Chapter 54 – Returned Gifts (2) Cerdina was left speechless as she continued to stare at him in a dumbfounded manner. Eventually, the silence was broken after a tense moment. “But I’m doing this for you!” she exclaimed, her tone indignant as she talked over him. Blain opted not to reply, even as he heard the sharp shrill of her tone. He’d rather choose silence over responding to his mother. He deemed it wise not to tell his mother of his own view and thoughts with her every decision—whether it was right or wrong. Cerdina heaved her chest up and down as she looked at him bewildered. Her harsh breathing filled the silence instead as she waited for his rebuttal. After a few moments, she finally calmed down enough to school her posture once more to the regal Queen she was. Disregarding her sudden outburst, she gave him another graceful smile, a faux expression instead of what she truly felt. As the Queen of Estia, she must always be the perfect picture of grace and beauty. “I would never do such a thing, Blain.” she insisted gently. Blain only narrowed his eyes at her. “I shall try to believe you then.” “I shall stay away as she recuperates, just as you wish, but please,” she then beamed him a bright smile that did nothing to console his nerves, “I ask you not to take it out on me next time.” She let out a breath before she headed to her seat once again, tossing the fur fox in frustration to the floor, contrasting the initial importance she regarded it with. She trampled on it like a simple rag on the floor. “Perhaps it’s time I talk with those... barbarians.” Cerdina spat it like it was something disgusting, before she looked up to Blain once more with a smile, “Would you like to join me for dinner with them?” she rubbed the heel of her shoes on the fur, wiping the soles off its dirt. She watched the way the fur creased beneath her feet with a certain amusement, before raising her gaze once more with an expectant smile. “I sure hope you can hunt a deer this time around.” she remarked with a mournful sigh, “I’m quite sick of foxes. Preferably a fine, majestic stag.” Blain’s eyes narrowed the more he stared at the Queen. Their argument never lasted long—eventually, he found himself agreeing to the dinner, playing right into her hands. “Of course, mother.” he quipped tersely. ♔ Leah was able to rest for several days after she vomited blood and fainted. She felt anxious whenever she thought of the amount of postponed work. However, on the other hand, she was also happy that she didn’t need to attend the conference anymore. If it were any normal day, she would have a hard time being dragged into tense situations with Cerdina. Moreover, regardless of her vomiting blood, Cerdina would have ordered her to stand like a doll in the banquet hall to fulfill her duties. Although, that would have happened if it wasn’t for Blain who prohibited further access in the princess’ quarters while she was recuperating. Blain had taken it upon himself to inform everyone that Leah had suddenly fallen ill. He also ordered that no outsiders shall be able to enter the palace. To prevent anyone from breaking in, he even doubled the amount of guards around the royal palace and even sent chauffeurs to guard her quarters. Even Cerdina, who was used to belittling the commands of her husband, would not dare defy Blain. Blain had known of this fact, so he pressed his advantage against Cerdina. Leah found everything weird, but she did not think much of it. She just let it go, thinking it was only another one of Blain’s whimsy. As she was resting in the palace for a few days, Byun Gyongbaek of Oberde had sent her a huge bouquet of roses and jewelry every day. Hs gifts only served to mirror his attention-getting personality. It seemed to her, he was trying to get back into her good graces, hoping she would forget his sin against her. Leah found it mildly endearing how he was trying so hard to get her to forgive him by the copious amounts of gifts he’d send her every day. But despite knowing this, she never made it as far as opening even a single one—Countess Melissa would return to the sender. She’d never even manage to accept even one to take a look. She was merely informed Byun Gyongbaek sent gifts. When asked about why she sent it back, Countess Melissa merely shrugged. “The bouquet was too big. I even thought better of turning it into fertilizer before sending it back,” she answered haughtily, and Leah giggled. “Good. Please do so with any further gifts.” Leah praised, and Melissa nodded. “Of course! And for tomorrow, princess...” she trailed off, eyes moving to the side skittishly before lowering her voice, wary of the bustling maids around them, “The queen has requested your presence. It seems like she’d be having luncheon with the King of Kurkans.”