“Are you alright?”
“Yes, I’m fine. It’s Lizzy who’s hurt.”
She let out a light laugh.
Though the sting from the palm that had slapped Lizzy’s cheek lingered, it was a pleasant pain. Remembering Lizzy, who had sat on the floor holding her numb face, made her lips curve into a smile.
Adam hesitated for a moment, his lips twitching before falling silent. His question about her well-being was not limited to just physical injuries, but it seemed unnecessary to pry further.
After all, there was a vitality in Ariella’s face that he had never seen before. This was the first time he had witnessed such a bright expression since he had taken her as his lady.
“Sir, I apologize for changing the subject, but could I ask you to investigate Lizzy?”
“Of course.”
Adam’s complexion noticeably brightened. It was only natural for him to be pleased, as he had been insisting every day that they needed to thoroughly investigate Lizzy.
“I need to know when Lizzy started living in the Tolkan slums, how she lived there, and where she resided before that. Also, please inquire about the servants who worked in this mansion when her mother was alive, fifteen years ago.”
“Yes, understood. Is there anything else you need?”
“For now, that will do. I think things are going to get quite busy from here on out. I apologize in advance.”
“Apologize? That’s unnecessary. It’s only natural to do.”
Though it was said playfully, he shook his head seriously. His expression was one of utmost seriousness, as if he were pleading her not to say such things.
Adam had been like this since the moment he became her knight. As if he owed her a great debt, he prioritized her above all else with a loyal and rigid demeanor. That unwavering dedication was truly heartwarming.
‘Will he continue to support me even if he knows what I’m planning to do in the future?’
I couldn’t be sure. After all, before being her protector, Adam was a knight belonging to Abercorn.
If he were to become cold and distant upon learning the truth, it would be unavoidable. It would be regrettable, but I had no intention of changing my course of action out of concern for that. It would be the same for anyone else, not just him.
Now, there was only a path forward for her; there was no way to retreat.
***
Ariella planned her revenge in three stages.
The first was to make Lizzy into “Ariella of Abercorn.”
The second was to ensure that those who had left an indelible stain on her would pay the appropriate price for it.
And the final third was to leave this juvenile and become a free woman. Thus, she would joyfully watch their self-destruction from a distance.
‘Well then, shall we start with the first step?’
Handing over her name to Lizzy. The most crucial thing needed to execute this was none other than the Duke of Abercorn’s recognition.
Even if Aaron had given his heart to Lizzy, she could never ascend to the position of an Abercorn princess unless the Duke officially recognized her.
Lizzy seemed to be aware of this fact and was making consistent efforts.
Since the day she received the warning, she had been visiting the Duke daily, showering him with flattery. She was doing her utmost to demonstrate her harmlessness in order to extinguish the spark of suspicion that Ariella had planted.
Not stopping there, Lizzy also put on a performance for the servants.
“Thank you for bringing dinner. Oh, no. Thank you. I’m still not used to speaking informally… Hehe.”
Dressed simply, she expressed her gratitude with a shy smile for even the smallest things.
“I can manage this much on my own. I’m stronger than I look. See, I’m doing well, right?”
“The cookies are really delicious. You all should try some too. I’m fine. I haven’t had much of this fancy food, so this is enough for me.”
“Oh dear, the cup broke. Are you hurt? You can tell the head maid that I dropped it.”
She helped the servants with their tasks, shared her portion of food, and generously overlooked minor mistakes.
Her expressions and tone. It was obvious that she was awkwardly mimicking someone, but nonetheless, the servants gradually began to view her more favorably. They appreciated her kindness towards them without any airs.
If she could continue to gain support from those around her and show that she was not falling behind as a princess, then someday the Duke of Abercorn would surely recognize her with joy.
It seemed Lizzy was thinking this way.
However, from Ariella’s perspective, there were many shortcomings in that plan. The support of the servants, while it might provide some minimal assistance, would not serve as any persuasive factor to the Duke. He would replace them at a moment’s notice if they did not meet his expectations.
