TSMMT Ch 84

Go Outside to Fight If You Must

A peculiar gleam flashed in Leonie's eyes as she studied Dianna's chilling expression.

Does she possess some hidden backing after all?

Right then, Dianna continued speaking.

[Dianna] "It is far too noisy in here. Go outside to fight if you must."

[Saruvia] "……"

[Leonie] "Pardon?"

At her words, both Saruvia and Leonie widened their eyes.

The dignity of a queen? A fraction of it existed moments ago, but now it had vanished completely. Telling people who brawled to steal her authority to take their dispute outside……

Did she possess absolutely no interest in power? Did she harbor no plan to accomplish anything as the Queen of Lodborg? Did she lack any desire to subjugate the nobility and reign above every woman in the world as the King's wife?

Their astonished gazes conveyed those exact questions clearly.

I harbor no interest.

At most, her only potential goal involved dragging Saruvia down into ruin, yet Dianna possessed neither the strength nor the capability to achieve it.

Accept your reality completely.

That stood as Guiscard's true intent. What more could she possibly do here? Win over the hearts of the nobility? Such a feat remained impossible among the fiercely exclusive aristocrats of Lodbrog.

She would perform the role of a wife faithfully. However, she would execute no grand schemes.

Besides, doing nothing occasionally brings the greatest advantage.

If she wished to strengthen her authority in this place, her only option lay in manipulating Saruvia and Leonie by offering carrots and sticks to drive a wedge between them.

Such tactics belonged to those who already held real power. A noble from a ruined house achieved nothing. Dianna lacked the capacity to offer rewards, and she possessed even less power to enforce punishments.

What is wrong with this girl?

Confusion gripped Leonie. Dianna displayed absolutely no drive. Yet the terrifying part stood clear: She didn't view herself as the tragic main character of a sad story, nor did she exhibit any ambition.

Has she given up?

This was the exact type of person Leonie despised most. Dianna closely resembled her deceased friend, which irritated her. She loathed people who possessed no will of their own.

Leonie had come to this palace solely because her father forced her. She found herself paired with Saruvia, the woman she hated most, and now she had to serve such an irritating queen as well. She ground her teeth in frustration.

[Saruvia] "Really, everyone is far too cruel."

Saruvia sniffled, tears streaming down her face.

[Leonie] "Are you crying like that just to put on a pathetic show of shedding tears for the knights?"

She spoke with irritation. The knights would undoubtedly lose their minds over it. They would demand to know who made Saruvia cry. A fragile beauty like her received favor wherever she went.

The most wretched aspect of this kingdom, even worse than Panborough, was its excessive demands on women. Lodbrog required a woman to possess the spirit and courage of a fierce heroine at times, yet simultaneously maintain a fragile, slender weakness that made men yearn to protect her. Furthermore, the kingdom demanded a gentle warmth capable of embracing a warrior.

Saruvia exploited these expectations with cunning skill. She stepped into the world of men by wielding a spear, yet constantly feigned fragility and delicate grace. She always positioned herself as the victim who needed protection. Consequently, the tall and robust Leonie always wound up labeled as one of the villains.

Dianna surely belonged to the same category. She possessed a small frame and a delicate face—the classic epitome of a Panborough beauty.

[Leonie] "I should just quit this position."

Anger flared within her at the mere thought of enduring this pathetic spectacle every day.

She had carved out her own path in life, yet her father's command forced her to serve a Panborough woman and tolerate Saruvia's presence. Dianna's demeanor recalled her deceased friend, fueling her irritation.

Right then, a figure dashed past her field of vision.

[Leonie] "Why is that boy here?"

It was Logaple. The young knight sprinted straight into Dianna's chambers. Reports indicated that a member of the Vargrhati served as Dianna's personal guard, and it turned out to be him.

Leonie watched Logaple with disapproval.

[Leonie] "Ah, seriously."

I won't be able to just walk away.

---

Guiscard departed the following day. Every knight of the Vargrhati assembled within the palace courtyard.

Standing in perfect formation, the warriors remained entirely motionless, refusing to blink. Their armor gleamed under the morning sunlight. Standing in absolute silence like perfectly honed weapons, the men fixed their gaze on their master, Guiscard, who would wield them.

A sudden commotion rippled through the surroundings. Guiscard glanced sideways. The Queen and her ladies-in-waiting approached to see him off.

The knights' gazes drifted past the Queen, locking onto the woman behind her instead. Saruvia always looked as sweet and dazzling as cotton candy. She wore garments so thin that they drew pity in the biting wind, making her appear beautifully ethereal, like a fairy.

In sharp contrast, the Queen presented a completely different sight. She walked forward draped in a dark wine-colored dress. With every strand of hair perfectly secured, she marched at the very front of the procession without a single trace of dishevelment.

Meanwhile, Dianna observed her husband. He stood before the massive crowd with complete familiarity. Clover fastened a cloak onto Guiscard's shoulders. She met his tracking gaze. Strangely, he refused to cast a single glance at Saruvia behind her, locking his eyes onto her alone.

Guiscard watched Dianna approach to smooth the creases of his cloak.

[Guiscard] "I didn't expect you to come."

He whispered. His voice, which usually carried a harsh edge, held a gentle note. A trace of bashfulness colored his features.

[Dianna] "Your Majesty is departing, so it is only proper that I see you off."

His gaze shifted to the ladies-in-waiting standing behind Dianna.

[Guiscard] "Are they to your liking?"

[Dianna] "Yes."

Does he honestly believe I like them? Does he think I would ever welcome Saruvia?

Her expression darkened. Right then, Saruvia spoke up.

[Saruvia] "I pray for your safe return, brave knights! I know well that your sacrifice in taking up the sword to fight is by no means something to be taken for granted."

