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Lady Langley frowned, clearly displeased with Selena’s sycophantic display. “Selena, stop your nonsense!”“Lady Langley, it's rare for His Highness to ask for our help. If we refuse too much, wouldn’t that be a slight to him?” In front of Zachary, Selena affectionately took Lady Langley’s arm, playfully pouting. “Besides, it’s His Highness’s cousin who wants this snow wolf robe. We’re all women, and close friends often exchange clothes and jewelry. What’s the harm in that? Moreover, if my embroidery skills are exceptional and it becomes well-known, it would bring honor to the House of Croyso, wouldn’t it?”Zachary was far from convinced by her flattery. Seeing her exaggerated demeanor, he doubted she was truly skilled in embroidery. Remembering the rumors from the flower-viewing banquet, he grew even more disinclined toward her. He was about to refuse when a thought crossed his mind, and his gaze briefly rested on Miranda. A cunning glint flashed in his dark eyes, and he smiled, noddin
Lady Langley glanced at Selena, who was lost in her thoughts, captivated by the Prince’s attention. Seizing the opportunity, she suggested to Miranda that they visit the storeroom together, leading her niece away discreetly. Selena, still immersed in her reverie, did not notice their departure. Once they reached a quiet spot, Lady Langley turned to Miranda and asked, "What’s going on?""Miss Selena’s belongings have gone missing," Miranda explained calmly. "I’ve heard that several valuable items have been stolen. Her maid has been making quite a scene, claiming that the thief must be one of the servants you brought from your agency. She also implied that because you took Selena out today, this incident was able to occur. With the Earl away and the head steward out shopping, there's no one in charge, so the situation is escalating."At this point, the Earl’s wife's plan became clear.A few days ago, the Countess mentioned that Selena was short on help and suggested that Miranda could pi
However, he wasn’t foolish. When the Countess came, Lady Miranda’s words would likely lose their authority. Most of what was decided would be undone, so he remained silent with a faint smile.“There’s an old saying: ‘Fortune favors the bold.’ You can’t hope for both safety and success; life doesn’t work that way. Opportunity knocks but once. You should think this through carefully.” With the bait already set, Miranda smiled lightly and left.After returning to her room, Miranda changed her clothes and freshened up. She then headed to the front hall with Molly and Silvia. The Countess had already arrived, sitting quietly. Everyone involved in the matter had also been summoned.The Countess said, “Miranda, why didn’t Lady Langley return with you? Something so serious has happened in the manor, and she thinks she can avoid trouble by hiding away?”Miranda replied calmly, “Please don’t be upset, Madam. Lady Langley was exhausted after I took her out for a whole day. I felt sorry for her,
Jack lowered his head in a deep bow, though his mind was roiling with turmoil. He finally understood what Miranda had meant earlier by "an opportunity." Just from this brief interaction with Miss Miranda, it was clear how clever and strategic she was. Moreover, she was currently the Earl's favorite, with her status in the household rising rapidly. As these thoughts churned in his mind, Jack made a silent decision and discreetly signaled one of his men to leave the front hall."Well, I’ve said everything that needed to be said—"At that moment, a maid at Selena's side rushed in and announced, "Miss Miranda, the Master has returned. Miss Selena has recounted the entire situation, and the Master wants you and to meet him in his chamber!" This news sent a ripple of tension through the room. Even Jack felt a pang of regret, but the man he had sent was already out of reach. All he could do was hope that Miss Miranda would be able to handle the Master.Mi
Jack entered the room to find Miss Selena, who had been the first to lodge a complaint, collapsed on the floor, trembling with fear. Meanwhile, Miss Miranda’s tear-streaked face still bore a hint of a smile, and the Earl’s eyes were full of admiration and affection. He silently rejoiced that he had made the right bet, outpacing others. After paying his respects, Jack respectfully reported, “My Lord, My Lady, Miss Miranda, following Miss Miranda’s analysis, it was determined that the theft must have been an inside job. Therefore, I conducted a thorough search within the estate. Indeed, I found the stolen items in the quarters of Miss Selena’s housekeeper. It appears that the housekeeper succumbed to temptation and committed the theft. I have come to report this matter.”Miranda had never said such a thing. Jack attributed the credit to her, signaling his loyalty.Having heard about the events in the front hall earlier, Earl Croyso was already impressed by his daughter’s wisdom and compo
****Within the palace, the air was thick with sandalwood incense.Lady Liudmila smiled softly as she considered the Emperor, who had summoned her despite his busy schedule. She couldn't help but recall the Empress's sharp words and biting sarcasm from the previous day. Lady Liudmila's expression became even more gentle. She knew that the Emperor appreciated her understanding nature, which was in stark contrast to the Empress's overbearing demeanor. Without fawning or attempting to seduce, she simply served quietly, creating an atmosphere of warmth and tranquility.The Emperor cast a brief glance at the gentle Lady Liudmila before returning his gaze to the scroll before him. Nodding in approval, he asked, "This poem is well-written. Who is the author?"Lady Liudmila stepped forward, glancing at the scroll before her. She smiled and said, "This was written by Miranda, the eldest daughter of Earl Croyso." As she spoke, she produced a sample of Miranda's handwriting from that day. "See, Y
That wretched girl come here for a vacation, did she? She’s bound to visit the hot springs. When the time comes, I’ll find a way to see her there and finally determine whether she has that mark or not! If she doesn’t have, I can finally expose her in front of the Earl. She’s not the real Miranda!With her plan in place, the Countess smiled warmly and said, “Miranda, aren’t you here to enjoy the hot springs? I’ve already ordered everything to be prepared. If you don’t mind, why don’t you join us for a bath?”Selena was stunned and stopped her knife and fork mid-air. “Mother!”Miranda's expression also seemed somewhat uncertain. “The Countess is being so considerate today that I’m almost flattered.”“I just want to take good care of you. After all, if you enjoy your vacation, we can return home sooner, can’t we?” The Countess, pretending to be respectful, offered a reason, hoping not to arouse Miranda’s suspicions. If Miranda didn’t join her in the hot springs, things could get tricky.M
