As I continue to work on my other projects, I apologize if updates to this series come at a sporadic pace. Please know that I remain committed to completing this project as promised and will continue to put in the effort needed to bring it to its conclusion. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
TMC Vol 1 Act 1.7
by cookieI must confess. Although I feel so guilty that it’s almost like carving my own heart out, I couldn’t help but feel a thrill that I tried my hardest to hide while I was with Princess Verona. After all, what felt like a sudden shock to her was, for me, an unexpected but welcome piece of good news.
Princess Lux is coming back! That adorable little baby princess!
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Six years have passed, so she must have grown quite a bit. I wonder—does her face now resemble Queen Catherine’s more, or His Majesty’s? If I told her that the picture she drew as a child is still stuck on my wardrobe door, would she believe me?
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
Yes, it’s true. On the night the baby princess left, I secretly took the drawing that was left abandoned in the hallway and stuck it in my wardrobe. Back then, I thought I’d never see her again. But now, here we are, about to meet once more! The excitement won’t leave me, even now that I’ve returned to my room.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
My room is a small inner chamber off the kitchen, and it contains my entire humble world—a bundle of belongings, a tiny wardrobe, a simple bed, and a washbasin.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
After wiping off my makeup with a beeswax-and-oil solution, I wash my face thoroughly. The black vertical line drawn right down the middle of my eyelids fades away, melting completely. In the cracked mirror, I see a face that’s not quite anything—a being neither adult nor child, neither jester nor human.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
A young man with light, simple blond hair and bluish-gray eyes stares back at me. My habitual fake smiles must’ve hardened into a permanent fixture because, even expressionless, there’s a faint playfulness in my gaze. Strangely, I now feel more unfamiliar with my bare face than with the painted one.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
If I just turn my head slightly, I can see the baby princess’s drawing reflected in the mirror. Each time, it gives me a small comfort.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
***
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
I spend days pondering how best to welcome Princess Lux. A parade of ideas marches through my mind, each more charming than the last. Should I prepare a short magic show? Compose a song for her? Put on a play with a rabbit and a frog? I’d need new puppets for that, though… and I’m broke. Blast it.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
As I sit at the table, deep in thought, Aunt Gertrude calls out to me.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“Little one, your porridge is getting cold.”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
It’s breakfast time, and in front of me is a bowl of oatmeal and a glass of milk. The other workers are already getting up, having finished their meals.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
I halfheartedly protest the affectionate nickname she’s called me since I was fourteen.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Aunt, I’m twenty now.”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
But it’s a token protest, which she ignores with a cluck of her tongue as she sits beside me.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“What’s got you so wrapped up in thought?”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“Well, Princess Lux arrives today.”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“That’s right. You used to adore her, didn’t you?”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“What do you think I should do for her?”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“What did you do before?”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“I played with her. We joked around, I gave her riddles, did magic tricks…”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“Then just do that.”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
Of course, I’d considered that already.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
… Or wait, no, I hadn’t. Not really.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
Sometimes the simplest answer is the best one. Right. Who needs an elaborate welcome? Even if I went all out, how long would it really touch her? No, I should focus on recreating those happy memories.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“Thank you, Auntie. That helped.”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“Oh, it did? Then here, try one of these.”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
From her apron, Aunt Gertrude pulls out a lollipop with a bluish-purple tint.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“It’s my latest masterpiece. I think it’ll be a big hit if I sell it in the general store. It’s made with plenty of eggplant juice…”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“Goodbye, Auntie.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
***
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
The atmosphere within the castle feels especially unsettled today. The servants are busy redecorating the empty room that once belonged to Princess Lux, ensuring it befits royalty once more. Meanwhile, the nobles who support Princess Verona move in somber clusters, whispering amongst themselves.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
Princess Verona, however, has been diligently practicing her swordsmanship since early this morning. Whenever she is angry or tense, she often wields her sword for hours on end. Dressed in training attire with her hair tied up, she cuts an exceptionally striking figure.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
I stand beneath the shade of a tree, cheering her on with handstands and cartwheels, putting all my energy into my support. It’s surely just my imagination, but it seems she’s trying to avert her face from me. Yes, it must be. Anyone who receives my special cheer is bound to feel a surge of strength. I recall that even His Majesty the King, once weary from hunting, sprang up immediately and cuffed me on the back of my head after I cheered him on.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
As Princess Verona approaches, wiping sweat from her brow, I have a refreshing fruit punch and a towel ready. If she asks why I’m doing a maid’s job, I won’t have a decent answer. I’m here simply because she called for me.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“That’s quite the unique cheer. Where did you learn it?”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Oh, Princess. You jest. Where could anyone pay to learn something like this?”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“Indeed… teaching such a thing for money wouldn’t be right.”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
