“Uh…”
Wendy’s heart skipped a beat.
The sharp and scrutinizing gaze from that single eye seemed to dissect everything beneath the tablecloth, leaving nothing untouched.
He could even feel the tension in the auras of the two women beside him, their breathing halting at once.
We’re doomed…
However, there was someone more nervous than Wendy.
That person was neither the grimacing little queen nor the troublemaking Laxana.
It was Sera: General George, who had just taken a step forward, her presence overwhelming.
In truth, the moment the oppressive “Your Majesty?!” left her lips, Sera’s heart sank, and a strong wave of regret surged within her.
At this moment, she was unsure whose side she should stand on.
The teachings passed down through generations of the George family were etched into her bones like a brand, telling her to be loyal to the people of Valoran, loyal to the monarch on the Throne. This was the soldier’s duty, an unshakable creed.
Yet, the tumultuous years at Sunset Fortress and the experience of fighting alongside Her Highness the Crown Princess had convinced her that loyalty to Astreia was the only way out for this country.
And reality had proven this.
With the enemy at the gates, the Veid Family—the kingdom’s greatest cancer—fell instantly, and those entangled, double-dealing noble officials were forced to wear the Loyalty Collar, symbolizing absolute obedience.
The ones who accomplished all this were none other than Prince Wendy and Miss Klein before her—both the Crown Princess’s most trusted people.
So, what was happening now?
The Crown Princess’s left and right arms were pressed tightly against Her Majesty the Queen, even causing Her Majesty to let out a stifled, pained groan…
Was this, in some sense, an “act of insubordination”?
Were they suppressing or even controlling the Queen through some unknown means?
If so, wouldn’t stepping forward to stop them ruin the Crown Princess’s plan?
At this thought, the step Sera had taken felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.
But what if… it wasn’t?
Another, even more absurd and unspeakable suspicion surfaced uncontrollably in General Sera’s mind.
Could it be that Her Majesty the Queen… was seducing them?
The moment this thought arose, it grew wildly.
After all, rumors about Miss Klein’s peculiar tastes were no secret in the upper circles of the royal capital.
And this Prince Wendy had been infamous since the first day he stepped into Sunset Fortress for his devastatingly attractive face and unruly conduct.
If it was truly the Queen taking the initiative, and the two of them half-resisted, half-submitted… perhaps it wasn’t impossible.
But then what was this?
Was the Queen poaching her own elder sister’s confidants?!
General Sera’s brow twitched violently, a mix of contempt and disgust welling up inside her.
Unclean! Too despicable! This was a disgrace to the royal family’s reputation!
Two completely opposing suspicions twisted like vipers in Sera’s heart, plunging her into an unprecedented dilemma.
Her weathered face still wore the composure and severity of a battle-hardened commander, but beneath the worn eyepatch, her heart was in utter chaos.
Rescue the Queen, or stand by and watch?
Loyalty to duty, or loyalty to conviction?
As General Sera warred with herself, her thoughts ground to a halt for a few seconds.
Wendy, however, seized that fleeting opportunity.
He couldn’t explain; any explanation would only make things worse.
The only thing he could do was create a new “truth”—one convincing enough to make Sera believe, at least for now.
“General Sera, please remain calm.”
The Prince’s voice rang out, steady and tinged with just the right amount of concern.
He didn’t look at Sera, instead turning his attention at once to Yekaterina beside him.
He reached out, gently but firmly supporting the little Queen’s trembling shoulders, straightening her up and letting her lean against him.
At the same time, the back of his other hand softly touched Yekaterina’s forehead.
His posture was full of care and protection.
“Her Majesty the Queen is just… suffering from a cold. She’s a little unwell.”
As soon as these words left his mouth, both Laxana and Yekaterina, quick-witted as ever, instantly grasped Wendy’s intent.
The little Queen, who had just been grimacing and teary-eyed, immediately slipped into character.
She shifted all her weight onto Wendy, her complexion turning even more “pale,” her breathing growing rapid and weak, and her emerald eyes misted over with vulnerability and helplessness.
“Cough… Cough… I-I’m fine…”
Her voice was hoarse and feeble, as if even speaking required all her strength.
“Just… didn’t sleep well last night, caught a chill from the breeze.”
On the other side, Laxana also swiftly withdrew her “guilty hand,” her face transforming into one of deep worry. She nervously watched Yekaterina, muttering,
“Your Majesty, are you all right? It’s all my fault. I knew your health wasn’t good—I shouldn’t have teased you earlier.”
Their performance was flawless.
The bizarre posture of the three huddled together now looked like two people supporting and caring for a sick Queen.
That earlier painful groan now had a reasonable explanation as well.
Seeing this, General Sera’s gaze swept over the trio.
Her Majesty the Queen leaned weakly in the Prince’s arms, her face pale, breath unsteady.
The Prince looked concerned, moving gently as he wiped the cold sweat from Her Majesty’s brow.
Miss Klein was full of remorse and anxiety, holding the Queen’s hand and channeling soothing magic.
Everything… seemed perfectly reasonable.
Could it be… she was just overthinking things?
The doubts in Sera’s heart began to waver, but a soldier’s caution kept her from letting down her guard completely.
“A cold?”
She asked in a low voice.
“Does Her Majesty require a physician or priest to be summoned at once?”
This question tightened the atmosphere again.
Wendy cursed inwardly—enough already!—but kept his expression calm.
He gently rubbed Yekaterina’s back, “helping her breathe,” and spoke in a tone of helpless sorrow.
“This morning, the physician and the Prime Minister already checked on Her Majesty together. There is no serious issue.”
The Prince paused, shifting his gaze to Laxana.
“Miss Laxana is a close friend of Her Majesty and skilled in Light Magic. With her magic, recovery will be even faster. So, there’s no need to trouble the General.”
His words blended truth and falsehood, yet were impeccable.
General Sera fell silent.
She looked at this scene of “sisterly love and harmonious loyalty” before her, then recalled the filthy, shameful suspicions that had just raced through her mind, and felt her old face flush slightly.
So… it was like this?
Was her own mind simply too dirty?
“…This subject apologizes for the offense.”
At last, General Sera withdrew her probing gaze and bowed slightly, her tone softening.
“Since Her Majesty is unwell, this subject will keep it brief.”
The crisis was temporarily averted.
Wendy, Laxana, and Yekaterina exchanged a subtle glance, exhaling in relief together.
The lingering sense of surviving a disaster had barely faded.
And yet, a more secret, more thrilling current had quietly sprung up between the three of them.
So this is… the feeling of being partners in crime, deceiving others?
How exhilarating!