Chapter 31

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 13-3

Chapter Title: New Year's Respite and Schemes

-----------------------------------------------------------------

New Year had arrived.

To welcome the new year of Imperial Year 531, the capital of the Hamel Empire enjoyed a week-long New Year's festival.

The Imperial Palace sponsored various events using the imperial family's wealth, heating up the festive atmosphere even more.

As the Crown Prince, Kamin was swamped for the entire week attending the New Year's ceremony at the palace and various celebratory events hosted by the imperial family.

Only in the afternoon of the festival's final day could Kamin finally fulfill his duties as Crown Prince and shed his formal attire.

Dismissing his attendants, he changed into comfortable clothes himself and headed to the rear garden.

On his way to the old tree in the center of the garden—the place in the Crown Prince Palace where he felt most at ease—Kamin witnessed an infuriating sight.

Nacha was lying belly-down on the grass, while Leona brushed its back with a currycomb beside it.

The scene looked so peaceful and leisurely.

Having endured grueling work these past few days, Kamin felt his ire rising at the sight.

He immediately changed direction and approached Nacha.

"You've gotten awfully lazy."

"Your Highness."

Leona quickly stood and bowed.

In contrast, Nacha showed no reaction.

It didn't even acknowledge its master's arrival, instead tapping Leona's arm with its tail.

A signal not to stop brushing.

Leona glanced around cautiously before slyly resuming her task.

Kamin narrowed his eyes and glared at Nacha.

Too engrossed in Leona's touch, Nacha paid no attention to its master whatsoever.

Kamin pondered how to discipline the insolent beast.

Then Leona spoke up.

"Your Highness, have you finished all your schedules?"

"Yes."

Leona continued brushing while nodding toward the old tree with her eyes.

"You were on your way to rest, right? I'll take care of Nacha. Go ahead and relax, Your Highness."

Kamin shot Leona a sullen look.

Under his sharp gaze, Leona paused mid-motion.

This time, even Nacha perked up its ears and watched its master.

"I gave you the evening off tomorrow because it's your New Year's holiday, and this is how you behave? Do you think I sent you back here just to tend to Nacha?"

"Ah..."

Leona set down the comb and stood politely.

"Were you looking for me?"

"No."

"Do you need something?"

"No."

Leona tilted her head, her face saying, Then what's the problem?

Kamin made his displeasure clear with an exaggerated frown.

Leona studied his expression before asking cautiously.

"Um... You haven't had a moment's rest because of the New Year's events, have you? You must be exhausted, Your Highness?"

"Yes."

"Then you should rest. Don't worry about me and Nacha. Go on."

Leona spoke in a soothing tone, gesturing again toward the old tree.

Kamin's forehead creased deeper.

"Are you telling me to get lost and stop bothering you?"

"No... When did I ever..."

"Then why are you so eager to shoo me away?"

"I just want Your Highness to rest soon..."

At that moment, Nacha bit Kamin's pants and tugged.

Kamin glanced down and cleared his throat.

Nacha stared up at him with pitiful eyes.

Only then did Kamin drop his nitpicking and respond to Leona.

"This is my palace. I'll rest wherever I damn well please. Isn't that right?"

"Y-Yes, it is."

"I'm resting here today."

Kamin plopped down right there, leaning his back against Nacha's body.

Leona stood dazed for a moment before Nacha nudged her, prompting her to sit on the Crown Prince's opposite side and resume brushing its fur.

Kamin closed his eyes, listening to the brushing sounds.

A languid, comfortable sensation spread through his body.

It had been ages since he'd felt such leisure.

Kamin relaxed completely, savoring the moment.

From atop Nacha's back, the Crown Prince's head was faintly visible.

Stealing a glance at his unmoving black hair, Leona unwittingly paused her hand.

A faint snoring came from the Crown Prince.

Because she'd stopped brushing, Nacha turned its head to look at her.

Leona shook her head as if nothing was wrong and resumed.

The comb, which had been stroking Nacha's flank, gradually moved until it reached its back.

Leona brushed long strokes down Nacha's back.

Each time she did, the Crown Prince's black hair brushed lightly against the back of her hand before falling away.

Leona continued slowly, attuning herself to the Crown Prince's breathing.

