Finally, the Queen supported the Dowager Queen by the hand as they left Ashford Manor.
Reginald called out loudly from behind, โTake care, Your Majesty!โ Then he stood up and couldnโt help but burst into laughter.
โYouโre still laughing!โ Lady Liudmila flicked his forehead hard. โYouโve 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 couldnโt resist stepping in to deal with you. After today, youโve seen how formidable she can beโkeep yourself in check from now on!โ
Reginald shrugged nonchalantly. โThe Queen already sees me as a thorn in her side. Could it get any worse? As for the Dowager Queen,โ he flashed a bright smile at Lady Liudmila, his gaze sparkling, โdidnโt I hear how sheโs been pushing you harder an
The queen's heart sankโhow 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 couldnโt stand it, so Iโ""Foolishness!" the Dowager Queen snapped, her brows furrowed tightly. "That Sheffield earned their title through real military achievements. In todayโs political climate, their family holds more weight than those old noble houses like the William, who havenโt 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 familyโs young master at once."The Dowager Queenโs commanding tone left no room for argument. "Over the years, your actions have grown increasingly shortsighted. Anyone in the palace could see farther than youโฆ" Her voice trailed off as she fell into thought.The Dowager Queen, herself a
Lady Langley had already heard of Lady Sheffieldโs close friendship with Sophie and her notoriously difficult personality. She had prepared herself mentally for the encounter, but she hadnโt expected Lady Sheffield to immediately humiliate Miranda.โLady Sheffield, you are absolutely right. After all, a stepmotherโs 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?โLady Sheffield was stunned by Lady Langleyโs retort. It was sharp and indirect, expertly turning the accusation of Mirandaโs 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. Wasnโt that a blatant slap to Mirandaโs 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. Iโm clumsy and canโt do anything well, which is why I always try to learn more. Among us younger women, Miranda is truly the bestโher embroidery is exceptional, and sheโs incredibly intelligent. Even Earl Croyso dotes on her deeply." As she spoke, Rose cast pleading glances at Miranda, silently asking for help. It wasnโt that she wanted to outshine Mirandaโshe had no idea why Lady Sheffield would favor her so much. โYouโre such a modest child!โ Lady Sheffield dismissed her words with a wave, continuing, โBut it
Upon hearing it was a decree from the Dowager Queen, everyoneโs 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, โBy 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!โThe room collectively rose to express their gratitude. Miranda subtly slipped a pack of gold coin into his hand and asked, โMight I know your name, good steward?โThe steward glanced at the coinโs value, his smile deepening. He silently praised the young ladyโs sharpness and tact, thinking she must be Miranda, the eldest daughter of the Croyso family. Indeed, she had both intelligence and grace. โ
Miranda found his demeanor amusing for a moment and stepped aside to a quieter area before asking, โIs there something you need, Fulton?โSeeing that no one was paying attention to them, Fulton hesitated and stammered, โIโฆ my father gave me a beautiful fan yesterday. Each panel features a different flower, one for each month of the year. Itโs really quite exquisiteโฆโMiranda chuckled. โWell, congratulations.โStill, she couldnโt help but wonderโwas 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 Fultonโs 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 manโwhy 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 didnโt 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, โYouโre not even married yet, so donโt act so improper here!โOf course, her son couldnโt have done anything wrongโthis accusation of โimproper behaviorโ was directed squarely at Miranda!Lady Langley, who had been watching the scene, thought to herself, Running to your son's fiancรฉeโs home and blaming her, how absurd!Fulton had wanted to give Miranda a fan but couldnโt 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
The green-clad maidโs expression turned flustered. She hadnโt expected Miranda to recognize that this winding path wasnโt the one theyโd taken earlier. For a moment, she froze in place but quickly recovered and said earnestly, โMiss Miranda, please come with me. I mean no harm to youโthis is a good thing, not a bad one. Please believe me!โMiranda enunciated each word coldly: โIโll ask one more time. Who sent you, and where are you taking me?โThe maid hesitated. โI cannot say.โMiranda wasted no further words. She turned and walked away.The maid hadnโt expected Miranda to leave so decisively. Growing increasingly anxious, she stepped in front of Miranda, pleading to no avail. Finally, she dropped to her knees and began to cry. โMiss Miranda, the master forbade me to reveal anything. But I swear, itโs truly not harmful to you! If I fail to bring you, my lowly life will be forfeit. Please, show me mercy and come with me!โAs she spoke, she knelt and kowtowed repeatedly. Her fair foreh
