The Engagement Banquet

Time flew by.

It had been half a year since I transmigrated into this otome game world.

I stood in front of the mirror, looking at the girl inside. This was me, and yet it was also Loris.

Let me briefly introduce my current appearance.

Blonde hair.

Drill twin-tails.

Slightly upturned eyes.

Emerald green eyes that shimmered with a hint of amber under the light.

Height... well, probably just a bit over 1.3 meters. I didn't know my weight, but I should be very light to carry. My arms were thin, my wrists so slender that the faint blue veins were visible, and my collarbones were prominent. The small section of my neck exposed by the collar was as white as porcelain.

My face was small, with a pointed chin.

My lips were a very pale pink.

The mirror showed me wearing a dark blue evening gown. The layers of the skirt cascaded down like inverted waves, and the neckline was adorned with a ring of tiny moonstones, glowing with a soft silver-white light under the lamps.

White stockings wrapped around my calves, and on my feet were a pair of black patent leather Mary Janes with tiny bows on the uppers.

How should I put it?

Very cute.

Really, incredibly cute.

If this weren't myself, I probably wouldn't be able to resist pinching that face. Alas, I could only put my hands on my hips in resignation.

But it did give me a greater sense of pride.

—But this is myself.

So my current feelings were very complicated.

Loris von Aldheim.

The eldest daughter of the Aldheim Ducal House. The infamous “villainess” known to everyone in the territory.

I would be coming of age this autumn.

To emphasize once more, it had been a full half-year since I transmigrated into this otome game world.

Although I knew this was a game world, actually living here felt no different from reality. It had its own unique cultural style, and everyone was a real, living person with their own thoughts and agency.

Honestly, it was just like being in an isekai.

So I guess it could be considered an isekai reincarnation?

I gave a gentle, pretentious spin in front of the mirror.

Then my sense of shame kicked in, but there was nothing I could do. After all, this was a movement I would need to use at the banquet later.

My skirt flared up like dark blue petals blooming around my feet, the shimmer of the moonstones swaying along and casting tiny silver specks of light across the mirror's surface.

I can only say it was all thanks to the past half-year of etiquette classes. Look at what they've molded me into.

“...I actually look human now.”

I whispered.

The head maid's urging voice came from outside the door. I took a deep breath and took one last look at the blonde girl in the mirror.

Alright.

Let's go.

To my death—no, wait, to the banquet.

...

Leaving the manor.

The luxurious carriage swayed gently.

I sat in the carriage with my hands properly placed on my knees and my back held straight, though I slumped my shoulders after a while. After all, no one was watching; I was only practicing sitting upright.

Beside me, Shirune was dozing with her eyes closed, her silvery-white ponytail draped over her shoulder, the tip of her tail occasionally swishing gently. Today, she wore a dark formal suit, with that rapier still hanging at her waist, looking as if she was ready to slash someone at any moment.

In a sense, she was a loyal dog.

The scenery outside the window shifted from countryside to streets, and then from streets to the white marble buildings of the royal capital's central district.

The magical glow of the streetlights passed through the carriage window, sweeping across my face in steady bars of light.

I closed my eyes.

And began to reminisce.

Today's banquet was the royal family's autumn evening banquet.

To put it nicely, it was a social occasion for nobles to foster relations; to put it bluntly, it was a massive political show.

And I was one of the main actors in this show.

Because at this banquet, there would be someone very important to me.

The Crown Prince, Leonhart von Edelstein.

The first-in-line heir to the kingdom. Blonde hair, blue eyes, skilled in both literary and martial arts, with a righteous personality that seemed straight out of a textbook “perfect prince” template.

He was also my—Loris von Aldheim's—fiancé.

That's right.

Engaged.

We were engaged.

Although it was hard to take seriously, this was the rule of this world. For the children of noble houses, especially the eldest daughters, marriage was never their own affair.

The Aldheim family was one of the top noble houses in the kingdom, with territory spanning an entire province, thousands of private soldiers, and a large number of allies in the House of Lords. The royal family needed the support of the Aldheim family, and the Aldheim family needed the position of Crown Princess.

So it was a match made in political heaven.

