“No, Katarina. There is still quite the scar, from what I can see,” Jeord said as he continued to stare at my healed forehead.
“Eh? But I’ve checked many times in the mirror... Anne helped, too...” I muttered, stunned at this turn of events.
“I would suppose you were both mistaken, yes. A scar yet remains here. Do you not think so too?” Jeord said, turning to Anne as he did so. Anne, my personal maid, had been standing next to me all this time.
Although Anne had agreed with me that the scar was completely gone only a short while ago... she now nodded her head, agreeing with Jeord! An unexpected betrayal...!
And so it came to be that the supposedly vanished scar on my forehead was deemed to still exist. Jeord, still smiling, ended the discussion with a single statement. “So you see, there will be no cancellations with regards to our engagement.”
After this event, my mother, who had agreed to the engagement all that time ago, now felt very differently about the matter. Both she and Keith seemed to believe that “Katarina could not possibly fulfill the duties expected of a queen.” Regardless of their protests, however, my marriage engagement remained untouched to this day.
As expected of Jeord — this was exactly how it was in the game of Fortune Lover. The prince was not quite ready to let go of his fiancée just yet, perhaps due to the fact that she was a convenient wall against the endless stream of suitors he would otherwise be presented with.
With this, it became clear that I was unable to completely avoid the Catastrophic Bad End of becoming engaged to Jeord. As such, I decided to bring a sword to the academy for personal protection, along with a completed, most lifelike snake toy. I had yet more work to do; for starters, practicing how to smoothly pull out the snake from my pocket...
And then there was the matter of Keith Claes. My cute adopted brother, who had been brought into the family seven years ago for his impressive magical ability — and a potential love interest. Should Keith fall in love with the protagonist, it would all be over for Katarina. A straight line to yet another Catastrophic Bad End.
In the setting of Fortune Lover, Keith, with his flaxen hair and green eyes, was ostracized and alienated by his adoptive mother and sister. His rebellion against such an upbringing turned him into a playboy.
And then he would go on to meet the protagonist at the academy, and would be slowly healed by her love; a most troublesome prospect for me, of course. And so I worked hard every day to ensure that Keith never felt lonely. As a result, Keith never became a shut-in, and before I knew it, he was constantly by my side.
By the looks of it, Keith was not lonely anymore... so he probably wouldn’t fall for the protagonist at the academy. There was, however, one failing in this entire plan.
To prevent him from becoming a playboy, I constantly instructed Keith to be gentle and kind to women. I repeated this often. The result was... not as I expected.
Keith had become a gentlemanly womanizer, for the lack of a better word. He did as his adoptive sister preached — he was gentle and kind to women, which was a great thing.
However, Keith did grow as the years passed by, and before long he was no longer the cute, lovable youth he one was. Instead, he had become... appealing, to the other sex. I, of course, hardly noticed any of this happening. Perhaps it was because I was with Keith all the time, or perhaps it was because I lacked the perceptiveness to be affected by Keith’s charms.
One way or another, it was far too late when I noticed that Keith had become so charming and attractive that noble ladies were falling head over heels for him. To make things worse, even the servants were affected. He had become a complete ladies’ man. While I had managed to prevent Keith from becoming a shut in, I had instead encouraged his transformation into a gentlemanly lady-killer...
Right. Alan Stuart. The fourth crown prince, Jeord’s twin brother, and yet another potential love interest. With his wild looks, silver hair and blue eyes, Alan grew up constantly comparing himself to Jeord, nursing a huge inferiority complex... which made him hate his brother. At least, that was how it was in the original setting of Fortune Lover.
Alan had instead become quite a different person, no longer feeling inferior to Jeord, nor hating him. In fact, while the two didn’t exactly get along superbly, they did at least have a functional, cordial relationship.
Katarina Claes never did appear as an antagonist in Alan’s route, and originally the two should never even have met... But for one reason or another, Alan visited my abode often. Now, having fully embraced his musical talent, he had sent me many invitations to his piano or violin performances, and I would attend these functions with Mary and the rest. We were good friends now.
This was strange — in the setting of Fortune Lover, Alan never did explore his talents to such an extent. In fact, he was only supposed to do so after he had met the protagonist. I couldn’t help but notice that this series of events greatly deviated from the setting and plot I remembered.
And then there was the matter of Mary Hunt... Alan’s fiancée, and the rival character of the Alan route. Her eyes and hair were a shade of burnt sienna, perfectly complimenting her features. She was almost like a doll — a beautiful young girl. In the original setting of Fortune Lover, Mary hardly had any contact with Katarina Claes, much like Alan.
However, Mary had now become one of my close friends. While she was reserved and slightly fearful of social interactions when I first met her, she had changed a lot over the last seven years. She excelled in her studies, and presented herself as an elegant and refined young lady at her social debut a while ago. And also, the allure of her dance steps had recently become quite the conversational topic. If anything, she was the perfect example of what a noble lady should be — and she had become that very image over the years.
According to the original setting, Mary was supposed to be deeply in love with Alan. Mary as she was now, however, didn’t seem to think very much of him. While they got along fine enough, Mary never spoke of Alan when we were together, and they didn’t seem to be meeting together outside of my manor at all. Was she simply hiding it all because she was shy?
