Chapter 207: The Otome Game 7

Just because the tea party was over didn’t mean she could relax. Liliana Alexandra Clark thought this as she left the venue with Riley and the others.

The events Emilia would trigger on her first day at the palace were not limited to her greetings with the love interests. If it was an event with Riley and Austin, she could encounter it by staying with them for a while after the tea party. In the game, Liliana wasn't there, but when she was making her plans, she had arranged to be with Riley as much as possible. This had made Riley exceptionally happy, but what was important to Liliana was to be present for the events between Emilia and the love interests.

Even if she was with Riley, if she found the right time to act separately, she could rush to the events with Clyde and Belasta. As for Prince Roland, fortunately, his event would happen the day after the tea party, so there was no need to rush.

“Lady Liliana, let’s return to our rooms for now. There is some time before the banquet.”

Escorted by Riley, Liliana walked down the corridor. She needed to change her clothes, but there was still some time. During that time, she was scheduled to have a final confirmation of the banquet plans with Riley over tea. The Liliana of the game would probably have left Riley early to go and change.

Austin, who was leading Riley and Liliana, stopped as they approached the courtyard, as if he had noticed something. Riley and Liliana, who had noticed at the same time, tilted their heads, but the next moment, Liliana realized it was an event from the game.

Fortunately for her, it seemed the first incident was with Riley and Austin. Many of the events that occurred to raise Riley and Austin's affection levels overlapped. Since they were master and royal guard, the story was designed so that meeting them both at the same time could raise both their affection levels.

“Austin, what is it?”

“Your Highness.”

While serving as a royal guard, Austin also called Riley “Your Highness.” This time was no exception, and beyond the politely responding Austin, a girl stood with her back to the fountain. But she quickly curtsied in a flustered manner. Riley, who had widened his eyes in slight surprise, quickly adopted a gentle smile and asked Emilia.

“Lady Navy, you may raise your head. What brings you here?”

Emilia seemed unable to hide her nervousness, just as she had during her greeting, but she slowly raised her face and answered firmly.

“Ah, yes. I was looking for my father but couldn’t find him, and I ended up here, but—was I allowed to be in this place?”

For Emilia, who was not used to the palace, the vast royal palace must seem like a labyrinth. The courtyard they were in was located between the building where the officials worked and the building where the royal family resided, and although anyone could enter, no one actually strolled through it. The courtyard itself was small compared to the garden that spread out behind the palace, and some people even mistook it for a private garden.

(But I suppose if you’re not a high-ranking noble, even this garden would seem quite large.)

Liliana casually let her gaze wander around the garden. She then narrowed her eyes and focused on the “something” in Emilia’s hand, which she was restlessly clenching and shifting from hand to hand.

(That’s probably the first item.)

The otome game Liliana had seen in her past life also had a significant puzzle-solving element. The main mystery was the series of unsettling incidents that would occur around Riley and the others, and one of the props needed to solve it was the brooch Emilia was currently clutching. Of course, that one brooch alone couldn't solve anything. Only when multiple pieces of evidence and testimony were combined could the heroines unravel the mystery.

(Should I be extra cautious?)

Liliana thought, watching the conversation between Austin and the others as if it had nothing to do with her.

There was no doubt that the heroine was acting just as she had in the game. Although there was no conclusive proof yet, the love interests were also behaving similarly, if not exactly the same. If things continued like this, it was possible that the story would unfold just as it had in the game.

(There are many parts that are not like the game, and I don't know to what extent that will have an effect.)

There were characters who had not appeared in the game, and conversely, there was the fact that characters who should have existed at the time of the game were now dead.

However, she still didn't understand everything about the game she remembered. What concerned her the most was the fact that the Liliana of the game had dabbled in dark magic. But Liliana's natural talent was in wind magic, and to master dark magic, which had many forbidden spells, she would need a master. However, Ben Draco and Petra Muirulainen, who seemed to know a lot about dark magic, did not appear in the game, and she couldn't imagine them having had any connection with the Liliana of the game.

Liliana had no intention of acting as she had in the game, but she couldn't deny the possibility that she might act that way against her will.

(In that case, is the best solution for me to collect the props and solve the mystery in place of the heroine?)