Therefore, while today's event was nominally an autumn evening banquet, it was actually an occasion for Leonhart and me to “deepen our relationship.” Of course, the main priority was for the adults to discuss their own matters, and this occasion was merely a convenient byproduct.

But thinking about it really made me feel exhausted...

Deepening our relationship.

I recalled the plot of the game.

In Starlight Knights: The Maiden's Legendary Journey of Love and Vows, Leonhart von Edelstein was one of the capture targets.

His character was the Crown Prince, and his personality was that of the most orthodox royal prince—upright, gentle, responsible, and treating everyone equally.

His romance route with the heroine, Liliana, in the game was the classic “disparity in status but true love conquers all” development.

And the role I, Loris, played in this romance route was—

The villainess.

So there was no way we could actually deepen our relationship.

Come to think of it, in the original work, part of Loris's malicious behavior stemmed from her jealousy of the heroine getting close to Leonhart.

Which was the reason she began to ruthlessly bully the heroine.

For instance, at the academy, from verbal abuse to physical actions, from tripping her up behind her back to threatening her to her face, she played the role of “villainess” to the absolute limit.

In the end, she was publicly stripped of her engagement by Leonhart, and then on the day of her coming-of-age ceremony, she was pierced through the heart by another male lead's sword.

Serves her right.

I wanted to say “good riddance” to myself too.

But now that I am her, I really don't want to die.

—Then again.

According to the game's plot, at today's banquet, I would fall in love with Leonhart at first sight for the “first time.”

Why did I put quotes around “first time”?

Because in reality, Loris had already met Leonhart when they got engaged two years ago, though she was still quite oblivious to the concept of a “fiancé.”

What truly made her fall in love was today's banquet. The young Leonhart, wearing a white military dress uniform, his blonde hair shining under the lights, was polite and gentle to everyone—and that was when Loris fell hard.

“...I really don't want to go.”

I mumbled under my breath.

Shirune opened one eye and looked at me.

“Milady.”

“Yes?”

“Are you feeling anxious about your destiny?”

I suddenly looked down, staring at my hands on my knees. My fingertips were trembling slightly. She was so attentive.

“...No, it's just fate.” I couldn't exactly say I wanted to defy heaven and change my destiny, could I? Although she was my bodyguard, we had only known each other for half a year, and the family's interests would definitely come first for her.

Shirune didn't press any further.

She simply reached out and gently covered the back of my hand with hers. It was cool, her fingertips rough with thin calluses from holding a sword, her palm resting quietly against the back of my hand.

My fingers slowly stopped trembling.

“...Oh, thank you for the comfort,” I replied, maintaining my villainess demeanor.

Then I flipped my hand over and gently squeezed her fingertips. So soft~ I thought to myself.

Shirune's tail swished gently, and then she turned her gaze out the window, pretending to look at the scenery.

Ooh~ The tips of her ears flushed a tiny bit red.

It seemed my galgame-style courting was highly effective. Over the past half-year, she had probably come to view me as her closest person, right? In a sense, we shared a similar plight. Because of the giant hand of the world's will, I had to act like a villainess.

An hour later.

The carriage stopped in front of the main gate of the royal palace.

The gates stood wide open.

Golden light poured out from within like a warm, magnificent torrent. Nobles dressed in formal attire entered the foyer in groups of twos and threes, their skirts trailing, jewels sparkling, and their laughter and pleasantries intertwining.

Lifting my skirt, I stepped down from the carriage. As my feet touched the white marble steps, my knees buckled slightly. Shirune discreetly supported my elbow.

“...Thank you.”

“Your servant did nothing.”

She said expressionlessly.

I took a deep breath, straightened my back, raised my chin, and adjusted the corners of my mouth to just the right angle—not too warm, not too cold, carrying a hint of the high-and-mighty composure unique to a noble daughter.

“Tyrant Daughter” mode, activate.

O great hand of the world's will, in order to comply with you, I can only find a way out within this stormy vortex. Where will this unchangeable script of fate lead me?

But I will not fear.

Let's go.

