The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power Chapter 293: Backing Down

Cindy's POV:

I watched the color slowly drain from Princess Margaret's face and continued in the same mild tone. "The dragon ruby was a wedding gift from the Crimson Dragon Mercenary Company. Their commander personally mentioned that it carries a unique magical mark. It's one of their treasured relics. If I were careless enough to lose it—or if someone were to 'take' it—I would, of course, have to report it honestly.

"After all, I wouldn't want the commander to think I failed to value their gift. Would I?

"If that hot-tempered man decided to mobilize every mercenary and rogue in the capital to search for the ruby ... or worse, escalate the matter all the way to King Ryken ... oh my, it would be quite a scene."

I sighed softly, as though troubled by the inconvenience. "For the sake of clearing Aunt Margaret's name, we might have to invite Martha, the guards from last night, perhaps even Adam's butler, to testify before the military tribunal. Let the entire kingdom judge for itself who exactly took the ruby.

"What do you think, Aunt Margaret?"

These words were like a heavy sledgehammer slamming into Margaret's chest.

Her face turned deathly pale in an instant.

She didn't fear Queen Isabella, she didn't fear me, and she didn't even truly fear King Ryken.

But she feared those lawless mercenaries and rogues!

Especially the Crimson Dragon Mercenary Company—men notorious for their volatility.

If they learned their gift had been stolen, even if they didn't storm Crystal Palace outright, the tidal wave of rumors and public outrage would be enough to shatter the reputation she had spent decades cultivating.

"Princess Incites the Queen to Steal Her Daughter-in-Law's Dowry." If that headline spread, she would never recover in noble society.

A sheen of sweat formed along her temples.

She stared at me, venom in her eyes—but beneath it, unmistakable fear.

She knew I meant every word.

I really would blow this up.

I had publicly exposed her past scandals at her own birthday banquet once before.

I would not hesitate to do it again.

Silence fell over the hall.

Queen Isabella didn't fully grasp the mechanics of my strategy, but she could see Margaret faltering. Her spine straightened at once.

"Cough, cough..."

Princess Margaret finally caved.

She cleared her throat twice and forced a smile so strained it bordered on painful.

"Oh, Cindy. You take things so seriously."

Her tone shifted instantly. "I was merely joking earlier. I had too much to drink last night—my head was foggy. Now that you mention it, I do recall."

She turned sharply toward her attendants. "Go. Bring the dragon ruby. And fetch 1,000 gold coins from the treasury."

She turned back, offering a fawning smile to Queen Isabella and me. "In truth, I was just playing a little prank on Your Majesty. And, well ... I wanted to test if Cindy was a gentle and sensible girl.

"And look, the test worked, didn't it? Cindy truly is a fine daughter-in-law who sees the big picture! Even when wronged, she thinks of protecting Your Majesty's dignity first. Excellent, simply excellent!"

In a blink, she reframed instigation and denial as a "trial of character."

I did not expose the lie. I simply inclined my head. "Aunt Margaret, you're too thoughtful. I shall remember this lesson."

Moments later, servants returned carrying a velvet case and a heavy pouch.

Queen Isabella snatched the pouch at once, weighing it in her palm, her fingers trembling with excitement.

"Margaret, I knew you're a woman of your word!" Queen Isabella beamed, her face blooming with joy. "I knew you wouldn't back out!"