TPITT - Chapter 27

I diligently moved to the next target.

Standing banquets, which did not include meals, were optimal for social activities.

This time, he was a nobleman who was busy sampling dessert.

Baron Laplier had a gentle figure and a gourmet temperament.

“Are you looking for some delicacies, Baron Laplier?”

“Your Highness?”

“I recommend the black scones here. Because it uses coffee as an ingredient, it has a unique flavor.”

"Oh? Coffee?”

Baron Laplier was shocked by my sudden approach and the stranger at my side.

I forgot to be embarrassed by the existence of the homunculus and became immersed in the story.

“It is a favorite drink of the Aratica tribe in the south. It is made by roasting the seeds of the fruit and extracting them in hot water. The aroma and taste are significantly different from black tea, but have their own charm.”

“Wow, this scone definitely has a unique scent. Coffee... It’s interesting.”

In my last life, Baron Laplier was a coffee enthusiast.

In a tea culture where black tea is the absolute mainstream, he stubbornly insists on coffee.

Perhaps his love for coffee was fate, and Baron Laplier fell in love with it even when he was only allowed to smell the scent.

“Such an old-fashioned scent. I guess I should try it. I’ll have to get this coffee as soon as I get home today.”

“There are only a few places that handle it, so the only things you can get quickly are low-quality products. I happen to have some coffee beans that I saved some time ago.”

“Are you sure?”

"Yes. I used to do tea blending as a hobby, and at one time I was also into coffee. The coffee beans were obtained at that time.”

“Ho, could you please give it to me...?” 

“Of course. I will tell my maid. The Baron is the finance. You can enter the palace at any time. Please stop by my place whenever it is convenient for you. When the time comes, we could talk more about coffee.”

“Oh, Her Royal Highness. That's exactly what I hope for! See you again soon!”

We promise tea time and he leaves.

I turned around happily.

The Financial Department, which was in charge of executing the imperial family's budget, was a department that had a great influence on life at the imperial palace.

Networking is essential to manage one's household in the future.

Even Baron Laplier was a capable man, so it was certain that interaction with him would be beneficial.

It wasn't difficult for me to capture Baron Laplier's heart.

In my last life, he put a lot of effort into etiquette and speaking skills to leave a good impression in every meeting.

As I busily walked around the banquet hall, it was natural that many nobles noticed my changed appearance.

It was good that the main character, Rosenit, had not arrived yet, so attention and interest were focused.

'Well, I didn't know that Her Highness the 7th Princess was such a sociable person.'

'Is this true, Her Highness the 7th Princess? It may be strange to say this, but I can feel the 10-year history of a noble lady.'

'Hmm, Her Highness the 7th Princess looks interesting right now. How about we talk to her too?'

'Is that so? I'm also curious about the knight under Her Majesty the 7th Princess...'

Since ancient times, gossip has been an important driving force in the social world.

A knight under the direct command of the naughty princess.

It was certain that it would be a topic of discussion in the social world for a while.

I gladly welcomed nobles who approached me out of interest.

Surrounded by them, I introduced Michael and told them the series of circumstances that led to the imprinting ceremony with him.

The story then circulated through the mouths of nobles with a luxurious temperament and was appropriately adapted.

'I went to greet Lord Agnito in the morning and receive his name.'

'You're gone?'

'Lord Agnito was the powerful homunculus who was sealed in the training center for three years!'

'Isn't that absolutely the same as giving Sir Agnito to the 7th Princess?'

'Ah, now I see that the delay in the selection ceremony for the 7th Princess was all due to His Majesty's will...'

Michael's three years of imprisonment in a public prison were glorified as his inability to control his strength, and I received permission to select a knight under your direct command during the morning greeting was that I received a command from Desmond II.

I didn’t bother to correct it.

I will be given the homunculus that Desmond II saved.

The rumor that I was so favored was worth taking advantage of.

For a while, I couldn't move a single step from my spot as I had to deal with the nobles who kept talking to me.

Currently, I am having a conversation with young children of similar age.

It was around that time that a lady with red hair angrily intervened.

“By the way, the body chain worn by Lord Agnito is from which jewelry store?”

“It seems like a design that was popular about five years ago.”

It was Julia, the daughter of the Marquis of Amellos, who owned the best jewelry store in the imperial capital.

Even in my last life, my living conditions were poor and I did not fit in with the fashion.

She was the one who disapproved of me wearing a dress and accessories and started a fight.

'Now you're attacking me not in my clothes, but in Michael's clothes. In the end, it's all directed at me.'

I sighed inwardly but smiled like a flower on the outside.

“It’s an item from a jewelry workshop in the Imperial Capital.”

“A jewelry workshop? Ah, somehow... I thought so. The fashions of society and the common people have been different for approximately 5 years. But it wasn’t even tailored.”

Julia's green eyes sparkled as she found the right place to start a fight.

Normally, this kind of fight would lead to a showdown.

I was a person who was able to calmly look after myself, so she judged that Julia had no chance of winning based on my perspective.

'Then you should speak well.'

My smile became brighter.

“Unfortunately, there was not enough time until the banquet, so there was nothing we could do.”

“Even so, it is true that Your Highness neglected the first decoration of the knight under your direct command.”

“The Lady’s reprimand is harsh, but it is correct. I wanted to give Lord Agnito the best so I understand why you say I am being negligent.”

“Best? Golden decorations that are out of fashion?”

“Please show me in detail, Lady Ameloth. Topaz, olive green garnet on a gold chain,
Isn’t the peridot accent a beautiful work of art, like a vine made of jewels?”

“If we go back five years, it would be possible to make an evaluation."

At that point, my gaze was not on Julia, who was tapping, but on those around me.

It was directed at the other ladies.

“Although it is not customized, I am satisfied because the color is like a symbol of color my hair and eyes colors. Like... It’s like seeing Lord Agnito chained to me.”

“Oh my, so does Her Royal Highness.”

The sly lines I learned from the Princes in my last life were very helpful in this life.

An appropriately intimate joke was considered a witty conversation piece.

The ladies around burst into laughter.

Julia was taken aback by the sudden change in mood. I didn't miss that gap.

"How is it? Isn’t that what Lady Ameloth sees as well? Oh, that's right, don’t look at my knight body too explicitly.”

“What?”

“I’m just kidding, young lady.”

The laughter of these young ladies is enough to make even people from far away look back.

It rang so loudly.

Julia's face turned red after being teased.

'You're more innocent than I thought.'

This is enough for petty revenge.

I had no intention of causing much friction and getting into trouble with the Marquis of Ameloth.

I offered juice as a sign of reconciliation and made a social comment.

“Lady Ameloth has great insight. Yiu have a good reputation for doing it. If I get the chance, I would like to have a long conversation and learn about your perspective.”

In the social world, 'if the opportunity arises' is like saying that you should not look for an opportunity because it seems like it will never happen.

Julia would have understood.

It was time for me to wait for the right empty words to come back.

Julia, who was sipping juice, blushed and answered.

“Well, since you said that, I have no choice but to send you an invitation.”

“... Yes?"

“For Lord Agnito, to whom silver is better than gold, I will help you avoid having to put up decorations. In addition, I will give you a systematic explanation of current trends tailored to your level. Well, I enjoyed the juice. Then I will leave now, Your Highness.”

"Ah yes... Please take a look, Lady.”

I, who was left behind, could not hide my bewildered expression. It was Michael who brought me to my senses.

“You like bondage.”

“...There is no need to listen to social comments seriously, Lord Agnito.”

I avoided the boring gaze Michael gave me through the lace eye patch.

At that time, Michael hurriedly whispered in my ear.

“The 4th Princess and 5th Prince are coming this way from 5 o’clock.”

“Ah, I heard your eyes were still stinging from earlier.”

The royal family members who were looking at me as she walked through the banquet hall were gathering around me one by one.

It's useless to stay still like this. I won't be able to avoid controversy.

“Can we get out without encountering one?”

“Toward 2 o’clock.”

Michael wrapped me around my shoulders, turned around, and escorted me.

'I feel protected.'

I realized once again that Michael was my direct subordinate.

"Eve!"

I pretended not to hear 4th Princess Hesia's call and went into the crowd of nobles.

I hid myself.

And it walked quickly through the crowd of nobles.

“You can stop now.”

Only after crossing the banquet hall diagonally was it possible to get to a place where the royal family could not be seen.

