Breaking the bed (5)

It had only been a few days since her husband told her, you are a married woman. So she would like to decline this offer to become a daughter-in-law candidate.

Besides, isnt the Queen my mother-in-law? And Hamill is my brother-in-law.

What to say about a mother-in-law who introduces her newlywed daughter-in-law to another son

Even exaggerated dramas werent this crazy.

Aristines gaze at the queen grew even odder.

Even if Im that desirable, it cant happen.

She had already signed a business contract with Tarkan. She couldnt break the contract one-sidedly or deceive him.

Aristine quickly turned vigilant as she looked at the Queen.

* * *

The Queen, Yenikarina, Paellamien, and Starlina looked at Aristine, completely speechless. The same went for the court ladies who were waiting on them for teatime.

They all stopped what they were doing and stared blankly at Aristine.

Did she just

What does she?

After a moment of silence, they fully understood what was going on.

The Queens face blanched with anger. Even more agit/ ated than her, was Yenikarina.

What is that supposed to mean, Princess?

Huh?

Saying youre married woman, what exactly does that mean!

Exactly as it soundsit means I am a married woman. I am not single.

Aristine was startled by how agitated Yenikarina seemed.

The fact that she and Hamill couldnt get together wasnt something to be so despaired about, was it?

With Yenikarinas personality, thats impossible sinceshe hates me, doesnt she?

Thats what Aristine thought, but she couldnt think of anything else that could explain the current situation.

Hm, regardless, Im Yenikas sister-in-law.

Even if she didnt marry Hamill, she was already Yenikarinas sister-in-law.

She said that with a smile to get Yenikarina to lighten up but for some reason, Yenikarinas face instantly crumpled. Like a bug just flew into her mouth.

Wait, what are you! No way, my brother, Yenikas big brotherwith a girl like you

Bang!

Yenikarina slammed her hand on the tea table.

The dishes clattered and tea splashed out of the teacup. Even after doing so, she was heaving as if her anger had not settled.

Yenika, calm down.

Aristine began to try and calm down Yenikarina, who had gone red and flustered.

Paellamien looked at Aristine, feeling nervous. What other trouble was she going to cause?

Although I am a married woman, we have already become one family. You dont need to try so hard.

Yenikarina felt her sight turn black. Her blood pressure instantly rose to an unbearable level.

Princess.

The Queen, whose anger had cooled to some extent, stiffly called out to Aristine.

Yes, Your Majesty. (Aristine)

It seems you misunderstood me, but I was just talking about my son.

To be more precise, she was trying to irritate Aristine by comparing Tarkan to him.

Ah, she must be embarrassed. Because I refused the proposal.

Aristine gave the Queen a slightly sympathetic gaze. To be fair, it must hurt her pride. She shouldnt have said that to her daughter-in-law though. Even if Tarkan is not her biological son.

Aristine decided to go along with the Queen to make her feel less embarrassed.

Of course. And I was just telling you that I am a married woman.

An incredibly thoughtful smile appeared on Aristines face.

The Queens face distorted.

That means youre obviously misunderstanding what I said.

No, I was really just describing my son. After all, you are now a member of the royal family, and you havent seen Hamill yet; theres no other meaning.

Yes, and same here, I am just reiterating that I am married. No other meaning.

Aristine nodded to say she understood everything.

Understand what?! Your understanding is completely backwards!

Feeling her head throbbing, the Queen grabbed her forehead.

It felt like she was going to hear the same thing back even if she said more. And the more she said, the more cumbersome it would be to explain herself.

It was no use. They couldnt communicate so she had no confidence in success.

No way to win.

But to just leave this misunderstanding as it is, engulfed her in a sense of shame and defeat.

How did this happen?

She even summoned the Princesses who moved at her beck and call to deal with Aristine, so she didnt know how this came about.

As the Queen leaned back in her seat with exhaustion, Starlina who had been studying her, opened her mouth. Since she did something wrong earlier, she had to help lighten the mood of the Queen and Yenikarina.

Frankly, it is only natural that Her Majesty the Queen has a lot to say about Brother Hamill. If I have a son like that in the future, I will want to show off every day.

Yes, me too, Paellamien enthusiastically chimed in, Isnt he incredible? To think hes in charge of the manastone mine.

Manastone mine?

Aristine perked up at Paellamiens words.

His Majesty trusts Brother Hamill the most, thats why he was entrusted something so important.

It was also intended as a way to appease the nobles who were against marrying the Princess of Silvanus to Tarkan.

The side supporting Hamill strongly opposed it. However, if Hamill himself wasnt capable enough, he wouldnt have been entrusted with a huge national project known as the manastone mine.

Indeed, imagine how busy he is. He cant even return to the royal palace because of that. Thats why they say if youre too talented and useful, you will be troubled.

The Queen, whose headache had mellowed a little, huffed and smiled.

This was because Hamills political position had risen even further after he was put in charge of the manastone mine.

Then his absence due to official duties is because of the manastone mine?

Hearing Aristines question, the Queen went Indeed and turned to look at her. Expecting Aristine to feel quite resentful.

But there was only admiration in Aristines eyes.

Yes, Sister Rineh, you understand how amazing this is too, right? I doubt theres anyone who doesnt know how important mana stones are. And Royal Father entrusted this to none other than my brother Hamill.

Yenikarina said proudly.

Perhaps her mood was restored, or she had calmed down, but her tone had returned to normal.

Her eyes coldly glared at Aristine.

My big brother is a thousand times better than your husband, her gaze seemed to say.

Aristine didnt particularly care what Yenikarina was going on about but

Of course, then it makes sense why his duties are not known to the public.

If you compare it to her past life, it was similar to the discovery of oil. It was a wise idea to postpone the announcement of this, because waves were already being made in the international circle due to the political marriage between Silvanus and Irugo.

Thats true. How nice.

Aristine spoke enviously.

Her face was full of honest envy. She was well aware of the incredibility of the manastone business.

To be more precise, the incredible amount of money it makes.

However, Aristine was still a long way from taking charge of a manastone business. It was a strategic national project so it was a business field that individuals could not enter.

I envy you golden spoons.

A business like that came with guaranteed success.