Chapter 10

After the audience ended, I was at the tea party arranged in the courtyard.

The marble pillars and stone roof blocked the direct sunlight, allowing soft light to pour down. At this tea party, I sat across from Cyril, facing him over a round table.

"Sofia, first of all, I am grateful that you accepted my invitation despite the sudden request."

"I am honored to have been invited by you, Sir Cyril."

When I smiled in response, Cyril narrowed his eyes in delight. Bathed in the shimmering light, his smile seemed to glow. As expected of a target character, his face is incredibly handsome.

As I admired the view, he suddenly bowed his head.

"I apologize for what happened the other day. I should have protected you, but because of my incompetence, you were put in danger."

"It was my own doing. Besides, if it were you, Sir Cyril, you would have handled it without my intervention, wouldn't you?"

"Even so, the fact remains that you protected me. You are my savior."

He bowed deeply.

When I replied, "If I could be of service to Sir Cyril, I am honored. Besides, you saved my life as well, so we are even," Cyril finally raised his head.

"…I see. Then we are both saviors to each other, are we?"

Saying this, Cyril smiled cutely. I want to preserve this smile. As I was thinking about whether there are cameras in this world, he picked up his teacup.

"This is the tea I had specially ordered for today. You should try it too."

Following his suggestion, I brought the cup to my lips, and the rich aroma tickled my nose.

After that, we enjoyed the tea party, exchanging casual conversation. What caught Cyril's interest was the rainbow I created at the magic performance on the lake.

Apparently, for the residents of this world, intentionally creating a rainbow was quite surprising.

As we continued our conversation, a maid brought a refill of tea. While replacing the tea, the maid whispered something to Cyril.

"Those guys are at it again… No, it doesn't matter."

I heard Cyril's voice. Actually…? Something about this exchange feels familiar. It must be from the original story. If so, this is probably the event in the courtyard of the royal castle.

…Ah, I get it. This is the event where the heroine is invited by Cyril.

Cyril has two close friends: Iris, the daughter of the head of the knights, and Prince Wolf, the second prince, who is also his younger brother. Although Wolf is his younger brother, they are the same age and from different mothers, so the impression of them being brothers is weak. They can be considered childhood friends.

These three are wary of those who approach the crown prince Cyril. Therefore, when Cyril becomes close to someone, they sometimes try to assess the person's character.

When Cyril invited the heroine to the courtyard, Wolf and Iris observed her from a hidden spot.

The exchange between Cyril and the maid just now was exactly the same as that scene. Perhaps they are watching this tea party from somewhere.

"I'm sorry. I intended to introduce you to my friends today, but it seems they have other plans."

"Oh, I see. When you mention your friends, do you mean Lady Iris, the daughter of the head of the knights, or Prince Wolf?"

"Indeed, you are quite perceptive. It is precisely those two."

Cyril showed a slightly surprised expression.

"Since we are in different classes, we don't have much interaction, but I have seen you together several times at the academy. Besides, the three of you are known for your close friendship."

"Is that so? Well, it is true that we have a long-standing relationship."

Incidentally, the academy attended by nobles is not a year-round institution. The nobles gather in the capital during the social season, which lasts about three to six months, and attend the academy intensively during this period. Especially in the middle school, the period is shorter, so even if they are in the same school, there is little interaction if they are in different classes.

This changes somewhat in the high school, but in the original game, my interactions with them are only related to the heroine. If possible, I would like to have more direct interactions.

With this in mind, I said, "But it's a shame. I was looking forward to having a proper conversation with them someday…"—intending to convey this casually.

"…Why is that?"

For some reason, Cyril's voice carried a hint of caution.

Confused by his caution, I explained, "Because they are Sir Cyril's friends. Besides, I was impressed by Lady Iris's magic."

"Ah, I see. Iris was also interested in Sofia's magic."

He smiled. The cautiousness that had seeped into Cyril's aura was completely gone. …Could he be jealous of Wolf?

Cyril has a gentle face, but Wolf has a slightly harsher appearance. The young ladies in the middle school often found Wolf's cool demeanor attractive.

Therefore, it is mentioned in the story that Cyril once felt jealous of Wolf. Although there was no scene where he actually showed jealousy, it's a bit exciting to see it in person.

Don't worry, I'm a Cyril supporter.

As I was thinking this, Cyril glanced behind me. They must be there now. I smiled, feeling their presence behind me.

"If that's the reason, it's a shame you couldn't meet today. How about I introduce you to them when the high school classes start?"

"Would that be all right?"

I leaned forward, thrilled at the unexpected offer.

But—

"Of course, since you are my savior. Besides, with the rumors about the candidate for the Holy Maiden, I'm sure they will be very interested."

I gasped at the unexpected news.

"…Rumors about the candidate for the Holy Maiden?"

"What, you haven't heard? Your dedication in saving me, combined with your ability to create a real rainbow, has led to rumors that you might be the true Holy Maiden."

"Really? I've never heard of it!"

I am not a Holy Maiden but an antagonist. I don't intend to act like an antagonist, but being mistaken for a Holy Maiden is impossible. Maybe I've been trying too hard?

…Wait a minute.

If the heroine is not recognized as the Holy Maiden, the continent will be overrun by monsters. Knowing who the Holy Maiden is, I thought this was an impossible bad ending… but? Could I be recognized as the Holy Maiden, leading to the world's destruction?

No, I need to calm down.

I will say it again: I know the Holy Maiden is the heroine. If the heroine is the Holy Maiden, everything should be fine if I assert it… but no!

The more I try, the more people might misunderstand me as the Holy Maiden!

If that's the case, if I commit evil deeds… No, that won't work. I might not be chosen as the Holy Maiden, but I could be condemned. If that happens, my wish to live happily will not come true.

Moreover, it's not even certain that the heroine will be chosen as the Holy Maiden.

…What? Could I be in a bind? No, no, there must be a way. There has to be… right? I shouldn't be in a bind for such a ridiculous reason, right?

Despite my agitation, the tea party ended without incident.

After that, the seasons changed, and I was about to enter high school. One day, dozens of candidates for the Holy Maiden were officially selected. Among them were the heroine and—my name.