While she cools down, I flutter about, fanning her.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Jester, you’re being distracting.”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“My apologies.”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“I didn’t tell you to stop.”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“Ah, yes.”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
Princess Verona’s gaze turns to the apprentice knights training in the distance.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“Do you see them?”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“I do.”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
That tall one over there is named Fenton; he’s best avoided at all costs.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“What do you think they strive for so diligently?”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“Who knows? I suppose each has their own goals.”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“And if one of them ascended the throne tomorrow, how would you feel?”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
If I had to guess who it might be, I have a sinking feeling. Hmm… it’s unsettling.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“I’d leave Winsland that very day. Would you care to join me?”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
The princess chuckles softly.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“Don’t worry. That won’t happen. The point is, everyone has a destiny, a path they must walk.”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“Wise words, indeed.”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“I have never imagined a life where I am not destined to rule. I was born to govern this land, and I’ve dedicated my life to a purpose that matches that destiny. I cannot tolerate anything that stands in my way now.”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Who would dare block your path, Princess?”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“That unworthy woman’s daughter dares…”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
I fan her more vigorously, cooling her reddening ears.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“Oh, come now. Can a mere child be any threat? Just ignore her if you happen to cross paths. She’s so small you may hardly notice.”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
That’s how I feel, too. Anyone foolish enough to challenge Princess Verona is doomed to fail. If only Princess Lux would live quietly, they could each walk their own path of roses, don’t you agree? There’s no need for a fight.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“That child must take after her mother. Even her appearance shows it, does it not?”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“But Princess Lux has blue eyes. That’s the mark of the Channing royal family.”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“You don’t understand. Malice flows through blood. You wouldn’t know, having only seen the remnants of Catherine Blythe, but when she was in her prime… she was truly ruthless. A woman, like a whitewashed tomb—beautiful on the outside, but filled with corpses within.”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“I’ve heard tales. Anyone who displeased her even slightly suffered endless torment until their dying breath.”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Yes.”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“And that death often came swiftly.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“How well-informed you are.”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
Hearing it aloud, I realize how turbulent those years were, though they were not so long ago. Tensions between noble families reached such heights that nobles lay in the streets like apples fallen in an orchard. It was not uncommon to find someone dead upon waking. Catherine herself joined in, igniting fires and stirring chaos across the political scene.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“Do you know how ruthless one must be to wield that kind of influence? Truly ruthless. Beyond imagination.”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
Of course, I understand. Anyone not hardened enough would quickly abandon their ambitions and withdraw from power here. For Princess Verona to still shudder, Catherine Blythe must have been extraordinarily formidable.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“But the girl is still young, is she not?”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Yet she remains a threat to the throne. As a princess of Winsland, I hereby declare this: anyone showing kindness to Lux Blythe or her nanny shall be severely punished. Not just kindness—none shall even speak to them. That girl will walk out of this castle on her own within a year.”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
You won’t even acknowledge her under the name of the Channing family?
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“Princess…”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“And that applies to you as well. Even a jester’s privilege won’t spare you this time.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
The jester’s privilege: the right to live without understanding life, to create disorder, to taunt and exaggerate royalty, to live as if life were a comedy, to treat others as if they were players on a stage, to satirize even His Majesty.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
And, above all, the one-time right to disobey a royal command solely for the purpose of entertaining the masses.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“What punishment would you bestow if I spoke to her?”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
An audacious question, indeed. A glint of angry resentment sparks in her eyes.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Do you truly mean to do so?”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“…No, I shall obey.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Surely, you know. I am bound, unable to defy your orders, Princess.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
***
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
It wasn’t entirely unexpected that things would turn out this way. After all, it was inevitable. Princess Verona was bound to dislike Princess Lux, and in this castle filled with Princess Verona’s faction, Princess Lux was bound to be unwelcome.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
But was it too much to hope for a small miracle?
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
It’s plain for anyone to see that the child could never claim the throne, let alone even secure a morsel on her plate. No one in their right mind would challenge the eldest daughter of the Channing royal family. So, would it be too much to ask for a little mercy?
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
I know. I know that the princess was deeply involved in the purge of Catherine Blythe and in the recent purge of the young queen. I’d rather not acknowledge it, but I couldn’t help overhearing the gossip of the nobles who carelessly chatter away, oblivious to my presence.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Indeed, who doesn’t know of the princess’s fierce sense of purpose, willing to remove obstacles by any means necessary?
