Super-dreadnought Villainess – Chapter 9

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Chapter 9  – I Have to Say It—What We Do Now, After All That Has Happened—

　

What am I?

If asked, my current existence is Lunaria il von Solfeggio.

However, the soul or person inside is different. I am “me”.

My name no longer mattered, I stopped caring. The person I was before, whom I don’t even remember, is dead.

Instead, I entered “Lunaria”.

I still don’t understand the logic behind it.

How much of this should I explain to them?

Would they even believe me?

That their world is the world of a game, and they are the characters within that game.

However, given Mithos’ demeanor, they probably won’t accept it unless I explain it properly.

I also had to clearly inform them of Lunaria’s current state… and her end.

While waiting for them, I thought and thought and thought until I was exhausted, but I kept arriving at the same conclusion.

I would tell them everything.

　

　

　

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On the specified day, at the specified time.

I quietly waited in the drawing room for their arrival.

From the Astoria family came Mithos.

And the other two families.

　

The Curtus family and the Mitzegard family.

　

Curtus served as civil officials within the castle, while Mitzegard handled most of the country’s diplomatic affairs.

In other words, one family excelled in administration, and the other family excelled in all matters of diplomacy, including foreign trade.

The head of the Curtus family is Falitus Vi von Curtus.

He appears to be nothing more than a refined gentleman, possessing an exceedingly soft demeanor, a calm tone, and a quiet voice.

However, he is involved in all aspects of the country’s administration.

Moreover, he was incredibly shrewd. He performed his role—a role impossible for anyone without formidable nerve—calmly and methodically, day after day.

He is the very embodiment of a trusted confidant, practically the king’s right-hand man.

And then there is the Mitzegard family.

Of the four families, this one is headed by a different kind of eccentric.

Alicia Tus von Mitzegard.

A prodigy who, at the tender age of 13, has already completed the entire curriculum of the Higher Academy studies.

A girl who placed her own parents under guardianship and now oversees all aspects of the Mitzegard family’s affairs.

She has fluffy, curly, lustrous red hair that reaches down to her waist, and she usually wears it in a ponytail or twin tails —and yet, she is the current head of the Duke’s household.

She unhesitatingly supplements her lack of experience with her parents’ knowledge and advice. Even now, as head of the household, she manages affairs while studying the affairs of various other nations, a dedication that has earned her the King’s respect.

When dealing with such people, there is no choice but to tell them everything.

The sound of carriage wheels echoed from outside, followed by the sound of multiple footsteps moving through the mansion.

“They’re here,” I thought, taking a deep breath and standing up from the sofa.

The door was knocked on several times, and when the butler ushered them in, the three of them entered the room.

Alicia’s expression brightened instantly, but she stiffened immediately upon sensing something.

Falitus remained unreadable. He offered a gentle smile and nudged Alicia’s back, urging her forward.

　

“Welcome, you three. Please, this way.”

　

After greeting them and curtsying, the three of them silently walked over and sat down on the sofa as prompted.

After the head maid prepared tea and snacks, I raised my hand to the attendants who had been waiting nearby, signaling for them all to withdraw.

　

“But…”

“That’s an order. Besides, they and I have important matters to discuss. Please do not interrupt us.”

“… Understood.”

　

I spoke in a soft tone, so although they did not seem convinced, the attendants bowed deeply and left.

And so, the three faced each other.

Alicia had a stiff expression on her face. Mithos had a blank expression. And Falitus was looking at me with an indescribable smile.

　

“… I’ll tell you everything.”

　

And so, I began to speak.

About the tragedy that befell “Lunaria”, and the strange twist of fate that led to me taking her place.

About Lunaria’s actions towards her utterly changed family.

And the future tragedy caused by the Crown Prince and the Saintess, the condemnation of Lunaria, who had done nothing since the engagement annulment drama, and the further rampage of magical powers.

Finally, the ending where she would be killed by the Saintess.

Another crucial point is that this world is a world within a game.

That all actions were predetermined by a set program, fabricated.

After I finished recounting the tragedy that had befallen Lunaria, Alicia was desperately holding back her tears. Yet, as she listened to the details of what the Crown Prince and the Saintess would do, she made no effort to hide her anger.

It should be noted that she held her handkerchief so tightly that it was torn to shreds.

But I just wanted to change things.

I wanted Lunaria to be able to smile.

Even if she chose the life of a noble, even if she married into royalty, I didn’t want her to live in a world where every single one of Lunaria’s own opinions was denied.

And more than anything, I wanted those who didn’t cherish Lunaria to suffer the same fate, rather than just regret it.

As a result, it led to their condemnation.

The father, the brother, the step-mother, the step-sister.

If only they had treated Lunaria normally.

If they had lived as a normal “family”, they likely wouldn’t have met a future like in the game, nor an outcome like this one. As I spoke, a self-mocking smile escaped my lips.

Now, it’s just a matter of how far the scenario’s compulsion will work.

　

“Game… In other words, a world of ‘play’.”

　

Hearing Falitus’s muttering, both Mithos’ and Alicia’s expressions snapped to attention.

　

“… So even our actions… everything… were aspects that were fabricated?”

“But we have our own will, don’t we?”

