"If you wanted me dead, just say it outright. No need for such a vicious method," Liang Lin muttered, trembling like a leaf.

"Hahaha~" Liang Di covered her mouth, giggling softly.

"Relax. You won’t be marrying Gar," Liang Di said, casting Liang Lin a meaningful glance. "Doris looks down on House Langwendi as it stands now. She might even urge Auston to make you Prince Gar’s secret lover… after all…"

Liang Di raised a hand and gently stroked Liang Lin’s smooth cheek.

"You’re actually quite pretty."

Huh?

The compliment came out of nowhere.

But Liang Lin’s focus wasn’t there.

"Will Gar *definitely* become king?"

Liang Di’s smile froze.

"What do you think?"

"How would I know something like that?"

Liang Lin wasn’t clueless—she just didn’t want to seem too sharp in front of Liang Di (though in Liang Di’s eyes, she was already plenty foolish).

"Meh~ Doesn’t matter who sits the throne," Liang Lin said lightly, stretching her elbows with feigned ease. "It’s none of my business anyway."

She had to make Liang Di drop her guard completely.

"Let’s go."

As she turned to leave, Liang Lin glanced back. "Coming with me?"

Liang Di smiled and waved. "No. Go back with Duke Austen and the others. I’ve got things to do."

"Okay."

No pleasantries, no hesitation—Liang Lin spun and walked away.

*On the road home…*

"If I recall right, there’s a restricted spot in House Langwendi’s backyard," Liang Lin murmured. "Definitely… not simple."

A hidden secret had to be there.

An idea sparked. *Perfect timing—Auston, Miranda, and Liang Di are all out. Why not check it now? Might uncover something.*

She quickened her pace.

"Take me home first. Return later for Duke Austen," she told the coachman.

Meeting his villainess young mistress’s domineering glare, the coachman faltered. "B-But… His Grace is still inside…" he stammered.

"Defying me?" Liang Lin’s voice sharpened. "Remember who runs this house. One more word of disobedience—" Her fingers brushed the sword at her hip; her gaze turned venomous.

The coachman’s knees buckled. Torn, his mind raced: *Alive is better.* "Y-Yes, miss! Please board the carriage!" He scrambled up instantly.

Tch. "Worthless cur." Liang Lin snorted.

*Demon! She’s a demon!* The burly, forty-something coachman—strong enough to fell two kids with one punch—shed silent, bitter tears. *Serving nobles is hell.*

The ride passed in silence.

Home. Liang Lin hitched her skirts and sprinted past Dodi, the pet dog waiting to greet her. The bewildered pup watched its mistress vanish into the backyard without a single gasp.

Left turn. Right turn.

House Langwendi’s layout was a maze—only her sharp memory kept her on track.

Pushing aside a thicket, the pitch-black cave mouth appeared.

*This is it.*

Liang Lin crept closer, eyes scanning warily. Near the entrance, a low *whimper* echoed from within—like a woman sobbing, an old man whispering. Chills prickled her skin.

The darkness felt wrong. She squinted, straining to see inside, but only thick, swirling black mist blocked the view.

Danger.

Her gut screamed: *Run. Something deadly lurks there.*

*Go back?* She wavered.

*But I’ve come this far…*

"Miss? What are you doing here?"

That voice! Familiar!

Liang Lin whipped around. Elderly head maid Belica stood behind a nearby tree, deep purple eyes fixed intently on her.

*Caught.*

If Belica told Auston, Liang Di would know. Accessing this place later? Nearly impossible.

"Belica~ Did your maid army expand cleaning duty all the way here?" Liang Lin teased with a half-smile.

"Miss, no one’s cleaning. It’s just me." Belica stepped out, beckoning. "Don’t go near there. Come to me."

She eyed the cave warily, halting after a few steps, hesitant.

"Just… you?" Liang Lin drawled.

*Alone? No witnesses to escape.* Her grip tightened on her sword. *One step closer… and I add a pretty red line to her neck.*

But Belica stayed put, only urging her over.

In seconds, clarity struck Liang Lin.

*Can’t kill her. Head maid vanishing? Chaos. House Langwendi’s fools might miss it—but Liang Di’s sharp. Auston’s no idiot either, or he wouldn’t be head.*

*So… how to explain being here?*

Liang Lin walked slowly toward her.

"Belica, I got lost. This is the restricted zone, right?" She pointed at the black void.

Relief flashed in Belica’s eyes—then sheer terror as she followed Liang Lin’s finger.

"Miss, you’re too careless! If you’d been—" She cut herself off. *Right. She’s the villainess.* No more complaints.

"Since you’re lost, let me guide you out."

"Mm."

*Guess I’ll wait for next time.*

Truth was, even without Belica, she wouldn’t have entered today. That danger prickling her spine? Her sixth sense never lied. Rushing in could cost her life—and that was a price too high.