Left alone after Ciela’s departure, Ben continued to examine the evidence she had left behind.

‘I’ve been reminded once again that rumors aren’t always the full story, but this…’

He was horrified. The more he reviewed the materials, the wider his mouth gaped in disbelief.

“I had someone investigate the fiancé to gather all of this.”

Inside the envelope were meticulously organised pieces of evidence: dates and places of meetings between Turtlik, Celia Arcel’s fiancé, and Lilia herself; a detailed list of gifts they had exchanged; and even a receipt for a bespoke men’s tie Lilia had ordered. The receipt even included details of the occasion on which Turtlik had worn the tie – a party, no less.

‘There wasn’t a single young lady in the social circles with a better reputation than Lilia Arcel.’ Ben thought, his disbelief growing.

Lilia had always maintained an immaculate image. Her extensive charity work and her aura of pure innocence had established her as a social paragon. In the cutthroat world of the social elite, where battles were fought with sharp tongues rather than swords, Lilia had emerged unscathed – until now.

‘But how could she… with her sister’s fiancé…?’

Unable to close his gaping mouth, Ben slapped his cheek to snap himself out of his daze.

‘The evidence is solid, but the subject is Lilia Arcel.’

If it were anyone else, this would have been damning with no room for escape. But Lilia’s image was as pristine as a blank canvas.

‘So spotless that even a scandal like this could be dismissed as baseless gossip.’

She could easily claim that her relationship with Turtlik was nothing more than a close bond between future in-laws. His instincts as a seasoned journalist told him this might be her defense. However, the voice recorded in the magical crystal shattered any such excuses.

“I told my sister that Turbin Turtlik confessed his feelings to me.”

Ben ran a hand over his face in frustration as he listened. The magical crystal didn’t just contain evidence of Lilia and Turtlik’s inappropriate relationship—it also held recordings of moments when Lilia had been ignored and outright discriminated against by the Marquis and Marchioness.

“She’s supposed to be their adopted daughter, right?”

Unlike Lilia Arcel, who was adopted, Ciela Arcel was their biological child. But why, then, did they treat Ciela with such disdain? Ben couldn’t understand. The more he thought about it, the more disgusted he felt—not just with the Marquis and Marchioness, but with himself for having judged Ciela based solely on baseless rumors.

‘Ciela Arcel isn’t the villainess the rumors make her out to be,’ he realized.

“…Rather…”

His voice trailing off as he began piecing together a narrative far more complicated—and tragic—than he had ever imagined.

“That’s exactly what makes you remarkable. I hope you’ll remain that kind of journalist in the future.”

To someone like him, who had been consumed by fear and prejudice, she had given a gift that was truly once in a lifetime. She had said the very words he had longed to hear—the words he had wished, even prayed, for someone, anyone, to say to him.

So.

‘My path is clear.’

To reveal the truth to the world.

‘If I’m going to meet Lady Arcel’s deadline, I need to get moving.’

For the first time in a long while, the fire of journalism burned brightly within him. Fueled by newfound determination, Ben hurriedly set to work.

***

On the day Calix was scheduled to visit the Arcel estate, the Marquis, the Marchioness and Ciela were already gathered outside, waiting to greet him. Lilia, however, had yet to appear.

“The Duke of Icarus will be arriving soon, but Lilia is running quite late.”

“It seems she’s taking extra time to prepare since His Grace is coming. Ah, look, she’s on her way now.”

Lilia had just stepped out of the mansion, her steps hesitant.

“I’m not used to wearing something like this, so… I felt a bit unsure, and it took me longer than expected. Do I look alright?”

Fiddling with the hem of her rainbow-colored dress. The light refracting off the excessive jewels dangling from her outfit sparkled brightly, almost blinding everyone nearby.

“…”

The Marchioness found herself at a loss for words. Covering her face with her fan, she leaned toward Ciela and nudged her discreetly with an elbow. In a low voice, she whispered something, her expression hidden behind the delicate lace.

“Are you sure that’s really the Duke’s taste?”

“Yes. It’s hard to believe, but that’s what he told me.”

“…If it weren’t for that, I’d tear that dress apart this instant.”

The Marchioness let out a heavy sigh, her face tightening with barely concealed disapproval.

“It’s unfortunate, but there’s nothing we can do.”

In reality, the Duke had no such eccentric taste in clothing. But keeping that fact to herself, Ciela suppressed the smirk threatening to surface and stepped toward Lilia.

‘Even Lilia’s delicate beauty has been dulled by that dress.’

“No one else could pull off that dress as well as you. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

“Do you really think His Grace Calix will like it?”

Lilia asked hesitantly, glancing down at the overwhelming array of colors and jewels adorning her.

“I guarantee that the Duke of Icarus won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”

Ciela replied, her voice brimming with feigned confidence.

‘Even the Emperor himself would likely be unable to ignore Lilia in such a bold dress.’

Ciela lightly patted her sister’s shoulder a couple of times, as though offering encouragement. Only then did Lilia’s tense expression soften slightly, a hint of relief flickering in her eyes.

“Thank you, sister. I think you’ve given me the courage I needed.”

Lilia said with a grateful smile, her nerves easing just a little.

The Marquis stepped forward and placed a firm hand on her opposite shoulder, his voice steady and resolute.

“You must seize this opportunity to fully capture the Duke of Icarus’s attention if he shows even the slightest interest in you.”

“Yes, Father!”

“Let’s take this chance to prepare a few more dresses tailored to the Duke’s preferences. Ciela, make sure you assist her.”

“I will.”

Ciela replied smoothly, her demeanor calm and cooperative. The Marquis’s eyes lingered on her briefly, his expression shifting just slightly.

“You’ve caused trouble in the past, but lately, your behavior has been quite satisfactory.”

Ciela nodded without hesitation, her outward compliance masking the quiet thoughts brewing beneath her poised exterior.

“I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on how someone like me should act.”

“It would have been better if you’d done so from the start.”

“From now on I will act according to my position”.

Ciela assured him, her smile gentle as she folded her hands neatly over her chest.

The Marquis, unaware of her true intentions to methodically dismantle his authority, found her demeanor satisfying. A faint smile touched his lips as he noted how her recent submissive behavior seemed to be bridging the emotional gap caused by her previous defiance over her engagement.

Just then, the distant sound of hoofbeats reached their ears—clip-clop, clip-clop. Moments later, a sleek black carriage bearing the crest of the Icarus family came into view, slowing as it approached the group and finally stopping in front of them.

“May the Emperor’s grace forever shine upon His Grace, the Duke of Icarus. Welcome to the Arcel Marquisate.”

The Marquis said, bowing slightly as he greeted Calix on behalf of everyone. Following his lead, the household members bowed their heads respectfully.

“Thank you for the warm welcome. This is my first visit to a private estate, Marquis Arcel.”

“Let us not remain out here. A luncheon has been prepared, so please, come inside.”

After the brief exchange, the Marquis led the Duke into the grand estate. The dining table was lavishly set, adorned with an array of extravagant dishes crafted with exceptional care by the chef. Despite the impressive spread, Lilia paid no attention to the food. Her gaze was fixated solely on Calix, as though mesmerized.

Tap.

Seated beside her, Ciela discreetly nudged Lilia’s thigh under the table, breaking her trance.

“Speak to His Grace.”

Ciela mouthed silently.

“But…”

 Lilia hesitated, her expression full of doubt.

“It’s fine.”

Ciela encouraged with a subtle nod, even raising her fist in a small, cheering gesture.

Lilia’s tense expression softened slightly at her sister’s reassurance. Hesitating for a brief moment, her lips trembled as she gathered her courage. Finally, she managed to speak, her voice tentative but audible.

“It’s been a while, Your Grace.”

“I was wondering when you’d speak to me—seems like it’s finally now.”

“Ah.”

“The dress you’re wearing suits you so well, Lady Lilia, I couldn’t help but keep looking.”

“Hehe. It’s all thanks to the dress.”

Lilia stiffened momentarily before nervously tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, a bashful smile gracing her lips. The innocent expression added to her charm, part of her deliberate attempt to show Calix that she was different from other ladies.

“…”

However, contrary to her expectations, Calix’s expression remained neutral, showing little reaction.

‘This usually works on everyone.’

Lilia thought, frustration bubbling beneath her composed exterior. She had assumed he had come specifically to see her, but his lackluster response made her bite her lip, a flicker of doubt crossing her mind. Desperate for reassurance, her gaze darted toward her mother.

“Hoho, even looking a little awkward from nerves makes her all the more endearing, don’t you think?”

The Marchioness, noticing her daughter’s pleading glance, seamlessly joined the conversation.

“I’m not just saying this because she’s my daughter, but her character is truly exceptional.”

“That’s true. Her kindness is remarkable—she can’t even pass by an injured animal without helping.”

Calix responded, his words of praise lifting the atmosphere in the dining room.

Lilia, still feigning bashfulness, cupped her flushed cheeks, while the Marchioness gently fanned herself, already envisioning her daughter as the future Duchess of Icarus. Meanwhile, the Marquis, calculating the potential advantages in his mind, let a greedy smile spread across his face.

Amidst the increasingly warm and cheerful atmosphere, Ciela alone remained sharp-eyed, her gaze narrowing slightly.

‘Why does he keep looking at me every time he finishes speaking?’

Since she was seated close to Lilia, no one else could discern exactly where Calix’s gaze landed. Unless, of course, they already knew the truth about their relationship.

‘Still, it seems Lilia’s completely fallen for it, so that’s good enough.’

Just as Ciela was finding this situation tolerable, her eyes met Calix’s again. This time, he gave her a playful wink as if to ask, “Am I doing well?”

In response, Ciela subtly formed an “OK” sign with her thumb and index finger. Seeing her affirmation, Calix’s lips curled into a satisfied smile, making Lilia’s face grow redder, as though she might burst at any moment.

“His Grace smiled at me.”

Hearing this, Ciela suppressed a laugh as she slowly glanced around the room.

‘It’s about time.’

Sensing the perfect moment, Ciela lightly licked her lips in preparation before speaking.

“Pardon me for interrupting the conversation, but may I ask what brought His Grace to the Arcel estate today?”

“I came to retract my previous refusal to attend the birthday party.”

“My birthday party?”

Lilia, who had been sitting quietly, widened her eyes in astonishment, resembling a startled rabbit.

“Since I’ve declined so many times before, I thought it would be better for the future to personally come and convey my intention to attend.”

“‘For the future’…? By any chance, do you mean…”

Feigning surprise, Ciela raised her hand to cover her lips, her expression carefully controlled. Her index finger curled subtly—twice—signaling Calix to proceed.

As planned.

Responding to her gesture, Calix lazily curved his lips into a sly smile and spoke.

“I wish to meet with Lady Arcel with the intention of marriage.”

Though Calix did not specify which Lady Arcel he was referring to, the Marquis and Marchioness exchanged glances filled with certainty and excitement, their eyes burning with anticipation.