Arthas April 13, 2024 No comments
Don't forget to rate and review the novel on Novelupdates
— Croatia is a viscount from the duchy, overseeing the northern territories.
— Jeon Croatia, remember that's the name you'll be using from now on.
Just as Merlin had promised me, she provided unwavering support. She furnished me with detailed information about the Sacred Artifact and handed me a neatly laundered identity to wield.
But that was not all.
— Here, take this as well.
— It's the address of the house you'll be staying at for the time being.
— It might be a bit shabby, but it’s better than roaming from inn to inn in many ways, right?
The necessities of life, among which housing is an absolute priority for modern people, were sorted.
The location was perfect.
Tucked away just enough to avoid exposure, yet it adjoined the Imperial Palace at the capital’s heart.
'Just what is her true identity?'
She had certainly helped me, but a lingering suspicion has taken root in my mind.
Where did she obtain the information about the Sacred Artifact, and what was her fundamental purpose in wanting to escape this world?
And most importantly...
◆ Penalty
: The heroines will retain their memories from before the regression.
'Shit.'
A surge of irritation made my head throb.
I am completely at a loss - how is this even possible, where did it all go wrong? Everything was a blur.
It was not just an issue with Isabel and Luna.
It was not one, but the several heroines.
That means Princess Rudine has also fully inherited the memories from the previous playthrough.
'It's still manageable.'
I just need to adjust the plan.
In fact, it's fortunate that the penalty has been revealed at this early stage.
As long as I steadily build a connection with Rudine, starting from her coming-of-age ceremony, which is grandly organized by the Imperial family, that should suffice.
The coming-of-age ceremony of the Princess was a prestigious event, boasting a massive scale and impenetrable security. Invitations were only extended to families with direct ties to the Imperial family, indirectly showcasing the status of that family.
Jeon Croatia, the viscount family of the duchy.
While it was certainly a useful identity for the future, it was still far from qualifying for an invitation to Rudine's coming-of-age ceremony right now.
What could be done? I'll have to attend as Kyle Winfred, the bastard son of Winfred.
It was a bit of a comedy that I ended up fleeing in the dead of night, but who could have known?
That the Sacred Artifact was the Princess’ Rosario, and the penalty was that we'd all regressed together hand-in-hand.
'My head hurts already.’
Isabel and Luna.
Although I'll have to face those two madwomen again, it is unavoidable.
Once they've regained their memories from the previous playthrough, there's no way I can avoid them.
I'll just have to confront them head-on.
"Diana."
"How may I be of service?"
Diana's expression, as always, remained serene.
She must have heard every word exchanged between Merlin and myself, yet showed no sign of any emotional turmoil.
"You heard everything, I presume."
"...Yes, that's correct."
"I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this."
I was an outsider.
Someday, the moment will come when I will leave this world, and Diana will be left behind, abandoned by the master she served.
She can't help but feel a sense of betrayal.
It is only natural for a human to experience a spark of anger, isn't it?
No, wait, I'm spouting nonsense about crossing dimensions - how can she be this unfazed?
Is she naive, or dull?
Or perhaps she thinks I'm just mad?
Everything was a mystery.
"My thoughts, you say." Diana, who had been silently gazing at me, slowly moved her lips, "I'm not sure."
"...What?"
"I just think... it must have been difficult for you."
Even as she offered words of empathy, her tone remained dry and devoid of emotion, as if the words were wrung out.
Involuntarily, a laugh escaped my lips at this perfunctory attempt at consolation, "Aren't you angry?"
"No."
"When I leave, you'll be left with nothing."
"...Does loyalty require a reason?"
Diana countered my question with her own.
I was completely at a loss for words.
Why, for what purpose?
Why does she offer such blind loyalty to me?
".........."
".........."
The conversation did not continue.
As always, Diana kept watch over me from behind, while I moved onward.
Why indeed.
Somehow, Diana's serene demeanor did not bother me in the least.
Her selfless, unwavering loyalty, instead, provided a faint sense of solace - though I know it was a terribly self-centered thought.
* * * * *
The dilapidated exterior of the mansion prepared by Merlin belied its surprisingly well-appointed interior. It certainly couldn't compare to the grandeur of the Duke of Winfred's mansion, but it was adequately comfortable for the two of them.
