AWDC Chapter 82

Margaret believed that if her son became king, the world would be hers to command.

However, her hopes were dashed after her son ascended the throne and Raphael began to handle state affairs.

Regent Raphael’s administration was running so smoothly that there was no room for the queen mother to interfere.

With Raphael as regent, her son had lost his power. Simply being the queen mother did not impress the officials.

None of her relatives from the Lamina family, neither her brother nor her cousins, were part of the new government. They had no privileges and could not obtain any vested interests.

(My family has gained no vested interests. How can this be allowed?) Her dissatisfaction grew.

However, she could not voice this discontent. The power of the new government was so strong that if she were to complain, it might only worsen her treatment.

Duke Elliott Gregg might even tell her to her face, “If you are so dissatisfied with palace life, perhaps you should return to your family home.”

Therefore, her discontent festered.

Margaret entered the cathedral with a small retinue. She sought peace of mind by praying to God.

“It is most commendable that the queen mother offers her prayers to God,” Hoffa said with a cheerful greeting as he came to meet her.

“I have come to offer prayers for the peace of this nation,” Margaret replied with equal cheerfulness.

However, the atmosphere changed completely when the two faced each other in a room devoid of attendants.

“I am frustrated. The government is entirely as Raphael wishes. The king’s authority has been lost!” she exclaimed, launching straight into her grievances.

Hoffa had been in a position to mediate between Margaret and Raphael even before the coronation.

He was the one who presented Margaret with the plan to make Raphael regent in exchange for Tallem becoming king.

Hoffa had previously painted a rosy picture of the future, saying that the world would become as Margaret desired.

However, six months after the new government was established, as the country stabilized, King Tallem was increasingly disregarded.

Now, Hoffa was about to be rebuked by Margaret.

“Did you expect His Majesty to immediately seize power from such a young age?”

“Of course.”

“Then there would be no point in appointing a regent. Prince Tallem will surely gain power when he comes of age.”

“Will that really happen?”

“Does the queen mother not trust my words?” Hoffa retorted forcefully. His words were not harsh, but his expression held anger.

(Is this woman an idiot? Tallem could never have become king as he was. He was able to become king because of my advice.

Yet this woman is so audacious, complaining about her current treatment. If this woman doubts me, she is no longer of any use.)

“Do you have some complaint against me?”

“No, that is not the case. I am simply worried about the future of my son, Tallem,” Margaret said, taken aback by Hoffa’s sudden assertiveness.

Hoffa was taller than average and also a handsome man. When anger appeared on his refined face, it was so imposing that it inspired fear in others.

The queen mother had never been treated harshly by anyone other than the late King Michael. Everyone had always treated her with deference.

Therefore, she was surprised by Hoffa’s anger.

“Tallem is pitiable,” she said, her tone changing from what it had been, and she lowered her head.

A hand grasped the woman’s chin, lifting her face. As she looked up, the man’s eyes gleamed.

“There is a way for King Tallem to regain his power. Can you trust me?”

“Yes, I trust you,” she said, her heart captivated by merely meeting his gaze. She was enchanted by his spring-like blue eyes and plunged into their depths.

“I am anxious. Please lend me your wisdom,” she said in a faint, imploring voice, her posture almost begging as she looked up at him.

Her arrogant demeanor from moments before had vanished, replaced by the figure of a beautiful woman with a sorrowful air, destined for a short life.

(Well, this woman is not without her charms.)

Hoffa felt the allure of a woman in her thirties. He had not approached her with that intention from the start.

A duck had come waddling in, carrying its own scallions. And that duck was surprisingly beautiful. His eyes gleamed strangely.

“Now, let us talk more leisurely,” he said, and Margaret, as if hypnotized, entered Hoffa’s private chambers without any hesitation.

The small, simple room had chairs neatly arranged, the desk was tidy, and clothes were folded neatly beside it. And there was a bed.

Seeing it, she panicked. She realized she had entered a man’s room alone.

“I, I, did not intend for this…”

As before, the man’s hand grasped her chin, lifting her face. Her voice of hesitation was silenced by the man’s lips.

He lifted her body and placed her on the bed. On that bed, her clothes were stripped away one by one, exposing her bare skin.

She simply covered her face with her hands, trying to hide her shame. But she offered no resistance.

“I have never felt so uplifted. I could only love you,” she said.

(Hmph, I don’t care who you loved. This woman is mine now.)

Hoffa tormented the moaning woman.

He was considering how to use her.

Her face isn’t bad, and she has a rather nice body. I can certainly enjoy this woman. And more importantly, I can seize great power by using this woman.

“When will you give it to me again next time?” Margaret said, sounding longingly after the affair.

“Entering the royal palace frequently will attract attention. And you cannot come here often either, can you?”

“There is a secret passage. A private house on the north side of the royal palace is its entrance. Please come using that passage,” she said.