Illyae’s extraordinary abilities rescued the Count of Tyrannia from poverty.

 

Chloe, who envied Illyae’s abilities, naturally became a target for persecution.

 

Driven by greed and poverty, they decided to separate Chloe and Illyae based on their perceived usefulness.

 

“Then, should I send Chloe away?”

 

My parents didn’t seem to have any intention of hiding their predicament, even with their daughter in front of them.

 

“Of course, Chloe is a lovely daughter, but what matters is Illyae, chosen by the gods. If the gods desire it, I can make any choice. It’s very sad, but…”

 

The priest muttered with disdain.

 

Even to him, who labeled the child as a mutant, the Countess seemed to be nothing more than garbage.

 

“The gods do not desire it. Even if she is a mutant, for parents to abandon their child! They will face divine punishment. Illyae may lose all her prowess. Just manage it well.”

 

A sardonic laugh escaped him.

 

Did the benevolent god wish for me to end up like this?

 

Even though I was supposed to be the nourishment of the noble family, I ended up eating leftovers like this.

 

As I chewed and swallowed the leftovers, the stomach that had been silent until now began to churn.

 

As if it had been waiting until now.

 

As I reluctantly ate the leftovers, Marian handed me a glass.

 

“Take your time. What if you choke if you eat too quickly…?”

 

I drank water in large sips.

 

At that moment, my stomach churned.

 

“Ugh, uweaak!”

 

“Oh… It seems like you ate too hastily after a long time. What should I do…?”

 

Marian looked distressed and rolled her eyes.

 

I couldn’t call the family physician to my situation.

 

All I could do was sit on the bed, clutching the herbs that Marian carried around for stomach troubles.

 

It’s okay, Chloe.

 

This too shall pass.

 

Outside the dark window, colorful fireworks were bursting.

 

Within, Illyae and her parents would be laughing happily.

 

For me, the opportunity will surely come.

 

Over the next three days, I was determined to seize that opportunity.

 

“Lady………… Just because of me………….”

 

Marian burst into tears, and I closed my eyes, unable to bear the sound.

 

<b>* * *</b>

 

“For how much longer must I endure this?”

 

In the carriage, the Countess spoke with a saddened expression.

 

On the way back from the princess’ salon, courtesy of Illyae.

 

The Countess could clearly see the marks on Illyae’s hand, exposed within the gloves.

 

Illyae held the Countess’ hand affectionately, her smile never fading.

 

“No, Mother! I’m really fine. There must have been a reason for Sister, too, Sister must have had a reason…”

 

Illyae murmured with a trembling voice.

 

Tears streamed down Illyae’s face, falling to the floor as she bowed her head.

 

Thanks to that, she could hide the lips that had curved upwards.

 

‘Stupid girl,’ unaware that in a confrontation, the one who falls or cries first is the loser.

 

So, have I been losing all this time?

 

Illyae chuckled, playing with the back of the Countess’ hand.

 

“No matter what, this world is on my side, Chloe. Who would turn back to someone like you? With your skinny body, foolish face, and nothing to offer.”

 

That day, even if Chloe had not reacted emotionally, it would have been a close call.

 

Chloe is truly foolish.

 

Going to such lengths for a mere servant?

 

Furthermore, that servant had committed an act of insolence.

 

Daring to create a hole in Illyae’s dress.

 

The Count and Countess did everything for Illyae, but unfortunately, they couldn’t afford extravagance.

 

They didn’t have the wealth to buy dozens of expensive dresses.

 

Moreover, as a saint, they couldn’t buy her something too expensive while maintaining a pure image.

 

So, Illyae chose to wear a simple underskirt with vibrant lace and pearls underneath.

 

The damaged dress was the most expensive item Illyae possessed.

 

So, Illyae intended to retaliate by creating a hole in the servant’s cheek.

 

The Countess’ eyes lit up upon seeing Illyae’s exposed hand.

 

“We have to send Chloe away!”

 

The Countess shouted in a voice filled with hysteria.

 

“Where are you going to send her, knowing she is our daughter!”

 

In response, the Count spoke frustratingly.

 

Fortunately, the rattling sound of the carriage drowned out their voices.

