Handle with Care: A Dangerous Substance
It was common knowledge within the castle that Veronica and the Queen had a poor relationship.
Anyone working there knew it well.
However, the way Veronica openly badmouthed Clementina—a member of the royal family, a woman deserving of respect—still managed to shock those around her.
The maid cautiously offered a word of advice.
“Pardon me for saying so, but speaking of Her Majesty in such a manner may harm your own standing, Lady Veronica—”
“You’re saying I’m the one at fault!?”
Veronica cut the maid off, glaring sharply, her eyes narrowing in fury.
Startled by the sudden outburst, the maid recoiled slightly, but still replied in an unwavering, composed voice.
“That’s not what I meant—”
“You are saying it! That I should just accept it when Clementina bullies me? You’re one of her lackeys, aren’t you?”
“That’s not true. Lady Veronica, I—”
“Enough! I’ll tell His Majesty everything! Just leave already!!”
Refusing to listen to another word, Veronica shoved the maid by the shoulder.
The maid stumbled, nearly falling, but the knight caught her just in time.
Without sparing them so much as a glance, Veronica turned on her heel and stormed off, her mood worse than ever.
The knight and the maid exchanged looks.
A sigh escaped both of them.
“… What do we do now?”
The maid, Sophia, asked quietly.
The knight, Cain, shook his head slightly in reply.
Sophia had light brown hair neatly gathered in a bun, giving her the prim, serious appearance Veronica so often mocked.
Cain, on the other hand, was the image of a clean-cut young knight, with large, gentle eyes and short-cropped hair in proper military style.
With a tired sigh, Cain scratched the back of his neck, then looked to Sophia.
“… For now, let’s report to His Majesty.”
“Even though it’s obvious that was a lie about him calling for us,” Sophia muttered.
It was common knowledge among the castle staff—
You cannot trust a word Veronica says.
Her stories changed constantly, and you never knew when she’d try to shift the blame onto someone else.
The servants avoided her as much as possible, wary of becoming her next scapegoat.
In high society, where few knew the truth, Veronica played the part of the pitiful, misunderstood woman—
But those within the castle knew better.
(She’s poison. Pure, dangerous poison.)
Like how rot spreads when you store a bad fruit with the rest, Veronica herself was like a mold spore, infecting everything around her.
Sophia corrected herself at that thought.
(No, mold has its uses. It’s unfair to compare it to her.)
Sophia had just discovered mold on a jar of jam recently—
Even that mold had more redeeming qualities than Veronica.
The greatest obstacle to working at the castle.
The largest source of stress.
A walking troublemaker.
That was the unanimous opinion of those who served within the royal palace.
☆
Successfully shaking off the knight and maid, Veronica made her way straight to the king’s office.
When stopped by the guards, she coolly lied, claiming she had permission, and slipped inside.
Brian wasn’t there. Perfect.
Had he been present, getting what she wanted would have been a hassle.
She quickly retrieved her objective and left the office, heading directly for her destination.
The place Brian had strictly forbidden her from going—
Using the spare key she had found hidden in the king’s private quarters, Veronica descended into the underground levels.
Her goal lay beyond.
What do you think about this chapter?
Thanks for the chapters