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
"Mother, why did you give such fine fabrics to Miranda? And an entire set of gold and ruby jewelry too!" In the room, Selena was picking out her attire and jewelry for the flower-viewing banquet. Although the items before her were all luxurious and no less exquisite than Miranda's, she couldn't help but feel indignant. How could that little wretch deserve the same treatment as her?"She is currently the apple of your father's eye. I can't openly mistreat her. Besides, what are you worried about? With her looks, even dressed in gold and silver threads, it's a waste! Do you really fear she could outshine you?"The Countess chided, knowing well that the clothes had been tampered with. "Don't think I don't know what you're after. You're still thinking about the heir of the Sheffield family, aren't you? I've told you, your father wants to betroth Miranda to him!""Father favors her in everything and even punishes me for that little wretch!" New and old grievances surged in Selena's heart as
Miranda sneered, "Andrew, get your facts straight. It wasn’t me who couldn't tolerate her; it was your fiancée who came looking for trouble! And if you’re here to seek justice for her, you should direct your complaints to Lord Reginald. Just turn around and walk straight ahead—he’s the one responsible! If you think I’m some easy target you can bully instead, you’d better think twice! A grown man, too scared to confront Lord Reginald, so you take your frustrations out on me, a mere woman? If that’s really the case, then let's make this public and see who loses face first!”“Miranda!” Andrew gritted his teeth, his face twitching with anger. "Don’t get too smug! You think just because you’re now engaged to Fulton, you can flaunt your power? I’ve been merciful because I felt sorry for you—having your reputation tarnished after I called off the engagement. But don’t think the William family is so easily bullied!”“Oh, so you broke off our engagement that was arranged since childhood, ruini
It was noon, and the sun was at its peak. Reginald sat under the long corridor shaded by a canopy of greenery. Princess Gina stood in a shaded spot as well, and even Miranda wisely chose a spot hidden by branches when she stepped back. However, for June to greet Reginald properly, she had to step out onto the open space in front of the corridor, where there was no shelter from the scorching sun. In no time, sweat began to bead on her forehead, trickling down and ruining her carefully applied makeup. Her entire body became uncomfortably slick with perspiration.Enduring that discomfort was not the worst part. The real challenge was maintaining a curtsey for so long. June soon felt her knees trembling and her body swaying slightly. She quickly steadied herself, but the moment dragged on endlessly. Her entire body began to stiffen, and cramps started to creep into her calves.Just as June was on the verge of collapsing, Lady Shaw finally arrived."Lady Shaw, this young lady June has impe
June had initially worried that Reginald might scold her, but to her surprise, he said something completely unexpected. She was instantly overjoyed, her gaze toward Miranda filled with provocation. “Miranda, did you hear that? Even Lord Reginald says my manners are better than yours. Shouldn’t you be thanking me properly? From now on, I will make sure to train you well so you won’t embarrass yourself again!”Upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashed through Reginald’s jet-black eyes before transforming into a mesmerizing brilliance, captivating and bewitching.Princess Gina silently stared at the ground, inwardly cursing June for her reckless arrogance. She had been set up so highly, yet she still dared to be this brazen—she deserved whatever was coming her way! She was merely a distant niece to the queen, only managing to speak in front of Her Majesty thanks to her connection with Quintina. And now, she was already getting carried away. A person like her should be taught a lesson soon
"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 another’s family fortune—how 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 family’s 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 Miranda’s 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 respond—it 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 wasn’t aw
The green-clad maid’s expression turned flustered. She hadn’t expected Miranda to recognize that this winding path wasn’t the one they’d taken earlier. For a moment, she froze in place but quickly recovered and said earnestly, “Miss Miranda, please come with me. I mean no harm to you—this is a good thing, not a bad one. Please believe me!”Miranda enunciated each word coldly: “I’ll ask one more time. Who sent you, and where are you taking me?”The maid hesitated. “I cannot say.”Miranda wasted no further words. She turned and walked away.The maid hadn’t 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. “Miss Miranda, the master forbade me to reveal anything. But I swear, it’s 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!”As she spoke, she knelt and kowtowed repeatedly. Her fair foreh
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 didn’t 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, “You’re not even married yet, so don’t act so improper here!”Of course, her son couldn’t have done anything wrong—this accusation of “improper behavior” was directed squarely at Miranda!Lady Langley, who had been watching the scene, thought to herself, Running to your son's fiancée’s home and blaming her, how absurd!Fulton had wanted to give Miranda a fan but couldn’t 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
Miranda found his demeanor amusing for a moment and stepped aside to a quieter area before asking, “Is there something you need, Fulton?”Seeing that no one was paying attention to them, Fulton hesitated and stammered, “I… my father gave me a beautiful fan yesterday. Each panel features a different flower, one for each month of the year. It’s really quite exquisite…”Miranda chuckled. “Well, congratulations.”Still, she couldn’t help but wonder—was 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 Fulton’s 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 man—why did he have to be burdened with a mother like Lady Sheffield? N
Upon hearing it was a decree from the Dowager Queen, everyone’s 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, “By 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!”The room collectively rose to express their gratitude. Miranda subtly slipped a pack of gold coin into his hand and asked, “Might I know your name, good steward?”The steward glanced at the coin’s value, his smile deepening. He silently praised the young lady’s sharpness and tact, thinking she must be Miranda, the eldest daughter of the Croyso family. Indeed, she had both intelligence and grace. “
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. Wasn’t that a blatant slap to Miranda’s 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. I’m clumsy and can’t do anything well, which is why I always try to learn more. Among us younger women, Miranda is truly the best—her embroidery is exceptional, and she’s incredibly intelligent. Even Earl Croyso dotes on her deeply." As she spoke, Rose cast pleading glances at Miranda, silently asking for help. It wasn’t that she wanted to outshine Miranda—she had no idea why Lady Sheffield would favor her so much. “You’re such a modest child!” Lady Sheffield dismissed her words with a wave, continuing, “But it