TSMMT Ch 88

Flattery

Naturally, Dianna's position remained unchanged. The noble ladies responded favorably to her hospitality, but their goodwill ended there.

In truth, no monumental achievement came of it. She formed no close ties with specific aristocrats, nor did she display grand dignity. Though the noblewomen happily accepted the shawls she presented, the gesture didn't produce any positive political shift.

This outcome stood entirely expected. Dianna was a foreigner, and her status within the realm remained ambiguous.

As anticipated, destroying a reputation proved effortless, whereas elevating one required monumental effort. Recognizing this reality, Dianna spent the next few days living a leisurely life.

Leonie, however, reacted differently. Having expected a grand outcome, she expressed open disappointment, letting out heavy sighs and incessantly bothering Dianna.

[Leonie] "Why on earth are you acting like this?"

[Dianna] "What is the matter?"

Leonie thudded a fist against her own chest in sheer frustration.

[Leonie] "Why haven't you expelled that crazy woman who backstabbed Your Majesty!"

[Dianna] "……"

[Leonie] "Please, tell me you have a plan. Please!"

That was the core issue. Dianna had not expelled Saruvia. Sensing the shift in the air, Saruvia had claimed illness as an excuse to take a few days of leave.

Dianna remained constantly tense, anticipating whatever plot Saruvia might hatch next, yet the temporary quiet brought peace.

Why does she rage over my affairs as if they were her own?

Even Dianna, who had lost her child in her past life, stayed quiet. Come to think of it, why was she observing this situation so idly?

Watching Dianna's calm demeanor, Leonie spoke in despair.

[Leonie] "You have no plan…… at all, do you?"

[Dianna] "……"

[Leonie] "See? I knew it."

[Dianna] "You misunderstand, Lady Kragel. I possess no authority to dismiss Lady Levian on my own. His Majesty selected her personally as my lady-in-waiting."

[Leonie] "Even after she tried to humiliate you so openly, you can't throw her out?"

This young lady utilized harsh language. Somehow, she recalled Lady Celano, her former friend. Of course, Celano had never spoken so crudely, yet her bluntness mirrored Leonie's.

The assessment held true. Guiscard had never granted Dianna the power to dismiss Saruvia. She knew that the House of Levian stood as the most powerful faction elevating Guiscard to the throne. If she expelled their daughter, Guiscard would never remain quiet.

Dianna harbored skepticism. Though Guiscard acted softer than in the past life, he might still refuse to forgive her. She knew well how cruel and harsh a man became when events strayed from his intent.

She contemplated whether to speak these words aloud. Yet she didn't trust Leonie completely to discuss the precarious reality of an unloved queen.

In truth, Leonie's easygoing attitude might represent a high-level scheme far exceeding Saruvia's tactics. Even so, Dianna found Leonie's presence far more comfortable than Saruvia's.

She narrowed her eyes and spoke.

[Dianna] "Speaking of which, why did you assist me, Lady Kragel?"

[Leonie] "Pardon?"

[Dianna] "You claimed I was a hopeless cause and promised to quit."

Leonie scowled. Averting her gaze from Dianna, her lips pouted as she spoke quietly.

[Leonie] "I assumed you intended to take action. You looked as though you had a plan, so I helped you."

[Dianna] "I am sorry to disappoint you. I still possess no plan. So, do you intend to quit?"

At her question, Leonie gestured a refusal.

[Leonie] "Not yet."

She observed Dianna with her characteristic sharp gaze. A trace of longing surfaced on her features. Dianna recognized the person reflected in those eyes.

[Leonie] "In truth, I came here solely because my father badgered me to steal the Queen's throne, but forcibly usurping another person's place feels disgusting and wrong."

[Dianna] "……"

[Leonie] "I shall block Lady Levian's foolish schemes, so at least raise my salary."

[Dianna] "A salary? Why would a noble lady require that?"

[Leonie] "To earn enough money to run away from home."

An answer that didn't deviate a single inch from expectations forced a soft chuckle from Dianna. She genuinely liked this woman's direct speech. Because of that, her tension dissolved.

[Dianna] "Indeed, a lady-in-waiting's salary carries real value. It proved useful when I attempted to run away from home as well."