I, whose feet were sore from the high shoes, immediately stopped in place.

It was a time when I was just about to take a break. Right in front of me, a noble young man greeted me politely.

“I was waiting for you, Seventh Princess.”

"Huh?"

I just ran away and ended up in the middle of nowhere. What does this mean?

In front of the embarrassed me, the young man bowed with an exaggerated gesture and bowed.

“I waited here without any doubt that you would come to me too. My name is Alven Redmon, I admire your ability to discover undervalued talent!”

"What? For a moment. Alven Redmon?”

“Yes, Your Highness. Please tell me.”

Alven bent his back and raised his head. The wine-colored eyes were filled with a bright light.

Only then did my eyes begin to see the young man's scraggly face look familiar.

Alven Redmon.

The identity of the young man who is the second son of Count Redmon and is currently an official in the Protocol Department...

'You're the detective duck of the future!'

Alven was used as Count Redmon's background without a legitimate ability confirmation process.

He held a managerial position and was, in vulgar terms, the epitome of a ‘two-wing greeting.’

He was demoted once, but thanks to his father, he became a finance again.

He became an official, but from then on, he became a powerful person in the financial department and committed all kinds of embezzlement.

I was also one of his victims.

In my last life, I suffered from a lot of misappropriation of budget and prize money.

Special gifts were given at every imperial palace event, but the number of times I received them was a handful.

'I tried to report corruption several times, but it wasn't easy to get evidence because they were so well-covered.'

If I think about it, he was truly a competent person in a special field.

While I was crying as I recalled my past life, it was Michael's job to watch out for Alven.

Michael stepped forward as if to protect me.

“Do you know him, Your Highness?”

The brain was threatening.

Alven, pressured by Michael's spirit, hiccuped. Nevertheless, the courtesy shown to me was not withheld.

I answered after a moment of thought.

"Yes. I know.”

I took a deep breath.

He's already the favorite child of the Count Redmon family. If he causes friction with his superior, who will be the powerful person in the financial department, his second life may become difficult.

'I was keeping an eye on who I was in contact with. It is difficult to turn a quick-witted person into an enemy.'

I skillfully faked a smile.

“Lord Redmon, nice to meet you. I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a while.”

“Whoops, Your Highness! As expected, I was one of the talents chosen by Your Highness.”

Where has the sense of following my movements gone? It's just a sociable comment.

It was a face that was truly touched.

“I thought Your Highness would look at me right away and not be misled by rumors.”

“Rumors...?”

“Well, that’s the unsavory rumor that I’m a double-wing person.”

It was when I was puzzled by Alven's words that revealed his own shame. He said in exasperation.

“Wow! Those are all just rumors that were picked up by my boss, Count Sánchez. That's all! But it's okay now. This Alben, I will not disappoint you in the world.”

It was information that overturned what I knew.

I thought, trying hard not to look surprised.

'Count Sánchez is said to have a bad relationship with Alven's father, Count Redmon. He's a famous person, though. Then, is what Alven said true?'

It seemed credible. It was precisely when Alven was demoted to a local official that Count Sánchez took over Redmon.

It was the time when he defeated the Count and took over the position of head of the protocol department.

Afterward, he was able to re-enter the palace thanks to the power of Count Redmon.

He was not promoted and remained a low-level official.

Alven is skilled in handling all kinds of high-level tasks such as double ledgers, hiding evidence, and manipulating documents.

There was no way he wouldn't have stood out in the financial department.

Just looking at what he's saying now, it's obvious that he has an honor-oriented personality.

There is no way he didn't want to be promoted himself.

No matter how I looked at it, it was strange that he could not escape being a low-level official.

'Then, in my last life, your path to success was blocked by Count Sánchez, so you were so crooked?'

However, this does not justify criminal behavior.

Based on the newly learned truth, my evaluation of Alven changed.

There were some personality issues, but it seemed worth considering.

I decided to give Alblven a chance.

“Lord Redmon, it would be better to go back to the Protocol Department instead of staying in the banquet hall now.”

"Yes? Most of the work under the jurisdiction of the Protocol Department was completed once the banquet began. Why?”

