Re:Crafting in Another World
Chapter 35: Seducing Lily

Chapter 35: Seducing Lily

Baron Percival had barely stepped foot inside the mansion when his thoughts immediately drifted to one person—Lily.

The moment he returned from his trip, he longed to see her, to make up for all the time he had been away. Without hesitation, he made his way to one of the guest rooms where he had heard she was working. As he reached the door, he smirked to himself and quietly pushed it open, stepping inside before shutting it behind him.

Lily, who had been dusting the shelves, gasped at the sudden sound. She spun around, her eyes wide with panic.

"Milord?" she breathed, clutching her chest.

Baron Percival chuckled at her reaction, stepping closer. "Did I startle you?"

Lily took a step back. "You shouldn’t be here," she said, her voice uncertain.

Ignoring her words, he walked up to her with a relaxed smile. "I just returned from the banquet. You wouldn’t believe how exhausting it was," he said, sighing. "All those greedy merchants and nobles trying to get on my good side, seeking discounts and favors just because of how rich our land is."

Lily lowered her gaze, gripping the rag in her hands tightly.

"But the good news," he continued excitedly, "is that my long-term dream is finally within reach. Next year, I will be Count Percival." His eyes gleamed with triumph. "As long as I continue to provide the metal, as I always have, it’s guaranteed."

Lily remained quiet for a moment before offering a short, emotionless response. "Is that so? Congratulations, milord."

Percival’s expression darkened. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Why do you sound so cold?" He took a step closer. "Are you angry that I left you?"

Lily still didn’t answer.

Percival’s patience began to wane. His voice rose, frustration creeping in. "What is wrong with you, Lily? Talk to me!" He reached out to touch her hand.

Lily instantly backed away, her entire body tensing as if she were afraid of him.

Percival froze, his eyes widening. "Why... are you acting like this?" he whispered, his hand slowly lowering. "What is wrong?"

Lily’s lips trembled. Her voice came out barely above a whisper. "This is wrong."

Percival felt something twist inside his chest. "What is?"

She raised her head and looked at him, her eyes filled with guilt. "I can’t do this anymore."

Silence.

Then, in an instant, anger surged through him. With a furious roar, he grabbed a nearby vase and hurled it to the floor, shattering it into countless pieces. "What the hell are you saying, Lily?!" His breathing was ragged. "After everything I’ve done for you! How much I love you!"

Lily shut her eyes, fists clenched. She had expected this reaction. It didn’t make it hurt any less.

"I’ve done everything for you," Percival continued, voice breaking. "Just like you asked, I was even planning to send your mother to the best priest in the capital. And now you’re telling me this?!"

Lily bit her lip hard, knowing that everything he said was true. He had done so much for her. He had given her so much.

And she had used him.

She let out a small, choked sob before whispering, "I’m a bitch."

Tears slipped down her cheeks as self-loathing filled her heart.

Percival’s face twisted with fury. "So it’s true, then?" he spat. "You were using me?"

Lily squeezed her eyes shut. She had no right to deny it.

A sharp slap echoed in the room.

Lily staggered back, her cheek burning.

"Whore!" Percival shouted. "Liar! You played me all this time, didn’t you?!"

Lily didn’t move. She simply let the tears fall, her shoulders trembling.

Then, suddenly, the door swung open.

Both Percival and Lily froze.

Standing in the doorway was Cassandra, her gaze cold and calculating as she looked at the two of them.

After a moment, she spoke. "This is worse than I thought."

Percival’s fury turned toward her. "Stay out of this, Cassandra!" he barked. "This is none of your business!"

Cassandra ignored his outburst, her eyes locking onto Lily’s swollen cheek. Without hesitation, she walked forward and grabbed Lily’s hand. "Come with me."

Lily’s eyes widened in shock. "L-Lady Cassandra?"

Cassandra tugged on her hand. "Let’s go."

Percival stepped forward, ready to intervene, but Cassandra met his gaze with an eerie calmness. "If you don’t want to ruin everything you’ve worked for," she said smoothly, "I suggest you calm down."

Percival clenched his fists but didn’t move.

Cassandra led Lily out of the room, guiding her down the hallway. The moment they were far enough away, Lily burst into tears.

"I’m sorry," she cried. "I’m a horrible person. I used your kindness. I betrayed you."

Cassandra simply glanced at her. "Is that so?" she said, unfazed. "Then, tell me, what made you change your mind?"

Lily hesitated. She had no right to confess something like this to Cassandra, not after everything she had done.

But she no longer wanted to lie—to herself or to anyone else.

Taking a deep breath, she wiped her tears and whispered, "I realized that I shouldn’t be breaking other people’s lives... because now I understand what it means to love someone."

Cassandra tilted her head slightly, a small, knowing smile playing at her lips. "Oh?" she mused. "And who is this man?"

