Lilia’s birthday party went ahead as planned. The grand party hall gradually filled with nobles.

“Oh my, Countess Tuslan, didn’t you say you wouldn’t be able to attend because of your illness?”

“I was feeling quite ill until yesterday, but fortunately, I felt better this morning. Thanks to that, I’m able to join the celebration for the Arsel family’s young lady.”

“How wonderful that your health improved so quickly. It must be a sign that the Lord is watching over you.”

Adorned like peacocks, they engaged in their conversations with all the proper formalities. Every word and movement exuded grace and refinement.

However…

Anyone who understood the nature of the nobility would know this. They were like hyenas. They had gathered after reading the morning papers, eagerly awaiting their chance to pounce.

There were, of course, a few who were genuinely concerned for Lilia, caught up in the scandal. But in this place, the world of high society, the hyenas outnumbered the people who really cared.

“……”

The Arcel family had a secret room that allowed them to discreetly observe the party hall. From there, Lilia continued to keep watch over the festivities.

“L-Lilia. Wh-what should we do?”

Turbin Turtlik, who had been observing the party with her, stammered as he grabbed her arm.

“If this continues, I’ll really be kicked out of the family!”

Turbin Turtlik, standing in a corner of the party hall, was visibly flushed, his face alternating between red and pale. He felt like he should be groveling at his father’s feet right now instead of being here.

“If you follow my lead, there won’t be any problems.”

“Are you sure this will be fine for me too?”

Lilia gently took his trembling hand, meeting his eyes with a comforting gaze. Though it was a nuisance, she knew she had to humor him until the end of the day.

“Do you think I would let someone I care about worry like this? Don’t worry, just follow my lead.”

“……”

“If you do as I say, there’s nothing to worry about. You trust me, don’t you?”

“……Of course.”

“Thank you for trusting me.”

Despite his words, his complexion remained ashen, but Lilia didn’t pay much attention to the small details. What would he do if he couldn’t trust her? He had no other choice but to follow her instructions, as there was no one else to help him.

“U-uh, I’m feeling a bit sick, can I go for a moment?”

“You must return by the time I told you.”

He hurried out, clutching his stomach. Lilia watched his retreating figure with a look of contempt before refocusing her attention on the party hall. By now, Tiffany must have locked her sister safely in her room.

‘It’s time.’

It was almost time for the guest of honour to enter. Lilia opened the door on the opposite side of the room from where Turbin Turtlik had left.

As she stepped through the door leading to the terrace, all eyes immediately turned to her, like a swarm of bees drawn to a flower. While everyone waited to see who would be the first to mention the scandal, Countess Tuslan, unable to resist, approached Lilia.

“Lady Lilia, happy birthday. I hope the future brings you much brightness.”

“I wish the same for you, Countess Tuslan. Thank you for joining us and making this event even more special.”

Swish. The Countess opened her fan and discreetly covered her mouth.

“I was worried after hearing some troubling news this morning, but I’m glad to see you’re in good spirits.”

Though her words seemed to express concern, it was obvious that she was really asking, How can you be so calm after the scandal?

“I’m not completely fine, I must admit. It’s unfortunate that something like this has marred a day that should have been filled with happiness.”

“You speak about your own affairs as if they’re someone else’s problem.”

“If there’s nothing to hide, then shouldn’t one stand confidently? Those who have nothing to be ashamed of should carry themselves with pride.”

Lilia’s response caused a stir among the onlookers. Her words were a clear denial of the scandal, boldly asserting her innocence. The heightened tension only made the crowd more eager to hear what would happen next.

“Well, if that’s true, then that’s good to hear. Although, the journalist who wrote the piece is known to be quite reliable, and the details in the article are… oh, never mind, it’s nothing.”

Countess Tuslan’s tone became even more provocative. Her words challenged Lilia to refute the scandal, which she claimed was backed up by concrete evidence. Undeterred, Lilia calmly opened her fan, hiding her expression as her sharp gaze swept the room. A faint smile tugged at her lips.

“Are you hoping the rumor about me having an affair with my sister’s fiancé is true, Countess?”

Her voice trembled slightly, as though she were holding back tears.

“Oh my goodness, what a terrible misunderstanding! Why would you think such a thing?”

The Countess, clearly flustered, waved her fan dismissively in a hurried attempt to deny it.

“Can it truly be called a misunderstanding?”

Lady Hailey stepped forward confidently, joined by a group of young ladies who seemed to rally around Lilia in her defense.

“I heard it exactly as Lady Lilia described it.

“Lady Hailey…”

“I believe the Countess will take responsibility for her words.”

Lady Hailey continued, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Countess Tuslan hesitated, momentarily at a loss for words. It was obvious that her bold remarks, made out of a desire to arouse curiosity, had been a misstep, giving Hailey the perfect opportunity to intervene.

“I spoke only out of concern for Lady Lilia, but if my words were misunderstood, then I must apologise.”

Apologizing to a young lady was humiliating, but with Hailey stepping in, it was better to endure a bit of shame. As the darling of the current social circle and the future crown princess, Hailey was not one to speak carelessly.

“If my words came across differently from my true intention, I apologize, my lady.”

As the Countess hurriedly disappeared into the crowd, Lilia watched her retreat with a benevolent smile. She was deeply grateful that Lady Hailey had come to her aid.

“Lilia, are you alright?”

“Hehe, yes. Thank you so much for helping me.”

Hailey, studying her with a kind gaze, spoke in a reassuring tone meant to ease any lingering unease.

“The rest of us young ladies don’t believe the gossip.”