The villainess Liliana of the game had dabbled in dark magic and tried to kill Riley. The reason for this was depicted as jealousy, sorrow, and hatred for her fiancé, who was turning his heart to the heroine. But if there was someone who had taught Liliana, who was skilled in wind magic, dark magic, then the incident could not be truly resolved until the purpose of the teacher was revealed.

If such a person existed, then by identifying them and understanding their purpose, she should be able to avoid stepping onto the path of ruin herself. She might even be able to capture that person.

(It’s a pity there was no mention of that, probably because of the nature of it being an otome game. Still, something feels off—what is it?)

Liliana furrowed her brow slightly. A feeling of unease remained, but she didn't know what it was. But in any case, at this stage, she was the only one who could actively work to solve the mystery, including the reason why the Liliana of the game had become able to use dark magic. No one else knew the contents of the game, so everyone present would see the brooch Emilia had picked up as a mere piece of jewelry.

“Austin, please escort the young lady to the tea party venue. On the way, have an attendant confirm where Baron Navy is.”

“As you command.”

Just as Riley gave the order to Austin, Liliana finally made up her mind.

Taking the necessary measures to avoid her own ruin should be fine, as long as it didn't cause a disaster that would destroy the country.

“I am Austin Ealdred. I am a royal guard to His Highness the Crown Prince. If you don't mind, I will escort you to the tea party venue.”

“Thank you.”

Emilia took the hand Austin offered. Seeing Austin's gentle smile, Riley seemed to be smiling wryly. Austin had always been gentle and chivalrous towards women. He was more popular with the noble ladies because he had no hesitation in whispering sweet nothings, more so than Riley. And Emilia, too, seemed to be blushing not just from nervousness.

“Shall we go, Lady Liliana?”

Riley said, about to move, but Liliana did not move from her spot. Casually ignoring Riley's questioning gaze, Liliana asked Emilia.

“Lady Navy, what is that you have in your hand?”

“—Huh?”

Emilia furrowed her brow suspiciously. Liliana let out a small smile and tilted her head, feigning innocence.

“You seemed to be concerned about it just now. I was wondering what was wrong.”

At once, Emilia's brow smoothed. It seemed she was satisfied with Liliana's explanation. Austin blinked in surprise and peered at Emilia's hand. Feeling Riley's gaze on her cheek, Liliana took a step closer to Emilia. Emilia let go of Austin's arm and held out the brooch in her hand so that Liliana could see it.

“Actually, I found it here just now. I thought it was something someone had dropped, so I was thinking of giving it to one of the officials.”

“Oh, is that so.”

Liliana nodded with a smiling face. Then she asked, “May I see it?” Of course, Emilia had no reason to refuse. Hearing her say, “Of course,” Austin took the brooch from Emilia and handed it to Liliana.

“Oh, how beautiful.”

“I know, right?!”

Emilia couldn't help but latch onto Liliana's comment. But then she seemed to remember that the person she was talking to was the daughter of one of the three great ducal houses, and she hastily covered her mouth with both hands. Liliana didn't get angry and just deepened her smile.

“In that case, I shall take it into my care. I will give it to an official on my way home.”

Is that all right? Liliana asked, looking up at Riley, who was standing beside her. Riley seemed surprised, but he had no reason to refuse and nodded. Austin showed a momentarily suspicious expression but remained silent.

This time, Liliana finally left the courtyard with Riley. They walked down the corridor, up the stairs, and arrived at Riley's office, which was located in a secluded area. As the two entered, one of the royal guards stood at the doorway.

“Sasha, you noticed that brooch right away.”

“Her hand movements were unnatural.”

Riley, who had sat down on the sofa, spoke to Liliana. Liliana smiled and nodded. Riley murmured, “You’re very observant,” in admiration and leaned forward.

“If you don't mind, could you let me see that brooch for a moment?”

“Of course.”

Liliana readily handed over the brooch. Riley took it and examined it closely.

“It’s a magnificent design, but this craftsmanship doesn't seem to be from our country.”

“Yes, I agree. With the tea party and all, perhaps one of the guests was strolling through the courtyard.”

At Liliana's commonplace speculation, Riley replied absently, “Maybe so.” It was a rare attitude for Riley, who usually paid close attention to her words. Liliana, feeling a little strange, watched Riley as he squinted at the brooch.

