AN: just a small entry I made. I have more planned, it will just take some time. Please have patience.

A Queen's Contemplation

Within a day or so, Mirellia and her escort were returned to the castle and made little in the may of contact with Trash or Bitch. Not that Bitch had much time to try and do much as she was still following behind Motoyashu, perhaps may even see some of the futility in trying to worm her way out of the predicament she had earned for herself.

Trash did try to rebuild his standing with the Monarch, but Mirellia paid him little heed—even holding him, in some measure, in contempt and scorn for his comments regarding Hal when the child was still incubating within her womb. It made her resent and distrust him all the more. So much so she would not trust her third child around him.

In fact, the Queen of Melromarc would not trust either around her love child. Mirellia was careful when it came to her husband and elder daughter. Assigning a pair of Shadows to guard Hal to ensure that neither Trash nor Bitch were ever within arm's reach of the newborn prince. That they could never harm her son.

Having learned an invaluable lesson from the demise of her last son, who Bitch had poisoned. Hal would be spared such a death if she could help it.

It was perhaps for their own sake as well as for Hal's; for should harm ever befall the Shield Hero's offspring Mirellia could not be certain that she would be able to restrain herself from ensuring exquisite agony befell the former royal consort and disgraced princess.

They would wish for death.

She had chosen to convince the Shield Hero to refrain from executing them, but she would make an exception for Hal's sake.

Back at the castle, Mirellia resumed her duties. Sending envoys off, ensuring the future alliances, preparing for the incoming wave, and even matters of state within her own kingdom. Surrounded by her advisors, who knew better to question her state of mind since birthing Hal and returning from the beach region, and occasionally Melty, who still seemed to be secretly sore with her.

Melty—for the most part—has seemed to be willing to tolerate the discovery of her mother and Shield Hero's transgressions. But was still acclimating to the situation and overcoming her own personal feelings on the matter and for the Shield Hero.

The days continued and Mirellia moved on with her day, only time would tell what awaited her. She would die one day, that was for certain, but she had hopes for Melty and Hal.

Then there was Naofumi…

She hoped he would pay the castle a visit, to visit her, but for the time being they both had duties to attend to. And Mirellia would not shirk her duties for mere carnal pleasure. Though she would gladly reminisce of the activities she had indulged in with Naofumi in her quiet and lonely moment alone when with him. Of their passionate embraces and fornication.

What could Sir Naofumi be preoccupied with, I wonder…

In Rock Village, Naofumi was preoccupied. Reprieved from the pestering of Sadeena. He was reviewing paperwork.

I wonder what Mirellia could be up to…