The servant opened the door, only to find the study completely empty. At this point, it was better to risk Reginald being suspected by the king of deliberately concealing his whereabouts than to let him fall into the hands of the Blackwell family! Lady Liudmila's thoughts raced as she stepped forward and bowed, pleading, "Your Majesty, the Dowager Queen, I believe there is no need to cause such a commotion. I fear young Reginald has been mischievous and slipped away unnoticed. When he returns, I will personally discipline him severely for his unruly behavior that has caused you such worry and anger."
“What nonsense are you speaking?” The Dowager Queen frowned deeply, her expression full of disapproval as she retorted, “Reginald may be mischievous, but he has always been measured in his actions. How could he do something as reckless as sneaking out? That’s too dangerous, and he would never disregard the entire family. Something must have happened!” Her gaze, heavy with displea
The Queen and Dowager Queen, shocked by Reginald’s sudden appearance, were momentarily speechless. The Queen quickly recovered and snapped, "Lord Reginald, where have you been? And where are you returning from at this hour?"Any hopes of taking Reginald’s life amid the chaos had vanished. The only option left was to grasp at whatever incriminating evidence they could."Returning? From where?" Reginald’s expression was one of exaggerated surprise. Even in this feigned astonishment, his stunning features were mesmerizing. "What are you implying? I simply went to the restroom and returned to find such a grand commotion. It’s truly bewildering.""Don’t try to deny it!" The Queen pressed on, her tone sharp. "If you were in the manor, why couldn’t any of the guards account for your whereabouts? The Dowager Queen was frantic over your disappearance, and yet you stayed hidden, letting her worry—what exactly is your intention?"From the moment Reginald spoke, Lady
Finally, the Queen supported the Dowager Queen by the hand as they left Ashford Manor. Reginald called out loudly from behind, “Take care, Your Majesty!” Then he stood up and couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “You’re still laughing!” Lady Liudmila flicked his forehead hard. “You’ve always been reckless, but at least there used to be limits. The incident at The Heaven Lounge went too far. I thought Zachary and that Lila actually had an affair, but who knew it was your scheme all along. You! This was too obvious and caused such a stir that even the Dowager Queen couldn’t resist stepping in to deal with you. After today, you’ve seen how formidable she can be—keep yourself in check from now on!” Reginald shrugged nonchalantly. “The Queen already sees me as a thorn in her side. Could it get any worse? As for the Dowager Queen,” he flashed a bright smile at Lady Liudmila, his gaze sparkling, “didn’t I hear how she’s been pushing you harder an
The queen's heart sank—how had this matter reached the ears of the Dowager Queen? "Aunt, it was that Sheffield who was so insufferably arrogant, deliberately causing trouble for us! He dared to compete with Zachary and set her sights on the very girl he favored. I couldn’t stand it, so I—""Foolishness!" the Dowager Queen snapped, her brows furrowed tightly. "That Sheffield earned their title through real military achievements. In today’s political climate, their family holds more weight than those old noble houses like the William, who haven’t seen a battlefield in generations. People like them should be drawn closer, not suppressed. Assign the position of Knight of the Royal Guard to the Sheffield family’s young master at once."The Dowager Queen’s commanding tone left no room for argument. "Over the years, your actions have grown increasingly shortsighted. Anyone in the palace could see farther than you…" Her voice trailed off as she fell into thought.The Dowager Queen, herself a
Lady Langley had already heard of Lady Sheffield’s close friendship with Sophie and her notoriously difficult personality. She had prepared herself mentally for the encounter, but she hadn’t expected Lady Sheffield to immediately humiliate Miranda.“Lady Sheffield, you are absolutely right. After all, a stepmother’s care can never compare to that of a real mother. Perhaps we should invite you to stay permanently at the Croyso estate to teach these unruly young ladies some proper manners?”Lady Sheffield was stunned by Lady Langley’s retort. It was sharp and indirect, expertly turning the accusation of Miranda’s lack of upbringing into a subtle jab at Sophie for failing to properly teach her stepdaughter. Even more cleverly, the remark insinuated dissatisfaction with Lady Sheffield herself as a second wife.This Lady Langley was clearly not one to be trifled with!No wonder Sophie had been caught in a scandal as soon as Lady Langley arrived, leading to a cold war with the Earl of Croyso
What does it mean to say, "It would be great if my future daughter-in-law could be half as good as Rose"? Lady Sheffield had already settled on Miranda as her future daughter-in-law, yet she said this in front of Miranda. Wasn’t that a blatant slap to Miranda’s face? For Rose, this was the first time she had become the center of attention at the Croyso estate. Embarrassed, flustered, and anxious, her face turned red as she said, "Lady Sheffield, you flatter me too much. I’m clumsy and can’t do anything well, which is why I always try to learn more. Among us younger women, Miranda is truly the best—her embroidery is exceptional, and she’s incredibly intelligent. Even Earl Croyso dotes on her deeply." As she spoke, Rose cast pleading glances at Miranda, silently asking for help. It wasn’t that she wanted to outshine Miranda—she had no idea why Lady Sheffield would favor her so much. “You’re such a modest child!” Lady Sheffield dismissed her words with a wave, continuing, “But it
