I'm here to keep my promise! Here's the second update of the day.
However, he wasn’t foolish. When the Countess came, Lady Miranda’s words would likely lose their authority. Most of what was decided would be undone, so he remained silent with a faint smile.“There’s an old saying: ‘Fortune favors the bold.’ You can’t hope for both safety and success; life doesn’t work that way. Opportunity knocks but once. You should think this through carefully.” With the bait already set, Miranda smiled lightly and left.After returning to her room, Miranda changed her clothes and freshened up. She then headed to the front hall with Molly and Silvia. The Countess had already arrived, sitting quietly. Everyone involved in the matter had also been summoned.The Countess said, “Miranda, why didn’t Lady Langley return with you? Something so serious has happened in the manor, and she thinks she can avoid trouble by hiding away?”Miranda replied calmly, “Please don’t be upset, Madam. Lady Langley was exhausted after I took her out for a whole day. I felt sorry for her,
Jack lowered his head in a deep bow, though his mind was roiling with turmoil. He finally understood what Miranda had meant earlier by "an opportunity." Just from this brief interaction with Miss Miranda, it was clear how clever and strategic she was. Moreover, she was currently the Earl's favorite, with her status in the household rising rapidly. As these thoughts churned in his mind, Jack made a silent decision and discreetly signaled one of his men to leave the front hall."Well, I’ve said everything that needed to be said—"At that moment, a maid at Selena's side rushed in and announced, "Miss Miranda, the Master has returned. Miss Selena has recounted the entire situation, and the Master wants you and to meet him in his chamber!" This news sent a ripple of tension through the room. Even Jack felt a pang of regret, but the man he had sent was already out of reach. All he could do was hope that Miss Miranda would be able to handle the Master.Mi
Jack entered the room to find Miss Selena, who had been the first to lodge a complaint, collapsed on the floor, trembling with fear. Meanwhile, Miss Miranda’s tear-streaked face still bore a hint of a smile, and the Earl’s eyes were full of admiration and affection. He silently rejoiced that he had made the right bet, outpacing others. After paying his respects, Jack respectfully reported, “My Lord, My Lady, Miss Miranda, following Miss Miranda’s analysis, it was determined that the theft must have been an inside job. Therefore, I conducted a thorough search within the estate. Indeed, I found the stolen items in the quarters of Miss Selena’s housekeeper. It appears that the housekeeper succumbed to temptation and committed the theft. I have come to report this matter.”Miranda had never said such a thing. Jack attributed the credit to her, signaling his loyalty.Having heard about the events in the front hall earlier, Earl Croyso was already impressed by his daughter’s wisdom and compo
****Within the palace, the air was thick with sandalwood incense.Lady Liudmila smiled softly as she considered the Emperor, who had summoned her despite his busy schedule. She couldn't help but recall the Empress's sharp words and biting sarcasm from the previous day. Lady Liudmila's expression became even more gentle. She knew that the Emperor appreciated her understanding nature, which was in stark contrast to the Empress's overbearing demeanor. Without fawning or attempting to seduce, she simply served quietly, creating an atmosphere of warmth and tranquility.The Emperor cast a brief glance at the gentle Lady Liudmila before returning his gaze to the scroll before him. Nodding in approval, he asked, "This poem is well-written. Who is the author?"Lady Liudmila stepped forward, glancing at the scroll before her. She smiled and said, "This was written by Miranda, the eldest daughter of Earl Croyso." As she spoke, she produced a sample of Miranda's handwriting from that day. "See, Y
That wretched girl come here for a vacation, did she? She’s bound to visit the hot springs. When the time comes, I’ll find a way to see her there and finally determine whether she has that mark or not! If she doesn’t have, I can finally expose her in front of the Earl. She’s not the real Miranda!With her plan in place, the Countess smiled warmly and said, “Miranda, aren’t you here to enjoy the hot springs? I’ve already ordered everything to be prepared. If you don’t mind, why don’t you join us for a bath?”Selena was stunned and stopped her knife and fork mid-air. “Mother!”Miranda's expression also seemed somewhat uncertain. “The Countess is being so considerate today that I’m almost flattered.”“I just want to take good care of you. After all, if you enjoy your vacation, we can return home sooner, can’t we?” The Countess, pretending to be respectful, offered a reason, hoping not to arouse Miranda’s suspicions. If Miranda didn’t join her in the hot springs, things could get tricky.M
Countess Croyso felt a surge of unspeakable satisfaction at having uncovered such a startling secret. Her voice was sharp and unyielding as she confronted Miranda, “You were sent by Lady Langley, weren’t you? Seizing the opportunity while the real Miranda was gravely ill, you took her place and dared to impersonate the young lady of the Croyso Estate. Your scheme was flawless, but you got too carried away, revealing countless inconsistencies that don’t align with Miranda’s character! I’ve watched Miranda since she was three years old—I can predict her every response. You couldn’t possibly be Miranda! Where is the real Miranda? Or is she dead? Julie had you impersonate Miranda just to re-establish ties with the Croyso family to profit and investigate us, didn’t she?”To her surprise, Miranda grew calmer under the Countess’s aggressive questioning.With a sudden twist of her wrist, she freed herself from the Countess’s grip, leisurely reaching for the gauze robe by the poolside and drapi
