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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
Just then, Hendrik entered with a timely delivery of medicinal broth.Once again, Reginald made a show of his injured arms—dropping the spoon several times with exaggerated difficulty—until Miranda, without a word, took the bowl and spoon from him and began feeding him, one careful spoonful at a time. Bathed in this gentle tenderness, Reginald found himself thinking that the injury had been well worth it. A pity, though—once the medicine was gone, he could no longer find an excuse to keep her by his side, let alone steal another tender moment. With no alternative, he gave up reluctantly.Once his wound was dressed, they finally had a moment to speak of the night’s events.“Lord Reginald, what was that place? And why were you there?” Miranda had far too many questions.Reginald raised a brow. “Take a guess.”Miranda frowned, then her eyes lit up. “Was that… the residence for foreign envoys?”Reginald looked momentarily startled. “How did you know?”“I noticed that those men in black beh
Seeing the man's bare back, Miranda knew she ought to feel shy.But in this moment, as her eyes fell on Reginald’s scarred and bloodied back, there was no room in her heart for bashfulness—only a deep, twisting pain. The wounds were raw and cruel, slashing across his skin one after another. These injuries should have been hers to bear, but he had taken them all in her place.In the chaos of battle, no one knew better than Miranda how often Reginald had used his body to shield her from deadly blows…Though it was clear he had feelings for her, and had saved her more than once, he never sought to use his kindness to win affection. He never confessed, never asked for thanks. He simply cared for her quietly, asking nothing in return. Something within Miranda’s hardened heart stirred—softened. And with that softness came a dull ache, as if sorrow and tenderness flooded in all at once.If only he had been less sincere, more calculating—at least then, she wouldn’t feel so helpless before his
Just as they were about to shake off the guards behind them, a new group suddenly appeared ahead. Leading them was a richly dressed middle-aged man who glared at Reginald and his companions, shouting, “Think you can leave after causing such chaos? It’s not that easy!” As he raised his hand to give the order to attack, his gaze suddenly fell upon Miranda standing behind Reginald. His eyes widened in shock, his expression twisting in disbelief as he pointed at her, exclaiming, “You—!”Taking advantage of his stunned state, Harland leapt forward like lightning and slashed through the legs of the man’s horse in one clean stroke. The middle-aged man tumbled to the ground. Harland pressed his blade to the man’s throat and dragged him back to their formation, saying coldly, “No one move, or I’ll kill him where he stands!”Seeing their leader taken hostage, the rest of the men hesitated, unwilling to risk his life.“Clear a path. Once we’ve left safely, we’ll release him,” Harland declared, h
Seeing the man's attire, the burly warrior beside him immediately realized that this must be one of their brothers who had gone to the palace to assassinate someone—now back and enraged, looking for a fight. But upon hearing the words "His Highness is dead," his heart was struck with unspeakable shock, his mind going blank for a moment.Stepping forward, he shielded Miranda and raised his sword to block the masked man’s saber.“Calm down! The commander said this woman might still be useful. Don’t go against his word!”But before his words had even finished, the situation changed in a flash.The masked man abruptly twisted his blade, slashing toward the burly warrior’s neck with lightning speed. The angle was vicious and sudden—nearly impossible to guard against.The burly man had assumed this was merely a furious comrade; it never occurred to him that he would suddenly turn his blade on him. Let alone defend himself—he was still in stunned disbelief even as the blade sliced across his
The man in black twisted Miranda's arm with one hand and held a dagger across her with the other. He jerked his chin toward Molly, signaling her to open the door. His grip on the dagger only tightened.Molly glanced worriedly at her miss before stepping forward to open the door.Standing outside was the regal and elegant Queen Dowager, flanked by Margaret and others—Selena stood nearby.The moment the door opened and the Queen Dowager saw Miranda being held hostage, her expression changed drastically. She shouted, “Who are you? How dare you seize a noble lady? Release her at once!”“Oh, how dearly the Queen Dowager treasures this Miss Croyso,” the man in black sneered. “Good. If Your Grace doesn’t want anything to happen to her, then cooperate and help us get out of the palace. With your seal, I don’t suppose it’ll be difficult? Once we’re somewhere safe, we’ll let her go. How about that?”“Your Grace, you mustn’t!” Margaret cried urgently. “These assassins are after His Majesty’s life
Hearing those words, Miranda finally let out a breath of relief.The fact that the King was willing to assign her tasks meant he had accepted her explanation.Of course, the King would not so easily trust her loyalty; she would still need to prove herself through her future actions. But at least, for someone like her—cornered by the Queen Mother with no way out—there was now a glimmer of hope ahead.As long as the King truly intended to oppose the Queen Mother, and as long as she could assist him in bringing her down, Miranda would be able to regain her freedom and no longer live under the Queen Mother's control."I understand. I will strictly follow Your Majesty's instructions," Miranda replied. "I used an excuse to leave earlier, and I cannot be away for too long. If there are no further orders, I shall take my leave."The King watched Miranda’s retreating figure in silence.Because of that familiar face, he couldn’t help but pay her a little more attention, though he did not show i
"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 — 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 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