I blurted out the excuse that Duke Kaidel had taught me. I said that I had urgently gone to the orphanage due to a donation issue and had returned after sleeping there.
“Which orphanage?”
“Near the capital, in Yettel. I sent a messenger to report my situation to the palace, but it seems he just ran off with the money. I’m sorry, Your Highness. This is my first time working as a maid…”
I put on a miserable face and acted pitiful.
She looked at me with suspicious eyes and said,
“I will send someone to verify this at the orphanage.”
“Please do, Your Highness. But make sure they go on horseback. As I’ve mentioned, the road conditions aren’t good.”
Seemingly convinced by my audacious response, Her Highness the Princess seemed to let it go. Her mood had probably improved thanks to the recent charity event as well.
“Make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
“Of course, Your Highness! Will you not be having a tea party today?”
She hesitated, hiding her disapproval, and said,
“Shall we?”
I immediately contacted the maids and ordered food from the kitchen.
Today’s tea party topic was naturally about the stolen ‘Red Tears.’
The two noblewomen who had attended the Riley auction could not stop talking as if they knew all about the auction.
Since it was a private auction, only those who attended knew what happened, so everyone was focused.
They heaped praises upon the ‘Red Tears.’
I hadn’t been there when the auction began, but I had seen the actual ‘Red Tears’ on a pirate ship.
While I couldn’t agree with all their descriptions, it was indeed a remarkable necklace.
One of the noblewomen, sensing the Princess’s mood, said,
“But the spotlight was, of course, on Your Highness’s charity auction.”
“Indeed, Your Highness’s ring flew off the shelves!”
I knew that another noblewoman had won the Princess’s ring, but she seemed to have no intention of mentioning it.
It didn’t seem like she was hiding it out of shyness. She probably bought it to falsely claim that the Princess gifted it to her.
I had heard the palace maids talk about similar incidents before.
“It was truly incredible. I was almost moved to tears by Your Highness’s grace!”
The sycophantic compliments continued.
During this, the Princess was glancing at me, seemingly to gauge whether their words were true or not.
So, I kept a straight face and acted like a diligent maid.
Soon, one noblewoman who lost focus said,
“By the way, have you decided what dress to wear for His Majesty the Emperor’s birthday party? I’m still undecided.”
“Oh, me too! It’s so hard to choose.”
While the conversation reignited, I felt the Princess glance at me and then look away.
I couldn’t be certain, but it seemed like she was disappointed.
Despite the mention of the birthday party, not a single tea party member seemed concerned about her own competition.
Second Competition
On the closing day of the first competition, we dressed up like we did during the initial appointment ceremony and headed to the political hall.
A long table was set in front of Their Imperial Majesties. It was the spot where the competition gifts for the birthday would be offered.
“Royal children, in order, please present your gifts for His Majesty’s birthday.”
When Prince Orel stepped forward, Lord Rene followed, carrying a wooden box the size of a thick book.
He placed it on the table and spoke,
“His Royal Highness Prince Orel presents the flame grass he acquired from beyond the Catalina Mountains. With heartfelt loyalty, he overcame the difficult task of procuring this legendary herb solely for the everlasting glory and health of Your Majesty.”
I was taken aback—actually, I was terrified.
I would have to present my gift and explain it as well, but I had no confidence in making such a long and obsequious speech!
The Empress sighed in admiration.
“Oh, my goodness. Catalina’s Fire Herb! Orul, obtaining such a precious item must have been no easy task. How did you manage this?”
Orul slightly bowed his head, exuding modesty.
Catalina’s Fire Herb, was it even real?
I had completely lost my composure. The Empress’s exaggerated praise was glaringly biased.
If this is the case, the Empress might mock and belittle me when it’s my turn.
Although the Emperor did not join in the Empress’s fuss, he responded cheerfully.
“Orul, your intention is admirable.”
As Orul stepped back, Prince Grayan and Duke Kaidel stepped forward. However, Duke Kaidel was empty-handed.
I swallowed nervously, almost without realizing it.
As Duke Kaidel himself had stated, the event was technically illegal military action. How he would report it…
Duke Kaidel took an envelope from his coat and placed it on the table.
The servant handed it to the Emperor, who looked at Prince Grayan with curiosity as he opened it.
Then Duke Kaidel explained.
“Your Highness Prince Grayan’s birthday gift is a voucher for the Zevron Hotel, Your Majesty.”
He withdrew to the back with that brief explanation.
As I looked at the Emperor’s mouth, my palms became sweaty.
After a moment, the Emperor nodded.
“The gift is received, Grayan.”
Male lead is a clingy little husband
One-line summary: The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
Introduction:
One day, Lu Yuner’s soul transmigrates into a female-dominant world. She enters the Imperial Academy and takes up the position of a doctoral instructor, teaching classes and grading schoolwork.
One day, she encounters the young prince Su Qingwan secretly skipping class from the male academy.
As a result, Su Qingwan is punished.
From then on, Su Qingwan sees Lu Yuner as a “thorn in his side”.
But before long, this “thorn” becomes the person he cherishes most, and he goes to great lengths to win Lu Yuner’s affection.
Mini scene 1:
One day, the sun is high in the sky but Su Qingwan still hasn’t gotten up for class.
Servant Xiaoyuan: “Young prince, it’s time for class. You’ll be late otherwise.”
Su Qingwan says arrogantly: “I’m not going. I am the esteemed prince, my status is so noble, why should I suffer this hardship? Besides, isn’t learning all this just to please women? Hmph, they’re not worthy!”
Mini scene 2:
After Su Qingwan falls for someone, he completely changes. He no longer skips class and diligently learns how to be a good husband and father. But he discovers that Sister Yuner is always surrounded by admirers.
Drunk and overcome with jealousy one day, he clings to Lu Yuner, crying beautifully like a pear blossom in the rain.
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan likes Sister Yuner.”
Lu Yuner: “Young prince, you’re drunk.”
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan isn’t drunk. Qingwan likes Sister Yuner, likes you so much, likes you to bits…” Before he can finish, Lu Yuner’s eyes flash with emotion and she leans in closer.
[Reading Guide]
1. The female lead is gentle, gracious, humble and polite but not weak. The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
2. 1v1, a bit torturous in the beginning but definitely sweet later on.
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