Suddenly, Nacha perked its ears and lifted its head.

Leona realized from its behavior that someone was approaching.

She quietly moved the comb toward Nacha's hindquarters.

Moments later, Barts came rushing over.

Barts exchanged a quick nod with Leona before prostrating himself before the Crown Prince.

"Your Highness."

The Crown Prince was deep in sleep and didn't open his eyes.

Barts shot Leona a pleading look.

Leona set down the comb, went to the Crown Prince's side, and shook him gently.

"Your Highness, please wake up."

"...What is it?"

The Crown Prince opened his eyes with an irritated expression.

"Your Highness, a guest has arrived at the palace."

As Barts answered, Kamin glared at him with fury in his eyes.

Barts flinched and pressed his nose to the ground in fright.

"Didn't I order no visitors?"

"I-It... His Majesty sent the guest, so I couldn't turn them away."

"Father did?"

"It's Lady Rose Dorian, Your Highness."

Leona shuddered involuntarily.

At that moment, the Crown Prince's gaze fell on her.

Leona hurriedly bowed her head.

For some reason, she didn't want to meet his eyes.

No, she lacked the confidence to.

She couldn't understand why she felt this way.

Then his voice reached her ears.

"Tell her I won't see her. Send her away."

The Crown Prince's voice was ice-cold.

Leona blinked in bewilderment.

Barts looked flustered too and dared to question the order.

"Pardon? But how can we with His Majesty's guest..."

"Doesn't matter. Send her away."

Leona reflexively lifted her head and cried out.

"No!"

The Crown Prince turned to her. Leona quickly bowed again and explained.

"Your Highness, this is a guest sent by His Majesty. Refusing to meet such a guest and sending them away would be disrespectful to the Emperor."

"Is that the only reason?"

The Crown Prince asked in a stiff voice.

Leona answered without hesitation.

"Yes, Your Highness. That's all."

The Crown Prince fell silent.

In the heavy silence, Leona stared fixedly at the ground.

Moments later, he grumbled softly.

"You're impossible to pin down."

Finally, the Crown Prince rose to his feet.

Leona stood with her head bowed.

Unsure if she should follow, she hesitated—until the Crown Prince, sensing her dilemma, commanded.

"You stay here and keep doing what you were."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The Crown Prince turned to head back to the palace.

Leona dazedly listened to his receding footsteps.

Suddenly, it was as if cold water had been dumped over her head—she snapped to attention.

What am I doing? Getting swept up in emotions and forgetting my place.

Wanting to make up for her mistake, Leona hurried after him.

"Your Highness. Please wait a moment."

The Crown Prince halted.

When Leona stood before him, he looked at her quizzically.

This time, she didn't avoid his gaze.

To prove nothing was amiss, she met his eyes calmly as always.

"Your clothes are disheveled."

Leona neatly adjusted his attire and stepped aside.

"There. All set, Your Highness."

The Crown Prince eyed her suspiciously before leaving with Barts.

Leona watched his back, then smacked her own forehead.

"Why am I acting like this when something good is right in front of me?"

Nacha approached, looking at Leona worriedly.

"It's nothing, Nacha."

Leona returned to her spot and resumed brushing Nacha.

Yes. It's nothing.

Repeating it to herself, she quelled her unsettled heart.

As evening approached, Leona parted from Nacha and returned to her room.

Miranda, who was cleaning, lit up at the sight of her.

"Perfect timing. I was debating whether to go look for you."

"Why start without me? You should've waited."

As Leona reached to help, Miranda stopped her.

"That's not the issue—who came looking for you."

"Me? Who?"

"No idea. Earlier, when I stopped by the Maid's Quarters for work, some young maid asked me to pass a message to you."

Then Miranda relayed a specific place and time.

From the details, Leona had a hunch.

"She said she'd wait there for you. Time's about right if you go now. Hurry."

"I can clean first."

"No need. I'll handle it. Don't keep someone waiting."

Miranda urged her on with a bright smile.

Leona reluctantly left the room.

The meeting spot was the entrance to the rear palace quarters at West Lake Court.

Hurrying there, she spotted a maid in her thirties standing rigidly.

Recognizing the familiar face, Leona identified her instantly.

