Chapter 19. The Prelude to Tragedy

“To not only slander Princess Agnès but also a poor maid…”

“What’s the difference between her and an ungrateful beast?”

Mine could no longer stand upright. There wasn’t a single ally in sight. Although she was surrounded by people, every one of them carried a dagger in their words. Even the slightest misstep—no, even a single breath—would be seized upon as a reason to condemn her.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Amid the tense atmosphere, Agnès spoke.

“Take Mine to the ‘Chamber of Truth.'”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

The ‘Chamber of Truth’ was just one of many rooms in the imperial palace. But to Mine, who had been branded a liar, it felt like a deliberate act of torment.

“…Let’s go.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The chamberlain who obeyed the order stiffened his expression, as though escorting Mine was a disgraceful duty.

Mine slapped away his outstretched hand with a sharp sound.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

If she allowed herself to be dragged away like this, it would solidify the notion that she had tried to usurp Agnès’ role and humiliated herself in the process. She knew her place far too well. If word of this reached her father, he would cast her aside without hesitation.

That could not happen, Mine thought.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I never asked to wear such ridiculous clothing.”

She tore the coarse fabric draped over her shoulders.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…!”

Faces turned pale with shock. Several gentlemen averted their eyes, coughing awkwardly. The fabric had ripped to reveal much of her chest.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Mine threw the laurel crown to the floor with a crash. Her disheveled hair, caught on the branches, fell loose, leaving her appearance in complete disarray. As she grabbed her skirt to tear the rest of the fabric—

Slap!

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Her face snapped to one side. Her cheek burned as if scorched, and the metallic tang of blood spread in her mouth.

Agnès had struck her. From her lips came a voice as cold as ice.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…Wretched creature.”

Three or four attendants rushed toward Mine. Stunned, she was dragged away like a criminal. When she was finally locked in the ‘Chamber of Truth,’ she felt a strange sense of relief—at least no one could come in to mock her.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

She stepped out onto the balcony connected to the chamber. Though it was spring, the wind brushing her neck was as sharp as a blade. She let her pinned-up hair fall loose. Only then did she realize she was barefoot. It truly felt like she had become a condemned criminal.

A hot lump of emotion rose in her throat. Gripping the stone railing, she shouted into the void.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“What did I do so wrong?”

Was it her fault she had been born a bastard? No, the blame lay with her father, who couldn’t control himself. The fault lay with the man who seduced an innocent country girl under false pretenses. So why was it her and her mother who had to suffer?

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Is it my fault I was born like this? Why do I have to be hated by everyone, scrambling to prove my worth… h-hic…”

In the end, tears like pearls rolled down her cheeks. She gripped the stone railing so tightly it felt like her nails might come off. Her voice cracked as she muttered.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I… I didn’t do anything so wrong…”

“You’ve done no wrong, Your Highness.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

The voice was thin yet melodic. Startled, Mine glanced around as if hearing an echo in her head. The voice seemed to have fallen from the sky.

“Haha. Over here.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

She was right. The voice had come from above. A figure dropped onto the balcony.

“…!”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

It wasn’t a fall. It was a controlled landing. Mine’s tear-filled eyes widened.

“Who… who are you?”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Forgive me for visiting Your Highness in such an impertinent manner.”

“…I asked who you are.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Mine was so tense that she didn’t even realize the man had addressed her as “Your Highness.” No one in this palace had ever called her that.

His honey-gold hair shone even in the dark, shimmering with luster. His long, slyly shaped eyes held sapphire irises that sparkled like jewels. The arrogance of a man who had tasted success at a young age made his roguish smile all the more captivating.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The man knelt before her. Then, to her shock, he boldly pressed his lips to her bare instep.

“Count Neumonte Acarlipto greets Your Highness.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

❖　❖　❖

I distinctly remember this scene—the day Mine Molière met Neumonte Acarlipto. Perhaps Mine herself will never forget it.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The man’s lips were unbelievably soft, like flower petals. The kiss tickled so much that Mine wiggled her toes. A low chuckle followed.

