Some time later.
“Well…thinking about it a little, I realized this was to be expected.”
Raze makes a bitter expression at the situation in front of her.
She ate breakfast as usual then attended morning classes, but after arriving at the school cafeteria around lunchtime, the atmosphere was tense.
If she observed closely, here and there were groups comforting crying girls.
Straining her ears, she could make out words like “Even though I made a promise to dance with Lord Addis!” Raze’s cheeks twist.
(You shouldn’t say things like that…)
Currently covert battles were unfolding in the academy over invitations to Reuben’s birthday party.
No one openly voices their dissatisfaction over why they didn’t get an invitation because although this was an internal academy affair, it was still a politically and socially charged event.
Those invited and those not invited alike should quietly guard their speech and morals, celebrating the prince’s birthday. Cries like “My dance with Lord Addis!” were things that shouldn’t be said out loud since this was, after all, Reuben’s birthday party.
(Which is why I wanna get along well with His Highness and the others who were invited…)
Raze places her hand on her forehead in the stifling atmosphere.
In times like these, being a noble is so tough—she can’t help sympathizing.
And it was plain to see what would happen if it became known that she, a commoner, had an invitation.
Unable to endure the unpleasant mood, Raze decides to eat her lunch in the classroom.
(Maybe I should have told Folia to keep the invitation a secret…)
As she eats, Raze turns her gaze out the window. There she can see Folia happily eating with Luca.
It seemed they limited the invitations to forestall any disputes from breaking out, wanting to hold the party before that happened, but their intentions were for naught as the beasts greedily try every means possible to participate in the grand event.
(Since she’s so innocent, if asked “Did you get an invite?” she’d just honestly reply “Yeah!”)
Easily picturing that scenario, Raze grows worried for Folia.
For now Luca was by her side and Raze had the invitation in her possession so it shouldn’t get stolen.
(To think I didn’t notice Folia getting hassled while focusing my attention on Lady Carne and His Highness… Gotta be more vigilant.)
Without permission she secretly marked Folia’s belongings, so if anything gets stolen again she’ll immediately know the culprit.
Sensing a presence by the classroom door, Raze concentrates her awareness there.
“Raze! There you are.”
“Lady Carne?”
It was Carne who seemed to have been looking for her, entering through the door.
Carne with a slightly gloomy expression climbs the stairs to Raze.
Wondering what was the matter, her face looks on the verge of tears.
“W-what’s wrong?”
[I’m…a detestable woman!]
” ………… “
How did that happen?
Raze looks bewildered, deciding to at least hear Carne out for starters.
[I knew Folia would have her invitation stolen and have an awful experience afterwards, yet I was planning to overlook it because I don’t want Prince Reuben taken away! Even though she’s my friend!]
As Carne vents in Japanese, Raze remains silent.
(Not just Folia but…Lady Carne is too kind as well.)
There are far more cruel, heartless people who would do even worse in this world, yet they are too morally virtuous and gentle. Without needing to be so considerate, no one would blame her either.
Not noticing Raze’s steady gaze, Carne continues talking.
[I decided I wouldn’t be the villainess, but the righteous rival lady who fights fair and square. I’m the worst as a person!]
[Don’t make that face, Lady Carne . You’ll be meeting His Highness afterwards right?]
Pasting on a gentle smile, Raze grasps Carne ‘s hand.
[You’re probably just feeling anxious and unsure after getting tired from the preparations. You properly gave Folia an invitation right? Not to mention the scenario is already deviating, so it’s not definite that Folia will have an awful experience.]
As Carne starts to say “But—” Raze retorts with slightly harsh words.
[There’s no way you think you can control this world right? It’s pointless trying to deal with everything yourself. And in the end, there really is nothing you can do about other people’s problems. Please value yourself more.]
Hearing Raze’s low voice, Carne seems to settle down relaxing her shoulders.
She worries for others even though the main event—the party, was soon.
[I’ll protect Folia so please stay by Prince Reuben’s side Lady Carne keeping a lovely smile.]
In order to reassure the goddess, Raze responds with a constant smile no matter what.
Carne ‘s cheeks flush from Raze’s cool guy attitude.
“Ah, thank you Raze. I feel calmer now.”
“Please think nothing of it. If you have any troubles, rely on me anytime. Even someone like me can at least lend an ear.”
“Understood.”
Carne ‘s expression was more relaxed than before.
“Lady Carne have you eaten yet?”
“To tell the truth, I was so nervous I didn’t have much appetite…”
That’s no good, Raze thinks then transfers some of the snacks she stocked in her dorm room to make Carne eat. This magic transfers the snacks themselves instead of her going to get them. It was something she learned by applying transfer magic for when supplies ran low during expeditions. By the way, if she transfers people instead of objects to her location it would be called “Summon” not “Transfer.” It’s transfer magic with the risk of not knowing the condition of what’s being transferred over making it high-level, advanced magic.
As Carne elegantly nibbles on the cookies Raze fetched from her room with magic, she was lost in thought.
(Can’t let my guard down tonight…)
The maiden game Blue Orchid was the type called choice-based games where in the beginning, a capture target is chosen then the route is progressed. Even with the same events, selections and conversations naturally end up on differing routes depending on the partner. Unfortunately—all endings for villainess ladies lead to ruin.
However in this world now, unless time itself is rewound, restarting the capture and redoing the route after picking someone else was impossible.
What should only be individual routes in an Otome Game were occurring concurrently on the stage of this academy as if following a common route.
(Does the party mark the first intersection of individual routes? Folia gets her invitation stolen and depending who helps her then, the route is set?)
Raze ponders that far then stops thinking about it.
How the scenario changes using the event of her invitation being stolen as impetus.
(Since it’s definite that Folia participates in the party, no point thinking about it.)
Raze Reese Orphan. Someone who didn’t appear at all in the game, even less than a mob character, why was she here now. An event to sadden Folia following the game scenario, as if she’d let that happen.
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT gadgetizedpanda.net
“Raze, can you tie the back for me?”
“‘Kay!”
Called over by Folia struggling to put on her dress next to her, Raze who had been sitting on the bed reading a book stands up.
“Can I do your hair and makeup?”
While tying the laces Raze asks.
“Huh, is that alright?”
“Yeah.”
“Then yes please!”
Smiling, Raze reaches to take the presumably prepared makeup products and hair accessories for Folia.
Everything was top grade quality on par with any young lady of status.
“Ah.”
Spotting a certain item there, Raze’s movements briefly stop.
A mark with three stars connected by lines as if mapping a constellation. She hadn’t noticed at the welcome reception, but nearly all the hair ornaments had a design incorporating the three stars reminiscent of Marquis Mordio.
(Whoaa…)
Raze gazes at them intently, sensing how much Marquis Mordio cherishes Folia.
It really makes her curious about the contents of the weekly letters Folia receives from the Marquis.
(I can use this!)
Picking up the earrings, the corners of Raze’s lips rise.
“There, all done!”
“Thank you Raze!”
With makeup applied and hair neatly styled showing off the earrings, preparations were complete.
Anyone who looked would surely notice Folia’s powerful backer.
Every Sunday she offers prayers at the chapel on academy grounds plus she’s literally an angel so no one should suspect otherwise.
(Should have done this from the start.)
It would surely influence the scenario again as well.
Since Folia was also a commoner, there should be less scorn and fewer after her healing powers. Most importantly, at last Marquis Mordio’s talismanic power could take effect.
“These customized earrings have your initials engraved on the back too. They’re so lovely and match the uniform nicely so why not keep wearing them from now on?”
“Huh, really?”
“Yeah. They also have a bestowal spell on them so better to have them equipped. Folia, you’re cherished a lot huh.”
“Lord Zeul…”
Folia placed her hand over the earring.
While I do feel I made her lonely, I have to let her wear it or Marquis Mordio would feel bad.
“You’ll get to meet again right after exams are over.”
“Mm!”
Raze feels shot through the heart by her bashful smile. If I were a guy, I probably would have made a move on her too.
“Raze, isn’t it almost time for you too?”
“Yeah, I’ll get changed now.”
She swiftly dresses the same as for the welcome reception.
On the flip side, asking something so carefree and embarrassing like “Can you get me a few dresses?” of my companions occupied over there in Balouda wasn’t possible.
It’s not like I couldn’t buy some in the shopping district but Raze Granoli was branded a dirt poor scholarship student. There was no leeway to splurge on multiple dresses.
“Right, time to go. Let’s head out.”
“Okay!”
Since she already marked the venue ahead of time, the plan was to fly there directly via transfer. Transporting immediately should negate the event itself from happening.
After finishing preparations the two warp straight to the party hall.
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