The moment I stepped into the banquet hall, I was nearly blinded by the lights. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the three-story-high vaulted ceiling, the light of hundreds of candles refracted by the crystal into countless tiny rainbows.

On the walls were gold-leaf inlaid reliefs depicting scenes from the kingdom's founding war.

The long tables were covered in snow-white tablecloths, with silver cutlery and wine glasses arranged neatly, and decorative towers made of fruits and flowers standing in the center.

There were people everywhere.

Nobles in gorgeous attire gathered in small groups, holding wine glasses, their faces wearing proper social smiles.

Young noble daughters gathered in small circles, whispering behind their fans, while older noblewomen sat on cushioned chairs against the wall, their sharp gazes sizing up every young girl who walked in.

As I walked in, I could feel countless gazes falling upon me—some of admiration, some of praise, some of respect.

After all, whether in appearance, reputation, or family status, I was impeccable.

That malicious and overbearing side of mine was currently only shown to servants. Of course, as I grew older and the family became more powerful, the 'Loris' in the story would also become prouder.

She would look down on other young ladies of lower rank; in short, she would be completely insufferable.

For now, my reputation had only spread slightly among the noble girls I had met a few times over the past half-year.

“The Aldheim family's...”

“That rumored...”

“Shh, keep your voice down...”

The gazes of those young ladies pricked my skin like needles, but I maintained my expression, keeping my pace unhurried. Shirune followed half a step behind me like a silent shadow.

To be honest, I was used to it.

Over the past half-year, I had long grown accustomed to such looks. The reputation of the “Tyrant Daughter” spread faster than the plague among the servants, so these noble peers of mine had also caught wind of it.

Particularly over the past half-year, I had attended other banquets, letting those young ladies get a taste of my villainess side. Even if I didn't want to play the part, the great hand of heaven's will would force it.

As a result, wherever I went, there would be whispers, making me the center of attention, albeit drowned out by praise and compliments.

I found my seat—at a round table near the main table—and sat down.

Shirune stood behind me like a statue.

Beneath the tablecloth, my fingers pinched my skirt.

Ah, destiny~

I hope everything goes well according to the plot.

Today's main targets were two people. The first was Leonhart. In the story, I needed to fall in “love at first sight” with him to push the plot forward.

Though it was absolutely impossible for me to actually fall for a guy, I had no idea how heaven's will would exert its force when the time came.

As for the second one—

My gaze searched the banquet hall.

Oh, found her.

In the corner stood a girl wearing a light green dress.

Her dress was noticeably simpler than those of the surrounding ladies, made of ordinary satin without any jewelry decoration. Her hair was light brown, tied into a simple bun, with a few stray strands hanging by her ears.

Her looks weren't outstanding, but she was very delicate and pretty.

At the moment, she was looking down, her hands writhing together, her shoulders slightly hunched.

Several noble daughters in gorgeous dresses surrounded her.

“My, isn't this the Noren family's daughter?”

“Why are you standing here all alone? Has no one invited you to dance?”

“Invite her? Who would invite a viscount's daughter? Just being able to stand here is already a massive blessing, isn't it?”

“And look at that dress. Is that last year's style? Goodness, wearing last year's style to a royal banquet... has the Noren family really fallen on such hard times?”

The girl's head hung lower and lower.

Her fingers were squeezed white, her lips tightly pursed, and the rims of her eyes were already turning red.

Misha Noren.

The third daughter of a viscount family.

In the game, she was Loris's most loyal follower. Let me emphasize: she was a 'follower,' not a 'friend.'

After all, Loris had never treated her as an equal, only as a useful tool. Yet Misha, simply because Loris “extended a helping hand” during her most awkward moment, became utterly devoted to her from then on.

And that most awkward moment was happening right now.

As a side note, more than half of the dirty deeds Loris committed in the game were done by Misha on her behalf.

Bullying the heroine, spreading rumors, framing members of the knight order... until everything was eventually exposed, and Misha was liquidated along with her as an 'accomplice.'

In a sense, she was like a loyal companion who would go down with the ship.

But right now.

She was still just a girl who didn't dare to speak up when bullied.

“——What are you doing?”

I walked over and spoke up.

Those few noble daughters turned around simultaneously. Upon seeing me, their faces paled in unison.

“M-Miss Aldheim...”

The leader—who seemed to be a count's daughter—stammered. I approached her at an unhurried pace. Shirune followed behind me, her crimson eyes sweeping coolly over the group of girls.

Instantly, they collectively took half a step back.

“I asked you, what are you doing?”

I stood in front of Misha, blocking their gazes. With my villainess aura fully unleashed, it was as terrifying as a black dragon spreading its wings, sending chills down their spines.

“We were just... playing a joke on her...”

“A joke?” I raised an eyebrow. “Playing a joke on my guest at my banquet?”

“Y-Your guest...?”

“From today onward, she is mine,” I said. “Any objections?”

Silence.

The leading noble daughter opened her mouth, her face flushing crimson.

She wanted to say something, but she took one look at Shirune behind me—specifically, at the rapier at Shirune's waist—and swallowed all her words.

“...N-No. Excuse us, Miss Aldheim.”

She curtsied, lifting her skirt, and quickly scurried away with her lackeys.

I stood there, merrily watching them disappear into the crowd before turning around.

Misha was looking up at me, tears still pooling in her light brown eyes, her lips trembling slightly.

“M-Miss Aldheim... I...”

“Stop crying,” I pulled a handkerchief from my pocket and stuffed it into her hand. “Your makeup will run.”

My dating sim experience was still coming in handy. Although the original timing and lines weren't quite like this, the worldline required me to meet her and bail her out. As long as that outcome was achieved, the process probably didn't matter.

Misha looked down at the handkerchief and froze.

It was a white handkerchief with a tiny lily of the valley embroidered in the corner—exactly like the one I had stuffed into Shirune's hand half a year ago. I had simply bought a bunch of the same style because they were convenient and practical.

“W-Why...” Misha's voice trembled. “Why did you help me...”

Why?

Because you'll be doing a lot of dirty work for me in the future, so I need to build up your affection level first—of course, I couldn't say that out loud.

“Because I can't stand it,” I said. “Bullying someone who has done absolutely nothing wrong is the lowest form of behavior.”

This was the truth.

As an introverted outcast who had been bullied in my past life, I knew that feeling all too well.

Hearing this, Misha's tears finally spilled over. She clutched the handkerchief tightly, like a drowning person grabbing onto a piece of driftwood.

“T-Thank you... Miss Aldheim... Thank you...”

She thanked me between sobs, her voice broken and halting, drawing glances from many around us. I stood there feeling a bit awkward, unsure of how to wrap this up.

“Stop crying,” I repeated. “You won't look pretty if you keep crying.”

Misha nodded frantically, wiping her tears with the handkerchief. But the more she wiped, the more they flowed, like an open faucet.

...Let it be.

Just let her cry.

I stood beside her, waiting quietly.

Shirune glanced at me, then at Misha, saying nothing, but her tail swished gently. I wondered what she was thinking.

Just then.

“—Miss Loris.”

A voice came from behind me.

It was clear and gentle, with the slight cracking quality unique to a boy whose voice hadn't fully matured yet.

I turned around.

And there he was—the male lead of this game.

Blonde hair.

Blue eyes.

A white military dress uniform.

Golden epaulets gleamed under the lights. His facial features seemed meticulously crafted, each detail perfectly in place. The arch of his brows, the bridge of his nose, the shape of his lips—together, they formed the textbook definition of a 'prince's face.'

His eyes were a very pale blue, like a frozen lake in winter. Even though he was only thirteen years old, he possessed a calm composure that didn't belong to his age.

Leonhart von Edelstein.

Loris's fiancé.

The most popular male lead in this otome game.

“I saw what happened just now.”

He smiled slightly, a smile as warm as spring sunshine.

“You did well, Miss Loris. Protecting the weak is the duty of a noble.”

Thump.

My heart skipped a beat.

What was this feeling?

?

I looked down at my chest.

Wait—is this...?

Is this the 'love at first sight' described in the game?

I clearly had absolutely no feelings of the sort, but the great hand of heaven's will had forced it upon me, as if compelling me to fall in love with him at first sight. Fortunately, it hadn't warped my mind; it only triggered a physical reaction, much like when my hand grew hot and slapped my little brother.

