an intimidating king to a mild-mannered man in his forties.

　Whenever Mitchell sees this change, he is reminded of the hard work his best friend has put into being king.

　“A wizard who makes diamonds? I’m amazed. It’s just like the legendary wizards themselves.”

“Yes, I suppose.”

　After conversing that much, they both fell silent at the same time.

　Eldor VIII picked up a diamond and held it up to the light. The diamond was cut so precisely that even the slightest light reflected off it and made it sparkle.

“the diamonds used for magic tools don’t need to be this beautiful, but I wonder if this shape is normal in the world she came from.”

“Probably.”

“she told me not to use them for war.”

“Your Majesty, ……”

“I know. Don’t worry about it. Just be glad you got rid of them.”*

　Mitchell Howler nodded and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead with his handkerchief. For a commoner woman to say to the king, “I hope your diamond-based magical tools won’t be used for war,” was to meddle in the king’s politics. If anyone had heard her, there would have been an uproar.

“I never would have imagined that Henry’s fiancée was a legendary wizard.”

“I don’t know of any other wizards who can use transformation magic. When I heard about it from Henry, my mind went blank for a moment.”

“She doesn’t realize how valuable she is. That’s the danger.”

“I said as much to Henry also ……”

　From there, The Viscount then told him what she had said:  ‘I can shatter all weapons instantly. Even magic tools that seal magic can be destroyed.’ After a little hesitation, he added, ‘I can also turn this castle into a pile of sand.’ Eldor VIII looked at Mitchell’s face intently, then burst out laughing happily.

“She’s an invincible wizard.”

“an invincible wizard indeed .”

　The Viscount left the room and Eldor VIII entered his private chambers. Queen Arya rose to greet him.

“The day’s business is finished. I’d like to have a drink tonight.”

“What is it?　You seem to be in a good mood.”

“I’ve had a great deal of fun.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

　She doesn’t ask what happened. Queen Aliya is that kind of woman. She is always reserved, reads the atmosphere, and never expresses her opinions to her husband. King Eldor VIII is now 43 years old. Queen Aliya is 46. The two princesses born to them have already married into other nations, and only the 10-year-old prince remains in the castle.

　Queen Aliyah chatted with Eldor VIII and had a few drinks with him, then went into her own room after the King headed to his bedroom.

　In the mirror of her private room, she saw a face that was young for its age. Without saying a word, a lady-in-waiting removed her makeup. After helping her get dressed, she laid down on her bed. Lindsey, the lady-in-waiting, said, “Good night,” and left. Lindsey was a maid of honor that she had brought with her from her home country when she got married.

　When the first prince, her betrothed since birth, fell ill and died, Lindsey mourned with her. On the day she married the former third prince, with whom she had never exchanged a word, she was the maid of honor who quietly congratulated her, saying “Congratulations,” and was like a comrade in arms.

　Queen Aaliyah has lived for the Kingdom of Wernos since her marriage. She became the wife of a man she had no feelings for and bore him three children. Her third and final child, a prince, grew up healthy and happy.

　His Majesty is kind and wise. He treats me with consideration and a caring heart. I had no qualms about him as a husband.

(I have fulfilled all the roles required of me. I have no complaints about my life. But ……)

　Ten more years? Fifteen more? When I think of how much time I have left before the curtain closes on my life, I am struck with a sense of emptiness. I wish I was the kind of person who could indulge in jewelry, dresses, words of praise, and envious glances.

　How should I spend the coming season of old age as I enter the autumn of my life? I have lived a life dedicated to the King, my children, and my people, but now I want to find a little joy of my own.

(Now that the prince has safely reached the age of ten, can I be allowed to be a little selfish?)

　How about a tour of the royal city first? I would like to see the city for my own pleasure, not for political affairs. If walking is not allowed, I can do it from a carriage. But I know nothing about where to go to have fun. Is there any place where I can have a little fun without getting hurt or otherwise causing trouble?

(Where can I go to have some fun, that’s the first thing I need to know. Let’s ask Marilyn, who is the youngest, even younger than Lindsey.)

　Marilyn is the only single person among those in her care. Let’s ask her if there is any place near the castle where she can have a little fun. Once she made that decision, she felt a little brighter.

　The next day, she asked Marilyn in a whisper, “Is there anywhere near the castle where I could have a little fun?”

　Marilyn was flustered by the question. If something happened to the queen by telling her about a random place, she would not only lose her head, but her family would also be punished. Her family would also be punished. Wisely, Marilyn avoided answering right away.

“Then I will ask my younger sister and brother, who know the city better.”

