Chapter 6

Since the day I noticed everything, it took about a year to prepare for my exile, a process that was rather unclear. Preparing for the destination, the means to survive there, and negotiating the necessary items. Perhaps it went surprisingly smoothly because this country was trying to get rid of me. In parallel, I continued to appeal to Lord Yuto and my parents, as I believed it was my last duty and responsibility as a lady born into this country. I wanted to show that I had not harmed Pulm in any way, to highlight the achievements in diplomacy and other public duties, and to warn them about the potential crises that might befall Arudina if I were to leave. However, my appeals were ignored.

The event of the villainess's engagement being broken off unfolded as scripted. In a grand hall befitting the hero's victory over the villain, the hostile gazes directed at me were the strongest I had ever experienced, and no one in the room doubted it. Even Pulm, who was trembling, Lord Yuto, who was protecting her, and my parents, who were glaring at me from behind, showed no signs of change. In this place where everyone was my enemy, I focused on Philo, who stood protectively in front of me, the only one on my side. Despite his usual role as a butler, he stood in front of me, shielding me with his back. He had always been my ally, and he remained so even in this place. This made me incredibly happy, and I let out a quiet sigh of relief, trying to hold back the overwhelming feelings of love that threatened to spill out.

Lord Yuto began listing my supposed crimes, which, even if true, would not have been valid reasons for breaking the engagement. He eventually resorted to childish complaints, such as not praising me enough, finding my face scary, and having a cold tone. At this rate, he might start calling me stupid or an idiot. Seeing the people around nodding, I felt a sense of detachment. I just wanted to leave this place as quickly as possible, as the outcome was already clear. For Pulm and Lord Yuto, this breaking of the engagement marked the end of the story. In the game, the story ended shortly after the exile event, with only a brief epilogue. If life were a story, mine was about to begin. I had always wished that this new story would be with Philo.

"Get out of this country immediately!"

I accepted Lord Yuto's words and the agreement of the people around him with a smile hidden behind a fan. This was a time not depicted in the story. The fate of the villainess was never shown in the game. I was now being expelled not only from Arudina but also from the game's story.

After the theatrical event of the villainess's exile, I stood at the entrance of the town with just a single piece of paper. The anger emanating from Philo, who stood beside me, was much stronger than my own. Although they did not take my clothes, I was expelled without being allowed to take any possessions. The expensive, frilly dress that covered my legs was left behind, and I now wore a simple, practical outfit that allowed for easy movement. The skirt length was just above my ankles, perfect for the journey ahead. I had already arranged for some necessities to be waiting at my destination, and with my diplomatic duties over, there was no need to dress extravagantly. If I had not made any preparations, I would have either despaired and taken my own life or been utterly lost. I smiled a little at the thought. It was a strange country, to be sure, to be exiled without any supervision.

The engagement of Lord Yuto and Pulm was likely announced in the grand hall, and the idea that a royal engagement could be so casually replaced and celebrated by all the citizens was unsettling.

"Lord Rium, I will go to the market to gather supplies," Philo offered, his voice tinged with anger. He was still in his butler's uniform, with his black whip attached to his waist. Since his possessions were not included in mine, he had managed to bring his own money.

"Philo, I appreciate your offer, but you declared in the grand hall that you would follow me. Going to the market will only lead to your expulsion as well."

"That was... because they said you had no allies, and I reacted without thinking."

"Thank you."

Having an ally was a comforting feeling, especially when it was Philo.

"But are you sure? I no longer have the status or money to employ you. The title of a lady is gone."

"It doesn't matter. I will follow you, Lord Rium. Even if we can't live as we did before, I can work to support you."

He interrupted me, which was unusual for him, and declared this with certainty. I tried to keep the joy from showing on my face, as I no longer had a fan to hide behind.

"I appreciate your offer, but I don't intend to make you work alone."

I said this to deflect and unfolded the only piece of paper I had.

"What is that paper?"

"It was given to me by my father when I left. He said he had prepared a place for me, but I could go or stay as I pleased. He added that wherever I went or whatever I did, I should never show my face again. The destination is written here."

I avoided looking at Philo's stunned expression and checked the address and name written on the paper. The handwriting was messy, and after a moment's thought, I understood.

"I had suspected as much, but it seems my parents truly have no affection for me."

As the day of my exile approached, my parents' attitude towards me had become increasingly harsh. Despite my unchanged behavior, the attitudes of those around me had drastically shifted in the past month. The hostile gazes I received were so intense that the previous ones seemed almost gentle in comparison. Perhaps because of this, I felt a strong sense of liberation and no sadness about being exiled.

"Is it a bad place?"

"A relative who was a problem and was sent to live in a remote area. They use their power to get what they want, whether it's a man or a woman, and were exiled to a distant place because of their high status."

If someone who caused so much trouble could be exiled to a remote area, it was clear that the game's mechanics were at work in this country. Philo's eyes narrowed for a moment before he smiled.

"Lord Rium, should I greet the person at the house first?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because... you would definitely offer yourself in my place."

I wouldn't let him do that, especially now that the walls were down. I wouldn't live in peace while he suffered.

"Besides, I don't intend to go there."

"Really? But—"

"I've been aware of this possibility for about a year and have made preparations."

I smiled wryly at his surprised expression. My foresight was based on uncertain memories from my previous life, and I couldn't explain everything to him. There was a chance that things might not go as planned.

"Didn't you feel something was off, Philo?"

"About the entire country of Arudina."

Philo, who seemed unaffected by the game's mechanics, was a rare case. I remembered that in the game, the silhouette of the servant who left the country with Rium was female, which might be related.

"When I first realized that the diplomatic achievements I had made were credited to Pulm, who had never even been to that country, I was shocked. Everyone seemed to accept that Pulm's achievements were Rium's, and when my parents scolded me for harassing Pulm, I wasn't even out of my room."

"Yes, the false accusations of harassment were a daily occurrence. When Lord Yuto started whispering sweet nothings to Pulm, I knew this day would come."

"So, you made preparations for this?"

"Yes."

He looked at me with a slightly sad expression. My current situation might seem like I had been abandoned and lost everything, but I had been waiting for this day in some part of my heart.

"I was prepared for exile and didn't mind it much. What I didn't understand was Lord Yuto's reasons for breaking the engagement. I was prepared for accusations of harassment and work-related issues, but I never expected to hear that my face was scary or that I didn't praise him enough."

"Lord Rium, you are very lovely!"

"Eh?"

I had meant it as a joke, but his immediate and strong response made me look at him. Philo, who was glaring at the town of Arudina, seemed unaware of his own words. I was aware that my face was somewhat stern, and I hadn't let Lord Yuto's comments bother me. No one, not even my parents, had ever called me lovely. I felt my cheeks turning red. Words of malice, even from strangers, can hurt. The hostile words in the grand hall had wounded me, but Philo's words of kindness made me incredibly happy. I smiled secretly, glad that he wasn't looking at me.