Chapter 87
“Is His Highness busy again today?”
“Yes, he asked me to convey his apologies.”
“Oh… I see.”
Shannelica blinked in disappointment. She had been waiting for Eleusis to join her for dinner, but now came word that he couldn’t make it. She had even taken the time to choose a beautiful dress, wanting to look her best for their first dinner together in a while — all for nothing.
It had already been quite some time since she’d last seen Eleusis because of her queenly training, but this time, it had been over a week. Never before had they gone so long without meeting.
“Is His Majesty in his office?”
“Yes, he is.”
At that, Shannelica’s eyes brightened.
Then maybe I can just go see his face for a moment. If I don’t, I’ll forget what that handsome face looks like!
The queen’s lessons were becoming more grueling with every passing day. Ever since she’d started learning to dance, it had been sheer torture.
People said dancing was supposed to be fun, but in practice, it felt more like punishment than enjoyment.
The noble instructors teaching her insisted that she needed to “build fundamental strength” first — and made her perform excessive exercises that had nothing to do with dancing at all. All she wanted was to learn how to dance, so why did she have to do painful stretches, or jump on her toes until her calves cramped? It was as if they held a personal grudge against her. They could have taught her more gently if they wanted to — but instead, they seemed to be making it deliberately harsh.
Her body wasn’t in the best shape to begin with, so repeating endless spins, jumps, and awkward postures left her utterly drained. Every time a dance lesson approached, she wanted to throw away her plans of becoming a “successful queen” altogether.
But the thought that she had to see her plans through to the end — no matter what — kept her going. She endured with patience. Whenever she was exhausted, she thought of Eleusis’s handsome face. It was all part of the process required to stand beside such a wonderful man. She told herself she could endure anything for that.
That’s why not being able to see Eleusis — her only source of strength — dealt her a heavy emotional blow. For days, she’d been looking forward to today — the day she could heal her fatigue with the kind and loving man who adored her.
No. This won’t do. I need a little strength to hold on — even just for a bit!
For the first time, Shannelica decided to visit Eleusis’s office in person. Without even eating dinner, she left the dining hall and started down the corridor — but instead of heading to her own room, she turned the other way. Wills quickly caught up to her with hurried steps.
“Lady Shannel, where are you going?”
“His Majesty’s in his office, right? I’m just going to see him for a moment.”
Her clear, bright face left Wills momentarily at a loss. In the end, his large frame moved to block her path.
“Forgive me for saying this, but His Majesty doesn’t like unannounced visits — especially when he’s busy.”
“…What, not even that’s allowed? I’m going to be his queen, you know.”
“Haha, of course not. But I think it would be better to ask His Majesty ahead of time for permission, so you can visit whenever you wish. Also…”
Wills lowered his voice and leaned closer.
“I assure you, His Majesty misses you far more than you miss him. He’s suppressing the urge to run straight to you this very moment, out of duty. You should appreciate his restraint.”
But Shannelica’s cheeks were puffed out like a pouting child. Her displeasure was obvious, though Wills remained perfectly calm. Eventually, her puffed cheeks deflated like a balloon losing air.
She sighed and turned back toward her room.
Watching her retreat, Wills maintained his composed expression, though inwardly he was flustered. Derwin, beside him, showed no reaction at all, his face unreadable.
Following the pink-haired lady’s retreating figure, Wills recalled a conversation from two weeks ago — the last time he’d been summoned by Eleusis.
“It seems the guard detail is going smoothly. Anything unusual from Derwin’s side?”
“No, nothing at all. It’s almost unnaturally peaceful.”
“I see…”
“Since the wedding date is set, I don’t think you need to worry about Duke Kartel anymore, Your Majesty.”
Wills had said this sincerely. He was loyal to his king, yes, but he also longed to be freed from this unwanted bodyguard duty. If nothing was happening, why stay glued to the couple?
“No. Keep observing carefully — both of them.”
“Pardon? Both?”
Wills had been caught off guard by that.
“I’m not saying to monitor their relationship — just let me know if either of them shows any strange behavior.”
“Even Lady Shannel? Why?”
“My brother has… some concerns.”
At that, Glyn, standing nearby, cleared his throat.
“His Majesty will be busy for a while, and won’t be able to see Lady Shannel often. Being apart for so long can sometimes lead to… suspicious behavior. Keep watch, and if anything seems off, report immediately.”
Recalling that conversation, Wills sighed as he looked again at Shannelica’s retreating figure. His Majesty, his brother — they were both so frustrating.
What exactly am I supposed to be watching for? They could at least tell me what’s “suspicious.” Then I’d know where to start.
He grumbled inwardly. He’d just barely managed to stop Shannelica from storming into the king’s office — but how long could he keep her at bay?