Mary was supposedly the image of a perfect noble lady who also had ambitions to become a queen — at least, according to what I recalled of Fortune Lover. But now, she didn’t seem to have any interest in entering the royal family.
In fact, Mary had started claiming from quite a few years ago that “I am hardly suitable for such an important role — that of queen, in particular...” She also mentioned to me on a somewhat regular basis just how difficult it was to live as royalty, and how busy their lives were.
The more I heard of Mary’s views, the more I felt a certain melancholy towards my seemingly inevitable engagement to Prince Jeord. After all, if such a thing daunted even Mary, who was perfect in many ways, someone such as I would be hardly suited for the role.
Seeing that I was having doubts about my future, Mary offered a suggestion. “Well then, perhaps we could both renege on our engagements... and the two of us could escape to some faraway land.”
Ah, such gentle words. Mary was truly a gentle and reliable friend.
And then... Nicol Ascart. The silent, ever-expressionless son of Chancellor Ascart... who was, of course, also a potential love interest. A ravishing youth of raven-black hair and eyes; devilishly alluring, capable of charming both man and woman alike with his unique aura and presence.
As expected, such an individual would have no connections with Katarina Claes whatsoever. But I did end up becoming friends with Nicol’s younger sister, and as such, even he started showing up at the manor.
Nicol only said what he had to, being stoic and reserved most of the time. And yet his alluring powers of bewitchment only seemed to increase as the years went by. He now smiled more than he used to — probably because he had decided to open up to us. It was a delightful thing... No, no. I will not be swayed. That smile of his is dangerous.
Dangerously alluring... so much
so that Nicol was popular amongst the ladies as well as the men, if the rumors were to be believed. All it took was a glimpse at his beautiful face and faint smile.
The Claes manor was host to many of Nicol’s victims — with his charm already placing quite a few servants under his spell. Even so, the fact that I had somehow managed to protect Keith and Mary from his alluring wiles was something that I could take comfort in.
Last but not least... Sophia Ascart. Nicol’s younger sister, and naturally the rival character in Nicol’s route. Sophia, who was beautiful like her brother, originally should never have crossed paths with Katarina Claes at all. She was now a close friend of mine, however, just like Mary — as well as a comrade in the business of appreciating romance novels.
Due to the fact that she had been cooped up in her room until she was about ten, Sophia’s reading prowess was formidable indeed, and her recommendations were always good reads. She had the amazing ability to sniff out truly great pieces from the literary sea. I deeply respected her — in my heart, she was the true master of romance novel appreciation.
Sophia also had great respect for her brother, and often spoke of him in our conversations. “My brother is truly an amazing individual... he would make the ideal husband, if I could say so...” It was almost as if she had fallen for him! Sophia really loved her brother.
At this rate, she would surely be intensely saddened if Nicol ever found someone he liked. If such a time would ever come, it would be my duty as her close friend to comfort her as best as I could!
And so it came to be that I, for some strange reason, had formed friendships with these potential love interests and rival characters, and would soon be starting my academy life with them come this spring.
At long last, it was my fifteenth birthday. My social debut party was held at the Claes manor, just like it had been planned a few years ago.
Perhaps it was worth noting that this party was a dance. Not only did I have to greet each and every guest that came through the gates, I also had to participate in the dances themselves.
While I was capable enough when it came to physical movement and exercise, I was unfortunately not born with a good sense of rhythm, and always struggled with dancing. I had to undergo a hellish training regimen under the watchful eye of my mother, all for the sake of being able to dance at this birthday party of mine. At least my movements now looked like some sort of dance — but I was deeply unsettled at the fact that I could slip up at any time.
And then there was the fact that my escort for the party was... Jeord, of all people. I had honestly wanted Keith to do it instead, but was told that it was inappropriate, on account of me having an actual fiancé. While Keith would simply smile and forgive me even if I did end up stepping on his toes, I had a feeling that Jeord would not be... quite as forgiving.
The more I thought about it, the more sullen I became. I found that I disliked this party now more than ever. Although the party started some time in the evening, I was preoccupied from the moment I woke — with makeup and last minute checks on my outfit, amongst other things. By the time evening had come around, I was already considerably worn out.
A glance in the mirror did show a well-dressed and appropriately made up young lady — the efforts of many, of course. However, all their troubles did nothing to change the villainous nature of my face.
And so I made my way to the venue with Jeord, all dressed up in formal attire, hardly looking like my usual self. After issuing the customary greetings with guests and the like, Jeord led me to the dance hall, as the first dance of the day would be with my fiancé himself.
I focused hard so that I wouldn’t do anything silly like stepping on his feet. With utmost caution, I danced carefully.
“You are most beautiful tonight, Katarina.”
“Thank you very much.”
I couldn’t help but notice the smitten gazes of the other women around me as the blonde haired, blue-eyed prince delivered his lines. After all, regardless of how Jeord was on the inside, there was no denying that the way he presented himself was truly a wonderful thing to behold.
