Chapter 35

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 11

Chapter Title: Palace Discipline

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Leona knelt at Biota's feet and bowed low at the waist.

"I greet the Lady of Peony Palace."

A heavy silence flowed over them.

At that moment, Emmy wriggled desperately, mumbling muffled sounds through her gag.

Chloe stepped forward to approach Emmy but retreated at Biota's gesture of restraint.

Biota didn't spare Emmy a glance, instead gazing off into the distance as she spoke.

"What a bizarre affair. For a maid to be abducted in broad daylight right here in the Imperial Palace."

Biota's tone was casual, almost indifferent.

Leona stared down at her clasped hands on the floor, thinking to herself.

Her timing is impeccable. Emmy must hold the key to this incident.

"Leona, I never took you for such a wicked girl."

Leona swallowed her regret and replied calmly.

"My lady, it's a misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding? I saw you abducting that maid with my own two eyes. A misunderstanding?"

"Abduction? How could we dare such audacity in the Imperial Palace, swarming with guards everywhere? We merely wished to bring her to the Crown Prince Palace for an urgent conversation."

"How urgent must it be to bind her like that and drag her away?"

"...It concerns His Highness the Crown Prince, so I cannot disclose it to you. Please show mercy and understand our position."

Biota fell silent for a moment before letting out a cold snort.

"Are you threatening me by invoking His Highness the Crown Prince's name?"

"This servant..."

"Silence! You can't uphold your duties as a maid, yet you exploit His Highness's favor to throw your weight around. Your behavior is utterly deplorable! Seeing a mere maid forget her place and strut about the palace as if it were her own domain makes me realize just how disordered the palace has become."

Biota ordered her maids to untie Emmy.

As Biota's maids led Emmy away, Leona grew desperate.

She had a premonition that if this woman slipped away now, she'd never see her again.

Leona straightened up and cried out.

"Lady Emmy, run! If you don't flee now, your life..."

Slap!

Leona collapsed to the floor.

Everyone present froze in an instant.

Biota slowly lowered her raised arm and nodded to Chloe.

Chloe directed the lower maids to take Emmy away.

As Emmy tried to scream in panic, the maids covered her mouth, subdued her, and forcibly dragged her off somewhere.

In the meantime, the twins tried to approach Leona to check on her, but Biota's remaining maids blocked their path.

Biota looked down at Leona with icy eyes.

Leona brushed her reddened cheek with the back of her hand, then corrected her disheveled posture and prostrated herself again.

"My lady. Please release Emmy."

"Leona."

Biota called her name softly, like a gentle breeze.

"...Yes, my lady."

"What do you know?"

"What do you mean?"

Biota bent down and placed a hand on Leona's shoulder.

"What were you planning to do with that maid?"

"I told you. It's a matter involving His Highness the Crown Prince..."

"Did you receive orders from His Highness?"

"I cannot say."

"Of course not. His Highness has no interest whatsoever in palace affairs. So who set you in motion?"

"..."

Biota grasped Leona's chin and lifted it.

She peered deeply into Leona's eyes.

Leona met her gaze without flinching.

Biota asked in a subtle tone.

"They say you're the true power behind the Crown Prince Palace, Leona."

"How could a mere maid wield such authority? Please withdraw such undeserved praise."

"I knew you were no ordinary girl... but I didn't expect you to be this exceptional."

"I'm sorry. This foolish servant cannot comprehend your words, my lady."

Leona played dumb throughout.

Biota didn't get angry; instead, she smiled faintly.

"But when one far exceeds their station, it only invites unnecessary trouble."

Biota released Leona's chin, stood up, and took a step back.

Chloe then approached close to Leona.

Biota changed her tone, feigning pity as she sighed.

"With the Supreme Maid Chief bedridden, the palace hierarchy has fallen into chaos. For a young maid to intimidate her elders under the guise of favor— as a member of the imperial household, I cannot simply overlook this. However, considering the girl's youth, I won't escalate it to the Servant Oversight Department. Chloe."

"Yes, my lady."

"Take my place and teach her the palace rules."

