“Madam asked me to clean the corridor. We need to keep the mansion tidy while Lady Selina is visiting.”
Xiliya glanced at the lantern Annaer was wiping. In truth, the lanterns in this corridor were cleaned by Annaer’s staff every day; no extra sweeping was needed.
However, Xiliya said nothing. She simply turned the corner in the corridor in front of Annaer and headed toward Selina’s room.
Just like in her previous life, the door to Selina’s room was ajar, not fully closed—a case of doing the act to the fullest. Though she knew no one was inside, Xiliya still knocked symbolically.
“Lady Selina, are you there?”
There was no response, so Xiliya pushed open the half-closed door. The room was empty. Xiliya only saw Selina’s coat, which had fallen to the floor for some reason.
Xiliya gave a self-mocking smile… She really had been quite foolish in her previous life. Even without prior knowledge of Masha’s scheme, how had she missed so many abnormalities?
She could only say that time truly changed many things—like a person’s temperament and intelligence.
Still, Xiliya chose to do as she had in her previous life: kindly pick up the coat from the floor, dust it off, and drape it over a chair.
At this point, Masha’s “setup” was complete. Xiliya lingered in the room a little longer before heading back to find Charles.
In truth, Masha’s scheme was simple. A successful frame-up only required a witness, evidence, and a victim unable to prove their innocence.
That was how she had fallen for it in her previous life. Though Selina had never confronted her about it in the end, Xiliya knew her impression in the envoy’s mind must have worsened.
Back in the parlor, Xiliya maintained her icy attitude toward Charles. This time, however, he didn’t get angry. He simply exchanged a few perfunctory words with her in a “just you wait” manner before taking his leave.
Hah, enjoy your sharp tongue while it lasts. Wait until the envoy from the Imperial Capital returns—then we’ll see what you do!
Before leaving the parlor, Charles glanced at Xiliya, who sat on the sofa without any intention of seeing him out, and snorted coldly to himself.
Once Charles had gone, Xiliya rose to prepare for her own outing. Masha’s frame-up hadn’t erupted yet; she still had other matters to attend to.
Xiliya still remembered how Masha had built her image in front of Selina in her previous life. This time, she intended to shatter every one of Masha’s plans.
So, while there was still time, she headed to the City Guard.
—
Meanwhile, on East Street in Camberlan City.
Masha was escorting Selina to a high-end restaurant for a meal. Though Selina disliked such social pleasantries, Masha’s excessive enthusiasm made it hard to refuse.
Fine, treat it as inspecting the common folk, Selina thought. She proactively suggested they forgo the carriage and stroll casually down the street.
But they hadn’t walked far on East Street when Selina sensed something off—the number of people greeting Masha along the way was suspiciously high.
Roadside carriage drivers, City Guard soldiers on patrol, shop assistants… It was as if all these ordinary folk were close and familiar with Masha. They passed by with enthusiastic greetings, which Masha returned with smiles.
“Madam Masha, thank you so much for last time!”
As the two were about to enter the restaurant, a carriage driver “coincidentally” spotted Masha from afar. His eyes lit up, and he hurried over to greet her.
“Thanks to you helping me land this job hauling for the chamber of commerce… Otherwise, my sick father at home…”
The honest, simple driver trailed off, wiping away tears. Masha smiled and clasped his hand.
“It was nothing. It’s what I should do.”
If Ximo had witnessed this scene, she might have felt a strong sense of déjà vu. One could only say that a leader as approachable as Masha—if she were a resident of Camberlan City—would make it hard not to tear up at the sight of her.
After all, Madam Masha’s kindness was endless! Madam Masha shone upon Camberlan City’s residents like the sun!
Selina wasn’t foolish; she could clearly see what Masha intended by bringing her out to eat. But she didn’t call her out on it, merely adding faintly,
“It seems Madam Masha enjoys high prestige in the city.”
“I’ve only done some small favors within my power for the citizens,” Masha replied with a modest smile. “Though I’m merely the acting City Lord, I still fulfill the duties of the position.”
Selina nodded and said no more.
Truth be told, if Xiliya truly were the timid and incompetent young lady from the rumors, Selina might have seriously considered appointing Masha as Camberlan City’s City Lord.
She could tell Masha was putting on a show, but that in itself proved Masha’s strong control over the city—and that she wasn’t incompetent.
If Xiliya proved unfit, sending a new City Lord from the royal family would require time to integrate and master the city—a hassle for a remote border city beyond the court’s easy reach.
Selina could overlook Masha’s little schemes. The royals simply needed someone who could manage the border city well; they didn’t have to be a paragon of kindness and justice. Appointing Masha wouldn’t be unreasonable—as long as she remained utterly loyal to the crown.
However, Xiliya had proven more reliable than Selina had imagined, so Masha was off the table as a backup for now.
Under Masha’s arrangements, Selina elegantly took her seat. They occupied a window spot with a clear view of the street outside. No sooner had they sat than a server approached with trays—clearly, Masha had prepared everything in advance.
“You’ve gone to great trouble, Madam Masha.”
Glancing at the exquisite, lavish plating, Selina accepted the arrangement without fuss. Just as she thought Masha’s performance was over, a commotion outside the window drew their attention.
Some conflict had erupted outside. A thug in coarse hempen clothes was grabbing another man’s collar. From their window seat, the pair had a perfect view.
If Ximo had been there, she would have instantly recognized the thug as “Fish Eye,” the one who had accosted her in the tavern earlier.
“Are you blind? You bumped into this lord—didn’t you know?”
Fish Eye sneaked a glance at the restaurant, as if confirming something, then deliberately bellowed at the top of his lungs.
The pedestrian he had maliciously stopped was dazed and frightened, stammering incoherently.