I was able to get a good night's sleep for the first time in a while. It was a remarkable achievement, considering all it took was leaving the duke's estate.
Time passed, and finally the morning of the coming-of-age ceremony dawned.
I rose before the crack of dawn, completed my light grooming, and changed into the outfit I had prepared beforehand. I didn't spend much effort on dressing up. No matter how much I tried, the gazes directed at me wouldn’t be kind.
I had Diana stay back at the mansion. It was better not to show the princess the sight of Diana, once the empire's greatest knight, accompanying me now.
Taking the carriage I had rented at great expense, I arrived at the Imperial Palace. As I stepped down from the carriage, aided by the coachman, a pristine white staircase leading to the palace unfolded before me.
And as I started climbing the stairs, a chamberlain rushed over to verify my identity—
"Presenting Lord Kyle Winfred, second son of the Duke of Winfred!"
—with the chamberlain's thunderous announcement, the doors to the ceremony hall opened.
As I entered, the gazes of the nobles inside instantly focused on me. Ignoring them, I moved forward, and murmurs about me spread like ripples.
— Kyle Winfred? Isn’t he that notorious bastard known for his vile deeds?
— I heard he even annulled his engagement with Lady Isabel… How scandalous must he be…
Their expressions were quite a sight. I could sense Kyle Winfred’s infamous reputation anew amidst the palpably hostile atmosphere, yet I smiled nonchalantly.
I walked confidently into the ceremony hall. I had no time to waste on such trivial characters. My business was solely with Princess Rudine Eckart.
'Where is she?'
I looked around several times as I walked through the center of the hall. And before I knew it, I had reached the corridor leading further into the palace.
That's when I heard it.
"...Kyle?"
A youthful, innocent voice called out from behind me.
I slowly turned my head.
"Kyle! It is you, Kyle!"
Silver hair that gleamed like frost in the depths of winter swirled around; golden eyes that resembled the jewels set within the crowns of royalty, and that infuriatingly naive smile.
"It's been so long!"
Rudine Eckart, the imperial princess—
—and Kyle’s childhood friend.
She rushed up to me in one stride, her eyes sparkling.
I barely managed to keep my expression from contorting.
I must not forget.
The fact that she retains all the memories from the previous playthrough.
"...Rudine?"
"Kyle! You really came!”
"Whose coming-of-age ceremony did you think this is? Of course I had to come."
I forced out my response, and Rudine beamed a bright smile.
"I've heard the news too. About you annulling your engagement with Lady Isabel?"
The sharp question pierced my ear.
I let out a sardonic chuckle, brushing it off, "It just sort of happened that way."
"Honestly, I was so shocked when I heard about it!" She puckered her lips in a pout. She then lowered her head to look up at my face, her expression growing somber, as if she had put on a mask. "Are you alright? It must have been so difficult for you." She fretted, her voice trembling.
I barely swallowed the surge of astonishment. If I hadn't known about the penalty, I might have fallen for her act.
That's when—
"........!"
The necklace adorning Rudine glinted under the light.
I've finally found it - the Rosario, the Sacred Artifact I had been searching for.
"Oh my."
Just then, a chilling voice filled the air.
"Kyle?"
Luna Winfred.
She had suddenly appeared, smiling brightly at me.
"Oh"
Following that, Rudine’s gentle voice continued.
"What brings the noble lady here?"
Rudine asked with a smile, as I was at a loss for words in the sudden situation.
Luna gracefully curtsied, "I am Luna Winfred, here to pay my respects to the sun of the empire.”
"Please, rise."
Luna lifted her head, responding to Rudine's question with her signature tone laced with laughter, "The young man conversing with the Princess is my own dear brother."
Damn.
Who is whose brother?
As I struggled to find the right words, seething inwardly—
"Hmm~"
—Rudine tilted her head, intrigued.
"How unexpected! I didn't realize the noble lady considered my friend as her sibling."
"Is that so? How curious."
Luna slowly took a step forward.
"Likewise, I had no idea that Her Highness would consider my brother a friend.”
"Haha, is that so?"
"Oh, if by any chance you felt offended, I ask for forgiveness.”
The air turned as frigid as the northern seas.
After the suffocating silence—-
"K-Kyle...!!!"
—That unbearable voice grated against my ear.
"There you are...!"
It was Isabel Yustia.