It was 'Julian', who had been Chief Maid Supervisor of Peony Palace when Biota was its lady.

Leona approached and bowed before Julian could acknowledge her.

"Chief Maid Supervisor Julian."

Julian startled.

"You know me?"

"Yes. You're the Chief Maid Supervisor of Peony Palace. Why are you out here already? Have you been waiting long?"

Julian scanned Leona with wary eyes.

"How did you know it was me from the message?"

"I've met Lady Biota before. She mentioned someday summoning me, so I guessed."

"Sharp one. Follow me."

"Yes."

Julian entered the rear palace quarters and headed to Peony Palace.

Following behind, Leona recalled her past life.

Julian was just a palace-assigned maid, not Biota's true confidante.

Biota couldn't fully control her because Julian was upright and incapable of slandering others.

So Biota kept Julian nearby but didn't use her.

Biota's true confidante had been Leona alone.

Initially, Chloe had vied with Leona for Biota's favor.

But Leona proved superior in handling tasks, so Biota chose her.

When Biota became Empress and Leona Chief Maid Supervisor of the Empress Palace, Chloe had to settle as Leona's assistant.

And Julian...

Leona eyed Julian's back.

The woman ahead coughed dryly now and then.

Each time, her back hunched and stiffened.

"Are you alright?"

Leona asked worriedly, and Julian looked embarrassed.

"Seems the cough's chronic. Medicine doesn't help much."

"I see..."

Julian had died just before Biota became Empress, from some unidentified illness.

"We're here."

At Peony Palace's entrance, Julian warned Leona about her demeanor.

"Keep your head down and follow quietly behind me."

"Yes."

Julian passed through Peony Palace's gates first.

Leona tucked her chin to her chest and trailed closely.

The rear palace quarters had no male Chief Servant Supervisors.

No males were kept close as servants.

The Guard Department simply dispatched a set number of attendants to manage entry at each lady's residence.

(*Guard Department: The department that guards each palace's gates and manages entry and exit.)

Peony Palace's entrance was guarded by Guard Department attendants.

Having been pre-notified, they let Leona in without questioning her identity.

Entering Peony Palace revealed a garden blooming with peonies.

A beautiful sight, but Leona paid it no mind.

She had seen enough peonies in her past life to last a lifetime.

Guided by Julian, Leona arrived at the reception room.

"Wait here."

Julian left her alone and exited.

Leona stood still by the door, eyes fixed ahead, waiting.

Soon, Biota appeared.

Biota entered with only Chloe, breezing past Leona like a light breeze to the sofa.

While Chloe prepared tea, Biota left Leona standing.

Biota hummed playfully, tapping her toes.

Her tuneful voice filled the reception room.

Still pleasant to the ear, Leona found herself listening unwittingly.

"So you bribed your way into Crown Prince Palace?"

Biota asked abruptly.

Leona knelt toward her and responded calmly.

"This humble maid cannot comprehend the lady's words."

"No need to dodge. I'm not here to interrogate you."

"My apologies. I still don't understand."

"Hmm... Is that so?"

Chloe set the teacup before Biota.

Biota sipped slowly.

The room fell silent.

Moments later, Biota spoke softly.

"I like you. You seem bold and quick-witted. I'd like to bring you to my palace... What do you think?"

"My apologies. I already serve Crown Prince His Highness."

"I know. Crown Prince Palace and a mere rear palace are worlds apart. But you can't rise higher there. Is spending your life as an ordinary maid what you want?"

"......"

"I see the spark in your eyes. Ambitious people carry that same fire you have. You're not one to settle for low stations. Come to me. I'll fulfill the desires you harbor."

Biota whispered sweetly.

Identical to the words she'd used to sway Leona in her past life.

Leona smiled faintly and lifted her head.

"My apologies, but you cannot fulfill my desires, my lady."

Biota looked surprised.

"Am I not enough?"

"Yes. You're lacking."

"Oh?"

Biota propped her chin, eyeing Leona with interest.

"So confident."

Biota extended a hand toward Chloe.

Chloe placed an item in her palm.

It was the silver brooch Leona had given as a bribe to the Ceremony Department maid chief—her birth mother's keepsake.

(*Ceremony Department: The department handling imperial palace etiquette, procedures, trainee maid education, and assignments.)

