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
In the grand room, Count Croyso was deep in conversation with a man dressed in amber when the door opened, drawing his gaze. Upon seeing Charlotte and her party, his concern was immediate. Had Miranda caused trouble again? His frown deepened.The young man opposite him, with sword-like eyebrows and eyes as dark as pearls, turned instinctively. The shimmering silver threads in his amber attire and the luminous pearl in his belt marked him as someone of wealth. His curious gaze landed on the youngest among them—Miranda. Could she be the infamous Miss Miranda?Charlotte, suppressing her anger, declared, "Count, if Miss Miranda isn't punished severely this time, I cannot continue as her teacher! Her behavior is outrageous, beyond anything I've ever witnessed!" Her outburst painted a vivid picture of Miranda's supposed defiance.With an outsider present, Charlotte's anticipation of a doubled reward grew.Count Croyso rubbed his temples, "What happened?" He dreaded the answer, especially wit
“What is this?” Count Croyso sneered, throwing an old poetry book in front of Charlotte. “This poem, written by my wife Anna ten years ago, was well-known. You stole it and slandered my daughter. What have you done to her in private?”His anger, a result of battlefield experiences, overwhelmed Charlotte, who collapsed in terror.“Count Croyso, I didn’t know... I... I was just following orders...” Charlotte stammered, crying. “Please, spare me!”The Countess entered, noting Charlotte's distress. “My lord, madam Liudmila has invited the ladies of Croyso Estate to view rare peonies in five days. Few in the capital are invited.” She feigned surprise at Charlotte's state. “What happened here?”Ignoring her, Count Croyso demanded, “Who told you to slander my daughter?”Could this man implicate her? The Countess was alarmed. If Count Croyso found out she had instructed the tutor to frame Miranda, she would be finished. Thinking quickly, she hurriedly said, "Someone instructed Mr. Charlotte to
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