Chapter 8

―― "Ortencia, please be with Gérard and guide him onto the right path. His hidden power is immense, and if used improperly, it could become a sword capable of destroying the world. Only you can save him."

Three days have passed since Ortencia heard the divine message at the baptism.

According to the goddess, if Ortencia fails to prevent Gérard from falling into darkness, the world itself will be in danger...

(No way, that's impossible. Goddess, you must have chosen the wrong person!)

While hugging a fluffy cushion on the bed, Ortencia sighed deeply.

When Ortencia received a powerful baptismal name and blessing, almost on par with a royal family member, the Verite Duke's mansion was in a bit of an uproar. The disdainful gazes that once said, "You're just the child of a filthy prostitute!" became less frequent, but now she was looked at as if she were some kind of mysterious creature.

The crucial Gérard, instead of saying, "As expected of my sister...!" or anything like that, continued to completely ignore Ortencia, much to her frustration. Tired of this situation, Ortencia became a recluse within three days of arriving at the mansion, diligently guarding her room whenever she had no business to attend to. She knew that if things continued like this, it would be a repeat of her first life, but she couldn't see any way out.

(If the goddess is going to give me such a difficult task, she should at least give me more hints!)

While Ortencia was spending her time in utter idleness, the door to her room was suddenly knocked on, and she jumped up. She hurriedly sat on the sofa, picked up a nearby book, and tried to create an atmosphere of "I was just reading elegantly." Once she was ready, she took a deep breath and called out to the other side of the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's Pamela, one of the maids, Miss Ortencia. May I come in?"

"Of course, please come in."

As she gave permission, a young maid entered the room eagerly. Seeing her, Ortencia's eyes widened.

(That's... this person...)

The one who came was a young woman with a rustic appearance. Ortencia knew her.

(Pamela... right. She was still working in the mansion at this time...)

Watching Pamela cheerfully prepare for tea time, Ortencia felt a pang of nostalgia. In her first life, Pamela was also a maid in the duke's mansion. While most of the servants treated Ortencia as an unwanted presence, saying things like, "She's just the child of a mistress, acting so important...," Pamela was different. She often doted on Ortencia, saying, "I have a sister around your age too!"

Ortencia trusted Pamela. Despite her somewhat clumsy nature, her straightforward and sincere heart was clear to see. Ortencia liked the existence of such a pure person in the noble society, where one had to distinguish between sincerity and pretense, as taught by her instructor, Annabelle.

(But... because she was too straightforward, Pamela...)

Her simplicity was probably annoying to certain people. Or perhaps, in the conflicts among the servants, she had incurred resentment by protecting Ortencia. Not long after Ortencia arrived at the mansion, Pamela was accused of stealing household items and was condemned.

"I didn't do it, I didn't steal anything!"

Pamela claimed her innocence, but no one believed her. It was said that the stolen items were found in her belongings. ...Pamela wouldn't do such a thing. Ortencia believed this, but she couldn't say anything. She was afraid of being even more disliked by the other servants if she defended Pamela. In the end, to avoid the scandal becoming public, the duke had Pamela dismissed from the mansion, though she wasn't handed over to the security forces. Losing her only ally, Ortencia became even more isolated.

(...If I had defended Pamela back then... would something have changed?)

After Pamela left, Ortencia regretted it many times. Even now, she believes that Pamela wouldn't do such a thing. She must have been framed by other servants who didn't like her.

(...But I know what will happen in the future, don't I?)

Ortencia clearly remembers when Pamela will be framed and dismissed from the duke's mansion.

(Maybe... I can prevent Pamela from leaving!)

It will be lonely without Pamela. In her previous life, Ortencia was powerless and could do nothing, but now it's different.

(I know the future. I should be able to change it. After all, the goddess said so!)

Besides, she now has the special blessing given by the goddess.

(I'll clear your injustice, Pamela! It will also be good practice for changing the future!)

Pamela, who was unaware of Ortencia's determination, tilted her head in confusion at the sparkly, enthusiastic gaze directed at her.