In the study, a meticulously crafted iron incense burner, shaped like a crouching lion, sat majestically on the table. Its head was held high, as if surveying the entire room, with wisps of fragrant smoke curling from its open mouth, creating an atmosphere of mystery and tranquility.
"Stand before me!" commanded Lord Croyso, seated in a chair of purple-black rosewood, his expression dark and his voice low but commanding.
Though outwardly calm, those who knew his temperament understood he was seething with rage. "My Lady, do you know your crime?"
The Countess immediately stood, her face a mask of confusion, flawlessly feigning innocence. "I do not know what wrong I have committed, my lord."
"A fine tale of cutting flesh to heal, a paragon of benevolence and compassion!" Lord Croyso sneered, his anger rising uncontrollably.
"Do you think me so easily deceived? Let me tell you, the
In the dead of night, under a moonlit sky as pale as frost, Miranda lay awake, eyes fixed on the dark expanse. Her mind was preoccupied with a single thought: how to eliminate Mrs. Wilson.This cunning and scheming woman posed a constant threat. Given her status as Miranda's nanny, her position was not that of an ordinary servant.A single misstep could lead to accusations of ingratitude and cruelty, damaging Miranda's reputation irreparably.After pondering for a long time, Miranda realized that all her schemes required accomplices. The problem was that Mrs. Wilson had already seized control of the people around Miranda, and other courtyards were beyond Miranda's reach. She had no one to rely on.Her eyes inadvertently fell on her wrist, bringing back memories of the sudden appearance of a note that fateful night."The medicine has been tampered with. Do not take it. Delay as mu
“Miranda, I’ve come to chat with you. Don’t be annoyed!” Early in the morning, Selena arrived at Miranda's room.She was adorned with a lustrous pearl necklace around her neck and dressed in a vibrant red gown embroidered with golden patterns of intertwining branches and flowers.Her radiant appearance starkly contrasted with the sickly, pale Miranda lying in bed, making her look even more dazzling.Miranda smiled faintly and said, “It’s so early, Selena. I haven’t even had breakfast yet.” A patient who hadn’t had breakfast, yet Selena was here already. Was this really a visit to see how she was? Clearly, it was to make her feel worse!“No problem, take it easy. I’ll just sit here.” Miranda ignored her and continued with her meal.“Wow, Miranda, this sixteen-panel purple sandalwood glass screen at your bedside is beautiful!” Selena’s eyes shone with envy.Selena was filled with jealousy. She approached and began stroking the screen, laughing naturally, “Miranda, you’re always so gener
Count Croyso frowned deeply and barked, "What is happening? Don't you know the Miss Miranda is ill? Such commotion is unacceptable!"A maid hurriedly entered, bowed to everyone, and then reported, "My Lord, someone outside claims to be here on behalf of Mrs. Langley to visit Miss Miranda. Greta informed them that the Miss is resting and cannot receive guests. They argued, and we couldn't stop them. Please advise us, My Lord."Mrs. Langley? Count Croyso's frown deepened further. Why would Julie Langley send someone to visit Miranda? What is she plotting?Mrs. Langley, the sister of the late Countess Anna, is technically Miranda's aunt. However, she is notorious in aristocratic circles for her fiery temper.During Anna's lifetime, the sisters had a strained relationship. Moreover, Julie lost her husband years ago and has been managing his estate alone since, rarely visiting her niece over the years.The Countess also had her doubts. Given Julie Langley's personality, she would not send s
Lady Wilson was always meticulous in her actions. If she wasn’t absolutely certain, she wouldn’t look like this with no fear. Could it be that someone frame her? Suspicion fell upon Molly.The countess said slowly, “Strange, Miss Miranda’s medicine has always been fine. Why is it that there are problems as soon as you arrive, Molly?”The implication was clear: the countess suspected Molly of tampering with the medicine.Molly remained calm, meeting the countess’s gaze as she replied in a steady voice, “Countess, Miss Miranda’s medicine has always had issues; I only discovered it.”“Is that so?” The countess narrowed her eyes, her gaze sharp. “How coincidental that none of us knew about ‘Luna’s Bane,’ yet you know all about it. And coincidentally, as soon as you arrived, you detected ‘Luna’s Bane’ in Miss Miranda’s medicine. After the physician confirmed it, we indeed found this ingredient. Are you a fortune teller, Molly?”“I have studied some medicine,” Molly responded defiantly. “‘Lu
