The King’s smile deepened as he shook his head. “What a sharp-tongued girl you are! I’ve heard countless flattering words in my time, but yours—yours is the most pleasing to the ear. Do you know why? Because the way you said it almost convinced me that you truly believe I’m wise and discerning. Miranda, your talent for sweet talk is no less impressive than your cunning!”Then, with a subtle shift in tone, he asked, “Very well—now tell me, what is it you want from me?”Miranda’s expression grew calm and composed. “I am new to the court. On the Queen Dowager’s side, I may still offer my counsel, but as for the Queen…” She paused, her voice steady, “I am powerless to reach her.”This was her greatest weakness—one she understood well. For all her cleverness and foresight, she had no allies in this vast and treacherous palace. If she wished to act, she needed a partner—either Reginald or the King himself. And in this matter, the most suitable ally was clearly His Majesty.Yet, where there
Miranda bowed her head and obeyed. “Yes, Your Majesty. This story I’m about to tell is one I once read in an old volume. It was titled ‘Two Beggars as Friends.’”She continued calmly, “It tells of two beggars who were once the closest of companions, sharing everything and speaking without reserve. But even the most intimate of friends, like teeth and lips, sometimes clash. They would argue, quarrel, and even fight. Beggar A might leave Beggar B bruised and bleeding, while Beggar B, in his rage, could nearly break A’s leg. In their fury, they’d wish the other dead. But once the anger passed, they would always reconcile and become as close as before.”The King gave a faint nod, his lips curving slightly. “Such a friendship is curious indeed.”“Years passed, and Beggar A joined the army. He rose through the ranks by merit and became a great general, famed throughout the realm. One day, as he passed through a city, he happened upon his old friend, Beggar B, who had remained a beggar. But
The King was known for his silence and authority—a presence that bore down on all who stood before him. Rarely did he speak so directly, so piercingly.Faced with the sovereign ruler of the realm—the man who held the power of life and death—Miranda’s heart beat unsteadily. She pondered her answer carefully before speaking.“I do not wish to become the Queen Dowager’s pawn,” she said quietly. “That is why I’ve been drawn into these intrigues. Her Majesty the Queen Dowager may seek to control me, but she still uses persuasion and flattery. For now, my life is not in danger. The Queen, however, sees me as a threat. Even without the plan I offered today, she would already be looking for a way to remove me.”She paused, then continued, “If I must be caught in her schemes either way, I would rather take the initiative than wait passively. If this plan succeeds, the Queen’s attention will be divided, and her power weakened. That alone would make me safer.”Perhaps, deep down, there were othe
The King’s smile deepened, faint but unmistakable, as he spoke with a tone that carried a trace of dry amusement.“With all the hints you’ve laid out before me, Miranda, if I still couldn’t grasp your meaning, it would no longer be a matter of wisdom—it would be sheer stupidity.”He paused, letting the air settle before continuing, “Ordinary slights may be endured, but when one’s power is truly threatened—even family will turn to blood. And if the seed of suspicion is sown, fanned with the right words and timing… then yes, it may not be impossible to drive a wedge between them. Wouldn’t you agree?”“I would, Your Majesty,” Miranda replied, nodding. “But my goal isn’t to turn them into enemies. I only need the Queen Dowager to begin doubting the Queen—to withhold the unwavering support she’s shown her all these years.”Her tone was calm, but its meaning precise.There was something in her voice that hinted at more—an unspoken layer to the plan yet to be revealed.The King’s curiosity o
“The assassins sent by Eldridge may have acted under orders, or perhaps they acted of their own accord,” Miranda said calmly. “I do not know which it was—and frankly, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that I can bring this incident to the Queen Dowager’s attention, present it in a certain light—one that leads her to believe the Queen orchestrated it all herself.”She paused, her gaze steady.“That the Queen sought to free herself from the Dowager’s control, to usurp her influence within the inner court. Everyone harbors private ambition, and those who have held power are least willing to let it go. No matter how composed the Queen Dowager may seem, if she begins to suspect that her niece intends to displace her, resentment and anger will surely take root.”Miranda continued, her voice gaining quiet force. “Of course, the Queen Dowager is far too shrewd to jump to conclusions. Even if suspicion is sown, she will not act on it at once. She will watch—observe the Queen’s behavior carefu
“Even so,” the King said, his expression returning to calm indifference, “dividing them will not be easy.”His voice was steady, deliberate.“The Queen may be dull and self-willed, and yes, she clearly harbors resentment toward the Queen Dowager. The Dowager in turn may be disappointed—perhaps even angry. But their relationship remains in a kind of balance. The Queen Dowager has always placed the interests of the Blackwell family above all else. Even if she suspects the Queen’s ingratitude, she will still protect her in moments of crisis. To spark a conflict strong enough to cause real damage within the family… that is unlikely.”A soft breeze stirred, carrying with it the gentle fragrance of the lotus pond—but it could not dispel the faint note of disappointment that lingered in his voice.Miranda, too, understood the truth of it. Her reply was low, but resolute. “If it were merely a matter of mutual displeasure, I would agree—it would not be enough