MLIIWTFL Chapter 176

 

 

Even if she were to make an appeal, the content should naturally align with the purpose of this gathering—it would make sense if she were talking about the actual conditions of the orphanages. But right now, Seraphina had jumped far ahead in her story.

 

Moreover, there was a faint trace of nervousness in her tightly clenched fist.

 

“I’ve heard that Western nobles tend to be quite conservative… Yet the young lady seems to be rather bold.”

 

“I was taught that when the times change, so too must people’s awareness and the institutions that serve them.”

 

“The foundation’s audits are already being handled by the national tax office. Are you asking this knowing that?”

 

“However, I heard that the tax office is already overburdened and lacks the personnel and budget to properly conduct those audits. In that case, I believe it would be more effective to establish a new institution dedicated to that responsibility.”

 

“Whether it’s worth spending that money just to dig something up—that’s a different issue.

If corruption concerns you that much, wouldn’t it be better for you to gather like-minded people and set up your own foundation? If you show such a good example, it might shift the mood in the capital somewhat.”

 

Despite Matthias’s rejection, Seraphina still did not back down.

 

“There are limits to what an individual—or even a small group—can do. If I were to establish a foundation, only the organizations I support would benefit. But if laws and systems were properly established, then many more orphanages, hospitals, and shelters could receive reliable aid.”

 

“Then do you truly believe you can persuade the council to create such an audit institution? Not with some moral appeal about a noble’s duty, but with a convincing, practical argument?”

 

For the first time, Seraphina was at a loss for words. Matthias gave a faint, cold laugh and said.

 

“No matter how noble your words may be, they alone won’t persuade anyone. You still need to learn that, young lady.”

 

“…Yes. I got ahead of myself and spoke with an unformed idea.”

 

Seraphina bowed her head. The atmosphere in the concert hall sank along with her.

 

While many guests merely looked surprised, some began whispering with ridicule and disdain in their voices.

 

“What a disgrace, coming from Clarence’s swan.”

 

“Exactly. She should’ve known better before opening her mouth. No wonder His Highness had to scold her like that.”

 

“I heard she never went to the academy, only had private tutors. Her manners might be fine, but it’s no wonder her insight is lacking.”

 

At the murmurs around her, Dayna flinched and turned to look worriedly at Seraphina.

 

But Seraphina quickly regained her composure, maintaining the graceful posture worthy of her nickname, The Swan of Clarence. It reminded Letticia of the time at the Countess Finsbury’s literary salon, where Seraphina calmly voiced her opinion even while being criticized.

 

However, unlike that time, Letticia couldn’t stay silent. She was furious.

 

‘What the hell is his problem now? Is he trying to completely bury Seraphina?’

 

It wasn’t smart of Seraphina to bring up such a topic out of nowhere, but Matthias could’ve let it go with a neutral ‘I’ll consider it’ response. After all, this wasn’t a parliament session—it was just a social gathering. Calling her out like that with talk of ‘realism’ was just ridiculous.

 

‘Wait… that earlier bit about the East—could that have come from Ariette?’

 

In the original story, there wasn’t much about Eastern welfare, but there was a brief mention of the Duchess organizing charity work with other noblewomen.

 

So perhaps Matthias’s sudden interest in welfare and charity was actually building up to introduce Ariette’s opinions to society?

 

‘If he’s throwing a fit just because Seraphina didn’t echo Ariette’s view—’

 

As that thought crossed her mind, Letticia stepped forward and spoke up.

 

“Your Highness, while I don’t fully agree with Lady Eskis’s proposal, I do believe some parts of it deserve further consideration.”

 

All eyes turned to Letticia.

 

Dayna and Vanessa, flustered, gently tugged at her sleeve, but Letticia stood tall, meeting Matthias’s gaze with a calm, confident smile.

 

“Though my understanding may be limited, if Your Highness would be kind enough to lend your ear, may I be allowed to speak?”

 

“…As long as it’s not a waste of my time.”

 

His voice was sharp and cold like a winter wind.

 

Seraphina looked toward Letticia, unable to hide her unease, but Letticia, putting on an even brighter face,

spoke with the same cheerful tone she used when singing.

