I Don't Want To Be Loved

Chapter 123: Struggle For Sweetness

“It was Her Majesty’s turn to list out the books she had read previously,” a noblewoman answered.

Marquis Parvad laughed broadly and extended his hands. “Looks like I’ve joined a good time. If it’s alright, may we hear them out as well? We’ve been looking for good books to read as of recent, truth be told.”

Rihannan pondered for a moment at his subtle request. A title soon came to mind and she answered, “Recently, I’ve been reading the book called ‘The Struggle For Sweetness’ and I found it an enjoyable read and to my liking.”

A few of the young bachelors burst out in cheerful laughter.

“The title of the book is called The Struggle For Sweetness? Is that right? Goodness, it seems like a book related to desert making.”

Before Rihannan could reply, Ash Pavard parted his lips open and said, “Hmm… Sir Killian, I think you have some sort of misunderstanding. The book is quite famous and renowned for its humanities of sorts. It looks like you don’t know of this.”

The young men who wore a burst of cheerful laughter early on reddened immediately. Their faces were similar to a tomato. The other gentlemen looked at them with pity while the noblewomen clicked their tongue and shook their heads.

Ash Parvad looked at the queen with eyes of glinting fascination.

“I quite enjoyed reading that book, Your Majesty. It struck me with strong interest that the author compares bees to humans of their struggle against the weather and other dangers to create beeswax is equivalent to humans working together to create precious commodities, the beeswax being the sweetness the title is referencing,” Ash Parvad said.

“Yes. That sweetness represents the systems of humanities that we must keep that helps us form a better society. The main point of the book was the highlight of creating talented men and to work hard for their livelihoods as if every day was a battle.”

Ash Parvad nodded sagely and said excitedly, “Yes! It looks like you’ve figured the exact implications of the book, Your Majesty. Then what do you make of the two factors of wind and light the book referenced?”

Rihannan smiled.

“Though it’s difficult for me to be definite about my theory as the author failed to explain the factors separately, but when you think of it to an extent, bees creating high-quality beeswax is the wind and light. The wind is the driving force carrying the seeds to different areas and the light is the assistance helping seeds grow and bloom to a flowery bud. It shows us that to create a talented individual, not only is effort required, it’s important that we improve ourselves, but to do this, society must provide a foothold to stand on their own.”

“Ah…” Ash Parvad nodded in understanding, “what Your Majesty says reiterates my assumption.”

The queen and the eldest son from the House of Parvad laughed politely.

Meanwhile, Countess Safia interrupted their talks, “Your Majesty, I’ve enjoyed reading that book as well. I personally enjoy the many works from the author Professor Laghman.”

Rihannan faced Countess Safia and smiled. “That’s right. He’s a poet as well as a critic. He’s quite well-known for his intellectual thoughts that puts actions into words so… eloquently.”

“I’d love to invite you to my domain one day Your Majesty and engage in an earnest conversation with him. I find it a shame that your excellent observation to be simply carried away without his presence here,” Countess Safia said.

Rihannan gave a hearty laugh.

“When I was in Chrichton, I had no choice but to open a salon with Princess Helena. She enjoyed debating with many of the young gentlemen and noblewomen. Should a chance come by in the future, I would very much like to invite everyone to the palace for a formal debate similar to what I’d done while living abroad.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. It would be an honor to have you invite us,” Ash Parvad said and kissed the back of Rihannan’s hand.

Meanwhile, someone appeared from behind the queen and pulled her hips towards him.

“Sir Parvad, I think you’ve gone a little too far kissing my wife’s hand twice today.”