Chapter 51

Albertina's magic finally came in handy.

If Alber's barrier had been even a little late, Father's shadows would have quickly dispatched the self-proclaimed heroine...

"Die! Die! Die! All of you are in the way!"

Learia recklessly unleashed attack magic. The greenhouse, already in a sorry state from the previous attack, was now nothing but rubble. It might have been better that it was just the greenhouse and not the entire mansion, but it was only a matter of time before the mansion itself suffered damage. Despite the intense assault, my barrier magic seemed to excel, easily deflecting the attack magic. This only made Learia more frustrated, leading to an even more vicious cycle of attacks. However, with such reckless methods, it was only a matter of time before she ran out of magic power. Moreover, Learia's attacks seemed unplanned, and it wasn't uncommon for magic orbs to bounce back toward her. She hastily cast more attack spells, which seemed quite wasteful.

The guards kept glancing at me, as if they wanted to capture her, but I didn't want to step out amidst the flying magic and was waiting for Learia to run out of magic power. It seemed that she was primarily using the magic from the magic stone bracelet on her wrist, not her own magic power. After about ten attacks, the black magic stones would crack and crumble with a sharp sound.

Why isn't she considering that such flashy magic use might attract attention?

Even though this is a secondary residence and a bit away from the main house, the loud explosions would surely draw attention.

It was a delicate situation: whether Learia would run out of magic power first or if Kistaria and the others would notice and send reinforcements first. Just as I was pondering this, the situation changed abruptly.

"That's enough!"

An unfamiliar voice cut in, and the magic cast quickly restrained Learia. A dapper middle-aged man with slicked-back black hair and dull-colored eyes stood there. His neatly trimmed Kaiser beard and impeccably tailored tuxedo, complete with a vibrant green ascot, exuded sophistication. I had never seen him before.

Could he be one of the invited guests...? But why is he here!?

I was grateful for the help, but my body stiffened at the sight of an unfamiliar man. I must have looked stunned, as I instinctively took a step back when the mysterious man approached.

"... To block such a fierce attack, your barrier magic is impressive. You must be of royal blood... Christina wasn't like this, but perhaps the talent comes from that man's lineage?"

Was he referring to Father with a slight hint of disdain?

Oh no, my impression of this man is rapidly deteriorating. As he tried to get closer, I instinctively shrank and looked down.

Anna, noticing my trembling, gently patted my back.

"... I heard you were a recluse, but you can't even greet someone? Is your rudeness inherited from your father?"

The fear inside me snapped.

"... Don't insult Father."

"Huh? You can speak. Your hair, a dull coal color, looks miserable... That child had beautiful black hair. I thought the only first-rate things were the dress and jewels she wore."

His malicious taunt. The anger at his rude words far outweighed the fear. I restrained Anna and the guards, carefully stepping over the devastated floor. I took a step forward and demonstrated the etiquette I had been taught, slowly and gracefully, to express both gratitude and sarcasm.

I can be mocked, but I am well aware that I am just a mascot for the duke's family. However, I will not tolerate the insult to Father, whom I love and respect.

"Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier. I am grateful for your help, sir. I am Albertina von Lattiche, daughter of Duke Grail Lattiche—"

"Christina."

Huh?

I suppressed my anger, putting on a lady's mask. As I raised my smiling face, the man who had insulted Father opened his eyes wide, his dull-colored eyes trembling, almost as if he were moved.

He cautiously approached. No, I don't want this.

He had interrupted after telling me to greet him. Who is this man?

"Ah, Christina! What a miracle! ... Your hair color and eyes are a pity, but your face is exactly like Christina! So similar... Ah, you're a living image of her!"

Don't touch me... cough!

The inner delinquent in me almost awakened from the intense disgust, but I forced it back. I decided to live as a cute daughter for Father's sake! I didn't polish my beauty or learn etiquette for this man!

As he reached out to touch me, Anna subtly moved back, leaving his fingers to swipe the air. I openly showed my distrust, not even trying to hide my "Who is this guy?" look. The man, noticing my cold rejection, looked dejected. I don't care. Just sulk and go away, heh heh. I don't like this. I am a duke's daughter.

I hadn't realized my inner hikikomori had resurfaced.

Come on, inner duke's daughter, you can do it!

"You are Albertina, I see. Nice to meet you again. I am Clift von Fortuna, Christina's brother and your uncle. My father is the Duke of Fortuna, but I also hold the title of Earl. As the heir to the dukedom, I would be delighted to have a comrade from the prestigious Four Great Dukes."

The previous disdainful expression was replaced with a warm smile as Clift introduced himself. If it weren't for his earlier insults, I might have been fooled by his overt friendliness. He looked as if he were about to melt with joy. Is this what a grandfather feels like when he sees his first grandchild?

The tension between me and Clift, who was openly hostile, was interrupted by a voice.

"That's not right! She's a fake!"

"Huh? What part of this beautiful face resembles that cold-blooded man? These eyes, this nose, this mouth—she looks exactly like Chris. She's my adorable niece.

