𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟕𝟎: 𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧
The detective seems to be actively investigating the queen, but the heightened security in the wake of the theft scandal seems to make it difficult to obtain any information.
In the midst of such circumstances, an unexpected letter arrived.
“Th, this is. . . . . .”
ㅤ
The sender was Zabine de Frandine――the queen’s signature was written.
Not having the courage to read it alone, I decided to open it in the presence of the Marchioness.
ㅤ
What could the queen possibly want to convey to me in her letter?
With fearful respect, I hold the paper knife.
My hands were shaking so much that I couldn’t move them as I wanted, so I asked Ga-chan to open it.
With a thread sharpened like a sword, she skillfully opens it for me.
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“Lara, would you like me to read the letter for you?”
“May I ask you to do so?”
“Leave it to me.”
ㅤ
The Marchioness took the letter in hand, put on her glasses, and began to read.
What could possibly be written in it?
Did we get caught snooping around the queen?
If that’s the case, my life could be in danger.
I hope the content is something like inviting me to a tea party or wanting me to attend a hobby evaluation meeting. With that hope, I wait for the Marchioness to finish reading.
ㅤ
“Lara, the queen would like to welcome you as her maid.”
“A maid! That’s goo――.”
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No, it’s not good at all.
Being appointed a maid, what on earth is happening?
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“Um, why was I chosen to be the queen’s maid?”
“After the theft, it seems she fired all the maids around her. So, she is reaching out to trustworthy women in society.”
“I, I see.”
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Who could have imagined that I had won the trust of the queen, having only met her twice?
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“It’s just right, isn’t it?”
“Just right, you say?”
“Yes. It’s very convenient for investigating the queen if you are by her side as a maid.”
“Ah――!”
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To serve as a maid despite not being part of the Queen’s Faction. . . . . .I was only thinking about that, but as the Marchioness says, it would be a perfect position for the investigation.
Even if I enter private areas where detectives cannot, I should not be suspected.
ㅤ
“I will become the queen’s maid and investigate her surroundings.”
“You should talk to Leon before that.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
ㅤ
There’s a chance it could interfere with Lord Montyver’s plan.
I should communicate just in case.
I had refrained from contacting him because he might be busy, but after a long time, I wrote a letter.
ㅤ
🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸
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The day after I sent the letter, Lord Montyver arrived.
To keep our conversation private, I borrowed the parlor from the Marquis family.
Together with Ga-chan, we welcomed Lord Montyver.
As soon as he arrived, he brazenly approached me and asked me with an anxious expression.
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“Lara, is it true that you’re becoming the queen’s maid?!”
“Y, Yes. I’m considering it right now.”
“Do you understand that it’s like jumping into a monster’s lair?”
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Lord Montyver grabbed my shoulder, pleading with me through his serious gaze.
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“I am aware of the risks. If I don’t do this, I won’t be able to get the necessary information.”
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I informed Lord Montyver about the revelations from the estate settlement.
It seemed he was hearing for the first time that a reporter held a scandal about him.
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“There’s no way there’s a scandal. If it was known that I’m actually Princess Marion, a man, and the first prince, the queen’s position would be compromised.”
“That’s true, isn’t it?”
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If the reporter’s true identity was from the Concubine’s Faction, the queen’s scandal should have been known by now.
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“It was a ploy to summon Irma. If she had consulted me before meeting the reporter――no, she couldn’t have, could she.”
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Lord Montyver showed signs of deep thought.
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“What are you thinking?”
“Well, the last time I saw Irma, she seemed nervous and behaved strangely. I thought she wanted to confess her love.”
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Perhaps she had heard about the scandal from the reporter and was deliberating whether to consult Lord Montyver. Yes, I reflected on the situation at that time.
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Her confession of love without mentioning this might have been Irma’s declaration of her resolve to love Lord Montyver, no matter who he was.
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“If I hadn’t rejected her feelings, she might have confided in me.”
“Leon-sama, there’s no point in thinking about what has already happened. Nothing can be done about it now.”
“Yes, you’re right.”
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The derailment of various gears of fate led to Irma’s death.
That’s the only conclusion I can draw.
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“Currently, we are investigating the man who Irma claimed had a relationship with the queen.”
“So, you’re saying you’re going to investigate by accepting the invitation because the queen’s guard is tight.”
“Yes.”
“Well, I wouldn’t recommend it.”
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The queen, it seems, mercilessly eliminates anyone who opposes her, no matter who they are.
The fact that she fired all her long-serving maids this time is enough to show that the queen is not lenient.
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“There were rumors that when she married into the Binemöer family, she ousted her sister, the original bride-to-be, to secure her place.”
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Becoming the queen, the highest position a woman can hold, and eventually making her child the king. They say this has been the queen’s ambition for many years.
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“I’m also seen as a threat to Prince Engelbert’s position. To be honest, I think she’s trying to kill me.”
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The queen’s biggest miscalculation may have been falling in love with her husband, the king.
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“If she didn’t love the king, she could have easily killed him and taken the throne as a regent. It’s unfortunate that she can only glower at him taking one concubine after another. I think she’s a sad woman.”
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I think I understand the queen’s strength very well.
“I understand your concerns, Leon-sama, but I don’t intend to stand still.”
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Besides, I’m not infiltrating alone. I have Ga-chan, a reliable ally.
Of course, I’m not becoming a maid without a thought. I whisper a secret plan to Lord Montyver.
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“Well, that should make it less dangerous.”
“I’ll surely make it work!”
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To show her spirit, Ga-chan raised her small hand.
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“Leon-sama, please trust me and Ga-chan.”
ㅤ
Lord Montyver hugged me and whispered, “I understand,” into my ear.
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