Countess Croyso felt a surge of unspeakable satisfaction at having uncovered such a startling secret. Her voice was sharp and unyielding as she confronted Miranda, “You were sent by Lady Langley, weren’t you? Seizing the opportunity while the real Miranda was gravely ill, you took her place and dared to impersonate the young lady of the Croyso Estate. Your scheme was flawless, but you got too carried away, revealing countless inconsistencies that don’t align with Miranda’s character! I’ve watched Miranda since she was three years old—I can predict her every response. You couldn’t possibly be Miranda! Where is the real Miranda? Or is she dead? Julie had you impersonate Miranda just to re-establish ties with the Croyso family to profit and investigate us, didn’t she?”To her surprise, Miranda grew calmer under the Countess’s aggressive questioning.With a sudden twist of her wrist, she freed herself from the Countess’s grip, leisurely reaching for the gauze robe by the poolside and drapi
That day, the King came to pay his respects at the Queen Dowager’s palace. The Queen Dowager ordered tea to be served.A young lady stepped forward, dressed in a gown of pale blue silk—the 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 day—soothing 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, “I 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 figures—so why was it that when Reginald liked her, he remained so silent? So composed? Why hadn’t 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 moment—when he stumbled into her chambers feverish and disoriented—he never once made a move. He didn’t even try to interfere with the betrothal between the Croyso family and Sheffield.Weren’t people like them always forceful and self-indulgent in love and power alike? And Reginald, with his flamboyant and unrestrained nature—why 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, Reginald’s 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 pull—and 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 moon—only 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. Hans’s sweet lies after she married with him—and her naïve, wholehearte
“Although His Majesty shows great respect and deference to the Queen Dowager, and her position in the palace seems untouchable,” Miranda said firmly, “if their relationship were truly as unshakable as it appears, then why would she need to use me as a pawn? That alone tells me—they don’t fully trust each other. I’m convinced there’s a rift between them.”Her eyes gleamed with quiet intelligence.“Besides, the Queen Dowager is from House Blackwell. So is the Queen. If Prince Zachary ascends the throne, the maternal family’s power will be overwhelming. Lord Reginald, tell me—could the King possibly feel at ease with that? Don’t you think he might also want to bring down the Queen Dowager and the Blackwell family?”If the answer to all of those questions was yes—then that was her opportunity.Especially when she recalled that moment at the Croyso estate—how the King, upon first seeing her, had lost his composure and shattered his teacup. Yet in the Queen Dowager’s hall, he had greeted he
“Miranda, what do you intend to do?” he asked cautiously, probing her thoughts.Miranda didn’t answer directly. Instead, she returned the question, “What do you think I should do, Lord Reginald?”“Just as you said, the Queen Dowager is ruthless and cunning. She doesn’t care if she destroys you in the process. So, Miranda, don’t confront her head-on. Evade her, pretend even, let her think she’s won—just don’t suffer for nothing!” That was the real reason Reginald had come today—to warn her. Earlier, he’d 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 he’d already passed along a warning through a young eunuch, he had still worried something might go wrong. That’s 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 conveyed—and all that needed to be said—had 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 girls’ fatigue, did not keep them much longer and arranged for them to rest.As the two left together, Miranda could tell from Selena’s expression that she had likely already taken the Queen Dowager to heart—as 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 Dowager’s 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
Before entering the palace, Miranda had once asked Molly about the events surrounding her mother’s death. Molly had said that it all began with some kind of incident involving Miranda herself. Could it have been her sudden illness? Her father, perhaps out of concern for her young age, had merely told her that her mother had passed from illness, never elaborating. After all she had been through in her past life, Miranda was certain—her stepmother had been behind her mother’s death. That much was undeniable. But how had she done it? If Miranda could uncover the truth, Sophie would be utterly ruined.Despite her inner thoughts, Miranda wore a gentle smile. “The royal physician’s skills are indeed remarkable.”Just as the physician was taking his leave, the maid who had led Miranda and Selena earlier came running in, breathless and pale.“Your Majesty the Queen Dowager, something terrible has happened! Lady Selena ran into Her Majesty the Queen over by the gazebo and, for some reason, of