On the day of her first evening party since her coming of age ceremony, Cordelia was at her shop until noon.
The female magicians at the shop told her to quickly go home and that she was exactly like Elvis because she worked too much, but she smiled wryly because she was still doing what she liked compared to him. Also, she needed to redouble her efforts in terms of ability.
In the midst of this conversation, Cordelia saw that Kaylie was having her first conversation with a customer.
Normally, she would work behind the scenes and was told what the customer wanted, but she seemed to have a new idea, so she wanted to talk to the customer. She seemed nervous throughout the conversation, but she looked satisfied when the conversation ended, and her tension disappeared.
She hadn’t gone as far as handing the card directly to the customer after she had finished it in the blink of an eye, but she did open the door a little to see the delighted reaction from the customer and raised a small voice in joy.
“You’re very popular, Kaylie-sama.”
“Th-thank you very much, Cordelia-sama.”
Kaylie quickly looked down when Cordelia spoke to her, but she steadily looked at Cordelia and spoke in a small voice.
“Hmm… Mm… It makes me want to do something when I know that someone like me has created something that makes someone happy.”
“I understand that feeling.”
Cordelia agreed and Kaylie relaxed a little.
“This shop… is amazing after all. I’ve only seen a little… but still, the customers are smiling, and they come every day… As I thought, your charm is apparent in this shop as well.”
Kaylie seemed happy as if she was talking about herself and Cordelia felt very embarrassed. Of course, she was happy that the customers were happy and even more so when a worker at the shop could experience this directly.
However, there was something that Cordelia couldn’t let go.
“Kaylie-sama, can you stop with the ‘someone like me’?”
“Huh…?”
“Your work is great and it’s wasteful for you to attach words like that to your work.”
Kaylie was puzzled by Cordelia’s words.
“But…”
“The customers are happy because it’s art that you have made, Kaylie-sama. I’m sure those people will be sad if they were to hear you say something like that.”
However, Kaylie slowly shook her head.
“I’m… I’m really happy that you found something that I could do to make the customers happy… But I really can’t do anything else… So, someone like me, is the correct way of speaking.”
“Even though you think like that, I think you’re wonderful.”
At those words, Kaylie looked up as if she had snapped and looked at Cordelia a little flustered.
“Hmm, if it’s alright with you…. Can I ask what part of me is?”
“Of course. But, do you mind if I tell you a lot?”
“Huh…?”
“First of all, you’re a very kind and caring person. Even if you’re not good at speaking with others, I can tell that you’re kind and caring since I saw you prioritised the customer’s happiness today. And, I also feel like you’re smart. Your dark hair is also very nice.”
“Huh… Hmm, this hair?”
“Yes, it’s a very nice and calming colour.”
“Hmm… Umm… Really…?”
Kaylie was upset as if she had misheard Cordelia’s words.
However, what Cordelia had said was true and not flattery.
There weren’t many people with black hair in this kingdom, and it was a colour that Cordelia was very familiar with.
“I, I, I wish I had a nice hair colour like yours, Cordelia-sama… If I had a hair colour like yours, then I would… I might have a little more confidence than I do now.”
“Do you hate your own hair colour?”
“… I was told 『it looks like a wet crow caught in the rain』when I was younger… I thought that I looked like that because I’m gloomy…”
“Excuse me?”
“Everyone in my family has black hair. But I’m the only one who was told that… Perhaps, if my personality… was a tenth as bright as Cordelia-sama’s… then I might not have looked like that.”
Cordelia was speechless at the words 『wet crow』.
(No, I’m certain it’s not a word from this kingdom―――.)
Suspicion welled up within Cordelia, isn’t she horribly misunderstanding something?
“Kaylie-sama, just to be sure, but were you told 『wet crow』?”
“Huh? Hmm… I wondered if wet crows were this colour.”
Cordelia sighed in relief when she heard Kaylie’s answer.
“Kaylie-sama, that was probably a compliment.”
People didn’t avoid or honour crows in this kingdom. So, it wasn’t strange for Kaylie-sama to take the words 『wet crow caught in the rain』as is.
(But this world probably has that expression too.)
There are several products in this world that were liked in Japan. Like the fox mask that Gille-sama has and the glass pens. It wouldn’t be strange for that expression to exist here since there were things in this world that are associated with Japan.
“In the first place, there aren’t any nobles who would say bad things about your hair colour. I mean, doesn’t His Highness Sylvester have the same hair colour?”
“Th-that’s….”
“I don’t know who told you that, but does that person hate the royal family?”
Kaylie shook her head vigorously at Cordelia’s question. Then there’s almost no mistake.
“I know the words 『wet crow』as a compliment. It also means that your hair is jet black. It is a saying that refers to beautiful, glossy hair. I think that person read some kind of book and said it to you.”
Cordelia smiled at Kaylie since she felt that it was possible that it was a bad pick-up line. Kaylie didn’t seem to believe her and looked puzzled, but she couldn’t argue since Cordelia had brought up Sylvester’s name.
“I would like to propose something to you, Kaylie-sama.”
“Wh-what is it…?”
“Why don’t you style your bangs? I’m sure it’ll make you look brighter.”
Kaylie’s wish of wanting to be brighter can change with her appearance with a little adjustment. Kaylie’s bangs were really long right now, so her aura can change just by her sweeping it to the side even if she doesn’t cut it.
“I, I’ll think about… it…”
However, it must be embarrassing for Kaylie. Cordelia was a little disappointed that she didn’t get an immediate answer, but Kaylie hadn’t rejected her proposal. I’ll just hope secretly, Cordelia thought.
“But as I thought… I still don’t have enough knowledge. You realised that it was a compliment straight away… I’m still inexperienced.”
“I just knew this by chance. And, it’s the person’s fault for saying something that was hard to understand.”
Even if Kaylie-sama won’t tell this to the person who said that to her, I’m sure she doesn’t get that I’m speaking ill of them.
(I’ll be careful too. It’ll be terrible if something outrageous happens because I was careless.)
I know that the meaning changes depending on the culture, but I can’t help but think that when I see that she’s been hurt for so long because of some words.
“Hmm… Cordelia-sama. You’re going to the evening party tonight, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm, take care.”
“Thank you very much.”
Even though Cordelia thanked her, she didn’t know how to react.
She can’t be worried about my basic mannerism, right?
However, I only pray that her nice words don’t become a strange omen.
---
At night, Cordelia visited the Gunnell mansion.
Cordelia hadn’t appeared at a night party since her coming of age ceremony and Myles called out to her.
“Welcome, Cordelia-san.”
“Good evening, Myles-sama. Thank you for inviting me today.”
“No, I’m glad you came. I thought it would be impossible since you’re busy.”
She was relieved when she heard that it was the voice of an acquaintance. She didn’t think she was nervous, but it turned out that she was so nervous that she hadn’t noticed she was.
“But, are you alright? I heard that your shop is thriving too. You’re not tired?”
“It’s a little hard, but I’m thankful that it’s busy. And if I always stay away then everyone will forget about me.”
“They won’t forget about you if your shop is thriving. In fact, it’s still getting a lot of attention. Mother also said she wanted to visit your shop, so she might talk to you later.”
Viscountess Gunnell, who was a little further away, was surrounded by women her age and they seemed to be talking excitedly, so Cordelia might bother them if she were to interrupt. However, if Viscountess Gunnell was interested in her products, then she would like to find the opportunity to talk to her before she left.
“Please have fun. I would like to ask you to dance with me, but I’m sure the women will hate me for it.”
Cordelia also looked around when Myles did and she noticed that the guests… especially the women, had their gazes on her.
“If I talk to you for a long time, then they might think that they have less time to talk to you.”
Cordelia remained quiet for a bit after he joked around, then sighed.
I’m happy that they want to talk to me, but it isn’t good in this situation.
It’s worth it to come here just to be able to talk to women and build connections with them, but I also came here to look for a future partner. I’ll have to make adjustments if even the organiser, my friend Myles-sama, thinks that it’s hard to invite me to dance. I want to at least dance with him once to show people that I’m not hard to approach.
“Oh my, are you unsatisfied with me being your partner, Myles-sama?”
“Huh? No way!”
“Oh, my bad. I thought you were refusing me politely.”
Myles was surprised by Cordelia’s joke and quickly shrugged.
“But… Hmm, that’s right. It’s rude to not invite you for a dance when you took time out of your busy schedule to come here. Well, Milady, may I have a dance?”
Cordelia put her hand on the outstretched hand and headed to the centre of the hall.
She hadn’t been worried about dancing, but then she suddenly noticed while halfway to the dancefloor.
(Somehow, it’s embarrassing…)
She didn’t think that there was something wrong with her dancing.
(Close…!)
She knew that her dance partner would be close since this wasn’t her first dance, but she noticed that she was nervous even when dancing with a relatively close friend like Myles.
I have danced with Gille-sama before although no one was around. But if I were to dance with him now… then would I be able to dance calmly like I had back then?
(Is this… what they call growth?)
The only thing I can do now is believe that I would get used to it the more I do this.
Cordelia returned to her original place with Myles after the dance was over. She really respected those who could dance with multiple partners in one night since she was more fatigued than she thought she would be.
“Nice dancing, Myles and Cordelia-san.”
“Clifton. You came.”
“Of course, I would. I’m free after all.”
The first time Cordelia had met Clifton, the son of Duke Hack, was with Myles. They both belonged to families that had a marine-based business, and they also got along well because of their calm personalities.
“I’m sorry for asking this when you’re tired, but I would like to ask you something, Cordelia-san… Is it alright?”
“What is it?”
“I want to send a woman a gift. Can you help me?”
Clifton asked lightly, but Cordelia could tell his true feelings from how he was acting. She didn’t expect anyone to ask her for help with love here, but if he trusted her and wanted to rely on her for this, then she would like to support him.
“I’ll be happy to help. My shop also sells cute items. Since it’s you, Clifton-sama, it would be alright for you to come look at the items when the shop is closed. You can take your time to view the items this way.”
“Thanks. I really didn’t want to talk about this with mother or sister.”
“Somehow, I can understand your feelings.”
Even Cordelia would be embarrassed if she had to consult Elvis or Isma about love. No, in Elvis’s case since he refused to talk about her marriage interviews, she felt like he wouldn’t give her any advice to begin with.
“Then, I’ll let you know later. It seems like the women’s patience has reached their limits.”
“Ah, you’re right.”
Clifton and Myles looked around and smiled.
Then, on that signal, the women began approaching Cordelia. At the same time, they said before leaving, “Have fun.”
“Cordelia-sama, it’s been a long time.”
“You’re beautiful today too.”
“Your clothes look nice, but you also smell amazing.”
“I visited your shop yesterday. I was surprised to find out that there was spinach in the chiffon cake. The bright green colour was gorgeous, and it didn’t feel like I was eating vegetables even though it was made from vegetables and it was delicious.”
The women surrounded Cordelia in the blink of an eye.
At that time, Cordelia recalled Vernoux’s expression from the other day. Did he guess that this would happen?
She knew some of the ladies, but at present, the only person who she could say that she was friends with was Hazel. Unfortunately, she wasn’t here today, but if other ladies talked to her, then she had to respond.
However, Cordelia’s insight had been overly optimistic.
She was really grateful that they gave her a lot of attention…
(But I feel like my throat is starting to hurt.)
Whenever she attended tea parties with Nirupama, she was often the listener, when she talked with Vernoux, they talked the same amount and when she talked with Hazel, Hazel did most of the talking.
She had talked a lot at her coming of age ceremony, but the fatigue she had felt at that time had to do with her nervousness. However, she could talk with people slowly now unlike the last time, so they kept asking her short questions and she didn’t have time to rest her mouth.
(It’s also exhausting to be the hottest topic.)
Nirupama-obasama is quite talkative, but I’ve never seen her act tired from talking. I need to get used to this too after all. It seems like I have to work hard.
