"So, Your Majesty is stating that this entire matter is unfounded?"
"How many times must I say it? I have never even spoken to that human, let alone entered the World Treeâs embrace with him."
In the Great Forest's council hall, a tense interrogation was underway.
At the head of the chamber, seated like a criminal on trial, was Queen Evrelia of the elves. Surrounding her were the elven elders and other key figures of the Great Forest.
Their eyes, filled with suspicion, bore into her.
Why is this happening to me?
Evrelia was indignant.
Born a high elf, she had ascended to the throne without ever causing a single scandal. She could swear on her conscience thatâ
â¦
Well, maybe there had been one incident. Back when she didnât know what wigs were, sheâd once yanked off an elderâs wig as a prank.
But aside from that, her record was spotless.
To go from a universally respected elven queen to a scandal-ridden outcast in a single dayâit was outrageously unfair.@@novelbin@@
"Itâs truly not true, is it?"
"It isnât! I swear upon the World Tree!"
"If youâre willing to swear such an oath, then..."
Reluctantly, Evrelia deployed her ultimate argument. Finally, the elders began to accept that the allegations were false, though the damage to her dignity as queen was already done.
Still, even baseless slander needed to be addressed and corrected.