"Regardless, thank you for your reminder, Your Highness. If you ever need anything in the future, I will be sure to return the favor," Miranda said sincerely.Princess Gina smiled faintly at her words. Miranda was intelligent and composed—perhaps even more so than herself. With Miranda’s promise, Gina felt much more at ease.After parting ways with Princess Gina, Miranda slowly fell into deep thought as she reflected on their conversation.It now seemed that upon returning to her chambers, she would need to be especially cautious—particularly with her food and drink. However, if the Queen Dowager were to have something laced into the refreshments and insisted she consume them in front of her, there would be no way to refuse. The best solution would be to avoid the Queen Dowager from acting on such an idea altogether.As Miranda was pondering this, the young eunuch suddenly asked respectfully, "Miss Miranda, do you wish to report your encounter with Her Highness Princess Gina to the Qu
Miranda paused in surprise before briefly explaining the relationship between Carter and the Croyso family. Upon hearing this, Princess Gina exclaimed, “Ah, so your stepmother is Whitney’s aunt! That explains a lot. Now, to serious matters—I heard it was Whitney who praised Selena before both the Queen and the Dowager Queen. From the way she spoke, it seemed she was eager to bring Selena into the palace, perhaps to form an alliance. Honestly, I don’t get it. Whitney is clever enough to know Selena is not only beautiful but also shrewd. Once in the palace, Selena would surely try to outshine her. And yet, even after that minor scandal when she first arrived, Selena slowly regained favor with the King. Of course, the Dowager Queen supported her—but I’ve also heard Whitney played a significant role.”This puzzled Princess Gina for quite some time.Miranda, too, was briefly stunned, her brows slightly furrowed. In her previous life, Selena had enjoyed the King’s favor for a while, while W
Princess Gina turned to the young eunuch and the maid with a smile. "I wish to speak with Miss Miranda alone. None of you are to follow. Don’t worry, I’m not going to eat her. We’ll be just over there at that stone table. You can keep your distance and see for yourselves that I won’t do anything to her. But don’t come any closer."Saying this, she led Miranda away. It was a secluded spot, surrounded by blooming rose trellises. The season was at its peak, and roses in crimson, deep red, pale pink, and lavender burst forth in dazzling clusters. Their fragrance drifted gently in the still air, butterflies fluttering lazily, creating a dreamlike haze."Please, sit down, Miss Miranda." said Princess Gina, taking her seat first and nodding politely. "I merely have a few questions to ask."Miranda replied, "I await Your Highness’s questions. If I am able to answer, I shall do so truthfully."Princess Gina gave a faint, bittersweet smile and lowered her gaze. "I just wish to ask—what is the S
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