"As you command."

"Don't go too hard on her."

"Yes, my lady."

Chloe signaled to the other maids.

They seized Leona from both sides, pinned her down, pulled her arms out, and forced her palms flat against the floor.

Chloe raised her foot and stomped down on the back of Leona's hand.

A sharp crunch echoed as the hard heel of her shoe dug into Leona's pale skin.

Leona gritted her teeth and swallowed her cry.

Chloe, face flushed with anger, stomped repeatedly on both of Leona's hands.

The searing pain made her whole body tremble, but Leona didn't utter a single groan.

Physical pain was no issue.

What worried Leona was whether her hands would be rendered useless.

Seeing no reaction from Leona only fueled Chloe's spite.

She increased the force with each stomp, eventually standing on her heel's edge to grind into Leona's hand.

Hiss.

Leona gasped involuntarily, her body shuddering.

Chloe smirked in satisfaction, twisting her foot to crush the spot further.

As Leona's convulsions worsened, Chloe ordered the other maids.

"Hold her tight."

The maids pinning Leona pressed down harder.

Chloe switched feet.

This time, intent on crippling Leona's hand for good, she slammed her foot down with full force.

A small pebble shot like lightning, striking Chloe's ankle.

"Aaagh!"

Chloe screamed and tumbled to the floor.

While everyone, Biota included, stared in bewilderment, the Crown Prince strode forward.

Kamin swept his intimidating gaze over everyone present.

His eyes soon fell on the back of Leona's hand.

Spotting the Crown Prince's boots, Leona instinctively pulled her hands beneath her.

But Kamin had already seen the injury.

In that instant, murderous intent emanated from his entire body.

The maids, sensing the chill, hurriedly released Leona and prostrated themselves.

"We greet His Highness the Crown Prince."

The maids greeted him with trembling voices.

Chloe clutched her ankle, tears streaming, but sensing the dire atmosphere, she joined the others in prostration.

Kamin glared at Chloe as he slowly approached her.

Terrified, Chloe slammed her forehead to the floor and curled up.

Kamin paused midway to Chloe.

He glanced down at his leg.

Leona, head bowed, was clutching his foot and shaking her head.

As Kamin hesitated briefly,

Biota composed herself and greeted him.

"It's been a while, Your Highness."

"...Lady of the palace."

Kamin turned his piercing gaze to Biota.

"What in the world is this?"

Biota lowered her eyes slightly, twisting her waist delicately as she spoke in a frail voice.

"My apologies, Your Highness. I was merely teaching this insolent girl the sacred laws of the palace."

"Sacred laws?"

Kamin scoffed, advancing toward Biota step by step.

Biota felt crushing pressure but stood firm, smile unwavering.

Closing in on Biota, Kamin glared down at her coldly.

"Your teaching methods are quite insidious, my lady. You seem talented at tormenting others—why waste it in the rear palace? Join the military as a torturer. If you wish, I'll recommend you myself."

For a fleeting moment, Biota's smile vanished.

She bowed gracefully and replied.

"You jest too much, Your Highness. In any case, this is an internal matter. Leave the girl's punishment to me."

"Punishment?"

Kamin looked down at the delicate woman, clenching his fist.

Veins bulged on the back of his hand.

A surge of impulse rose.

He wanted to swing his fist and smash everything annoying in sight.

As his killing intent surged, the air grew oppressively heavy.

Kamin's aura crushed everyone present.

Biota bore the brunt, gasping as she backed away stealthily.

Kamin took a step toward her, then suddenly turned away.

The pressure vanished abruptly.

As the others panted for breath, Kamin grabbed Leona and pulled her to her feet.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes."

Leona bowed her head, silently pleading with Kamin to leave now.

Kamin paused silently before scooping her up in both arms.

Leona startled.

"Your Highness, I'm fine. Please put me down."

"Stay still. Or shall we end things here?"

Kamin whispered a quiet threat in her ear.

Leona immediately stilled.

Kamin glared around, eyes fierce.

Frustrated at not venting, but prioritizing Leona's treatment, he turned to leave.

