I Don't Want To Be Loved

Chapter 172: Rihannan’s Cold Answer

Though everyone was aware of the queen’s hidden and double-edged meaning behind her words, Marquess Pless was ignorant of it. She simply did not realize what would become of her.

Her expression looked smug as she quickly mouthed her words, muttering, “That’s right. I’m always on your side, My Queen. Pardon my rudeness, but I see you as my friend, a close friend, My Queen. And when rumors spread, is it not the duty of a friend to tell each other rather than hiding it? Is this not what true friends do?”

Duchess Saphia turned her head slightly and snickered.

Mrs. Cessley fanned herself despite the temperature being cool enough. It had more to do with the atmosphere’s rising awkwardness.

Regardless, among the court ladies present, it was only the marquess who grew vigorously energized by the topic.

“That is why, My Queen, I’d like to know… is there no problem between you and the king? I’d like to help you out. Please be honest.”

The noblewomen nearby tried their best to look disinterested, though their ears were kept open, ready to devour the truth.

Rihannan smiled, laughing quietly in her mind. She knew there were always those who relished in the misfortunes of others, and it sickened her each time she saw evidence of it with her very own eyes.

“Before that, Marquess, is that rumor truly such an onerous problem?”

Hearing her innocent-sounding question, Marquess Pless drew a shocked expression and quickly replied with fluster, “Of course. I’m sure you’d not be able to understand the intricacies of the court since you’re still young, but it isn’t good to let those sorts of rumors float around.”

Rihannan cocked an eyebrow. “Oh? Why is that?”

“Because it would become unbecoming and troublesome for you, My Queen.”

“Why would that trouble me?”

“That is because…”

“Even if the rumors holds true and the king no longer cares for me, am I supposed to oust myself of the position as queen? Or do you think the king will kill me right away and hang me in the gallows? I’m asking because I, too, am curious.”

It was at that moment that the marquess noticed something amiss. Worry immediately crossed her face.

“O-of course not. There’s no way he could…”

Marquess Pless knew that if she continued to speak, she’d end up crossing a line to the point of no return. As she stuttered back her words, she kept studying the queen’s expression desperately so.

“If that is not the case, then why are you worried?”

“I just… yes… it may only be a false rumor. I, as a friend to you, My Queen, simply wanted to relay the rumor to you. That was all. And you can then make a decision based on what you’ve learned.”

“I see,” Rihannan slowly nodded her head, pondering.

Just as Marquess Pless let out a sigh of relief, Rihannan attacked her.

“If that is the case, then as a friend to you, Marquess, I should also inform you of a rumor I heard concerning you.”

Marquess turned and faced Rihannan, face filled with worries of the unknown.

“…Rumor? Of what…?”

“I came to the knowledge that Marquis Pless has built up quite a number of debt due to his gambling… high enough to the point where the mansion can be taken at any time.”

Marquess Pless’ mouth turned to a full circle. Momentarily stunned, her face grew gravely pale.

“Wh… what are you saying? Where did you hear such a strange rumor…?”

“Is it a false rumor?”

“Of course it’s a false rumor!”

However, opposed to what she said, Marquess’ Pless’ hands holding the teacup trembled violently.

“Then I’ve made a grave mistake. I was only making sure. I had, after all, wanted to help you out as a friend if that was the case,” Rihannan muttered another word seeing her reaction.

Marquess Pless gasped quickly. She quickly added, “How? What do you mean you will help us out…? Do you mean to say that you’d be willing to lend us… money…?”