QTMWSFC Chapter 51.1

Her cousin had taken in a new maidservant, and their relationship seemed very ambiguous. The little cousin Risa was driven even madder by anger.

That said, over this period, Risa could see that there was no affection between Freya and her cousin. At most, her jealousy towards Freya was merely about her title.

But towards Karina, her hatred was real. That despicable woman actually used such dirty tricks to seduce her cousin! She had heard they had already climbed into bed together! It was absolutely outrageous!!

Now by comparison, Risa found Freya much more pleasing to the eye.

The tea party was coming soon. She would make Karina pay! She would ruin her reputation in front of everyone!

Amidst everyone’s expectations, the tea party finally arrived.

Karina was originally Grady’s personal maid, but both were deeply concerned about Freya’s fragile health. Grady insisted on having Karina attend to her.

Karina wanted to keep an eye on Freya while also taking down her number one love rival Risa. So she put on a show of deep concern and requested to help Lita take care of Freya.

Freya needed Karina and Risa to fight each other like clams, drawing attention away from her own escape. Naturally, she did not refuse Karina’s offer.

The night before the tea party, Freya and Lant arranged for Lita, Kemi, and the others to leave the palace first. They were to wait for Freya at the first transfer point. At the same time, they silently released decoys to confuse any onlookers, making everything appear normal.

Before leaving, Lita took a bulging package containing all the dowry and gifts Freya had slowly and discreetly converted into cash since entering the palace.

The tea party was supposed to be an event for the ladies only. But due to Freya’s frail health and need for care, combined with her status, she was accompanied by Lant, the decoy “Lita,” and Karina.

The theme of today’s tea party was tea tasting and boating on the lake.

Karina and Risa could be said to be love rivals who were extremely jealous of each other. When their eyes met, sparks were flying. They both wanted to land a vicious blow on the other.

“I heard you’re my cousin’s new maidservant. They say you’re skilled in tea ceremony. I wonder if I might have the pleasure of a cup?” Risa was notorious for disregarding rules and being bold. Not long after the tea party began, she was already making trouble for Karina.

The other ladies sipped their tea and watched the drama happen.

Freya, the legitimate eldest prince’s concubine, had not yet spoken, yet Princess Risa was already making life difficult for a maidservant. The relationships among these three were truly a tangled mess!

Karina swallowed her resentment. With downcast eyes, she poured a cup of black tea and handed it to Risa.

Clatter—

“Oh no! I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry!” Karina accidentally knocked over the cup and frantically tried to wipe up the spill.

“Hiss!” Risa’s hand was scalded by the hot tea. Her face twisted in pain, and she exploded in fury. “Is this how you serve tea?!”

Without hesitation, she slapped Karina across the face.

How satisfying!

Karina fell to the ground, tears welling in her eyes. She held her swollen cheek with a pitiful expression. “Princess, Your Highness… I… I really didn’t mean it…”

“Cough, cough…” Freya seemed angered by Karina’s clumsiness. “Karina… ah… do you… do you know your mistake? Apologize to the princess at once!”

Then she said to Risa, “I am truly sorry. Would you be willing to forgive her this once for my sake? She is a new maidservant and does not yet understand the palace rules. After today, I will be sure to educate her properly.”

“Risa! You have gone too far!” Just then, an angry male voice approached quickly from a short distance away.

Grady hurriedly walked through the garden path, went to Karina’s side, and helped her up, completely disregarding how his behavior might affect Freya, the eldest prince’s concubine, or what she might think.

He knew Risa would not behave! Sure enough, she bullied Karina! And Freya was frail and sickly, how could she possibly protect anyone? Fortunately, he had sensed something was wrong and rushed over immediately!

“Your Highness, it’s not the princess’s fault. It’s all my fault. Please don’t be angry.” Karina eagerly tried to speak up for Risa.

“You! Wretch! It is your fault!” Risa hated this white lotus act of playing the victim while blaming others. She was furious and raised her hand for another slap.

Grady didn’t expect her to be so arrogant. He immediately stepped in front of Karina and stopped her.

But Karina was very eager to admit fault. Ignoring Grady’s protests, she apologized to Risa, then brewed another cup of tea and respectfully offered it to her.

Risa gritted her teeth. The other party had lowered herself so much that if Risa insisted on making trouble, she would only appear petty. She had no choice but to take the teacup and drink in frustration.

Karina gritted her teeth secretly. Her expression remaining calm as she watched Risa drink the tea she had spiked.

Just wait until we go boating on the lake!

Everyone present had their own schemes hidden in their hearts.

Grady was no longer comfortable leaving Karina alone. He insisted on accompanying the boat ride, using the excuse of taking care of Freya.

Given his status as the eldest prince, the ladies couldn’t say anything, so they tacitly allowed it.

Lant could not join them. He waited silently on the shore not far away.

The boat slowly reached the center of the lake. The surrounding scenery was pleasant and the breeze was gentle, making it extremely comfortable.

The ladies nibbled on refreshments and admired the view. The tense atmosphere earlier gradually eased.

Grady sat beside Freya, mechanically exchanging a few words of concern, then secretly exchanged affectionate glances with Karina.

Everything seemed calm and beautiful.

Then suddenly…

Risa felt a sharp cramp in her abdomen, accompanied by an uncontrollable and somewhat urgent sensation.

They were on a boat! Even if they returned to shore at top speed, she doubted her willpower could last that long!

That tea just now must have been tampered with!

Realizing this, Risa’s gaze at Karina was practically shooting flames.

Forgetting all decorum, she sprang to her feet, clutching her painfully cramping stomach, and hurled a teacup viciously at Karina.

“Ah!”

Everyone was startled by Risa’s crazy behavior.

“Cousin! Can you see clearly now? Your kind-hearted sweetheart drugged my tea!” Risa’s stomach pain worsened. She tried to take a step, but her legs softened. She half-collapsed to the floor.