Zuha quietly served the food for Her Majesty — Princess Scarlett. The atmosphere was extremely silent; no one even volunteered to speak first.
Scarlett tried to distract herself by checking the papers in front of her, hoping Zuha's presence wouldn't get in the way of her work. But to no avail — she kept glancing at her.
"Zuh—" Before the princess could even finish calling her name, Zuha cut her off.
"Do you want something, Your Highness? I'll go prepare it for you."
Scarlett didn't answer. She knew Zuha would just cut her off again. "Nothing. Just leave me alone."
Zuha left immediately. Her eyes followed her.
"What do I do?" Scarlett whispered when she can no longer see Zuha's back.
She scanned the papers again. They were files containing information about Common City. She needed to learn a few things about it before she could carry out her plans.
Apparently, the Queen started to separate Common City from Noble City ten years ago — the beginning of her mother's reign.
Scarlett was determined to discover the deeper reason behind the Queen's disgust toward that city.
She sighed in frustration. She couldn't think of a way to help the city.
"Where do I start?"
"How about we go find that girl who came here with Zuha?" Prince Ray entered the room.
"What?" She was confused.
"While you were sulking here, I interrogated the guard who let Zuha in. He said she was with someone that time."
"And? How could that information help me?" Scarlett might not have been in her best condition, as she failed to see the brighter side.
"Pull yourself together. Hasn't it crossed your mind that Zuha might be missing that person? Let them meet again and — boom — Zuha's eyes will sparkle again."
"Fine. Let me try that. If it doesn't go well, you'll end yourself." Scarlett scoffed.
"Ack! You're being harsh again!"
Moments later, Scarlett and Ray found themselves face to face with Tisha. Just remembering her touching Zuha's face at that party made Scarlett's blood boil.
"What are you two doing here?" Tisha hugged Scarlett.
She didn't budge.
"Cold as ever. I bet you're here because you missed me?" She chuckled.
"Everybody knows you two are rivals for the ladies. Don't act like you're in love with her," Prince Ray muttered the truth.
"Oh my, did we give that kind of impression? And here I thought the ladies chasing after Scarlett preferred me over her."
Scarlett finally decided to speak. "The servants from the Nilou family — Marly, to be precise — is she here?"
While investigating, they discovered that the servants who used to work for the Nilou family were scattered among other households. A rumor had spread that the Nilou family exploited women, and no one wanted to do business with them anymore.
Their status collapsed with just one act from the royals — as if the other prestigious families didn't have any dark secrets too. They were just afraid to catch the royals' attention.
"Dang. I can't even memorize the name of my favorite sweet — how am I supposed to know who that is?"
"Gather all your servants, then," Scarlett commanded.
"Cold and bossy. That's what I like about you."
Tisha gathered her servants in the garden. She began speaking: "Ah… Is anyone here named Marly? If so, step forward."
No one moved. They were afraid, thinking they might be punished.
Scarlett scanned their faces, hoping the girl would step forward.
"Stop wasting my time and just come forward! Gosh!"
"Y-Your Highness… My name's Marly…"
Minutes later, a thin girl stepped forward. It was obvious she had experienced poverty all her life.
Scarlett stepped in front of her and coldly asked, "Do you happen to know Zuha?"
The girl's eyes widened. Judging by her reaction, Scarlett sighed in relief.
This girl must be it.
***