Due to Miranda's plea and her mention of "accumulating virtue," Count Croyso ultimately spared Mrs. Wilson's life, sentencing her instead to fifty lashes and banishment from the estate.From that point, without Miranda even speaking a word, she got Molly by her side. With Molly's careful care, Miranda quickly recovered.One sunny day, Miranda, accompanied by Molly, went to the garden to enjoy the flowers. In the bright spring courtyard, Molly supported her cautiously.Seeing no one around, she couldn't help but ask, "Miss, I don't understand. Why did you plead for Mrs. Wilson?"Miranda smiled slightly, picking a translucent magnolia blossom and sniffing it gently."Mrs. Wilson is the Countess's confidante and surely knows many of her secrets. The Countess wanted her dead, cutting off her livelihood. How could Mrs. Wilson not harbor resentment? The Countess would worry about her secrets being exposed. With such mutual animosity, why not let them fight each other?"Mrs. Wilson, being cun
In the study, after completing his official duties with Miranda's company, Earl Croyso decided to take her out for a change of scenery. Seated comfortably in the carriage, Miranda stealthily lifted the curtain, peering through the veil of her bonnet at the bustling scene outside.As they journeyed, the towering buildings on both sides, the rows of shops brimming with a dazzling array of goods, and the throngs of people created a grand and splendid atmosphere."My lord!" Suddenly, Thomas’s voice came from outside the carriage. "The Chess Pavilion up ahead is hosting another chess duel. I've heard the prize this time is a set of rainbow glass beads, which has attracted a large crowd, blocking the road. Would you like to pause for a while, or should we take a detour?"This chess duel was a renowned spectacle of the capital, with the Chess Pavilion being the most famous. Rumor has it that in each small room, a chess master is on duty. Only those who could win three consecutive games were q
Count Croyso was puzzled. Was there some subtlety he had missed? Concentrating on the chessboard, he saw the black pieces, which had once been scattered in an orderly manner within their territory, gradually being devoured by the white pieces.However, for some reason, the club master was placing his pieces increasingly slowly, as if each move required immense mental effort. Before the game concluded, the club master suddenly sighed softly, pushed the chess pieces away, and said, "No need to continue, I have lost!"The club master was in an absolutely advantageous position, so why did he claim defeat? Everyone was confused. Count Croyso stared at the chessboard, seeming to understand something.Miranda stood up gracefully, her demeanor respectful, and said gently, "The club master is too modest; it is I who have lost." However, Miranda couldn't help but feel that his purpose in playing was far from merely attracting customers, or promoting his namefor chess; there seemed to be a deep
The news of Miranda's victory in a chess match at the Black and White Chess Pavilion spread rapidly throughout the capital, causing a stir of disbelief. Once considered plain and untalented, especially after her recent broken engagement with the marquis' family, Miranda's win against the pavilion's master, who had not lost in three years, challenged everyone's perceptions.Even the servants in Count Croyso's mansion were taken aback. "Miss Miranda beat the master and took the seven-colored glass bead? That’s incredible!" they murmured. Rumors spread that Miranda was more talented than previously known.The countess was furious. "Nonsense! Miranda is nothing compared to Selena!" "Hmph, that little wench will never escape my grasp!" The countess sneered, issuing orders to Beatrix, "Go to the teachers of the mansion's young ladies and tell them..." After giving her instructions, the countess went to find Count Croyso.The next day, Count Croyso summoned Miranda, instructing her to resume
