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 1.8
by cookieThe bell tolls from the tower, announcing the arrival of noon. I wander near the castle gates, hands clasped behind my back like a deeply contemplative soul, though my mind is as blank as the early white hairs on Duke Ansley’s head.
The time for a decision is drawing near, isn’t it? What should I do? Surely it would be wise to follow Princess Verona’s orders, right? Then why, pray tell, am I standing here awaiting Princess Lux’s arrival?
Aunt Gertrude once said that while I may seem clever and mischievous on the outside, my true thoughts often reveal themselves without any filtering. It seems she was right. Before I knew it, I had hidden myself behind a shrub as though guilty of treason.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
The castle gates open, and the carriage bearing Princess Lux enters. Lady Ophelia, grasping her skirt, steps down from the carriage. Her attire and hair are a touch more subdued than before, but otherwise, she looks much as she did six years ago. Following her, Princess Lux steps down with Ophelia’s assistance, clad in a gown of dark blue velvet.
In that moment, I steady my heart. Everything becomes crystal clear.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
Her face, youthful and intellectual, glimmers through her long, raven-black hair cascading to her waist. Her blue eyes, wide and bright, open both horizontally and vertically, capturing everything before her. It’s a face not wholly without resemblance to Catherine and His Majesty, yet with its own distinct qualities. Within it still resides the clear, upright character I saw six years ago.
The princess surveys the castle’s exterior attentively. She glances briefly at the bushes but does not seem to notice me. I should step forward and formally greet her rather than hiding here.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
While Ophelia unloads the luggage with the coachman’s help, the princess passes by me and heads inside. With her hands held primly in front of her, her steps poised and unembellished, she exudes a grace that transcends her years. I feel foolish for worrying myself to the point of a dry mouth. She may seem somewhat mature beyond her years, yet no one would doubt her standing as a princess of the royal family.
She’s grown so splendidly it brings tears to my eyes. I wonder, does she remember me? To her, what could the awkward jester of her childhood have meant?
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
Stepping out from behind the bushes, I approach as if I’ve just spotted her. The princess remains absorbed in the sights of her former home, not noticing me.
Though I could simply greet her plainly, I decided to lay a hand on her shoulder and extend a finger, so that when she turns her head, my fingertip will poke her cheek. Just as I expected, she playfully asks, “Who dares?”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“You scoundrel!”
…Excuse me?
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“How dare you lay a hand on me? Have you no respect!”
Princess? Hold on a moment, this isn’t right.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
The princess turns to face me directly.
“Who are you?”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
Her voice is stern, commanding. She stands with arms crossed, her eyes wide with alarm.
“Who are you, I said!”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Am I being treated with suspicion?
“I am… the court jester.”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
I steady my thudding heart. Why was I startled by something so trivial? I’d prepared for the possibility countless times, yet here I am, caught off guard. Truly pathetic of me.
“That much is clear.”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
Her expression remains guarded, lacking even a trace of familiarity. I search for any sign of affection in her demeanor, but none is to be found.
“You don’t remember me?”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
Her slender shoulders shrink further in defensive posture.
“Am I supposed to?”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
I shake off the fog clouding my mind, trying to grasp how bewildering this situation must be for her. A young man in unusual attire, poking her cheek and asking if she remembers him—while he might look like a mere jester, his boldness may have seemed too forward to be taken lightly. Even a jester’s makeup can be startling when encountered without warning. Frankly, I would have punched him myself.
“No, not necessarily…”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
Emotions rush through me like a storm, a whirlwind of feelings that, when examined, reveal themselves to be shades of melancholy.
Of course, the memory of a four-year-old child is limited. It would be silly to feel disappointed over something so natural.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
But I cannot surrender to dejection! Who am I, after all? The dream and delight of every child! The jester beaten by every noble! The one who has survived six years in the royal court on laughter alone!
Yes, indeed. I know who I am.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
But then, why doesn’t the princess remember?
It’s me, the jester. I was the one who entertained you nearly as much as Lady Ophelia, was I not? If I had a name, I would tell you right now. It might serve as a small clue to rekindle a memory.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
But alas, I cannot burden her with that, not when she’s already adjusting to this new place. Smiling broadly, I bow with exaggerated respect, greeting her as if she were a stranger.
“I came here to welcome you, Princess. I hope you are in good health.”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
Only then does the sternness in her expression slightly soften.
“I am well.”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“The weather is nice, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is.”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Was your journey comfortable?”
“It was.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Her answers are short, curt. Unlike before, when her vocabulary was limited to short phrases, her brevity now seems intentional. It appears she is quite displeased.
“I apologize for my playful greeting. I thought I might have met you before…”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“It’s all right.”
She says it’s fine, yet her frown remains, and her arms are still crossed. But at least her gaze is gentler now. There may not be deep affection, but at the very least, she regards me as a pleasant stranger. And that’s something.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
Footsteps echo from within the castle. Like a bird returning to its nest, I quickly slip back behind the shrub. The princess, startled, widens her eyes and cautiously follows.
Before she can say anything, I raise a finger to my lips. She catches on immediately, quieting her breathing to match mine. Sharp, as always.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
Duke Langston and his wife the Duchess, Princess Verona’s confidants, step out to the entrance. It’s always them when footsteps carry that air of slyness. I wonder, what jovial conversation are they sharing? Could it be the new mistress the Duke recently took in?
They must not see me with Princess Lux. If they do, my days as Princess Verona’s cherished jester are over. My decision to show kindness to Princess Lux does not mean I’ve abandoned loyalty to Princess Verona!
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
…Right? Isn’t that so?
Princess Lux looks at me, confused and expectant, waiting for an explanation. How can I explain? That her half-sister has issued a decree of silence throughout the royal palace? That she may encounter nothing but cold, quiet faces? That as long as she stays here, she should abandon any hope of humane treatment?
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
Curse it, such cruelty is unfit for a child to bear.
But who am I? The jester who turns sorrow into joy, despair into laughter, ugliness into splendor! Sugarcoating bitter truths has been my lifelong skill.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“Princess, listen closely.”
I lower my voice to a whisper, and the princess leans in, attentive.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“This castle is cursed.”
Her dark brows arch in disbelief.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“It’s true. Someone has cast a terrible spell over the castle’s people so that no one can hear your or Lady Ophelia’s voices.”
The princess clicks her tongue in the way only an adult might, skeptical.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“There’s no such thing as magic.”
Couldn’t she believe me just this once?
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“You’ll feel foolish when you realize I’m right.”
The princess’s eyelids droop slightly, accepting the challenge.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“Who cast the curse?”
“It was… a witch who bore a grudge against the royal family…”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
I’m sorry, Princess Verona. I’m truly sorry. Please punish me later.
“Oh? Then why can you hear me?”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“Because people tend to forget about jesters like me. We’re like the kingdom’s goldfish. Alive or dead, we’re part of the scenery, replaced easily. But if it becomes known that I can hear you, I too might fall under the curse. So keep it a secret, won’t you?”
Gradually, her confidence fades, and she starts looking around, alert.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“How can I trust you?”
“Try it for yourself.”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
The princess swallows dryly before cautiously approaching the Langston Duke and Duchess standing by the doorway. Though their conversation is too faint to hear, she seems to be asking for the time. Predictably, the Duke and Duchess exchange glances, shoot her a dismissive look, and lift their noses as if she were beneath their notice. Their ostentatious arrogance has never looked so appealing as it does now.
The princess speaks to them again. Still, no response. That’s enough, Your Highness—please return now. And for heaven’s sake, stop waving your hand in their faces. Just because they’re ignoring your words doesn’t mean they can’t see you.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“Hey! Can’t you hear me?”
Yes. Shouting loud enough to shake the entire entrance hall should suffice. But now… Oh, dear. You’re clapping your hands right next to their ears? Please, stop. Ah, goodness…
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
Only when her cheeks burn as though they’ve just emerged from a blazing oven does the princess finally turn back, her expression cool and resolute, as if she had seen through everything. Unbelievable. The deception has been exposed.
“You were right. I think I’m cursed.”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
…Did she really fall for that?
“Oh, well, yes. Of course. I told you, didn’t I?”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“What should I do…? Could Father be cursed as well?”
She mutters as if speaking to no one in particular, her gaze distant. It’s fascinating how someone so intelligent can be so unexpectedly naive at times.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“No, I don’t think so. And I doubt the Chancellor is affected either.”
“Who’s that?”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“Duke Ansley.”
“Duke Ansley?”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“He’s the one who trembles like a reed at every move His Majesty makes.”
“Wait. I understand why you didn’t get cursed, but why not Father?”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Just as I was about to offer a perfectly reasonable and not-at-all improvised explanation, an ominous sound comes from the courtyard.
“Can’t anyone hear me?”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
Ophelia is pleading with a passing maid.
“Why won’t you answer me? I asked for help moving these!”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
The maid, visibly flustered, bows awkwardly before hurrying off. Another servant passing by also retreats quietly, avoiding the scene entirely. Ophelia is left standing in the courtyard with a trunk nearly as large as herself.
Not a single soul offers assistance. The gatekeepers watch the scene with the detached interest of spectators at a distant fire, while the occasional attendants lower their heads and pretend not to see anything as they pass by.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
After standing there in stunned disbelief, Ophelia rolls up her sleeves and begins hauling the heavy trunk with a series of strained grunts. The princess swiftly rushes to her side to help. Were it not for the Duke and Duchess of Langston snickering from the castle entrance, I would have gone out to assist them myself. What should I do? Should I just go out and help?
While I vacillate indecisively, the two women manage to drag the trunk inside the castle.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
Wiping beads of sweat from her brow, Ophelia bows repeatedly in embarrassment.
“I don’t understand what’s going on. Why isn’t anyone coming to greet us? Surely they know the princess has arrived…”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
The princess grips her nanny’s hand firmly, her eyes brimming with compassion.
“It’s all right. This isn’t your fault.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Those are precisely the words I wish to offer the princess. And I would tell her that, no matter what harsh truths she may learn later, she should not despair over such an unkind world. None of this is her fault.
The Duke and Duchess Langston cover their mouths, stifling laughter as they retreat somewhere. Though they carry themselves with apparent grace and courtesy, something about them feels decidedly vulgar. They serve as a reminder that wealth and status do not define a person’s worth.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
Observe Princess Lux: though young and without a crown upon her head, there emanates from her gestures and speech an intrinsic elegance.
Yet that elegance bears a sorrowful undertone, for a ten-year-old princess behaving like a thirty-year-old monarch is anything but natural.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
Grace, after all, is a virtue born from suppressing the wild instincts inherent to human nature. Childhood is the stage when these instincts emerge unfettered. Through years of guidance from caregivers who teach the art of restraint, a child matures into an adult.
However, as illustrated in Cicero’s comedy The Taming of the Philanderer, such restraint often stems from a persistent and overwhelming fear—the fear of reprimand, of being unloved, of social exclusion, or of condemnation by others.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
Perhaps the princess has long sensed the eerie silence that pervades this entire castle, a silent curse looming for miles. Her grace carries the solemnity of a soldier marching onto the battlefield.
From this day forward, countless people will relentlessly remind her, everyday, every hour, every minute, and every second. That she is an unwelcome intruder.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
That cannot be allowed.
I extend my arm cautiously from the bushes and gesture discreetly.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“Your Highness, over here, please.”
Ophelia reacts like a wild animal hearing a hunter’s approach, swiftly adopting a defensive posture.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Who’s there?”
She abandons all propriety, swiftly shielding the princess within her protective embrace. The speed of her reaction speaks of well-honed instincts—proof that the princess was raised in trustworthy hands. Though it is rather heartbreaking to see nerves sharpened by the hardships of palace life.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
The princess gently pats Ophelia’s arm.
“Calm down. It’s not someone suspicious.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
Heart racing, I emerge from the bushes, fearing any rebuke that might follow. Ophelia immediately tightens her hold around the princess upon seeing me.
“You…!”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
Ah, she recognizes me. Would she be so kind as to extend that familiarity to Princess Lux as well?
Though I do hope she discards any vague resentment conjured by old memories. For the record, I bear no ill will toward Catherine Blythe. On the contrary, I have only admiration for someone who ascended to the top of the social hierarchy with such speed and precision. I never even had the chance to properly meet her, as she was already imprisoned by the time I arrived.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Greetings, Lady Ophelia.”
“…It has been a long time.”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
The princess glances between Ophelia and me.
“Do you know each other?”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“He was a child that has been living in the castle for a long time.”
“Strange. Why don’t I remember him?”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Indeed—why don’t you remember me, Your Highness? Surely you didn’t pick up some peculiar teachings that prompted you to shout ‘You scoundrel!’ instead.
I swear I’m not sulking. Not at all.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“Follow me. I’ll show you how to move the luggage.”
Ophelia clings tightly to the princess, preventing her from taking a step.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“I told you it’s fine, Ophelia!”
“No, Your Highness! Even if my back breaks, I’ll carry it to your quarters myself!”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
But I’m offering to help!
“Opheliaaa!”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Your Highnessss!”
Ah, this is what overprotection looks like. It’s been so long since I last encountered it that I failed to recognize it immediately.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“Lady Ophelia, may I have a word?”
“I have nothing to say to you.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“It’s important. It will only take a moment.”
At last, Ophelia releases the princess and reluctantly follows me behind a column, out of sight.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“Could you at least pretend to be friendly? The princess is confused, you know.”
“Looking after Her Highness is my duty. I don’t need your advice.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“I’m only trying to help. Why are you like this?”
“You scoundrel, if you approach Her Highness with any impure intentions, I won’t forgive you.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Her unwavering hostility toward me stirs a faint pang of sorrow. What could a jester with no influence in politics possibly scheme?
“Impure intentions? Really? Lady Ophelia, you’ve seen the princess every day for the past six years. I only recently found out she was even alive. This is truly unfair.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“Then what are you scheming?”
Ah, so “impure intentions” have now been downgraded to “scheming.” Progress, I suppose. It’s a term more befitting a jester.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“I have no scheme. The situation is simply dire. Princess Verona has issued a command that no one in the castle is to associate with Princess Lux—not even the lowest-ranked workers. No one will assist her now or in the future. Please, just this once, trust me and follow my lead.”
Ophelia’s face contorts in shock.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“Good heavens…!”
Her nose turns red as tears cascade down her face like rain. Ah, I remember now—she was once notorious as the castle’s weeping youngest maid.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“The poor princess… after all she’s endured…”
“There, there. No need to worry. You have me.”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“You? Oh, dear heavens…!”
Yes, if I were in her position, I’d weep too if my only ally were a mere jester. Here, take this handkerchief. Please, ignore the endless stream of handkerchiefs I have prepared—I don’t wish to ruin a solemn moment.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
After wiping her tears and taking a deep breath, Ophelia reluctantly concedes with a heavy sigh.
“Fine. Lead the way.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
***
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator