Chapter 7

"Hehe, I hope you're not joking about something as trivial as returning to your original body."

Despite Lady Eliza's words, I was so surprised that I lost my words for a moment. But I quickly took her hand.

"Y-Yes, that's right! Actually, last week, Gerald and I suddenly returned to our original bodies... I was really confused..."

As I desperately tried to convey this, her expression suddenly dropped.

Her perfectly composed face made her look like a doll. For a moment, I felt a bit scared.

"......You must be joking."

"It's true. It sounds unbelievable, but it's true."

Lady Eliza covered her eyes with the hand I wasn't holding, but eventually, she regained her usual beautiful smile.

"I'm sorry. I was just so surprised."

"It's okay. Um, why did you think that?"

"Hehe, I just happened to hear a rumor, so I thought I'd tease you a bit."

"Oh, I see."

At the engagement break, I must have mentioned that I had returned to my original body, and she had heard the rumor.

After that, I explained the whole situation again. I was worried if she would believe me, but Lady Eliza listened to me very attentively until the end.

"You've really been through a lot. It must have been tough."

"You believe me...?"

"Of course. In fact, the thought of the terrible person who took your body is terrifying."

She looked pained as she said this. She gently squeezed the hand she had been holding.

"From now on, talk to me about anything and rely on me. I'll be there for you."

"Thank you...!"

Lady Eliza is really a good person. Her angelic smile is dazzling. I'm glad I talked to her.

"If you follow my advice, everything will be fine."

I nodded repeatedly at her words. For some reason, when she says it, I feel like it will be true.

Then, I decided to consult her about my biggest worry, the ball.

"......Yes, you should definitely attend the ball. The viscount's family is already in a weak position, and if you refuse an invitation from the royal family, it will only make things worse."

"I see, that's true."

My parents must have understood this and were worried about me, which is why they said I didn't have to go.

"But I don't know anything about manners, and I can't dance at all..."

"Don't worry, I'll be with you. Besides, you don't have to dance if you don't want to."

"Really? Is that so?"

If I can just attend and wait for the time to pass quietly in a corner, I feel like I can manage it.

Most importantly, Lady Eliza, who is my age, will be with me on the day. Feeling reassured, I decided to attend the ball.

......However, I didn't notice that she never once called me "Saidy" from the beginning to the end.

◇◇◇

After that, I told my parents that I would attend the ball. When I told them that Lady Eliza would be with me, they seemed relieved and encouraged me, saying, "Just don't overdo it."

According to them, she has a very good reputation and is considered a model young lady, even though she is the daughter of a baron.

Fortunately, there is still a little over a month until the ball. I asked my mother to increase the pace of my studies and etiquette lessons to become more like a noble lady.

A week later, I was at the royal library.

Today, I was meeting Gerald here. He had some errands to run, so the time might vary a bit, which is why we chose this place.

While waiting for him, I planned to read a book about magic. I found a book that seemed easy to understand about the basics of magic, took it, and sat down at a nearby table. I started reading it slowly.

"Hmm... Magic is important because of the connection between the soul and the body..."

So that's why I couldn't use magic in that body. I also heard that I couldn't use magic in my current body. This means there's a high possibility that I can use magic now.

I thought I shouldn't try it until I found someone to guide me, to avoid any accidents. However, I still haven't found a tutor, and my parents can't use magic. I'm stuck.

If my memory serves me right, I was a water mage.

I decided to look for a book about water magic and stood up again, heading towards the bookshelf.

"......Hey, ho..."

I found a book that seemed just right, but it was on a high shelf, just out of reach.

I should have brought a step stool, but I was frustrated that it was just a little bit too high, so I stretched my hand as far as I could.

Suddenly, a hand appeared from above and easily took the book I wanted, handing it to me. The world is full of kind people. Feeling happy, I couldn't help but smile.

"Thank you."

I took the book with a smile and looked up at the person behind me. The moment I saw the face of the person in front of me, I froze like a statue.

And it seemed the same for him.

"......Saidy...?"

Rufus whispered my name and stood there, rooted to the spot.