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nChapter 78: Human Nature

nWhen Rihannan was decreed to be Helena’s companion, she remained at the princess’ side for a period of time before returning home unless a special occasion arose. Rihannan oftentimes returned to the mansion before dusk.

nLast night, the Duchess reminded Rihannan that she would check up on her early in the morning as she had work cut out for her until the day of the wedding.

nBut contrary to her words, the Duchess did not come till the sun’s first blush painted across the sky. Rihannan had finished washing her face and changed into a new set of attire embedded with regalia.

nThe Duchess’ smile reached the corner of her eyes. “My Queen, did you sleep well last night? I was late. That big oof would not let me go till the first cockcrow.”

nRihannan tilted her head. “You mean Basil?”

n“Yes,” the Duchess nodded, “I’ll tell you the details later. First off, let’s have a meal, My Queen.”

nThe couplet drank tea together after a simple breakfast. The Duchess soon relayed to Rihannan what occurred in the early morning.

n“Well, My Queen, His Majesty requested to spend breakfast with you this morning. Basil delivered His Majesty’s message to ask what you think of it. I answered in your stead, stating that you had only arrived yesterday and was wrought with tiredness. I ask that you be given time to rest.”

nRihannan listened to the Duchess’ retelling, her eyes tremulous and jittery. She doubted what she had heard, unable to believe what Igor said. She wondered briefly if she had ever spent breakfast with him other than necessary royal obligation.

nNo memory came to mind.

nThere was a precedence to this. A king and queen oftentimes dined together during lunch hour or the evening. Breakfast together hardly exists.

n“I apologize for deciding on your behalf without asking your opinion, My Queen.”

nRihannan shook her head. “No, you did a good job.”

nThe Maid of Honor not only stuck to the queen’s side, she, too, managed the queen’s schedule. The same occurrence happened to Rihannan back in Chrichton. She sorted out the schedules of Helena’s meeting, then asked her opinion.

nThe duchess handled the matter well.

nHer duty as Matron of Honor was to care for her master’s health. That took precedence over everything else.

n“Report to His Majesty that I will dine with him tonight.”

n“Yes, My Queen.”

nThen Dhe duchess pulled out a thick book.

n“This is…”

n“It is a list of Arundell’s nobles. I compiled a separate list of major high-ranking nobles. Let’s not worry about the lower-ranking nobles, for now, My Queen, but it is imperative that we memorize the name and history of the high-ranking nobles. You’ll end up coming face to face with them.”

nRihannan looked at the thick book nervously. The faces of those nobles suddenly drilled inside her mind.

n“A pity, Your Majesty. You lost your husband to your sister…”

n“Your Majesty, I hear that His Majesty refuses to sleep with you? Is that true?”

nTheir cynical and derisive laughter echoed in her ear. When she looked at the familiar names on the list, those painful memories replayed in her head like a series montage.

nThe duchess looked at her silently. Her lips parted. “Humans tend to kick those they perceive are weaker than them by instinct. It is human nature to crush those they view as a weakling. You should not give them any opening, My Queen.”

nRihannan knew this well.

nAs the Duchess said, those who grew up in noble society dominated by the laws of the jungle felt the flow of power within the ruling class more shrewdly than ordinary folks.

nRihannan was unaware of this at first.

nWhen she stood before the crowd, those sneering eyes quickly noticed her lacking in many ways. She had a disorder caused by lack of affection, lack of social skills, and low self-esteem… and it showed.

nRihannan did not know how to hide her weakness.

nThey initially spared their harsh words in her presence because she was Queen, but gradually they grew bolder noticing the King’s lack of affection toward her.

nAnd when Leticia appeared in court, the ridicule Rihannan faced peaked to new heights.

nNow she would face those nobles again. But she knew better this time. Never will she allow herself to be eaten.

nBut…

nRihannan bit her lips. Would she be able to do it well? This time, the Queen Mother was no longer present to support her.

n…Perhaps her time spent in Crichton without problems was because Helena, the princess who wielded considerable power, stood by her side.

n“My Queen.”

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