The King's Rejected Lady

Rum Or Spinach?

THREE YEARS from now, in the original plot, a small shop became the Empire's most successful business would ever see. The shop owner invented the very first camera named KONON, and many nobles and aristocrats loved the newly developed device. The emperor gave the shop owner the title of Baron, and he became a leading role for the aristocratic faction. However, the Baron died together with all the aristocratic faction's loyalists when the second prince died in Season 2. Even with the newly gained status and wealth, the Baron fell into Marquess Zoliel's trap and was beheaded for treason.

Marquess Zoliel rose to power when the sponsored lady of Marchioness Susana became the Crown Princess candidate.

If I can stop Marquess Zoliel's greed to monopolize the merchants in the Empire, the aristocratic faction can rise to power, a power that will be enough to protect and support the second prince. And I will be the person behind the new king.

"Now, what will make you fall?" Tori was staring out of her window. It's been a month since that embarrassing banquet. She's been attending tea parties with the same ladies she first met with Sabina.

Nothing remarkably changed except that Lady Elisa Castaña became good friends with that wench. It was irritating enough to see that a few things happened like it was following the original plot.

Curse that plot!

For the past month, Tori had already recognized the sensual gaze of the Marchioness towards the butler. Tori knew where the evidence she needed was perfectly safe. She needed not worry about it.

And now, all she needed to do was plant the seeds of doubt in the Zoliel manor to destroy the Marquess House from within.

How to make the Marquess of House Zoliel fall? Easy. Destroy the reputation of the Marquess and Marchioness. After all, they're a couple known to love each other. Among nobles, the concept of love and marriage was not a necessity. But the high society sighed in awe when the famous couple got married, even if the Marchioness was originally a countryside noble with no estate and wealth but honor.

How pathetic. A make-believe fairytale that gave the House Zoliel an advantage will destroy their core.

"Lady Tori, I'm done with the preparations you asked me to do."

Tori smiled at Lily, "Let's go then."

"Uhm, my lady. The young man Rowan insisted on coming with us." Uncertainty laced in Lily's voice. It momentarily stopped Tori, but she had already decided to show him her other side. He would find out that she's no saint in one way or another. If she intended to own his loyalty, then there must be trust.

Though the original Victoria would surely laugh at the thought of befriending the same person who antagonized her, things would change in every action of Tori.

"Let him come."

Rowan changed in two months since staying in the Rozenreff Duchy. Tori could see that he had gained weight and a few muscles. Also, he grew a foot from before. Woah. What's with the sudden sprout? He's that malnourished?

He was the knight assigned to them for today. Technically, Rowan was still a knight-in-training, but they thought they were only shopping for some silk for Tori's embroidery, but in reality, it was far from an innocent stroll in the capital.

"Good to see you faring well, Rowan." Tori offered her hand to him, which he hastily accepted. He gently guided her inside the carriage like she was some kind of crystal.

You're such a gentleman, Rowan. No wonder the wench easily lured you to her honey trap.

"Everything is thanks to you, Lady Tori. I'll be your knight. No, I have been your knight since the moment you reached out to me."

Tori squeezed his hand with a broad smile, a typical action for the protagonists. Tori decided she would dictate her destiny.

That's right, Rowan. Never forget who bestowed this benevolence on you. It is I who you should worship. You should kiss the same path I walked.

Before entering the capital, a plain-looking carriage stopped right when their carriage also halted. Rowan was about to check on the coachman when Tori stopped him. He also wondered why Lady Tori and her maid Lillian were so calm.

"Worry not, Rowan. I arranged for this," Tori went down first, and Rowan followed her hastily. Lillian secured their coats before moving towards the plain-looking carriage.

Tori knew Rowan wanted to ask her why they were heading to the back alley of the capital. Since Rowan grew up in the slums, he knew this area like the back of his palm. This place was full of vile people who would take advantage of anything to survive. Rowan didn't know the rotten stench inside every noble's heart. For Tori, she believed nobles were most comfortable in the back alley of the capital. After all, nobles, aristocrats, and royals were wolves hiding in sheep's clothes.

When the carriage stopped, Lillian handed Rowan an all too familiar coat. He had to wear this to blend in - all of them.

"Rowan, do you know of a shop called Turvy?"

What a nonsensical name in a shop to hide the Information Guild.

"Yes. I'll lead the way. But I haven't heard about the Turvy selling any silk."

So even someone from the slumps didn't know what the Turvy sells. The shop Turvy was only a cover-up for the Information Guild of the Empire. The Turvy either sells information or buys information. What I love about the Turvy is they don't discriminate.

Rowan led the group of three. Tori memorized their passage since she was sure she would be back in the Turvy again. A few turns and stairs down, a small dingy shop with barely audible signage came into their view.

"This is it." Tori stepped forward to enter the door first. She knew there would be no danger if she knew the coded words.

The inside of the shop was a lot cleaner than they had imagined. It had a few tables with customers that were eating and schmoozing. A middle-aged woman guarded the counter.

So she's Lady M, the head of the information guild.

"My lady!" Lily's whispered pleas fell on deaf ears.

Tori purposely strode towards the counter, and in a hushed voice, Tori whispered the coded words. "I would like to order a rum and spinach."

The busy bartender stopped. Her hawk-like eyes penetrated Tori as if Lady M was scrutinizing her soul. Under the hood, ruby-red eyes stared back fervently.

"Rum or spinach?"

Lady M was asking Tori if she would buy information or sell information.

"I'm a greedy person. I want both."