“But… Lady Lunaria’s family… from what I’ve heard, they ended up following the story…? Is that correct?”

“Only that it was extremely similar. I changed it.”

“Huh?”

“Originally, both my father and step-mother should now be dead. I caused a magical outburst that completely destroyed our annex, and they should have died, caught in the collapse… “

“The magical outburst didn’t happen. It never occurred.”

“Exactly as you say.”

　

The three fell silent, deep in thought.

Even though this is the world of the game, Lunaria is, strictly speaking, no longer Lunaria and is acting outside the scenario.

This very discussion is proof of that.

There was never a scene of the four families doing anything like this in the game.

　

“And this discussion as well.”

“…… Sister Lunaria.”

“… Yes. Lady Alicia.”

“I believe you.”

“Huh?”

“Admittedly, I felt a sense of dissonance the moment I saw you. However, your aura, your presence, your demeanor—they were unmistakably those of the Sister Lunaria I admire and respect. Could it be… that your soul and Lady Lunaria’s have blended together and settled not just perfectly, but magnificently?”

“My soul, settled”

“I concur with that assessment.”

“Lord Falitus.”

“The original Miss Lunaria chose to end her own life after her heart was shattered. However, her ‘will’ was not lost. I believe this phenomenon occurred because the soul of ‘you’, which has now entered her, is in such perfect harmony with her will that it was almost magnificent.”

　

I knew exactly what he meant. Too well.

Even if my mouth were to be torn open, I couldn’t say it.

It’s not a grand will or anything like that, but rather just how much of a Lunaria fanatic I am.

Because I love her so much, I’m the kind of otaku who meticulously notes every detail of her actions. When playing the game, I chose every single option, carefully recording every word Lunaria spoke and every action she took. “Well, I guess you could say I get it,”, I thought to myself.

　

“Um, well…”

“Well, that’s true… The reason I realized Lunaria wasn’t Lunaria? It was because of how she addressed me.”

“Huh?”

“You probably didn’t know, did you? That Lunaria called me ‘Mithy’.”

　

Even Alicia and Falitus had their eyes wide as saucers.

That perfect young lady… “Mithy”.

　

“S, s, sister… called you that…?”

“We’ve been together since we were little. She never once just called me Mithos.”

“Master Mithos, your manner of speech. What’s with that, considering you’re soon to take over the house?”

“Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch!!!! Mr. Falitus!! Why are your fingers so strong?!”

　

Perhaps it’s because they’re in front of their childhood friend, but even as nobles, letting their guard down this much is questionable. Mithos is getting his cheek pinched without restraint by Falitus.

I probably shouldn’t laugh, but I can’t help but smile.

　

“… I’ve decided.”

　

A childish voice echoed in the air.

　

“I’ll support you, having recognized you as Sister Lunaria. Above all, I detest the Crown Prince to death! And of course, I hate the Saint too!”

“I shall lend my strength as well. Regardless of the circumstances, the current Miss Lunaria is ‘you’. The report from the Solfege family has reached our household… As a noble, your conduct should be acceptable. I can’t deny that it may seem like an overreaction, but… If the previous Miss Lunaria has been ‘good’, then having an ‘evil’ side is only natural. One could simply assume her capacity for anger was exceeded… yes.”

“I was shocked at how much your father had changed, but for all that he’s done, your actions were warranted. Now that I understand the circumstances… well, yeah. I’ll help too.”

“Huh.”

　

I was taken aback by their overly casual response.

As the daughter of a duke, I knew I shouldn’t show it on my face, but I was relieved when I received the cooperation of the three families so easily.

　

“You believe it so easily?”

“If you betray us, we’ll simply deal with you accordingly. Besides, you must know all about us as well.”

　

A chill ran down my spine as Falitus grinned, the corners of his mouth curling up.

　

“You have no reason to lie. Considering the Crown Prince and the Saintess, you cannot succeed without our cooperation. Am I wrong?”

“… Uh, well…”

“There’s no need to explore this any further. Even in the world of games, we have our own will. And, we are alive.“

“Oh、…”

“Miss Lunaria, now that you have acted outside this so-called ‘scenario,’ events will likely no longer follow the predetermined routes, will they?”

　

His words made sense.

What I had been seeing was the world inside a game, but this was the “reality” of this world.

So they, too, are “alive”.

　

“… Thank you for your cooperation.”

　

The three of them stared at me with a slightly softer expression as I bowed my head deeply.

They must know that I find all this too convenient.

But their desire to help was genuine.

Perhaps they had regretted so deeply that that Lunaria had her heart broken and chose the worst possible end.

That they had been overjoyed to hear that she had regained consciousness.

Finally, Alicia’s tear ducts gave way and she jumped on Lunaria, who was sitting on the sofa opposite her with her head bowed.

Although I was surprised to see her crying so hard, befitting a child her age, I continued to gently stroke her back as “Lunaria”.

　

Such incredibly reliable allies were this close by all along.

I muttered in my heart, hoping it would reach the heavens, and hugged the small body tightly.

Even if called convenient, to them, the current Lunaria was still “Lunaria”.

Conceptually, it might feel like one half of a pair of twins.

And of course, they still held those cherished feelings for the original Lunaria in their hearts.

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