TCPFDH 10

Episode 10: A Secret Plot Hidden in Purple Petals

It had been almost two weeks since Bertina arrived in the Shadow Kingdom—Nachtberg.

At first, the reversed day-and-night lifestyle made her feel unwell, but after a week, she had surprisingly grown used to it.

…However, the life was unbearably boring.

She had nothing in particular to do. Meanwhile, her husband-to-be, Milan, seemed busy with work almost every day. From what she heard, he left the castle at dusk and only returned at dawn.

What kind of work he did, Bertina neither knew nor cared to ask. After all, he clearly didn’t wish for this marriage.

That day, Bertina had pretended to feel sick and quickly returned to her room. Later that night, Milan came to check on her, but she had stayed in bed without speaking. Even so, Hanna told her that Milan had silently remained at her side until dawn before leaving.

The behavior was puzzling.

Even stranger—since then, Milan visited her room every night before dawn. They barely spoke, only sat together in silence until one of them yawned. Then he would say “Good night” and return to his own room.

It was impossible to understand. Why would he act this way toward a bride he did not want?

One thought came to her—maybe he wanted to build a closer bond only to later reject her politely and break the engagement.

If that happened, the peace between her homeland, Vermeburg, and the Shadow Kingdom would collapse. Perhaps even war would follow. For Bertina, who longed for her homeland’s downfall, such an outcome was not unwelcome.

But if the engagement broke, she would surely be cast out of the castle. Hanna, too. Bertina didn’t want to drag her loyal maid into more misery. And, of course, she herself didn’t wish to wander the streets with no place to go.

So, she decided—it would be best to marry safely, and take her revenge later, once she had fallen into darkness.

When would that happen? She had no idea. She had been told that the curse would awaken “when what you lack is finally fulfilled.”

What did she lack the most? Happiness, perhaps… but happiness was made up of many small pieces. And since unhappiness was her constant state, it was impossible to say what would be enough.

(How frustrating. Why can’t I fall into darkness already?)

Snapping her book on herbal medicine shut, Bertina pressed her fingers against her temple, biting her thumbnail out of irritation.

The more she thought about her situation, the angrier she became. It would still be three months before Milan’s coronation, and only then could their marriage be official. That left plenty of time for him to run away with Rine.

Bertina cut her thoughts off before her chest burst with anger. She leaned back against the sofa with a sigh.

(Really… I must be terribly bored if I have so much time to think about this.)

Every day was the same. She could walk freely within the castle grounds, but she avoided it—being approached by others would only drain her more.

Perhaps gardening would help pass the time?

Her eyes snapped open.

(Yes… that’s it.)

Without changing her expression, Bertina stood and briskly left her room.

Mint, sage, chamomile.

Among the pots of herbs, there were violets, foxglove, monkshood, and belladonna.

Bertina gazed down at them, expressionless but inwardly smiling in delight.

Today she wasn’t in a grand dress but wore a simple apron dress, the same uniform as Hanna and the twin maids.

It had begun a few days earlier.

She had requested an audience with the Queen, who easily granted it. Bertina had asked, “If there is a garden, may I grow flowers of my own choosing?” The Queen agreed at once.

Escorted by Iris and Lotos, she was shown to the castle gardens. At first glance, she fell in love with the place.

Built into the castle’s hillside, it spread like a great bowl, with brick terraces filled with roses and countless other plants. At the top stood a gazebo overlooking it all, and beyond it an old watchtower.

The Queen told her she could use the garden however she wished. Even better—she promised the gardeners would obtain any plants Bertina desired. So, Bertina asked for herbs… and, among them, poisonous flowers with purple petals.

Because she had once casually said she liked the color purple, no one suspected her motives.

Still, she had been nervous asking for monkshood and belladonna—both infamous for their deadly poison. But this was a land of demons. Perhaps poison meant little to them, or perhaps they simply had no interest. Either way, no one questioned her.

(They’re easy to grow, like wildflowers. I’ll raise them in large numbers, extract their poison as if making essential oils, and slip it into Vermeburg’s castle well… With this, I can strike my revenge even before falling into darkness. Perfect.)

Her lips curved into a small smile.

“Wow, Lady Bertina, you look so happy!”
“Yeah, it’s the first time we’ve seen you smile!”

The twin maids, Iris and Lotos, exchanged looks. Clearly, Milan’s use of the nickname “Bell” had spread to everyone.

Bertina glared at them.
“Of course I smile when I’m happy.”

“But it’s true—you really look happy,” Hanna said warmly. “You must truly love flowers.”

Two weeks ago, Hanna had panicked from Bertina’s coldness. Now she looked at her mistress gently, with fondness.

Bertina sniffed. “Yes, I love plants. They always respond if you care for them. They never betray you. Even short-lived flowers will pass their life on through seeds and bloom again. That is their greatest charm.”

—And, unlike people, they do not chatter or annoy me.

Bertina added the thought sharply, but Hanna’s gaze stayed kind.

“…Enough talk. Let’s get started.”

“Yes, my lady!” the three maids chimed.

Though Bertina found people exhausting, somehow she had grown used to these three. They didn’t meddle or fuss beyond what was needed, and they respected her desire to handle things herself.

“Lady Bertina?” Iris raised her hand. “What should we do to help?”

“First, we till the soil.”

“Why? Wouldn’t it be faster to just dig holes and stick the plants in?” Lotos asked, tilting her head.

Bertina narrowed her eyes, already exasperated.

But Hanna spoke up, smiling. “Plants need soft beds too. Soil must be loose and full of air so water can reach the roots. Otherwise, they won’t grow well.”

The twins nodded, satisfied. Bertina glanced at Hanna in approval.

“Hanna, do you have experience with gardening?”

“Yes, my lady. I once helped grow pumpkins in another garden.”

“…I see. Then I’ll rely on you.”

Hanna answered cheerfully, while Bertina gave only a curt nod.