Chapter 81

Although I was momentarily flustered by the unexpected situation, upon closer examination, it wasn’t that strange for Lillian to be here.

Considering Lillian’s excessive kindness and unnecessary meddling, it’s likely she would extend a hand even to those who betrayed her.

She’s the kind of person who would reach out even to those who tormented her, endlessly good-natured.

Who knows, maybe she wants to maintain a friendly relationship with me too.

And besides, why should I shrink back as if I’ve done something wrong?

Have I ever stolen Lillian’s precious friend, or spread malicious rumors about her?

It was Arien’s own choice to leave Lillian, and the malicious rumors surrounding her were just the result of the Young Ladies’ penchant for gossip.

I’ve done nothing wrong.

Even if there were any wrongdoing, there would be no evidence that I did it.

My anxiously racing heart gradually calmed down.

I looked at her with big eyes filled with goodwill, and with a burst of energy as if the curtain of a play was rising, I exclaimed.

“Wow…! Saintess!”

I approached Lillian with a bright smile. With a shy and harmless smile, I lightly took her hand.

“I was so surprised when I heard the news…! The battlefield, it’s truly admirable.”

At my flattering words, Lillian raised an eyebrow slightly, then showed a faint smile.

“Oh, is that so?”

Her bright voice and radiant smile showed no signs of discomfort towards me.

As expected, Lillian couldn’t resist someone who approached her warmly.

‘There’s really no one else as gullible as her.’

For some reason, the inexplicable discomfort I used to feel towards Lillian didn’t rise up this time.

Although the hand holding hers felt a bit tingly, compared to before, it was just a minor discomfort I could endure.

Back then, I was filled with the impulse to just push Lillian away.

At this rate, it might not be a bad choice to build a good relationship with Lillian.

“It’s so nice to meet you in a place like this.”

“Hoho, I’m also happy to see you after so long. But, Miss Blanchard.”

Lillian raised our clasped hands and suddenly interlocked our fingers.

As her fingers slowly slid between mine, a strange feeling, as if my clothes were being stripped off, brushed past me.

“Isn’t it improper to hold hands so casually? I believe you taught me that yourself, Miss?”

“Huh?”

“I’ve been criticized countless times for this habit, being called a rude commoner.”

Lillian stepped closer to me with a cold, emotionless smile. That twisted smile sent an inexplicable chill down my spine.

As I tried to step back, she wrapped her arm around my waist and whispered.

“W-wait a moment…”

“Then, what punishment should Miss Blanchard receive?”

With those words, Lillian pulled me forcefully towards her.

Drawn by her unexpectedly strong grip, I was swept into her embrace without a chance to resist.

“Huh…?”

The moment Lillian’s skin touched mine, I felt nauseous and dizzy.

She looked down at me with a cold smile, her icy gaze piercing through me.

“Just as Miss Blanchard did to me, I should return the favor, right?”

Her smile, filled with clear malice, seemed to mock my actions. Her unexpected attitude left me momentarily stunned.

‘What’s going on…? Lillian doesn’t usually talk like this…’

Normally, she would confront me with a dignified look, but I’ve never seen her mock me like this before.

“Ugh…!”

As Lillian’s hand gripped my waist tightly, a sharp pain spread throughout my body.

I pushed her away forcefully with both arms. Taking advantage of Lillian’s momentary hesitation, I stepped back and barely managed to create some distance.

“What have I done wrong to you, Saintess? It sounds like I’ve committed some terrible crime.”

“Oh, is that not the case?”

Lillian covered her mouth slightly and smiled quietly. That calm yet seductive smile was so different from her usual saintly demeanor.

‘What is this…?’

Who are you?

Where has the bright and confident Lillian I knew gone, and who is this shady person here?

Does going to the battlefield change a person’s personality?

‘…It doesn’t matter.’

Even if her personality changes, a person’s true nature never does.

Lillian is a good person. Unlike Viviana, who could fall, Lillian’s goodness is an immutable fact within the game.

There was even a setting where she was weak to people’s tears.

“Um, I think there’s some misunderstanding here.”

I secretly dug my nails into my leg. As the sharp pain spread through my body, tears began to well up in my eyes.

“Did I… perhaps upset you, Saintess…?”

My voice trembled.

I slightly lowered my eyes and looked at Lillian with a teary gaze.

“Just tell me, and I’ll fix it… Really. I don’t want to ruin our relationship…”

As tears streamed down my cheeks, Lillian’s pink eyes wavered slightly. She opened her mouth with a calm expression.

“…You.”

“Lillian.”

Before Lillian could say anything more, Arien quietly stepped between us.

Arien gently held my hand and softly patted my head.

“Don’t be so harsh on Tina. She’s a dear person who stood by me in tough times.”

“…You two have gotten quite close.”

At her touch, I slowly exhaled the breath I was holding.

Lillian watched me receiving Arien’s affection for a while, then smiled faintly with a somewhat empty look.

“I’m sorry, I’ve been sensitive lately and didn’t mean to be so sharp.”

“…It’s okay, I was the one who held your hand first.”

“As an apology, I’d like to treat you to some refreshments. May I invite you to my mansion?”

“Huh?”

“His Majesty the Emperor has granted me a territory and mansion for my service in the recent war. I’d love to have you there.”

Lillian’s face, filled with anticipation and a beaming smile, looked so pure.

It was starkly different from just moments ago.

“That’s great, Tina. Lillian is truly a kind person. I’m sure you two will get along well.”

Arien patted my back reassuringly.

“If Miss Blanchard is okay with it, how about we go now?”

Lillian stepped closer with a faint blush. Arien nudged me towards her, signaling me to agree quickly.

“Ah, no. I have other plans.”

My instincts were whispering. I must not go to Lillian’s mansion.

I hastily extricated myself from Arien’s embrace and politely declined.

My instincts are telling me. I must not go to Lillian’s mansion.

“Oh, then how about another day? Are you free tomorrow?”

Lillian stepped closer with a regretful expression. Reflexively, I took a step back.

“I, I have plans with my mother tomorrow…”

“Is that so? Then how about this weekend?”

“Th, this weekend I have plans with a Young Lady…”

“A Young Lady? Who might that be?”

“Uh, you probably wouldn’t know her, Lillian.”

“Hmm… Well then, how about next week? Do you have plans then?”

“Th, that time…”

“Then?”

“Other… plans…”

“…”

A heavy silence filled the room, and a cold air began to circulate.

Arien looked awkward, and Lillian stared at me with unreadable eyes.

In the brief silence, Lillian smiled quietly and awkwardly scratched her head.

“Indeed, you’re the belle of this year’s social circle. It seems you’re even busier than me, the Saintess. Hoho.”

“Uh, it just turned out that way…”

“Very well. Let me know when you’re free, and I’ll invite you then.”

“Y, yes, I will!”

At my bright response, Lillian smiled softly and stood up.

“You seem busy, so I should take my leave now.”

“Huh? Leaving already, Lillian?”

“Yes, I’ve heard all I wanted to hear. See you later, Arien.”

“Uh, yeah… okay.”

After saying goodbye to Arien, Lillian gave me a brief smile and slowly left.

A short silence lingered in the room after the Saintess left.

I stared at the closed door, biting my lip, then turned my gaze to Arien.

“…Arien.”

Just how much did you tell her?

※

Inside the carriage boldly emblazoned with the symbol of the Goddess Church, Lillian leaned back and let out a deep sigh.

“If only you had accepted my proposal, I could have treated you a bit more kindly.”

Lillian tapped the window delicately with her fingertips, murmuring in a regretful tone.

“It seems I have no choice but to make you come to me.”