Chapter 244: Mary Sue Wants to Help Me Win Over Girls? When the Ice Queen Melts into Tenderness (2)
As Shia read, Lilith patiently explained the plan, her tone confident and almost playful. When he finished, he looked up to find Lilith beaming with pride, her expression practically demanding praise.
"You did well," Shia said, handing the booklet back. It was a solid draft, though it lacked finer details.
"I'm looking forward to seeing this plan fully developed," he added, standing. "Now, since it's your mother's birthday, I should prepare a gift. I'll take my leave."
Lilith's mood soared at his praise. She waved her hand dismissively, indicating he could go. "You do that. I'll refine the plan in the meantime."
---
Lilith wasn't just pushing girls toward her fiancé out of goodwill. On the surface, it seemed that way, but her motives were far from selfless. In her mind, the process didn't matter.
Ultimately, everything Shia gained would belong to her as well.
The more beauties he surrounded himself with, the more she could claim as her own.
Immersed in her plans, Lilith envisioned herself orchestrating the perfect strategy—helping Shia conquer them, only to claim them later for herself.
The thought of this future brought a gleeful smile to her lips, a mischievous laugh bubbling up uncontrollably.
"Ga-ga-ga!"
The room echoed with her villainous laughter, so cartoonishly exaggerated it seemed almost surreal. Tia, standing nearby, watched her mistress in silence, her expression a mix of concern and exasperation.
She had waited for Shia to leave before stepping out, only to be greeted by this sight. Seeing Lilith's current state, she debated whether to speak up but ultimately decided against it.
Tia knew from experience that nothing she said would sway her mistress. She had tried reasoning with her before, but it was like talking to a brick wall.
Perhaps Lilith needed to taste failure firsthand to snap out of it. Only by experiencing the consequences could she truly understand.
Tia's gaze lingered on Lilith, her dark eyes glinting with a dangerous emotion.
---
Elsewhere, Violet was in turmoil.
As a natural ice queen, she had always exuded an air of untouchable elegance. But recently, her demeanor had become even more distant.
Ever since fulfilling her promise to kiss Shia, she had been avoiding him.
Reflecting on her impulsive actions, she felt a mix of regret and embarrassment. It was unbecoming of a princess to act so rashly, let alone kiss another man.
What had come over her?
She assumed Shia would seek her out after such an event. Surely, he wouldn't ignore her after such a significant gesture.
Yet, days passed, and there was no sign of him.
Though it was Violet who avoided him, his apparent indifference gnawed at her. She had gone out of her way to keep her promise, only to be met with silence?
What did this mean?
Her mind raced with questions. Could he possibly be waiting for her to make the next move?
"Am I supposed to have no pride?" she muttered irritably, plucking a flower from a nearby bush.
Lost in thought, she began stripping the petals off one by one, murmuring under her breath. "Go find him… Don't go… Go find him… Don't go…"
Violet was so absorbed in her dilemma that she failed to realize just how much space Shia now occupied in her thoughts. She was beginning to resemble a lovesick fool, unable to sleep at night for overthinking his behavior.
The past two days had been especially frustrating. Adding to her internal conflict was a letter she received from her aunt, who wrote about the impact of distilled spirits on the Silvermoon Kingdom.
The letter explained how the financial crisis, which had plagued the kingdom for years, was now easing thanks to the profits from Shia's innovation.
This should have been good news, but instead, it left Violet feeling even more conflicted. The kingdom's salvation was tied to 'that man.'
Her aunt's letter also included a request: she wanted Violet to invite the "master distiller" to the royal capital for a personal meeting.
This request only heightened Violet's anxiety. Even through the letter, she could sense her aunt's enthusiasm and gratitude toward Shia.
The mere thought made her stomach churn.
That man was a scoundrel! Even Aph had fallen for his schemes. How could her aunt be any different?
Her imagination ran wild, conjuring a vision of her aunt sitting beside Shia, gazing at him with admiration while he smirked smugly.
'No way!'
Violet shivered, goosebumps rising as she shook her head vigorously. This couldn't be allowed to happen!
He had already caused her enough grief. If he became her uncle by marrying her aunt, how could she ever escape his grasp?
Violet felt like her entire world had turned gray just thinking about the possibility.
She hadn't realized the subtle resistance growing in her heart.
A sour, astringent sensation filled her chest, making her feel unbearably uncomfortable.
She thought it was just her dread of facing a tragic future, completely oblivious to the fact that this emotion closely resembled... jealousy.
Violet lowered her gaze to the hibiscus flower in her hand.
The petals were already torn to shreds, with only a few stubborn fragments clinging on, trembling in the breeze.
It was as if the flower mirrored her, envisioning the same bleak future.
She had lost track of how many petals she'd counted or what her final answer had been.
But the moment she plucked the flower, deep down, she'd already made her decision.
Was she going to sit idly by and do nothing?
Violet refused.
At that moment, her thoughts solidified.
The ruined hibiscus fell to the ground, scattering petals everywhere.
---
After school, in the small grove.
Laughter like silver bells drifted from girls playing outside the grove, but inside, it was dim and shadowy.
Shia stood before the silver-haired princess, and it was impossible for him not to be surprised.
As soon as class ended, Violet had dragged him here with an imposing air.
Standing in front of Shia, Violet felt her heart sinking lower and lower.
The wait and inner turmoil over these past few days had almost driven her to the brink.
She couldn't endure it anymore—enough was enough!