Wow!
Gasps of admiration filled the room as the maids couldn’t contain their amazement at Lilliana’s transformation.
‘Well, it’s only natural.’
Today, Lilliana looked more beautiful than any other day I had seen her.
Her appearance was overall pure and neat, but the blue diamond necklace added a striking, finishing touch.
‘Everyone’s going to be surprised.’
I couldn’t wait to see the reactions, especially from those who had looked down on her.
‘Haha, just the thought is so satisfying.’
…It would have been nice to show this look to Jeremyon, too.
I shook my head.
‘No, no.’
Since we’d be seeing each other at the banquet anyway, there was no reason to feel disappointed.
“Mother… is this really me? I can’t believe it. It feels like a dream.”
Still unable to believe it, Lilliana covered her mouth in astonishment.
“Truly… thank you.”
“Hmph, I just didn’t want you to look a mess on your own.”
“Even if you say it like that, I know how much you care about me.”
Her voice trembled as she continued.
“…Thank you. Mother, I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you for all of this.”
Seeing her on the verge of tears, I quickly stopped her.
Getting emotional was fine, but ruining all the carefully applied makeup was not.
“Hehe, I’m sorry… I just got choked up. Gosh, I’m not usually one to cry like this… I’m just so happy, it keeps happening.”
“Hmph, don’t get all happy over something like this. It’s nothing.”
“It’s definitely something. This would have never happened without you, Mother. I’m truly happy.”
Lilliana smiled brightly—a smile far more captivating than the sparkling diamond necklace.
“It’s about time we head out. But before that…”
After checking the time, Lilliana took something out from her pocket.
It was the perfume I had given her as a gift.
She naturally spritzed the fragrance lightly over herself, and I could smell it from where I stood.
Hmph. Worth it, very worth it.
My first-ever creation, crafted meticulously with one person in mind.
This was a new experience for me, so I was worried it might not suit her, but it seemed my concern was unfounded.
‘It truly complements Lilliana.’
Her expression turned more confident after applying the perfume, a stark contrast to the dispirited look she’d worn not long ago because of Seira.
“Mother, no matter what happens, I’m going to hold my head high and give it my best!”
With a clenched fist, she declared her resolve.
“Alright, see you at the banquet.”
Smiling, I sent her off.
***
After Lilliana left, I quickly finished my own preparations.
It didn’t take long.
Since I always dressed elaborately, a banquet wasn’t much different.
“Mother, are you ready?”
Just as I completed the finishing touches, I heard Jeremyon’s voice from beyond the door.
“Yes, I’m coming out now.”
When I stepped outside, Jeremyon was there, waiting for me.
‘Hmm. Dressed up quite well.’
It was clear that Jeremyon had put more effort into his appearance than usual, possibly due to the banquet, or maybe because he was looking forward to seeing Lilliana again after some time.
He was wearing the outfit I had previously recommended to him.
However, there was just one minor detail that needed fixing…
“Jeremyon, lower your head for a moment.”
“Oh, yes.”
He followed my request obediently.
I reached out and tidied up a stray lock of hair, making his appearance even neater.
“There, that’s better.”
“…Thank you, Mother.”
I smiled slightly at his gratitude.
“Shall we depart now, Mother?”
Jeremyon extended his gloved hand to me.
‘Is he planning to escort me?’
When I accepted his hand, he guided me all the way to the carriage.
To think I’d live to see the day where Jeremyon escorted me to a banquet.
“Ha-ha… Life truly brings surprises.”
Realizing my implication, he averted his gaze, slightly embarrassed, though he still assisted me into the carriage safely.
Shortly after, the sound of horses’ hooves filled the air, and the carriage began to move.
We were drawing closer to the imperial capital.
***
Before the banquet formally began, Seira had already arrived.
Surrounded by her followers, she stood out noticeably.
Everyone seemed to have dressed up more than usual, given the occasion, but no one could outshine Seira.
Her deep green dress matched her hair, reminiscent of early summer leaves, and she wore golden topaz earrings.
Her outfit was certainly more extravagant than usual, but rather than looking out of place, it suited her well, drawing the attention of many.
“Wow, Lady Benden. You look incredibly glamorous and beautiful today. You stood out from a distance.”
“Yes, indeed! You’re always beautiful, but today, you’re especially so!”
“You’re too kind.”
Seira gave a modest nod, appearing shy.
Of course, it was all an act.
‘Of course it suits me. I’ve put so much effort into this.’
She had acquired all sorts of luxurious accessories to stand out, and her dress was custom-made from the most renowned boutique.
The reason she went to such lengths was simple.
‘I heard that he would be attending the victory banquet as well.’
Although Lilliana seemed mistaken, in truth, Seira didn’t particularly dislike her.
But she didn’t think fondly of her, either.
To Seira, Lilliana was merely a naive young noblewoman who failed to fully leverage her status.
Since childhood, Seira had subtly put Lilliana down and shunned her—not out of malice, but simply because… it made her own presence shine brighter.
Noble Lady Lilliana and Lady Seira, the daughter of a marquis with royal blood.
The two were often compared, as they were the same age.
Seira instinctively understood that the more Lilliana fell from grace, the more she herself would stand out.
Thus, she had cleverly tormented Lilliana in ways that wouldn’t cause problems if discovered. And naïve Lilliana, oblivious to the truth, foolishly endured it.
Just then, Count Winder entered the banquet hall with Vanessa by his side.
“Oh, Count Winder is here! He’s as dashing as ever.”
“Indeed! But… I wonder if Lady Locke will be attending today. Considering the awkward situation…”
To her followers mentioning Lilliana, Seira replied with a smile.
“I’ve heard she’ll be coming.”
“Really? Oh my, didn’t she recently go through heartbreak? I’m worried she might appear even more… unusual than usual.”
“Indeed. It’d be nice if the Lady could take a page from Lady Benden’s book.”
Everyone chuckled in agreement.
In the beginning, no one would have dared openly ridicule the noble lady… but at some point, everyone began to do so without reservation.
It was as though they had unconsciously decided Lilliana would never retaliate, no matter what was said.
This, of course, suited Seira perfectly. It allowed her to say things like:
“Lady Rint, please don’t say that. Lilliana… she’s quite delicate. Even if it’s true, hearing it directly would surely hurt her.”
Feigning sadness, Seira spoke cautiously, eliciting admiration from her followers.
“Oh my, Lady Benden, you have such a kind heart.”
“A kind heart? Not at all, really.”
With a soft smile, Seira covered her mouth. Yes, this was it. Just Lilliana’s presence allowed her to effortlessly capture everyone’s attention.
‘Now, all that’s left… is to wait for Lilliana to arrive.’
There was no need to make a move.
Once Lilliana showed up in her usual laughable manner, everyone would naturally praise Seira and ridicule Lilliana.
Just by standing still, her reputation would surely shine.
‘Last time, she seemed to have shed some of her rustic look… but still, she’s just Lilliana.’
Anticipating what kind of ridiculous figure Liliana would cut at today’s banquet, Seira smiled slyly.
Unaware of her true intentions, her followers continued showering her with compliments.
“Lady Benden, which boutique did you get that dress from? It’s stunning.”
“Oh, this is…”
At that moment, the noisy hall fell into sudden silence.
‘Why has everything gone quiet?’
Sensing the change in atmosphere, Seira turned urgently toward the entrance of the banquet hall.
Until then, she hadn’t even imagined that the one captivating everyone’s gaze… would be her old friend, whom she had always looked down upon.
• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •By Esraa• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •
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