The servants singled out by Lilia hesitated at first, their shoulders trembling slightly, but they gradually approached Ciela, following the order given.

‘So this is how she’s playing it.’

As they drew closer, Ciela slowly stepped back, her eyes darting around to assess her surroundings. Now that all attention was on her, she knew exactly what to do.

“Why are you suddenly trying to send me to my room?”

She asked, her voice laced with feigned confusion as she reached out and gently grasped her sister’s wrist, her expression pleading.

“If you drag me off like this, it’ll feel like you’re locking me away. Lilia, at the very least, you can tell me why, can’t you?”

Lilia’s abrupt command had already left several people puzzled, and Celia’s carefully phrased question seemed to scratch at an itch they hadn’t been able to address. As a result, all eyes turned to Lilia, waiting for her response.

A flicker of discomfort crossed Lilia’s face. Her expression didn’t change drastically, but it was enough for Ciela, who had been closely observing her, to notice.

“I’m not trying to lock you in your room. It’s just… Sister, could we talk somewhere else—”

“Is it difficult to say because there are too many people here? Oh, I’m sorry. I was lost in thought and didn’t realize you’d already started speaking. Could you repeat what you just said?”

Before Lilia could finish, Ciela interrupted loudly, her voice carrying over the crowd. Lilia’s face darkened, a flush creeping over her cheeks at having her words, which had been meant for Ciela alone, broadcast so openly.

“It’s nothing important.”

“Really?”

Lilia bit her lip, swallowing the words she had intended to say. Ciela’s single interruption had completely thrown her off track. If she tried again to insist on speaking privately, it would inevitably raise suspicions about her intentions. That was a risk she couldn’t afford to take.

“It’s just…”

Lilia hesitated, running her fingers nervously through her hair, her eyes darting about in agitation. She seemed overwhelmed, her thoughts tangled. After what felt like an eternity, she finally spoke, her voice trembling.

“No matter how serious my situation is, how could I ask for your help when you look so unwell? I appreciate that you care about my problems, but I don’t want to make my sick sister suffer because of me.”

“I’m not…”

Ciela began, intending to explain that she’d been feeling fine lately, but the words caught in her throat.

Pinch. Lilia, linking arms with her, suddenly pinched the soft skin of Ciela’s upper arm. When Ciela didn’t react, Lilia pressed harder, her nails digging in as she twisted sharply.

“Ah!”

A stifled cry of pain escaped Ciela’s lips despite her effort to endure.

“You don’t need to lie and pretend to be fine for my sake while hiding your pain!”

Lilia declared dramatically, her voice heavy with a mix of accusation and exaggerated concern.

As if waiting for the moment, Lilia untied her arms and let fat tears fall like chicken droppings as she apologised for not noticing sooner. To anyone watching, she seemed a kind, selfless younger sister, burdened by her own struggles but still concerned for her ailing older sibling.

“…My lady…”

Some of the onlookers, who had been watching the interaction unfold, were already moved by Lilia’s act.

‘She’s truly an angelic heroine.’

It was an impressive display of pretense. Internally scoffing, Ciela suppressed her irritation and gently clasped Lilia’s hand in hers. If Lilia was performing, Ciela could match her step for step.

“Haah. I can’t hide anything from you, can I? Honestly, you’re right. My head’s been pounding and I’ve felt weak since morning, but I pushed through it because it’s your birthday party.”

“…I knew it.”

“Still, I really want to help you. Are you sure there’s nothing I can do?”

“I’ll tell you another time. For now, please go rest.”

Before Lilia could let Ciela’s words sway her further, she gave a subtle signal to the servants.

Ciela followed the servants as they escorted her out of the party hall, but just before leaving, she glanced back at her younger sister.

“Are you sure you won’t regret handling this alone?”

“Yes. It’s nothing more than baseless gossip, and I’m confident it will be resolved. So don’t worry about me and get some rest.”

“…Alright. I truly hope everything turns out well.”

Lilia stood still, watching her sister’s retreating figure until it disappeared completely from sight. The path to this moment had been complicated, but at least one matter was now settled. Only one final task remained.

With determined steps, Lilia approached the Marquis and gently tugged at his sleeve.

“Father.”

In front of the other servants, Lilia maintained a delicate, wistful smile. She deliberately crafted her expression to convey the image of someone struggling to bear the weight of shocking news yet determined to persevere with quiet dignity.

“Please summon Young Master Turtlik to the mansion discreetly.”

The mere mention of such an unwelcome individual caused the Marquis to instinctively furrow his brow. Though displeased, he sensed that Lilia had her reasons, prompting him to lower his voice and ask, “…Why do you want to see that wretched man?”

“This isn’t the place to discuss it. Let’s talk in the study.”

Still projecting composure, she led the Marquis toward the study. She had no intention of letting the image she had carefully cultivated be tarnished. With Calix attending, this birthday party was meant to be a memorable event, and she was determined to ensure it ended on a perfect note.

***

Ciela walked into her room without resistance. The servants gave her a shallow bow, intending to close the door behind her.

“Thank you for escorting me this far.”

“…Please rest well.

One of the servants said politely.

“Alright, I will.”

The servants exchanged quick glances, their eyes darting to one another, before bowing again, this time with a noticeable air of respect. Their previously indifferent attitude had shifted to something more courteous.

Once the door closed, leaving Ciela alone in the room, she lowered her hand. Moments later, faint voices carried through the door, just barely audible.

“Are you heading back first? I’ve been assigned a separate task.”

“Do you want me to wait for you?”

“No, it’s fine! This is something I need to handle on my own.”

“Alright, but don’t take too long—we’re short-handed, so hurry back to help.”

The conversation ended and silence filled the corridor.

Step, step. The sound of footsteps approached the door. There was a faint clink of metal and then a click – the unmistakable sound of the lock being secured.

Ciela rushed to the door and yanked hard on the handle. It wouldn’t budge.

“What is this nonsense? Open the door now!”

Silence.

“Do you really think you can get away with this? I know you’re in there – open the door now! Can’t you hear me telling you to open it?”

Bang! Bang! She pounded on the door with her fist, pulling at the handle again with all her strength. Then she began kicking the door, her voice rising into a furious scream.

“I’ve memorized your face! The moment I get out of here, you won’t get away with this! Argh!”

Ciela shouted and raged until her strength was completely spent. Finally, she slumped against the door, resting her head against it. The dizziness from yelling and exerting herself so much made her head spin.

“Ugh…”

Her uneven breaths slowly turned into quiet sobs.

“…Hic…hic…hic…”

Feigning sobs, Ciela slowly pulled her ear away from the door. Turning around, she walked further into the room and perched lightly on the edge of the bed.

“Hic.”

She abruptly stopped making the sound of crying.

‘That should do it.’

She remembered the two maids who had accompanied her into the room – one of them Lilia’s personal maid. Even though it hadn’t been Lilia’s maid who had claimed to have her separate task, Ciela had already realised that the explanation was a trick.

‘The one guarding the door must be Lilia’s maid.’

From the current situation, she could infer a few things.

‘Lilia is determined to keep me tied down so I can’t make it back to the party hall.’

Ciela gently rolled up her sleeve, exposing the delicate skin of her arm, which was now red and swollen from earlier. It was clear the area would bruise by tomorrow. She traced her fingertips lightly over the tender spot, and a small, involuntary sigh escaped her tightly pressed lips.

“That’s a relief.”

‘It feels like you still trust me.’

Lilia was acting exactly as she always did whenever faced with a difficult situation—a clear sign that she still underestimated Ciela.

‘If you had been cautious of me…’

After neatly adjusting her sleeve, Ciela glanced down at her legs, needlessly checking their condition before rising to her feet and making her way to the window.

‘The Lilia I know would never just stand by and let a scandal unfold without intervening.’

It was obvious that Lilia had prepared countermeasures. With that in mind, Ciela dismissed Plan 3, which was meant for a scenario where Lilia might have been more vigilant.

‘That leaves two plans to work with.’

Ciela swung the window open with determination.

‘Who would ever expect someone to climb down from a third-floor window?’

A cool breeze swept past her, lightly tousling her hair. She gathered the fluttering strands with her hand and leaned forward to look below. Ken’s subordinate was waiting patiently.

As their eyes met, the man moved swiftly, climbing the tree with practiced ease. His face was subtly disguised, and he wore a servant’s uniform instead of a maid’s attire. Stepping onto a sturdy branch, he quickly slipped into her room.

Sarah, Ken’s subordinate, bowed respectfully before lowering herself slightly, ready to assist Ciela if needed.

“There’s still something I need to wait for.”

“I’ll remain on standby.”

Ciela, having given her permission, checked the clock. The minute hand rested on two. Recalling the scheduled start of the party and the usual time the guest of honor would make their appearance, she determined that Lilia likely wouldn’t make any significant moves just yet.

“If she hasn’t shown up in ten minutes, proceed with the plan.”

“Understood.”

Ciela crossed her arms, her fingers tapping idly. The long hand of the clock moved from 2 to 3, then steadily ticked toward 4.

Suddenly, voices could be heard outside the door. At Ciela’s subtle signal, Sarah slipped out of sight without a sound.

“….”

Ciela climbed onto the bed, resting her head on her knees in a posture of feigned vulnerability. Moments later, the voices outside fell silent, followed by the click of the lock turning. The door opened, and someone quietly stepped inside.