Upon hearing it was a decree from the Dowager Queen, everyone’s minds raced with countless thoughts. However, there was no time for words; they hurriedly changed into formal attire and went out to receive the message.The messenger was a young, cheerful steward, round and amiable, with a smile as warm as a benevolent saint. Once everyone had gathered, he raised his reedy, nasally voice and announced, “By command of Her Majesty the Dowager Queen: the day of my birthday approaches. I hereby summon Lady Croyso and the young ladies of the Croyso household to the palace to celebrate. So decreed!”The room collectively rose to express their gratitude. Miranda subtly slipped a pack of gold coin into his hand and asked, “Might I know your name, good steward?”The steward glanced at the coin’s value, his smile deepening. He silently praised the young lady’s sharpness and tact, thinking she must be Miranda, the eldest daughter of the Croyso family. Indeed, she had both intelligence and grace. “
Miranda found his demeanor amusing for a moment and stepped aside to a quieter area before asking, “Is there something you need, Fulton?”Seeing that no one was paying attention to them, Fulton hesitated and stammered, “I… my father gave me a beautiful fan yesterday. Each panel features a different flower, one for each month of the year. It’s really quite exquisite…”Miranda chuckled. “Well, congratulations.”Still, she couldn’t help but wonder—was something like this really worth all his hemming and hawing?Fulton, knowing such opportunities were rare, found himself unable to articulate his thoughts. He grew anxious, stamping his feet and sweating profusely.Lady Langley, however, had been watching them from a distance. Seeing Fulton’s demeanor, she quickly surmised his affection for Miranda. A faint smile graced her lips. While she felt gratified, she also felt a twinge of regret. Such a gentle and refined young man—why did he have to be burdened with a mother like Lady Sheffield? N
Lady Sheffield grew increasingly pleased as she plotted in her mind. She resolved to bring Fulton to the Croyso estate more frequently in the future to create opportunities for Rose. If that didn’t work, she, as his mother, would give things a little push. While she was deep in thought, she turned her head and saw her son fumbling nervously, face flushed, as he spoke to Miranda. Instantly annoyed, she stepped forward and said sharply, “You’re not even married yet, so don’t act so improper here!”Of course, her son couldn’t have done anything wrong—this accusation of “improper behavior” was directed squarely at Miranda!Lady Langley, who had been watching the scene, thought to herself, Running to your son's fiancée’s home and blaming her, how absurd!Fulton had wanted to give Miranda a fan but couldn’t muster the courage to do so. Just as he was hesitating, his mother intervened, criticizing Miranda right away. Growing anxious, he lowered his head and stammered, pulling at Lady Sheffie
Miranda and Selena stepped down from the carriage and, under the guidance of palace maids, made their way toward the Queen Dowager’s side hall.The path was lined with lush greenery and vibrant blooms, yet neither girl spared a glance—they each walked with focused silence, lost in their own thoughts.Upon reaching the side hall, the Queen Dowager greeted them with a display of warm affection. Before they could finish their curtsy, she had already waved over her maids to help them up and seated them at her sides, one on the left, the other on the right.Taking Miranda’s hand in hers with a look of loving concern, she said, “You poor child, having suffered two such unfortunate engagements. But it’s all behind you now—don’t let it trouble you. You’re a girl of great fortune. Riches and glory await you. Someone like Sheffield isn’t worth a second thought.”After offering her condolences, she turned to Selena, taking her hand and asking after her with tender care. Anyone who didn’t know be
"I was still very young back then. Madam Anna taught me some medicine with great care, but most of the time, I was buried in medical books and learning to identify herbs. I didn’t spend much time by her side. As for what happened that year… I only remember that it started with something happening to you, my lady. Someone died, and Madam Anna began a thorough investigation, but she couldn’t find any clues. During that time, both Madam Anna and Lady Langley looked very troubled. Later, for reasons I still don’t understand, Madam Anna suddenly passed away."Everything at the estate fell into chaos. Lady Langley interrogated all the servants from Anna’s side. Many died during that time. Some said Lady Langley was silencing witnesses. After that, Lord Croyso returned and drove Lady Langley out of the estate, swearing revenge on her…”Molly recounted the events in fragments—she had been too young and uninvolved to fully understand what had happened.But from Molly’s words, Miranda couldn’t
After the encounter at the royal palace, Hans was confident he had made a good impression on Earl Croyso. He had originally planned to take things slowly, building rapport step by step, not wanting to rush the process. But after overhearing that conversation between the two commoners, he couldn’t help feeling restless. If even those two penniless men could see the value of such a marriage prospect, how could the sharp-eyed nobles of the capital not see it too?There were plenty of promising young aristocrats in the city. If one of them made a move first, what did he have to compete with them? In birth, in title, in power—he had none of it.The more he thought about it, the more anxious and excited he became. Finally unable to suppress himself, he laid his plan today—and sure enough, was successfully invited to House Croyso. What he didn’t expect, however, was to run into Miss Selena so soon after arriving at the estate. It was as if fate itself was lending him a hand.He believed that
