Chapter 18
These past few days, Jacob realized something: without Luciana’s help, he didn’t even have the most basic freedom.
He was stuck in Silverwing Lodge, and Juliette rarely came by.
If they couldn’t even meet, how was he supposed to ask for help?
Luckily, after days of his dramatic wailing, he managed to attract Dorian’s attention. Whoever it was, as long as they could lend a hand, he’d
take it.
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Luciana returned to her estate and first settled the kitten in.
Soon after, a shopkeeper delivered account books, and she spent half the day checking them. By the time she finished everything, it was already afternoon.
“Uncle Bryant has quelled the rebellion in the south and is about to return. The palace is already preparing a welcoming party. Did you find
the Solomium metal I asked last time?” she asked.
Donovan replied, “We’ve found the steel, but we haven’t found a blacksmith who can forge it yet. Even the most famous sword–makers have no experience working with the Solomium metal.”
Luciana pondered, replying, “First, gather those famous ones. Since none of them has experience, bring them all together to experiment and
discuss. I want to forge a treasured blade for, Uncle Bryant!”
Solomium metal was an extremely rare material, and Luciana happened to have a piece, though it had been sitting in storage for a long time.
Not long ago, while flipping through ancient texts, she learned that weapons made from it were exceptionally tough and sharp.
In the book, she first gave the blade to Dorian, who then passed it to Uncle Bryant, ensuring Bryant would remember Dorian’s kindness.
Now, she wanted to gift it herself.
When Bryant returned, another ungrateful wretch would make an appearance–the future General of Harrowden. His entry into the military camp and his position beside Bryant were all arranged by Luciana.
Who would’ve thought he’d end up resenting her? He was a coward at heart. Others saw scars as badges of honor, but he saw them as flaws, thinking they were too ugly and would scare Juliette.
Wasn’t that just plain dumb?
The more Lucjana thought about it, the angrier she got. She slammed the table, startling Donovan, who immediately knelt, unsure what he’d
done wrong.
Samuel, who was just about to bring over some dessert, also dropped to his knees in confusion.
Luciana chuckled, “It’s not about you two. Get up.”
She shouldn’t waste her energy on unworthy people–it just ruined her mood.
To each their own. This time, they could choose whatever path they wanted. She wouldn’t interfere.
“What did you make this time?” Luciana beckoned Samuel over, her face full of anticipation.
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Chapter 18
Samuel placed the tray in front of her. “I made some pastries–a new version.”
The servant had sent some yesterday, but Luciana didn’t like them. Today, he’d tweaked the recipe.
After tasting it, Luciana thought, ‘Oh no. This guy not only had my tastes figured out but was also willing to put in the effort for me.
Ever since that first bowl of drink, Samuel hadn’t stopped, constantly bringing her new dishes to try.
How could anyone resist that?
And he was so good–looking.
Luciana wanted to keep up the act, taking a small bite and putting it down. Before her hand even lowered, Samuel was already reaching out to take it, his eyes slightly red with disappointment.
“If Your Highness doesn’t like it, I’ll make something new.” Samuel placed the pastry she’d bitten back onto the plate.
As his arm moved, his sleeve slipped down, accidentally revealing a fresh burn, bright red against his skin.
“Huh? How’d you get a new injury?” Luciana grabbed his arm, pressing for answers.
Against his smooth skin, the red mark stood out starkly.
Donovan, standing nearby, tilted his head, suddenly on guard.
Samuel quickly pulled his arm back, explaining, “Just a little burn. It’s nothing.”
“Go get the burn ointment,” Luciana ordered, her voice softening. “This pastry is actually really good. No need for a remake. I just had my mind elsewhere earlier, couldn’t stomach a bite. Leave ‘em here.”
A maid brought over the ointment, but Donovan snatched it up with a smile. “I’ll do it.”
He scooped out a huge glob and slapped it roughly onto Samuel’s arm, adding pointedly, “Be more careful next time, Wen Gongzi. If you keep getting distracted, you deserve the burns.”
Samuel stayed silent, only letting out a muffled grunt of pain, which caught Luciana’s attention.
“Gentler! You’re making it redder.” Luciana lightly smacked Donovan’s hand and took the ointment back.
Samuel panicked. “No need to trouble Your Highness.”
But before he could finish, Luciana’s fingers were already on his arm. Though he said no, he didn’t pull away his arm.
Outwardly calm as she applied the ointment, Luciana thought to herself, ‘Being a princess is so great!
Next time, he better get hurt somewhere else–arms are boring. But no blood. I don’t like it too gory.‘
Samuel was overwhelmed with gratitude, his gaze glued to her, refusing to look away.
Donovan gritted his teeth in frustration. ‘Redder? I barely used any forcel He’s faking it! All an act!‘
“Princess!” Just then, Camille hurried in with urgent news.
Luciana let go and handed the ointment back to Samuel, telling him to apply it regularly.
“You came at the perfect time!” Donovan mentally thanked Camille for sparing him from that unbearable sight.
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Chapter 18
Camille ignored him and spoke directly to Luciana. “The old gentleman you invited earlier has arrived, Your Highness. I’ve taken him to the side hall.”
Luciana stared at her blankly, confused. ‘What old gentleman? When did this happen?‘
“The two days before Lord Faulkner left, you sent someone to invite him. Don’t you remember?” Camille reminded her.
“Ah!” It dawned on Luciana–there was indeed such a person in her memory.
The book mentioned that Luciana had sought out many tutors for Edmund—some to teach him literature, others painting. After all, the Faulkner family was a scholarly family. If they were ever exonerated in the future, it’d be embarrassing if Edmund couldn’t even read,
But Edmund was dull–witted; no matter how they taught him, he just couldn’t grasp it. So, tutors were changed one after another.
In the end, the only thing he could show off was his painting.
It wasn’t exceptional, but it was passable–better than Dorian’s.
The old gentleman Camille mentioned was specifically invited by Luciana to teach him painting.
At the time, Luciana had gone in person to invite him, but the old man wasn’t home–he was teaching elsewhere. Upon learning that the princess admired his painting, he hurried back.
Now that he was here, Luciana felt a bit stuck.
It wouldn’t be right to just send him back, but with Edmund gone, who was there to be the student?
Then she looked up and saw Samuel. “Can you paint?”
Edmund lay on the inn bed, staring vacantly at the ceiling beams. Over the past two days, he’d gradually come to terms with reality–no one was willing to take him in at his lowest.
Even Juliette refused. But why?
Juliette wouldn’t lie to him. She’d promised to help, so why was everything so different from what she’d said?
After much thought, Edmund figured maybe they were just too unfamiliar with each other. Plus, he was now a cripple, unable to even support himself, which was why Juliette refused to take him in.
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