(But, I’m thirsty…)
It happened when she thought that.
“Would you like something to drink, Milady?”
“Excuse me?”
“Just kidding. How is it? Are you having fun?”
“My, Vernoux-sama.”
The women around her raised their voices when Vernoux spoke to Cordelia from among the crowd of people. Vernoux didn’t pay attention to those women, but he had an amused expression on his face, so it seemed like he had been gazing at the situation for a long time.
Vernoux had spoken jokingly and had presented the glass in his hand to Cordelia as if it was nothing.
At the same time, the women naturally distanced themselves from Cordelia.
They had done that because Vernoux was the son of a Marquis, but also because they concluded that it was better to give her time to moisturise her throat since she had been talking nonstop. 『We’ll talk to you later』they said before they left.
Vernoux put his own glass to his lips and Cordelia also drank the glass that she had been given.
“I had pretty good timing, didn’t I?”
“Yes, thank you very much.”
“Give me back something in return. Anyway, something interesting happened, didn’t it?”
“I appreciated some things. But I’m not the only person who has something interesting happen to them.”
“Really?”
Some of the ladies were looking over at Cordelia and Vernoux while blushing. They probably weren’t looking at Cordelia, but at Vernoux. She had already gotten too used to him, but she realised once again that he was someone who made the ladies blush.
“It seemed fruitful.”
“Yes. It was quite fun to talk to different people.”
“Different people?”
Cordelia raised her eyebrows since his words seemed to have a hidden meaning behind them.
“Don’t look at me like that. I just think you’re right.”
“What do you mean?”
“For example, His Highness is also here. Myles is His Highness’s classmate.”
“Eh?!”
“Of course, he’s incognito. A lot of people really came, didn’t they?”
She wanted to think that he was joking, but when she looked where he was looking, she certainly saw a young man with black hair.
That was definitely Prince Sylvester.
Clive was by Sylvester’s side, and the other people around them seemed to be paying attention to Sylvester as well, but they didn’t seem surprised that he had come. She felt like she was the person who was the most surprised by this as far as she could tell.
(When the heck did he get here?)
Cordelia hadn’t noticed him arrive at all.
“It’s not that unusual. This isn’t the first time he’s gone incognito. When His Majesty was young, he would attend evening parties when the opportunity presented itself.”
“I, I see…”
“You seem surprised.”
“Because I never heard that he would be here.”
Rather, why aren’t you surprised? Come to think of it, it was Vernoux-sama who recommended that I come to the Gunnel evening party.
(… No, I’m thinking too much. Vernoux-sama isn’t trying to make His Highness and I meet.)
He doesn’t benefit at all from introducing me to His Highness.
To begin with, Prince Sylvester had come here incognito, so I don’t have to go all the way there to say hello. There’s a lot of people here, and if the Prince just talks to the people who he wants to talk to, then I don’t need to get involved.
When I was awarded the permit to enter the Big Bookcase, he had told me that he wanted to talk to me more, but two years had passed since then. He has probably already forgotten what he wants to talk to me about.
Cordelia looked at the middle of the hall while being careful not to pay too much attention to Sylvester. When she thought that it wasn’t strange for her to respond like this, she felt Vernoux move.
His movement gave her a bad feeling.
No, it wasn’t a bad feeling, she was confident.
There was no doubt that Sylvester would approach them because Vernoux had greeted him lightly.
She curtsied gracefully as she endured not screaming as Sylvester approached slowly. She honestly wanted to leave, but she couldn’t pretend not to notice someone as Earl Pameradia’s daughter.
(But, Vernoux-sama is so mischievous! Why did he invite His Highness over here?! Shouldn’t he go to greet His Highness himself at times like this!)
Maybe I shouldn’t care about this since it doesn’t look like His Highness does, but it doesn’t have to be right now, does it?!
“You arrived earlier than I expected, Your Highness.”
“Because I finished a lot of things quickly. ――― It’s been a long time, Cordelia-san. Do you remember me?”
“Of course, Your Highness Sylvester.”
Sylvester seemed more mature than when she had met him two years ago, and he had grown into a young man with a gentle aura.
And, his face looked exactly like the game in her previous life.
(He really became『Prince Sylvester』…)
It was unavoidable that she wanted to avert her gaze from him.
Cordelia urgently wanted to disappear from this situation as soon as possible as Sylvester had attracted more attention when he walked over here.
(Now that I’ve greeted him, I can leave since I’ll get in the way of his chat with Vernoux-sama, right?)
Alright, I’m leaving.
She made up her mind, but Sylvester opened his mouth faster than Cordelia moved.
“I heard that you went to Weltoria to learn a lot of things.”
“Yes. I spent my time wisely there.”
Did he hear this from Vernoux? Or did he hear about it from someone else? In any case, Cordelia’s cheeks twitched since she had been brought up in conversation somewhere.
“It might not be as good as real experience, but please use the Big Bookcase again. I’m sure the Big Bookcase is waiting for you to visit.”
“Thank you very much.”
She didn’t want to talk anymore about the experience, but luckily, it didn’t seem like Sylvester had a bad impression of her. I think he wouldn’t even meet me if he hated me, but it’s also frustrating that my position as an Earl’s daughter makes that difficult. However, I think that this much is polite for him even if he doesn’t hate me to that point.
“Oh yes, Dilly, you were dancing with Myles before, weren’t you?”
“Huh? Yes.”
“Were you able to dance without stepping on his feet?”
Cordelia widened her eyes at Vernoux’s banter.
“Of course!”
Why did he say something rude in this place?
Doesn’t that sound like I always fail at dancing? If Vernoux-sama has been watching me since the last evening party, then he should know that he doesn’t have to worry about that.
However, Vernoux looked at Cordelia amusingly when she refuted.
“Then, that’s convenient.”
“Huh?”
“Your Highness, do you want to dance once in a while? It’s not always fun just to practice. Dilly just said that she’s good at dancing.”
Cordelia almost screamed at Vernoux since he had said something outrageous.
“Me? Isn’t it better for me to dance with you, Vernoux-sama?”
“It’s disgusting, isn’t it? That situation. Give me a break.”
Can I take your distress as a joke? Vernoux shrugged then laughed. He had been serious, and not joking, but it wasn’t something that should be said out loud. All that’s left is to hope that Sylvester-sama would refuse to dance with me.
(If he’s here incognito then he wouldn’t do something that would make him stand out.)
Cordelia believed as she waited for Sylvester’s response.
However, her smile froze on her face when he presented his hand to her.
“Then, can I have this dance?”
“With pleasure.”
Even though she had replied straight away, she muttered, “No way!” in her mind.
Should I say that it’s thanks to the results of my lady training that I was able to behave perfectly despite thinking something completely opposite from what I said? Vernoux-sama did something unnecessary, she thought as she once again returned to the middle of the hall. Having a worn-out throat is better than this. When I danced with Myles-sama, we had attracted the attention of those around us, but I’m getting more attention right now.
Cordelia really wanted to get away from this situation, but since she had gotten this far, she won’t run away until she finished dancing a song with him. Then, she thought about dancing so well that she would fascinate those around her and leave an impression in their minds.
(If I can’t run away, then I should use this chance to show people what a wonderful lady I am, or it would be a big loss…!)
But Cordelia widened her eyes as soon as the dance began.
(He’s good…!)
The first thing she felt was that simple impression.
I didn’t think he was bad, but I can’t complain about his steps and tempo even though it’s the first time I’m dancing with him. Are we just compatible or did he happen to see me dance with Myles-sama?
Cordelia was surprised and Sylvester met her eyes.
Sylvester looked like he had been caught unaware for a moment, but he instantly smiled gently.
“It was worth practicing.”
“Excuse me?”
“I thought I would dance weirdly because I’m nervous. I might show you something uncool.”
Sylvester-sama might not be used to dancing in front of people since Vernoux-sama had said he only practices.
