The Emotional One Is A Good Backup Plan

In the original story, the Ninth Duke had gone out of his way to help Noor Giza secure a better life in the palace. He had orchestrated a breathtaking scene—fishes in the royal pond forming the character for good fortune. The sight had left the court in awe, making them believe that heaven itself had blessed Noor Giza.

But today, I had given her something even greater.

He had gifted her Auspicious Fishes.

I had gifted her Flying Dragon.

And soon, both would become the very weapons that would destroy her.

All it would take was one small push—someone to expose that the Auspicious Fishes were nothing but a trick. The moment that happened, everyone would assume that the Flying Dragon was part of Noor Giza's sinister plan too. She wouldn't just fall; she would be crushed under the weight of her own schemes.

---

I arrived at the grand chamber where the Emperor and Noor Giza sat, basking in their triumph. Noor was glowing with pride, holding her newborn son in her arms, her eyes sparkling with victory.

She thinks she has won.

How cute.

I walked forward and bowed respectfully. "I am late, Your Majesty. Please forgive me."

Noor Giza, ever the graceful and cunning woman, flashed me a gentle smile, but there was a flicker of arrogance in her eyes. "Oh, what are you saying? It's nothing. I'm just happy that you could come. You are here in kindness."

I smiled back, playing along. "His Majesty is blessed with a son. Naturally, I had to come and give my blessings."

Then, I let the real show begin.

I pretended to suddenly notice something, my expression shifting to one of shock. My eyes flickered to the side, and I gasped softly.

I turned to the Ninth Duke and let out a slight, apologetic laugh. "Ah! Ninth Duke, forgive me! I did not see you standing there."

The Ninth Duke hesitated, clearly reluctant, before he stiffly clasped his hands together in greeting.

Not good enough.

I tilted my head, my tone casual but dripping with hidden meaning.

"I heard long ago that you and Consort Noor were childhood sweethearts. Seeing you both today, it is clear that you share a special relationship."

Silence.

Complete, heavy silence.

Noor Giza's smile froze. The Ninth Duke's fingers twitched ever so slightly. The nobles in the chamber sat up straighter, their eyes gleaming with hungry curiosity.

A scandal. A threat to the legitimacy of the newborn prince.

The tension was thick enough to cut with a blade.

And then—

Noor Giza, always quick on her feet, darted toward the Emperor, her delicate fingers clutching his sleeve. Her eyes shimmered with tears, her voice trembling with innocence.

"Your Majesty…" she whispered, her voice breaking, "I… I did not know that such a simple remark could be twisted in such a way… I beg you, please, do not misunderstand!"

The Emperor's face darkened, his anger sharp like a blade. His gaze locked onto me.

"You dare insinuate such a thing?" he growled.

I took a step back, letting my expression crumble as if I had been wronged. My voice, soft and hesitant, was laced with just enough innocence.

"Childhood sweethearts?" I echoed. "That is the truth, is it not? There is nothing shameful in that. As for saying 'special relationship'…" I looked at Noor Giza and the Ninth Duke, my brows furrowing.

"They are the ones who assumed the worst. I only stated a simple fact."

The Emperor froze. A flicker of doubt crossed his face.

Because I was right.

I had not technically accused them of anything. But Noor Giza and the Ninth Duke had reacted too strongly.

Now, they looked guilty.

Realizing her mistake, Noor Giza quickly shifted tactics. She turned to me, her expression filled with guilt and regret, her tears now flowing like a tragic heroine in a drama.

"I… I see now that I have misunderstood your words," she murmured, bowing deeply. "It was my mistake. I should not have let my emotions cloud my judgment."

The Ninth Duke hesitated but followed suit, his bow much stiffer, much more reluctant.

Mousy, who had been watching with amusement, peeked out from my shoulder and whispered, "Jeez, you really don't forget a slight."

I let out a soft chuckle, my gaze never leaving Noor Giza.

"Not my fault," I murmured. "He refused to greet me properly before."

Then, I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice just enough so that only Mousy could hear.

"Mousy, get ready. Find out what Noor Giza likes to eat normally."

Mousy froze, his ears twitching.

"The stage is set," I continued, my smile widening.

"I'm going to prepare a final supper for her."