A Dirty Scheme!

Rewind to the past, when Zhu Ming Yue was out of sight, a shadow walked by Sierra Bourgeon. Seeing the shadow of the one approaching, the maid stood and, terrified, asked, “ My lady, is there something you need? “

The person standing before her, Zhu Zhi Rong, retorted hypothetically, “ What were you doing just now? “

As her voice shook in fear, she answered her lady’s question with the phrase, “ Nothing, my lady! “

“ Why are you lying to me, Sierra? “ She frowned angrily. “ I saw you interacting with my sister, so why the hell are you denying the facts? “

“ My lady, I—------- I—----- “ Not knowing what to say or the way to get herself out of the current situation, she opted for an apology. “ I’m sorry, my lady! Please forgive my actions. “ She apologetically said as her voice shook even more.

Gently tapping on Sierra’s shoulders, the latter was taken aback and confused. “ I’m not going to punish you this time, Sierra, because I understand your feelings. “

?

Confused by Zhu Zhi Rong’s words even more, she added the following, “ I can understand that you like my sister a lot and care for her wellbeing. As her older sister, I can picture how you feel and if you want, I can help you get closer to her. Would you want that? Would you want to serve my sister? “

—

Recalling at that moment Zhu Ming Yue’s kindness toward her, Sierra Bourgeon hesitated to give a response to Zhu Zhi Rong. Sensing the hesitation behind her late response, she said, “ Ming Yue’s powers are yet to awaken and that’s because they’re dormant. Her frail condition is the result of that, but there’s a way to fully awaken her and put an end to her unbearable pain, the one she has to go through daily. “

Intrigued by her lady’s words, Sierra asked as anticipation took over her senses, “ What’s the way that could aid her to get better? “

Faintly grinning, she retorted, “ I’ll tell you the cure, but you must promise me something first. “

“ I’ll accept whatever you say, so tell me the cure to Lady Ming Yue’s condition! “ She uttered confidently and assuredly of her words.

“ My sister must never come to know that I was the one behind the cure. If word were to get out, you must have to be held accountable. After all, this is Ming Yue, so you could do that much for her, right? “ Zhu Zhi Rong snickered as her true intentions were brought to the surface.

“ Alright, my lady, I accept your terms. “ She confidently retorted. “ No one will ever come to know of your involvement. I’m willing to do whatever it takes for Lady Ming Yue to awaken her powers, even if that means sacrificing my life in the process. “

Snickering and satisfied, Zhu Zhi Rong said, “ Alright then, follow me, and I’ll give you the cure. “

Taking Sierra Bourgeon to her chamber, Zhu Zhi Rong handed her a herbal plant.

“ Have her consume this herbal plant every day and her condition will improve. She mustn’t miss a single day or there will be no results whatsoever to her current state. “

Explaining to her the regenerative attributes of the herbal plant she gave her, Sierra was delighted she would be able to contribute to Ming Yue’s recovery and couldn’t wait to start administering the cure to Ming Yue.

Several days after that conversation, Sierra Bourgeon started with the administration of the cure. Making sure to set a coffee cup in her room when she was either sound asleep or was absent, Sierra made sure to keep her identity secret.

One day, however, while passing by Zhu Ming Yue’s room, Sierra heard coughing coming from her room. Looking from the window of her room, Sierra was horrified when she saw Ming Yue’s dripping hands.

Why is she coughing even more blood than before? This shouldn’t be like this.

Going to her mistress, Sierra required an explanation for Zhu Ming Yue’s worsening condition, but all she got in response was, “ She’s perfectly fine. The process is supposed to go on like that. Before long, results will start to surface, so keep on giving her the cure! “

“ Understood, my lady! “

Continuing with the daily administration, although Zhu Ming Yue was coughing even more blood every day, Sierra Bourgeon was convinced of Zhu Zhi Rong’s sincerity and care for her sister and truly believed Zhu Ming Yue’s condition would start to show some improvement.

Rewind to the present, Sierra Bourgeon was appalled and shocked. Horrified by her actions, she said in her defense, “ Please believe me, Sir! I truly didn’t know what I was administering her was poison. I thought it was the cure to her awakening, believe me, please! “

Listening to her plea, Shun angrily asked, “ While you were feeding her that garbage, didn’t you see the deterioration in her state? Didn’t you notice her condition worsening? “

Against the facts, Sierra could retort nothing in her defense because although she was unaware of the consequences of her actions, she was guilty as charged for Zhu Ming Yue’s deteriorating state and there was nothing she could say or do that could change that bitter truth.

“ The poison you’ve been giving her has endangered her life. Not only that but a few months back, she was mortally attacked by Lidian Hyster and Zhu Zhi Rong. “ Thomas uttered sternly to the maid, who was more than sorry for her actions.

Hearing everything from Thomas, Sierra could do nothing else but apologize from the bottom of her heart, but her apology came a tad bit late for it to be accepted.

Roaming around the estate, Zhu Ming Yue ended up in front of her chamber. Hearing sobbing and shouting inside, she made her way inside.

