Ellen had never imagined such words from the queen’s lips, and she believed that she would never be the queen’s friend. However, Ellen had been confident that she appeared much more loyal than the other aristocratic women who inwardly dismissed the queen.

The meal bowl clattered against the tray. As she was slowly climbing the stairs, she heard a sharp voice from the corridor. The one who spoke was Countess Bryson, who looked as if she owned the palace.

“It’s sorcery, I tell you. Not to brag, but I once spent the night together with King Sweet before he was crowned, and he was the most vigorous man I’d seen! Not to mention his brother, Seth! How can they be satisfied with one woman? And at that, a woman who’s so lethargic and unattractive! You want to know how? Sorcery. I’m sure she used it to capture their hearts.”

The other women around her gasped. Countess Bryson lowered her voice and continued in a conspiring tone.

“I heard from a famous magician that the palace was filled with evil spirits–dark energy. The country is still stabilizing, and if it contains dark energy, then…”

The tray in Ellen’s hands shook. Furious, she slowly exhaled. Maybe she should’ve ignored such gossip, but… Sorcery? Dark energy? How dare you say that!

“Do you know what you’re saying?”

Her voice came out much more severe than she intended. The women silently looked back at her as Ellen walked towards them.

“How dare you make such groundless claims when you eat and live in someone else’s abode? How can you spread such venomous ruse about the Queen and His Majesties? Madam Bryson, should I tell King Sweet what you said?”

Countess Bryson strode forward. She was so beautiful that she had been the fiancee of both Kings when they were still princes. To complement her splendid dress, her curly blonde hair was delicately arranged on top of her head, fixed in place with a jeweled golden pin. Her flawless white visage is exquisitely marked with cute dots.

Mrs. Bryson scrutinized Ellen with her blue eyes, lifting her mouth into a haughty smile.

“As they say, similar things come together. How can a woman like her be selected as a maid of honor, a representative of the royal palace? I don’t think I’ll be able to eat well after seeing a face like hers.”

The women around them laughed. Ellen tightened her fist and raised her head.

“The Queen doesn’t eat while looking at me. She always has her meal with His Majesties. Let’s see if any of you can act so haughtily in front of His Majesties.”

Mrs. Bryson’s eyes widened. She raised her hand and shouted sharply, “Who do you think you are?”

“Come on; just stop.”

A man dressed in a neat blue uniform with a knife by his waist approached them. His linen hair was tied, and his blue eyes were calm but sharp as he scrutinized the women one by one.

“I’m afraid there will be trouble if a royal guard sees people making a fuss in the palace.”

“Who are you, and why are you interfering?” Mrs. Bryson glared at the man, who bowed with a smile.

“River Pelbrook, the brother of the Duke of Madison.”

Women sucked in their breath at the mention of the Duke of Madison. The Duke of Madison was a close friend of the Iron King, Ced, and he also maintained the widest territory in Inchensia. The fact that he was still single attracted many aristocratic families, and whenever a party was held, women threw themselves at him. However, as of now, it is said he is not particularly interested in any woman.

Countess Bryson straightened her skirt and changed her attitude. “We weren’t talking about anything special, nor anything about the queen. This girl confronted me due to a misunderstanding, and I’m also not one to stay still after being insulted”

“Of course, I believe you. Isn’t Countess Bryson well-known for her sweetness and beauty? My brother often speaks of you.”

The countess, with her eyes shining, opened her mouth to speak, but River Pelbrook turned to Ellen and held out his hand.

“I’ll hold the tray for you. You’re taking it to your queen, aren’t you?” “No, this is my duty.”