Biota dangled the necklace from her finger, swinging it before Leona's eyes.

"Recognize this?"

Leona didn't bat an eye.

"No."

"You don't?"

"No."

"Hanna said you gave this to her as a bribe."

"Are you referring to the Ceremony Department maid chief? Must be a misunderstanding. I have no acquaintance with her."

Biota's demeanor shifted abruptly.

She glared sternly at Leona.

"What do you mean? Are you saying the Ceremony Department maid chief lied to me?"

Leona remained unflappable.

"It seems that way."

"Even if confronted face-to-face?"

"By all means, summon her. The accusation of bribery is outrageous. Call the Servant Oversight Department's inspection team right now to investigate thoroughly. That will clear your misunderstanding, my lady."

(*Servant Oversight Department: The department disciplining maids and servants' conduct and duties.)

Leona's firm stance silenced Biota.

Leona was confident Biota wouldn't escalate.

Doing so risked implicating the Ceremony Department maid chief she'd painstakingly recruited.

Biota let out a laugh.

"You've got guts."

She tossed the necklace to the floor.

It hit the cold stone, gems scattering everywhere.

Leona watched impassively.

"You'll regret your choice today."

Biota declared.

Leona bowed with a subtle smile.

If it's regret, I've already felt it.

Bitterly, to my bones.

"Laura Pawnshop?"

"Yes."

"Got it. Head straight that way, then turn into the alley next to the fruit stand."

"Thank you."

Leona thanked the passerby and walked in the direction he indicated.

The streets were messy and littered from the New Year's festival aftermath.

The festivities had ended yesterday, but without cleanup, decorations lay piled like trash everywhere.

Even so, diligent folk opened shops and tidied their surroundings.

The streets regained vitality thanks to them.

"Miss, how about these apples? If you're buying, I'll give you a deal."

Passing a fruit stand, the vendor haggled with Leona.

She meant to decline but paused at the sight of vibrant pomegranates.

"Pomegranates? Fresh stock, just in yesterday. Hard to find fresher elsewhere."

As Leona pulled out her coin pouch, the vendor eagerly packed some in paper.

"How many? I'll give you a good price—take plenty."

"Then..."

Opening the pouch, Leona hesitated.

It hit her: no bringing items into the palace without permission.

One should fit hidden in my clothes.

"Just one pomegranate, please."

The vendor looked disappointed.

Grumbling, he unpacked all but one.

He handed her the largest, ripest one.

"Here, take this."

Gruff exterior, but kind-hearted.

Leona tucked it away, memorizing the shop's name.

Back at the palace, she'd suggest bulk ordering pomegranates for the Chief Office.

Leaving the fruit stand, Leona entered the adjacent alley.

At its end, a wall bore a sign reading 'Laura Pawnshop' and a weathered wooden door.

There it is. Sandcastle's entrance.

Leona took a deep breath to steady her nerves, then knocked.

The door creaked open wide, revealing a burly man with a menacing face.

He scanned her up and down, asked nothing, and ushered her in.

Beyond lay a cramped, dim room.

In the center: a round table and two chairs.

The man guided her to the table, then stood by a curtained wall section.

Soon, the curtain parted, and an old woman emerged.

Supported by the man, she shuffled laboriously to the table.

"A rare visitor..."

She sat opposite Leona.

Leona greeted her, but the woman waved it off.

"No need. Show me the goods. Let's see if it's worthwhile."

Leona placed the silver brooch from Edmond on the table.

The old woman's eyes widened; she snatched it and inspected closely.

"...A valued guest, eh."

She set it down, told Leona to wait, and vanished behind the curtain with the man.

Moments later, the curtain opened again.

Leona blinked slowly.

About eight years old?

A plump-cheeked, pot-bellied boy sat sternly on the empty chair, barely peeking over the table with his head and shoulders.

He extended his small, chubby hand palm-up toward her.

"Hand it over."

The boy commanded in a childish voice.

Leona obediently transferred the brooch to his palm.

He pouted, examining it intently.

"What do you want?"

Hiding it in his tiny fist, he asked.

"Huh?"

Still adjusting to the boy's appearance, Leona blankly echoed.

