After getting out of the carriage, Adelina's breath caught as she took in the sight before her. It was a small pavilion, but it was surrounded by a small lake and a dense forest. It looked quite beautiful.
Adelina felt like she could just stare at the scenery for hours on end, but, unfortunately, the thought of meeting the guest who was waiting for her made her feel like she couldn't breathe.
"Greetings, Your Highness Consort Min."
The Consort had been gazing at the lake as she sat at the pavilion. When she heard Adelina's voice, she turned and gave her a soft smile.
"We're now one family, so do not be like that. Come and sit."
Adelina followed the Consort's gesture and sat down. Instead of meeting her eyes, Adelina bowed. Seeing Adelina lower herself before her, the Consort's eyes narrowed into a smile.
"I've just received some delicious tea. I thought it would be nice to have some light refreshments from the Palace, so I brought them with me."
"Thank you, Your Highness Consort."
"No need to call me 'Your Highness Consort'... Call me 'Mother'. Ethan is my son, and you are my son's wife. Therefore, it is only natural, is it not?"
This was the first time Adelina had ever met with the Consort in private.
Adelina's mother had tried to bring her when she met with the Consort a few times, but Scarr had protested, saying that she was too young. Because of this, Adelina had never seen the Consort's face before.
"After your mother left this world in such a terrible manner, my heart broke for her. I have not truly been myself ever since her passing. I feel that it is divine fate that I am able to see you like this now."
"I am lacking, but I will do my best, Your Highness Consort."
"No need to be so formal with me. Don't be like that and try calling me 'Mother'."
Possibly because of the intense discomfort of the situation, Adelina was unable to relax in the Consort's presence.
It might just be her imagination, or it might be due to the fact that she felt like she was dragged out of her residence.
"It seems that I haven't gotten used to the social life here. I apologize, Your Highness Consort."
Despite Adelina's stiff reply, the Consort did not betray any feelings of frustration or annoyance. Instead, she gathered her hands around Adelina's and softly stroked them.
"It seems that I have been too forward. No need to worry about it. You may take your time in changing the way you address me."
"I apologize, Your Highness Consort."
The Consort chuckled when she heard Adelina's apology. Her laughter sounded as clear and as pleasant as the chirps of a bird.
Although the woman in front of Adelina was a lot older than her, her behavior wasn't any different from hers.
"I wanted to visit you because I feel that I will be asking you for a lot of favors from now on."
"Please speak."
"As you know, my relationship with Ethan isn't very good. Because I have neglected my duties as his mother, it seems that the child is carrying a lot of scars."
As Adelina continued to listen to the Consort, her heart gradually began to tremble. She wanted to take her hands out of the Consort's, but she had an inkling that it would be a bad idea.
"I will do my best to have that child accept you. In return, please tell me what that child is doing from time to time. Who he's meeting, what kind of things they talk about. Things like that."
Her racing heart instantly froze.
The beautiful, motherly face suddenly looked so different to her.
"Your Highness Consort Min."
"At this rate, you will continue to be shunned and wither away. However, if you make the wise decision and accept my authority, we can help each other. Isn't that a good idea?"
In other words, the Consort planned on making Adelina her spy. No matter how much Ethan despised her, Adelina's family was alive thanks to him.
Adelina cautiously took her hands out of the Consort's grasp.
"Your Highness Consort Min, I cannot do that."
The edges of the Consort's eyes slightly trembled at Adelina's resolute answer. However, a few moments later, her eyes grew soft once again.
"It seems that I've brought up something too serious. I was just asking you to let me know how Ethan is spending his days, that's all."
"I now belong to the family. Of course, my husband is your one and only son, Your Highness. However, he is still the master of the clan. Now that I belong to that family, how can I tell you about the master's daily activities?"
Seeing the Consort's startled eyes, Adelina lowered her head. After staring at Adelina in silence, Consort Min picked up her cup of tea.
"Ohohoho."
When Adelina heard her laughter, she lifted her eyes and met the Consort's for the very first time.
Adelina tilted her head when she saw that the Consort was laughing as if she were truly enjoying this. After having laughed for a long while, Consort Min gazed at Adelina in satisfaction.