Tamed the Monster Prince - Chapter 15.1

Despite her legs being severed, she kept her posture upright, not allowing the laughter to affect her. She was used to it, even if it was only a slight chuckle. She cautiously lowered her knees in a gesture of respect.

“I extend my warmest greetings to Her Majesty, our Queen.”

Cornelya had been giving her a sidelong glance since prior. A lengthy pause ensued. The discomfort in her knees was so intense that she was on the brink of shaking.

Cornelya ‘s blue eyes were cold.

“I extend my warmest salutations to Her Majesty, the Princess of the Cross.”

She finally indicated for her to rise.

There was an issue, however; she had been in a crouched position for an extended time, and it was challenging to rise to her feet.

“Tsk.”

She then perceived the clucking of the Empress’ tongue, at which point someone came to her aid and assisted her with their arm.

“Your Highness, the Princess.”

She recognized the individual who had managed to reverse an unpleasant moniker earlier in the day – it was Delphina.

“Thank you.”

The most senior lady-in-waiting to the Empress, Lady Elvira, addressed their group before they could even utter a word between themselves. The Empress had since gotten up from her seat and left the room.

The banquet was held in the glass conservatory that belonged to the Empress. The walls, which were entirely made of crystal glass and had no expense spared, were designed to create a stunning geometric pattern and gave off a brilliant light.

The illumination revealed the beauty of the unidentified flowers, which came in various colors. Above them, different colorful and exotic birds and small primates were deftly moving about.

Cornelya could be at the table next to the fountain in the middle of the room. A gorgeous parrot was singing from its perch on her shoulders as it looked down at her.

Irena was unable to take a seat because she had not first obtained her permission, so she was forced to remain standing while she looked around the conservatory.

After a prolonged quiet period, the Empress’s maid disturbed the silence as they wheeled in a trolley.

“Could you please take a seat?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

After finding a moment to relax, the aroma of steamed rice wafted through the air, and a cup of red tea was poured. The tea was of the highest quality, imported from the continent, and she was in awe of its beauty, unable to take a sip.

“What is the level of comfort like in the palace?”

Her Majesty turned her attention away from the parrot’s wings long enough to ask Irena directly about something.

Irena drew a long breath in and noticed a drop of sweat forming on each of her palms. To calm her jittery nerves, she tightened her hold on the object.

She was the sole focus of the Empress’ attention. She started to feel better as soon as she met the Empress’s mesmerizing gaze, which relieved her.

She was anxious but knew she had to face the Empress because she had an important message. She was able to calm her racing thoughts and remember what it was that she wanted to say.

“Your Highness, I have news concerning the Crown Prince that I must share with you.”

“What is it?”

“It’s about the Crown Prince.”

“Go ahead and tell me.”

Cornelya replied unexpectedly cheerful and amicable manner, which dissipated the tension in the air. Irena then thoroughly explained the events she had observed that day.

“A retainer, or attendant, who is serving Lord Sezar.”

“Service?”

“He was visibly injured and employed shackles and a muzzle to control the Lord.”

Cornelya received a detailed explanation from Irena regarding the shocking event. Cornelya reached out with her long fingernails and gave the parrot’s neck a light scratching before raising her hands.

After that, a maid arrived carrying an incense burner, marking the ritual’s beginning. Corneria took a long, deep breath in as soon as the fire was lit, and then she slowly let out her breath.

Irena coughed twice uncontrollably because the room was filled with incense’s heavy, smoky aroma.

“So?”

Cornelya, with an expression of sympathy, lit the ceremonial incense on the burner.

“So what?”

Cornelya shifted her posture, adjusting her leg to a more upright position.

“Pardon me?”

It wasn’t that she hadn’t heard. It was that her reply was too unexpected to process. She was unsure of how to respond.

“Um, however…”

Irena hesitated.

“Was it inappropriate to make requests of the Princess from the outset?”

Corneria proceeded with her tale, reading Irena’s lack of response.

“It’s only reasonable that individuals should be treated with respect,” she stated matter-of-factly.

Irena was unsure of what she had heard, so she had to inquire further.

“Pardon me?”