News that Hans had returned to the manor alongside Earl Croyso soon reached Miranda. She had anticipated that someone as opportunistic as Hans would never miss a chance to cozy up to the Croyso family—especially after she had deliberately sent those words to his ears. Hans Dickson would surely play some trick to win her father’s favor. And sure enough!Miranda gave a faint, cold smile and whispered something to Molly, who nodded and quietly left with her orders.Meanwhile, in the Tongze Courtyard, Hans had just finished applying medicine to his injuries and came to express his thanks to the Earl. The two quickly engaged in conversation. The Earl had already taken a liking to Hans, and Hans, in turn, spoke in a manner that was both agreeable and subtly flattering. As a result, their discussion grew increasingly congenial, and the atmosphere was warm and relaxed.Just then, a clear and melodious voice called from outside, “Father!”A flash of red swept into the room—a girl of thirteen o
"You had your chance and refused it. Now you'll learn the hard way!"The thug sneered. "Just a lowly knight, daring to offend the House of William? Because of you, Lord William’s title was reduced. Did you really think you could cross him without consequences? This is a lesson!"Hans laughed coldly."So that’s who you’re with—William, the pompous fraud who tried to bribe me into smearing someone else? Hah! A man that vile and shameless—yes, I offended him, and I’d do it again. If you’ve got the guts, come at me!"With that, the group surged forward, and a fierce brawl broke out.Back at the palace during the confrontation, Earl Croyso had already formed a favorable impression of Hans Dickson—a knight who was upright and proudly unbending. Especially since Hans had stood up to the House of William because of Miranda, Croyso’s goodwill toward him only grew. Seeing him outnumbered now, the earl was about to step in—only to pause, intrigued by the young man’s stance and poise.In a matter
Fulton listened expressionlessly as the edict was read aloud. So this was the glory bought with his parents’ betrayal of Miranda? It turned out he wasn’t just a gilded canary trapped in a cage—he was a puppet, to be moved and used at will.And yet, no matter how much resentment burned within him, the decree had already been issued. The marriage was now inevitable. As the heir of the Sheffield family, he had no power to defy the Queen Dowager’s command.How laughable. How pathetic. How tragic.And so, when the reading ended, Fulton didn’t even bother to accept the scroll. He turned and walked straight back to his chambers.But if anyone was truly distressed, it wasn’t Fulton—it was the Lady of S
“Is she serious? She is marrying you off to Fulton?” The queen was fuming. “Never mind that the Sheffield family has shallow roots and was never worthy of you to begin with—after what they’ve done lately, what daughter from a decent family would agree to marry into that mess? And you're a princess! Even with all the reasons the Queen Dowager gave, it still sounds completely far-fetched to me!”“Please calm down, Mother,” Gina said softly, far more composed than the queen. “Since the Queen Dowager told you directly, it means the matter is already decided. If I’m not mistaken, she probably wants to use this opportunity to win over the Sheffields. By granting them such an honor, she hopes to sweep away the recent scandal and make them feel indebted to her and to the Blackwell. That’s likely the real reason behind this arrangement.”“How did you know? That’s exactly what she said!” the queen cried, her voice rising with emotion. “She claimed it was to pave the way for Zachary’s future, but
"Your Majesty… what did you say?"In the palace hall, the queen stared in disbelief at the Queen Dowager, who was reclining gracefully on her chaise. Suspicion and shock filled her voice."At a time like this, you wish to arrange a marriage for Sheffield?"Right now, Sheffield and William’s reputations had hit rock bottom. Nearly the entire capital was condemning them—saying William was shameless and despicable, not only backing out of a marriage alliance with the Croyso family but trying to tarnish Miss Croyso’s name in the process. And Sheffield? They called him weak, spineless, and willing to sell out his own future bride for favor.At such a time, everyone was doing their best to avoid association with the Sheffield family—so why would the Queen Dowager choose to draw near, let alone offer a royal marriage?Worse, the broken engagement meant Miranda was now free from her previous betrothal. Without in-laws to tie her down, it was all too likely that the Queen Dowager would find a
Hearing Fulton’s flustered words and watching his unsteady figure stumble away, Earl Croyso let out a barely perceptible sigh. From how the boy first arrived, Fulton had seemed like a good child—soft-spoken, perhaps a bit timid, but upright in character.What a pity...Fulton’s presence had clearly stirred up the lingering shadows of the broken engagement. Earl Croyso had originally intended to comfort Miranda, but somehow, as the conversation went on, it ended with Miranda comforting him instead—leaving him amused.By the time Miranda returned to her chambers, night had fully fallen.She had assumed Reginald would have left long ago. So when she stepped into her inner room and saw that dark red figure bouncing around inside, she was startled and blurted out, “You're still here?”Reginald had hung his coat on the nearby rack and was now playing with one of Miranda’s embroidery needles. He had threaded it with string and was using it like a throwing dart, aiming it with precision at a