After receiving Iana’s permission, Elia lightly leapt up and climbed onto the carriage where Iana was seated.
A sly smile appeared on her face, like a criminal who had just successfully executed a scheme, except her plan was different from those ordinary criminals—she wasn’t after money, but rather someone’s heart.
Elia thought that if Lillian fought alone, it would be difficult to make Iana surrender willingly.
It was necessary for her to intervene in the feelings between the two; she couldn’t allow this relationship to be rejected unilaterally by Iana.
Although meddling in others’ love lives was hardly a good deed, anyone with eyes could see that Iana wasn’t actually opposed to Lillian’s feelings.
In fact, Iana’s reaction was more one of fear.
As for what she was afraid of, Elia already had some clues in her mind.
Based on her guess, Iana was most likely afraid that Lillian’s feelings weren’t genuine—that Lillian had been infected by that special creature and that her affections were false.
But Elia didn’t agree.
That creature was unusual, yes, but simply coming into contact with it shouldn’t distort someone’s feelings.
At most, it would only change one’s personality.
Clearly, Lillian’s personality had undergone a drastic transformation—from a timid little rabbit into a fierce lion.
Such a change was difficult for Iana to accept, so she chose to avoid the situation.
With some subtle tactics, Elia might be able to help Iana see Lillian’s true feelings.
If necessary, she might even use a little magic.
What Elia hadn’t expected, however, was that Iana’s refusal of Lillian’s affection was about far more than just fear—it was largely because of Ethelrina.
Iana had absolutely no intention of competing with this phoenix-like female lead.
Once both Lillian and Elia had boarded the carriage, Iana desperately squeezed herself into a corner, seemingly afraid that they might do something against her.
“Why are you avoiding me? Did I do something to upset you, Iana?” Lillian took the initiative to approach Iana.
“No, it’s just that it feels cooler here. I don’t like crowded places.”
After Lillian’s teasing, Iana’s threshold for this kind of interaction had risen noticeably.
Mere close proximity was no longer enough to embarrass her.
“Is that so? But I still feel like you’re dodging me, Iana,” Lillian said playfully.
“I told you, I’m not.”
Iana was growing impatient.
It wasn’t really her fault; after all, Lillian was too persistent.
Iana had already clearly rejected her, yet she clung on like stubborn glue.
“Am I being unreasonable? Have I upset you, Iana? I just want you to look at me properly.”
Tears welled up in the corners of Lillian’s eyes.
Her pitiful expression evoked sympathy and a protective urge in anyone who saw her.
Iana hadn’t expected her simple words to make Lillian cry.
Lillian wasn’t usually so easy to break down, and Iana hated seeing anyone cry in front of her.
The heart she had just managed to harden softened again in that moment.
Drawing from her early years of caring for children at the Light Orphanage, Iana reached out to stroke Lillian’s silver-white hair infected by the special creature, soothing her like a child.
“Don’t cry. It’s all my fault. I’m sorry.”
She felt the silky smoothness of Lillian’s hair and couldn’t help but stroke it a few more times.
Honestly, every female lead in the original story was stunning in her own unique way—there was never any sign of boredom.
Iana silently marveled at how well Ethelrina must have been treated to look so radiant.
Not long after Iana’s hand touched Lillian’s head, a satisfied expression appeared on Lillian’s face, like a kitten being petted by its owner, clearly enjoying the gentle touch.
“You’re not mad at me anymore?” Lillian asked cautiously.
“I’m not mad.”
“Then a little closer contact is okay, right?”
No sooner had she said this than Iana was hit by a strong camellia fragrance.
The scent was overwhelming, as if it threatened to destroy her sense of smell, like an unexpected flood sweeping through every corner of her body.
A soft, warm touch appeared on Iana’s arm, comforting her in this cold and silent forest.
Snapping out of her brief daze, Iana looked down at Lillian linking arms with her and felt a flicker of disbelief.
‘She just hugged me so simply? If it were the original Lillian, her head would probably be smoking by now.’
‘No, the original Lillian wouldn’t have been capable of such a thing.’
“Don’t avoid me anymore, okay, Iana?”
Lillian’s small face pressed against Iana’s arm, the satisfied expression making one wonder just how comfortable that spot must be.
Lillian’s exhaustion from the day had been greatly relieved, and she felt completely recharged.
‘What a beautiful picture this is,’ Elia thought to herself.
If she could, she would have loved to capture this moment.
After Iana left, Elia instructed Lillian not to be too forceful.
Judging from her experience, Iana was the type who responded better to softness than hardness.
And once Iana was drawn in, going further—like sharing a bed—would be a natural progression.
By then, Lillian could afford to be more assertive.
As long as the relationship was established, Iana’s responsible nature would ensure she wouldn’t abandon Lillian.
When and how they would take that step was already planned out between Elia and Lillian.
The longer they waited, the more things could change.
It was best to settle matters quickly.
However, no matter how urgent, all of this had to wait until they reached the Holy City.
There were just too many inconveniences on the carriage.
Once there, it would be perfect for the two to live under the same roof.
At this moment, the Iana being hugged by Lillian looked anxious, glancing around the carriage for a way out.
Finally, her eyes landed on Elia, who smiled at her calmly.
‘Elia, please help me,’ Iana sent her a pleading look, hoping she would pull Lillian away.
Unfortunately, Iana seemed to have picked the wrong person.
Elia’s response was nothing but an expression of amusement, as if she was eagerly awaiting the next chapter of the drama.