Chapter 983: Could They Be Having an Affair?
"Mother, it's all the fault of those two! If they weren't so incompetent and got stopped by others, this outcome would never have happened! And it was an enemy who didn't even show themselves! Isn't that just ridiculous?"
Fairy Tristan laughed smugly.
"In comparison, I actually found the Child of Prophecy and even fought her! It's just that there were too many on their side, and they broke through our blockade. I'm not at fault at all!"
Although the facts were mostly as she described, her way of speaking was infuriating.
If it were Eiji, he'd want to punch her by now.
At the time, it wasn't about breaking through your blockade—you didn't even put up a fight! When you saw our side was stronger, you had the soldiers stall for time while you ran off without a trace!
"I have failed in my duties, Your Majesty! Please punish me!"
Barghest knelt heavily on the ground, filled with shame.
Failing to complete the Queen's mission was her fault, regardless of how strong the enemy was. She genuinely believed she deserved punishment.
"Hmph, since becoming a Fairy Knight, have you gotten carried away, Barghest?"
Woodwose licked his sharp, gleaming wolf claws, a mocking smile curling at the corners of his narrow mouth.
"Not only did you fail to capture the Child of Prophecy, but you even let the captured Bogget escape. You're becoming more and more useless, aren't you? Or is it that pretty-boy Consort beside you holding you back?"
Eiji raised an eyebrow.
"Watch your mouth, mutt."
"What did you say?!"
Woodwose's eyes bulged, brimming with ferocity as he let out a low growl.
"This is the Queen's court, not your personal toilet."
Eiji snorted coldly, his expression dripping with sarcasm.
"...!"
Woodwose's expression shifted, his face cycling through several emotions.
He struggled to suppress his boiling rage, slowly reining in his ferocious demeanor.
"The difference in verbal skill is just too vast..."
Spriggan stood in the corner like a ghost, his gaze toward Woodwose filled with pity.
Though the Fang Clan fairies were powerful, they were generally simple-minded. They were absolutely no match for experts in schemes and tricks.
Even though this was his first time meeting this Consort, he seemed like a cunning old fox. With just a few words, he had shut Woodwose up completely!
Coupled with rumors of his considerable strength, it seemed he had no weaknesses. He was probably a formidable opponent—best not to provoke him if possible.
"Your Majesty, shortly after the Consort and I left Camelot, we encountered an assassination attempt on His Highness from an unknown faction. We separated soon after and did not meet again in Sheffield. Failing to capture the Child of Prophecy is entirely my fault and has nothing to do with His Highness."
Barghest kept her head bowed, earnestly defending Eiji.
Eiji rolled his eyes.
Girl, must you be so rigid?
When someone provokes you, you actually respond with a serious explanation?
Shouldn't you just curse their mother to death on the spot? How can you let that slide?
"An assassination attempt?"
The Queen suddenly spoke.
"Have you investigated which faction was behind it?"
Woodwose froze for a moment.
Then he gritted his teeth, glaring at Eiji with intense jealousy.
Why are you glaring at me?
Eiji glared back at him, then turned his gaze toward the Queen.
"I've been to a few places myself, but found no clues. It seems to be some shady organization, but they're pathetically weak and not worth paying attention to."
The Queen nodded slowly, indicating she understood.
"But you returned together from outside, didn't you? How intimate. Could it be that you two have something going on?"
Woodwose's face was full of malice as he spoke with sarcastic insinuation.
Damn it, will this never end!
Eiji instantly flared up, stomping the ground fiercely, determined to teach him a lesson!
"That's enough, Woodwose!"
At that moment, Barghest suddenly raised her head, her face filled with anger as she shouted sharply.
"I've been tolerating this out of respect for you as the clan leader of the Fang Clan! Don't push your luck and make baseless accusations! You're not just slandering me, you're insulting Mr. Eiji as well! He is undoubtedly an upright swordsman, and moreover holds the position of Consort - he would never do anything improper!"
Like a gentle person finally losing their temper, her normally quiet nature suddenly erupted with a tiger-like roar that momentarily stunned Woodwose.
Eiji somewhat guiltily averted his gaze.
So that's how noble she thinks I am?
What should I do about this slight feeling of shame?
The Queen silently glanced at him.
What are you looking at?
Eiji gave her a puzzled look.
The Queen silently averted her gaze again.
I completely don't understand what she means.
"You greedy black hound, you still have the nerve to say such things?"
Woodwose snapped back to reality, his face showing intense disgust.
"Don't you know your own nature? Whatever you love, you devour. How much love have you consumed so far? And now you're pretending to be virtuous?"
"Speaking of which, Boggart used to think highly of you. Could it be that you've reverted to your old ways, fallen in love with Boggart, your appetite surged, and that's why you missed the opportunity to capture the Child of Prophecy?"
Barghest's expression tightened, her eyes growing increasingly dangerous.
"With all due respect, Lord Woodwose."
Spriggan stepped forward with a smile.
He had the shrewd appearance of a merchant, yet he interjected into their argument.
"Weren't you the one who, at Tintagel Village, also missed the opportunity and let escape someone suspected to be the Child of Prophecy?"
Eiji pricked up his ears.
There was such a thing?
If I remember correctly, wasn't Castoria from Tintagel Village?
"Spriggan, are you looking for trouble?"
Woodwose's face turned cold.
"Enough, silence."
But just then, an ice-cold rebuke devoid of any emotion came through.
"Do you think this is an appropriate place for this?"
"My deepest apologies, Your Majesty!"
Barghest came to her senses and bowed her head in terror.
Spriggan also lowered his head.
"...My apologies for the impropriety."
Woodwose remained silent for a moment before giving a slight bow to the Queen.
"I have no interest in mediating your relationships, but whatever conflicts you have must not erupt here. Don't make me repeat this."
The Queen swept her gaze over the two as if annoyed.
"Whether it's Barghest letting the Child of Prophecy escape or Woodwose letting the Child of Prophecy escape, I will impart punishment equally for any faults. The current priority is to determine the current whereabouts of the Child of Prophecy, and also to identify the mysterious figure who appeared in Sheffield."
"Regarding this matter, my consort, what are your thoughts?"
"Ah? Asking me?"
Eiji was taken aback.
"I have no idea?"
Didn't I already say I wasn't in Sheffield? Why are you still asking me?
"So that's how it is?"
The queen stared intently at Eiji.
"Could it possibly be false?"
Eiji declared with conviction.
Internally, he was panicking.
Damn, what should I do?
Why does it feel like the queen can see right through everything?