The 21st of the Month of Earth. I stood before the mirror, putting the finishing touches on my appearance.
Reflected in the glass, I was clad in a resplendent black-based formal ensemble. With my hair styled to perfection, I looked the part of a noble... or at least, I hoped I did at a quick glance.
Lilia-san had given me this formal attire the other day, having prepared it specifically for the event I was headed to today.
Today, I was scheduled to attend the birthday party of Amalie-san, the First Princess, held at the Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Sinfonia.
Amalie-san was the First Successor to the Throne, and this party was an exceptionally prestigious affair, requiring me to dress with appropriate gravity.
After checking my reflection several times, I heard a knock. Sieg-san had come to fetch me, and together we headed toward the carriage waiting outside.
As we walked down the hallway side by side, Sieg-san looked at me with a serious expression and spoke.
"It is finally time, isn't it?"
"Yes."
Sieg-san naturally knew what this party signified. No, as one of the parties involved, it was only natural that she knew better than anyone.
Beyond celebrating Amalie-san's birthday, this party held a much heavier meaning.
For Lilia-san, Sieg-san, and Lunamaria-san, it was the day they would settle a long-standing grievance. Today, armed with the evidence Alice had gathered, Lilia-san would expose the crimes of the nobles who had once framed the Second Division of the Order of Knights.
Alice had constructed the entire scenario, and it had already been communicated to Lilia-san, Ryze-san, and Amalie-san.
I didn't know the specifics. Honestly, I wasn't a good actor, so I hadn't asked for the details to ensure I wouldn't accidentally let anything slip.
However, there was one unfortunate catch. Because the party was so prestigious, the number of people allowed inside the venue was strictly limited.
"Luna and I cannot enter the hall. Kaito-san... please look after Lili."
"I will. Though I say that, I’m not sure I can do anything special..."
Attendance was restricted to the heads of houses holding peerages within the Kingdom of Sinfonia, their spouses, and their first-born heirs, along with foreign dignitaries. Since Lilia-san was the Head of the House, she was eligible, but normally, I would have been excluded.
It was only because Ryze-san had arranged for me to attend as a proxy for Mitsunaga-kun, the Hero-role, that I was allowed inside.
Well, even without that, I suppose I could have gotten in if Kuro or someone else had made arrangements... but Lilia-san was the protagonist today, and I couldn't afford to draw negative attention.
"The mere fact that Kaito-san is by her side will strengthen Lili's influence as a noble. That alone is more than enough support."
"Is that so? Well, if I can be of help to Lilia-san, I'll do my absolute best."
"Yes. I’ll be waiting for good news."
After about ten minutes in the carriage, we arrived at the Royal Castle. What greeted my eyes was an overwhelming sight—a long line of resplendent carriages stretching as far as the eye could see.
The gathering of so many heavyweights meant security was incredibly tight. Rows of knights stood in formation around the castle gates.
We presented our invitation to the gatekeepers and entered. While only invitees could enter the Great Hall, up to three escorts were allowed to accompany each guest as far as the entrance.
Since Alice would cause an uproar if she showed her face, I didn't count her. Instead, I had Anima, Eta, and Theta accompany me as my guards.
All three had received prior instruction from Sieg-san and Lunamaria-san. They followed at a respectful distance behind Lilia-san and me as we walked.
"The atmosphere is completely different from the last time I came here."
"Yes. The First Princess is a vital figure for this country."
"Will it be alright? Using such a grand venue for our own purposes..."
I spoke in a low voice to Lilia-san. She was dressed not in her usual simple clothes, but in a gown brimming with luxury and exquisite detailing.
Exposing past crimes in a place where the majority of the nobility gathered was an incredibly effective move. If it went well, public opinion would surely swing in Lilia-san's favor.
Alice had determined that the most effective timing would be just before the party officially commenced, so that was when the plan would be set in motion.
"It will be fine. That girl is far more tenacious than I am. I have no doubt she will find a way to use this to solidify her own political foundation."
"I-Is that so?"
"Yes. Her reputation as the top candidate for the throne is not just for show."
My impression of her from our previous meeting was that of a bright, elegant princess, but apparently, that was only the face she showed her family. In official settings, her conduct was quite different. I suppose that was only to be expected of royalty.
Eventually, we reached the entrance to the hall, where it was time to part ways with our escorts.
"Well then, Master. We will be on standby around the venue. Rest assured, if anything happens, we will be at your side in an instant."
"Thanks. I'm counting on you, Anima."
"Understood!"
"Eta and Theta, I'm counting on you too."
"Yes, Master!"
Encouraged by their firm replies, I took a look at Lilia-san, who was receiving similar encouragement from Sieg-san and Lunamaria-san. Then, together, we stepped into the venue.
The interior was a magnificent space, the likes of which I had only ever seen in fiction.
The entire Great Hall seemed to glow, creating a dazzling, overwhelming spectacle. Everywhere I looked, I saw wealthy-looking people—the very picture of the high nobility.
Ah, this is bad... I was starting to get nervous. Even though I wasn't the one doing anything, being in a crowd this size was a high hurdle for a former loner like me.
As those thoughts crossed my mind, I felt a light tug on my sleeve. I turned to see Lilia-san looking at me with a slightly anxious expression.
"This is no good... I've been away from high society for so long that I'm becoming strangely flustered."
"It really is an incredible sight. I'm starting to get nervous myself."
"Even you get nervous, Kaito-san?"
"Wait, Lilia-san, what exactly do you think I am?"
"M-My apologies!"
I wondered what kind of person with nerves of steel I had become in her mind. She was definitely overestimating me, but knowing she trusted me that much made me feel... well, quite happy.
Lilia-san had been looking after me since the moment I arrived in this world.
If the first person I had met hadn't been her, I'm certain the "me" of today wouldn't exist.
That was why I was truly grateful to her from the bottom of my heart, and why I wanted to support her.
"Lilia-san, I know there isn't much I can do, but I'm rooting for you. Good luck."
"Kaito-san... Thank you. Those words are truly a source of strength."
Lilia-san smiled happily at my words. Then, with a gaze filled with intense determination, she looked across the hall and fixed her eyes on a single point.
Dear Mother, Father—I have come to the Royal Castle to attend Amalie-san's birthday party. Lilia-san's long-held wish—the confrontation with the enemies who once caused her so much suffering—is now looming just ahead.
At that same moment, light filled a building behind the temple in the Kingdom of Sinfonia, where the gate to the God Realm was located.
"Now then, according to the Phantasm King's letter, it should be about time..."
With her deep blue hair fluttering and her heterochromatic eyes staring straight ahead, the Goddess began her march with serene grace.
She had an important role to play in the scenario written by the Phantasm King No Face. She was the trump card that would secure Lilia's victory.
"Well then, I shall head to the Royal Castle as well..."
With that murmur, the Supreme God of Time, Chronoa, set off to join her friend.
Serious-senpai: "I-I won't be fooled! I won't be tricked by this sweet atmosphere! It's going to be that, isn't it? That pattern! You start it off with all this gravity, only to have the whole thing resolved instantly in the next update, right!?"
(YES)
Serious-senpai: "Dammit all!!"