Lilliana stood frozen, unable to do anything, her mind completely blank.
She was sure Seira had kept talking to her about something, but none of it registered.
Just standing there, barely able to support herself on her weakening legs, was exhausting enough… She simply couldn’t focus on Seira’s words.
“Are you alright, my lady?”
“Ah.”
It was only after the maid spoke that Lilliana came to her senses. Seira had already left, and she hadn’t even realized it.
“I just informed the Count of your visit. But… you don’t look well. Shall I assist you?”
Lilliana politely declined, saying she was fine.
In truth, she wasn’t fine at all… but what reason did she have not to be?
If she thought about it logically, whatever relationship Jeremyon and Seira had was none of her concern.
She was just his ex-lover. And even then, their relationship had been one of convenience, not love.
So, even if Jeremyon were to marry Seira, it had nothing to do with her.
‘Get a grip. Focus on what you need to do.’
She had come today to discuss attending the victory banquet with Jeremyon.
Since the news of their breakup had spread widely, this was the first time they’d attend an event together. They needed to decide how to handle it.
‘If Jeremyon is truly planning to marry Seira… I should step aside.’
For that reason, it would be better to talk to him now rather than leave.
Following the maid’s guidance, Lilliana re-entered the reception room and waited for Jeremyon to arrive.
She tried to remain composed, but her emotions still hadn’t fully settled. Clenching her fists tightly, she attempted to hide her trembling fingers.
Just then, she heard hurried footsteps approaching.
“Lilliana!”
Lilliana, who had been staring at the floor, forced herself to smile as she prepared to greet him.
“Jer—”
But as soon as she looked up and saw his face, the ground seemed to give way beneath her.
She averted his gaze, unable to meet his eyes. For some reason, she couldn’t muster the courage to face him.
In her mind, Seira’s words echoed over and over.
‘Jeremyon and Seira…’
The trembling in her body, which she had barely managed to control, intensified.
“Ugh…”
Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit her.
“Lilliana? Are you alright? Are you feeling unwell?”
As she covered her mouth, Jeremyon gripped her shoulders with concern.
But Lilliana quickly pushed him away.
“S-Sorry. I suddenly don’t feel well. I should go.”
She hurriedly fled the reception room.
“Wait, Lilliana!”
She could hear Jeremyon calling after her, but she chose to ignore him.
Ah, everything was such a mess.
***
Lately, something was wrong with Lilliana.
This was troubling…
I glanced at her as she sat beside me.
Normally, she would be all smiles, chatting away, but today, she just stared blankly at the vase on the table.
‘Is she even looking at the vase?’
Her vacant eyes had no focus, making it impossible to tell what she was thinking.
“Lilliana.”
“…”
“Lilliana!”
“Huh! Y-Yes?”
As expected, her reaction was delayed. How did she end up like this?
“You’re not in good shape. I’ve always told you to maintain your dignity.”
“Ah… Yes, you’re right. I’m sorry, Mother.”
Her shoulders slumped, defeated. Normally, she’d respond playfully and cling to me!
I had a pretty good idea of what might have caused this.
According to the servants, while I was away for a day on business, Seira came to visit the estate.
And, of all times, Lilliana was here too, so the two must have encountered each other.
‘…Come to think of it, Lilliana didn’t look well the day we visited the jeweler either.’
It seemed something significant had happened between Seira and Lilliana, but it was hard to figure out exactly what.
I had considered asking Jeremyon about it, but…
‘I heard Lady Benden came by. What did she say to you?’
‘…You don’t need to worry. It wasn’t anything important.’
Even my son, who I trusted, didn’t seem keen on giving me any details.
‘Well, I can guess what happened.’
Considering the proposal that had been sent, it seemed likely Seira had mentioned it in front of Lilliana.
There couldn’t have been an easier way to break Lilliana’s spirit.
‘Tsk. Such a spiteful person.’
Her attitude was incredibly displeasing.
And because of her, Lilliana ended up in this state.
I looked down at her, still sitting there, lost in thought.
‘Oh, Lilliana. I’ve been looking after you with so much care.’
I’d spent so much time encouraging her to stand tall, to live confidently and never let others bring her down.
She had been slowly regaining her confidence, so it was painful to see her crumble after meeting Seira.
Of course, I understood.
To Lilliana, Seira was probably close to a traumatic figure.
‘…What should I do?’
Honestly, I wanted to scold Seira and force her to apologize to Lilliana.
‘But if I do that, Lilliana will never grow.’
There will be many obstacles in her path, not just Seira.
At times like this, the right thing to do is to trust her and let her handle it on her own.
But that doesn’t mean I’ll just sit idly by.
A good idea came to me, and I smiled slyly.
“Lilliana.”
“Yes, Mother…?”
“Hmph. How long are you going to speak in such a weak voice?”
“S-Sorry…”
“Do I sound like I’m asking for an apology? Enough useless words—follow me. I have something to show you.”
With a proud stride, I stepped out the door. I could hear Lilliana quickly getting up to follow me.
‘It’s time to bring that out.’
A gift I had prepared just for Lilliana, waiting for the perfect moment to give it to her.
And now, that time had finally come.
***
“Mother, why are we here…?”
Lilliana looked around with a confused expression.
We had arrived at my workshop, lined with glass bottles filled with colorful liquids.
Lilliana had been here a few times before.
I had brought her along once or twice to let her sample the perfumes I was working on before they were sold.
‘But why here now…?’
Although she had followed me, she couldn’t quite understand why I had brought her to this place.
“Here, this is for you.”
“Huh? A gift?”
She tilted her head, and I handed her a box.
The box, its contents hidden, was wrapped beautifully with a water-colored ribbon.
“Mother… What is this?”
“Hmph, do I need to explain everything? You’ll know once you open it.”
As she untied the ribbon and opened the box, the gift inside was finally revealed.
The first thing that caught her eye was a glass bottle designed like a lily in early summer, filled with a pale blue liquid.
Lilliana’s eyes widened like a rabbit’s at the sight of the unexpected gift.
If her guess was right, this was…
“Is this… perfume?”
Despite her urgency, I didn’t answer immediately. I just smiled knowingly.
But she understood. That smile was all the confirmation she needed.
‘But this is… different from the others she showed me, isn’t it?’
Lilliana recalled the day I had introduced her to the perfumes I planned to sell.
Four special scents—floral and fruity—had left a lasting impression on her.
She remembered them all clearly, and the perfume she held now was undeniably different.
The design of the bottle, resembling her name, and the liquid inside, matching the color of her eyes.
Could it be…
“Did you make this… just for me?”
“Hmph, seems you’re not completely clueless after all.”
When I raised my head slightly, our eyes met. I could see her studying my expression with a warmth she hadn’t noticed before.
Only then did Lilliana realize why I had brought her here.
‘…I must have worried Mother a lot.’
• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •By Esraa• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •
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