I take a step towards Alven went. It was the minimum distance 

“A lot of offerings were used in Rosie’s selection ceremony today. Considering that the ceremony was barely completed before the banquet began, some sacrifices were not approved in advance. I guess it was used quite a bit.”

For example, a piece of the Philosopher's Stone.

“The royal family has no talent for alchemy. Only by leaving a record of the use of rare offerings did the imperial family, there is no prestige. Now the Ministry of Protocol is concerned about the number and type of offerings used. We'll be busy shrinking our records. I think Lord Redmon can help with this task..."

"OMG! You saw it right away, Your Highness. That kind of paperwork is completely my specialty.”

“Ah, as expected, I made the wrong person. You didn't see it. I believe that they will handle the work so thoroughly that even if we check, we will not be able to find any clues.”

"Your Highness...!”

I demonstrated considerable acting skills and boosted Alven's confidence.

'If Alven Redmon comes forward in person, this time there will be evidence. I won't stay. During the Rosie selection ceremony, a piece of the Philosopher's Stone being used will be buried forever. Rosie would be an advantage. It's easy to do, but if I can rehabilitate one inspector.'

I urged Alven while calmly weighing the profits and losses.

“Go quickly and please the Chief of Protocol.”

“Yes, Your Highness! I will repay your trust!”

I slowly relaxed my facial muscles as I watched Alven hurriedly leave.

The sociable smile disappeared and a slightly tired expression appeared.

“Mika... No, Lord Agnito.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Michael, who was called, immediately attached to me and escorted me.

"Where can I take you?"

“Just for a moment, like this.”

I put more of my weight on Michael's arm.

The distance between me and Michael became closer, almost as if we were crossing our arms.

When Michael looked puzzled, I smiled embarrassedly and whispered.

“The heels I’m wearing right now are over half a span high. Understand me."

“If you are a Princess, you can use floating magic. Wouldn’t that reduce the strain on your feet?”

“I can do it, but then I won’t be able to walk as gracefully as a crane.”

"Right."

In the meantime, Michael raised his right arm more firmly so that I could lean on it.

“I will find a place to rest.”

"No. Because I don’t know when Rosie will come. And it’s almost over.”

I straightened my posture again and looked ahead.

The next target was a group of six young boys and men.

They are a group of men attending the Imperial Academy ‘Gnosis’.

These people had a family background of a count or higher.

Among them was the son of Count Rheindel, a member of the imperial council, and the son of Marquis Limitiello.

Young Nobleman, who made a connection at the Academy,  don’t appear often in social circles.

Even when they appeared, they stuck together and were never separated.

Their unusually strong friendship was based on their commonality of having no right to inherit titles.

In monogamous aristocratic families, titles were usually inherited by the eldest son or daughter.

The six young people gathered here, despite their excellent abilities and grand ambitions, are not the eldest.

They were those who were pushed out of the right of succession for some reason.

That bond was special.

'But two of them broke everyone's expectations and inherited the title.'

I had to create a relationship. I ordered Michael with a serious face.

“Michael, please wait a little further away this time.”

“Why?”

“We need to lower the barrier to entry."

Beyond the lace eyepatch, purple eyes took on a mysterious glow. But there was no further explanation.

“I’ll be back, Lord Agnito.”

I released Michael's escorting hand and walked.

A lot of strength was put into my toes and ankles to create a more elegant gait than ever before.

While sipping a wine cocktail, I talked to the young man who was showing off their school ties by talking about the academy.

I gave it a try.

“Can you give me a drink too?”

In front of the six young people who were looking back, I tensed all the muscles in my face and smiled.

That smile was quite charming.

It was then that deep gaze began to focus on my face.

The spirits are showing my faces, which Cedella put all my effort into decorating.

To be able to enjoy it to my heart's content, I willingly pretended not to notice the blatant observation.

'The social world is basically a marriage market.'

There was no point of contact between the royal students attending the Imperial Academy and the Princess who had honed her culture in the imperial palace.

To get a chance to have a conversation among the close-knit group of young people, drastic measures were needed.

In other words, it was best to take a faithful approach to the original purpose of the social world.

'Even if I'm a naughty Princess, I'm still a Princess, so they won't criticize me outright. And it only takes one out of six of them. If there's just one person I like, I can join there.'

Previous            Next