CH 177

The Queen's tears

Translated by SoundDestiny

Edited by SoundDestiny

The issue of the authenticity of the holy sword Mistilteinn has been put on hold for now, and the Crown Prince Neferte Athena has been taken into custody in the Kingdom of Zain.

As the holy sword was a fake, it became doubtful whether Neferte was even a real Athena royalty in the first place. Fortunately, there was someone who could vouch for Neferte’s identity.

Her name is Shanoar Zain.

She is the wife of Granard and the current queen of the kingdom of Zain.

To Raidorl, she was his sister-in-law, and Shanoar was from the kingdom of Athena and had known Neferte.

“It’s been a long time, Your Royal Highness”

“I’m glad to hear that you are well, Shankar-sama.”

It was five years ago that Shanoar married Granard. She has never been back to the kingdom of Athena since then.

Neferte and Shanoar were happy to see each other again after several years and exchanged greetings.

After her husband Granard was defeated by Raidorl, Shanoar moved to a remote place a short distance from the capital.

This was because she had lost her place at court with the rise of Raidorl as regent.

From Raidorl’s point of view, Shanoar , the wife of her brother, and Strauss, the young prince, were nothing more than obstacles that would threaten his position in the future.

But Raidorl had no grudge against either Shanoar or Strauss.

At the time of his banishment, Shanoar was not married to his brother king, and of course, Strauss did not even exist in this world.

It may have been naive of a monarch, but Raidorl did not think of disposing of them.

However,there would be diplomatic problems if she returned to her homeland, the Kingdom of Athena, so she had no choice but to be placed under house arrest in a remote palace with supervision.

“As a queen in all but name, there is little I can do, but I will do my best to make His Highness …… Neferte was as welcome as possible during your stay. Please make yourself at home.”

When Neferte came to the palace, he smiled softly at her.

During his stay in the Kingdom of Zain, Neferte was to live in a remote palace with Shanoar. It was thought that he would find it easier to live in a palace where he knew people than in the capital where he had no friends and would suffocate.

“Thank you for your consideration, Shanoar-sama…”

Neferte’s expression is firm as he greets Shanoar with a gentle smile.

He has not yet explained to Shanoar the destruction of the kingdom of Athena. He is depressed to be in the position of having to tell her of the destruction of their homeland, even if it is by chance.

“I was surprised by your sudden visit. Five years ago you were so small, but you have grown so much. I hope the King is well?”

“About that, I have something to tell you…… Shanoar-sama.”

“Eh…?”

Shanoar may have guessed something about Neferte with a sad expression. She listens to Neferte’s words with anticipation.

Neferte explained the process from the outbreak of the undead to the destruction of the Kingdom of Athena.As the story progressed, Shanoar’s face grew pale and she eventually covered her face with her hands and slumped over.

“My Queen …!”

“……I’m fine. Thank you.”

One of the attendants rushed to support the queen’s shoulder, but Shanoar  shook her head slowly.

“I understand your story. So, what did His Majesty the King do?”

“Father  would remain in the Royal Capital until the end. Given the circumstances, perhaps….And the Prime Minister said he will stay with father.”

“……….”

Shanoar’s father was the prime minister of the kingdom of Athena.

After marrying into the Kingdom of Zain, they never saw each other, but they exchanged letters regularly.

“My father died ……with his Majesty the King …….”

“B-But I’m sure that your mother and your son have escaped to the Kingdom of Surdin. They started to evacuate very early, so they must be safe!”

“…yea”

When Neferté hurriedly says this, Shanoar nods her head with an absent-minded sigh.

“We will take back the kingdom that was taken from us! I’m sure His Highness Raidorl will help us!”

“……..”

Neferte may have meant to encourage her, but Shanoar remained subtle and silent.

Shanoar  did not hold a grudge against Raidorl for her husband, but he nevertheless understood that she and her son were in the way.

She had mixed feelings about her brother-in-law, who was in a position where he could become an enemy at any moment.

“I hope so…and that we can restore the Kingdom of Athena as soon as possible…….”

“…………!”

Shanoar turned her face down sadly and gently put her handkerchief over her eyes.

Neferte felt inexplicable and clenched his fists tightly.