(Replication)

Taking advantage of Riley's close examination of the brooch, Liliana secretly used a spell. Instantly, a weight was added to her left hand.

Liliana switched the brooch Riley returned to her with the one in her left palm, so that no one would notice. She slipped the real brooch into a hidden pocket in her dress.

“It's a beautiful brooch, so maybe it's better to give it to a diplomatic official.”

“Yes, let’s do that.”

Liliana agreed with a smile, but she had no intention of handing over the real one. But if she didn't contact an official at all, it would be troublesome if Riley or Austin found out.

For that reason, Liliana had used a replication spell in a split second to create a fake brooch. The replication spell, which was originally thought to be impossible, was a combination of the transfer spell and illusion.

There was one major difference. The transfer spell recorded the pattern and shape of an object onto another object, or reproduced a magic or curse circle with the caster's own mana. On the other hand, the replication spell created an object from nothing.

The problem was that the matter created from nothing by the replication spell could not maintain its form for long. But the fake brooch only needed to exist until it was handed over to an official and stored. Liliana was confident she could maintain it for that long.

Liliana beckoned to Olga, who was standing at the doorway. She handed the brooch to the approaching Olga and told her to return to her original position. Olga took the brooch without a word. She narrowed her eyes for a moment, but quickly returned to her original expression. Although she felt a sense of unease at her attitude, Liliana decided not to mind it.

“Well then, Sasha, about the banquet.”

“Yes.”

Riley immediately got down to business. The banquet was basically scheduled to be attended by those who had attended the Investiture Ceremony. But there were some nobles who could not attend the banquet, and conversely, there were people like Beverly Calvert who could only attend the banquet. The banquet was to be held at a large table with a course meal, but the distance to the guests was closer than at the ceremony. Therefore, Riley and Liliana were to entertain those they could not speak with at the ceremony with priority.

＊＊＊＊＊

As the time for the banquet approached, Liliana left the office with Olga to change her clothes. Riley also had to change, but it seemed it would take less time for him than for Liliana, who was a woman.

After smiling and parting with Austin, who had returned from escorting Emilia, Liliana headed to the room prepared for her.

“Olga, you made a strange face when I gave you the brooch just now. Did you recognize it?”

“No, I don't recognize it, but.”

As they walked down the corridor, Liliana asked about what had been bothering her. But Olga simply denied it. But her tone was vague. It was a rare reaction for Olga, and Liliana looked up at her.

Olga was at a loss for words for a moment, but she finally answered with a small sigh.

“I think it was just my imagination, but—I was just surprised that the moment I touched it, my fingertips tingled.”

“Tingled?”

Liliana’s eyes widened. She hadn't felt anything when she held the brooch. Emilia probably hadn't either. They weren't that close, so she didn't know her personality in detail. But if she had felt something strange when she held the brooch, she would have hesitated more when she gave it to Liliana. Austin and Riley had also touched the brooch but had been fine.

Liliana furrowed her brow, unable to understand the reason. But she had no idea why only Olga had felt something strange.

Looking down at her master, Olga furrowed her brow in a troubled manner.

“I think it was just my imagination.”

“—I see.”

Liliana couldn't unconditionally believe Olga's words. If Olga said she felt a tingle, then it wasn't her imagination. But Olga herself probably didn't know the reason. Thinking any further would only trouble Olga, so Liliana plastered her usual smile on her face.

“Well then, that's good.”

“Yes.”

Seeing Liliana's expression, Olga's face relaxed with a hint of relief.

“Could you go and deliver this to a diplomatic official as a lost item? Preferably right now.”

“But.”

If Olga left her now, there would be no one to protect her. To Olga, who was clearly worried, Liliana smiled as if it were nothing.

“It's fine, the room is just around the corner. More importantly, I'm worried that the owner might leave the palace before they find the brooch.”

“—As you wish.”

After a moment of hesitation, Olga nodded in understanding. She bowed and quickly departed. Watching her retreating figure, Liliana's smile deepened.

Then, she headed to the room where the maids were waiting to change into her banquet attire. However, the time she had told the maids was still some time away. It was a gamble whether she could check Emilia's game event in the cleverly created gap in time, but Liliana had the teleportation spell. After confirming that there was no one around, Liliana's figure vanished from the corridor in an instant.

—-

Toc

Chapter 208