(But it doesn’t seem like he has to worry since he’s this good at dancing… Perhaps, did Vernoux-sama think it would be alright if something happened since Sylvester-sama is dancing with me…?)
I was chosen as a practice partner to give Sylvester-sama confidence because it was convenient. When she thought of it like that, she felt a little calmer. If I dance automatically, then I’ll be released from this soon.
“You’re very good at dancing and I don’t feel like it’s my first time dancing with you.”
“I’m honoured.”
“I’m sure the ladies who dance with Your Highness in the future will all say the same.”
“… I’ll have to do my best to make sure that happens.”
Cordelia felt like his cheerful voice had dropped a little, so she looked at his expression, but he didn’t seem uneasy. The song ended when she thought that she had misheard him, and they returned to their original location.
Then, Vernoux greeted them back with a light applause.
“Your Highness, you’ve shown the results of your practicing. Dilly, you danced well.”
“Yeah, it was fun.”
Cordelia only curtsied lightly in reply, but Sylvester, who had answered Vernoux, released Cordelia’s hand and smiled.
“Thank you very much for dancing with me, Your Highness.”
“I should be the one saying that.”
It ended without incident~.
Cordelia calmed down a lot since she felt relieved.
I’ll ask Vernoux-sama about his reckless gesture at a later date, but now I need to leave.
“Then, Your Highness and Vernoux-sama. I…”
Will excuse myself now.
Cordelia’s arm was suddenly pulled before she could finish her sentence and her back was turned to Vernoux and Sylvester.
She was stunned by the power behind the pull, but she widened her eyes when she saw who had pulled her.
“You, you’re a beautiful person, aren’t you! What’s your name?”
Shelley, who she hadn’t seen in two years, was standing there.
Why is Shelley here? Maybe she’s here because she’s Earl Clydereine’s daughter, or even if she doesn’t have an invitation, someone she knew could have brought her here.
But, more importantly ―――.
(She asked for my name…?)
Don’t tell me it’s because she doesn’t recognise me. She seems really stupid to have forgotten the name of someone who she had verbally attacked two years ago.
However, acting like she didn’t know Cordelia even though she was making it clear that she didn’t like her was clearly contradictory.
(What is she up to? Those words sound familiar ―――.)
She thought, then suddenly noticed.
(Is this perhaps the first meeting between the『Heroine』and『Cordelia』in the game…?!)
In the game, the Heroine was nervous since it hadn’t been long since her debut, she saw a beautiful lady… or rather 『Cordelia』and went to her to ask for advice, but had failed, so 『Cordelia』became enraged.
Cordelia wasn’t just angry at the Heroine’s rude behaviour, but she was also angry that the Heroine had interrupted while she was talking to Sylvester and waiting for a chance to ask him to dance, but because of her anger, Sylvester invited the 『Heroine』to dance to protect her from 『Cordelia』and poured oil into the fire.
(In the game, Earl Clydereine only told her to 『Have fun』, and it made no mentions of whose evening party it was… No way, it happened at this one!?)
To add to that, the in-game 『Cordelia』wanted to dance with the Prince, but that didn’t mean she had danced with him.
And above all, the 『Heroine’s』 ――― Shelley’s eyes didn’t show a hint of nervousness or anxiety.
The only thing Cordelia felt from them was hostility towards her.
(Is she perhaps trying to recreate the scene without changing a single word…?)
I still don’t know what her 『Dreamer Power』is. But she’s trying to make me angry ――― no, she’s trying to 『reveal my true personality』since she’s saying those words at a time like this.
In any case, I don’t want it to develop into a quarrel. My goal right now is to leave this place. However, I might appear humble if I say my name just like she wants.
(It can’t be helped…)
Cordelia reasoned and smiled at Shelley.
“It’s been a while, Shelley-sama. Have you forgotten who I am?”
“… Huh?”
“It’s been two years, but I’m Cordelia. We’ve talked before. Cordelia Enna Pameradia. I’ve grown up now, so please treat me well.”
I don’t want her to treat me well, but I’m not going to go along with the scenario in her head.
When Shelley heard Cordelia’s words, she widened her eyes and said in a small voice, “No way…” She had said it so quietly that the other people around them couldn’t hear her, but Cordelia heard it clearly.
Cordelia turned to Sylvester and Vernoux and curtsied.
“Then, please excuse me. Your Highness and Vernoux-sama.”
Cordelia left after she said that.
The timing was great. It wasn’t unnatural for her to leave, and Shelley’s interruption made it easier for her to leave. However, she couldn’t feel relieved. If anything, she felt down.
(All the actors are here.)
However, I don’t plan on following the script. She must have dreamed of the in-game 『Cordelia』judging by how she acted.
(Shelley thinks that 『Cordelia』will harm His Highness because of her dreamer power. If her dreams are in line with the game scenario, then there’s a chance that she will continue to do the same thing.)
If so, then I should be able to evade her since my personality is different from 『Cordelia’s』. I can’t predict the weather or find lost things like Shelley, but I know the scenario, so our conditions are even.
(Instead of getting in my way, it would be better for her to leave me alone and improve herself to increase her chances of being acknowledged by His Highness.)
When I had talked to Vernoux-sama before, he had mentioned how people thought of her and about her rumours, but he didn’t say that there was a problem with her etiquette. So, Earl Clydereine must have done his best to get her to stand on the same start line as the in-game 『Heroine』. If that’s the case, then it’s wiser for her to observe the situation than deliberately act stupid in front of Sylvester-sama.
At least, I didn’t want to dance with him, and I was going to back down without her interruption.
(I might not need a strategy if it’s like this. However, I can’t let my guard down since I don’t know what she’s planning on doing.)
Even if it’s avoidable, if she’s approaching me, then I feel like another bothersome incident will happen. Even if this is different from the game, I realised that Shelley and I are incompatible once again.
It was a coincidence that I had met her tonight at the evening party, but I was able to confirm a few things. As a result, I can only accept it.
I’ll treat it as a harvest, Cordelia thought.
---
Vernoux came outside when Cordelia was getting a carriage arranged.
“Are you alright? It looked like she pulled you pretty hard.”
“Thank you for your concern. Fortunately, I’m fine since she doesn’t seem that powerful.”
“I see. Are you going home now?”
“Yes.”
It was a shame that she couldn’t talk to Viscountess Gunnell, but it would be better if she sent a letter to her later. If Shelley were to cling to Cordelia by Sylvester’s side, then it would be bad in many ways.
Vernoux, who didn’t seem like he was going to return to the hall, was going to accompany Cordelia until her carriage arrived.
“Is it alright for you not to be with His Highness?”
“It’s fine since Clive is there. Besides, I’m a little tired from the crowd, so I’d like a break.”
Cordelia didn’t say anything in particular since Vernoux had said that.
Shelley probably won’t approach Cordelia again since she had been dumbfounded, but it would be a hassle if other guests ask her about the situation. She was thankful for this, but she had to say something to him since he was here.
“I gave you back what I owed for the glass.”
Vernoux widened his eyes a little at Cordelia’s words and shrugged.
“Isn’t it crafty of you to settle it with just that much?”
“How so? I felt even more attention on me than when I danced with Onii-sama. Is it good for His Highness to stand out when he’s incognito?”
“It’s fine. His Highness doesn’t have a fiancée. Even if he doesn’t say it outright, he would need to talk to a lot of ladies to find someone. So that’s part of the reason why he’s doing this.”
“What does that have to do with dancing with me? This isn’t the first time he’d gone incognito at an evening party, right? Why hasn’t he asked another lady to dance with him until now?”
“… Well, the first lady who he dances with might have a big misunderstanding, so he has to be careful. Normally, people don’t have to worry if they’re not adults, but it’s His Highness.”
Vernoux answered Cordelia, who had criticised him, while averting his gaze.
Seeing that, Cordelia raised her eyebrow.
“So, I guess it was convenient that I was there since I wouldn’t misunderstand. It’s the same as receiving a request from you.”
What a sacrifice, Cordelia sighed.
“Don’t get me involved.”
“I won’t stop if you want to appeal yourself to him. Do you want me to support you?”
“Please don’t joke. It’s too much for me to bear.”
“Who’s joking?”
“You are.”
Even if she wasn’t avoiding the Prince, she would be surprised if Sylvester had suddenly talked to her in a situation like that.
However, when she heard that Sylvester was looking for his Queen, she felt that this kingdom was stable enough to not need a political marriage.
It was possible for Sylvester to choose his own partner in the game, but actually, domestic affairs and diplomacy also had to do with who he chose. She heard that there was a lot of turbulence in Dulaus to the north, so if Sylvester were to choose his own Queen, then she should be happy as a citizen of this kingdom.
“If it’s because of such circumstances, then I feel like I’ll be asked a lot of questions from other ladies in the future.”
“That sounds fun.”
“How does it sound fun?”
Even if Sylvester had chosen Cordelia as his first dance partner to avoid misunderstands, the other people would perceive her as such. If this isn’t denied, then it would be troublesome later. It was something that he had to handle since it could get in the way of him searching for his wife.
“Well, don’t look displeased. His Highness is also worried. If you’re harmed because of him, then he would erase rumours about you following him by inviting you to dance himself. It’s only a small part, but there are people in the political world who like to turn stupid rumours into scandals.”
“… If this is about Shelley-sama, then it isn’t His Highness’s fault. No one could have imagined that she would act eccentrically.”
“Absolutely. But you’re one to talk. I’m glad you’re not feeling down about it.”
“Huh?”
“An unlucky thing happened even though you finally went to an evening party.”
He had said this lightly, but this showed that he was concerned about her like Sylvester was. Cordelia was aware that he had come out here because he was worried about her.
That was why she was taking it slowly.
“Do I look like such a lady?”
“No.”
“Argh, please say yes even if it’s a lie.”
“You don’t seem like such a lady because you talk back like that.”
Cordelia also shrugged.
“Fortunately, I didn’t feel any danger to my life today… I feel that I shouldn’t get involved with her and increase the number of people who would believe me instead of her.”
“Danger to your life, you say…? That sounds very dangerous.”
Vernoux used a light tone because he had taken it as a joke, but it wasn’t a joke to Cordelia.
(I didn’t feel that she could do something like that today… But, 『Cordelia』was also the same at the start.)
『Cordelia』didn’t doubt that the Heroine would withdraw, and she didn’t pick her means because she believed in her own justice until she lost her life. I’m sure Shelley is the same.
(I hope that things continue as they are as long as I don’t get provoked by her…)
The game 『Heroine』bounced back from her failure and learnt proper etiquette after her problem with 『Cordelia』. However, there were several times when the Heroine was unlucky and had screwed up in front of 『Cordelia』causing her to get angry, but it wasn’t that much. On the other hand, 『Cordelia』grew impatient since the 『Heroine』was getting close to Sylvester and meddled with her even though she didn’t need to.
However, I don’t think that Shelley would understand even after a few incidents. If so, then I need to stay away from Shelley as much as I can… and I have to be extra careful when Sylvester-sama is around.
She thought, then realised that she had ignored something.
“Say, Vernoux-sama, can I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“You said politics… so does that mean that Otou-sama will hear about this…?”
“Well, he probably has. But the Earl isn’t someone who would be troubled even if he faced the other way, so he probably sorted it out himself.”
“Is that so? I’m sorry for troubling him.”
She hadn’t heard anything about this from Elvis.
Of course, Cordelia couldn’t do anything since she had been in Weltoria fief until recently, but it was still painful.
“No, I think it’s rather convenient for him? The people who are trying to find fault with you are desperately searching for flaws even if you’re not here. The Earl is properly psyched up if someone says bad things about his daughter.”
“… Is that a good thing?”
Cordelia was worried about Elvis because he could harm his health if he got too psyched up, but she decided that he wouldn’t go that far.
And she was thankful to Elvis for protecting her without her noticing.