Episode 14
A Cheap Trick
After the chaos at the Imperial Palace, things became peaceful for a while.
Although things between Lucy and Pierre felt a bit awkward afterward, Pierre was busy with palace affairs, so he rarely visited the mansion.
Lucy had also hired some servants — all carefully checked and approved by Riouniel and H., so they were trustworthy.
Every time Lucy watched them work, she sometimes remembered her own days as a servant… then quickly stopped herself before the memories dragged her down.
With servants now in charge of the house and Lucy often visiting the palace, rumors spread fast — that the Crown Prince had given a mansion to a woman other than Bristin and was visiting her often.
It was exactly what Lucy and Pierre wanted.
The more people talked about Pierre, the more it helped their plan.
And now that Riouniel had more free time, she began helping by spreading the word at social gatherings:
“The future Crown Princess is truly a wonderful person!”
Everything was falling into place.
Of course, Lucy still worried a bit about Bristin from the Nurte family, and about the gossip surrounding her “second marriage.”
But since the Emperor himself had approved it, she doubted any serious problem would arise.
“Have some tea, Lady Lucy.”
“Ah, thank you.”
The soft scent of lavender rose from the cup in front of her. It felt like peace itself.
But that peace didn’t last long.
Soon, the servants started rushing about, whispering nervously.
“What’s going on?” Lucy asked.
“Someone has come to see you, my lady. But they won’t say who sent them.”
“They won’t say?”
“No, ma’am. They only said they came to deliver something to you directly.”
“I’ll go and see for myself.”
Lucy stood up with a sigh. So much for a quiet afternoon.
“Of course. The world can’t leave me alone for a single day.”
When she stepped outside, she saw several long carriages lined up in the garden — stacked high with boxes and parcels.
“Everyone, step back. Since this person refuses to explain, I’ll ask myself.”
The servants moved aside.
A man stepped forward and gave Lucy a stiff, respectful bow.
“It’s an honor to finally meet you, my lady.”
“Usually, when you meet someone, you start by introducing yourself and saying where you’re from. Isn’t that proper etiquette?”
“My apologies. I was told to deliver these directly to you without explaining anything. Forgive the rudeness.”
“And who told you to do that?”
“…Baron Garnet, my lady.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake. Theodore again…”
Lucy groaned and rubbed her forehead.
Her head actually hurt from how angry she felt.
“So Theodore told you to bring all this?”
“Yes, my lady. The finest jewels, paintings, dresses, and shoes. He even included bolts of fabric in case the dresses didn’t suit your taste—”
“Take it all back. Every last piece. Not a single item stays here.”
“…Pardon?”
“What does he take me for — some shallow woman to be bought with gifts? That man still thinks money can fix everything. Some people never change.”
Lucy turned away sharply.
But the man panicked and followed her quickly.
“Please, my lady, I must deliver these! He said I could leave them or throw them away if you refused, but I can’t return empty-handed — he’ll be furious!”
“That’s your problem, not mine. I don’t want them. Take everything and disappear.”
“Baron Garnet also said he wishes to meet you, my lady. If you’ll just accept the gifts, he—”
“Theodore wants to see me?”
Lucy stopped walking and smiled — but her smile was cold as ice.
“He nearly fainted at our wedding like he’d seen a ghost, and now he wants to meet me? Did he finally lose his mind?”
“…Excuse me?”
“Repeat my words exactly as I say them to Theodore.”
“Y-yes, my lady.”
“‘Hey, you crazy fool. When are you going to stop trying to buy people with that same pathetic trick?’”
“…”
“‘If you ever pull a stunt like this again, I won’t throw a flower vase — I’ll drive a spear straight through your thick skull. So keep your head down and stay out of my sight.’”
“…”
“Got all that? It’s not hard to memorize.”
“But, um… the gifts…”
“Oh, right. You said he told you to leave or discard them if I refused?”
“Yes, that’s what he said.”
“Fine then. I’ll accept them — but don’t unpack anything. Everyone, gather in the garden!”
At Lucy’s command, the servants hurried over, confused but obedient.
The delivery man just stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do.
“Everyone, open those boxes. Take what you need and go home.”
“Pardon?”
The servants froze.
Lucy smiled kindly.
“These are all too much for me. My closet is already full, and any more would just be wasteful.”
“But my lady, these are such fine things. Surely they suit you better than us—”
“Soya,” Lucy said, turning to one maid. “Didn’t you say your daughter was sick?”
“Yes, my lady. She’s five and often ill.”
“And Kyle — didn’t you say you wanted to bring your parents to the capital?”
“How did you—?”
“Everyone here must have their own needs. Some of you probably need money. Sell what you take, gift it, or keep it — it’s up to you.”
“Are you sure, my lady?”
“I am. These things are luxuries to me, but to you, they might be precious.”
“…”
“So please, take what you need. Even if someone decides to quit and start a new life after this, I won’t blame them. Just make sure everyone gets something fair.”
Lucy turned and went back inside without hesitation.
Behind her, she heard joyful cheers and tearful thanks — but she didn’t look back.
Theodore’s gifts meant nothing to her.
But to her servants, they could mean a better life.
If she had to accept them, then this was the best way — to give them to those who truly needed them.
Back in her seat, Lucy took a sip of her now-cold tea.
The garden outside was still full of laughter and movement.
Then a familiar voice spoke from behind.
“How bold of you, future Crown Princess.”
“Miss Niel!”
Riouniel came in and sat beside her, smiling.
“When did you get here?”
“Since the moment you shouted at Baron Garnet’s man.”
“So you heard everything. You’re not going to scold me for being unladylike?”
“Scold you? I should applaud you! That was incredibly satisfying to watch.”
Riouniel chuckled and turned to look out the window.
“But are you sure you’re okay? The total value of those gifts could buy another mansion like this one.”
“Exactly. That’s why I don’t need them. Thanks to the Crown Prince, I already have everything I need — a home, fine clothes, and more jewels than I can ever wear.”
“…”
“If I wanted more luxury, I could’ve already taken plenty. Like Prince Nick said, some people who’ve lived poor never learn what ‘enough’ means.”
“So that’s why you didn’t want them?”
“I hated that they were from Theodore, hated his dark intentions, and honestly — I just hated him.”
“…”
“I just wanted the gifts to go somewhere useful. I know what it’s like to need help — back when I was still ‘Lia,’ not Lucy.”
Lucy sighed softly.
Riouniel stayed quiet, listening.
“Debt only breeds more debt. No matter how hard you work, it feels endless. Sometimes, I’d think… *‘If only someone had helped me, even just a little.’*”
“Lucy…”
Riouniel gently placed her hand on Lucy’s shoulder.
Lucy smiled, bittersweet.
“Maybe that’s why I did it. Because I know how they feel.”
“That’s beautiful. Honestly, I almost teared up listening to you.”
“They might think I pity them. But it’s not pity — it’s empathy. I just hope they understand that.”
“They will. True sincerity always reaches people.”
“Thank you, Miss Niel.”
“I mean it! When you spoke just now, I swear — for a moment, you had the presence of an Empress.”
“Oh, don’t exaggerate! An Empress? That’s too much.”
“I’m serious! You have this ability — to win people’s hearts. That’s not something money or power can buy.”
Riouniel’s warm words melted Lucy’s heart a little.
“You’re truly a blessing in my life, Miss Niel.”
“And you’re mine, Lady Lucy!”
The two smiled, the room filled with quiet warmth.
But their moment was interrupted when a servant burst in, out of breath.
“Is the garden all cleaned up?” Lucy asked.
“Yes, my lady, but… there’s a visitor.”
“Again? If it’s another one from Baron Garnet, I swear—”
“N-no! It’s… someone sent by a prince.”
“…What?”
“From Prince Phoebe, my lady.”
“Prince Phoebe?”
Lucy jumped to her feet, startled.
We did agree to meet quietly another time… but this soon?
Riouniel’s expression stiffened, mirroring Lucy’s unease.
“Lucy…”
“No matter who it is, we should at least hear them out,” Lucy said firmly. “If Prince Phoebe sent them, there’s a reason. Let’s go see.”