And you, a commoner, should not speak. Don't show your ugly face and voice to Albertina."

Clift, now completely smitten with me, revealed that the man who had insulted Father was the next Duke of Fortuna and currently an Earl. Learia was treated like a caterpillar.

I couldn't believe he was from one of the Four Great Dukes, the most powerful of the nobility. Even though Lattiche has significant influence, it's too much for a hikikomori. And his constant attempts to get closer are extremely annoying. Go away! Shoo! Father's enemies are my enemies!

I glared at him with intense hatred, but it only made his smile even more lax. He seemed delighted to make eye contact. I tried to hide behind Anna and the guards, but the sound of footsteps came from the mansion.

"Albert! Are you okay!?"

"Kistaria!"

My reliable step-brother has returned!

I quickly hugged Kistaria, who had come to my rescue.

Eek! I've been targeted by a weird old man! Help me! You're scary! I want to be a hikikomori!

Kistaria, who had firmly embraced me, noticed the rolling Learia and the slightly displeased Clift, and his expression turned serious.

"Is this the intruder... Why are you here, Duke Fortuna? I am grateful for your help in rescuing my sister, but this place is not authorized for entry. The event was supposed to be held at the main house. Why are you here?"

Kistaria's words were polite, but they felt like ice spikes.

Learia, called an intruder, looked shocked.

Trespassing, property damage, assault, and attempted murder—there are so many charges. Even her words to me could be considered disrespect. Overall, Learia is clearly a criminal.

Wait, wasn't she supposed to be in prison? Why is she here?

Because I was being hugged by Kistaria, Learia's gaze felt dangerous. Kistaria, noticing my fear, shielded me with his body and wrapped me in his arms.

"What's wrong with an uncle visiting his niece? Grail has shunned our Fortuna family for nearly 20 years, not even allowing us onto the grounds. Can't you understand a brother's desire to see his beloved sister's only child? Ha, you are indeed the child of a monster and a commoner."

Father and now Kistaria, this old man has insulted both! I gripped Kistaria's tie, making it wrinkled.

Kistaria gently patted my head, saying, "Don't worry." I wanted to retort, but my vocabulary for insults is limited, as Julius once pointed out.

"Come, Albertina. Don't stay with that boy. Come to Uncle. It's a pity to be locked up in such a place. You can have a freer and happier life at Uncle and Grandfather's mansion."

"I must decline. I have all the family I need with Father, my step-brother, and Aunt Latt."

I clung to Kistaria, turning away as if I didn't want to show my face. Kistaria, perhaps amused by my childish behavior, chuckled.

I don't like what I don't like! I refuse to be associated with an uncle who mocks my beloved Father and Kistaria!

Clift, already smitten with his cute niece who resembled his sister, was visibly dejected by my firm rejection. Kistaria, feeling victorious, stroked my hair and showed it to Clift, who was enviously and jealously watching.

Clift, unaware of this, was pushed back by Kistaria's display. Kistaria, remembering something, pointed to Learia, who was further restrained with a magic-sealing shackle and a gag.

"Ah, let me give you a hint, Duke."

"Huh?"

"Albert is extremely shy, especially around men. She will be frightened if you try to get too close."

Clift froze.

One out.

"And she adores her step-brother. She is more doted on than any real siblings.

If you insult me, you will earn deeper and more intense disdain and hatred from Albert than if you insulted her directly."

Clift's face turned pale, and cold sweat broke out.

Two outs.

"And she is even more of a father's girl. Insulting Father will disappoint Albert more than insulting me.

To Albert, Father is strong, kind, and cool, the ideal man.

Regardless of others, Father dotes on Albert, and Albert accepts it.

So, Duke, how many things have you done wrong?"

Clift looked like he was about to turn to ash and dust.

Three outs, change.

Full combo, boom.

Clift was a severe father's girl. He had opposed his sister's marriage to the notorious Duke of Lattiche until the end, along with his father, the Duke of Fortuna. After the marriage, he could only receive occasional letters and never see her. When his niece was born, he couldn't even visit to celebrate.

The niece he had dreamed of, the lady who resembled Christina, was a dream shattered in the most spectacular way. I, his niece, refused to even look at him. Kistaria, who had entangled his fingers in my long, ash-brown hair, naturally embraced me. Kistaria's complete victory was evident.

After that, Julius suddenly appeared, his face pale. He had apparently climbed the wall because the entrance was blocked by guards and servants. He raised an eyebrow at the rolling Learia, smiled wryly at the unharmed but slightly annoyed me, and grimaced at the dejected Clift.

Sebastian arrived shortly after Julius. He had pushed Julius aside in his rush to get to me, but he explained that he had encountered dozens of intruders inside the mansion, making him feel very uneasy. It turned out that Learia had many accomplices, which explained why reinforcements were slow to arrive.

Hmm, Learia was quite hysterical, but she must be a genius at knocking men down?

Does the heroine's power work on non-targets too?

However, it seems to be ineffective against Kistaria, Michaelis, and Julius...

Thank you for reading (*- -)(*_ _) Pecco

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