As he showed his back, Biota probed.

"Your Highness truly cherishes that girl."

Kamin halted and turned to Biota.

"Indeed. So be cautious in how you treat her henceforth, my lady."

Kamin admitted openly and quickened his pace.

At that moment, his guard knights arrived running.

Panting, they surrounded Kamin.

"Y-Your Highness... A-Are you al..."

"You sluggards."

Knowing they couldn't match his speed, Kamin still vented his displeasure.

"We are ashamed... Your Highness."

"Training intensity doubles starting tomorrow."

At his declaration, the guards' faces paled as if beholding hell.

Kamin pushed past them and strode ahead.

The guards followed dejectedly.

The twin maids seized the moment, slipping away to trail the Crown Prince's group discreetly.

Biota watched his retreating figure with gleaming eyes.

Leona had forgotten her own predicament, lost in thoughts of the abducted Emmy.

She snapped back to reality upon entering the central inner palace road between the Emperor's Palace and the Empress Palace.

Seeing attendants and maids prostrating toward her en masse, Leona realized she was still cradled in the Crown Prince's arms.

Servants and maids bowed politely while stealing curious glances at Kamin and Leona.

Leona squirmed to be put down.

Startled by her sudden movement, Kamin halted.

"What's wrong?"

"Your Highness, please let me down."

"..."

"Your Highness."

Kamin ignored her and resumed walking.

Leona signaled desperately to his trailing guards.

One knight caught her eye, quickened his pace to Kamin's side.

"Your Highness, allow me to carry her instead."

Kamin shot him a sharp glare instead of replying.

The knight retreated wordlessly to the rear.

Desperate, Leona wriggled until pain shot through her hand, making her flinch.

"Stay still."

Kamin pulled her closer into his embrace and addressed the guards.

"Someone fetch the imperial physician."

At his order, the knight who'd just been glared at dashed off toward the Imperial Infirmary.

Hearing this, Leona protested vehemently.

"The imperial physician? That's excessive. I can go to the Attendant Medical Department. My legs are fine, Your Highness. I'll walk there myself. Please put me down."

(*Attendant Medical Department: The department assisting the imperial physicians in treating female imperial family members such as consorts or princesses in the rear palace. It also handles treating patients of maid status.)

Just then,

the Crown Prince stopped abruptly and set Leona down.

Leona bowed and stepped back, only for Kamin to grab her chin and tilt her head up.

Kamin twisted her chin slightly.

Her swollen red cheek entered his view.

Fury surged again, but Kamin took a deep breath to compose himself.

Leona glanced sideways at him, their eyes locking.

Overwhelmed by his menacing aura, Leona shrank back.

"Your Highness..."

Kamin released her chin and turned away.

Leona swiftly grabbed his arm.

Kamin tried to shake her off but paused.

Her gripping hand trembled uncontrollably.

"What are you doing? Let go."

"Your Highness, where are you going?"

"I said let go."

"Surely not to find the lady of the palace?"

"Yes."

"What do you intend to do to her?"

Kamin tilted his head and muttered lowly.

"Hmm... What should I do? Tear off their limbs?"

"Your Highness!"

Kamin grasped Leona's wrist gently and pulled it down.

Seizing the moment, Leona whispered urgently.

"Your Highness, she is a favored consort of His Majesty. You mustn't openly antagonize her yet. One misstep, and she'll have ammunition to attack you."

"Do you think I fear that?"

"...You mustn't underestimate her. In our past life, she deposed you from the crown prince position."

Kamin held both her wrists, examining the injuries intently.

Her small hands were dirtied with soil and blood, the backs festering.

"And so? Must I fear her?"

"That's not..."

"Do I seem attached to this position?"

Kamin asked coldly.

Leona couldn't answer.

"You've seen me in action once. You know I have zero interest in power. The crown prince seat? Take it if you want. But those who hurt you today will pay."

Kamin released her wrists.

As he turned, Leona spoke.

"I didn't realize Your Highness cherished this servant so deeply."

Her sarcastic tone made Kamin turn back.

Leona avoided his gaze, bowing her head.

But Kamin caught a glimpse of her expression.

It was gloomy and sad.

Perplexed and conflicted, Kamin watched as Leona bowed deeply, pleading calmly.

"This was my mistake. All of it stems from my own carelessness. I have no face to show Your Highness for causing you worry. But you needn't intervene here. Please, don't trouble yourself further."

While Kamin stood speechless, his attendants arrived.

Barts, Miranda, and others spotted him, ran joyfully, then halted at a distance sensing the tension.

With his silence, Leona assumed acceptance and sighed in relief.

"Then, this servant shall take her leave."

"...Where to?"

"To the Attendant Medical Department for treatment."

"Go to the palace and have the imperial physician treat you."

"I'm fine. I'll be quick."

Leona bowed, took three steps back, and turned.

The Attendant Medical Department was at East Lake Court, where the Imperial Infirmary lay.

As she hurried that way, the Crown Prince suddenly matched pace beside her.

Leona stepped aside to let him pass first.

In that instant, Kamin snatched her wrist and pulled her along.

"Your Highness."

"The imperial physician is coming anyway. Don't waste his time—get treated."

"I'm truly fine."

"That's an order."

At those words, Leona ceased struggling.

Kamin gave a wry smile and led her.

His entourage followed at a distance.

"The bones are a bit damaged, but fortunately the nerves are intact. Avoid using your hands until the wounds heal. Especially the left—the injury is severe, so be careful not to bump it."

The imperial physician wrapped Leona's hands in bandages, instructing her on precautions.

"Thank you, imperial physician."

"No need. I'll send ointment for your cheek via messenger. Apply it before bed, and the swelling should subside by morning. We'll monitor your hands' progress—return to the Imperial Infirmary in two days."

"Yes."

Finishing treatment, the physician approached Kamin and reported.

Kamin praised him and bestowed generous payment.

Barts soon escorted the physician out, leaving Kamin and Leona alone in the lounge.

Kamin propped his elbow on the sofa armrest, chin in hand.

He stared fixedly at Leona opposite him.

But Leona, mind elsewhere, didn't notice.

She was engrossed in testing 'paper-folding' motions with her fingers.

Her left hand moved stiffly but adequately.

Leona clenched and unclenched her right fist, relieved inwardly.

Fortunately, the right injury was minor.

Inability to write would derail her plans.

"What are you doing?"

Kamin snatched her wrist.

"Forgot the imperial physician's order not to use your hands?"

"Ah... My apologies, Your Highness."

Leona tugged to free her wrist.

Kamin nearly released her but tightened his grip instead.

Leona looked up, flustered.

"Your Highness?"

"Whatever scheme you're plotting, drop it."

Leona's expression hardened.

"What do you mean?"

"Opposing Biota. Stop."

"..."

"That's an order."

Leona stared blankly, as if stunned.

"Why... You entrusted her to me. Do you not trust me?"

"In this state, how can I? You don't seem a match for her."

Leona opened her mouth to retort but closed it.

"From now on, do nothing and stay quietly in the palace. Understood?"

Leona, who'd lowered her eyes with a frown, suddenly glared rebelliously.

"No."

"What?"

"Forgive me, but I cannot obey that order."

"Leona!"

Leona shook off his hand, stood.

"What will Your Highness do? Fight her by proxy? No, you won't. I've seen you in our past life. Indifferent to everything, no lingering attachments—why dive into power struggles? You'd spectate. Take her attacks until bored, then leave. Just like before! Am I wrong?"

"I..."

Kamin trailed off, at a loss.

Leona's eyes reddened, breath ragged with surging emotion.

"I don't know what you're thinking, Your Highness. In our past life... I thought I'd won. That I'd toppled you with my own power. But it was delusion. Now I know—you had the strength to hold your seat. You simply chose not to. Abandoning... everything..."

Leona squeezed her eyes shut.

The image of the forsaken Imperial Grandson, dying alone, surfaced.

Kamin silently watched, then stood, kicked aside the obstructing table, and approached.

