Chapter 25: Chapter 24: Lilith and Alistair's Next Master Plan (Another Glorious Failure)

Chapter 24: Lilith and Alistair's Next Master Plan (Another Glorious Failure)

The grand imperial palace buzzed with activity, but deep in one of the quieter chambers, Lilith and Alistair were huddled together, plotting their next attempt to bring Tiara and Chris down.

Lilith paced the room, her white hair swishing behind her as she clutched her fan dramatically. “This is unacceptable, Alistair! Tiara’s reputation is growing stronger by the day, and now, rumors say she’s engaged to Prince Chris. If this continues, we’ll never outshine her!”

Alistair, lounging in a chair with a sly smirk, replied, “Patience, Lilith. I have a plan.”

Lilith stopped mid-step, her red eyes narrowing. “You said that last time, and we ended up covered in flour and chased out of the duke’s estate.”

“That was merely a test run,” Alistair said, waving dismissively. “This time, we’ll strike where it hurts. We’ll expose Tiara’s ‘true’ colors at a public gathering. The next banquet is the perfect stage.”

Lilith perked up, intrigued. “And how do you plan to do that?”

Alistair leaned forward, his voice low. “We’ll spread a rumor that Tiara is bribing nobles to gain favor. Then, during the banquet, we’ll ‘accidentally’ reveal her ‘hidden stash’ of gold coins.”

Lilith clapped her hands together. “Brilliant! With everyone doubting her, she’ll lose all credibility.”

---

The Banquet Hall

The grand hall was filled with nobles dressed in their finest, the air buzzing with laughter and conversation. Tiara, seated at a table with Mia, Felix, and Lily, was blissfully unaware of the storm brewing.

“Tiara,” Mia said, leaning in, “have you noticed how many people are watching you tonight?”

Tiara sighed, adjusting her gloves. “Let me guess—more rumors?”

Felix chuckled. “Rumors or admirers. Take your pick.”

Before Tiara could reply, the doors burst open, and in walked Lilith and Alistair, their expressions a mix of smugness and feigned innocence.

“Oh, great,” Tiara muttered. “Here comes trouble.”

Lilith approached Tiara’s table, her smile saccharine. “Lady Tiara, you look stunning tonight. Truly, you’re the jewel of the kingdom.”

Tiara arched an eyebrow. “Lilith. How unexpected. And by unexpected, I mean completely unwelcome.”

Lily snorted, trying to hide her laughter, while Felix smirked.

Undeterred, Lilith continued, “I heard the most fascinating rumor earlier. Surely, you’ve heard it too?”

Tiara tilted her head, feigning interest. “Oh, do tell. I’m dying to know what nonsense you’ve come up with this time.”

Lilith’s smile faltered for a split second. “Well, there are whispers that certain nobles have been... persuaded to support your family. Financially persuaded.”

The surrounding nobles murmured, their curiosity piqued.

Tiara leaned back in her chair, looking utterly bored. “Persuaded? How intriguing. And where, pray tell, are these bribes you’re so concerned about?”

Alistair, sensing his moment, stepped forward. “Funny you should ask.” He gestured to a servant carrying a chest. “Perhaps this will answer your question.”

The servant placed the chest on the table and opened it, revealing... apples.

The entire hall fell silent before erupting in laughter.

Tiara blinked, then smirked. “Oh, how thoughtful, Alistair! You’ve brought me a gift of fruit. Is this your way of apologizing for your last failed scheme?”

Lilith paled, while Alistair looked flustered. “This isn’t... This was supposed to be—”

“Apples,” Felix said, his tone dripping with mock seriousness. “A bold move, Your Highness. Truly groundbreaking.”

Tiara picked up one of the apples, inspecting it. “Well, I suppose it’s better than flour.”

The nobles around her burst into another wave of laughter, some whispering about how clever Tiara was.

Lilith, desperate to salvage the situation, grabbed an apple and tried to spin it into something meaningful. “These apples represent the... the... golden core of Lady Tiara’s heart! She’s so generous that even her bribes are nutritious.”

Tiara clapped her hands together dramatically. “Oh, Lilith, you’re too kind. If you keep praising me like this, people might think we’re friends!”

The hall roared with laughter again, and Lilith’s face burned with humiliation.

---

Later That Evening

As the banquet ended, Chris approached Tiara, his expression unreadable.

“You handled that well,” he said, his tone dry.

Tiara smirked. “I have to, with people like your brother and Lilith around. Honestly, do they even think their plans through?”

Chris chuckled. “Clearly not. But I must admit, watching you turn their schemes against them is rather entertaining.”

Tiara raised an eyebrow. “Only rather?”

Chris smiled. “Fine. Highly entertaining.”

As he walked away, Mia leaned closer to Tiara. “You two are definitely secretly engaged.”

Tiara groaned. “Mia, I swear—”

Felix interrupted, smirking. “Rumors or not, I don’t think Prince Chris minds.”

Lily added, “And if this keeps up, Lilith and Alistair might accidentally succeed... in making you more popular.”

Tiara laughed. “Let them try. The harder they scheme, the harder they fall.”

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