The boy shot her an annoyed look.

"You brought this, so you want something. Spit it out."

Leona composed herself and observed him.

Dark brown hair, gray eyes—he looked unmistakably childlike.

Yet his expression and gaze held uncanny maturity.

Considering him part of Sandcastle, Leona decided to show respect regardless of age.

She straightened and spoke politely.

"First, thank you for meeting me. I'm glad to speak with a Sandcastle member."

The boy looked startled, caught off-guard by her demeanor.

"Uh... well... sure."

"How are commissions priced?"

Leona worried about payment, even though Edmond said it wasn't needed.

"No fee. With this brooch, you can request high-difficulty jobs."

"Anything at all?"

Leona pondered.

Meanwhile, the boy struggled to maintain his serious facade.

But his cheeks flushed against his will.

He bit his lip to suppress a grin.

Steam puffed from his nostrils.

Lost in thought, Leona didn't notice.

Before entering the palace, she'd planned to commission Sandcastle to investigate Biota Helsian's past.

But Biota's entry timing had changed.

Leaving her short on time to prepare countermeasures.

After deliberation, Leona decided.

"...There's someone I want handled."

"Name?"

"Tom Head. Runs a small woodworking shop in the western capital village."

The boy pulled out a notepad and jotted it down.

"How? Suicide, murder, accident—pick one."

Leona waved her hands frantically.

"Not kill. Send him discreetly far from the capital. Ensure no one can track his whereabouts."

"Easy. That's it?"

"One more?"

The boy agreed readily to her hesitant request.

"Who?"

"There's an inn for merchants at the Empire-Huda Kingdom border. 'Under the Bodhi Tree'. Pass a message to its owner."

"Just a message?"

"Yes."

"What?"

"Hide immediately if you don't want to endanger your friend."

The boy noted it, pocketed the pad, and patted his chest.

"Got it. Leave it to me."

"Please."

Leona bowed. The boy scratched his nose and chuckled.

His guarded expression had melted away.

After seeing Leona off, the boy dashed excitedly into the curtained passage.

His bounces made the whole corridor thump.

Through hallway and stairs, he burst into a room without knocking.

"I'm back!"

In the sunlit bright room, Edmond clutched his head alone.

Piles of documents and books towered on his massive desk.

The boy, 'Max', clicked his tongue at Edmond's half-dead state.

"Pulled another all-nighter?"

Edmond, buried in an old tome, didn't register Max's words.

Max shrugged and placed the brooch on the desk.

Then he raided the guest table's snacks.

Half an hour later, Edmond jolted up with a gasp.

"Why is this here?"

"Got a commission."

Spotting Max, Edmond asked urgently.

"She came?"

"Yeah. I took the request."

"You? Where are the others?"

"You dispatched all capital agents elsewhere. Forgot your own orders?"

"Right... I did."

Edmond rubbed his forehead and moved to the sofa.

He sighed at Max, crumbs around his mouth.

"I have no face to show her. Bragged she'd get help, gave the gift, and a kid shows up. She wasn't disappointed?"

"What? That big sis treated me with total respect!"

"...Big sis?"

"I like that big sis."

Edmond was surprised by Max's impression.

Max was the child Edmond had taken in three years ago—a former street beggar.

Now chubby, he'd been skin and bones back then.

Eleven years old but small, most pegged him younger.

Max hated being underestimated for his age.

Edmond had taken him in for his talents.

The boy had sharp instincts for detecting lies and sincerity, and fooled others easily.

Edmond assigned him info gathering and rumor-mongering.

Despite his youth, Max held a key role.

He was wary of everyone but Edmond and Kamin.

Odd that he'd warmed to Leona on first meet.

"What'd she request?"

Edmond asked. Max handed over the note.

"Details there."

Edmond sat beside him and read.

"Got spare manpower for her request? Sounds urgent."

"Yeah. But we made a promise—this one's priority."

"Good."

Seeing Max relieved, Edmond was bemused.

"Not your job—why care?"

"She respected and trusted me as Sandcastle, entrusted it to me. Of course I care."

"...She knows about Sandcastle?"

"Yeah, she did."

"Heh... What a woman."

Edmond marveled, then began assembling a team for her commission.

To be continued in Volume 4