Arthas April 13, 2024 No comments
Don't forget to rate and review the novel on Novelupdates
— Croatia is a viscount from the duchy, overseeing the northern territories.
— Jeon Croatia, remember that's the name you'll be using from now on.
Just as Merlin had promised me, she provided unwavering support. She furnished me with detailed information about the Sacred Artifact and handed me a neatly laundered identity to wield.
But that was not all.
— Here, take this as well.
— It's the address of the house you'll be staying at for the time being.
— It might be a bit shabby, but it’s better than roaming from inn to inn in many ways, right?
The necessities of life, among which housing is an absolute priority for modern people, were sorted.
The location was perfect.
Tucked away just enough to avoid exposure, yet it adjoined the Imperial Palace at the capital’s heart.
'Just what is her true identity?'
She had certainly helped me, but a lingering suspicion has taken root in my mind.
Where did she obtain the information about the Sacred Artifact, and what was her fundamental purpose in wanting to escape this world?
And most importantly...
◆ Penalty
: The heroines will retain their memories from before the regression.
'Shit.'
A surge of irritation made my head throb.
I am completely at a loss - how is this even possible, where did it all go wrong? Everything was a blur.
It was not just an issue with Isabel and Luna.
It was not one, but the several heroines.
That means Princess Rudine has also fully inherited the memories from the previous playthrough.
'It's still manageable.'
I just need to adjust the plan.
In fact, it's fortunate that the penalty has been revealed at this early stage.
As long as I steadily build a connection with Rudine, starting from her coming-of-age ceremony, which is grandly organized by the Imperial family, that should suffice.
The coming-of-age ceremony of the Princess was a prestigious event, boasting a massive scale and impenetrable security. Invitations were only extended to families with direct ties to the Imperial family, indirectly showcasing the status of that family.
Jeon Croatia, the viscount family of the duchy.
While it was certainly a useful identity for the future, it was still far from qualifying for an invitation to Rudine's coming-of-age ceremony right now.
What could be done? I'll have to attend as Kyle Winfred, the bastard son of Winfred.
It was a bit of a comedy that I ended up fleeing in the dead of night, but who could have known?
That the Sacred Artifact was the Princess’ Rosario, and the penalty was that we'd all regressed together hand-in-hand.
'My head hurts already.’
Isabel and Luna.
Although I'll have to face those two madwomen again, it is unavoidable.
Once they've regained their memories from the previous playthrough, there's no way I can avoid them.
I'll just have to confront them head-on.
"Diana."
"How may I be of service?"
Diana's expression, as always, remained serene.
She must have heard every word exchanged between Merlin and myself, yet showed no sign of any emotional turmoil.
"You heard everything, I presume."
"...Yes, that's correct."
"I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this."
I was an outsider.
Someday, the moment will come when I will leave this world, and Diana will be left behind, abandoned by the master she served.
She can't help but feel a sense of betrayal.
It is only natural for a human to experience a spark of anger, isn't it?
No, wait, I'm spouting nonsense about crossing dimensions - how can she be this unfazed?
Is she naive, or dull?
Or perhaps she thinks I'm just mad?
Everything was a mystery.
"My thoughts, you say." Diana, who had been silently gazing at me, slowly moved her lips, "I'm not sure."
"...What?"
"I just think... it must have been difficult for you."
Even as she offered words of empathy, her tone remained dry and devoid of emotion, as if the words were wrung out.
Involuntarily, a laugh escaped my lips at this perfunctory attempt at consolation, "Aren't you angry?"
"No."
"When I leave, you'll be left with nothing."
"...Does loyalty require a reason?"
Diana countered my question with her own.
I was completely at a loss for words.
Why, for what purpose?
Why does she offer such blind loyalty to me?
".........."
".........."
The conversation did not continue.
As always, Diana kept watch over me from behind, while I moved onward.
Why indeed.
Somehow, Diana's serene demeanor did not bother me in the least.
Her selfless, unwavering loyalty, instead, provided a faint sense of solace - though I know it was a terribly self-centered thought.
* * * * *
The dilapidated exterior of the mansion prepared by Merlin belied its surprisingly well-appointed interior. It certainly couldn't compare to the grandeur of the Duke of Winfred's mansion, but it was adequately comfortable for the two of them.
