Chapter 18

Finally, the heroine makes her appearance. Almost only by voice, though.

While sulking over the harshness of the world, Kishutaria, with a face that says "What can you do?" still diligently arranges bite-sized chocolates in front of me. On the white plate, each one is a glossy chocolate. Though their shapes differ, they are all from the Rose brand. Some are the Rose brand logo itself, some have the logo engraved as a picture or text, and some have the logo drawn in gold foil in the center, among other variations.

They are all my favorites. Milk chocolate, orange peel, fresh chocolate truffles, and even ones with nuts.

Even as I think, "Am I being treated like a child? There's no way I can be swayed by such things," when I pop one into my mouth and let it roll around, the rich aroma of cocoa spreads, and the sweetness and slight bitterness blend into a perfect harmony. I can't help but smile and say, "Delicious."

Oh... I've lost. It's a very fine taste. It's delicious.

The Rose brand chocolates are one of the things I supervised with all my might.

There was no chocolate in this world. I found cacao, but the process after making cacao mass into chocolate was difficult. Achieving the smooth texture and unique aroma I sought, as well as the balance of sweetness and bitterness, was quite challenging. The higher the cacao concentration, the better the aroma, but it tends to be bitter and crumbly.

Indeed, the alluring chocolates that troubled the Latitche family's chefs many times.

Sweet is good, but salty is also good, right? Like crackers. Jam is good, but cream cheese or ham on crackers for a light snack is also nice. I wonder if caviar, the symbol of the bourgeoisie, exists in this world? It's sturgeon eggs, right? Does this world even have sturgeon?

Father would probably look good with caviar crackers and red wine. It's an adult charm.

More than that, aren't there really too few types of sweets in this world? Is it just a love-focused otome game? Is everything else just a side dish? As someone living in this world, I protest with all my might.

I also ate cake and macarons just now. Am I overeating today?

But I feel tired, and I can't help but crave something sweet.

Perhaps coming to the academy made me very nervous and tired.

When surrounded by the usual group, I feel more at ease.

"Please, have this and that," and a mountain of sweets is built in front of me.

Wait, am I still in the little girl role? Even with this incredibly alluring figure, am I still in the little girl role?

It's very confusing. But they are so delicious, so I eat them. Munch, munch... happiness overflows from my mouth.

"So, why did you sneak off to meet Sir Gibril, Miss?"

"Huh? New product development?"

"That was probably half a whim, right? What's the real reason?"

I can't say I came to investigate the heroine's route. However, I don't feel like I can escape Julius's questioning.

If I tell a lie, it will be exposed immediately. What should I do?

"I was just curious about the academy everyone attends.

I heard there are many different people, and I wondered what it was like..."

It's not a lie. I've heard that the heroine has been spreading rumors recently.

I know about the academy in the otome game, but not the real one.

I want to see the face of the heroine, Renaria, the daughter of the Duke of Daches.

From the character design, she seems to be a beautiful girl with a simple and innocent charm.

At least from what I've seen of Kishutaria and Mikaeris, the main characters' appearances shouldn't be too different. However, Gibril is a dramatic before-and-after. Mainly due to me, but I have no regrets.

"I wanted to see the young lady who has captured the hearts of many noble sons and even princes!"

"No."

"Rejected."

"Stop it."

"Sister, to deliberately bring such a sight into your vision..."

Isn't everyone being a bit too harsh? Renaria is the heroine, right? The beloved small animal type heroine? Everyone's faces suddenly became stern...

"Wait, just a little bit!"

"No. Such a prostitute! It will dirty Sir Alber!"

Are you really going to say that! The perfect butler Julius, who clearly twisted his face and used dirty words to reject it with all his might...

Moreover, to reject it with such emotion. There must be something significant, right?

I'm not such a beautiful existence, you know? I'm steeped in desires and worldly wishes.

"Hey, Kishutaria"

"Rejected."

"It's not like I have to talk to her. Even from a distance is fine. Really, is it impossible?"

"Ordinary young ladies might be fine, but not her."

I was rejected in a domineering manner. Why! Kishutaria, who was pampering me with sweets and chocolates just a moment ago, is now in scolding mode.

Even when I made a pleading pose with my hands clasped, which even my father would fall for, it didn't work. Kishutaria's gaze wavered just a little, but that was it.

Tch, so even with a beautiful exterior, a villainess pretending to be cute is only this much, huh? I'm not pouting. No, I'm not pouting at all.

"Let me say this first, I'm also against it. Her actions are too much."

"Mikaeris... even you?"

"To harm such a noble lady is unthinkable."

"But..."

Why is the hate so concentrated? Even Mikaeris, who is relatively gentle and gentlemanly, is unreachable!

Gibril glanced at me, but his face clearly said "No!!"

"If you really want to see her, I'll bring her to you, gag her, and tie her up with ropes."

"Is that kidnapping?"

"I'll leave her on the infirmary bed when I'm done. No problem."

Gibril is saying such extreme things... If he does that and the princes notice, Gibril will be in trouble. I can't let him do such a dangerous thing.

Raven was also quite against it. Is Renaria really that bad?

But is there such a route? If Albertina were at the academy, she could spread bad rumors freely, but I have no current connection with her.

The current heroine, as told by Gibril, seems to be aiming for a harem route.

But the affection levels with Kishutaria and Mikaeris, who are the targets, don't seem high at all.

In that case, it's likely she will proceed with the route of the target with the highest affection.

I've heard the princes favor her, but who is her main target?

Depending on that, the preparations needed will change.

One of them is the Megil cold medicine, which temporarily reduces magic power. If I gather too much, it will raise suspicions. What are you planning?

Originally, can't it be made? With targets like Cain or Findor, it might be possible through them or their connections, but they are likely under Renaria's control.

If I can confirm the occurrence of the fixed events for each route, that would be best, but even if I know the general timing, the exact moment is unclear.

It's disappointing... I'm frustrated...

"If everyone says so, I'll give up..."

I don't feel like I can go see her, slipping past this surveillance.

Moreover, even if I could walk alone by a miraculous coincidence, I can easily imagine getting lost in the vast grounds of this academy and barely breathing.

The others sigh in relief with complex expressions as I look dejected.

If I were the real Albertina, it would probably be the opposite. I would be worried about Renaria being hurt.

"Ah, that's it! Sister! Magic! Would you like to see the magic of my brother and Kishutaria? You mentioned being curious about it earlier, right? Let's borrow the training ground and take a look."

As I look dejected, the others start to panic.

The mention of Gibril's magic piques my interest.

"Albert, are you curious about my magic? Are you not afraid? Is it okay?"

"I only use fire, and it's quite offensive."

"I want to see it!"

I answered immediately, of course! Because the magic I use is basically very plain!

It's a barrier, a thin magical membrane that surrounds the target! With a bit of application, it can be used as a step to reach high places without a ladder! It's very convenient when choosing or searching for books in the library! It's apparently a high-level magic, a materialization of magic power, but...

Books are valuable, but Father has many. Initially, they were in the study, but as he bought more and more, they overflowed. Mother Chris, who wasn't very strong, enjoyed embroidery and reading, so the Latitche family has a large collection. Even I, a hikikomori, read quite a bit.

"Then, let's go."

"Yes!"

Since I'm in a fantasy world, I want to see something spectacular at least once.

I absolutely refuse if it's directed at me. But if I can watch from a safe place, I want to see it!

"By the way, what kind of magic is Kishutaria good at?"

"I'm good at pretty much everything. Fire, water, wind, earth. You know these are the most common attributes, right?"

"Yes, but I've heard most people specialize in one attribute."

In my case, I specialize in the special magic of barriers.

The real Albertina was also good at fire and dark, very offensive magic, but I'm extremely bad at that.

Fire, water, wind, and earth are the basic elements and are common among users. Light and dark are less common. The four major elements are the former, and the six major elements include the latter two.

There are also applied attributes like ice, lightning, trees, and sound, but the number of users decreases even further. Those who have only one of these attributes are often from bloodline inheritance and are classified as special magic. The strength of my barrier magic is one of the magic tendencies of the royal family.

It's difficult to activate magic if the basic magic attributes and properties don't match, and the power tends to weaken.

Most people specialize in one attribute, like Mikaeris. Kishutaria can use many attributes evenly. That's why Kishutaria is so amazing. A rare talent taken in by the Latitche family.

In the game version, Albert and Kishutaria were evenly matched in a magical duel. But if I were asked to do the same, I would immediately raise the white flag.

