Chapter 45: Chloe Gets the MVP!

Hours later, night fell.

Chloe and Larvia arrived at the magic train station, ready to board the train back to Montpelier’s capital.

But the situation made Chloe uneasy.

“Ugh…”

Trailing behind Larvia, Chloe kept her head down, nervously eyeing the staff escorting them.

It’d been ages since so many people stared at her, and with her identity, she felt anxious.

‘What if someone here saw me a few days ago? That’d be so embarrassing.’

Chloe had ditched her plain linen clothes and was back in her maid outfit.

With the traitor dealt with, Larvia no longer needed to hide her identity. Revealing it openly was a warning to those with ill intentions.

For Tarrilberg’s residents, the queen personally coming to a frontline city to bring a traitor to justice was uplifting news.

“Don’t be so nervous. You’re my maid now—hold your head up,” Larvia whispered.

“Ugh…”

“Relax, no one will recognize you. Do you memorize random passersby? Even if someone saw you, they’d just think you look familiar.”

“Plus, if they did remember you, they’d assume you’re my secret agent on a mission.”

Larvia seemed to read her mind.

“And you’re the hero who found the traitor. Be confident.”

Her words made sense, but Chloe still felt uneasy, unable to stand tall.

“Sigh… You’re representing my image now. If you keep shrinking like that, it makes me look bad.”

Chloe tensed, sensing trouble.

“If you don’t shape up, no reward when we get back.”

Stomp!

Chloe snapped to attention, chest out, chin up.

“Not that dramatic… but better than before,” Larvia said with a wry smile, maintaining her usual elegance.

Led by the station staff, they reached a special train.

This was the imperial train, reserved solely for Larvia and her entourage. Only if she stepped down as queen would another gain the privilege.

Aside from the kitchen and engine, the train’s compartments formed one large room, meeting all of Larvia’s needs for rest and work.

A standard single bed was squeezed into the sleeping area.

The office area had a desk for Larvia to handle documents.

Chloe boarded nervously, entering the bedroom.

She’d heard of this train but never dreamed she’d get to see it.

The moment she stepped in, she felt the difference from ordinary trains.

The air was scented with gardenia incense, and the soft carpet underfoot made her feel that standing here all trip would be comfier than the cramped third-class seats.

After dismissing the staff, only she and Larvia remained.

The door closed, and Chloe’s tension melted away. Kicking off her boots, she flopped onto the bed.

“So tired… I was so nervous…”

She rolled over, wrapping herself in the blanket, leaving only her head peeking out as she watched Larvia.

“Hey, Larvia, how’d I do out there?”

“Not bad.”

Larvia answered casually, sitting at the desk to work.

“What about my reward…”

“Don’t worry, it’s not getting docked.”

“Yay!”

Chloe rolled around, burrowing into the bedding.

The goose-feather pillows and silk blankets were soft and smooth, with a pleasant scent that made her never want to leave.

Flop, flop~

Knock, knock, knock.

A knock interrupted, and Chloe kicked off the blanket, leapt up, and smoothed her maid outfit to look less wrinkled.

She stood behind Larvia, hands clasped, posing as a proper maid.

The door opened, and a tuxedoed waiter entered.

“Your Majesty, your late-night dessert. Enjoy.”

He bowed, presenting a silver tray.

Chloe hurried forward, taking it.

Wow! Macarons!

She couldn’t help licking her lips.

“Thank you. You may go,” Larvia said.

“Yes.” The waiter bowed again. “Safe travels, Your Majesty.”

He left.

The moment the door closed, Chloe grabbed a macaron, popping it into her mouth and crunching happily.

“Hey, those were for me, weren’t they?”

“Ugh… don’t be stingy, just one, please~”

“Fine, eat as many as you want. But…” Larvia’s tone shifted, “for every one you eat, you owe me an hour of cuddling tonight~”

“Huh?”

Chloe froze, macaron in hand.

‘Did I hear that right?’

She replayed Larvia’s words in her head.

‘Wow!’

‘What a deal!’

‘One hour of cuddling for a top-quality macaron!’

Not only could she sleep on Larvia’s soft bed, but she’d also get to eat tons of macarons!

These were made specially for Larvia—only the palace had better ones!

‘Such a steal!’

‘It’s just sleeping with Larvia. I was gonna crash her bed anyway.’

‘Deal! I’m eating!’

“Larvia, my stomach hurts…”

“Who told you to eat the whole tray? That was a lot~”

“Ugh…”

Chloe clutched her belly, tugging Larvia’s sleeve pitifully.

“Sigh~ What am I gonna do with you~”

Larvia got up and sat on the bed.

“Come here, I’ll rub it for you.”