Chapter 7 – Departure, Progress
A short update for now.
I would like to thank those who have been waiting for the continuation.
Shortly after returning to the main residence, the servants polished and dressed me in the formal attire of the head of the family.
The design is similar to the knight’s attire, but in terms of atmosphere, it might be more accurate to describe it as a military uniform.
A stiff, high-collared jacket is fastened neatly under the chin, adorned with the ducal crest brooch that secured the draped pelisse.
Displayed on my chest is an heirloom medal passed down through generations.
While a sash crossed diagonally from my opposite shoulder.
Since this was not a simple audience but my debut as the new Duchess, I opted for trousers, and a sword belt fastened around my waist with a jeweled ceremonial rapier.
The ornaments are kept to a minimum, but my dignity as the lord was not compromised, the required scarlet hue befitted the Scarlet Rose.
I chose to wear only earrings and a ring, with a defensive spell discreetly embedded in the ring—just in case.
I’ll be heading to the royal castle.
There is almost no doubt that I will meet that Crown Prince, so I’ll have to prepare for some unpleasantness, or in the worst case, even a single magic attack, since he has never accepted Lunaria as his fiancée.
He wouldn’t do anything stupid inside the Royal Castle, but once we step outside, anything could happen.
Now, I’m desperately trying to figure out where we are in the game’s timeline, but since the original scenario has already been derailed, I can’t make an accurate prediction.
However, considering that Lunaria was at home, this is likely just before her return to the academy.
She had taken a temporary leave of absence due to the overwhelming workload of the Duke’s office.
Upon returning to the academy, she then encounters the so-called Saintess, the Baron’s Daughter.
Once Lunaria reappeared as the villainess, the previously peaceful atmosphere of the academy would turn into the worst possible environment for the Saintess.
From the protagonist’s point of view, Lunaria is nothing more than a villainess. But from another perspective, she is the perfect model of how a noble should conduct themselves.
However, the current Lunaria hadn’t killed anyone. It’s unclear how far the game’s compelling force will come into play.
“Lady Lunaria.”
“………… Oh.”
Startled by the butler’s voice, I snapped back to reality.
“The final touch, if you please.”
“Of course.”
When I nodded, the household staff stepped back, holding their breath as they watched.
An intricately designed magic circle flared to life at my feet.
Centered on me, it expands to a radius of about one meter, and the outer edges rippled upward, soon enveloping me with a translucent barrier that continues to expand.
The pure white ceremonial attire gradually changed, deepening into the signature scarlet hue.
It was a special, magical ceremonial garment that reacted to the head of the family’s mana and took on their color. A privilege granted only to the head of the house.
The servants let out a sigh of admiration.
A formal attire that perfectly matches Lunaria’s dignified demeanor.
My long, glossy hair was tied up neatly.
The makeup was subtle. However, this only served to highlight Lunaria’s beauty, and I now had an aura of dignity and innocence at the same time, enveloping my entire being.
“Is the gate to the Royal Castle ready?”
“Already completed, Your Grace. The spatial link is established, and the Royal Knights await on the other side. Beyond the gate awaits Mithos of the Duke of Astoria Household.”
“Thank you. With Mithos there, all will be well.”
Before the audience with His Majesty the King is over, the father will undoubtedly burst in.
Once that useless, ungrateful father has been dealt with, the next step is to summon the other three of the four Great Dukes to the Solfege family and explain the current situation to them.
Then I’ll have to deal with the Crown Prince.
After all, I also have to deal with the Saintess and the fools surrounding her.
There’s just so much to do, and to be honest, no matter how much of a cheat Lunaria is, it’s incredibly tedious.
In the game, the three families had somehow become Lunaria’s allies, but now I need to persuade them myself.
How can I get these unified characters, all notorious wildcards, on my side? No matter how much I think about it, there’s only one answer.
Explain the current situation to them and ask them to become allies.
After all, their history with the real “Lunaria” ran far deeper than with “me”.
Any attempt to deceive them now would only earn a swift and brutal rejection—that much was certain.
There was so much that needed to be done that I sighed a little, but only for a moment.
The magic circle disappeared from my feet and I slowly started walking.
I headed to the special hall where the gate was installed, and when they opened the door, I saw the knights lined up on the other side of the gate.
“… I’m off now. Please take care of things while I’m away.”
“Understood.”
Kyle bowed his head deeply, and I passed through the gate after being seen off by all the servants.
“We have been waiting for you, Miss Solfege… or rather, Your Grace, the new Duchess.”
The elderly gentleman—a familiar face from the royal court, the Prime Minister, if I recall—bowed deeply.
“Thank you. I’ll be in your care.”
“This way, please…. Men, salute!”
The knights drew their swords simultaneously and held them up before their faces.
Then they tilted their swords, forming an arch through which I walked confidently, with my back straight.
Next, that meddling old man will become the sacrifice.
No, ‘sacrifice’ is too generous.
This is simply taking out the trash!
Sads Translates 