Chapter 478 - 318: The Provocative Queen

"Lord Levi, I do apologize. I was so caught up in affairs yesterday that I was unable to properly receive you."

Despite her words of apology, Seres’s noble blood and privileged upbringing lent her an undeniable air of royal authority.

"It was nothing at all," Levi replied with a slight nod.

"But what might be a small matter for some is not so for others. You are now a Marquis of Debei and a Dragon Knight. You deserve to be taken seriously by everyone, without exception," Seres said with a faint smile. "To say nothing of the fact that you are the hero who went south to deal with the Demons. This banquet, the likes of which we haven’t seen in years, was held in your honor."

"It was merely a matter of fate," the Lord said humbly, waving his hand. "General Mandela, Duke Fulina, and even His Highness Fatir contributed a great deal as well."

Seres gave a noncommittal smile before changing the subject. "Would you care for a glass of iced milk? With this heat, it would be perfect."

The weather was indeed hot. The Queen’s simple, white silk dress clung to her chest.

The air was stuffy and humid, blanketing all of Gonda like a hot, damp towel. Even in this spacious room, the gentle breeze from the balcony offered only the slightest relief.

"As the host wishes," the Lord said with a nod.

Seres picked up a delicate gold bell between her elegant thumb and slender index finger, shaking it twice.

A freckle-faced maid hurried into the room.

"My dear girl, please fetch a glass of iced milk for Lord Levi and myself. Be sure to add plenty of ice and honey."

After the maid left to fetch the milk, Seres made small talk. "Most people say the last few years have been the coldest in memory, and that it may only get colder. And yet, after a cool spell, Gonda is suddenly sweltering again today. On days like this, I find myself envying the snowy landscapes of the northern Wilderness."

"That could mean a brutal, long winter is on its way. After all, a summer downpour is always preceded by a few unbearably muggy days." Seeing that she was in no hurry, the Lord was more than happy to chat with the breathtakingly beautiful Queen. "And please, Your Majesty, do not envy the Wilderness. It’s nothing but a backwater. You could travel a hundred miles across the plains and not see a single sign of life."

"Is that so?" Seres blinked her emerald eyes and said, as if in jest, "Since the Wilderness is such a backwater, would you, Lord Levi, be interested in seeking your fortune here in Gonda?"

"With your talents, you could even become the King’s Hand. No one would be able to surpass you."

"There’s no need for such formality. Just call me Levi." The Lord waved a hand, answering lazily, "And please, spare me. I have no desire for such a thankless job. I’d rather save my time for more meaningful pursuits."

Just then, the maid returned and placed a silver tray on the table between them.

"Levi, do have a taste." After the maid had gone, Seres picked up the two glasses and took a sip from each. She then handed one to him, the rim marked by a bright red lipstick print. "Forgive my rudeness, but most people believe poison is a woman’s weapon of choice."

"I believe that is a view held only by the ignorant." After a long moment of hesitation, Levi finally accepted the glass. He turned it slightly to drink from a different spot, politely sipping the milk. It was cool and refreshing. ’Though, she put in a little too much honey...’

"To be honest, Levi, I’m very curious to hear your opinion of the King of Harland." Seres’s every movement was exceptionally graceful. Her long, azure hair danced in the breeze, her emerald eyes like a lake in the height of summer.

"The King of Harland?" Levi chose his words with care, offering a balanced view. "A wise and brilliant ruler with great accomplishments. It’s just that in his later years, he has inevitably done some things that the common people find difficult to accept. For instance, building the Ten Thousand Flower Garden and gathering beauties from across the Seven Kingdoms."

’In truth, the fact that the King of Harland could ascend the throne as an illegitimate son was proof enough that he was a man of considerable means.’

’He was also the one who pushed through some of Debei’s most beneficial policies, such as the integration of the Intelligent Races.’

’This greatly improved relations between Debei and the Alien Races, and attacks on villages by those races decreased noticeably within the kingdom.’

’Some of the more daring Lords even began recruiting powerful Races to serve as soldiers.’

However, Levi was uncertain of the relationship between the Queen and the King, so he could only offer a mixed assessment.

"Is that so?" The Queen scrutinized his face, then said with contempt, "In my eyes, he may be sharp-witted, but he is a madman who cares for nothing. The common folk call him the Mad King, or His Mad Majesty."

"Why else would he spend a fortune on the Ten Thousand Flower Garden, just to spend all his days with those whores? And the outrageous things he’s done go far beyond that."

"I cannot stand for him to touch a single hair on my head. We haven’t shared a bed in over ten years."

"Your Majesty, forgive my forwardness," Levi said calmly, "but every Prince who ascends the throne has a magnificent, kingly air about him. Thousands of girls would give anything to love a King with their whole heart. What could he have possibly done to make you hate him so?"

"And besides, I recall he was once a very diligent ruler."

A wildfire ignited in Seres’s eyes, like the enraged Sea Dragon on her family crest. "On our wedding night, he ran off to the Roganes Family to share a bed with that slut. Afterward, he crawled into my bed, reeking of that nauseating stench from the Roganes bitch."