When Cordelia got home, she immediately asked Emina to arrange for a tailor.
Emina was a little surprised that Cordelia wanted to have a red dress tailored as soon as possible.
“Ojou-sama, this is the first time that you’ve requested for a red dress, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“But I’m sure it’ll look nice on you.”
“Thanks.”
She couldn’t feel happy even though she was told it would look nice on her because of her complicated feelings.
Dark red gave off a strong and distinct impression, and it was also a suitable colour to wear for matches. And Emina was right, it was definitely a colour that suited Cordelia. After all, it was a colour that 『Cordelia』knew suited her very well.
But she still wanted to avoid it because in a way it was her 『burial clothes』.
(But if Shelley is convinced that I’m the 『Cordelia in the red dress』, then I’ll take up the gauntlet. And I’m pretty sure I should put it on at least once as a way of bidding farewell to 『Cordelia』.)
She decided that she would face this head on.
She couldn’t help but feel like she was losing the fight before it even started since she compromised.
“Would it take a bit of time if I commissioned for it now?”
“Normally, yes.”
“I see…”
“But as a matter of fact, Lindsey-sama, who has always been tailoring your dresses, has been making red dresses that fit you in her spare time, so I’m sure that she can have them ready after she’s made some adjustments and adds the finishing touches to them.”
“Huh? I don’t think I’ve ever paid for anything like that.”
She did remember Lindsey recommending her red dresses a number of times, but she had always chosen a different colour each time.
“Lindsey-sama likes to think of ideal dresses for people, so she makes them in hopes that the people, who she made them for, would wear them even if they don’t order them. I’m sure she would be delighted if you purchased it. ”
“I, I see…”
“It’s just that even if you’re satisfied with the dress, she might get new inspiration once you try it on and want to make small adjustments on the dress. But it’ll still be ready in time for the banquet.”
“That’s good. Thank you.”
Cordelia had no way of knowing what evening party Shelley would attend, but she did know of one evening party that Shelley would attend without having to inquire.
That was the 『Stargazing Banquet』.
The Stargazing Banquet was hosted by the royal family; young men and women were invited to the banquet, and Cordelia also received an invitation to the banquet. Sylvester, who had just come of age, was this year’s host, and she had no reason to decline as long as she was in the royal capital and was depressed about this at first.
But there was no way she wouldn’t take advantage of this period if she was going to face Shelley face on.
(If she takes the initiative to misbehave in order to recreate her dreams even at a banquet hosted by the royal family, then she will finally be completely obsessed with her dreams. Kids who misbehave must be reasoned with.)
Actually, all Shelley was doing was throwing her temper mostly at Cordelia. There were other parts of her personality that were like the in-game 『Cordelia』, but she hasn’t acted as radical as 『Cordelia』yet.
(Even so, there might be a chance that she would go out of control and lose her life. The Clydereine House has as much magic power as I do.)
Cordelia had always felt that Shelley was troublesome and a bad omen.
But she has never wished that Shelley would lose her life.
Cordelia wasn’t good at dealing with Shelley and didn’t want to approach her, but Shelley had said that she wanted to be of use to her benefactor, Sylvester, unlike 『Cordelia』, who wanted the position of Queen. It seemed like Shelley was running wild right now, but if she doesn’t use her power in the wrong way, then she might actually be of use to him.
(I guess no one by her side properly reasons with her because of her powers. But I also know very well that she isn’t someone who would listen either.)
Still, if Shelley had someone who had told her off then she probably wouldn’t have become like this. Cordelia felt that this was truly regrettable.
Cordelia walked down the corridor alone after she had left Emina and muttered to herself.
“I hope that I can bid farewell to 『Cordelia』and Shelley’s dreams…”
When she got closer to her room, she decided to turn back and visit Ronnie. There was one thing she wanted to confirm before confronting Shelley.
Ronnie was relaxing before dinner in his room at the magician wing. He blinked when he saw Cordelia enter his room with a serious expression on her face.
“Ojou-sama, what’s wrong? You look very serious.”
“Say, Ronnie. I have a question for you… Of all the magic I can use, there’s nothing that can kill me if I use it too much, right?”
Cordelia still didn’t know what magic 『Cordelia』had used to kill herself. Of course, she wasn’t going to cause an uproar, so she wouldn’t be using such magic, but she wanted to confirm this just in case.
“As far as I know, nothing you use can cause that. But you can faint if you overwork your magic. You couldn’t move in the woods before, right? But with that, you won’t die from the magic itself, because you won’t be able to move your body before you die.”
“I see. That’s good.”
“I don’t know what you’re thinking of doing, but you’re not trying to do something dangerous are you?”
“Of course not. I like peace too, so I don’t want to do anything dangerous.”
That was why she came here to confirm this, but Ronnie wasn’t convinced.
“I’m telling you this just in case, but if you find a curse or something, never try to break it yourself. If you do it on your own, then you’ll just be eaten by the curse.”
“As expected, I won’t often come across a situation where I need to undo a curse, right?”
He had probably given her that advice because of what had happened with Lara in the past, but Cordelia didn’t think it would be necessary this time.
Anyway, Cordelia couldn’t use magic that could kill her. It was reassuring to know this when she confronted Shelley.
(But, was Lara’s curse also from Dulaus?)
She was reminded of Ghost for a moment, but she sincerely hoped that nothing unnecessary would happen at the Stargazing Banquet.
The day of the Stargazing Banquet.
Cordelia was a little perplexed when she saw her dressed up figure in the full-length mirror.
The in-game 『Cordelia』had been stubborn, domineering and mean, but her appearance was gorgeous and lovely.
However, for some reason, Cordelia’s current appearance made her look strong.
“Won’t… people around me see me as domineering like this?”
The words spilled out of her mouth and her cheeks twitched.
(Red? Is it because of this red colour?)
Even though she had thought that, 『Cordelia’s』dress had been the same shade of red, so she didn’t think that it was because of the colour. She thought she looked calmer than 『Cordelia』, but it was still a little shocking to see herself like this.
“Please relax a little more. Ojou-sama, you’re too nervous today.”
“Y-yes…”
Cordelia’s expression was so stiff that it made Emina smile wryly.
Cordelia smiled again and she felt like the intimidating aura that surrounded her earlier had faded a little.
Although her makeup was done modestly, she had on a bright red lipstick so that the dress wouldn’t overshadow her. She chose the rose that Gille had given her for her hair accessory, and it stood out even with her red dress.
Finally, she sprayed on some rose fragrance, and her preparations for battle were done.
“Well, shall we go now?”
Cordelia spoke to her reflection in the mirror.
Cordelia had been to the castle many times now and was already used to it, but this was the first time she was heading to the Great Hall where the evening party was held.
While people who were attending the evening party were coming and going, Cordelia stopped once at the entrance of the venue.
“Isma-oniisama?”
“Ah, Cordelia?”
Isma was dressed in his knight uniform, and he probably was working and wasn’t here to attend the evening party.
“You’re dressed in a more spirited manner than usual today.”
“Do I give off the impression that I’m domineering, after all?”
“No, you don’t look like you’re domineering. But… every time I see you outside of home, I feel like you’ve grown up.”
Cordelia smiled wryly since Isma had celebrated her coming of age ceremony with her.
“Onii-sama. That’s something Otou-sama would say.”
“I’m worried since I have an adorable little sister.”
“Oh my, it’s an honour to hear you praise me.”
They laughed, then Isma spoke quietly.
“Lately, the relationship between father and Earl Clydereine has been dangerously bad. Father never cared even if the Earl had been openly hostile towards him, but nowadays, he clearly harbours ill-feeling towards the Earl.”
“That has… something to do with me, doesn’t it?”
“So, you know what is going on. If you need help, talk to Father. Of course, you can talk to me as well. However, I can’t stay near you much today since I have to work.”
“Thank you very much, Onii-sama. But don’t worry. I always talk to you two whenever I have a problem.”
“Really? Then, I feel at ease.”
Cordelia couldn’t tell from Isma’s expression whether he took it as a joke or seriously. Bowing at Isma’s back as he made his way towards his post, Cordelia slowly took a deep breath then stepped forward.
The warm glow from the chandeliers illuminated the marble floor in the spacious hall. Slow and quiet music was playing since the evening party hadn’t officially started yet. However, there were already a lot of men and women gathering around and talking. Perhaps because this party was for the younger generation, the women’s dresses were more brightly coloured than usual, and the venue looked gorgeous.
