Chapter 3

In the reception room of the "Spring Palace," I met the party led by Duke Halfan.

The purpose of this visit seems to be the development of the silver vein and the surrounding forest resources at the border between the Aurelia and Halfan territories.

My father, Duke Aurelia, is in his forties. His golden hair, which now has a few strands of white, is combed back. He has a short beard. His face and personality are very similar to my brother Edelbert's. He is very kind to his family but is also a highly esteemed warrior. My brother and I stand beside him, dressed formally.

Then, Duke Halfan and his wife, along with their two children, appeared before us.

Duke Halfan is younger than my father. Although he is already in his thirties, he has the appearance of a sharp and handsome young man with black hair and gray eyes. He is dressed in a light gray robe, the formal attire of a mage. It looks plain and simple at first glance, but the delicate embroidery with silver threads is very beautiful.

The Duchess is a bit younger. She is a lively and energetic woman. She wears a light blue dress with minimal decoration, her black hair is tied up, and she has deep blue eyes. She is a mature woman who combines refined beauty with gentle charm.

Then there are the eldest, Claus, and the second child, Ann. Claus is dressed in black with lavish silver threads, while Ann wears a white, simple dress with silver threads. Both of them resemble their father in appearance, but their hair and eye color are like their mother. Their straight, silky black hair and strong, blue eyes are very striking.

In particular, Claus, who has a bright and cheerful expression, is quite different from the dark and gloomy impression he gives in the game. He is a confident and healthy boy who seems to have never been hurt. If he had grown up this way, he would have been a refreshing and energetic young man.

After the greetings and introductions, Duke Halfan and my father began discussing the agenda. The Duchess and my brother decided to tour the inside of the "Spring Palace."

As for me, Erika Aurelia, and the Halfan siblings, we were supposed to play together in the palace's vast garden.

At this time of year, the "Spring Palace" is truly a palace in full bloom, as its name suggests. The most beautiful place in the palace is the Grand Garden, which consists of three gardens: the Knot Garden, the Embroidery Garden, and the Rose Garden.

"Then, I will be your guide for the garden."

"Hey, woman, I have no intention of being friendly with you at all."

– Was this person always like this?

And what's with a ten-year-old boy calling a girl two years younger "woman"?

No, this is fine.

Claus Halfan is not just cold and gloomy; he is also arrogant and sadistic. I had almost forgotten because of his refreshing appearance.

"Besides, I don't like this visit at all! Why do I have to meet the newcomers from the west, and why does my father have to come to me?"

Well, that's not my fault.

The "Spring Palace" of Aurelia has many transfer gates, making it the perfect place to inspect the nearby mines and forests. Besides, the "Arrival Family" of Aurelia has been on this continent for six hundred years, so it's a bit much to call us newcomers.

"Hmph, I have no interest in such a place. Flowers are trivial."

"Brother, don't act like a spoiled child. It's rude to Lady Erika."

I was at a loss for how to defuse the situation amicably, but then Ann, who is a year younger, came to my rescue.

"It's very impolite to refuse Lady Erika's offer to guide us through the prestigious gardens of the 'Spring Palace.'"

"Ah, I don't want to be with you either, Ann. Being with a girl makes me weak."

Hmm, this is the kind of person he is, indeed.

I can't help but think that interacting with the opposite sex is best done through a screen.

But to treat his own sister like this is a bit surprising.

In the game, he was an extreme siscon.

"Very well. Then, Claus, do as you please. I will guide Ann through the garden."

"…Alright, I'll do that."

Claus left us and quickly headed back to the palace.

I wonder what he will do alone in someone else's palace…

Well, it's fine.

My mission today is to ensure Ann's safety, not to please Claus.

I must make sure she doesn't get anywhere near the "Arrival Ruins," the most dangerous place in the western Aurelia.

"I'm very sorry, Lady Erika. My brother was very rude."

"Don't worry about it. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Ann."

"The pleasure is mine, Lady Erika."

Despite being younger than Claus, Ann is very well-mannered and polite.

My affection for her grows.

Also, one of my concerns has been resolved.

Meeting Claus and Ann has awakened the sleeping villainess Erika Aurelia in me!

…But no, I remain myself.

"I was really looking forward to this. I've heard so much about it. This grand garden is really as vast as they say, isn't it?"

"Is this your first time seeing such a garden?"

"Yes. In the east, no one uses trees trimmed so low. It's very unique… Oh, those flowers over there!?"

Even though she is only seven, Ann is very intelligent and has a fresh, childlike sensitivity.

We move from the Knot Garden, which is made entirely of evergreen trees, to the Embroidery Garden, which is filled with a variety of flowers. Each one seems new to her.

"These are dwarf lavenders. They have been improved to have larger flowers."

"The light purple is so beautiful… Oh, what are those white single-petaled flowers?"

"They are a type of wild rose. If you like them, I can ask the gardener to pick some for you."

"…Really?"

"Yes, as many as you like of the flowers you love."

I have no problem fulfilling a child's request.

I think it's fine to be sweet to a child who is well-mannered.

"Really, it's okay?"

"Yes, Lady Ann is a very important guest to me."

I smile at her.

Ann's face turns bright red.

"…Thank you…"

Unlike her brother, she is honest and cute.

Well, Claus's charm is his lack of honesty, so it can't be helped.

There is a demand for such a character in the world of my previous life.

This brings back memories of the world where Ann died.

(I must make sure that never happens. It's really unacceptable for such a child to die.)

Of course, I also care about my own safety.

I have no intention of being cursed and killed by a possessed Ann.