I was able to get a good night's sleep for the first time in a while. It was a remarkable achievement, considering all it took was leaving the duke's estate.
Time passed, and finally the morning of the coming-of-age ceremony dawned.
I rose before the crack of dawn, completed my light grooming, and changed into the outfit I had prepared beforehand. I didn't spend much effort on dressing up. No matter how much I tried, the gazes directed at me wouldn’t be kind.
I had Diana stay back at the mansion. It was better not to show the princess the sight of Diana, once the empire's greatest knight, accompanying me now.
Taking the carriage I had rented at great expense, I arrived at the Imperial Palace. As I stepped down from the carriage, aided by the coachman, a pristine white staircase leading to the palace unfolded before me.
And as I started climbing the stairs, a chamberlain rushed over to verify my identity—
"Presenting Lord Kyle Winfred, second son of the Duke of Winfred!"
—with the chamberlain's thunderous announcement, the doors to the ceremony hall opened.
As I entered, the gazes of the nobles inside instantly focused on me. Ignoring them, I moved forward, and murmurs about me spread like ripples.
— Kyle Winfred? Isn’t he that notorious bastard known for his vile deeds?
— I heard he even annulled his engagement with Lady Isabel… How scandalous must he be…
Their expressions were quite a sight. I could sense Kyle Winfred’s infamous reputation anew amidst the palpably hostile atmosphere, yet I smiled nonchalantly.
I walked confidently into the ceremony hall. I had no time to waste on such trivial characters. My business was solely with Princess Rudine Eckart.
'Where is she?'
I looked around several times as I walked through the center of the hall. And before I knew it, I had reached the corridor leading further into the palace.
That's when I heard it.
"...Kyle?"
A youthful, innocent voice called out from behind me.
I slowly turned my head.
"Kyle! It is you, Kyle!"
Silver hair that gleamed like frost in the depths of winter swirled around; golden eyes that resembled the jewels set within the crowns of royalty, and that infuriatingly naive smile.
"It's been so long!"
Rudine Eckart, the imperial princess—
—and Kyle’s childhood friend.
She rushed up to me in one stride, her eyes sparkling.
I barely managed to keep my expression from contorting.
I must not forget.
The fact that she retains all the memories from the previous playthrough.
"...Rudine?"
"Kyle! You really came!”
"Whose coming-of-age ceremony did you think this is? Of course I had to come."
I forced out my response, and Rudine beamed a bright smile.
"I've heard the news too. About you annulling your engagement with Lady Isabel?"
The sharp question pierced my ear.
I let out a sardonic chuckle, brushing it off, "It just sort of happened that way."
"Honestly, I was so shocked when I heard about it!" She puckered her lips in a pout. She then lowered her head to look up at my face, her expression growing somber, as if she had put on a mask. "Are you alright? It must have been so difficult for you." She fretted, her voice trembling.
I barely swallowed the surge of astonishment. If I hadn't known about the penalty, I might have fallen for her act.
That's when—
"........!"
The necklace adorning Rudine glinted under the light.
I've finally found it - the Rosario, the Sacred Artifact I had been searching for.
"Oh my."
Just then, a chilling voice filled the air.
"Kyle?"
Luna Winfred.
She had suddenly appeared, smiling brightly at me.
"Oh"
Following that, Rudine’s gentle voice continued.
"What brings the noble lady here?"
Rudine asked with a smile, as I was at a loss for words in the sudden situation.
Luna gracefully curtsied, "I am Luna Winfred, here to pay my respects to the sun of the empire.”
"Please, rise."
Luna lifted her head, responding to Rudine's question with her signature tone laced with laughter, "The young man conversing with the Princess is my own dear brother."
Damn.
Who is whose brother?
As I struggled to find the right words, seething inwardly—
"Hmm~"
—Rudine tilted her head, intrigued.
"How unexpected! I didn't realize the noble lady considered my friend as her sibling."
"Is that so? How curious."
Luna slowly took a step forward.
"Likewise, I had no idea that Her Highness would consider my brother a friend.”
"Haha, is that so?"
"Oh, if by any chance you felt offended, I ask for forgiveness.”
The air turned as frigid as the northern seas.
After the suffocating silence—-
"K-Kyle...!!!"
—That unbearable voice grated against my ear.
"There you are...!"
It was Isabel Yustia.