 

Illyae lowered her head slightly, casting a pitiful gaze.

 

“Now is an important time for our Illyae, my lady. If there is a stain on Illyae’s reputation, can she form a good match with a noble family? Be careful not to let Chloe damage Illyae’s life because of a mistake!”

 

The Count spoke from his frustration.

 

Although the Countess appeared confident, the Count’s words held undeniable truth.

 

The Count lowered his voice.

 

“Our Illyae has caught the attention of Her Majesty the Empress. The princess invited us today, but the one who moved behind the scenes is said to be Her Majesty the Empress. If we do well, it’s an opportunity to become the Crown Princess!”

 

The Count and Countess attended the salon together, but the Countess had not heard this conversation.

 

“Oh my!”

 

Sparkles filled the Countess’ eyes.

 

“Where did you hear this?”

 

“I overheard it while gentlemen were smoking.”

 

Illyae chuckled inwardly.

 

Crown Princess! It felt rewarding to showcase her charm in front of the Empress not long ago at a social gathering.

 

She attempted to impress the Empress by participating in volunteer activities she didn’t care about, even extending her kindness to the less fortunate maids.

 

‘Wasting prowess,’ Illyae sneered

 

It wasn’t something that just came to her.

 

Despite her inner thoughts, her voice remained as sweet as ever.

 

“Did Her Majesty the Empress really take notice of me? I’m so happy!”

 

Illyae smiled widely, her expression pure and innocent. Anyone seeing her tear-moistened innocent face would likely feel a sense of tenderness. Charming strands of silver hair, tinged with a hint of amethyst, flowed down her round forehead. Her blue eyes blinked radiantly, akin to an angel’s gaze.

 

As he looked into those eyes, the Count’s heart seemed to brighten.

 

The Count affectionately said, “But there is one problem, Illyae.”

 

The Countess had a compassionate expression towards the gentle girl. Illyae, aware of the affection in the Count’s eyes, lovingly held onto his arm.

 

“What’s the issue? If there’s something Illyae can solve, I’ll help.”

 

Illyae blinked, fully aware of how her action might be perceived.

 

The Count and Countess appeared to be softening in their demeanor.

 

“Well, the truth is…”

 

The Count glanced between the two, and lowered his voice.

 

“I went to the gallery some time ago, Illyae. Do you remember? I accepted a proposal for a consultation there.”

 

“Really?”

 

“What do you mean? Dear! You said Illyae might receive a marriage proposal from the royal family! But a consultation… it’s not an official proposal! What on earth are you doing! Why didn’t you mention it!”

 

“Well, you see.”

 

The Count scratched his nose, a nervous gesture.

 

“I truly didn’t expect it.”

 

Clearing his throat, the Count retrieved a card from the inner pocket of his jacket, bearing the family name in golden ink.

 

Nobles who had previously never paid attention to him were now buzzing about since Illyae awakened her powers. He made promises he shouldn’t have, lent money, and it led to this situation.

 

However, this time the problem was a bit more serious…

 

“It’s none other than Duke Petros.”

 

When Duke Petros attended the club, he expressed interest in the consultation. It was indeed that Petros. In the past, it was a family that Illyae couldn’t even dream of, and now Lady Petros herself proposed the consultation.

 

“The Duke Petros…?”

 

“Did you accept it? What’s your plan now? Having consultations from two suitors simultaneously..!”

 

“Oh! The royal family’s consultation hasn’t been officially accepted yet. It’s just a rumor going around.”

 

“Anyway. So, are you going to send Illyae to Duke Petros?”

 

The Countess asked with a concerned voice.

 

With an awkward smile, the Count briefly glanced at Illyae.

 

He was an incompetent head of the household.

 

“It has come to this. I’m truly in a bind. I didn’t think this situation would arise. Illyae, do you know what kind of family Petros is? I couldn’t refuse such a family…”

 

Illyae sneered inwardly.

 

This was the result of granting divine powers to those filthy beings.

 

All of this was an opportunity Illyae created.

 

It wasn’t something that just happened.

 

Despite her inner thoughts, her voice remained as sweet as ever.