For a long time, Lisbeth wondered.
The black-hair girl was lowborn and uglier than her. She was to be a sacrifice for the old dreadful emperor instead of pretty Lisbeth. This was what was supposed to happen.
Lisbeth was supposed to have a better life because she deserved it. Yet… How did this happen?
Her prince ignored her. Instead, he showed his affection towards that ugly girl. No matter how beautifully Lisbeth dressed, his eyes always looked at that ugly girl.
Lisbeth’s mom and Orlean told her it was only a brief infatuation. That girl was unusual-looking, and that must have been why the emperor was interested in her. In time, he will realize his mistake and fall in love with Lisbeth.
However, even as time passed, Lucretius continued to look at Lisbeth coldly.
Confident Sa Bina smiled generously and handed her a small box. Lisbeth knew what was in it. It was the silver hairpin with a beautiful sapphire. Sa Bina used it a few times in the past. Lisbeth remembered because it was very pretty, and she wanted it.
Sa Bina gave it to her like it was nothing. Then she turned to Yulia and gave her a gift as well.
Bina looked around the room and announced.
“This is a small token of my appreciation for your hard work.”
Sa Bina looked grand as she stood in front of everyone. It made Lisbeth feel small and insignificant.
“I hope you all like it.”
“Thank you, your highness.”
All the maids bowed and murmured. Lisbeth pretended to do the same just to be polite.
Lisbeth was supposed to be in Bina’s place. She was supposed to be Lucretius’ wife. However, instead, she was only a lowly maid and everyone hated her. They were jealous of Lisbeth’s beauty. She had no one on her side.
She felt desperate.
What should she do?
How did this happen?
She could only come up with one answer.
That woman.
Everything went wrong after that woman appeared. That woman took everything away from Lisbeth. That woman was the reason for everything that went wrong.
This realization hit Lisbeth hard.
***
The weather has cooled significantly. The cold wind blew, making me shiver.
I couldn’t wait to go inside. When I get to my warm room, I was going to eat a freshly baked scone and drink hot tea!
“…”
However, this wouldn’t happen for a while. I felt sad. In front of me were a cold sandwich and an icy cup of tea.
It had been a few hours. I gritted my teeth. I couldn’t give up yet.
“I will bring another hot cup of tea, your highness,” Agnes said to me apologetically.
I smiled and replied, “I’m sorry, Agnes.”
“Not at all, your highness.”
Agnes stood up and picked up the adorable teapot. The table was filled with cute and childish cushions, dolls, ribbons, and books. They were all mine, but they were not based on my taste.
These were baits.
I sighed and picked up the sandwich again.
Elza, whose lips were now turning blue, whispered, “Uhm… your highness. You are going to get sick.”
“I’m fine.”
I said I was okay, but Elza still looked at me worriedly. I must have looked awful, but I remained seated.
I had to try.
I added, “Just a little while longer… Let’s wait just one more hour.”
Elza looked worried.
I was sitting in a garden situated near the princesses’ rooms. It was freezing cold.
I had been planning this for a week. I gathered as much information as possible and planned carefully. I thought I was being smart and sneaky, but I realized now how stupid I was.
My plan was to create a tea party for the young princesses.
According to my sources, Lilian was very shy and rarely left her room, but her younger sister Roselia was different. She was active and curious and often roamed outside.
This was what I was waiting for.
I had set up an adorable tea party three times already today. Every time, no one showed up. It was not possible for me to openly invite the princesses, so I was hoping to meet them ‘by chance’.
The table was covered with a pretty lace tablecloth. There were colorful and sweet However, snacks on pretty plates.
But so far, nothing.
“Your highness, your fingers are turning blue,” Elza said to me anxiously, but I was determined.
In the afternoon, I decided to “play” hide-and-seek with my maids. By the evening, we were all sweating and shivering at the same time. Yet, there were no signs of the princesses.
Finally, I was having my last tea party. The sun was setting, and I have been outside in this cold for 10 hours today.
I kept telling myself this was nothing. It was worth it. I had gone through harder things than this. I can do this!
“Oh no! Your highness!”
“Are you okay?”
Luis exclaimed as I dropped my teacup. My hands were so cold I couldn’t feel them anymore.
“I, I’m… fi… fine.”
As I replied, my teeth chattered. My maids looked at them worriedly. I could see they desperately wanted me to order them back inside.
When I was seriously contemplating giving up, a small pale hand picked up the teacup I dropped on the grass.
“Huh?”
When I looked up, I saw a ruby red hair.
I wanted to scream success, but I knew I had to contain myself.
The little girl looked at the cup curiously.
“Is this yours, your highness?”
I tried my best to put on a kind smile.
“Yes, Princess… Roselia, right?”
The girl didn’t nod or say anything.
Roselia stared at me with her green eyes for a while before asking, “Why are you drinking tea here?”
“I thought this garden was so lovely, so I came here on purpose.”
The child nodded and replied coolly, “You must really like it here. You have spent all day today in this garden.”
“…”
The cold wind slapped me sharply. So the princess knew!
H, how? W, was she watching us? I didn’t see her at all today though!
I gaped for a second but quickly recovered.
“I, it’s true. I really like the scenery here.”
I tried to sound kind as I asked her, “Can I have my teacup back?”
The girl shook her head.
“…”
My face spasmed as I smiled brightly.
“Do you like the cup? Then I will give it to you, but won’t you have some tea and cookies with me?”
The girl answered coldly.
“Your tea looks like it’s ice-cold and your sandwiches and scones look cold. I don’t want them.”
“…”
This girl was something. This wouldn’t be as easy as I thought.
I asked again, “We will be getting a new pot of hot tea, so won’t you join me?”
Finally, the girl smiled like a blooming flower! I became excited. Finally!
However, the princess replied, “My older sister told me not to eat anything a stranger offers!”
“…”
Then she ran away.
My maids and I looked at the little girl as she disappeared. We felt weak and stupid.
I admitted defeat. I was an idiot.
After a long sigh, I stood up.
“… Let’s go back inside.”
“Yes, your highness.”
Elza and Luis’ voices were quiet, but they seemed happy that we were going back. I felt sorry I made them do this.
As the maids cleaned up, I suddenly realized.
“Oh, my teacup!”
Dammit!
I lost my bait to that little girl!