Neumonte straightened, maintaining the decorum expected toward royalty while his hyena-like gaze swept over Mine.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

His eyes brimmed with raw desire. Mine was no stranger to the lecherous stares of common thugs when she lived with her mother. But it was her first time being the object of lust for a noble of such refinement.

“What injustice have you endured? Your beautiful face tells a sorrowful tale.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“If you leave now, I’ll overlook your intrusion.”

“In fact, I was present at that gathering earlier.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Instead of withdrawing, Neumonte spoke those words. The nightmare replayed vividly in Mine’s mind, and her body grew cold. Neumonte took a step closer, the overwhelming scent of cologne filling the air.

“If you intend to condemn me…”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I believe in you, Your Highness.”

“What… did you say?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Princess Agnès is truly heartless. How can she turn her back on her own blood and trust the words of strangers?”

“…”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“There is nothing in this world thicker than blood.”

“Watch your words.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“There’s no one here but you and me, Your Highness.”

“…”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Will you report me? For the crime of siding with you instead of Princess Agnès?”

Neumonte slipped through the cracks in Mine’s wounded spirit with the ease of water seeping through a fissure. His cunning tongue offered the words Mine had been desperate to hear. No one had ever believed her, but Neumonte’s words of comfort and admiration melted her defenses.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

I understand Mine Molière’s heart. At that moment, she was so lonely, fighting an uphill battle. Neumonte, who appeared like a comet, almost worshipped her like a goddess. And he whispered like a serpent.

“If it were me, I would cut out the tongue of the maid who spread the rumors and poison the garments of the maid who assisted with your attire.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“How can you suggest something so cruel…”

“It’s only what they deserve. Just wait and see.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Life doesn’t work so simply.”

“Of course, Your Highness. But speaking of attire, don’t you find it a pity to be in such a state?”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Neumonte smoothly shifted the topic and carefully took hold of Mine’s wrist. She gasped in surprise, suddenly aware of how exposed her neckline was.

Neumonte led her into the room. A wide velvet sofa stood in the center, and he gestured toward it.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“This is an altar.”

“…?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He drew an ornate dagger from his belt and placed it in Mine’s slender hand.

“You are the priestess, and I am the king.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

It was blasphemy beyond belief for a mere noble to call himself a king. Yet Mine did not blink as she watched his actions.

Neumonte lay down on the sofa, clasped his hands over his stomach, and closed his eyes.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Now, stab me with the sacrificial blade!”

“What are you doing?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“I am reenacting the ‘Spring Martyrdom,’ Your Highness. Surely, you know how it’s done. I am the martyr king now. A sacrificial offering must remain silent, Your Highness.”

Mine’s heart thundered violently.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“This… this is utterly outrageous…”

“…”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Neumonte, I’m speaking to you!”

“…”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“This is…”

Mine muttered like a madwoman, yet she stood before the sofa, dagger in hand. Words she had practiced countless times slipped from her lips.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“O heavens, great sun god…”

Slowly kneeling, she clasped her hands in prayer and recited her lines with increasing fervor.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Here I offer the blood of the most precious among men. Grant us prosperity and abundance in return.”

“…”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“May this blood soak the land of the sun god and bring forth all that grows!”

Consumed by the ritual, she completed the prayer. Then, with trembling hands, she stabbed Neumonte in the chest—or rather, she pretended to.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

At that moment, Neumonte’s eyes snapped open. He grabbed Mine’s wrist and plunged the dagger deep into his own chest.

“Ah!”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Mine squeezed her eyes shut. Yet no agonized groan reached her ears. When she reopened her eyes, Neumonte was gazing at her with playful laughter, his expression brimming with affection.

“It’s a fake dagger.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

The blade was false, designed to retract when pressed.

“You… you dare mock me?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Ahaha. How radiant you look when you laugh.”

Neumonte still held her wrist. The pulse under her skin thumped loudly. His intense gaze drew closer, the angle of his face tilting. Their breaths mingled.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

This was the true prelude to tragedy.

 

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator