A major event had occurred in Calderon.

Caius, who was appointed Crown Prince at the age of three, conspired with the Kingswell Family to usurp the throne. They were defeated and surrounded.

After their defeat, they were besieged.

The Crown Prince committed self-immolation and died, all the male members of the Kingswell Family were executed and the women were sent to the Inner Palace, where the Emperor's concubines, wives and female relatives lived.

As the youngest daughter of the Kingswell Family, I had been a slave for nearly a year. During this time, I had devoted all my energy to being a diligent and considerate servant, ensuring everything was handled properly and showing respect and warmth to everyone.

My former maid, now a favored Consort, initially moved me to her side with the intention of tormenting me. However, she soon realized that I performed my duties well and could be easily abused, so she started to delegate many tasks to me.

I lie in wait like a venomous snake, biding my time for the opportunity to push her into the abyss.

The Emperor's birthday celebration had arrived and all the dignitaries were gathered in the Haven Palace for a feast. A new development occurred at the banquet. The regional governor introduced a soothsayer to the Emperor, claiming that his skills in divination and alchemy were extraordinary.

Initially, the Emperor was skeptical, but to his surprise, the soothsayer demonstrated a profound understanding of the Emperor's thoughts, displaying charm and eloquence. This greatly pleased the Emperor, who immediately decided to keep him close as a constant companion.

In just a few days, the soothsayer had gained the level of intimacy where he traveled with the Emperor. Hearing the palace servants' discussions, I began to devise my own plans.

This person had just arrived in the capital and had few vested interests. If I could have gained his support, it would have made my revenge plan progress more smoothly. Soon, I got my chance. The soothsayer was going to Treasure Palace that day to find a book and would pass by the vicinity of Elysian Palace.

I was penniless at the time and the only thing I could rely on was my body. So, while the Consort went to see the Emperor, I quickly washed and dressed up. I bit my lips hard to add some color to my pale face, then waited by the flower path. Before long, I saw a graceful figure approaching.

It was him.

I straightened my hairpin, hurriedly walked over and deliberately bumped into him, letting out an exaggerated "oh" before dramatically falling to the ground. This was a trick the Consort had used before and I figured most men were fond of such acts. If it didn’t work, I would switch to another approach.

With feigned weakness, I struggled to prop myself up, raising my tear-streaked face pitifully. My eyes had been prepped with onion juice, so with a single blink, a tear rolled down. “Please forgive me, my lord... this servant...”

However, just as the act had begun and before I could finish my line, I was struck as if by lightning, frozen in place.

The sorcerer’s eyes.

He was completely indifferent to my impropriety, smiling as he extended his hand. “I’m not lord. You may call me Nero, Miss.”

Without hesitation, I knelt up and grabbed his hand, turning it over to examine those familiar marks.

Caius’s hands bore the calluses from years of practicing calligraphy and archery, but his hands—long and soft—were completely free of any such marks. Refusing to give up, I pulled up his sleeve.

There should have been a scar on his arm, one he got during the spring hunt when he shielded me from a wild animal’s claws.

Nothing. Still nothing.

His skin was smooth and fair, without a trace of the marks that should have belonged to Caius—except for those eyes, which were identical to his. The absence of the familiar signs left me shaken, my emotions in turmoil. I collapsed onto the ground, staring blankly at him.

My intrusive actions hadn’t angered him. He calmly smoothed his sleeve and crouched down, meeting my gaze. “Did you mistake me for someone else?”

I could only nod. “You and someone I once knew share the same beautiful eyes.”

A flicker of an unreadable emotion passed through his beautiful almond-shaped eyes as he leaned down to help me up. I quickly composed myself, recovering from the shock and resumed my original plan. I leaned softly against him, feigning weakness. “My lord, I’ve twisted my ankle and can’t walk.”

Nero chuckled again. Pressed against his chest, I could feel the rumble of his laughter, as though he found something quite amusing.

I didn’t understand why, but before I could react, he suddenly scooped me up into his arms. Startled by the unexpected boldness of this seemingly gentlemanly man, I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck, whispering anxiously, “My lord!”

He held me even tighter, as if afraid I might fall. “I’ll take you to rest.”

Rest? What kind of rest? Surely, he didn’t mean that kind.

I admit, I intended to seduce him, to make him work for me, but I hadn’t planned for things to move so quickly. Everything was happening far beyond my expectations. I began to squirm gently. “Lord Nero, I don’t think my injury is that serious. There's no need for you to carry me. Please put me down. I... I can just sit on that stone over there.”

He glanced down at my embarrassed expression, showing no intention of letting go. “We’re almost there.”

Nero, with practiced ease, found a secluded and unoccupied palace room, gently placing me on a small couch.

That strange feeling came over me again. I probed cautiously, "My lord, you haven’t been here long, but you seem very familiar with the place."

He smiled slightly. "I come from a small, remote town, so naturally, everything in the palace seems fascinating to me. When His Majesty allows me to roam freely, I take the chance to explore and I stumbled upon this spot by accident."

As he spoke, he crouched down and touched my ankle. "Is it here that hurts?"

"Ah, yes."

He gently began to massage my foot. Though my ankle wasn’t actually sore, all my attention was on his movements. His excessive attentiveness, coming from a stranger, made me feel a bit uneasy, like a shiver running down my spine.

"That's enough. Thank you, my lord."

I reached to pull his hand away, but as the fabric slipped up, it revealed a section of my arm, which he grasped with his other hand. "What’s this?"

The arm was far from attractive, marked with old scars and fresh wounds. There were punctures from hairpins, cuts from knives and the latest wound, just scabbed over, was from a horsewhip gifted by the Emperor, used by the Consort.

Sometimes, using a man could lead to pity, which often lasted longer than affection.

I felt a pang in my heart and immediately let my eyes fill with tears. I tugged at my sleeve, saying, "Please, my lord, don’t look. It might offend your eyes."

His expression hardened, a hint of anger simmering beneath. "Who did this? The Consort?"

"I've often failed in my duties and angered my mistress, so it’s only natural that I am punished," I said, blinking back tears as I looked up at him.

Nero’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he struggled to suppress his emotions. He then gently wiped away my tears with the soft pads of his fingers. “Did you come to me today to help you avoid some of the punishment?”

“No, I accidentally bumped into you,” I replied.

He pinched my cheek. “Be honest. Don’t put on an act.”

His affectionate gesture made me deeply uncomfortable, but I had to endure it for my purpose. I grasped his sleeve and gave it a gentle shake. “Please, my lord, help me.”

Nero pulled out a small pouch of medicine from his sleeve and placed it in my hand. “This powder is colorless and odorless. Just use a small amount daily and others won’t notice anything.”

“What is it for?”

“This will make it very easy for a woman to conceive.”

“What?” I was initially puzzled, but then I realized and asked, “Can the pregnancy be carried to term?”

“Naturally not.”

Tears still glistening in my eyes, I laughed with satisfaction. “Thank you, my lord.”

Nero’s gaze softened, but his words were chilling. “That alone is not enough. There will be other measures, just wait and see.”

“Will it make her wish she were dead?”

“Her life and death are entirely in your hands.”

I was taken aback by how the seemingly refined Nero could be so ruthless. It was, in fact, just what I needed.

He then took out a small vial and said, “It will be a bit painful. Bear with it.”

He was gently applying medicine to my wound, taking great care. From where I was lying, I could only see his long eyelashes and it made me feel like I was back in a carefree, private space.

I suddenly said, “Caius.”

He continued his work without stopping, his eyelashes didn't even flutter. Calmly, he asked, “The old friend who looks a lot like me, is that the deposed prince?”

“Yes, that's right.”

"I heard that the Emperor is extremely disgusted with him and has forbidden anyone from mentioning his name. Miss, for your own good, don't bring it up again and look forward."

His reaction was flawless and I couldn't help but laugh at myself, perhaps my longing had driven me a bit mad. "I have a name, it's Yelena. From now on, you can call me that."

"Alright, Miss Yelena."

When I returned, the Consort was fuming over a trivial matter and immediately threw a cup at me upon seeing me. "You little wretch, where have you been hiding to slack off?"

I knelt down and bowed deeply. "This servant knows her mistake."

My humble and submissive posture always pleased her. She instructed, "The flower garden outside irritates me. Go and turn the soil. Oh, and by the way, my flowers are delicate, so you'll have to use your hands."

Without any emotion, I bowed and slowly backed away. Under the scorching sun, I knelt in the garden, inch by inch, turning the soil with my bare hands.

There were many roses and brambles in the garden and the sharp thorns on the stems tore at my hands, feet and clothes. Blood mixed with the dirt, making it impossible to tell their colors apart.

"Yelena, you have always been pampered," the Crown Prince's voice echoed in my mind, filled with laughter.

Hidden among the flowers, I thought of Nero's eyes and at last, a tear fell.

Crown Prince, was that really you?

Back when the Consort was at the Kingswell residence, her beauty was outstanding, otherwise, the Emperor, who was traveling incognito, wouldn't have noticed her at first glance and brought her back to the palace.

She cherished her beauty greatly and ordered me to wake up early every day to pick rose petals covered in dew, which were then crushed to make hand-soaking liquid for her.

Recently, the weather had been hot and dry and no matter how early I rose, it's hard to find dew-covered petals. Her trusted attendants couldn't wait to catch me making a mistake, leaving me with no chance to cut any corners.

When I carried the pitifully small amount of flower juice into the hall, the Consort immediately flipped over the copper basin. Just as she was about to hit me, a eunuch’s long-drawn-out voice called from outside. "The Emperor has arrived."

Her attitude changed in an instant and she put on a charming, sweet expression as she went out to greet him.

I kept my head down, cleaning up the mess on the floor. It was Zephyr Jameson, the head eunuch by the Emperor’s side, who had colluded with the Consort to force the Crown Prince and the Kingswell Family to their deaths.

The mastermind was so close and the overwhelming hatred made my hands tremble uncontrollably.

Afraid of losing my composure, I hunched over and planned to slip away quietly. But to my surprise, the Consort and the Emperor had already entered the inner chamber and they called out to me. "Mara, you will serve here today."

The Emperor glanced at me indifferently. “This servant’s name is quite odd. Which ‘Mara’ is it?”

“The one that means to die before reaching adulthood.”

“Why would someone serving by my side have such an unlucky name?”

“Lowly people deserve lowly names; it helps them survive.”

The Emperor no longer paid attention to me and continued flirting with the Consort on the couch. At first, I didn’t understand why they had made me stay, but soon it became clear.

"Your Majesty." The Consort’s voice was soft and breathless, "How do you have the time to visit me today? Isn't today the Crown Prince’s memorial day?"

The Emperor replied coldly, "What Crown Prince? Caius was just a commoner. After his death, he had no heirs, no posthumous title and he won’t be buried in the imperial tombs. There's no need for any memorial."

“If no one honors him, his soul will remain restless after death.”

“Justice has been served. Do not mention this rebellious and unfilial matter again.”

With her back turned to the Emperor, the Consort smiled at me with a cruel and triumphant grin. “Yes, I will follow Your Majesty’s commands.”

I looked back at her, my expression as calm and unmoving as still water, as if Caius were merely a stranger I had never met.

Once the Emperor and Consort were alone, I quietly slipped away and stood in the corridor, keeping an ear out for any noise from inside while wondering why the Consort hated me so deeply.

Her original name was Selma Zenola. She had been in the Kingswell Family since she was a child. She was quick at work and beautiful, so she was placed beside me as a maid.

She was very clever. A year ago, she had fallen in the garden and by sheer coincidence, she fell right in front of the Emperor, who was visiting the Kingswell Family in secret.

She just happened to twist her ankle and weakly leaned against the Emperor, which made him feel a surge of pity and immediately take her back to the palace.

Before she left, I gave her five hundred taels of silver as a parting gift. After that, we never saw each other again.

It didn’t matter. Human hearts were like the underworld, they changed rapidly, so I just needed to send her to hell in the end.

Nero presented several doses of elixirs to the Emperor and their effects were remarkable. They not only restored the Emperor’s hair to its youthful black but also resulted in the Consort conceiving a dragon embryo.

The palace had not seen a child born for several years, so this unexpected joy made the Emperor feel as vigorous as in his youth.

Nero gained even more favor from this and there were signs he might surpass Zephyr in importance.

The Consort was even more pleased. She strolled through the imperial garden, gently caressing her still-flat abdomen, followed by a grand entourage of over twenty people.

Coincidentally, Concubine Sophia and several young palace ladies were having tea and chatting in the garden. Displeased with the Consort's behavior, they subtly criticized her.

“Our palace's cat recently became pregnant and is constantly demanding food and drink. It doesn’t realize it’s just a little animal and is acting all high and mighty.”

The Concubine Milea responded, “This little thing is inexperienced and naïve, thinking that coming to the palace means it can be arrogant and powerful.”

Everyone laughed together. The Consort, used to being domineering, immediately became angry upon seeing this scene. She snapped back, “Sophia, you don’t have any children and don't know that being pregnant is also an accomplishment. If you can’t have children yourself, no wonder you’re envious even of a cat.”

Concubine Sophia, coming from a prominent family, could not tolerate such remarks. She walked over quickly and slapped the Consort hard across the face.

“You, a lowly maid who only climbed into bed with someone, dare to speak rudely to me! Do you think I don’t know about your role in the Kingswell Family’s downfall? You’re nothing but a treacherous betrayer of your former master.”

The Consort was hit where it hurt the most, her porcelain-white face turning beet red. “Concubine Sophia, are you sympathizing with the Kingswell Family? The Kingswell Family committed the grave crime of treason. I’ll report this to His Majesty right away and have you accompany them!”

Concubine Sophia’s attending maid, a formidable character, saw the situation worsening and slapped the Consort again, interrupting her words. “Accusing Concubine Sophia is a great disrespect to her. This slap is on her behalf.”

With a red handprint on each of her cheeks, the Consort had never suffered such humiliation since entering the palace. Forgetting her lower rank, she screamed in anguish, “Are you all dead? Can’t you see your master being slapped? Stand there and do nothing! Hit back, tear her mouth apart!”

No one dared to move, so the Consort pointed at me. “Mara, you lowly maid, do you wish for me to be beaten? Go and hit back for me right now!”

I had no intention of doing such a risky thing and refused to move even an inch. I knelt down and repeatedly begged for forgiveness, pouring oil on the fire, “Your Highness, Concubine Sophia is personally appointed by His Majesty and oversees the affairs of the palace. She has the authority to discipline the palace ladies. You shouldn’t defy her.”

Enraged, the Consort immediately struck me, her long nails scratching my face and drawing blood. “The Emperor fears her family's power, so you people all kowtow and step on the lowly. You’re all a bunch of useless scum!”

“Are you insulting me?”

A voice, carrying authority without anger, came from the archway. The Consort was startled and immediately knelt, explaining in a delicate voice, “Your Majesty, Concubine Sophia has unjustly punished me, disregarding that I am pregnant with the dragon’s child. She struck me. I was worried about the child's safety and, in a moment of anger, I spoke thoughtlessly. I did not intend any disrespect towards you.”

I knelt on the ground and couldn’t see the Emperor’s expression, but I heard him call out to Nero, “Didn’t you say that the Consort’s child is the reincarnation of a general?”

Nero responded, “Yes, indeed. The Consort has the appearance of a favored one.”

“Since that is the case, I will show leniency towards the Consort. She will be punished with a reduction in salary for three months, a small punishment to make a big lesson. You will stay in the Elysian Palace, take good care of your pregnancy and avoid causing trouble.”

"Concubine Sophia, the heir to the throne, is very important. No matter how angry you are, you should control yourself. Haven't you learned how to manage the Inner Palace after being in the palace for so many years? The deposed empress handled it well before. So, you are also punished. Write down 'The Lessons for Women' a hundred times to calm yourself."

Both sides were scolded and punished, like defeated roosters returning to their nests.

I found a chance to go to the deserted palace and Nero was indeed waiting for me.

"Why did you speak like that today?" I had expected the Consort to be severely punished for insulting the Emperor, but instead, he spoke up for her.

Though I was puzzled and somewhat resentful, since I needed his help, I asked gently.

Nero wiped the blood from my face with a wet handkerchief and said, "The higher the expectations are, the greater the disappointment will be in the end. The Consort is shallow and makes many mistakes when she's pleased with herself. The Emperor’s dissatisfaction will build up and eventually explode. When he is enraged, we'll take advantage of the situation and she will suffer terribly."

He spoke of such vicious schemes, yet he was carefully fixing my disheveled hair and tying it up into a beautiful hairstyle. "Right now, the worst punishment she will face is house arrest or demotion, which is nothing serious. To get rid of evil completely, we must cut it out by the root."

I was almost certain that he and Caius were not related. Caius, being so straightforward and proper, couldn’t come up with such devious plans.

I felt a twinge of disappointment, but I couldn't help but want to be close to him. I reached out to take the handkerchief from him. "This is dirty. I’ll wash it and return it to you."

Nero paused and said, "Do you know that this handkerchief is a token of our bond and shouldn’t be given away casually?"

I naturally knew this. I had once embroidered a handkerchief with magnolia flowers and given it to Caius. He liked it very much and always carried it with him and it was lost in the fire with him.

Thinking that he didn’t want to, I pretended to be sadly resigned. "Then forget it. I know I’m not worthy of you."

Nero sighed and pulled me onto his lap. "You don’t need to be insincere with me. I said I would help you and I won’t abandon you halfway."

But I didn’t believe in kindness without a reason; a relationship based on mutual use and needs was more reliable.

As a woman, I could sense that he felt differently about me, but I didn’t understand why he always seemed so distant and aloof.

He was indeed a very useful tool and I needed to hold onto him tightly.

Thanks to his support in those days, I was no longer constantly hungry and had stopped looking pale and weak as I had when we first met. I had regained some of my former charm and allure.

I wrapped my arms around Nero's neck and rested my face against his neck, adopting a very dependent posture. "Young Master, I’m very afraid."

He seemed to enjoy this, his hand moving to stroke my back. "Afraid of what?"

"You have His Majesty’s favor and I’m just a lowly maid. There are many beautiful women outside and I don’t know when you might stop wanting to see me."

Nero lifted my chin and carefully traced my features. "None of the beautiful women outside are as lovely as you, Yelena."

I tried my best to put on an angry look and said, “It's a lie.”

"How can I not be honest with you?" He leaned closer, his lips almost touching mine. "Do you need a physical touch to feel reassured?"

I thought I was ready for anything whether it meant using my appearance or my body, as long as it helped me get revenge.

But at that moment, I couldn't help but think of Caius and the tender, cherished kiss he gave me beneath the blazing fireworks. Especially with those same eyes looking at me, as if he was watching me in person, it felt like a betrayal of our steadfast vow.

I struggled to hide my tears. "Could you close your eyes?"

Nero raised an eyebrow but complied. I clung to his shoulders and kissed his closed eyes.

He clearly shivered and I kissed him gently, whispering, "This is enough."

Nero remained silent for a long while before opening his clear eyes. "You’re treating me as a substitute for the deposed prince, Yelena."

I had already prepared my response and tried to appear as sincere as possible while meeting his gaze. "The way I admired the prince before is how I will admire you in the future."

His expression was a mix of emotions, neither clearly happy nor angry, but a complicated blend. "It’s my honor."

Sitting on his lap felt uncomfortable and I straightened my back stiffly. Nero, sensing my discomfort, let me go. "Go back and rest well. the Consort won't have much strength to torment you in the future."

"Why?"

"Just plant the cnidium seeds in the flowerbed and don't worry about anything else."