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
Therefore, there’s no need for her to assert dominance over her younger sister. She’s just a ten-year-old child. Left alone, she’ll be overwhelmed by the princess’s authority soon enough, and Ophelia, her governess, is not foolish enough to raise her as a competitor.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
If that were the case, I could perhaps take a break from serving the nobles’ whims and find a moment of peace.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
Why, of all days, does the weather have to be so needlessly fine? Princess Lux must be crossing the plains in her carriage by now. The vast stretch of green meadows, the deep forest lying beyond, a few deer grazing leisurely. The peaceful scenery outside the window could never warn her of the fate awaiting her the moment she steps into the castle.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
What can be done about it! Just imagining the cold reception awaiting Princess Lux from the first person she speaks to makes my heart ache.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“What should I do, Aunt?”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
My voice comes out unintentionally choked, and Aunt Gertrude’s eyes widen in surprise.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“Dear, is something wrong?”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
I place my arms on the kitchen table and bury my head between them.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“It’s the perfect day to get lost under a mound of whole-wheat dough.”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“You’d be the last to go down without a fight, wouldn’t you?”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
The lady shakes her head and continues kneading the dough, each press sending white flour into the air like a soft mist. Simply watching the scene brings a calming effect over my mind.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
The scent of something delicious wafts from somewhere. A tray of twenty freshly baked hard rolls emerges from the oven, their golden crust inviting. I reach out to snatch one, only for my hand to receive a sharp slap from the lady.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“Wait. We’ll eat together at lunch.”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
A black-cloaked executioner strides in, the only one in Winsland’s history to have twice executed a queen. He stands tall, with fierce, piercing eyes and a cloak as dark as raven feathers—a fearsome presence.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
Yet, despite appearances, he’s so sensitive that he sits alone at the edge of the dining table when he eats. Once you get used to his initial arrival, his quiet presence is hardly noticeable at all.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
Without hesitation, Aunt Gertrude hands him a roll.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“Theo, have some. There’s raspberry jam in the pantry, just as you like.”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
This situation, indeed, has me wondering if my discomfort is rooted in hunger or heartache.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“Ah, betrayal is a painful thing.”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“He has to carry out an execution at noon, so he eats early.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Such is Mr. Theo. You know the type—someone hyper-aware of the discomfort they might cause just by existing. Even the act of fetching jam seems a bother to him, and he perches on the edge of a chair, tearing into the bread without even spreading anything on it. I feel as if my own throat is constricting just watching him.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Given all this, I might seem like someone who loves meddling in other people’s affairs. However, I swear, as a mere jester, my goal is to live quietly and cautiously, and I’ve never overstepped my bounds without necessity.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
Why am I telling you this? It’s to caution you not to admire me as some altruistic helper, such as when I stood up and handed Mr. Theo the jar of jam and a knife, or when I once saved a young squire from a group of bullying apprentices. Admiring me as a “jester with a heart of gold” is only bound to lead to disappointment.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
Theo gives a slight nod of thanks, and I, compelled by an inevitable force, return to my seat, burying my face in my arms once more. Aunt Gertrude sighs in exasperation.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“Now, what’s gotten into you?”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“Haven’t you received any orders, Aunt? Not to speak to Princess Lux, not to show her any kindness…?”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“Ah, yes. Someone relayed that message to me earlier. It’s just nobles throwing their weight around as usual. I can’t fathom why they’d need to be so cruel to a child. Not that I’d have any reason to get close to a highborn like her, anyway.”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“That’s an order from Princess Verona. Everyone in the castle received it. I received it, too.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Aunt Gertrude stares at me, then picks up a hard roll and sits down on a step beside me.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“Here. When your head’s in turmoil, you need to eat.”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Thank you.”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
I take a bite of the crust, then use a fork to scoop out the inside. I’m not sure when I developed this habit, but as long as I can remember, I’ve been eating crusty bread this way.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Who on earth eats bread like that?”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
If there’s any joy in routine actions, it’s in inventing a reason for them.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Eating it this way allows the crust to cool and become chewier and tastier while I finish the inside. This is a tip I don’t share with just anyone.”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“Oh, aren’t you clever.”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
The lady shakes her head in disbelief.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“You’ve always been that kind of child, haven’t you? Living in your own way, no matter what anyone else says.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“Was that a compliment?”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“It means you’re an oddball.”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“How harsh.”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“All your little rules—do they really help you?”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“They’re better than nothing.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“Then this time, follow your own rules. Don’t fret over someone else’s orders.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
***
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish