Chapter 64

The time rewinds a bit. It was just before the Scissors Mantis appeared.

Katsuragi Shori, the heir of the highest-ranking dukedom in the Japanese Magic Empire, was enjoying his 10th birthday debut party in the palace's grand hall, a place where only high-ranking nobles could enter.

The 10th birthday debut party, known for its opulence and grandeur, was hosted by the emperor. Indeed, the food served at the party venues in the commoner districts and the gardens of lower-ranking nobles was delicious and varied, a significant feat.

However, the palace's party was of a different caliber. From the rare dishes made from the hard-to-obtain High Horn Bear, to caviar from the Flying Super Shark, Flame Mushrooms, and Platinum Truffles—dishes made from ingredients that could not be bought even with a fortune—lined the tables. Incidentally, unlike the Butterfly Shark, the Flying Super Shark is said to be an extremely powerful monster.

Under the light of the magnificent chandeliers made entirely of magic gems, the high-ranking nobles enjoyed themselves in attire that could sustain a commoner's life for a lifetime.

...Enjoyed themselves. That's what Shori wanted to believe.

"Wow, Shori-sama can use fire magic at such a young age. Truly remarkable."

"I'd like to visit Shori-sama's house sometime."

"Since we were born the same year, how about we form a clan just for us?"

As usual, his entourage flattered him with their words. Both men and women used flattery...

"You guys, just a little more... No, never mind. Let's enjoy the party, shall we?"

As usual, but there were also some differences. The children spoke in a manner unbecoming of their age. Surely, they were told to do so by their parents.

The adults praised Shori with a predatory gleam in their eyes. Shori, who rarely spoke to adults, was thoroughly exhausted.

With his coming-of-age ceremony now over, he would have to attend more parties. Would he have to endure such flattery continuously?

The servants, who hardly spoke to him out of fear, and those who used flattery, were few. The entourage, with the innocence of children, used flattery in a clumsy manner that was not worth worrying about. But things would be different from now on.

For Shori, a former otaku and ex-freeter, it was troublesome. He originally avoided school and stayed home because it was somewhat troublesome. Growing up in a dukedom, learning etiquette and gaining confidence in his strength, his personality remained unchanged.

If it were a servant, he could kick them away, calling it noisy and a punishment, but those present were high-ranking nobles who would become his allies in the future. If he acted tyrannically, his downfall was easily predictable, so he responded with a forced smile.

Honestly, it was tiring. Shori, who had thought that becoming wealthy would make his future wonderful, was disillusioned. But a life with money was indeed wonderful. Unlike in his previous life, where he had to extort money from his parents to play gacha games, he could now live a good life. Being rich enough to buy out gacha game companies, he believed he needed to endure, sighing as he dealt with the situation.

"Are you enjoying yourself, Katsuragi-sama?"

A clear, cute girl's voice called out to him, and he turned to respond with a respectful bow.

"This is Hikagami-sama. Yes, I am enjoying myself. I was moved to see such a variety of dishes for the first time."

"Hehe. I've never seen such a variety of dishes either! After all, Father forbade me from attending parties until my coming-of-age ceremony."

Her cheerful laugh created a warm atmosphere around her. Shori, impressed by her smile, which alone made her a heroine, looked at her.

The one who called out was Hikagami Seina, the emperor's daughter. She was the only princess in the royal family and was doted on by her brothers. Her silver hair, which looked like platinum, reached her waist. Her ruby-red eyes. A beautiful face that combined cuteness and elegance, like a goddess. She wore a platinum tiara embedded with gems and a dazzling dress. A specialist in recovery magic, she had a gentle demeanor, a kind personality, and a mischievous side, making her a heroine in "The Night of Magic."

She was also a character whose inner thoughts were frequently described, making her a source of comfort for Shori. Characters whose inner thoughts were rarely described should not be judged based on their original portrayal, Shori thought, so Seina was a comforting presence like the protagonist.

In the original story, she was a character who was always absent when recovery magic was needed, but that was the author's fault, so he didn't mind.

"From now on, we will have to attend many parties, won't we?"

"Yes, it's a bit troublesome, isn't it? Ah, this is a secret, okay?"

Standing next to Seina was Shin. Kamishina Shin, the protagonist of "The Night of Magic." She was standing next to Seina for some reason. He wanted to ask where her fiancé was and why she wasn't escorting her, but he knew she was bedridden with mumps.

He also knew that in a few days, she would have a small party with her fiancé after he recovered. So, it wasn't strange for her to be next to Seina. Seina liked Shin after a brief conversation, knowing that she was a recovery magic user and a royal who didn't treat her specially.