"Forgive my ignorance. It seems I haven't been taught manners as thoroughly as Miss June, whose upbringing and decorum are truly exemplary. I must learn much from you, Miss June. But to speak ahead of the princess and inquire about anotherโs family fortuneโhow far has one fallen to act so disgracefully? Many thanks to Miss June for teaching me these two rules of propriety. So, may I ask, Miss June, what is your familyโs fortune, and how far has it fallen?" Miranda asked with a warm smile, her tone gentle and cordial.She and June were already sworn enemies, so Mirandaโs words were sharp and unyielding, leaving no room for mercy.Princess Gina covered her mouth with her sleeve, letting out a soft chuckle, finding Miranda utterly delightful.June, however, was left in an impossible situation. To respond or not to respondโit was equally mortifying. Her face flushed crimson, and she stomped her foot. "Miranda, how dare you be so insolent!""My information is limited, and I truly wasnโt awa
"Miranda?"The King, who had just risen to his feet, slowly sat back down, frowning slightly. After a moment, he said, "Let her come forward."Guided by Giles, Miranda approached gracefully and knelt in salute. "Greetings, Your Majesty."The King studied her closely, trying to guess her intentions. "You asked to see me. What is it you wish to say?""I..." Miranda hesitated, carefully choosing her words."Your Majesty's teachings remain engraved in my heart. Yet, in this world, eight or nine out of ten things do not go as one wishes," Miranda answered calmly, her head bowed. Slowly, she lifted her gaze and caught sight of a sheet of paper on the table. Daringly, she picked it up with a gentle motion. The King silently watched her actions."For a piece of paper," she said softly, "its greatest wish would be to remain pure and untouched โ neither stained by ink nor creased by water. Yet once a hand reaches out and soaks it in ink or water, the paper has no strength to resist."She did no
That day, the King came to pay his respects at the Queen Dowagerโs palace. The Queen Dowager ordered tea to be served.A young lady stepped forward, dressed in a gown of pale blue silkโthe soft, mist-like color seemed steeped in delicate light, graceful and ethereal. Her hair ornaments matched in hue, adorned with teardrop-shaped tassels that swayed gently with her movements, catching the light like liquid glass. Her skin was fair as porcelain, her features fresh and luminous, like a lotus emerging from clear waters.Her simple attire, serene beauty, and quiet elegance gave the impression of a cool spring flowing through a sweltering dayโsoothing and refreshing.When the King saw that the one serving tea was Miranda, he paused. His gaze lingered briefly on her attire, on her calm expression, on the faint scent of perfume that wafted near. His eyes flickered with a shadowed gleam as he said with a faint smile, โI heard Miss Miranda fell ill shortly after entering the palace, and has be
Miranda was filled with doubts.Zachary had taken a liking to her and, without even asking her opinion, went straight to the Queen to request a royal marriage decree. The Queen Dowager fancied her and instantly ordered her into the palace as a companion. They were all powerful figuresโso why was it that when Reginald liked her, he remained so silent? So composed? Why hadnโt she sensed even the slightest hint of his feelings?Even after hearing about her engagement to Sheffield, he simply vanished from her world. Aside from that one momentโwhen he stumbled into her chambers feverish and disorientedโhe never once made a move. He didnโt even try to interfere with the betrothal between the Croyso family and Sheffield.Werenโt people like them always forceful and self-indulgent in love and power alike? And Reginald, with his flamboyant and unrestrained natureโwhy had he acted so differently?Her head throbbed. With a shake, she tried to banish the thoughts. There was a clear disparity in s
In that faintly charged, ambiguous atmosphere, Reginaldโs ears suddenly twitched. He had caught the faint sound of footsteps approaching. His expression changed instantly. He gave Miranda a small nod, pulled up his hood, and with a light, soundless leap, landed on the windowsill. With one hand gripping the ledge, he gave a pullโand in the next breath, his figure vanished from sight.Miranda understood at once and quietly closed the window.***It was deep into the night. No stars, no moonโonly utter darkness.Miranda lay upon soft pillows, her eyes shut tightly. Beads of sweat gathered on her pale, smooth forehead, soaking into her hairline. Her head moved slightly from side to side, as if trying to shake something off. Her sleep was uneasy.She dreamt of many things from the past.Foolishness from a previous life. The days in the Croyso household, sharing what felt like a mother-daughter bond with her stepmother. Hansโs sweet lies after she married with himโand her naรฏve, wholehearte
โAlthough His Majesty shows great respect and deference to the Queen Dowager, and her position in the palace seems untouchable,โ Miranda said firmly, โif their relationship were truly as unshakable as it appears, then why would she need to use me as a pawn? That alone tells meโthey donโt fully trust each other. Iโm convinced thereโs a rift between them.โHer eyes gleamed with quiet intelligence.โBesides, the Queen Dowager is from House Blackwell. So is the Queen. If Prince Zachary ascends the throne, the maternal familyโs power will be overwhelming. Lord Reginald, tell meโcould the King possibly feel at ease with that? Donโt you think he might also want to bring down the Queen Dowager and the Blackwell family?โIf the answer to all of those questions was yesโthen that was her opportunity.Especially when she recalled that moment at the Croyso estateโhow the King, upon first seeing her, had lost his composure and shattered his teacup. Yet in the Queen Dowagerโs hall, he had greeted he
โMiranda, what do you intend to do?โ he asked cautiously, probing her thoughts.Miranda didnโt answer directly. Instead, she returned the question, โWhat do you think I should do, Lord Reginald?โโJust as you said, the Queen Dowager is ruthless and cunning. She doesnโt care if she destroys you in the process. So, Miranda, donโt confront her head-on. Evade her, pretend even, let her think sheโs wonโjust donโt suffer for nothing!โ That was the real reason Reginald had come todayโto warn her. Earlier, heโd gone to the palace to attend council with the King and was granted leave to walk in the royal gardens afterwards. That gave him the opportunity to send Miranda a message, even now, to meet her here in person.Though heโd already passed along a warning through a young eunuch, he had still worried something might go wrong. Thatโs why he had been hiding near the gazebo all along, ready to intervene if needed.He had seen everything with his own eyes.In the end, it was Selena who suffered
A pair of soft, deep-set eyes turned to Miranda, glittering with charm as a smile curled across his lips.Miranda turned and saw him, immediately realizing that this man had probably climbed in through a window again.He was putting on an act as usual. With a trace of exasperation, she stepped forward and curtsied: “Lord Reginald.”Reginald glanced at Molly and waved his hand, motioning for her to leave.Molly hesitated—how could she dare leave?Reginald gave her a half-smile, half-sneer: “What are you frozen for? Do you think I’m going to devour your miss?”Miranda gave a subtle nod, and Molly reluctantly backed out.“Lord Reginald, sneaking into the Queen Dowager’s territory? Aren’t you worried that by tomorrow, rumors about the two of us will be all over the capital?” Miranda smiled once the room was clear.R
The three of them chatted for a while longer.More precisely, it was Selena and the Queen Dowager laughing cheerfully together like close kin, while Miranda seemed to be silently lost in thought, her mind elsewhere.The Queen Dowager humored Selena while occasionally casting a glance at Miranda, a knowing smile flickering in her eyes.Although today's "accident" had originally been prepared for Miranda and ended up landing on Selena by chance, the message it conveyedโand all that needed to be saidโhad already been delivered through Selena.If Miranda was truly clever, she should understand what path she needed to take from now on.Having just entered the palace and experienced such an event, the Queen Dowager, showing concern for the girlsโ fatigue, did not keep them much longer and arranged for them to rest.As the two left together, Miranda could tell from Selenaโs expression that she had likely already taken the Queen Dowager to heartโas someone she could rely on completely.Mirand
Since the king had made his decision, the matter was settled. The queen cast one final glance at Selena, then looked over at Miranda before curtseying to the Queen Dowager and taking her leave.The Queen Dowager had Selena helped to her feet and brought back to her own palace. There, she offered soothing salves for the bruises, showering Selena with gentle concern and comfort.Already full of grievance, Selena was moved by such kindness, and her sorrow burst forth. She broke into tears, crying uncontrollably in the Queen Dowagerโs arms.The Queen Dowager lightly patted her shoulder, letting her cry it out.It took some time before Selena calmed down. She slowly recounted the events.After she and Miranda parted ways, the guiding maid noticed Miranda had gone missing and panicked. After all, she had been entrusted with Miranda's care, and if something happened, she would surely be punished. So she asked Selena to wait at the gazebo while she went to look for Miranda.Selena sat for a w