Whew.

Even though I had become a villainess character, such a thing was absolutely impossible!

It was just that my heart refused to listen to me. It kept thumping rapidly, each beat reminding me of one thing—

Loris von Aldheim.

The moment she met Leonhart von Edelstein.

According to the plot, she had fallen.

A CG would probably pop up right now if this were the actual game. How despairing. What kind of joke is it that my very first CG is of myself falling in love?

“...Thank you, Your Highness,” I said, snapping back to reality.

I heard my own voice, which sounded slightly higher than usual. Leonhart nodded, his gaze shifting from me to Misha.

“And who is this?”

“M-Misha Noren... of the viscount family...” Misha stammered, lifting her skirt to perform a clumsy curtsy.

Leonhart showed no signs of displeasure at her lack of etiquette.

He simply nodded slightly, his tone gentle. “Miss Noren, I hope you enjoy the banquet tonight.”

Then he looked back at me.

“Miss Loris, may I have the honor of a dance with you later?”

Thump. Thump-thump. Ah, it was beating again. The east wind blows, the war drums beat, the hand of heaven's will strikes me down. I truly felt nothing, as my preferences were perfectly normal.

“Y-Yes, of course.”

I agreed with feigned compliance.

Leonhart smiled slightly and turned to leave. His back in the white military dress uniform gradually receded into the crowd, his golden hair shimmering under the lights.

I stood in place, watching him leave.

I sighed and patted my flat, undeveloped chest, telling it to calm down.

I sighed and patted both of my cheeks, looking rather clumsy.

My mind remained as calm as ever. After all, my psyche hadn't been warped; it only forced a physical reaction of love at first sight.

But—this wouldn't do either.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

Because the Loris in the game fell in love with Leonhart at first sight at this exact moment, this was already completely out of my hands. It was far too passive.

I would have to find a way to deal with this issue in the future.

After recovering my composure,

I opened my eyes and looked in the direction Leonhart had gone.

He had already walked over to the main table and was chatting with several high-ranking nobles. Every movement was poised, his smile proper and warm. To be able to do this at only thirteen years old was indeed impressive.

But the look in his eyes when he looked at me—

I recalled it carefully.

Gentle, polite, and proper.

Nothing more.

No warmth beyond that could be seen in those ice-blue eyes.

As expected.

He had no interest in Loris as a person.

This was actually fortunate for me.

And this engagement was merely a political duty to him; Loris was just a prop in this task. He was polite to me because Loris was the daughter of the Aldheim family. He said 'you did well' probably because that was what a Crown Prince was supposed to say. He invited me to dance because he was required to dance with his fiancée tonight—it was social etiquette.

“...Milady.”

Shirune's voice came from behind me.

“Yes?”

“Your hand...”

I looked down at my hand clutching the handkerchief. My knuckles were white, likely from trying to control my emotions.

“Oh, right.”

“If you have any troubles, you can always tell me.”

Shirune fell silent for a moment.

“No... it is nothing. Your servant spoke out of turn.”

She didn't press further, simply standing quietly behind me like a shadow that would never leave.

Misha finally finished crying. With red eyes, she returned the handkerchief to me, her voice still trembling with a sob. “Miss Aldheim... thank you so, so much... I-I don't know how to repay you...”

“No repayment is necessary,” I took back the handkerchief. “Just follow me from now on.”

I sounded like some overbearing CEO.

Misha's eyes lit up. Within those still red and swollen light brown eyes, a nearly devout light shone. After all, there was an astronomical gap between my status and hers. It was still early now, but in a few years, that old man's power would become even more overwhelming.

“Y-Yes! I will definitely follow you faithfully!” Misha said.

She bowed deeply, her light brown stray hair falling down to cover her flushed cheeks.

I looked at her and thought—

Damn, why is she kind of my type? This kind of insecure, gloomy girl is so cute, you know? Although she hasn't filled out yet, she's definitely going to be a well-endowed character in the future.

