The Queen and the Lion - Chapter 61
Caught off guard by the sudden situation, Aslan stood frozen in place like a totem before the door, unable to move. In contrast, Chrysanthemum greeted Aslan with an expression of boundless composure.
“I made a request to Her Majesty. Among Sir Yilmaz’s achievements, his rhetoric lessons seemed the slowest to progress. Since I have a fair understanding of rhetoric myself, I suggested I could assist Sir Yilmaz, and Her Majesty readily agreed.”
Aslan’s face turned red at the realization that his progress had been exposed. But more than that, he couldn’t understand why Chrysanthemum had told Lysian that he would help with his rhetoric lessons. Failing to grasp Chrysanthemum’s explanation, Aslan asked directly.
“Why did you make that request?”
“Because I was curious about who you are.”
To Aslan’s straightforward question, Chrysanthemum answered without hesitation.
He gestured toward a seat, signaling for them to sit and talk. Wearing a reluctant expression of wariness toward Chrysanthemum, Aslan sat down.
Aslan waited for Chrysanthemum to speak. However, as if intending to make him wait, Chrysanthemum delayed his response, instructing the attendant to pour tea and taking his time with small actions.
The well-brewed tea was finally served before Aslan and Chrysanthemum. Only then did Chrysanthemum dismiss the attendant, take a sip of tea, and speak.
“Until now, Her Majesty, who has never shown much interest in men, suddenly declares his intent to make a Heiban prisoner the Crown Prince and clashes with the court ministers. How could I not be curious about you?”
Chrysanthemum’s jade-colored eyes sparkled.
Aslan tried to discern whether the intent hidden behind Chrysanthemum’s gaze was hostility or goodwill, but it was no easy task. For Aslan, speculating on someone else’s thoughts was exceptionally difficult.
Eventually, Aslan gave up trying to read Chrysanthemum’s inner thoughts. Unable to fully hide his nervousness, he anxiously asked.
“…Do you like Lysian?”
Like being thrown into a desert without water, Aslan’s mouth was parched. He regretted asking the question, feeling as if he had only exposed his vulnerabilities.
“I do like her. Among the citizens of Florea, there isn’t a single person who doesn’t like Her Majesty. Everyone in this nation loves Her Majesty. That’s precisely why I’m more concerned.”
Chrysanthemum deftly avoided answering directly. Of course, it wasn’t the response Aslan wanted, but it was better than an outright declaration of rivalry. Aslan let out a sigh of relief.
“Since ascending the throne at a young age, Her Majesty has tirelessly worked day and night to support this country. Even when the topic of consorts arose, there was no man who piqued Her Majesty’s interest. Her Majesty has always been indifferent to men. That’s why I was curious about what aspect of Sir Yilmaz managed to captivate our resolute and icy monarch.”
“…I heard it’s because of his looks.”
“Do you believe that?”
“…”
Faced with such a brutally cold and probing counter-question, Aslan fell silent. Deep down, he too doubted that it was solely due to appearance. But since Lysian repeated it so persistently, he had accepted it as the truth. Honestly, as far as why Lysian liked him, whether it was for his looks or something else, it didn’t matter much to Aslan.
Chrysanthemum raised his teacup again.
The timing and mood were as though he was punctuating the conversation. While Chrysanthemum drank his tea, Aslan remained silent.
The teacup, supported by its saucer, clinked softly as it was placed back on the table. Chrysanthemum spoke once more.
“Her Majesty has no particular hobbies nor any object of special affection. From the moment of her birth, Her Majesty was taught to be the sovereign of his people and to love all her subjects equally. Whether it was a childhood friend like me or the head attendant who has served Her Majesty since youth, there was no difference. Her Majesty is the fairest of all.”
Chrysanthemum’s jade-colored eyes took on a wistful hue, as if reminiscing. Aslan felt uncomfortable being left out of the story. Seeing his expression, Chrysanthemum’s eyes gleamed strangely for a moment.
Aslan sensed that the words to follow would be anything but kind to him.
