The Abandoned Villainess Takes Everything This Time - Chapter 178

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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178.
Lillian had fallen for it beautifully.
‘Today my turn comes after Ren, right? But is it really okay to wear such an elaborate dress?’
‘Yeah, it’s fine, Lil. You look stunning.’
Ren had definitely said that. There was no need to worry.
“Saint! Open your eyes wide—yes! That’s perfect. If possible, please keep today’s schedule just as it is! And maintain that expression!”
So the Banquet Hall was going to be lined with screens on all sides…… I don’t think I’d ever heard of such a thing.
“Today we will broadcast throughout Perniers the historic moment when the Saint receives both the Empire’s first Silver Wing Medal and a Dukedom simultaneously!”
This comprehensively?
“Not just the Empire. The Kingdoms Across the Strait are all watching too, and—oh! Princess Melliora just arrived!”
As promised, I spotted Princess Melliora in the VIP section of the Imperial Palace Outdoor Banquet Hall.
Seeing her delight with her mouth covered, even after all this time, it warmed my heart too.
‘Ah, Your Highness…….’
Somehow the Princess’s section felt locked down tight, as if preventing anyone from approaching carelessly.
It seemed to be because I’d been rattling on about my dream of asylum in Tenebrin.
The Shadows appeared to be clustered in that direction as well.
‘I’m sorry.’
But then the Emperor rose slowly from his seat.
“Lillian Tillard. Come forward.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The Emperor drew his sword slowly and tapped my shoulder—where I knelt on one knee—lightly with it.
“I hereby bestow upon you the Dukedom of the Holy House.”
“It is my greatest honor, Your Majesty.”
I’d thought I had little attachment to the name Tillard.
But not only had I reclaimed it—I’d become the head of this house.
‘Life is full of surprises.’
If that was true, I could reshape House Tillard as I saw fit.
Not a family that looked down on people for being low-grade, or for being born without rank…….
‘A true Controller House.’
Then the Emperor smiled faintly.
“……And as a token of our gratitude for saving this crumbling world without abandoning anyone…….”
The Grand Cleric nodded, and the Emperor placed a circlet upon my head.
Though it was called a “medal” in name, it was indistinguishable from a crown.
“A thousand years before, and even now.”
“…….”
“Lillian, a being such as you will never exist again. We record this moment in history itself.”
I drew in a breath.
In that instant, thunderous applause erupted.
I’d always prided myself on being shameless. Even if I disliked my bloodline, Butterfly of the Tillard House had to be affected, after all.
But to be applauded in a moment when it seemed the entire world had gathered was overwhelming.
I couldn’t breathe.
……But then the decorations on the stage of the Banquet Hall were quietly rearranged, and two Tarandian men rose.
Today was, after all, the Crown Prince investiture ceremony that had been postponed.
‘Ren has been designated as Crown Prince for ages now.’
Now, finally, the ceremony was being held formally before everyone.
‘……They said they absolutely could not proceed with the ceremony while you were gone, Lady Lillian.’
‘Elias, if we had to drag him by both arms, we weren’t going to hold it anyway—’
‘He was adamant that today’s glory belonged to you, Lady Lillian. It could not be a gathering of two people.’
Goodness, what an incredibly stubborn man…….
Yet in his Crown Prince regalia, he shone more brilliantly than I’d ever seen.
I blinked slowly.
……I was deeply moved. Profoundly so.
‘The original story…… or rather, in my past life, there was no proper conclusion.’
Back then, I hated myself for being without ability.
I watched Ren’s body waste away from the Ability, and I hated myself for being unable to do anything.
‘If only I’d been even a C-rank Controller—’
I was ashamed of harboring such secret thoughts.
‘Thank goodness.’
I was grateful I no longer had to indulge such inferiority.
“…….”
I did it.
I really did pull it off…….
Tears suddenly welled in my eyes.
My temperament wasn’t usually this sentimental, yet here I was on such a joyful day.
But once the tears started, they came like a broken faucet.
There were moments I was terrified of losing him forever.
But civil war among princes never erupted.
Ren was safe, and even the Shadow faction and the Baltazar contingent radiated vitality.
‘So it’s all done then.’
I fanned my eyes frantically with my hand to dry them.
‘Alright, just need Ren to put on the crown and we’re finished!’
I looked toward the Emperor with anticipation.
But……?
The Emperor was merely smiling at me—the expression ambiguous, knowing.
And it wasn’t only the Emperor.
‘What is this……?’
Duke Baltazar, Lord Boliver and his clan. Not to mention the other nobles and even the Priests.
They were all looking at me with the satisfied smile of a pleased cat?
At that moment, an imperial attendant appeared carrying the Crown Prince’s regalia in a deep purple velvet case.