But I'm really sorry, Misha. You're so touched, but the reason I lent a hand to help you was because I knew you would become my strength, because I needed you. It wasn't out of pure kindness.

It was exploitation.

I'm sorry.

But I will treat you well, within my power. I won't treat you as a disposable tool like the original Loris did. I will remember everything you do for me. Once everything is over—if I can survive that ending—I will give you whatever you want.

No matter what it is, I will fulfill it for you.

This is my promise, I thought to myself.

“Yes, I'll be relying on you.”

I proudly reached out and gently patted her head.

Misha looked up, her eyes growing wet once more.

After some time, the ball began.

The orchestra struck up a melodious waltz. Noble men and women glided onto the dance floor in pairs, skirts spinning and jewels glittering.

I stood at the edge of the dance floor.

After being invited, I was led onto the floor by Leonhart to begin our performance. Honestly, it was so awkward.

“Do you know how to dance the waltz, Miss Loris?”

“A little.” In truth, I wanted to refuse.

“Then, please.”

He smiled slightly and led me onto the dance floor.

Feeling rather lifeless, I followed his steps.

Fortunately, the past half-year of etiquette classes hadn't gone to waste; I at least remembered the basic steps.

The lights spun overhead, and the music flowed in my ears.

Leonhart's steps were textbook perfect, every movement as precise as if measured with a ruler. He led me through turn after turn, his expression gentle, his gaze resting on me, yet seemingly looking right through me at something else.

“You dance very well, Miss Loris.”

He said, his tone polite.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

I replied, my tone equally polite.

And then, there was nothing left to say.

We finished the dance in silence. When the music ended, Leonhart let go of my hand, took half a step back, and performed a standard bow.

“Thank you for your company, Miss Loris,” he said, straightening up. “It was a pleasure to see you tonight.”

“The pleasure was mine, Your Highness.”

I reluctantly curtsied in return.

He cast one last look at me, those ice-blue eyes still completely void of emotion, before turning to walk toward the next noble daughter he needed to socialize with.

I stood in place, watching his back.

Whew, what a relief.

Our relationship was purely a political alliance. In the game, they remained lukewarm over the next few years, with only Loris pursuing him with blind devotion. Scratching my head, I figured this was fine. Keeping this kind of distance was best for me. But how was I supposed to alter the plot?

...

An hour later.

“Milady.”

Shirune had walked up to my side at some point.

“The carriage has been prepared.”

“...Mhm.” I figured it was time to go home.

We set off with the servants.

I nodded and followed her out.

At this moment, Misha jogged to catch up, like a puppy that had just found its owner, and said:

“Miss Aldheim, I-I will see you to the door...”

I told her there was no need.

When I reached the entrance of the banquet hall, I couldn't help but look back to observe that guy.

I saw Leonhart standing in the center of the crowd, conversing with a noble daughter dressed in a red gown. He lowered his head slightly to listen to her, that standard, gentle, unreadable smile on his face. The light falling on his golden hair seemed to cast a soft-focus filter over him.

Tsk tsk tsk, perfect.

So perfect.

Which also meant he was incredibly shrewd.

If I were to play matchmaker and push him together with the heroine, would I be able to escape this vortex?

Contemplating a plan, I turned around and finally stepped out of the banquet hall.

The carriage swayed gently.

Sitting in the carriage, hands resting on my knees, I no longer sat perfectly upright since there was no need. Across from me sat Shirune, guarding me as always.

The streetlights outside the window receded one by one, orange bars of light sweeping across my face.

Shirune remained silent, quietly watching me, her crimson eyes faintly glowing in the dark.

“Milady.”

“Yes?”

“Are you tired?”

“...A little.” Mostly, my heart was tired from all the pounding.

“Then please rest. Your servant will wake you when we arrive.”

I closed my eyes.

My thoughts drifted, thinking about the two plot characters I had just interacted with.

The follower, Misha, wasn't much of a problem, but that prince posed a huge threat to me. I felt like after meeting someone like him, all my little secrets would be found out.

I kind of felt like giving up.

The carriage continued forward through the deep night.

The light from the streetlights swept across the carriage window in bars, and Shirune's hand remained right there, quiet and unmoving.