(EP-180.1) Sand #5
180 – Wind and Sand #5
Contrary to Kasim’s words that she would return soon, Empress Serazade continued to shine throughout Ark.
━Did you hear? The Desert Empress bought every keg from the taverns all over Gracia!
━They’re giving out free drinks to celebrate the coronation, right?
━You know it!
Her peculiar activities spread like wildfire among the people, and as they discussed, Aira’s expression darkened more and more.
“Why hasn’t that b?tch returned to her kingdom? Playing around in a distant land… just what would you expect from a fool!”
Looking out of her room window at the procession of people, Aira had no choice but to suppress a growing anger.
Her dark eyes reflected the gathering in the park and Empress Serazade, who was also there participating in the event.
“Theo, investigate why that b?tch hasn’t left yet.”
Just then, Aira’s commanding order followed. Anticipating such a question already, I briefly shared what I had learned yesterday.
“It’s said that she’s going to watch the upcoming trial by combat.”
“Trial by combat?”
“That’s right, my lady.”
News about the Angmar Queen’s trial by combat had spread far beyond Gracia, and people were coming to watch the event.
Of course, Empress Serazade staying a few more days in the city was not solely due to it.
Kasim mentioned there were highly political reasons, but the intricate and uninteresting details were not something I felt the need to share with Aira.
“What an insufferable woman…”
But what happened for Aira to have so much hatred of the Empress, who looked like an adolescent girl?
“I, Theo Gospel, as the court inspector… May I ask about your ill-fated connection with the Empress?”
“There’s no need to call it an “ill fate”. She’s just an obstinate woman who doesn’t listen. Even when she was still a princess, she already had an air of arrogance. Just because of some meager crown on her head, she has the gall to act like that, tsk-.”
Murmur murmur.
In Aira’s sarcastic and disdainful rant, I had a fleeting realization.
It felt like the puzzle pieces perfectly fitting together, as if the annoying piece had finally found its place.
So, considering Aira’s overall attitude and remarks so far, could it be that Serazade didn’t acknowledge Aira’s authority, acting arrogantly and causing Aira to dislike her?
“But, aren’t the Young Ladies of the Draco Family also not on good terms with Aira-nim? You seem to get along well with the twins.”
In response to my question, Aira spoke with maternal patience as if addressing a naive question from a child, suppressing the irritation in her voice.
“The twins… They still have some minimal respect and consideration for me. Even if they ignore me, they don’t try to rebel or cause trouble… But, Serazade is different.”
“Different?”
“Serazade always tries to surpass me in everything, no matter what I do. She acts as if she’s better and boasts with her ego over trivial matters!”
“Indeed, I see…”
Throughout Aira’s life, there hadn’t been anyone trying to compete or beat her.
Growing up as the youngest princess, she received everyone’s attention and affection, ultimately becoming an unwitting tyrant on the throne.
Everyone simply wished to remain beneath her feet, hoping for the blade to not point at their throats. However, Serazade, who was also a princess and became the Empress, was different.
Because she dared to face Aira as an equal.
After all, Serazade didn’t need to lower herself in front of Aira, the Queen of Angmar.
This behavior, sharp as a protruding thorn, likely irritated Aira.
A stumbling hindrance in Aira’s life…, no, in this case, would it be better to refer to it as a peer or rival?
However, even though they held positions as Queen and Empress, I questioned whether the term “rival” truly applied.
Considering Aira’s exceptional magic skills and proficiency in swordsmanship, it didn’t seem like Serazade was capable enough to be a true rival for her.
Yet, having observed Serazade over the past few days, especially as she engaged with many people in the park, I had to admit that my initial thoughts were incorrect.
Serazade was sociable and good at performative displays. Although she appeared like a teenage girl, she was outgoing with a noticeable eloquence.
Honestly speaking, as a political figure and ruler, Aira lagged a little behind Serazade.
“Heung.”
Chwaak.
Aira quickly closed the curtains.
While Aira hated this situation, upon further reflection, I came to think that it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.
One could say that this was a Half-Fairy’s optimism but—.
Peers or rivals might be great catalysts for growth and change.
Perhaps, with strategic use of this situation, Aira could transform into a benevolent, beautiful, and wise Queen straight out of a fairy tale.
In any case, my mind was already concocting various plans.
「A very Nymph-friendly positive mindset…!
Gained job experience for ‘Half-Fairy’…! + 50.」
Edited by: faker
Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m