December 28th, I go to the royal castle after lunch. As soon as the gate guard saw me, he took out a remote and opened the gates.
And just like he said, the King was really waiting for me right at the entrance—together with the Queen. When I reached them, I greeted the two royals.
"Your Majesty the King, Your Majesty the Queen, good afternoon. Have you eaten?"
"We have."
The King answered in a tired voice, his complexion looking far from good. Did he eat something bad? Why didn't he go see a doctor?
Then the Queen stepped forward to block the King, and spoke to me in a self-blaming tone.
"Mr. Karen, I have something to tell you."
What followed was an explanation about what happened to yesterday's cake. The gate guard gave it to a maid, the maid gave it to the head maid, and then the head maid threw it into the trash.
The reason? The head maid believed food made by a commoner shouldn't be eaten by royalty—it could be dangerous—so she took it upon herself to discard it.
"I see."
I replied calmly, but my fists were clenched so tightly they were trembling. That head maid was absolutely awful—and deserved punishment. She threw it away without even asking?
Sure, once the cake left my hands it wasn't my responsibility anymore…
But that cake was my hard work, my sincerity. It deserved to go into someone's stomach—not the garbage.
If she doesn't get disciplined, I'm not letting this go.
"I have already punished the head maid for acting without permission."
Since she was punished, I let my anger settle. But if I ever run into her… yeah, that anger's coming right back.
The Queen then opened her fan, hiding her face. When she spoke again, her voice sounded shy.
"Um… Mr. Karen."
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Could you… make another cake for me?"
Her eyes darted around, embarrassed as she made her request. I actually wanted to refuse—but she'd definitely pester me endlessly. So instead, I opened my storage hole and took out a cake.
"I made two yesterday. You can have this one."
It was originally meant for Lina before I left the house… Well, I'll just make her an even fancier one later.
The Queen's eyes sparkled the moment she saw the cake. She snapped her fan shut and reached out eagerly.
"Really?! Thank you so much! Mr. Karen, whatever request you have in the future, I'll agree to it!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
She took the cake as though she might float away in happiness, and she seemed eager to leave quickly.
"I can't wait to taste your work. I'll go ahead. Edward, make sure you treat him well and don't be rude."
"That's not right…"
Yeah, that's definitely not right. The King, entertaining a commoner? Anyone would brag about that for life. But the Queen completely ignored him and left with a spring in her step.
Her mood was way too good—especially compared to the king, who looked like he'd been suffering. Did they really eat the same lunch?
Her mood was so bright it felt like the complete opposite of the king's misery.
"Your Majesty, the Queen seems very cheerful. But why do you look so unwell?"
I asked nosily. The king let out a huge sigh.
"Haah… I did what you said last night. It worked, but it worked too well."
At first I didn't get it. If it worked, shouldn't that be good? Why was he exhausted?
Then I saw him rubbing his lower back, and I immediately understood.
Ah. Their nightlife was… eventful as always.
"Sounds like you had a fulfilling night."
"Leanna simply found a new way to punish me. Is there really no easier solution?"
Well, it's better for the Queen to be happy than angry. And the real solution was obvious.
"If you don't provoke Her Majesty, nothing will happen."
"You are right."
The king nodded, agreeing. Then I realized quite a bit of time had passed. Small talk always makes time fly. I had to go pick up Lani earlier today!
I quickly spoke up.
"I think we've talked too long. Please take me to where the light pillars need to be installed."
"Alright."
He led me back to the garden from yesterday. Under his directions, I set up all the solar light pillars. Then I heard the king muttering to himself:
"The garden will be bright at night. It'll look beautiful. Leanna will surely be happy."
Hearing that, I actually felt moved. I even began to respect the king as a devoted husband.
But then he continued:
"With this, Leanna will forgive me. I'm too clever."
And just like that, all my respect shattered. I couldn't help saying it out loud.
"Your Majesty, that's not a good mindset."
"Karen! You're eavesdropping on the king?!"
He looked genuinely startled. It's not like I wanted to overhear—he was just talking too loudly.
"It's because you said it so loudly. And I think Her Majesty will double her affection. I hope you don't end up so tired you can't get out of bed."
Based on last night's exhaustion, I had a strong feeling the queen would love this romantic gesture—and their nightly activities would only escalate.
"Nonsense! I know Leanna well. I'll escape unscathed for sure!"
"Escape what?"
Someone suddenly questioned him.
It was the Queen.
"UWAAAH!!!"
The king shrieked.
He was uneasy—because deep down he knew I was right. The Queen, who didn't know what he meant, was furious.
"Edward! What is that reaction?! Did you do something shameful?! Speak!"
Queen grabbed King's ear and pulled. I honestly witnessing breaking news in real time. A king getting his ear pulled—his royal dignity was evaporating.
The King howled in pain, and I nearly burst out laughing. If I weren't trained, I'd be slapping my thigh and laughing by now.
"Aagh! It hurts! I didn't! I didn't! We're outside—let go!"
"Oh—my apologies."
Just hearing "outside" made the Queen release him.
If they were alone in a room, the king absolutely wouldn't be getting out of bed afterward.
"It hurts so much…"
The King rubbed his ear while recovering from his punishment. The Queen turned to me, bowed slightly, and spoke with embarrassment.
"Mr. Karen, my apologies that you saw such improper behavior. I hope you don't mind."
"It's fine."
I smiled back. I've seen way worse fights, so this felt more like playful bickering.
"Leanna, why did you come here?"
"I came to find Mr. Karen."
"Me? Was the cake not good?"
If she came for me, it had to be cake-related. Maybe it didn't meet her expectations?
But I had no intention of trying harder for the queen's approval. I never claimed my cake was amazing—she was the one who asked for it. Her expectations had nothing to do with me.
But the Queen wave her hands rapidly.
"No! The cake was delicious—better than anything made by a professional pastry chef!"
Was it? Hearing that did make me a little happy.
But "better than all pastry chefs" was definitely exaggerated… pastry chefs'd cry if they heard it.
"Thank you for the compliment. I'm glad it suited your taste. So, what brings you to me?"
"Elena has arrived. She's waiting in the reception room."
Right—today's schedule also included meeting the Crown Prince's fiancée, to see what kind of person she was.
If all went well, she'd marry the Crown Prince.
If not… the Crown Prince would escape disaster.
Personally, I hoped it went well.