As a result of this, however, I could feel the concentrated jealousy of the women in this world — all directed at me for being his fiancée. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind if any of them took my place, if they’re that envious... Those were the thoughts that flitted through my mind as I continued on with the dance.
“Katarina. Although I may have said this before, do allow me to say this once more; I have absolutely no intentions of cancelling my engagement with you,” Jeord said, smiling as he did so.
Jeord said this as we were on the dance floor, even as countless passionate gazes were being directed at him. But of course he would. If he cancelled the engagement now, all hell would break loose. He needed someone like me to ward off his endless wave of lady suitors, it would seem. So...
“...I understand.” I should just say this for now.
“I see. So you finally understand, Katarina?”
“Yes... but... um. If you ever do find someone else you like, Prince Jeord, do inform me right away. I will withdraw from the engagement immediately!”
Yes, I would never interfere! In fact, I would be praying for Prince Jeord’s future happiness! I thought, desperately. I had to do this much so that I wouldn’t be an obstacle... so that I wouldn’t be erased some time in the future!
“...Hmm. I see, Katarina. It would appear that you do not understand at all,” Jeord said, his smile twitching slightly as he did so.
Eh? Does he not believe me? Even after my passionate declaration of non-interference?
“Yes, I really do wonder. How exactly should I communicate this to you? Perhaps it was a little early, after all, for the party involved in formulating this... pre-arranged agreement.”
“?” What exactly is he talking about? I had absolutely no idea. Pre-arranged agreement? What is that? Questions and confusion started to cloud my mind.
“Wah!” Suddenly, I felt something sweep me off my feet — my sense of balance immediately vanished into thin air. Before I realized it, I was being held in Jeord’s arms.
“Um... Ah. Prince Jeord. My apologies.”
To think that I would be so distracted during the dance... Given that I was already bad at dancing, I could only assume that I had failed to keep up at one point and had dramatically fallen over. Jeord, in turn, probably caught me in the process.
I apologized, quickly attempting to stand up so that Jeord would no longer have to support me... Hmm? It would seem that Jeord was holding me quite tightly — I was unable to break free. “Eh? Prince Jeord...?”
In fact, Jeord had me in what could only be described as a tight embrace. Oh no...! Did I maybe step on his toes when I fell? Is that why he’s frozen like this, unable to move?! This is bad! And after I’d tried so desperately to be cautious...!
“Prince Jeord... are you quite all right?” I asked, somewhat timidly. Jeord, however, seemed to be... chuckling to himself.
“Ah, but you are really so defenseless, Katarina. If you remain this way, I could simply catch you... anytime,” Jeord whispered right next to my ear.
Eh? So this isn’t a case of me accidentally stepping on his toes and him being frozen with pain? As I grew more confused by the moment, I noticed Jeord’s head slowly moving down to my neck — and then I felt a... strange sensation, on the side of my neck. Before I knew it, I had been released from Jeord’s vice-like grip.
“This will do for today, Katarina. But one day... I shall take it all.” The grin on Jeord’s face was like that of a mischievous child.
So... what is this all about? I was completely baffled. In any case, I had managed to avoid stepping on anyone’s toes for now... and that was fine.
Eventually, I finished my strange dance with Jeord. Immediately after, however, Keith walked towards me briskly, a somewhat tense expression on his face.
“If you would, Big Sister...” Keith said, withdrawing a handkerchief from his pocket,
before placing it on my neck, moving it this way and that.
“Eh? Hey, Keith, what are you...” Why is my cute adopted brother suddenly rubbing my neck with a handkerchief...? Given that I was given quite the makeover today, I would expect that my neck is clean...
“Ah, you see, Big Sister. A small bug landed on your neck, and I was just... cleaning that up for you.”
“Ah, is that right? Thank you, Keith.” A bug, huh? Well, it is summer. Come to think of it, that strange sensation I had felt on my neck while in Jeord’s embrace may have been some sort of bug.
Ah, what a pity... to think that our family servants spent so much time powdering me up and ensuring that I looked perfect! What a pity for a bug to come along and ruin everything. It was a good thing that Keith noticed it, and was now helping me clean it up.
After finishing his voluntary cleaning of my neck, Keith turned to me, asking me for a dance. “You are most beautiful on this day, Big Sister.”
“Thank you, Keith.” While Keith spoke with his usual, gentle smile, I could feel the many feminine gazes now trained upon us. But of course that would happen — Keith was the successor of the Claes family, and he was not yet engaged to anyone.
There was no shortage of noble ladies who were after him, and his supposedly irresistible charm (that I regrettably did not understand) only served to bewitch even more of the surrounding womenfolk.
Come to think of it, Keith didn’t seem to have anyone he liked, despite being so impossibly popular. In fact, this topic of conversation had never been brought up before while we were together.
If possible, I would like for Keith to be engaged to an amazing lady — perhaps just not the protagonist girl. Such were the thoughts floating about in my head as Keith led me along. He really was good at dancing. The faintly smiling Keith, however, suddenly adopted a more serious expression.
“You know, Big Sister... You really should be a little more... aware. Of the dangers that surround you.”
“...Hmm? Aware of... danger?”
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!, Volume 1 Page 19
