The size of Dians Village, located on the outskirts of the capital, was on the smaller side, but it offered plenty to see, being famous for its sumr festival.
There were quite a few fascinating sights.
What caught the eyes of and Rayler, who were only chasing food, was a small magic doll.
“If you place it by your bedside and sleep, it will gradually grow.”
……This?
It was a round doll, about the size of a fist. Its pure white fur was so fluffy that just looking at it made one feel good.
Since it was already cute in its current state, wasn't it already perfect as it was?
But the fact that it would grow? That struck as an unnecessary function.
Perhaps we were thinking the sa thing—Rayler and I exchanged glances and shared an awkward laugh. At that, the shop owner chuckled and said,
“It only changes into cute forms like a rabbit, puppy, or kitten, so buy one for fun.”
Honestly, it felt like a possessed doll, but if it grew up cute, well.
“Rayler, aren't you going to buy one?”
“I don’t have money.”
Really, she could’ve just said it was scary, but she ca up with all sorts of useless excuses.
The shop owner handed the doll and added,
“It will transform into an animal resembling the custor who purchased it.”
“……What if it turns into a monkey?”
When I glared at Rayler at her words, she spoke with a teasing expression.
“Monkeys are cute.”
Then you get one!
* * *
Before we knew it, the festival was in full swing.
Tired from walking, Rayler and I took a seat on a bench.
“Cheers.”
After lightly clinking her beer glass with mine, Rayler suddenly burst into laughter.
“What’s so funny?”
“I think the old would find this mont between us really strange.”
She looked nostalgic.
“I never thought I’d beco close with you like this.”
I’d heard from her before. Because what I did to Ricardo was quite notorious, she said she didn’t like even before she t .
Rayler took a swig of beer and shook her head.
“Was my first impression that bad?”
“Oh, don’t even ask.”
The Bianca she first t had possessing her, so hearing that stung a little.
The original Bianca didn’t have a great personality either, but I guess I wasn’t much better.
Was I fourteen when I first t Rayler?
That was also the ti when Ricardo absolutely loathed Bianca.
Back then, I was pretty shocked by the fact that a second male lead I hadn’t even t hated .
I an, it was ridiculous that so guy I’d never even seen hated so intensely.
That was when I started trying to prevent the engagent!
〈Bianca, don’t worry. You’re a very lovely girl. He will definitely co to love you.〉
My grandfather, thoroughly blinded, always comforted by saying anyone would fall in love with .
That’s when I realized. Ah, this must be why Bianca’s personality turned out so warped.
Lost in thought, I snapped out of it at the sound of soone sipping beside .
“Rayler? Are you okay?”
She wasn’t a strong drinker.
Sure enough, Rayler’s cheeks turned red as the alcohol hit her. Clicking my tongue, I took her glass away.
She insisted she was fine!
“Bianca, do you rember when we first t?”
“Of course I rember.”
While answering with my mouth, my eyes were busy searching for Rayler’s escort knight.
Thankfully, it didn’t seem obvious that I was answering half-heartedly, as Rayler smiled cheerfully.
“You know, that wasn’t actually the first ti I saw you?”
She looked relieved as she said it.
“……Then where did you see ?”
“The day before. I was so curious about the rumored noble lady that I begged my father to visit your house.”
Oh, this was new information.
Considering how much Rayler liked to chat, it was surprising she’d never ntioned this until now.
“Why did you sneak a look and leave? You could’ve said hello and then gone.”
“I told you. Your first impression was seriously the worst.”
Rayler chuckled.
“Who rolls around in the mud with the person they like? Both of you had teary eyes……”
“……What?”
“But your grandfather didn’t seem to think it was a good situation either. He told never to speak of it.”
I blinked in a daze.
“Neither you nor Lord Ricardo ever ntioned it, so I kept my mouth shut since then.”
“……”
“I figured now that the engagent is being broken off, it’s okay to talk about it.”
That’s when it happened.
“Hic!”
Rayler started hiccuping. Her eyes widened, and she hastily covered her mouth with her hand. Then she bolted behind a flower bed.
But I just blinked blankly, not even thinking to follow her.
……So, I t Ricardo?
When the hell?
* * *
“I’ll take good care of Lady Rayler.”
I handed Rayler over to her knight and let out a sigh of relief. The knight, worried about being alone, cautiously spoke.
“Wouldn’t it be better for you to head back as well, my lady? Or you could stay the night at the count’s residence.”
“I want to enjoy the festival before heading back. Just take good care of Rayler.”
“……”
“I’ll go straight to the inn, so don’t worry.”
Rayler had made a reservation at an inn for us to stay together. It wasn’t as safe as the capital, but Dians was decent enough.
Still, if I’d known things would turn out like this, I should’ve brought Allen along.
Sneaking out of the mansion to discuss the World Tree’s roots at the Sun’s Shop had been the start of it all.
My head had been a ss, so I thought maybe I’d take a walk by the beach Rayler ntioned, but the road there imdiately killed all curiosity.
“……Let’s just sleep.”
It was such a remote area that even the road wasn’t in good condition. On top of that, it was dark. I couldn’t see anything.
In the end, I turned toward the inn.
“……This is the right way.”
I had definitely chosen the inn because the road to the beach seed scary, and yet here I was, unintentionally experiencing a horror show.
Even with the map in hand, I managed to get lost.
The sounds of bustling people gradually faded away, leaving only a shadowy alley to greet .
‘Is this the right way?’
My chaotic thoughts were now filled with fear. I guess it was at least a relief to be distracted from everything else?
It was then.
“……Are you sure they’re together?”
A faint voice echoed from the darkness. The sudden sound put instantly on edge.
“I’m sure. A man in a black robe and a red-haired woman were together.”
Under the dim moonlight, two figures ca into view. My body moved before I could even think—I had to hide.
……Still, if it’s a red-haired woman, it could only be Idette.
“How many did the woman bring?”
“Three, as far as we can tell.”
“So she must have sothing up her sleeve. Thinking she can protect herself with that few.”
They’re definitely talking about Idette, right?
Just as that thought crossed my mind—
“Urgh…!”
The sound of sothing sharp slicing through flesh rang out, and the groan of the man who’d been speaking just monts ago followed.
Thud.
D-Did he just die?
The wind carried a strong tallic scent—blood. My suspicion turned into certainty. I was completely frozen, incapable of doing anything.
I had to run.
But… could I even get away safely?
While my head was spinning with all kinds of thoughts, a voice I didn’t recognize reached my ears.
“I’ll take care of the rest.”
“……”
“……Your Excellency?”
A cold wind blew through.
Though I was clearly hiding in a dim alley, I could feel it vividly—whoever had taken that life just monts ago was now staring right at .
At that mont, the presence began to approach .
Wh-What do I do?
Legs, please—just work…!
“There’s one more rat.”
Icy blue eyes glead fiercely under the shadowy moonlight.
But when our eyes t, the man’s gaze began to slowly waver.
I was no different.
……Ricardo.
Why are you here?
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