228 The Visit

"Ha... What the hell is this?"

I’d thought that the houses belonging to Belk and Meryl were the pinnacle of luxury, but it turned out there was always a bigger fish.

I never actually had the chance to see the House Albert mansion in the Original Story. It had simply been described as a "magnificent estate," but that word didn't even come close to doing this justice. There were four massive mansions lined up side-by-side. Next to them stood what I assumed were the servants' quarters.

In the center of the courtyard sat a gargantuan fountain, and the surrounding grounds were carpeted with roses. It looked like they were even in the middle of a new expansion, as another wing was currently under construction. This was a rare sight in this world.

Does that guy, Neil, actually plan on becoming the king of this world or something?

And then, there was the other problem.

"What should I do, Fansent? Maybe I really should have left these behind after all..."

"...Probably."

Since a Royal Capital special edition of Battle Universe had just been released, Cecil had somehow ended up purchasing three copies before I even realized what was happening. I’d told her to just have them delivered, but apparently, she wanted them on hand immediately.

One was for playing, the second was a spare, and the third was a "spare for the spare."

What does that even mean?!

Predictably, however, the moment she stepped off the carriage, she began struggling under the sheer bulk of the boxes.

What's the deal with her? How can she be so smart yet so incredibly oblivious?

I sighed. It couldn't be helped; I’d have to carry a few for her. But just as I reached out, a maid appeared and effortlessly hoisted Cecil’s boxes.

"I shall carry those for you. Lord Neil is still out at the moment, so please, come inside."

"Eh? P-Priscilla?! I-I’m so sorry!"

"Please, do not let it concern you. We are not within the Academy right now, so there is no need for your usual abbreviations, either."

With that, she turned and opened the mansion doors. I was used to seeing Priscilla’s maid outfit in the game, but this was the first time I’d ever seen the real thing. I found myself rooted to the spot, staring blankly, until Priscilla called out to me.

"Is something the matter?"

"No... it's nothing."

I didn't have the slightest clue what was going to happen from here. But this meeting would finally make it clear whether Neil was an enemy or an ally, and exactly what I needed to do. He hadn't actually done anything to me yet, but I knew that if I just stood around like a dazed idiot, I’d probably end up with my legs chewed off.

I am Weiss, the villainous noble. It’s only natural to strike first, isn't it?

Well then, let the match begin.