Chapter 32
Lilien and I toured the greenhouse before heading to her cherished garden.
Lilien shyly smiled and linked arms with me. Her hidden smile, filled with youthful innocence, stirred warm emotions within me. I gently tapped the back of her hand before hesitating and speaking up.
“Lilien, you said before that you wanted to help with my divorce, right?”
“Of course! Is there anything I can do? If it helps you, Lady Etricia, I’d love to assist!”
Lilien’s eyes sparkled as she asked. Her gaze was so pure.
The plan to oust Antra from the social scene was progressing smoothly, especially with the upcoming banquet where the empire’s high society would gather. However, one concern remained—Devon would be attending. If we encountered each other, we would both be momentarily stunned, and the nobles would surely pick up on any subtle tension between us.
I wanted Lilien to enjoy the banquet more than anyone else—to be adored in a dazzling and enchanting place.
“Lady Lilien, are you aware that you might run into Devon at the banquet?”
Lilien’s mouth dropped open as if she had completely forgotten.
“Oh… right.”
Her complete lack of concern made me chuckle.
I unlinked our arms and looked directly at her.
“Even if you do see him, don’t let it affect you. Just enjoy the banquet. I’ll handle Devon. That day is for you to have fun, nothing else.”
“Lady Etricia…”
Lilien gazed at me with eyes glistening with moisture. As our eyes met, the dark emotions within me—tainted from facing hypocrites—seemed to cleanse.
She tightly grasped my hand, lowered her head, and trembled slightly before suddenly looking up. If I hadn’t stepped back quickly, her head would have hit my chin.
“Lady Etricia! I’ve made up my mind!”
“About what?”
I instinctively rubbed my chin as I replied.
“Please become my family!”
Her sudden declaration startled me so much that I quickly removed my hand from my chin. Family? I knew Lilien held affection for me, but to the extent of wanting me as family…?
“What do you mean by family?”
I asked hesitantly, hoping it was just a joke. I looked down at Lilien, ready to chuckle and pat her shoulder.
“With Edmund…”
Unfortunately, Lilien trailed off, fidgeting awkwardly. Even without her finishing, I understood.
Could it be… she wants me to marry Edmund? I stared at her in shock. Her unwavering expression made me realize she was completely serious.
“Did you mention this to Count Mipedian as well?”
“Of course!”
…An assassin was closer than I thought.
Groaning, I pressed my fingers to my forehead. If Edmund knew about this, it explained his prickly demeanor. With rumors already circulating, his own sister supporting them would only make him more sensitive.
Divorce among nobles wasn’t legally problematic, but it still carried conservative and narrow-minded perceptions. It wasn’t considered a flaw in one’s humanity, but it certainly was a blemish as a potential partner.
“Lady Lilien, are you aware of the recent scandal?”
“Of course! That’s what gave me the idea!”
Devon, you scoundrel. You really know how to drive me mad.
Suppressing my simmering frustration, I took a deep breath. Meanwhile, Lilien cupped her cheeks, completely lost in a romantic fantasy. She was probably already picturing herself catching the bouquet at our wedding.
Not that such a thing would ever happen.
I forced a slanted smile.
“Lady Lilien, I appreciate your kindness, but this is a bit… difficult.”
“Why? Why?! My brother is handsome! He’s rich! And he has an amazing chest!”
C-Chest?
For a moment, I was so flustered that my eyelids twitched.
I usually pride myself on my ability to maintain composure, but this time, I was utterly caught off guard.
‘A well-built chest…’
Ah, not that I’d deny it.
Edmund’s sculpted physique was undeniably impressive. Especially when I was in his arms at the vineyard—his firm chest, broad shoulders, and those veins running down his strong hands… No, stop. That’s not the point.
I quickly shook my head to dispel such improper thoughts.
It seemed that Lilien simply associated a man’s physique with his chest size.
Just how long had it been since I resolved that scandal? And now, his sister was trying to arrange a marriage between me and her well-qualified brother?
Why would Edmund ever want to marry me? He was naturally wary of people, uninterested in romance or marriage. If forced into something, he would only find it unpleasant.
Sighing, I steadied myself and spoke calmly.
“Lady Lilien, if Count Mipedian heard what you just said, he would be furious. I’m a divorcée, and I don’t belong with someone as distinguished as the Count—”
“What are you talking about, Lady Etricia?!”
Before I could finish, Lilien jumped up in protest.
“Honestly, I was more worried that you might actually like Edmund!”
“That’s impossible. The Count is a heroic leader of the monster subjugation force. He’s admired by countless women.”
“Then… does that mean you do like my brother?!”
“No!”
Her enthusiasm startled me so much that I nearly shouted. It was the first time Lilien had ever heard me raise my voice. She blinked at me with wide, doll-like eyes, clasping her hands together.
Seeing how cute she looked, I felt guilty for snapping at her. I sighed and gently patted her head.
“What I mean is, if your brother knew you were trying to match him with someone about to divorce, he’d be very displeased.”
“Edmund would be displeased…?”
Lilien furrowed her brows, tilting her head as if she couldn’t understand. It almost felt like she was internally adding, ‘Who does he think he is?’
I realized there was no convincing Lilien with my own words. Maybe if I brought it up in front of Edmund, I could clearly state my position or change the subject.
“By the way, Lady Lilien, are you still tending to your flower beds?”
I smiled stiffly and changed the subject. Thankfully, Lilien followed along.
I sat at an outdoor table until late in the afternoon, watching Lilien tend to her flowers. Occasionally, she would look my way, and I’d wave at her. I observed her chatting with the maids while gardening.
As I listened to Lilien’s bright laughter, I suddenly felt an odd sense of unease.
‘Well… It’s probably nothing.’
I reassured myself.
Thud!
Antra slammed a stack of newspapers onto the table, stomping her foot in frustration.
“Ugh… That cunning woman…!”
Her bloodshot eyes glared at the crumpled newspapers before she viciously threw them aside. Even that wasn’t enough to quell her anger—she yanked off her shawl and stomped on it.
Devon, who had been sitting on the bed covering his ears, lifted his head in exasperation.
“Would you stop already?! If anyone should be angry, it’s me! Look at my face!”
He pointed at his bruised and swollen face, his split lip crusted with dried blood.
Antra folded her arms, scoffing.
“How dare you raise your voice at me?! Your father has threatened to disown you if you don’t bring Etricia back, and I can’t even show my face at social gatherings!”
As their argument escalated, Devon stormed out, ignoring Antra’s calls. As he descended the stairs, he flinched upon running into Verita.
Since Etricia had discovered their affair, he had been avoiding her. But realizing that Antra was the reason she was still allowed in the mansion, Devon glanced back toward the open door, his eyes cold and calculating.