“Please, please consider this as Lindsay’s request, not my wish.”

“Yes, ma’am .”

　Marilyn leaves the castle at night and takes a carriage to her parents’ house, the count’s house.

　”Oh, what’s the matter? It’s unusual for you to come without any warning,” Her father said in surprise. She just greeted him and didn’t say anything. Instead, she called her younger sister and brother into her room and told them “Actually…”

“The women who work at the castle can’t go out freely. They don’t know anything about the royal capital. A senior lady-in-waiting asked me if I knew of any places where she could have a little fun, but I don’t know much about the royal capital either. I wonder if you know of any safe places where we can have a little fun.”

　The younger sister thought for a moment and then answered, “What about a jewelry store?” It was rejected. The queen, who owns the best jewelry in the country, would not enjoy buying jewelry from inside town.

　The younger brother said, “I don’t know about women’s modest pleasures. Why not the opera?” If it is the opera, she sees it twice a year with His Majesty in the royal seats. The opera won’t do.

　When Marilyn shook her head, her sister said, “That’s right,” and her face lit up.

“A rare and delicious dish was served at a gathering of young nobles. The first time was, I think, the tea party held by the Count of Scholes, and after that the same house served the food at several other tea parties. ……”

“Wait. The Count of Scholes?”

“Yes, It seems that it all started when Lady Patricia was taken to a delicious restaurant by Lord kyrias of the Halford family.”

　Both the Scholes and Halford families are neutralist. If the restaurant is used by neutrals, the royal family must not have used it. The queen wants to go out, but going out with a large number of guards is a big deal. There is a high possibility that His Majesty would not give permission. How about letting the nobles enjoy the popular cuisine first?

　As Marilyn pondered this, her sister said, “Big sis. It’s the Viscount Howler’s cook who is making the food,” she says.

“Viscount Howler? A staunch Royalist?”

“Yes. Yes. People were talking not only about how delicious the food was, but also about the fact that it was from the Viscount Howler family, a family that had never been much noticed in social circles before.”

(This is it)

　There was no need to worry about poison being added to the food of the Viscount Howler family. The son of the Viscount Howler is a civil official. Marilyn returned to the castle in high spirits and told the queen about it. The queen noticed that her maid of honor, Lindsay, was clearly relieved to hear that they were cooking instead of going out.

“Howler Viscount’s cooking? I’d like to try what kind of food the nobles enjoy. I actually want to go out, but this might be better than having to move a bunch of guards. Okay. Prepare the food.”

“Got it “

　Marilyn summoned Henry Howler. When she explained the situation to him as a request from Lindsay, the Queen’s lady-in-waiting, the son of the Howler family was deep in thought. He didn’t look very pleased.

“A new dish, huh?”

“The Queen’s attendant, Lindsay, is looking for a new and delicious dish that no other nobleman has had before. I hear that the Howlers have a reputation among the nobility for their cooking. Can you meet our order?”

　Marilyn asked, then looked at Henry. The son of the Howler family, the head civil servant, is still in his twenties. He comes from a viscount family, so he’s likely earned his position through his own ability, not through his parents’ power. The head civil servant has a beautiful face and a good physique. It is a wonder that he is not the subject of gossip in high society.

“How many people are we serving?”

“For five.”

“Okay. What time?”

“How about two weeks from now? Or even three weeks from now. Can you do it?”

“I will check to make sure and get back to you as soon as possible.”

　After leaving Marilyn, Henry pondered.

　There are twenty ladies-in-waiting in the queen’s entourage alone. Was it really Lindsey who had given Marilyn, the youngest, the limited order of five?

　All of the attendants were from well-known families. If they were to order food for their own enjoyment, it would be normal for them to order for all of them. Being stingy would bring shame to the family, as was the common understanding among the noble ladies.

“I doubt it’s likely, but perhaps is it that the royal family will be eating it?”

　If so, It’s understandable to have five servings, including the poisoner’s share.

　Thinking of Mai, he didn’t want to take on such a troublesome job. It would be troublesome if the royal family took a liking to her. But he had a feeling they would. Henry sighed deeply.

　

(It seems Mai is destined to attract people and become known to the world.)

　The request for the dish was delivered to Mai’s earrings through their ear cuffs.

“I’m serving the queens lady in waiting right? Do I have permission official permission?”

“I’ll get all the permission.”

“Would they prefer tea and snacks or a meal?”

“The only request was for something tasty that no one has eaten before. What about a snack that doubles as a meal?”

“Okay, I understand. I’ll do my best. I’ll take it in three weeks.”

　And so Mai’s food was delivered to the castle.

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