“…All of you?”

Lilia looked around at them as if deeply moved.

“It’s surely that person again.”

Hailey said in a lowered voice, a brief flicker of hostility flashing in her eyes.

However, Lilia responded with a gentle smile and defended the person Hailey referred to as “that person.”

“This time, it’s not my sister’s fault.”

“After everything she’s done to you, you still trust her?”

“She’s not just anyone; she’s my sister.”

Hailey let out a deep sigh, pressing her fingers to her temples. It was such a typical response from Lilia—kind and forgiving—but it only made Hailey worry more about her. Just then, another young lady standing beside Hailey spoke up, her voice loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.

“By the way, where is Lady Arsel?”

“My sister was so shocked by the article that she decided not to attend the party.”

“…Choosing not to attend under these circumstances?”

The young lady frowned, her expression filled with skepticism.

“For now, I’ll help you, along with the other young ladies, to put an end to this malicious and false gossip.”

Other young ladies joined in with words of support, offering encouragement to Lilia. With Hailey leading the charge, their collective voices created a protective shield around her, keeping the metaphorical hyenas at bay, unable to draw any closer.

As the room quieted, wary of Hailey’s commanding presence, a commotion arose in another corner. One of the young ladies, peeking toward the source, leaned in and whispered just loud enough for her group to hear.

“The Duke of Icarus has arrived.”

The Duke? Lilia swiftly turned her head. Even among the bustling crowd, it wasn’t difficult to spot Calix’s strikingly radiant figure.

He really came.

She had feared that the scandal from earlier that morning might have disappointed him enough to stay away. Relieved that her fears were unfounded, her eyes grew unexpectedly warm with emotion.

“Oh my, he’s heading this way.”

“Do you think he’s here for Lady Lilia?”

“It’s her birthday, so it only makes sense.”

The young ladies exchanged hushed whispers before subtly stepping aside, following Hailey’s lead.

“Happy birthday, Lady Arcel.”

“Thank you for honoring the occasion with your presence.”

Calix stood before Lilia and offered her a polite, formal greeting. Hoping for more, she leaned in attentively, but he simply stepped back without saying anything further.

“Ah…”

‘He doesn’t smile at me the way he used to.’

‘I wish I could hold him back, explain that this scandal is nothing but lies, and beg him to believe me.’

Lilia bit back her tears with effort.

It’s alright. Once Turbin Turtlik’s arrives and acts according to their plan, everything will fall into place. If that happens, the focus of this scandal that has shaken the empire will no longer be her.

‘Thankfully, I have such a wonderful sister.’

A deep sense of affection for her sister blossomed in Lilia’s heart.

He should be here by now.

Lilia bit her lip and kept her eyes on the door. At that moment, Turbin Turtlik’s stepped into the party hall. As another central figure in the scandal appeared, the crowd’s attention immediately shifted to him.

“What audacity he has to show up here.”

“The poor Count Turtlik, burdened with such a disgraceful son.”

Once again, Hailey and the other young ladies moved to stand protectively in front of Lilia, forming a shield around her. However, Turbin Turtlik’s paid them no mind and approached Lilia directly. The murmurs about the scandal grew louder throughout the hall.

“Lady Lilia.”

“And what brings you here?”

Lilia responded, her tone scolding him, following the prearranged plan.

Now, he would kneel before her and offer his apology, just as they had planned.

He would confess that following her around and professing his love were all orders from his fiancée. If he also revealed that this scandal was orchestrated by Ciela to humiliate her, everything would be over.

‘If that happens, I’ll simply be the victim in all of this.’

The thought of finally breaking free from this dreadful scandal left her throat parched. Her impatience grew, and she gripped her skirt tightly in agitation.

Say it.

Say it faster!

She shouted at him silently.

“I sincerely ask your aplogy Lady Lilia.”

“…Apologize?”

“All the times I pursued you and confessed my love—it was because my fiancée, Ciela, instructed me to do so.”

Gasps echoed throughout the room, breaking the silence. Amidst the stillness, a single voice stood out, muttering,”I knew it.”

“R-really?”

Lilia stumbled as if overwhelmed, her hand flying to cover her mouth.

“No! That can’t be true! My sister would never do something like that!”

She cried out, her voice filled with desperation, as if clinging to the hope that it wasn’t true.

Everything was falling into place. Hidden beneath her hand, her lips curved into a subtle smile.

And then, the situation took an unexpected turn.

“I can’t do this anymore.”

“What?”

Lilia blinked in shock.

“You–“

“You’re right, Lilia. Just as you said, Lady Ciela is completely innocent.”

He straightened his posture. The eyes that once looked up at her with feigned devotion now stared down at her coldly.

“The one at fault here is you.”

“What are you even saying?”

Lilia clutched his wrist, trying to stop him, but he shook her off effortlessly. His voice was steady and deliberate, ensuring that everyone around could hear him clearly.

“Don’t you understand? You wanted me to say that Ciela ordered me to do it, just like you told me to, to cover your guilt, but it’s too dirty – I can’t do it”.

“……”

“If you were ashamed of our relationship, you should never have approached me in the first place.”

The atmosphere felt frozen. Unlike when Ciela had been accused before, no one dared to speak or move. Lilia bit her lip, preparing to speak and take control of the situation, but her words faltered as she caught sight of someone approaching. Her eyes widened in shock.

‘Why… why is she here?’

She’s supposed to be locked up!

“What is the meaning of this?”

In Lilia’s trembling gaze, she saw Ciela shaking and on the verge of collapsing as the gift box slipped from her hands.