But instead of approaching the Emperor, the attendant walked toward me and knelt.
“……!?”
“Lady Lillian. Please bestow the Crown upon His Highness the Crown Prince.”
“……But.”
I nearly hiccupped in surprise.
This would mean I was at this moment a being greater than the Crown Prince—greater even than the Emperor?
Yet no matter how wide I opened my eyes and looked around, everyone merely nodded.
‘Please do so, Saint…….’
‘What else can we do? Since Tarandia is set on it.’
……It was as though I could hear the unspoken thoughts of those around me.
And above all, the man who seemed to be enjoying this situation most, chuckling.
Those dark green eyes narrowed in a smile as he waited for me.
“Saint. Please, grant me this honor.”
“…….”
“For all of this is your will—you who hold my leash.”
Ah, how infuriating…….
I pouted my lips without malice.
All those countless cascades of paperwork that had drained my soul—was this the prank he’d been preparing?
‘If that’s what he wants so badly.’
I lifted the heavy Crown with both hands.
The hall fell silent at once.
And Ren knelt on one knee before me, lowering his head slightly.
I carefully raised the Crown and proclaimed:
“May glory befall the Crown Prince of Perniers.”
“Then, pray grant me the honor of accepting my proposal as well.”
……I sincerely hoped the others hadn’t caught that final whisper.
This Eunjeok seemed to place more significance in my crowning him than in his own ascension to Crown Prince.
‘What am I to do with this man?’
It was absurd, yet this blind devotion was adorable.
Only when I took Ren’s hand did he rise.
Then those who had been holding their breath below erupted:
“Long live the Saint!”
“Long live His Highness the Crown Prince!”
I thought to myself.
This doesn’t feel bad at all.
Perhaps I’m actually, truly happy.
I looked up at Ren and broke into a wide smile.
* * *
– Long live the Saint!
– Long live the new Duke of Tillard!
In a desolate province far from the Capital.
In a secluded Annex prepared there, the “former” Duke of Tillard sat alone, watching the broadcast.
“……Damn!”
The “former Duke” violently struck the Nightstand.
“This Elric Tillard. That this should happen to me……!”
Cast out from the Main Residence, reduced to a doddering old fool in some back room!
To witness his own bloodline receiving the greatest glory of the Empire from a distance like this!
‘As the “former Duke,” I should rightfully represent House Tillard and witness this from the very front row!’
“Ungrateful wretches. Ungrateful—!”
Every trusted retainer had betrayed him.
Not only did they abandon Kuern, but they hastily sequestered the “former Duke” in this Annex for “recuperation,” fearing Lillian’s displeasure.
“Ungrateful—!”
Just as he had once carelessly sent Lillian away to the Northern Villa.
But the fist he’d clenched in anger gradually loosened.
“How could this be……!”
Where had everything gone wrong?
Lillian. It was Lillian who went wrong.
If only I had recognized that child’s potential sooner……!
He covered his eyes with wrinkled hands.
‘Grandfather!’
In his imagination, Lillian turned to him radiantly.
A child the world had recognized as a being unique and transcendent, surpassing even Tarandia itself.
The masterpiece of House Tillard, taking his hand and whispering tenderly.
‘Come sit here with me, Grandfather—in the VIP section……!’
It could have been the perfect day.
But when he opened his eyes.
“…….”
He remained confined to this decaying Annex, no better than a prison.
Kuern was gone. Ramio was gone. Even Iris was absent.
All four grandchildren who had once surrounded him had vanished.
No one remained at his side.
“…….”
– Long live the Saint!
– Long live Lady Lillian and His Highness the Crown Prince!
The bloodline he had carelessly discarded had saved the world, and now praise for her coming happiness reached his ears.
He sat alone, hearing only the sound from the broadcast screen.
Like a broken wind-up doll that had run its course…….
* * *
“When did you plan all this?”
Back at the Castle, I gave Ren a cheerful sideways glance.
Normally I should have lingered longer at the Palace to enjoy the festivities.
‘But with our misanthropic Eunjeok, any more would be pushing it…….’
I could tell he was holding back considerably, so I chose to bring him away early.
“Planning, you say.”
Ren smiled with narrowed eyes.
We walked together through the Garden, hand in hand, leisurely beneath the moonlight.
“I simply wanted to show everyone which of us was truly in charge.”
“Your Highness, why are you making me sound like someone with bizarre tastes?”
“Ha-ha.”
Even my reproach seemed to please him. Judging by how he burst into laughter over something, he clearly found it amusing.
‘Really now.’
But since I’m enjoying myself too, what does it matter.
And this man had given me such profound happiness today.
“……So then, Ren.”
I drew in a breath.
This moment felt right.
The time to show him something he’d adore.
“I have a gift for you too.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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