Why make plans to come if you’re not going to show up? He shouldn’t have promised dinner in the first place!
Even as Shannelica disappeared into her room, Wills’s grumbling didn’t stop.
“Sir Wills.”
The door cracked open again, and Shannelica poked her head out.
“Yes, Lady Shannel?”
“I’m hungry. And thirsty.”
Only then did Wills realize she hadn’t eaten anything before returning to her room.
“Ah — shall I escort you back to the dining hall?”
“I’m thirsty. I need beer.”
That was… unexpected. Beer? Out of nowhere?
“I was told you shouldn’t drink alcohol due to your health.”
“That was right after I got injured. I’m fine now. I’ve just been being careful, that’s all.”
“…Then, shall I have the maids bring you beer and some snacks?”
Even as he spoke, Wills realized how strange it was — why was he saying this, when maids were waiting right there?
“No, they’ll handle that. You— you drink with me.”
“…Pardon?”
What?
Seeing his bewildered face, Shannelica said primly, “It’s lonely to drink alone. You won’t let me see His Majesty, so at least drink with me.”
“…Why me?”
“Well, you’re the only one around who looks like he can actually hold his liquor.”
“…”
“Can’t you?”
Wills couldn’t think of an appropriate response. Shannelica let out a dramatic sigh.
“So it’s a no. Then I’ll just go ask His Majesty later.”
She knows perfectly well that’s not allowed.
Wills reconsidered her. He’d thought she was naive — but apparently not. Well, it made sense. For the king, who’d always been indifferent to women, to fall for her… there had to be something about her.
Either way, it was a tricky situation. Wills thought quickly.
“All right. However… I cannot enter the future queen’s chamber alone. You understand that, yes?”
At that, Shannelica glanced at Derwin, who stood nearby like a statue.
“You mean he has to stay too?”
“We always work as a pair. You know that.”
Wills gave her a polite, slightly strained smile — secretly rejoicing.
Maybe this could actually be useful. Beer, Shannelica, her ex-fiancé, and himself — the watcher. What a setup.
Once she’s drunk, she’ll lower her guard. Maybe something suspicious will slip. He could pretend to drink, act half-asleep, and watch how she and Derwin behaved.
Whatever the “suspicious behavior” was supposed to be, he’d find it. His brother Glyn had good instincts — and by now, Wills’s own curiosity was piqued.
“Then he can just stand by the wall, and it’ll be just us drinking, right? That’s fine.”
Her tone left no room for refusal. Derwin’s opinion clearly wasn’t needed.
“Yes, that’s fine,” Wills said, casting a brief glance at Derwin. As usual, Derwin’s expression didn’t change.
Derwin stood silently in the corner of the room like a clock on the wall, watching the two drink together.
He’d lost count of how many glasses Shannelica had already downed. She was drinking beer by the handful, gulping it down, barely touching the food beside her.
She’s going to ruin her stomach on an empty one…
Wills, sitting across from her and grinning as he drank along, irritated Derwin greatly. Knowing full well she wasn’t in good health and was soon to be queen, and yet allowing her to drink so freely — it was reckless.
Still, Derwin couldn’t intervene. Shannelica was clearly enjoying herself, and Wills didn’t seem troubled. If he stepped in, he’d only look uptight and strange.
But as time passed, Derwin began to think he might need to stop it. Shannelica’s face was flushed red, her eyelids drooping, her speech slurred. While Wills looked perfectly fine after the same amount of alcohol, Shannelica was thoroughly drunk.
Just as Derwin was about to move—
“Sir Wills! Wills!”
“Yes, Lady Shannel?”
“Isn’t it hot? It’s so, so hot!”
“That’s because you’ve been drinking a lot.”
He should have told her to stop — but instead, Wills refilled her beer glass again.
“No, really, it’s so hot! I’m taking this off!”
“Pardon?”
Shannelica suddenly jumped to her feet.
“So hot!”
And then she began flinging off her clothes — too fast for Wills to stop her.
“L-Lady Shannel!”
By the time she was about to strip down to her undergarments—
Wills leapt up in alarm — and crash! — slammed his head into the large table. It happened in an instant.
“Huh? What was that?”
“…”
“What was that noise? Sir Wills?”
“…”
“Wills? Are you dead?”
Shannelica, swaying unsteadily, grabbed his hair and tried to lift his head. His eyes were completely closed — he’d passed out cold.
“What are you doing, sleeping now? You were supposed to drink beer with me! Delicious beer!”
She kept muttering, her slurred words full of wounded reproach.
Watching the scene, Derwin finally moved from where he’d been frozen like a statue and approached her.
Sensing his movement, Shannelica dropped Wills’s head and pointed at Derwin.
“Lord! You killed Sir Wills, didn’t you!”