“What a clever ploy, setting up a false trail and luring people into a trap! It’s truly a pity, Miss Miranda, to be in this situation at such a young age!” The silver-masked man sighed wistfully, though his obsidian eyes were thoughtfully fixed on Miranda in the pool. Due to the hot spring, her wet black hair floated on the surface, revealing her slender neck. Although she wore a sheer garment, it clung to her skin, almost transparent from the water’s moisture, highlighting her smooth, jade-like complexion. The steamy ambiance of the hot spring made her form even more suggestive and intriguing.Her dark eyes, as clear as jade, and her subtly tinted lips made her natural beauty all the more alluring in this intimate setting.Despite her unusually calm demeanor, Miranda appeared as a beautiful young girl at the tender age of thirteen. How could someone so young display such contrasting personas? Innocent and naive in public, yet calm and wise behind the scenes. Her strategy against the C
As he was lost in thought, a breeze brought a faint fragrance, and a soft silk handkerchief covered his face, blocking his vision. He heard the sound of water and then the rustle of clothes as someone approached and stopped beside him. With his sight obscured, his other senses sharpened, allowing him to catch the faint scent of a woman, matching the fragrance on the handkerchief.Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his leg as someone kicked him hard."Idiot, I don't know if you came for me that day, but after facing danger, how could I not be prepared?" Miranda fumed, her anger flaring as she thought of how close her innocence had come to being ruined. She punched and kicked him until she was out of breath, then spat, "You should be thankful you didn’t see anything and turned away just now, or I would have killed you myself!"After one final kick, Miranda left in a huff.He was surprised she didn’t unmask him, feeling a mix of relief and amusement. Miranda'
Seeing the man's attire, the burly warrior beside him immediately realized that this must be one of their brothers who had gone to the palace to assassinate someone—now back and enraged, looking for a fight. But upon hearing the words "His Highness is dead," his heart was struck with unspeakable shock, his mind going blank for a moment.Stepping forward, he shielded Miranda and raised his sword to block the masked man’s saber.“Calm down! The commander said this woman might still be useful. Don’t go against his word!”But before his words had even finished, the situation changed in a flash.The masked man abruptly twisted his blade, slashing toward the burly warrior’s neck with lightning speed. The angle was vicious and sudden—nearly impossible to guard against.The burly man had assumed this was merely a furious comrade; it never occurred to him that he would suddenly turn his blade on him. Let alone defend himself—he was still in stunned disbelief even as the blade sliced across his
The man in black twisted Miranda's arm with one hand and held a dagger across her with the other. He jerked his chin toward Molly, signaling her to open the door. His grip on the dagger only tightened.Molly glanced worriedly at her miss before stepping forward to open the door.Standing outside was the regal and elegant Queen Dowager, flanked by Margaret and others—Selena stood nearby.The moment the door opened and the Queen Dowager saw Miranda being held hostage, her expression changed drastically. She shouted, “Who are you? How dare you seize a noble lady? Release her at once!”“Oh, how dearly the Queen Dowager treasures this Miss Croyso,” the man in black sneered. “Good. If Your Grace doesn’t want anything to happen to her, then cooperate and help us get out of the palace. With your seal, I don’t suppose it’ll be difficult? Once we’re somewhere safe, we’ll let her go. How about that?”“Your Grace, you mustn’t!” Margaret cried urgently. “These assassins are after His Majesty’s lif
Hearing those words, Miranda finally let out a breath of relief.The fact that the King was willing to assign her tasks meant he had accepted her explanation.Of course, the King would not so easily trust her loyalty; she would still need to prove herself through her future actions. But at least, for someone like her—cornered by the Queen Mother with no way out—there was now a glimmer of hope ahead.As long as the King truly intended to oppose the Queen Mother, and as long as she could assist him in bringing her down, Miranda would be able to regain her freedom and no longer live under the Queen Mother's control."I understand. I will strictly follow Your Majesty's instructions," Miranda replied. "I used an excuse to leave earlier, and I cannot be away for too long. If there are no further orders, I shall take my leave."The King watched Miranda’s retreating figure in silence.Because of that familiar face, he couldn’t help but pay her a little more attention, though he did not show i
"Miranda?"The King, who had just risen to his feet, slowly sat back down, frowning slightly. After a moment, he said, "Let her come forward."Guided by Giles, Miranda approached gracefully and knelt in salute. "Greetings, Your Majesty."The King studied her closely, trying to guess her intentions. "You asked to see me. What is it you wish to say?""I..." Miranda hesitated, carefully choosing her words."Your Majesty's teachings remain engraved in my heart. Yet, in this world, eight or nine out of ten things do not go as one wishes," Miranda answered calmly, her head bowed. Slowly, she lifted her gaze and caught sight of a sheet of paper on the table. Daringly, she picked it up with a gentle motion. The King silently watched her actions."For a piece of paper," she said softly, "its greatest wish would be to remain pure and untouched — neither stained by ink nor creased by water. Yet once a hand reaches out and soaks it in ink or water, the paper has no strength to resist."She did no
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