Cordelia briefly gazed around the hall, but there didn’t seem to be any sign of Shelley. As long as she was careful, then she wouldn’t be caught off guard.
The evening party was opened with a speech from a member of the royal family ――― that is, after Sylvester’s greetings, the orchestra will play music for dancing. After that, it was basically not too different from other evening parties, but there were scholars waiting to help the guests appreciate the night sky, and Cordelia heard that constellation boards will be loaned out. When Cordelia had first heard about this, she thought that it was an event that Gille would enjoy.
(I even thought that maybe Gille-sama would attend a night party without transformation magic cast on him… but I haven’t found anyone who looks like him yet.)
Considering that Gille-sama and Vernoux-sama get along really well, I thought that Gille-sama would be with Vernoux-sama in his original form too, but I haven’t seen a young man who looks like him yet.
He may not be here today either, but it’ll be nice if I can talk to him about my travels the next time we meet. But, will that be possible? Unfortunately, I haven’t even been able to thank him for the bracelet I’m wearing.
Cordelia proceeded to the wall while thinking. Along the way, she felt the women turn their gazes at her. They started chattering. She felt like she heard someone say they recognised her by her scent, and the women seemed restless, but they didn’t speak to her straight away.
(Maybe because it’s before the opening speech?)
Looking at her surroundings, she could also feel that they didn’t want their conversation with her to be interrupted because of the opening speech.
It’s kind of rare to be by myself, she thought as she looked slowly around the middle of the hall. She found someone amongst the crowd, who stood frozen, and tilted her head.
(Clive-sama?)
She didn’t say this out loud and only moved her mouth. Clive also noticed her and walked towards her in rather large strides while blinking his eyes.
“… Cordelia-jou?”
“Eh? Yes, I’m Cordelia. It’s been a while, Clive-sama.”
Why did he say that in a questioning manner? She thought while curtsying.
She had seen Clive at Myles’s evening party from a distance but couldn’t talk to him because of Sylvester. But right now, he was acting cautious like he was greeting someone who he hadn’t seen before.
“… What’s wrong?”
It might have been her imagination, but she didn’t know how to react.
Clive coughed once and spoke without any particular expression on his face.
“Excuse me. I have been entrusted with a message from His Highness. He would like to have a few words with you later.”
“His Highness… wants to speak to me?”
“If he wanted to speak to someone else, then I wouldn’t have had to inform you about this.”
What Clive had said was correct, but Cordelia couldn’t understand.
“I’m sure His Highness would be able to speak to me even if he didn’t inform me beforehand… People probably wouldn’t interrupt us.”
I don’t know why he wants to speak to me, but I also don’t know how to refuse him either. I don’t want to talk to him or get involved with him, but there isn’t anyone here who he can’t talk to since this evening party is hosted by the royal family.
However, Clive sighed at Cordelia’s words.
“That’s why he’s telling you beforehand. He was worried that you might be offended if he interrupted your conversation with others.”
“I’m not that small-minded.”
“There’s no way His Highness would know that.”
Clive’s aura stated that he was only here to pass on the message and Cordelia widened her eyes.
“Cordelia-sama, what surprises you?”
“I wasn’t expecting to hear such words from you, Clive-sama. You’re aware I have as much room in my heart as everyone else.”
Clive frowned openly when he heard Cordelia’s words, but he didn’t deny it.
“I’d appreciate it if you stop speaking nonsense.”
“Oh my, it’s important.”
“Like always, unfortunately that part of you is exactly like Vernoux-sama.”
Clive expressed that his views didn’t match with Vernoux like always with those words.
“You get along well with Vernoux-sama, don’t you? Vernoux-sama mentioned that you hadn’t changed either, Clive-sama.”
“I don’t have time to listen to your nonsense either. Then, excuse me.”
“Oh my, I’m―――”
Cordelia stopped apologising half-way through because she recognised Shelley’s figure at the corner of her eye. Clive also glanced at where she was looking since she had stopped speaking unnaturally.
“… Earl Clydereine’s daughter? It would be best if you stayed away from her.”
“Yes, I think so too. But… she’s acting a bit strange, isn’t she?”
Shelley and Cordelia’s eyes met for a moment. Shelley threw a strong smile at Cordelia and said something to the waitress who was preparing the drinks. Cordelia didn’t know what Shelley had said, but the waitress seemed troubled.
“Cordelia-sama, are you going over there?”
“Yes.”
“It’s not something you should poke your nose into. Moreover, it’s her.”
“But I’ve also prepared for complaints at the store, so I might be of help. Besides, it would be better to settle this before His Highness shows up, right?”
Clive sighed at Cordelia’s query. It was fortunate for her since he didn’t refute.
“Then, Clive-sama. I’ll see you later.”
Then, Cordelia turned her back to Clive.
(Shelley recognised me and is up to something. I don’t want to tempt her, but she’s troubling others. I just can’t leave this alone.)
Considering the actions that Shelley has taken until now, her public attacks will be trivial. She will either get me involved while falling, say rude things to me, or deliberately step on my dress like she did last time… Those were the actions that immediately came to Cordelia’s mind. She wasn’t 『Cordelia』, and Shelley wasn’t going crazy, so she should be able to handle it calmly.
When she got close enough to Shelley to be able to talk to her, her gaze clashed with Shelley’s blue eyes. Seeing Shelley’s provocative smile, Cordelia felt like Shelley was going to do something after all and put up her guard ―――.
But who would have expected that multiple glasses would come flying towards her?
Cordelia realised that Shelley had done this when the cold liquid slid down her skin. Fortunately, the liquid was juice and not wine, but it had still gotten all over her face and dress. The glasses shattered when they hit the ground, and the sound unexpectedly echoed well around her.
(This is…! Normally anyone would be furious about this…!)
Cordelia wiped her face before she spoke, and the people around her looked at her quietly.
(I’m hogging all their attention.)
She could tell that everyone was looking at her while holding their breaths.
They may be able to understand the situation from the shattered glasses on the floor, the liquid on Cordelia’s face and dress, and from seeing Shelley hold the tray, but they couldn’t comprehend why this situation had happened. Even Cordelia would have wondered what had happened if she saw this from an outsider’s perspective.
Cordelia didn’t miss the momentary look of accomplishment on Shelley’s face, although Shelley seemed surprised.
(The Heroine didn’t make this big of a blunder in the game.)
There was a scene in the game where the 『Heroine』crashed into『Cordelia』and spilled her drink on her. But it hadn’t been as brash as this. 『Cordelia』, who had only received a slight injury, flew into a rage and had made unreasonable demands to the 『Heroine』, so she might have been the person who had attracted everyone’s attention instead.
I can’t imagine why Shelley would do something like this, but I have no intention of following the scenario she wants.
(Let me declare that how the 『Cordelia』she envisions would do.)
Cordelia was scared and nervous, but she decided to hide all that in her mind.
She had come here with the determination to confront Shelley. Even though she hadn’t expected this to happen, she wasn’t going to back down.
Cordelia made a blank face and opened her mouth with determination.
“『It’s you again? Do you have any idea what you’ve done?』”
This was the first time that Cordelia had said the same words as the in-game 『Cordelia』to Shelley.
The setting was different, but Cordelia decided that this line was accurate since Shelley wanted to expose the true nature of『Cordelia』.
Shelley covered her mouth with both her hands.
“I, I wanted to help… I, I’m sorry, Cordelia-sama.”
Cordelia couldn’t see Shelley’s expression since she had her face down.
But it didn’t seem like she was really apologising. She had done it intentionally from the start, and even though she seemed frightened, she had justified herself before apologising.
Cordelia sighed.
“『Look carefully at how foolish your actions were.』You need to apologise sincerely and reflect on your actions, not try to justify yourself.”
“Cordelia-sama… Are you saying that words aren’t enough? What would you like me to do to show my sincerity?”
What was the reason behind her trembling voice?
Shelley stiffened as Cordelia approached. Shelley might have expected a slap to come flying at her, but Cordelia wasn’t 『Cordelia』. Even if she sometimes quoted 『Cordelia』, her thoughts were completely different from hers.
Cordelia walked straight past Shelley. When she took three steps forward and turned around, Shelley was still looking at her in surprise.
Cordelia turned her sharp gaze towards Shelley. So, she really hasn’t noticed after all.
“The person you should be apologising to first is this person, is it not?”
“Excuse me?”
The person who was trembling the most at those words was the waitress who had turned pale.
Shelley didn’t understand the meaning behind Cordelia’s words even when she saw the trembling waitress who was speechless.
The waitress quickly lowered her head in a panic.
“I, I’m sorry…! Are you…!?”
“Please don’t worry about it. I’m alright.”
“But, th-the glass… your dress too…!”
The waitress was extremely confused since the drinks she had prepared were snatched by a young lady, and then used to harm another young lady. Then, her eyes widened even more when she saw the glass shards scattered on the floor. Cordelia stopped the waitress with one hand when she was about to run up to the shards.
“Please calm down. You’re going to hurt your hands. It seems like other people have gone to get cleaning tools, so please wait.”
“B-but…”
“It’s alright, this will all be over by the time His Highness arrives.”
Still, the waitress’s colour didn’t return to her face as she was wondering how this had happened.
“Shelley-sama, are you not going to apologise?”
“I don’t understand what you’re saying! It’s obvious that that person has done nothing wrong! What does she need to be afraid of?!”
Shelley’s face was filled with frustration.
Cordelia had spoken words that 『Cordelia』would say, and yet the result was different from what Shelley had imagined.
Shelley was supposed to expose the ugly truth about 『Cordelia』, but she understood that it had not gone as she had expected from how people around her were acting.
Cordelia slowly stood up.
“It is responsibility for the job that you’ve been entrusted with. The host will probably ask who is responsible for this.”
“Are you trying to blame her? The glass isn’t yours, so don’t talk like you’re all that!”
“I’m saying that that is a possible scenario. This situation could be perceived as such, she let a guest help her with her job, and thus caused harm to someone the royal family had invited. Even if I didn’t care, I wouldn’t be surprised if she were to be held accountable in some way.”
Shelley probably didn’t understand the value of the glasses here. Cordelia’s dress might stain as well. Shelley probably didn’t even imagine what would happen if the bill for these things were directed at the waitress.
When Shelley glared at her while trying to find the words to refute, Cordelia pressed her for answers.
“What the hell do you want to do by causing trouble for others? If you’re going to continue to do these things, then『be prepared to make an enemy out of Cordelia Enna Pameradia. I won’t show you any mercy』.”
With that declaration of war, Cordelia felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
Although her conflict with Shelley wasn’t completely over, she was able to tell Shelley this firmly in the dress that『Cordelia』preferred to wear, using the same lines as 『Cordelia』but yet, with a different opinion than『Cordelia』. With that, Cordelia felt like she could bid farewell to 『Cordelia』.
However, Shelley’s voice shook.
“Why… do you speak as if you’re on the side of justice…!?”
Her voice was honestly really quiet. She had asked a question, but she wasn’t asking Cordelia this. But no matter what Shelley thought, there was no one here who would take her side.
Then, Shelley suddenly stepped forward and grabbed Cordelia’s arm.
“Wah?!”
“If only… if only you had acted like you did in my dreams!”
Cordelia widened her eyes at the magic that flowed into her arm.
Suddenly, an unpleasant feeling coiled around her body and her heart jumped loudly. The feeling was extremely close to the sensation she had felt when she had dispelled Lara’s curse.
(This is a curse…?! Why does Shelley…?!)
I can guess that Shelley had strong magic powers since she was born to the Clydereine House, but I didn’t think she could use this kind of magic in two years. Besides, would Earl Clydereine even teach her this kind of spell?
She tried to shake Shelley’s arm off, but the chill made it hard to move. Besides, the power that Shelley had used to grasp her arm was so strong that it was hard to believe it came from a lady.
(Is her magic going out of control too?!)
Cordelia understood that Shelley didn’t care if she had killed herself in this process and desperately tried to resist.
However, her momentary lapse in judgement had been grave.
(This is bad…!)
The graveness of the situation must have been immediately conveyed to everyone else around Cordelia and Shelley as well, because she thought she heard the voice of a knight on duty.
(But she won’t make it…!)
I have to get away at all costs －―― With that thought, Cordelia concentrated all her nerves and resisted with her magic.
(There’s no way I’m giving up…!)
She persuaded herself, and her arm suddenly became hot.
(This is the bracelet Gille-sama gave me…?)
The heat ran through her body as if counteracting all the chills she was experiencing, and the unpleasant feeling that was consuming her, disappeared.
The bracelet shattered at the same time.
Cordelia looked at the bracelet that had fallen onto the floor while trying to calm her rugged breaths.
(I was protected by this bracelet…?)
Shelley was seized by the knight while Cordelia breathed a sigh of relief. However, Shelley had already fainted and didn’t show any resistance.
“Are you hurt?”
The knight who had spoken to her was Clarice, someone whom she already knew. Cordelia shook her head a little.
“No, I’m fine. More importantly, she might have some kind of curse cast on her.”
“A curse…?”
“I don’t know. But she had magic flowing through her that I don’t believe is hers.”
Cordelia informed Clarice quietly and Clarice nodded.
Shelley had invoked magic to harm Cordelia, and in the castle at that. This needed to be investigated even if it was determined that the magic wouldn’t kill Cordelia. Cordelia didn’t know what punishment Shelley would receive because of that, but that wasn’t something she could control.
“I’m going to leave for now. I’m not dressed appropriately to be in public at the moment.”
“Then, I’ll call Isma-sama.”
“Thank you for your concern, but it’s alright. I can’t interrupt Onii-sama’s work.”
Isma may have already heard about this commotion, but Cordelia didn’t want any plans to be changed since this was an event sponsored by the royal family.
Cordelia picked up the shattered bracelet.
“May I ask you to arrange a carriage for me? I look like this, so I’ll wait for them in the less crowded courtyard.”
“Understood. Then, I’ll have someone go with you.”
“No, that’s fine too. I at least know where we are, I need to calm down a bit.”
When Cordelia said that, Clarice didn’t say anything else either.
But Cordelia remembered that she had something to say before she left, so she bent down in front of the waitress and spoke.
“If you’re worried about the glasses, then I’ll explain this at a later date. It’s clear that you hadn’t intended for this to happen.”
“No, that’s… I, I…”
“I don’t mind. But if you’re that concerned about today’s events and don’t want to work here anymore, then I would like to invite you to the Pameradia House. We welcome responsible people.”
Then, Cordelia left the hall. As she passed Clive, she was able to tell him, “Please allow me to have that talk with His Highness at a later date.”
After reaching the courtyard, Cordelia made sure that no one was around and slowly stretched.
“I’m so tired…!”
Although she knew this was an unfit act for a young lady, she couldn’t help but do so. The remaining burdens on her shoulders were all lifted, and her mind was really clear.
It’s over, it’s over, it’s over.
That thought spread down to her fingertips. The phantom of『Cordelia』was covered in a haze, and she no longer cared about wearing red dresses.
She didn’t have to think about the fear which was caused by the relationship between the『Heroine』and『Cordelia』that had been nested in her heart for a long time. She may encounter trouble in the future, but that wouldn’t be determined by the fate of the in-game 『Cordelia』.
Shadows of 『Cordelia』shouldn’t cross through her mind anymore.
“I don’t know what kind of punishment will be given to Shelley, but hopefully this will give her a chance to face reality…”
Cordelia wasn’t going to get involved with Shelley anymore, but she wasn’t going to blame her either. She did feel something towards the curse, but she felt that she could have become 『Cordelia』if she didn’t have memories of her previous life.
Besides, there was something that worried her more than Shelley’s future.
That is the magic that Shelley had used. Since she had felt something similar to Lara’s curse, it was highly possible that this magic came from Dulaus Kingdom.
(I don’t think… Shelley was forced to obey the curse like Lara was. If anything, it’s possible that she accepted the curse because she was tempted to.)
Given Shelley’s personality, she would gladly accept the curse if she was told that it could expose my true nature.
It was easy for Cordelia to guess who would say such a thing.
In the game, there was a red-eyed man who had instigated 『Cordelia』. It wouldn’t be strange for that man to be interested in Shelley since her personality was similar to that of 『Cordelia’s』. Someone who knows a lot of Dulaus magic and takes pleasure in tricking people ――― she thought and only one person came to mind.
(What the hell did Ghost do this for…?)
Her sense of liberation turned into tension again.
Ghost had said that he didn’t want to go near the castle because he didn’t like how guarded it was, but if he had instigated Shelley, then he wouldn’t miss this. A large part of his reasoning for doing things is because he wants to see it happen.
Cordelia squinted her eyes and looked around.
If Ghost is around, then he would be in a place that doesn’t have a lot of guards. And if he wanted to see that hall, then he would need to be in a high place, ――― Cordelia thought and looked up at the castle walls, then she saw a shadow move slightly.
She couldn’t see who it was clearly, but her instincts told her that was Ghost.
And she felt a disgusting smile was directed at her from the direction of the shadow.
“…”
She thought that all her problems involving『Cordelia』had been taken care of, but there were still some left.
If I don’t settle things with Ghost, then I can’t really bid farewell to 『Cordelia』.
(If Ghost had really instigated this, then he would approach me again.)
When she thought that, she heard hastened footsteps and put her guard up.
(Who is it…?)
I’m sure they will call me when the carriage is ready, but those rough footsteps don’t seem to be from someone who’s coming to call me.
What on earth is going on? Cordelia turned around and saw an unexpected person.
“Your Highness…?”
Cordelia was speechless at the appearance of the ――― breathless, black-haired, and golden-eyed young man, Sylvester.
There was no way the host, Sylvester, would be dawdling at a place like this. She couldn’t see any attendants nearby. Why the hell did he come to a place like this by himself? Cordelia was so surprised that she even forgot to curtsy.
Sylvester didn’t even try to catch his breath as he approached Cordelia. Watching him, Cordelia finally realised that she had to greet him and quickly curtsied before opening her mouth to do so.
But before she could, shock ran through her body. It wasn’t until she heard his voice by her ear that she had realised that it was because Sylvester was hugging her.
“Thank god.”
No, there’s nothing good about this situation.
Cordelia couldn’t comprehend his actions and could only blink. Her body had stiffened from her confusion and she even felt as if she had become a tree.
However, the hug didn’t last for long, and Sylvester let go of her as if he had been repelled and stepped back.
“I’m sorry for my sudden action.”
“I-it’s alright…”
She was certainly surprised, but she was hesitant to tell him that, so she slurred her words. Sylvester had apologised but he looked more relieved than sorry.
“Umm… did you hear about the commotion?”
Cordelia asked timidly while feeling something that was difficult to explain.
Of course, she understood what she had said, but there was nothing else to talk about. It was natural for the host to worry if their guests are harmed. But as far as she was concerned, she was safe, and she wanted to tell Sylvester that he should return soon since he had to give his greetings. But it was also uncomfortable to say this to someone who had come all the way here because they were concerned about her.
However, it was very strange for someone, who she had been avoiding, to be this worried about her.
Sylvester looked gently at Cordelia, who was experiencing mixed feelings, and nodded.
“The knight did report to me, but I felt a strange magical reaction. I’m sorry. I apologise from the bottom of my heart for putting you in danger.”
“No, you don’t need to apologise for that.”
He had people in the room who were ready to react to anything that could happen. Cordelia felt that the knight wouldn’t make it in time, but she might have been able to. Cordelia also thought that the guards prepared today was appropriate since it was hard to imagine that a normal guest, or even a royal or important person would be harmed directly.
Sylvester laughed in a troubled manner at Cordelia’s reply. From his expression, Cordelia could tell that Sylvester felt responsible as the host, and he might have come here because the victim was someone he knew.
However, she thought it was a bit too much for him to hug her all of a sudden―――.
(Huh?)
Even now, she didn’t have any particularly good feelings towards Sylvester.
Although she didn’t have any good feelings towards him, she suddenly realised that there was no reason for her to avoid him anymore since she had bid farewell to 『Cordelia』and 『Shelley』had become a nobody to him.
(Well, it’s not like it matters… Yeah, that’s right. There’s nothing wrong with keeping things the way they are.)
There may not be a reason to avoid him, but I don’t need to get particularly close to him either.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. More importantly, don’t you have to give your greetings soon, Your Highness…?”
“I still have time. But you’ll get angry if I stay here and don’t give my speech.”
Then Sylvester removed his cloak and wrapped it around Cordelia.
“The wind is getting a little chilly. Please be careful on your way home.”
“Yo-your Highness! It’ll get dirty!”
Even Cordelia knew that her dress wasn’t dry yet. The cloak might have already gotten wet, but she still tried to quickly remove it, however a hand forcefully held it in place.
“It’s alright. It’ll be more troublesome if you were to catch a cold.”
“But you dressed up for this event… Especially since you’ll be giving your greetings soon.”
“… Am I bothering you?”
“N-no…”
“Then, don’t worry about it.”
I can’t do that, but I don’t think he will back down at this rate.
“If you’re worried about it, then please bring sweets with you when you return the cloak to me.”
“Excuse me?”
“Vernoux always brags about them, you see. He says the sweets at your house are top-notch.”
“… Okay.”
If that was his biggest compromise, then Cordelia had no choice but to follow it. Rather, she was worried whether it was alright to give him sweets in exchange for dirtying his cloak, but if she questioned him further, then he would be late for his speech.
“You don’t have to return it quickly. You can take your time and return it when you’ve calmed down.”
“Yes, thank you very much.”
“――― But, I’m really glad that the bracelet protected you.”
Cordelia widened her eyes in surprise at those words, but Sylvester had already turned his back towards her.
Then, without pause, she heard the sound of Vernoux’s familiar voice, “Your Highness!”
“Clive is searching for you with a red face.”
“I told him I would be right back.”
“You know that he’s a worrier. Please return.”
Cordelia looked down at the shattered bracelet in her left hand while listening to their conversation.
Would someone tell him that my bracelet had shattered even if they told him about Shelley’s outburst? Is that kind of detailed description reported in the first place?
(No, he might have heard about it…)
But it’s bothering me.
Even Cordelia didn’t know that the bracelet contained some kind of defensive magic.
The person who would have known this was ―――.
(… No way, right?)
Cordelia felt her cheeks twitch, but she decided that it was her imagination.
Even though she thought so, she couldn’t help but be bothered by the fact that the name 『Gille』was close to『Sylvester』[1].
(But Vernoux-sama acts differently towards Gille-sama and Sylvester-sama…)
But, if Gille-sama is really Sylvester-sama, then I understand why Vernoux-sama didn’t reveal this straight away. He couldn’t just mention that His Highness was sneaking out to go incognito.
(Am I thinking too much? But…)
While Cordelia was puzzled, Vernoux had finished speaking to Sylvester, and had approached her.
“Dilly, I heard that your carriage is ready.”
“Oh, okay.”
“That was quite showy.”
As he said this, Cordelia took the handkerchief that was handed to her and wiped her hair. The liquid had stopped dripping, but her hair was stained. At this rate, the cloak would be stained as well.
“It wasn’t my fault.”
“I’ve heard all about it. I’m glad you’re not hurt, but what are you going to do about that?”
That would be referring to the cloak that Sylvester had lent her.
“I’ll return it once I’ve had it cleaned.”
“No, that’s not what I’m asking. When are you going to come to give it back?”
“When I find a suitable time. I don’t want to think about anything else today.”
When she said that and showed him she was tired, Vernoux just said, “I see,” and didn’t pursue the matter any further.
(He might be able to clarify this if I ask him. But, since he’s helping His Highness go incognito, he can’t possibly tell the truth, and if I’m wrong… he’ll definitely make fun of me.)
It’s definitely bad to ask him carelessly.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“I feel like you’re in a bad mood… Well, would it be strange if you were in a good mood after what happened today?”
He had jumped to the wrong conclusion, but Cordelia didn’t correct him. It was obvious that it would be complicated to explain what she was thinking.
“I’m going to go home and relax for today. I have a lot of things to do tomorrow.”
The matters that have been settled and new questions.
She thought about many things, but first, she had to clean the cloak and give it back. But she decided that she would think about that tomorrow.
(If Gille-sama is His Highness, then I don’t know what kind of expression to make when I talk to him.)
I didn’t say or do anything rude to him, right? She thought back, but her head hurt when she thought that she had lectured the next King on their first meeting.
Hopefully, I’m just thinking too much. ――― But if I am, then who is Gille-sama?
(Let’s go home and sleep. I should sleep and clear my head.)
However, when she returned home, Elvis was outraged by her stained dress and the fact that the cloak she was wearing belonged to Sylvester. He asked her furiously what had happened, and she had spent the entire night trying to calm him down, thus it was only when the sky began to brighten that she was finally able to sleep.