 

“Then I thank Your Highness for your grace and will speak. While I don’t hold any official position, as the daughter of a jeweler, I understand that establishing a new government department comes with not just budget and manpower costs, but also hidden, intangible expenses. So it may indeed be presumptuous for someone like me, unfamiliar with the internal affairs of the imperial palace, to speak of creating a new department. I shall refrain from making further remarks on that point.”

 

“A wise decision. Please continue.”

 

“Yes. However, as Lady Eskis initially said, wouldn’t it be feasible to disclose the procedures, records, and actual status of donations? In the past, such reports were submitted only to the palace, but if we required those foundations to issue and share reports with the nobles who donated, wouldn’t that, in itself, serve as a form of audit?”

 

Matthias’s expression changed—just slightly.

 

Disclosure of reports was relatively uncontroversial, and there wasn’t much justification to oppose it. After all, most foundations already kept detailed records since they were enjoying tax exemptions.

 

“Also, if the nobles who donated to the same foundation gathered periodically and visited the facilities together, as Lady Eskis suggested, wouldn’t that create a culture of ensuring their donations were used with sincerity?”

 

Letticia’s proposal cleverly incorporated the Eastern tradition Matthias had mentioned himself—’several noblewomen regularly gathering for charity.’ Even if Matthias didn’t like it, he couldn’t argue against it.

 

“Of course, like Lady Eskis, I am merely a debutante, someone who’s only part of the social world. If Your Highness sees no value in my words, I would understand. But I humbly ask that you remember this is still the opinion of someone who has eyes on the Empire’s current state, possesses a degree of intellect, and upholds a personal philosophy.”

 

Letticia smiled—her most artificial smile. The same smile she had worn while waltzing with Matthias at Countess Freke’s ball.

 

And upon seeing that smile, a faint crack appeared in Matthias’s cold demeanor. He seemed to realize exactly what Letticia was trying to say.

 

“It’s clear now that Lady Sharon’s wisdom is by no means lacking compared to her other qualities.”

 

There was a slight strain in his voice—and that wasn’t just her imagination.

 

But Letticia had her reasons for standing firm. She was ready to confront him openly.

 

‘If he’s fallen for Ariette, then he won’t dare mess with me. And even if he hasn’t, I’m right—and what can he do about it?’

 

Letticia had even based her proposal on something Matthias himself had said. If he denied this too, he’d essentially be rejecting his own words.

 

“Your Highness flatters me beyond measure.”

 

Letticia bowed, her sea-blue dress swaying gracefully as she smiled. The diamonds on her gown clinked together—a chime that felt like applause just for her.

 

‘God, it feels amazing to finally drop that ridiculous act.’

 

She felt like she could fly, finally free from all of it — blushing with all her might, pretending not to notice anything, and acting like she was trying to win Matthias’s favor.

 

Of course, this whole act of sulking was only possible because Matthias isn’t the type to lash out at Ezkhiel over something she said.

 

‘I mean, what kind of so-called male lead in a romance fantasy gets pissy with his subordinate just because that subordinate’s girlfriend told him some hard truths? That’d make him a pathetic little jerk, not a romantic hero.’

 

Romance fantasy male leads are only allowed to be petty when it’s about the female lead—and only out of jealousy. The moment he steps outside that boundary, Matthias stops being a swoon-worthy love interest and turns into just another pretty-faced, third-rate villain.

 

“It was a pleasure to hear two precious opinions tonight alongside the music of this evening. I’ll take both young ladies’ ideas into consideration.”

 

With that, Matthias left his seat.

 

By saying ‘both young ladies,’ he made it clear that Seraphina’s opinion was no longer under fire.

 

The nobles quickly understood that Seraphina was no longer fair game for criticism.

 

They couldn’t say anything more about her.

 

As relief settled over the room, Seraphina approached Letticia and gripped her hand tightly.

 

“Thank you, Lady Sharon. You covered my mistake and changed the mood for me.”

 

“We’re in the same group. Of course I had to help. But seriously, what were you thinking? That wasn’t like you—bringing something like that up here of all places.”

 

Seraphina started to answer—but before she could say anything, Audrey stepped in and gently pulled her hand away from Letticia’s.

 

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Hello! If you’d like to read chapters 178-183 of the novel My Lover Isn’t Interested with the Female Lead!

I’m currently providing additional chapters of the novel here [MLIIWTFL 178-179]. The link will remain available until the next update. Thank you!