Watching the lady cry out as if she were the center of attention, the knights smiled with satisfaction. It was a thoroughly familiar spectacle.

Dianna lowered her gaze, enduring the worshipful stares passing between Saruvia and the knights.

Witnessing this scene, Leonie narrowed her eyes.

[Saruvia] "Please, I beg you, return safely."

Saruvia sent the knights off with tear-filled eyes, creating a display that felt utterly repulsive to watch.

I wonder if the knight who called Saruvia beautiful is among them. How wonderful for her.

Dianna thought coldly. Whether in this life or the past, this woman would never change.

She raised her gaze, resolving to focus strictly on her husband.

[Dianna] "Please return safely as well, Your Majesty."

For some reason, the corner of Guiscard's mouth curved upward at her words. Even though she maintained a detached demeanor before his men, the greeting brought him obvious satisfaction.

[Guiscard] "There is no need to worry about me."

He acted like a thoroughly affectionate husband, pressing a kiss against her forehead.

[Guiscard] "I have left Logaple behind. If anything happens, seek out Revius."

Revius?

She refused to nod.

[Guiscard] "I shall return soon."

A soft, warm, and tingling sensation touched her forehead before vanishing.

Dianna watched her husband depart. Strangely, a sincere wish for his safe return blossomed within her core. She harbored this thought despite knowing he would survive without fail.

It felt entirely bizarre. Her life would undoubtedly become far simpler if this man died…… yet a pang of regret lingered in her heart.

The sensation of his lips against her forehead endured for a remarkably long time. She felt as though she had numerous things to say to him, but the exact words eluded her mind completely.

---

[Saruvia] "Your Majesty, you only need to rely on me."

The moment Guiscard departed, Saruvia treated Dianna with extraordinary care, making sure everyone witnessed her devotion. Her attentiveness drew acknowledgment from everyone in the palace.

She taught Dianna the courtly etiquette of Lodbrog, explained the latest dress trends, and detailed the characteristics of each noble house.

In her past life, Dianna had listened to her guidance with absolute trust. That compliance caused her to drop her guard, ultimately costing her everything she owned.

Both in the past timeline and this current life, Dianna recognized how easily this gentle lady captured the hearts of people. Saruvia had already established a warm harmony with Mable and the other maids. It felt as though a secret existed among them—one that completely excluded Dianna.

[Saruvia] "Do I still make you feel uncomfortable?"

In reality, their only significant past interaction involved competing in a dance during the ball in Tallinn, yet Saruvia deliberately dredged up the memory to question her comfort.

[Dianna] "I am fine."

She intentionally does this to remind everyone that I am a native of Panborough,

Simultaneously, Dianna shifted her gaze toward Leonie.

She watched Dianna with clear disapproval. She was a woman characterized by a distinct cold distance, sharp and stern facial features, dark hair, and dark eyes.

While Saruvia hovered around Dianna like her closest confidante, Leonie merely observed from a distance. She clearly loathed Dianna, yet strangely refrained from uttering a single insult. She occasionally directed sharp comments toward Saruvia, but Saruvia chose to ignore them entirely, refusing to engage with Leonie.

Dianna possessed no desire to earn their favor. She intended to follow Guiscard's instructions exactly. When the rain poured, one had to endure the downpour rather than flee.

What did any of this matter to a person destined to vanish completely after three years?

[Saruvia] "Your Majesty, let us host a tea party!"

She giggled as she proposed the idea.

[Saruvia] "We can style it exactly like the gatherings in Panborough. We shall invite all the noble ladies and display the grand dignity of the Queen."

[Dianna] "……"

[Saruvia] "Allow me to organize everything."

In her past life, Dianna had rejected the idea coldly, but Saruvia had already sent out the invitations, forcing her to attend regardless.

I should have realized back then that this woman is a venomous snake……

Since Saruvia brought up the topic now, she clearly intended to drag her into it by force. Dianna understood the general outline of the plot she was crafting.

[Dianna] "Very well."

[Saruvia] "Oh, I am so excited! Leave the invitations entirely to me."

Saruvia left the room with an excited expression. Under the pretext of organizing the tea party and distributing invitations, she remained absent from the palace for the next few days.

On the third day of Saruvia's absence, Leonie spoke up.

[Leonie] "Your Majesty, I have something to say."

[Dianna] "Speak."

[Leonie] "Are you utterly lacking in intelligence?"

Dianna widened her eyes at the blunt question.

[Leonie] "You know that creature intends to humiliate you with this tea party, do you not? There is no way you are ignorant of it."

[Dianna] "……"

[Leonie] "If you remain completely clueless, I shall walk away from this job this instant."

Is she insane?

Her words toward the Queen of a nation were insolent beyond measure. However, because Dianna's authority as queen had already hit rock bottom, she offered no retort.

Right then, a knock echoed against the door.

Is it Saruvia?

[Dianna] "Come in."

She spoke calmly, prompting a low curse to slip from Leonie's lips.

The visitor was Logaple. The young knight bowed deeply before speaking.

[Logaple] "Your Majesty, please grant me permission to draw my blade."

Draw his blade? Was an assassin hiding in the room?

The instant Dianna nodded, he drew his sword and pointed it directly at Leonie.

[Logaple] "Pay for the crime of insulting the Queen with your life."

[Leonie] "Ha…… What on earth is this sudden display of loyalty?"

[Logaple] "To claim that the Queen of a nation lacks intelligence! There is a limit to how far an insult can go!"

He looked furious. The raw bloodlust radiating from this normally gentle boy left Dianna thoroughly bewildered. Yet Leonie merely smirked.

[Leonie] "Are you acting this way because of your sister who committed suicide?"

---

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