“ What’s going on here? “

The moment she stepped inside and Sierra met her gaze, she held her feet while sobbing. Recognizing her, Zhu Ming Yue asked, “ Sierra, what’s wrong? Why are you crying? “

Retorting to her interrogation, Sierra uttered while sobbing even more, “ I’m sorry, my lady. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. “

Unable to understand what it was Sierra adamantly apologizing for while looking so distressed, she questioned the latter, “ Sierra, will you stop crying and honestly tell me what's going on? “

Sobbing even more at the thought of the question, Sierra confessed to Zhu Ming Yue as she uttered the following to her in an apologetic tone, “ I didn’t know the brewed tea I was feeding you was poison; I’m so sorry! “

Opening her eyes widely to the revelation, Thomas and Shun narrated the entirety of the situation to Zhu Ming Yue who was stunned to the core.

“ I thought what I was given you was the cure and not poison. Although I could see your condition worsening, I couldn’t have imagined that it was due to the poison I took for the cure, I’m sorry. “

“ Due to my ignorance, you’re dying, and I’m the only one to blame for it. I’ll accept any punishments you’d like to give me, my lady! “

—

Aiding Sierra back to her feet, she wiped her tears gently and uttered from the bottom of her heart the following, “ I knew from the moment I met you that your intentions were noble, and I’m glad that my judgment didn’t fail me in the end. “

“ My lady—------- “

“ You wanted to help me get better, which was why you were feeding me the brewed tea every day, wasn’t it? “

Nodding to ascertain her response, Zhu Ming Yue continued and said, “ Your intentions were pure and not ill-intentioned, so I hold no grudges against you, Sierra, so please, don’t blame yourself for my condition! “

“ I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry, Lady Ming Yue. “ Her tears made their way back to her eyes, which were once again dripping wet. “ You healed me and showed me kindness, but in the end, I could do nothing for you. “

“ Now, now, Sierra. “ Wiping her tears away for the second time in a row, she said, “ You should stop now, honestly. Even if not for you feeding me poison unknowingly, I wouldn’t have lived much longer. I was already deteriorating and even without poison, I would have died either way, so stop blaming yourself for my fate! “

Adding in a closing statement, Zhu Ming Yue uttered, “ Thank you, Sierra. Thank you for going out of your way to cure me. Don’t cry anymore and live your life to the fullest, Sierra. That is what I wish for you from the bottom of my heart, for you to be happy. “ She faked a smile as her statement ended.

Moments later, as Sierra left after being dismissed by Zhu Ming Yue, Shun asked, “ Why did you let the matter go? “

“ She didn’t do it deliberately and besides, she’s already feeling guilty enough, and I didn’t want to add to her sorrow even more, so let it go as I did. It’s not that big of a deal. “

“ Not big of a deal? Is your life truly worthless to you? “

“ Just because of a heartbreak, you’re willing to let everything else go? “

—

A month went by after the mystery of the poisoner was uncovered before Zhu Ming Yue. Not only did Shun receive full marks for completing the mission, but something unbecoming also happened. It was something no one saw coming.

“ Sierra left you this note before she passed, my lady! “

Due to the guilt eating at her due to the poisoning case, Sierra made amends for her actions with her life as she consumed poison.

Reading her farewell words, Zhu Ming Yue recalled Shun’s words about life and its importance.

A few days later, wanting to feel the breeze, Zhu Ming Yue ventured into the garden and let herself be submerged by the aroma the flowers were giving off.

“ Zhu Ming Yue, I see that you’ve made a full recovery. “

Stunned by the voice which seemed familiar, she turned around to meet the unpleasant presence of Lidian Hyster.

“ What are you doing in my estate, Sir Hyster? “ She asked coldly to Lidian Hyster who felt the coldness behind her words.

“ If you’re here for your lover, then exit the garden and turn right. “ She gave him directions without paying him any mind.

Swiftly approaching her, he held her by the arms, forcing her to face him. “ What are you being indifferent toward me for? “

“ Not so long ago, you were head over heels in love with me. Don’t make me believe that you’ve already forgotten about me that fast! “

Seeing his sarcasm, Ming Yue uttered, “ I must have been blind to have ever loved you, but not anymore. Now that I’ve fully opened my eyes, I’ll never make the same mistake again. “

Feeling offended by Ming Yue’s words, Lidian said sarcastically, “ You don’t love me anymore, you say? This must be a joke, right? “

Retorting indifferently, she said, “ Whether this is a joke for you, it’s up to you to decide what to believe, Sir Hyster. “

Trying to break free from Lidian, the latter clenched her hands even harder.

“ Let go of my hand this instant! “ She snared coldly at him and in response, he said, “ What are you going to do if I don’t let go? “

—

Recalling Shun’s words for the second time in a row, Zhu Ming Yue, using what she had of strength left, managed with extreme difficulty to brush Lidian’s grip on her.

“ Leave this estate and never show your filthy face in front of me ever again! If you want to meet your lover, do it in the barracks and not here! “

Lidian was too stunned to respond. As Zhu Ming Yue left the garden, Lidian Hyster wondered about her changed behavior.

Meanwhile, while walking by the corridor, Zhu Ming Yue was intoxicated by a sweet but pleasant scent. Following the scent, her search led her to Shun, who was sleeping on the sofa.

That sweet and fragrant scent came from this human!

As the scent got stronger, Zhu Ming Yue felt attracted to Shun and inadvertently approached him. Reaching his neck and about to bite him, she regained her senses and reflexively stepped back from him.

What’s wrong with me? What was I about to do?

Walking out of the study, Zhu Ming Yue kept thinking of Shun’s scent and mumbled, “ I mustn’t. I must control myself, whatever the cost. If I give way to my urges, the worst could happen, so I mustn’t. I mustn’t go near him. “