"What did you say? Sheffield and the Croyso family have broken off the engagement?"Inside the manor, upon receiving the news, Reginald stared fixedly at Harland, who had just delivered the message. The letter he had been reading was clenched in his palm, crumpled into a ball. His shimmering eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a chill colder than ever before—an icy aura that was both piercing and oppressive.An illicit affair… a broken engagement…"Exactly. I heard that Sheffield had a fierce argument with the Croyso family over this. On the way back to their estate, Sheffield and Lady Sheffield were cursing the entire time, making no attempt to keep their voices down. It seemed as if they wanted to make a public spectacle of it. I overheard them saying that Miss Miranda was… was improper, that at such a young age she was already entangled with a man. They claimed the engagement could not proceed and must be called off. The moment I heard it, I rushed back to report."Harland had alread
Hearing these words, everyone except the king, Earl Croyso, the lady in the purple dress, and her maid was utterly shocked. “She…” Marquis William was dumbfounded. “If she’s not Miranda, then who is?” “This is my niece, Rose! Stop staring. The maid beside her isn’t Miranda either—she’s just a maid!” Earl Croyso scoffed. “I knew you’d try to bribe someone to make false accusations!” Clearly, this was a trap set by Earl Croyso and the king. If Hans Dickson truly had a relationship with Miranda, he should at least have met her in person and recognized that this woman wasn’t Miranda. But if he had been bribed and was merely fabricating claims, he would naturally assume that the lady in the purple dress was Miranda upon hearing her introduce herself as such, with Earl Croyso repeatedly calling her by that name and offering his reassurances. Given the circumstances, anyone would believe it. Marquis William had only seen Miranda when she was a very young child. Later, due to Sophie
Hans Dickson raised an eyebrow and smirked. “You claim that Miss Miranda and I met in secret multiple times? As the eldest daughter of an earl, Miss Miranda is always accompanied by maids and attendants. Even if she were careless, wouldn’t her nurse have noticed and intervened? How could she possibly have met with me frequently in private?”Earl Croyso nodded approvingly at these words, secretly cheering, Well said!Hans Dickson continued, “Even if we assume, for argument’s sake, that I did have feelings for Miss Miranda, since she is engaged, I would have withdrawn. Would I really be so selfish as to ruin her reputation? And would I have done something as absurd as bringing a handkerchief to her fiancé’s residence to demand a broken engagement? House William is a noble family—if such an incident had truly occurred, wouldn’t they have had me thrown out at once? How could they possibly have broken off the engagement with the Croyso family over such a ridiculous claim? Isn’t that laughab
Marquis William’s eyes widened in astonishment, completely unable to grasp the meaning behind Hans Dickson’s words.A sudden turn of events occurred—just as William was relying on Hans Dickson’s smug accusations against Earl Croyso and Miranda, Hans Dickson unexpectedly uttered these words, causing the situation to take a sharp turn. For a moment, everyone present was bewildered by his statement, staring at both Hans Dickson and Marquis William in confusion.“That statement alone is worth two thousand gold Pieces, wouldn’t you say? It’s enough to be remembered as a remarkable tale.” Hans Dickson smiled, but his expression was as cold as ice. Suddenly, he turned around and made a deep bow to Miranda. “My words earlier were offensive, and I ask for Miss Miranda’s forgiveness.”After Miranda returned the courtesy, Hans Dickson turned toward the king, knelt deeply, and said solemnly, “Your Majesty, the words I spoke earlier were at the instruction of another. In truth, I am completely una
"Hans Dickson, since you already know why I have summoned you, there is no need for unnecessary words," the king said unhurriedly, his expression calm. "Marquis William claims that you and Miss Miranda share mutual affection and that you once brought a handkerchief to the William estate to seek his blessing. Now, tell the truth of the matter. If there is even a single falsehood in your words, you shall not be spared!""Yes, I would not dare utter a single lie!" Hans Dickson replied earnestly, speaking with confidence. "My family is that of a fallen noble house, long without lands of our own. Last year, I came to the capital to participate in the knight selection. During my free time, I often went on excursions to the nearby mountains with friends. It was during one such outing, in September of last year, that I happened to encounter Miss Miranda of House Croyso. "Our conversation was most agreeable, and despite my lowly status, Miss Miranda never looked down on me. Instead, she encou
