CH 2

“This is the opening night party scene!”

It was the first time she had attended a party since regaining her memories of her previous life.

Sylvia was overcome with emotion.

It was not that the evening party itself was unusual, of course. She had already made her social debut and was about to turn 20, so it was a familiar sight for her.

But when you thought of it as the opening scene of a game, it was a different kind of emotional experience.

Dressed up men and women of all ages gathered in the great hall of the Royal Palace.

A huge chandelier lit up the whole hall, making it look like it was glittering with gold.

The waltz music was from the royal orchestra.

The atmosphere was joyful and Sylvia felt herself as nervous as if she were a debutante.

“Oh, oh, oh... everything is moving. Now the game has started...”

I was overcome with emotion, but I was very careful that no one could hear me.

I didn't want to say something absurd and be thought of as a crazy person.

This was real life. That's why Sylvia knew she had to be careful, even though she was enjoying the game.

The men she was facing were real men, living in the real world.

In all honesty, she doubted that the game would work out so conveniently, but she thought it would be worth a try.

(If not, I'll just go on with my life as usual and try not to worry too much.)

Sylvia wanted to enjoy the event, not to chase after it. She was very calm about it.

(Um, so...)

So that was the end of the opening.

From here on in the game, the heroine was free to go where she wanted.

There were six routes. Which one she would choose would determine which characters she would meet and which ones she would leave behind.

(In a sense, failure is not an option.)

Sylvia cautiously reminded herself once more of the action she was going to take.

She could go to the balcony and meet the prince in disguise, who was fed up with people.

She could go to the dressing room and meet the knight on the way.

She could go to the courtyard and meet the playful duke.

If she remained standing in a daze, an event would occur and she would meet an assassin.

But if she left, she would get the brother-in-law route.

If she had cleared all characters, an event with the king would occur.

(I will go to the bathroom, final answer!)

Recalling again, Sylvia nodded deeply.

Although she had just come in, she left the venue of the evening party. Who do you meet first? This was the most important thing of all.

Her hair ornament swayed. This hair ornament had been a favourite of Sylvia's since she was a little girl.

She didn't know its name, but she loved the pink petals that looked like cherry blossoms, and she kept using it.

It was a pity that the central part was slightly chipped, but as it had been used for a long time and was not noticeable, Sylvia decided not to worry about it.

(She probably liked it because it resembled a cherry blossom.)

She was attracted to it because it resembled a flower she had liked in her previous life.

Sylvia gently touched her hair ornament, thinking that even if she didn't remember, she must have vaguely sensed something from her previous life.

Sylvia wore a dress that matched her hair ornament, and although it was clean and unadorned, it suited her slim frame.

Occasionally a man would pass by and look back at her, but Sylvia took no notice.

(Uh, bathroom, bathroom… It’s here.)

“………”

When she got there, Sylvia tilted her head.

It was strange. I didn't see anyone.

According to the plan, the event of meeting the knight should have occurred by now.

”...Um? I don't think so, but... maybe I didn't notice and passed by?”

Sylvia paled a bit when she said it to herself.

It was a big mistake to be so preoccupied with other things that I missed the important thing, Dietrich.

I had to get back quickly.

Sylvia was desperate to get back on track, as this important event was going to be lost.

“...Huh?”

I was on a different path than I planned.

I wasn’t going back to where I came from, but I didn't know why.

Before I knew it, everything was quiet and still. It was clear that I had wandered into a secluded part of the palace.

“Ugh... what do I do? Which way can I go back...?”

Sylvia muttered to herself, feeling uneasy. Then, a voice came from behind her.

“There's nothing to see there. Or do you want to get caught for breaking in and entering?”

“Huh?”

The voice was cold and stern, yet somehow sweet.

The voice was so familiar that Sylvia froze.

(Huh? Huh? You can't be serious, can you...? Why are you here!?)

“How long will you turn your back? Turn around and say your name.”

”...Y, yes.”

When the voice came again, Sylvia felt like crying, she was sure of it.

Still, she turned as instructed.

The first thing she saw was his silver hair, which was a bit long. His narrow eyes were a beautiful blue.

The white knight's uniform suited him well, but Sylvia knew very well that he was not a knight.

(Oh... I knew it.)

“I haven't seen you before. What's your name?”

When he asked her name, Sylvia opened her mouth with a sense of resignation.

“...Sylvia Lievert. Sir Knight.”

“Ah, you're the daughter of the Marquis of Lievert. What are you doing here?”

“I was just trying to get back to the venue from the... lavatory and somehow I ended up here.”

“That's another lie. You'd better say it. The venue for the evening party is on the other side.”

“…I'm sorry.”

As they continued their conversation, Sylvia was almost distracted by the sweet voice that made her ears tingle.

(Oh, this voice, and this face, there’s no doubt.)

Feeling like crying, Sylvia cursed her misfortune.

I never imagined that I would meet him in such a place.

In front of me was one of the characters dressed as a knight.

It was Arthur Felix Stride, the man Sylvia had been trying to avoid at all costs.