Chapter 101
Hies seemed to be fluent in both the Southern language and Wilkerian.
Siren and Larisa were as well.
However, Bispar did not know Wilkerian, while Nicoletta and Daphne were not proficient in the Southern language.
So, with an interpreter in the middle… how exactly would they make use of that?
“But Lady Larisa, have you ever heard of sea monsters?”
“Sea monsters?”
“Yes. Ancient creatures that lure sailors into the sea, drown them, and drink their blood. Their name is—Siren.”
At Nicoletta’s words, Larisa raised an eyebrow.
And the interpreter translated their conversation as follows:
“They say the sunsets by the Southern coast are beautiful. How about going on a picnic together?”
“A picnic?”
“Yes. Once His Majesty clears out the infected, it should be safe to go.”
It was laughably childish.
Siren took another sip of tea, feeling as though she might sigh.
Perhaps thinking she was trying to hide her expression, Nicoletta chattered on, looking delighted.
“Oh my! What a ‘coincidence’ that it’s the same as Your Highness’s name!”
“What exactly are you trying to say? Speak clearly.”
Larisa furrowed her brows as she responded.
Meanwhile, what the interpreter conveyed was this:
“Why don’t you go with the princess?”
“But it might still be dangerous.”
At this point, Siren was merely watching to see how far they would take it.
In the end, all they wanted was to sit her down and turn her into a laughingstock.
At the core of this behavior was nothing more than a vulgar desire to see her flustered.
If she showed no reaction, they would grow even more frustrated and spew worse things.
Siren was waiting for the moment they crossed the line entirely.
“It’s not me who should be speaking—it should be the princess. Surely, you haven’t forgotten already? All the time we spent together.”
Nicoletta raised her voice triumphantly, staring directly at Siren.
She seemed convinced that Siren would lower her head at any moment.
‘What? Why isn’t she reacting?’
Nicoletta was genuinely bewildered.
By now, she should be trembling!
The last time must have been because that creature lost her mind and forgot her place.
To remind her, someone with power—someone like Angelique—was necessary.
That was why, when the priest had discreetly summoned her, Nicoletta had eagerly gone to meet him.
“Apologize for humiliating me last time. If you don’t, you’ll regret it. I’ve already told the priestess everything.”
“And what exactly did you tell him?”
“Hah! How shameless. Do you really think no one knows that a monster like you deceived the king and sits in that seat? There’s no way His Majesty knows! If he did, he would never embrace a creature like you!”
I tried to handle this amicably, but I can’t endure it any longer.
That composed attitude!
An incensed Nicoletta pointed her finger and hurled accusations at Siren.
As if she were a hero rescuing the king from a monster. As if she were calling upon the world to witness this liar.
A firm conviction that she was doing the right thing.
That belief consumed her entirely.
Clack.
And at that moment, Siren set her teacup down with a sharp sound.
“Larisa.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Slap that woman. She has insulted the king’s judgment, so she must be punished.”
Yes, this was something the ‘Siren’ of before would not have done.
But she was different now.
She no longer wished to tolerate such rudeness, nor did she see any reason to.
Siren was the queen of this land, while Nicoletta was a prisoner.
In what country does a queen suffer insults from a mere captive?
“Oh? Let’s see… Did the interpreter lie to me?”
Siren had spoken in the Southern language just now.
As a result, Nicoletta and Daphne, unable to understand, wore bewildered expressions.
Hies bit her lip as if she hadn’t expected Siren to retaliate so fiercely, while Bispar smiled faintly, as though he had no intention of interfering in any of this.
“How many times shall I strike, Your Majesty?”
Larisa bowed respectfully.
Siren, after a brief moment of thought, answered.
“Five.”
“What? What are you—wait, kyaaah!”
Smack!
The sharp sound of a slap rang out viciously.
The impact resounded four more times.
Each time, harder than the last. Without mercy.
Nicoletta tried to resist, but Larisa’s grip was stronger.
Naturally—Larisa was meant to inherit a merchant guild. Someone like Nicoletta, who had been raised in comfort, was no match for her.
“Well done. That should be enough—let her go.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Your hand isn’t hurt, is it?”
“I am fine.”
Larisa answered with a smile, while Nicoletta, now disheveled, sat in a daze.
Siren rose from her seat and approached her.
“You should learn to restrain your arrogance, even here in this land of scorching heat.”
“Wh… Who do you think you are? Who do you think—!”
“I am the queen of this kingdom. Someone who can throw the likes of you to be devoured by the infected. If you dare to provoke me again and insult the king—”
Shff.
Siren leaned in, her gaze locking directly onto Nicoletta’s.
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