A servant entered the hall and respectfully announced, “Your Majesty, Miss Miranda has arrived.”The king did not lift his head and simply said, “Let her in.”A young woman gracefully stepped into the hall. She had delicate features and a composed expression. She wore an ivory silk gown with pale yellow trim, and a sprig of winter jasmine in soft yellow adorned her neckline. A long, flowing sash draped from her waist, swaying gently with each step, giving her an air of light elegance. Behind her followed a maid in a plain blue dress, head lowered and hands clasped demurely.The two approached and curtsied gracefully. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”The king cast a casual glance at them before briefly shifting his gaze to Earl Croyso. Only then did he say, “Rise.”Without further preamble, he asked, “Miss Miranda, do you know why I have summoned you here?”Miranda lowered her voice and replied, “Your Majesty, I do. The chamberlain who delivered the decree has already explained the matter to
The king rubbed his temples with a hint of a headache, his brows furrowed as he gazed down at the two men below.Earl Croyso turned around and bowed deeply to the king. "Your Majesty, please seek justice for my daughter, Miranda. This old scoundrel—" He pointed a trembling finger at Marquis William, his voice shaking with fury. "He wanted to climb the social ladder by securing a marriage with the Blackwell family and so broke off the engagement that had long been arranged with my Croyso family. That alone would have been tolerable, but now he has even ordered people to slander my Miranda’s reputation, accusing her of an illicit affair. Your Majesty!"Earl Croyso suddenly called out, his voice tinged with emotion.Such a rare display of vulnerability from a man known for his toughness only made his words all the more striking."The William family’s actions are nothing short of destroying my daughter’s future happiness! Miranda is only thirteen years old—still a child! To use such despi
The Croyso family's guards were momentarily stunned by his roar but quickly resumed their destruction.Upon witnessing the scene, Marquess William was utterly furious, nearly exploding with rage. He rushed forward, commanding his own guards to drive Croyso's men back.Earl Croyso sneered. “Lord William, what’s the point of flaunting your power before my guards? If you want a fight, come at me directly!”“Croyso, you’ve gone too far!” Marquess William's anger flared again at these words. He stormed up to him, pointing a finger in his face. “Bringing a band of thugs to wreck my estate—what do you mean by this? Have you lost your mind?”“And do you think I, Croyso, am so easy to trample on?” Earl Croyso puffed out his chest and bellowed, his commanding presence as a battle-hardened man utterly overwhelming. “Breaking off our long-standing engagement just to climb your way up to the Blackwell family—I let that slide because I never thought much of your son anyway. But when my daughter fou
Lady Langley had already approached Miranda, glancing sideways at Earl Croyso’s retreating figure. In a voice so low that only she could hear, she murmured, “What sense of righteousness and morality can one expect from noble families…”Then she turned to Miranda and said, “You’ve merely escaped a den of fire. No need to concern yourself with those shameless people.”Rose, standing nearby, watched the scene unfold and felt secretly relieved. Thankfully, she had not accepted the match—otherwise, with such in-laws, how could she ever hope for a good life?“There’s no need for you to worry about me, Aunt.” Miranda straightened her posture and said firmly, “Just as you said, not marrying into such a family is actually a blessing! If I didn’t understand that, I wouldn’t have raised my hand against Lady Sheffield.”She had never held high expectations for this marriage. Even when the Queen Dowager suddenly intended for her to enter the palace to accompany His Majesty the King, her only thoug