Leona gripped her injured hands tightly, fingers interlaced.

"Release your hands. Now."

Kamin pried her wrists apart.

Checking her hands, he looked up and startled.

Tears streaked both her cheeks.

"Why? Does it hurt? Shall I call the physician again?"

Flustered, Kamin gently wiped her cheek with his thumb.

His touch made Leona recoil.

She dabbed her eyes with her sleeve, then opened them.

Her eyes still rimmed red, but the emotions overlaying her face had washed away, restoring composure.

Kamin lowered his hand, gazing at her.

Leona spoke with downcast eyes.

"Your Highness still lacks the will to defend yourself. Even after I told you of our past life's events, you remain indifferent to the empire's future—your own safety. Well, that's fine. I won't force my desires on you; I lack the power anyway. Instead."

Leona raised her gaze, staring fiercely at Kamin.

He flinched, stiffening.

"Don't interfere. This is my chosen path, my fight. I won't watch you slandered, framed, deposed again. Just as I can't compel you, you can't break my resolve. In this life, I'll give my all. My utmost to protect you. So."

Leona stepped forward; Kamin instinctively retreated.

"Just watch how I handle Biota. Understood?"

Overpowered by her resolve, Kamin nodded.

Finishing, Leona bowed politely as usual and left the room.

Kamin hadn't moved a muscle.

Couldn't.

The moment she'd confronted him, he'd been so stunned he'd forgotten to breathe.

Kamin exhaled held breath, rubbing his chest.

His heart pounded loudly, racing.

At that hour, a maid handling Crown Prince Palace guest receptions entered the audience chamber.

Rose Dorian jolted up from the sofa at the sound.

Seeing a maid instead of the Crown Prince, she relaxed briefly.

The maid apologized regretfully.

"Lady Rose, His Highness has urgent business. I'm sorry, but you must return."

"Ah... I see."

Rose slumped onto the sofa, drained.

The maid eyed her pallor.

"Are you unwell?"

"No, I'm fine. My legs just gave out suddenly... May I rest a bit before leaving?"

"Of course. I'll be outside—call if you need anything."

"Thank you."

After the maid left, Rose leaned against the sofa back.

Relieved the ordeal ended, she smiled broadly, then drooped her mouth.

"I'll get scolded again today..."

Dreading recounting her time with the Crown Prince to her father, Rose grew gloomy.

Chloe, ankle splinted, limped to open the balcony doors.

Biota, leaning on the railing, turned at the sound.

Chloe knelt at her feet.

"My lady."

"Is it done?"

"Yes. I've arranged for Emmy to leave the palace by tonight."

"Mm... I'll handle the aftermath. Double-check the paperwork for issues."

"Yes, my lady."

Chloe looked up, saw Biota's cold expression, and pressed her forehead to the floor again.

"You've caused me no end of headaches."

"F-Forgive me..."

"My judgment of character must be lacking. To keep someone like you as a close aide."

Biota muttered as if to herself.

Hearing it, Chloe trembled violently.

"P-Please spare me..."

"What's this? Anyone would think I meant to kill you."

"My lady... Forgive me. Please..."

"Enough. Stop fussing and stand."

"Y-Yes."

Chloe scrambled up.

Her broken ankle throbbed, but she stood firmly on both feet, posture straight.

Biota impassively studied Chloe's sweat-drenched face.

"If only you were half the girl she is."

Chloe bit her lip hard, grasping the implication.

The "she" was undoubtedly Leona.

"You're overestimating that girl, my lady. She targeted Emmy for some other reason, as she claimed."

"You think so?"

"Yes. How could she have uncovered what Emmy did?"

"Then why warn Emmy to beware when I tried taking her?"

"That..."

"She acted as if she knew I'd harm Emmy. What basis for that judgment, do you think?"

Chloe floundered wordlessly.

Biota clicked her tongue.

"I don't know her source, but Leona's clearly linked Emmy to me. And of all people, she's with the Crown Prince... She'll be a thorn in my side."

Biota frowned, rubbing her temple.