In this modern fantasy world, unlike in other fantasy worlds, there were no strict rules about interactions between men and women. Noble children could talk alone in a room, and it was not forbidden to speak closely with someone who had a fiancé. They could have normal friendships.

"Indeed, it's a bit troublesome. I'm already tired of it."

He shrugged and made a playful gesture.

Seina was Shori's favorite. A template of silver hair and red eyes, but that alone proved their popularity. Shori also loved them.

Another reason was that the method to increase her affection was clear.

Of course, he needed to earn her affection outside of events. So, Shori had a secret plan. The secret plan was to mimic Shin, treating Seina as a normal friend rather than someone special.

Honestly, he was aware that he might not be able to do it, but he believed he could manage. After all, he had experience with many women, albeit in the virtual world.

In reality, game experience doesn't translate, and Shori understood that.

However, this was a world of novels. Even cheesy lines and exaggerated reactions were acceptable here. The common sense of his previous life was different. He firmly believed that his game experience would be useful.

"I'm surprised, Katsuragi-sama. You seemed to enjoy such parties."

"Ah... Do I? If so, I'm relieved to know I'm doing a good job."

"Oh, you're different from the rumors."

Seeing Seina giggle, Shori, facing a real heroine, a girl who had stepped out of the screen, grinned, his nose puffing up, and quickly covered his mouth to hide his lecherous smile.

But, being a huge fan of "The Night of Magic," he couldn't contain his excitement. He clenched his hand, vowing to make her his.

After a brief conversation, Shori, who knew the hidden story from the setting collection, stuck closely to Seina. He knew what would happen next.

"Ahh, I'm so sorry!"

The opportunity began when Shin bumped into a maid carrying wine. The maid, with her dull brown hair and glasses, collided with Shin, spilling wine on her clothes.

"I'm so sorry."

"No, it's my fault for not paying attention."

True to his character, the protagonist of the Kamishina dukedom, who was generous to all but villains, smiled and waved his hand in forgiveness. However, he noticed that Seina had subtly tripped the maid, causing the wine to spill on Shin.

Seina giggled mischievously, sticking out her tongue. Shin, who had also noticed, did not get angry.

"This is terrible. Shin, let's change in the dressing room?"

Clapping her hands, Seina pulled Shin's hand. The maid hurriedly followed them to the dressing room.

"I'll come with you, Hikagami-sama."

He followed, wondering how they moved so quickly, but then understood the method and followed behind.

Seina thought for a moment, then smiled, deciding it was fine.

"Can you call me Shori? I'm Seina, too. Let's go."

Shori, inwardly making a fist, smiled, feeling a step forward.

In the dressing room, the flustered maid helped Shin change into a new dress, likely prepared for such an occasion.

"I'm sorry. I'll clean your ring as well."

"Ah, thank you."

The ring, which had become sticky from the wine, was taken off by Shin, and the maid carefully wrapped it in a handkerchief and cleaned it. Shori knew that the ring was the last artifact sealing the demon god, so he watched carefully, but there was nothing suspicious. The maid finished cleaning and returned it to Shin.

Though there was no event in the story where the ring was stolen, he felt relieved for some reason.

"Shin, Shori, how about this dress?"

Seina, who had moved to the next room, appeared in a new dress. It was a neat but slightly expensive one-piece, resembling a commoner's best outfit. Her beautiful silver hair was now dull brown, and she wore glasses.

"I've disguised myself. Can you recognize me?"

"No, I can't."

"Indeed. What's with this appearance?"

Shin, with a wry smile, put back the necklace with the rusty ring. Shori, as expected, feigned surprise.

"Before that, you can leave now. And please keep this a secret."

"Yes, I understand. I'll leave now."

Seina dismissed the maid, who bowed and left. Left alone, Seina put her finger to her lips and smiled mischievously.

"Let's secretly go to the commoner district's party. There's a secret teleportation array. We can go quickly, have fun, and come back secretly."

"Are you serious?"

"Just a little, just a little. So, Shori, please change as well?"

Shin, who had heard about it, only shrugged, but Shori, knowing that Seina would definitely go to the commoner district, asked as a formality.

After all, this party was the signal for the start of the original story.

This party was the turning point. The power struggle between the royal family and the nobles, and the core events of the original story.

Smirking inwardly, Shori followed Seina to the secret teleportation array.

Incidentally, he thought the maid looked like Seina in her current disguise, but with his mind set on the upcoming events, he quickly forgot about it.