Chapter 7

(Eh, I don’t really understand what’s going on with the world… but anyway, you’re saying that my execution wasn’t a dream, it actually happened, and the goddess has turned back time?)

As she wracked her brain, the goddess's voice echoed again.

《First, let me tell you about what happened after your death. After you passed away, a new investigation was conducted, and the suspicion of your wrongful conviction was cleared, restoring your good name.》

"Someone… put in effort for me?"

《No, it was more about preventing the Dendaneu viscountess, who was targeted for assassination, from becoming the queen.》

(Not for me at all! )

For a moment, Ortancia felt touched, but she quickly lost her energy.

Reality seemed to be merciless.

《As a result, the Dendaneu viscountess's self-staged plot was exposed, and your good name was cleared. You were canonized as a saint as a form of atonement.》

"It was a self-staged plot…?"

It seemed that the Dendaneu viscountess had taken a desperate gamble by poisoning herself to gain the sympathy and attention of the crown prince.

Ortancia couldn’t understand such behavior.

(She framed me, someone she barely knew, as the culprit… because I was a recluse who no one trusted, right?)

Ortancia realized she had been chosen as a convenient scapegoat.

Thinking about it, she couldn’t help but let out a dry laugh at how pitiful it was.

《It seemed that the kingdom had returned to calm, but one person quietly succumbed to madness. …Gérard Adnacian Verité, your step-brother.》

"What? Why!?"

Even though Ortancia’s name had been cleared, it should have been a dream come true for her step-brother and the ducal family…

《Gérard regretted not believing in your innocence and not being able to save you. When your innocence was finally proven… his anger finally exploded.》

"What? My brother had such human emotions?"

《He stormed the palace and demanded to meet the Dendaneu viscountess, who was under house arrest. When his request was denied… he killed dozens of people, including members of the royal family.》

"…What?"

《The Dendaneu viscountess, who was under house arrest, also died at his hands. Still, Gérard’s anger did not subside, and he even summoned a demon god, resonating with his passion.》

"…Wait, I don’t understand."

《He merged with the demon god and became a demon king. The world plunged into an era of chaos due to the appearance of the demon king. Many conflicts arose, and much blood was shed, leading to the reversal of time.》

"The scale is too big, I can’t keep up!!"

Confused, Ortancia finally clutched her head.

(Demon king? Why did it escalate to this point from my wrongful conviction? More importantly—)

"I think it’s strange that my step-brother would be angry because I was wrongfully convicted."

After all, Gérard hated Ortancia, who was a disgrace to the ducal family.

He would have been happy about her death, not regretful for not saving her. It was hard to believe.

《…Ortancia, not everything is as it seems. Gérard did indeed love you. …To the point where his love drove him to madness.》

"Such a thing…"

《…Time is running out. I can only speak to you for a little longer. Ortancia, remember what I’m about to tell you.》

There were many things she wanted to ask, but it seemed best to listen to the goddess for now.

Nodding gently, the goddess spoke kindly.

《Even though time has been reversed, you have been canonized as a saint. I have granted your soul a stronger blessing, which will surely help you.》

It seemed that the longer baptismal name from the first time had a specific meaning.

《Ortancia, please support Gérard and guide him onto the right path. His hidden power is immense and could destroy the world if misused. Only you can save him.》

"No, I can’t."

《I’m counting on you, Ortancia. May you be blessed…》

"Wait! I can’t!!"

(Supporting that cold step-brother is absolutely impossible! I’m bound to fail!!)

But as soon as the goddess finished speaking, her voice stopped, and the white mist cleared, revealing the surroundings and the noise.

Ortancia, who was in a daze, heard a familiar voice.

"Excellent news, Duke!"

"Who would have thought… Ortancia."

Suddenly called, she turned around to see her father approaching her hurriedly, talking to the bishop.

"Your new name is ‘Artiel.’ Like Gérard, it is a name as noble as that of the royal family. From now on, you should proudly call yourself Ortancia Artiel Verité."

"Your Highness, a maiden with such a strong blessing could be granted the title of saint immediately. Please, allow us to take your daughter into our care—"

"No, I can’t do that. I’ve just met my daughter, and I want to spoil her for a while."

With that, he rejected the bishop’s proposal, a scheming smile on his face.

"Your Highness! Please reconsider—"

"Come on, Ortancia."

Shaking off the pleading bishop, her father picked up Ortancia and walked away confidently.

"This is going to be interesting, Ortancia. Soon, marriage proposals from nobles and royalty will flood in."

"What!?"

Father, chuckling, seemed to find the situation amusing.

In contrast, Ortancia felt utterly drained.

(Sigh… I don’t understand, but it seems like things are about to get complicated.)

While leaning on her father, Ortancia vaguely recalled the goddess’s words.

(I’m sure she said something about my step-brother going off the rails if I don’t guide him back on the right path… Hmm…)

The goddess’s words were hard to believe, but they aligned with Ortancia’s goal of surviving by gaining Gérard’s support.

(First of all, I need to find a way to win over my step-brother Gérard… Is there even a way to do that?)

Faced with her first and greatest mission, Ortancia felt utterly lost.