"Um... my lady."

"Hm?"

"What if... we use the drug on Leona to eliminate her..."

Seeing Biota's glare, Chloe clamped her mouth shut.

"Without my order, you meddled with Odel, saddling me with a liability like Emmy. Now 'use the drug to eliminate'? What if it backfires and exposes it? Will you handle the fallout?"

Chloe flattened herself to the floor.

"Forgive me!"

Biota placed her foot on Chloe's head, pressing down.

Chloe gasped in terror.

"Speak of that drug once more without leave, or use it recklessly..."

"Never, never again!"

"...Don't squander my trust in you."

"Yes, yes, my lady."

Biota lifted her foot and turned away.

Chloe exhaled in relief, slowly rising.

Biota gazed at the view, then spoke abruptly.

"What was the Prime Minister's daughter's name?"

"Rose Dorian, my lady."

"Rose Dorian... Send her an invitation. Date... Ah, the Crown Prince leaves for a hunt during the state holiday week?"

"Yes. One night, two days—leaves early morning, returns next day."

Biota clapped delightedly.

"Perfect timing. Invite Miss Rose to my palace the day he departs. She's an honored guest—prepare impeccably."

"Yes, my lady."

Biota's lips curved in a sly smile, eyes narrowing sharply.

That night, Leona stayed awake late.

She held paper against the moonlit windowsill, practicing letters atop it with a pen.

Imitating another's handwriting, she repeatedly scrawled various words.

As the paper filled, dull pain throbbed in her gripping hand.

Leona set pen and paper on the sill, resting briefly.

Scrutinizing her practiced script, she suddenly thunked her forehead against the window.

"Sigh..."

Memories of defying the Crown Prince that day flooded back.

Thunk. Thunk. Thunk.

Leona banged her forehead against the window in self-punishment.

But no amount eased her guilt.

"I have no right to blame His Highness..."

She knew. Intellectually.

In their past life, the Crown Prince's disinterest was mere apathy toward palace intrigue.

The true villain was herself.

Yet resentment lingered.

She couldn't help being angry at him.

Precisely, at the past life's Crown Prince who'd abandoned their son in the palace and vanished alone.

If only he'd fought Biota with full effort.

If only he'd revealed his prowess.

If only he'd at least protected the Imperial Grandson.

Knowing it futile, such hypotheticals bred resentment toward Kamin.

Even though she had framed him, poisoned the Crown Princess Consort, harming her and the child.

Leona slammed her forehead harder against the window.

The impact dazed her, scattering vain thoughts.

She redirected her focus.

"...Emmy's probably dead by now."

After parting with Kamin, Leona had sought Emmy immediately.

But Emmy had already been expelled.

Via Cindy, Leona learned Emmy vanished right after leaving the palace.

Before Leona or Cindy could act, Emmy had disappeared from the world.

Thus, one leverage against Biota slipped away.

But it was fine.

She had other preparations for Biota.

As Leona steeled herself and reached for the pen,

Rumble...

A sudden roar shook the ground faintly.

Startled, sleeping Miranda awoke.

"Wh-What?"

Commotion erupted outside.

Other maids had woken too.

"No idea. I'll check."

Leona hid the paper and exited.

Dozens of maids in nightgowns milled confusedly in the corridor.

Leona rushed outside the annex to investigate.

Meanwhile, Kamin dusted his hands contentedly, vaulting Peony Palace's wall.

Soon after, Peony Palace's main pillars and roof collapsed.

Fortunately, the palace lady was then in the Emperor's bedchamber, unscathed.

But her jewels, clothes, and valuables lay buried under the rubble.

The Emperor arranged for Biota to reside in Anu Palace until repairs.

Leona initially suspected the Crown Prince.

An incident absent in their past life coinciding with her injury day at Peony Palace.

But Leona dismissed it.

No matter his prowess, one man couldn't demolish pillars and roof overnight alone.

Thus, the incident remained an unsolved mystery to Leona.

The unprecedented palace collapse drew experts from various fields to investigate, but yielded nothing amid the uproar.