Everdeen Residence.
Marigold had been screaming high-pitched non-stop.
—Oh, really, how annoying!
What a big bummer!
Paula's face was pale as dirt.
Godfrey had not returned for several days.
What the hell, where is it?
The crown prince's ball was just around the corner.
They couldn't afford to be involved in gossip.
Godfrey, after the day he went to Cyril's house with his mercenaries, gave no sign of life for two days and only this morning sent a telegram.
The location of the telegram was a remote town several horse days from the capital.
He just said that he was out of money and would be back soon.
He found Godfrey's silk wallet among those of the strangers.
It was empty.
Why the hell are you in the field?
Do you have a woman there?
And why did he only return the wallet?
Paula was so furious that she felt like she was going to go crazy.
But I couldn't report it.
After all, the one who had invaded Cyril's house first had been Godfrey.
—It seems that we will have to solve this problem alone.
-That?
What happened to dad?
What happens if they take away my position as Winter Queen?
I don't want it!
Marigold, unable to control her anger, screamed.
—I don't think that's going to happen.
You have the crown prince on your side.
Calm down.
—But I don't know why the crown prince leaves her alone.
And that's not all?
Violet's name is everywhere.
Violet Everdeen, the young woman who received the oracle.
Violet Everdeen, a birth secret?
Violet Everdeen, the best friend of the crown princess…
A variety of articles about Violet swarmed around, as if someone was scattering them on purpose.
The truth was that Violet hadn't tried anything.
And still, people were excited.
—She has become famous for being famous.
TRUE?
—That's how famous people are in the capital.
They become a topic of conversation without any basis, and fame begets more fame.
Paula said.
Marigold was famous for being famous.
He had never been in a real situation with the title of spiritualist, and had only made a name for himself because of his pretty face.
—All this is because of the people who are envious of you.
You know that, right?
—But there are several lawsuits in progress!
I don't know what will happen to them!
"Do you really think Violet has any chance of winning those lawsuits?" The important thing is that you don't let yourself be intimidated by Violet.
If you get into gossip, you have to be even more shameless!
—I'm afraid that Crown Prince Edgar will choose the Crown Princess instead of me!
Crown Princess Huria.
Marigold shuddered just hearing that name.
The reason Violet was a candidate for Winter Queen was because of Huria's nomination.
The problem was that Edgar had not taken any action on the matter.
The reason was that if he did not recognize Violet as a candidate, Huria would suspect him.
Still, I can't give up.
Crown Prince Edgar has been obsessed with the Winter Queen for a long time.
Marigold had thought that Edgar's obsession, including his excitement at the temple, was a perverse and peculiar taste.
But it didn't matter.
Wouldn't it be enough to accept his taste?
—Calm down, I have told you many times, the one who endures until the end becomes the main wife, and the one who is taken away is also to blame.
What kind of wife couldn't support her husband?
—…I guess… you're right…
As she listened to Paula, Marigold felt her mind stabilize.
This is all stupid Violet's fault...
She thought.
—Have you calmed down a bit?
I have a plan.
The cult gave me something to smear.
-Defame?
The sisters?
-Yeah.
To be honest, Marigold didn't know what religion Paula believed in either.
They just called it the cult.
The only thing he knew was that there was a pitch-black altar and secret underground temples in various places, including the capital.
They called the high-ranking priestesses of that place sisters.
That was all he knew.
Even when she went there, she was guided blindfolded.
But Marigold had a very good opinion of that religion.
Because…
Mom always prayed in that service that they would make me special.
Thanks to that, I became a spiritualist and a special being.
Therefore, Marigold's mind was also filled with infinite trust in the cult.
Furthermore, Marigold always prayed at the completely black altar, as her mother told her.
A smile slowly bloomed on Marigold's face.
—Look, you can smile.
My beautiful angel… look at this.
-What is this?
An ointment?
A medicine?
—If you apply it to your face, you will grow ugly hairs and your skin will wrinkle, making you look like a monkey.
And a very ugly monkey.
—Is this a curse?
Are curses illegal throughout the Empire?
It is a serious crime.
Marigold said horrified.
"You just have to make sure they don't catch you." What you have to do is get a chance to be alone with Violet.
Paula whispered a few words in Marigold's ear.
Marigold's eyes widened.
—So, I have to put this on Violet's face and body to turn her into a monster?
-That's how it is.
If her appearance is ruined, no one will look at her, not even the position of Winter Queen.
Cyril seems like he wants to act like a hero to his niece, but he's an eccentric, right?
He'll probably lose interest if Violet's face is ruined.
—Will that really happen...?
—When you adopt a dog, you only adopt the pretty ones.
Do you think an eccentric like him will want to play family with an ugly niece?
Even parents don't love their children if they look like monsters.
—Hmm… So, what will happen to Bluideen and Violet's engagement?
Marigold played with Bluideen for fun.
But Violet and Bluideen's marriage was crucial to her.
Because Bluideen's family had to become a solid support base for Marigold, who would become the crown princess.
To become crown princess, she needed the support of the Captain of the Knight Order.
Although Bluideen's family was involved in some problems, they would overcome them quickly.
Those with power don't fall apart over something like that.
Marigold knew how the world worked.
—This is a curse that originated in ancient times to punish children who did not obey their parents.
After about three years, your appearance will slowly begin to recover.
—Then…
"We can bring that pathetic Violet back and re-educate her." Make him regret it for three years.
And after three years, marry her to Bluideen immediately.
-Really?
Will you make it so that I can never defy me again?
A malicious smile began to appear on Marigold's mouth.
—Of course, now she's proud.
But the nature of a person does not change.
That stupid Violet will never be able to rebel.
-Mother!
I'm so happy!
I love you!
—You're like a girl.
Anyway, Violet won't be able to do anything if it's you, so keep a good handle on her.
We trained her since she was little to listen to you.
-Yeah!
I'll do it right!
…To be continued