The Abandoned Villainess Decides to Take It All Chapter 61

Chapter 61

“It’s impossible…!”

That was probably what Iris wanted to say.

Noona is powerless.

But even Iris knew how to distinguish between things that could be said in public and things that could not.

Otherwise, she would never have maintained her reputation for so long.

Then Kuern stepped forward to support her.

“Lillian. No matter how favored you are by His Highness, you must not tell such lies.”

“…What?”

“That claim that you’ve become a Guide.”

Kuern let out a sigh, as though explaining something to a foolish child.

“That is terrible blasphemy. Before you’re dragged off to the Temple, you should hurry and—”

“Ah, Lillian!”

Princess Meliora descended from the place of honor.

She treated the First Prince with nothing more than cool courtesy.

For a brief moment when their eyes met, Lillian sensed a faint clash of tension.

…Both of them need to improve their diplomacy.

Why were they acting like this?

This is the beginning of the original story!

For future alliances and political benefits, they needed to maintain good relations with Tenevrin for a long time.

It was frustrating that she couldn’t say that aloud.

But the princess’s silver-gray eyes sparkled as she looked at Lillian.

“It has been far too long!”

“Have you been well, Your Highness?”

“Ah, yes. Thanks to this necklace you repaired for me.”

Tick.

The princess lightly tapped the necklace, now even more beautiful with malachite and a Control Stone, with her finger.

“If not for you, I truly would have suffered.”

“You honor me, Your Highness.”

“But why does no one here know you’re a Guide?”

The princess gestured with her eyes toward the First Prince.

Almost like she was scolding him.

Lillian blinked in surprise.

Your Highness the Princess… you’re incredibly brave.

Perhaps that boldness was why she was fighting for the throne in her kingdom.

Meanwhile, the villain merely shrugged.

He looked completely uninterested in the royal standing before him.

“Well. They believe it when they see my favor, but perhaps not her guiding ability, since they’ve never witnessed it.”

…Since when had he ever openly shown me favor?

Lillian felt briefly confused.

Becoming the First Prince’s Guide publicly had always been part of the plan.

But—

Why is he suddenly placing the spotlight on me?

He released her hand.

The princess still watched Lillian with a bright smile.

The stage had already shifted entirely toward her.

Lillian was confident in managing her expressions.

She had learned that skill while dealing with all kinds of people in her previous life.

She was good at it.

Though she didn’t particularly enjoy it.

I probably only learned it to survive.

But this experience—

Everyone’s attention focused solely on her.

The highest nobles of two countries, the Five Sacred Houses, and countless influential figures of the capital all watching her alone.

…This isn’t bad.

Lillian opened her right hand.

A moment later—

“Ah…!”

A noble couple closest to her gasped.

Pink butterflies rose from above her silk-gloved palm.

It was a power that felt bright and refreshing, like standing in a field of spring flowers beneath a clear sky.

People around her inhaled sharply.

“Ah…!”

“Creator God…”

“L-Lady Lillian is a Guide!?”

“What rank is that?”

“This is a miracle!”

Such power coming from someone called powerless for twenty years.

It truly seemed miraculous.

She wasn’t going to say it aloud, but the symbol that appeared had been ∞ (infinity).

Still, remembering why it manifested made it difficult to decide whether this was truly a blessing…

But what should I do?

I dislike dealing with people… yet I might actually enjoy a little attention.

But today was a special occasion.

Clap!

She lightly clapped her hands, ending the display of guiding power.

“Thank you for giving me the chance to show my ability, Your Highness. Your Highness the Princess.”

Lillian smiled faintly and bowed.

Then she glanced at her former family.

Their expressions were extremely satisfying to see.

Meanwhile

Ebren was experiencing two completely opposite emotions at once.

Lillian was displaying her guiding power before everyone.

She’s smiling.

When the newspapers announced her family had disowned her, she had looked as if she might break.

But now she seemed whole again.

She shone like the jewels she loved so much.

A sweet-and-sour ball rolled around inside his chest.

Each time it brushed the walls of his heart, it left behind a pleasant tickling sensation.

He had no idea what this feeling was.

But he liked it.

So he allowed himself to enjoy it.

At the same time, however—

It irritated him that everyone was looking at Lillian.

That irritation felt very familiar.

Is this simply because of the imprint?

Was this what it normally felt like?

This curiosity about what it would be like to annihilate everyone’s eyes.

Soon Lillian withdrew her power and turned toward him.

“Your Highness, how do you feel? Are you uncomfortable?”

“Hm.”

Ebren smiled.

To others, it looked like a dignified and elegant smile.

But when he lowered his head slightly toward Lillian, a faint killing intent slipped through like mist.

“I want to overturn everything.”

Crowds simply didn’t suit him.

Even if all his impulses were focused on Lillian, that didn’t change.

Lillian frowned slightly.

“…Please endure it.”

“Reaally? Do you truly think I absolutely must?”

He almost wished she would just clearly tell him there was someone she disliked.

But his Guide never did.

“Ho-ho, yes. I believe you must endure it very much.”

“Hm.”

“This is an important occasion, Your Highness.”

Ebren gave a crooked smile.

To this woman, it seemed very important that he become emperor safely.

That must be why she never asks me to reduce House Tillard to ashes.

She could easily coax him into doing so under the pretext of guiding him.

Just like she had done with her younger brother and former fiancé.

She kept circling the issue, clearly hoping he would choose the straightforward path himself.

Fine. If that’s what you want.

Then he could endure even his instinctive irritation.

At that moment, nobles were already gathering around them.

He looked first at the round-faced man nearest him.

The man nearly jumped when their eyes met.

“And you are?”

“M-May the Creator’s blessings be upon you. It is an honor to see you, Your Highness…”

“…A palace financial officer. Baron Bien, correct?”

“You remember…! I-I’m honored!”

“There’s no need for that. I see your face at the palace often enough.”

The man looked deeply moved.

There really was nothing Ebren couldn’t remember.

It simply hadn’t been important enough to prioritize.

Smiling faintly, Ebren greeted several more people.

He was already bored.

Once this was over, he felt he deserved a reward from Lillian.

What should I ask for?

Meanwhile — Lillian

Why did people sympathize so strongly with others’ parenting stories?

Why did they become so excited about dogs and cats, even when they didn’t own pets themselves?

Lillian felt like she finally understood.

The villain actually looks like a normal prince for the first time…!

He looked dignified.

Even when answering lazily, he still responded with a smile.

People greeted him with visible relief.

They’re relieved to see he isn’t insane.

But her smile faded quickly.

She lowered her gaze.

Even she was always afraid.

Afraid his eyes might suddenly turn cold.

Afraid the frightening spiderweb mark might appear.

Afraid he might erase the hand she was holding.

Afraid he might annihilate something without warning.

But how must other people feel?

After fearing him for so long, seeing him suddenly appear completely normal must be shocking.

And once people realized they could greet the prince safely—

They rushed toward her as well.

“Lady Lillian!”

“When did you awaken as a Guide?”

“And since when have you been serving His Highness?”

“Our family is hosting a tea party soon. Please honor us by attending—”