IBMILRFL | Chapter 80

Episode 80

Meanwhile, the theater’s lobby was wrapped in silence.

“You… you ignorant fools who don’t know anything!”

Everyone froze at Lilliana’s sudden shout.

They couldn’t even think of exchanging glances and were simply stunned.

They couldn’t believe what they had just heard.

Lilliana Locke.

What was her reputation in high society?

A weak noblewoman who couldn’t properly control others despite her high status.

Though she had finally shed the label of being unsophisticated, evaluations of her character had not changed.

And yet… that same Lilliana Locke just raised her voice?

It was only natural that no one could immediately comprehend the situation.

Especially dumbfounded was Josephine Rint, who had been standing right in front of her.

“L-Lady Locke… what did you just say…?”

She stammered as she asked, but Lilliana didn’t even spare her a glance.

She just unleashed her thoughts without filtering them.

“How could you collectively insult someone who isn’t even here? What do any of you know about Madam Winder to be making such assumptions! Shame on you. The ones lacking dignity are all of you. At least Madam Winder doesn’t behave like you people!”

After that, she turned around without a glance and headed straight for the stairs again.

Her escorts quickly followed after her.

Lilliana’s back as she ascended the carpeted stairs looked so confident, it was hard to believe she was the same noblewoman known for being timid.

But in reality, her mind was in complete chaos.

‘What do I do? I… I made a scene! A huge scene!’

Thump thump.

Her heartbeat raced faster than ever.

She was walking up the stairs calmly without looking back, but she had no idea what to do.

Vanessa had simply told her to spend a little time in the lounge… and in the meantime, she had caused this big of a mess.

She couldn’t complain even if she got scolded.

‘Was that unnecessary? Maybe I should’ve just held back a little longer?’

Such regrets kept surfacing, but Lilliana shook her head vigorously.

Because…

‘Wow! That felt so good!’

The more she thought about it, the more it felt like the frustration in her chest had burst open.

It was her first time raising her voice like that, so it was a bit scary… but the relief outweighed it.

‘Whatever. I can endure insults toward me, but I can’t tolerate people badmouthing Mother.’

Yes, thinking about it, it wasn’t even that wrong of a thing to do.

If she had left those ignorant people insulting Vanessa alone, she wouldn’t have been able to face her brother when she got home.

Instead of shrinking her shoulders, Lilliana straightened them with strength.

‘…I might get scolded for causing a scene… but I don’t care.’

If she hadn’t stood up in that moment, she wouldn’t have been able to hold her head high even to herself.

She marched forward boldly, then hesitated for a moment.

Then, looking awkward, she turned to her escorts and said,

“Uh… could you keep what just happened a secret from Mother? Maybe delay the report by a day?”

She didn’t mean to hide it forever… just long enough to finish today on a good note and then confess honestly.

‘It’s a day I’ve been really looking forward to… I don’t want to ruin the mood.’

To explain what had just happened, she would inevitably have to mention that people had been speaking ill of Vanessa.

And she was worried that might hurt her.

Fortunately, the escorts from House Locke nodded as if it were only natural.

But the real issue was with Winder’s escort.

“I’m sorry, Lady Locke. I completely understand how you feel, but I must prioritize my mistress’s orders.”

“Can’t you make an exception? Just for one day! Or even half a day!”

“I’m sorry.”

Of course.

Lilliana sighed. Even so, she was impressed by the escort’s loyalty to Vanessa. Even if others called her a villain, she truly was a beloved master to her servants.

‘They must’ve seen for themselves just how kind Mother is. I mean, it’s impossible not to notice when you’re close to her.’

She knew it was silly, but she couldn’t help feeling proud.

Still, that aside…

‘If it’s going to be found out right away anyway, maybe it’s better if I say it myself.’

Lilliana debated for a long time about how to explain what had just happened before finally heading down the hallway with difficulty.

After the crown prince left, I came back out and waited for Lilliana to arrive.

Thankfully, she showed up at just the right time.

“There’s about 15 minutes left before the performance starts. Let’s take our seats.”

Naturally heading inside with the escorts, Lilliana tilted her head.

“Huh? Mother, didn’t you say earlier that escorts weren’t allowed in?”

“There must have been some mistake. It’s been resolved, so don’t worry about it.”

As soon as the crown prince left, the staff quickly changed their stance.

They had been adamant that no escorts were allowed… but clearly, that had just been the crown prince’s arrangement to speak with me privately.

Lilliana and I passed through the red-carpeted aisle and took our seats.

Earlier, I had been too focused on the conversation with the crown prince to notice, but the private box was certainly the best seat.

You could see the stage at a glance—perfect for enjoying the play.

‘Come to think of it, I haven’t had many chances to watch performances like this, being so busy all the time.’

Though I was seen as a symbol of luxury and indulgence, that was only my public image.

In reality, I lived such a busy life, it wouldn’t be strange if I dropped dead from overwork.

So truthfully, I had been looking forward to today’s play quite a bit. I also hoped Lilliana would enjoy it with me…

But she looked a little uneasy.

‘Could something have happened while I sent her away?’

I glanced at the escort, and as if he had been waiting, he immediately approached.

“My lady, I have something to report.”

“Ah, wait! I—I’ll say it!”

Lilliana hurriedly blocked his way. Then she opened her mouth hesitantly.

“M-Mother… actually…”

With a visibly nervous face, Lilliana began explaining what had just happened.

She kept glancing at me to gauge my reaction, clearly worried I might be hurt by what people said. But honestly, I didn’t care about that at all… I was just shocked.

‘This gentle girl… raised her voice in anger?’

Even as I listened, I couldn’t quite picture it, so I looked at the escort. He nodded as if to confirm it was true.

Whoa… so it really happened…

“What on earth were you thinking, Lilliana?”

I asked in a stern voice, and she hunched her shoulders as she answered.

“I’m sorry. You must be disappointed. But… but…”

“Speak clearly.”

“…They insulted you, Mother, and I just couldn’t stand it. Waaah, I deserve to be scolded. I’m sorry! I know this isn’t what you wanted! Huhuh…”

Lilliana looked afraid that I might not approve of her actions.

Well, it certainly was different from how she’d acted until now.

But honestly, my response was already decided.

I made my usual sharp expression. Then…

“Hmph. You’ve finally become a little useful.”

“Huh? What?”

“That’s the least you should do to protect yourself. But don’t be complacent—keep striving to improve.”

Only then did her expression soften with visible relief.

“Ah, thank goodness. I was worried I might’ve ruined today.”

Such needless worries.

In fact, I felt like I was floating from happiness.

I suddenly remembered the day I had run into Lilliana at a boutique.

That day, even though she realized she was being scammed, Lilliana couldn’t say a single word to the boutique’s madam. She just let it happen in frustration.

‘And now that same Lilliana… raised her voice for my sake.’

I felt unexpectedly touched. It felt like such a blessing to have someone who cherished me this much.

No, more precisely, meeting her itself was my blessing.

‘So from now on, I’ll do everything I can to make sure you’re happy.’

It was the moment I renewed my determination to block all the misfortunes that Lilliana had to endure in the original story.

The lights in the theater dimmed one by one, signaling the start of the performance.

“Mother, it’s about to start!”

Seeing her cheerfully call to me made me smile without realizing it.

‘No, no.’

I had resolved not to smile so carelessly in public like this…

But thankfully, the theater was dark. So I could laugh freely, just this once.