Lily felt her cheeks heat up. "Shennong... a fellow servant."

Cassandra chuckled. "I see."

After a pause, she continued, "You should go back for a while. It wouldn’t be wise for you to stay here."

Lily’s heart sank. "Are you... firing me?"

Cassandra shook her head. "No. I will make sure you don’t lose your job. But for now, you should leave."

Lily stared at her, overwhelmed. The woman she had wronged was now protecting her. She had never expected this.

Hesitantly, she let go of Cassandra’s hand and took a step forward, but then stopped. Turning back, she asked, "Why aren’t you angry with me?"

Cassandra’s smile deepened. "Because I’m not angry," she said smoothly. "In fact, I’m grateful to you."

Lily’s brows furrowed. "Grateful...?"

Cassandra nodded. "And soon, I will show you just how grateful I am."

Lily shivered at the way she said those words, but she didn’t press further.

As she walked away, she thought to herself—

Cassandra is a goddess.

Without realizing that something far more terrifying was waiting for her.

***

It had been a few hours since the incident and Lily stepped into her house, her heart still racing from the events that had unfolded. But the moment she crossed the threshold, she felt something was off. The air inside was different. Someone was here.

Her breath hitched, and her pulse quickened. Was it an intruder? Her eyes darted around, and just as she was about to reach for the nearest object to defend herself, she caught sight of the familiar figure sitting beside her mother.

Relief flooded through her. "Shennong..."

He turned at the sound of her voice, his usual calm smile greeting her. The tension in her shoulders melted away, and a bright smile spread across her lips. Without hesitation, she walked forward and wrapped her arms around him from behind, burying her face against his shoulder.

"I didn’t expect to see you here," she murmured, her voice filled with both happiness and surprise. "I thought you’d still be working at the mansion."

Shennong chuckled softly. "I couldn’t miss giving your mother her massage, could I?" He gently touched Lily’s hand, squeezing it reassuringly.

Lily glanced at her mother, who looked far better than she had in months. The sickly pallor that had once plagued her face had faded, replaced by a healthy glow. It was all thanks to Shennong’s special massage technique.

"He’s truly a miracle worker," her mother sighed in bliss as Shennong uncapped a wooden bottle and began applying a fragrant liquid to her arms. "Ever since he started using this on me, I feel like I’m getting younger."

Lily raised a brow and eyed the bottle curiously. "What is that, anyway?"

Shennong smiled mysteriously. "A secret of my hometown."

Lily pouted but eventually shrugged. "Fine, keep your secrets."

She sat beside him, resting her head against his shoulder, enjoying his presence. After everything she had gone through, after the storm of conflict that had shaken her life, being here with him felt like the only safe place in the world.

But the weight of her past clung to her, refusing to let go. She hesitated, her fingers clutching the fabric of her dress. Should she tell him? Should she risk ruining everything?

Shennong seemed to sense her unease. He turned to her, his expression gentle yet concerned. "Why are you here, Lily? Did something happen?"

Her heart clenched. She couldn’t lie to him. Not now. Not anymore.

Taking a deep breath, she looked down, shame washing over her like a tidal wave. "Shennong... there’s something I need to tell you."

His eyes remained on her, patient and unwavering.

"Before I met you... I was in a secret relationship with Baron." The words spilt from her lips like poison. "I used him for money. I was selfish, and greedy, and I never thought about anyone but myself. I... I was a bitch."

She clenched her fists, tears threatening to spill. "I don’t expect forgiveness. I just... I just needed to tell you. Because I love you, Shennong. I truly do. Ever since we met, I’ve been dreaming of our future together. But I can’t keep this from you. If you want to leave me, I won’t stop you."

The silence that followed was deafening. Shennong’s face remained unreadable, his lips pressed into a thin line. The lack of response made Lily’s chest tighten with fear.

Was this it? Was she about to lose him?

Her vision blurred as tears welled in her eyes. Just as she was about to break, just as the pain became unbearable, Shennong finally spoke.

"I understand."

Lily’s breath hitched. She lifted her head, staring at him in disbelief. "You... what?"

Shennong exhaled, his gaze filled with something deep and unreadable. "If my mother had been in a situation like that, I would have done the same. You were trying to survive, Lily. It’s not your fault."

The dam broke. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she sobbed, overwhelmed by his kindness. "Shennong..."

He reached for her, wiping away her tears with his thumb. "I love you, Lily. Nothing in your past will change that."

A strangled laugh left her lips. "I’ll forever stay loyal to you. I swear."

Shennong smiled, his warmth wrapping around her like a protective shield. "And I will do the same."

From the bed, Lily’s mother watched them with a content smile, her heart swelling with happiness. Her daughter had found such a wonderful man—someone who truly loved and cherished her.

Lily leaned into Shennong’s embrace, her heart lighter than it had been in years. No more secrets. No more fears.

She had found her home in him.