Chapter 95

I'm sorry for the shortness…

I think the Third Lady has a unique aura. We didn't talk much, but she definitely has a charm that captivates people.

…Though I won't specify what it is.

This is just my assessment, but I think the eldest son originally had ambitions, but he doesn't seem like the type to act without a clear understanding of reality.

Moreover, I have a feeling that the other siblings might also have the capacity to understand each other better. I haven't seen them since the incident, but I wonder how they are doing now?

I recognized the black mist that appeared with the Sacred Heel. It's most likely a curse from the Cult of the Evil God or something similar. If it's the type that controls or brainwashes people, then the entire incident might have been orchestrated.

…As I recall, the eldest son was under house arrest, right? If he was brainwashed, he should be able to talk normally now that the curse is lifted, right?

It's worth a try. Before going to the Third Lady, I'll actually go and talk to him.

First, I'll go to the second son, Ilwamater's place.

*Knock knock knock*

"It's Owl. I'd like to talk to you, Ilwamater. Is this a good time?"

"……Come in."

He doesn't sound very energetic. I thought of him as a bundle of energy, a rather powerful person, but he must be really struggling.

"Excuse me, how have you been since then? Have you noticed any changes in your health?"

"Ah, no, I'm fine."

Hmm, he seems more energetic than I thought. But he seems a bit distant, is it just my imagination?

"That's a relief. I heard that the Emperor is recovering and will be back to his daily routine soon."

"Wh-What?! Did my father collapse?!"

Huh? What is he talking about? He was poisoned and we even worked together to solve the mystery. Maybe the shock has caused some memory confusion?

"…Excuse me, do you remember me?"

"I'm sorry, I'm not very good at remembering things, and I can't recall you. …Have we met somewhere before?"

What…?

What is he saying? He doesn't remember anything that happened?

"…Do you have no memory at all?"

"No, I have memories, but I can't recall anything recent. It feels like I was in a dream, or my head was clouded."

Wait, wait… What does this mean? I need to think quickly.

There's a possibility that Ilwamater is lying, but from the look on his face, that seems unlikely.

This means that Ilwamater was most likely completely controlled or brainwashed at the banquet.

And since he said "recently," it wasn't just during the banquet.

…What about the others?

"Ilwamater, it seems your memory is still confused. I'll come back another time."

"Sorry, I'll try my best to remember."

* * *

—We've been had.

Aristia and Genius had also lost their memories. Despite everything that happened, no one remembered the banquet.

I'm not sure if this is a side effect of the curse I lifted or if it's due to some other factor, but either way, there's only one thing to do now.

"I'll go see the Third Lady."

She must know something. The evidence is too clear.

*Knock knock knock*

"It's Owl. I heard you're not feeling well, so I came to see if I could help."

"Oh, oh. Please come in."

Hmm, her voice sounds more energetic than I expected. She seems quite normal.

"Excuse me. …You seem more energetic than I thought. And, please put on some proper clothes!"

The Third Lady was wearing nothing but a see-through babydoll over her underwear. It's quite a sight.

It's like she's asking to be looked at.

"Oh, oh, you're such a naughty one. Were you observing me closely back then?"

…So she noticed. But if she noticed despite my careful attention, she must be quite skilled.

She doesn't look like it, but people are not always what they seem.

"I noticed… I was just excited about visiting a new castle out of curiosity."

"Normally, you'd be punished, but since you helped the Emperor, I'll let it slide this time."

That's generous of you.

"Let me be straightforward. Who are you?"

"…I don't understand your question. I'm the Third Lady, aren't I?"

Her expression changed. But leaving this unchecked could lead to trouble. I need to finish this quickly and go on a date with Luna.

"Then let me rephrase. You're a member of the Cult of the Evil God, right? You cast a brainwashing curse on the royal family and hired the Dark Guild to eliminate us. …Using the Dark Guild, with whom you have a bad relationship, must have been unexpected for them."

"…Hehehe, I don't know what you're talking about. But it's troublesome to let you run free. I wanted to play a bit more, but for my long-held wish, you must die here."

Damn! So it comes to this! If I'm going to be killed by such a beauty, I'd be content as a man, but unfortunately, I have people waiting for me.

"Barrier activation!"

This will defend against any attack!

…Wait, did I just set a flag?

"Hehehe, you can't defend against my attack. Goodnight, boy."

'Dream Magic: Another World'

So it was a flag…!

* * *

"Mmm… I was trying to fight the Third Lady… What happened?"

Looking around, I saw a familiar scene. A large red iron tower and tall buildings.

Many people passing by in front of me.

This is…

"…Tokyo?"

I'd be grateful for any reviews, bookmarks, etc.

I'm at my busiest, and my update time is being severely cut, and I'm so sleep-deprived I feel like I'm dying…

Thanks to everyone, I won the [Net Novel Award] and will be publishing a book with Futaba-sha.