"By the way, what kind of magic is Julius good at?"

"It's a secret."

He said it with a smile. I'm curious!

"Any hints?"

"It's a secret."

He doesn't seem to want to talk. Cheapskate!

We decided to go to the training ground, and I stood up from the sofa.

I've had too much tea and sweets, so my stomach is a bit full.

The gazes are painfully intense.

A mysterious woman with two incredibly handsome men on either side. That's how the academy students must see it.

Usually, Gibril would be restraining the other women, but he is smiling next to Mikaeris. Julius, Raven, and Anna are standing a bit away from us.

Why are Kishutaria and Mikaeris so close?

Though the tall men stand like a breakwater, shielding us from the gazes, it's very helpful.

However, even if we choose a less crowded path, it's not completely empty.

The whispers and murmurs are not pleasant.

I want to go to a place with fewer people, and it seems my pace is faster than usual. The princes on either side are escorting me, subtly supporting my back and waist. It's like a human walking aid. When I almost stumbled, they smoothly lifted me and continued walking as if nothing happened! It's so easy!

"Sir Kishutaria!"

Just as we were about to reach the training ground, a high voice called out.

The moment it rang out, the smiles on the previously cheerful faces vanished.

The sudden change made me shudder. Noticing this, Kishutaria quickly turned to shield me, and Mikaeris embraced me protectively. Gibril quickly signaled to me and continued to shield me behind Kishutaria. Julius and Raven immediately positioned themselves on either side of Kishutaria, and Anna, with a stern expression, held my hand, ready to help me escape if needed.

The scene felt like a state of high alert and combat readiness.

"There you are!"

A bright, overly sweet voice echoed, but there were no friendly gazes around.

The contrast made me even more afraid, and I felt like shrinking. It's not my fault, but I understood that I was involved in something strange.

"Do you have something to say? We're in a hurry."

A cold voice from Kishutaria, which I had never heard before despite their long acquaintance. It was a harsh, accusatory tone.

"Well... actually, Sir Lucas is having a tea party. Would you like to join?"

"I decline."

"Huh? Why? Look, it's real! I have an invitation. Let's go!"

"What's the point of going? And as I said before, don't talk to me unless it's about school events or classes."

"Why are you being so cold? School is supposed to be equal, right?"

"Did you not understand?"

"But it's not right."

"First, your status is very low compared to mine. You've been persistently talking to me not only in school but also in social settings. I don't want to deal with someone who has no manners.

Second, you spread rumors that insult my step-sister, which is an insult to the Latitche family. You've been spreading baseless lies.

Third, because of the first two reasons, I dislike you. I can't think well of someone who doesn't listen to warnings.

So, I decline all personal invitations. Even if royalty is involved, I will decline if I know you are involved.

And... do you want to hear more? Or are you going to tell the princes again?"

But, and the girl started to cry.

From an outsider's perspective, it might look like Kishutaria is bullying her, but the content suggests she has done quite a bit.

The gazes around are mostly cold. Mockery, derision, and ridicule spread like ripples.

Her status is much lower in terms of rank and wealth.

If we're talking about being lower than Kishutaria, she might be a viscount or baron.

But what about the insult to the Latitche family? Albertina is a hikikomori who doesn't even appear in society, let alone the academy. After the kidnapping incident and her back injury, rumors about her appearance have spread, but is there anything else?

"But, Sir Kishutaria, didn't you suffer from Albertina's bullying!?"

"I have no memory of being bullied by my step-sister. She doesn't even raise a hand to servants, let alone me. How could such a lie come about?

I've never met her or spoken to her. How can you defame someone you don't know?"

The real Albertina was not just physically abusive but also sold people into slavery. She was a truly terrible woman.

The all-age version is still soft, but the R18 version is much more extreme. She takes the virginity of her step-brother, uses her beauty and body to manipulate men, and drugs the targets with aphrodisiacs, among other things.

Because it was a popular game, there were various versions, and the story could change slightly. Albertina often ended up being condemned, disgraced, brutally killed, or executed, depending on the heroine's ending. In a sense, that was a given...

Oh? Could this person be a reincarnated soul?

I'm curious about who they are, but I can't see at all. Their guard is too strong.

Thank you for reading!