[Leonie] "A helpless person like Your Majesty considered running away? I must view you in a new light."

Leonie's eyes sparkled. For a moment, Dianna stood at a loss for words. Only then did she realize that this noblewoman was younger than herself.

[Leonie] "Why? Did Your Majesty despise your family home as well?"

Dianna offered a bitter smile.

[Dianna] "Something like that."

[Leonie] "So, was the escape successful—"

[Dianna] "More importantly, Lady Kragel, do you realize that I don't possess the authority to set salaries?"

At those words, Leonie's face crumpled completely.

[Leonie] "What on earth can you accomplish, Your Majesty?"

As she began nagging once more, Dianna smiled bitterly. Piling up grievances, Leonie poured out complaints—grousing over picking the wrong master, expressing regret, and declaring that the future offered no hope.

Fortunately, her interest in Dianna's runaway attempt vanished. It was a relief. Had Leonie pressed for details regarding the escape, answering would have proved difficult.

After all, the escape had never succeeded.

---

[Leonie] "Ah, a letter arrived."

She presented a letter written on blue stationery. Dianna accepted it with a quiet sigh. The elegant handwriting clearly belonged to Grand Duke Blake.

[Leonie] "You claimed to know Grand Duke Blake, and it turns out you spoke the truth."

Leonie spoke with surprise.

Dianna began reading the message. It contained no critical state secrets, yet her expression darkened.

Ever since Guiscard warned her to avoid Grand Duke Blake, she had minimized all contact with the man. Nevertheless, his letter contained warm words.

I know you are avoiding me, and it hurts deeply, Dian.

Observing Adel's tender handwriting, she let out a chuckle.

However, I felt relieved to hear that you handled the noblewomen's tea party wonderfully. I longed to congratulate you immediately, but you must have your reasons.

The situation is obvious. His Majesty certainly refused to grant me a glimpse of your beautiful face. What a petty man he is.

Dian, an urgent matter has arisen. Having traveled to the capital without preparation, I must return to the academy to manage affairs. I wish to stay by your side and assist you, but my presence right now would only cause you trouble, so I can't act.

They call this an age of romance, but your world will not permit such romance. When I return, I shall stay much longer. So please wait for me. Yours, Adel.

She read Adel's warm prose. Even though she had actively avoided him, he had never laid a single word of blame upon her.

You overextended yourself greatly.

To depart so abruptly meant he had pushed himself past all limits when traveling to the capital. Dianna felt needlessly sorry. A sense of emptiness settled over her at his departure, yet she wished Adel would never return to this place.

Dian had already vanished, leaving only Dianna behind.

Just as she put the letter down, Mable entered the room.

[Mable] "Your Majesty, His Excellency the Prime Minister requests an audience."

The Prime Minister? Revius?

Leonie swiftly adjusted her garments.

[Dianna] "Prepare tea."

Mable nodded. Once Dianna finished her preparations and gestured her consent, the door swung open, and Revius entered. His heavy strides echoed with clear agitation.

[Dianna] "What brings you here?"

At her question, Revius met her gaze.

Dianna could never bring herself to like him. Revius shared that exact sentiment, for his expression upon looking at her mirrored someone staring at an absolute nuisance.

[Revius] "Would you mind providing an explanation?"

[Dianna] "Regarding what?"

[Revius] "The budget. Why did you spend the funds in this manner?"

[Dianna] "Which budget do you mean?"

[Revius] "The annual budget granted to the Queen. You have already expended a quarter of it on a single tea party."

Revius trembled with anger.

Dianna experienced no shock. Winter was not a social season, and banquets rarely occurred within Lodbrog. No matter how Saruvia had attempted to manipulate her, Dianna understood how budget allocation functioned. Therefore, she narrowed her eyes.

[Revius] "Did you intend to curry favor with the noble ladies?"

At his harsh interrogation, Dianna forced a calm smile. He had acted this way in the past life as well, openly mocking her without a shred of respect. The behavior displeased her profoundly.

[Dianna] "Yes. I intended to curry favor."

Instantly, Revius stared at Dianna with an expression of utter disbelief.

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