I Don’t Want to Be Loved (Web Novel)
chapter-80

Chapter 80: I Remember You

There, written in the letter, was a simpleton message welcoming Rihannan back home to Arundell and that she hoped to see her as soon as possible. At the very end was her unique signature: 

From Mother Hertia Cesca

Rihannan fell into a new set of deep agony. Igor said she need not care for her, but all things considered, their past connection was not a thing she could ignore.

For the time being, the promised dinner was near. A maid sent by His Majesty informed her of their appointment and came to pick her up. Rihannan nodded, putting away the letter.

“Are we going to his office?”

“No, Your Majesty. Somewhere else.” 

“…Oh?”

Taken aback, she raised her brows. She had no great anticipation, mainly a simple dinner at his office or the main palace. But she seemed to have guessed wrong.

She breathed a shallow sigh, a little too far away from the maid’s hearing field. The office was the last place she wanted to be in… the place she saw Igor and Leticia tangled in carnal pleasure. The event occurred long ago, she was aware of this, but she was not particularly gay to the thoughts of dining in the office.

A thought came to mind. 

Should she indulge in pleasant conversations with Igor? What of the Queen’s letter she received? Was it something she needs to speak of? She was torn and she had not a clue what she should 

do.

 She realized belatedly that she was heading in a completely different direction when she raised her head.

“I don’t think this is the way to the main palace,” Rihannan said with a raised brow. 

“Yes, Your Majesty. We’ll not be heading to the palace,” the maid replied, her smile polite.

“Then…”

Astonished wonders circled around her as she caught on. She closed her mouth and recalled that this was the 

true 

Queen’s Palace, not the mini-palace she slept in last night. 

“We’re here, Your Majesty.”

Rihannan looked at the building standing grandly before her. The exterior had been completely transformed. The garden, which was once full of shallow grasses and uneven trees, was smooth and filled with myriads of newly planted trees and flowers.

Walking inside, she noticed the interior was… smashing. The stone-cold marble floor, decorum, soft carpets and furniture resting against the wall was homely. It was different, different from the memories she was accustomed to.

She knew the 

true

 Queen’s Palace was under construction for minor repairs. But this… this was beyond her wild imagination. She guessed she now knows why the Duchess was gleefully excited earlier.

“Welcome, Queen.” This time, Basil welcomed her. “How are you, My Queen? Do you find the palace fitting for your stay?”

Rihannan nodded. “Yes. I like it very much.”

Those were not empty words. The Queen’s Palace was warmer. Cozy, too.

“You must’ve gone through many troubles,” she said.

“Nonsense,” Basil laughed at her comment, “I was not alone in this endeavor. The interior design, My Queen, had been completely thrown out and re-designed.”

And then he turned his head to the side and softly puffed and huffed, 

‘Because of that damn black-haired-beast, I had to run around crazily…!’

Rihannan stared blankly, wondering what Basil was up to. 

But her thoughts did not last long.

Basil faced her again and beamed a wide smile. “But, if you do enjoy this palace, please be sure to speak highly of me in front of His Majesty, My Queen.”

A light bulb popped in his mind and his mouth widened to an ‘o shape. 

“Oh! My Queen, you probably do not know, but some nobles asked me in disdain why I was doing this. Pfft! Don’t they know? That the Queen rests in a comfortable place takes high priority! Though I do apologize it is not as luxurious… you know, resources and all,” he rubbed his head and continued, “I did take priority in making sure that the comfort level is of utmost quality.” 

Rihannan chuckled lightly and walked alongside him. She listened to his erratically amusing storytelling on the way to.

They soon arrived in the drawing-room. Everything was perfectly prepared. She knew the palace was under construction and was told that it would take a while, but looking at the garden and interior, it seems that all the refurbishment had already been completed.

Basil read her confused expression and said, “My Queen, the roof is still under construction and will be finished before the wedding. His Majesty expected that all would be finished before our return back to the royal palace. He had his chest puffed out and all awaiting to proudly show you the new Queen’s Palace, but things went against his bitter expectation. He’s a bit upset, probably sulking in the corner. Please comfort him.”

Rihannan burst out into laughter. 

Basil wore a smug look, pleased that he was able to make her laugh. 

“It’s like I’m seeing your younger self, My Queen. You laughed a lot when you were but a child. Of course, you were too young to remember me.”

“I remember. You gave me candy.”

Basil’s mouth fell to the floor, eyes flooded with shock. “My Lord! My God, you remember all that?!”