Chapter 1.2

“This, this is the opening ball scene!”

This will be Sylvia's first soiree after regaining the memories of her previous life. She cannot help but tremble with excitement.

Frankly, there is nothing particularly special about tonight's evening party. It was a familiar sight for Sylvia, who has made her social debut and is now nearing her twenties. However, she felt another depth of emotion whenever she considered this as the opening clip of the game.

Finely dressed men and women gathered at the grand hall of the royal palace. A massive chandelier illuminated the entirety of the space, as though specks of gold and glitter are shining throughout it. Lastly, an elegant waltz is playing in the background.

In such a delightful atmosphere, Sylvia felt her heart pound against her chest, the exact nervousness she felt when she made her debut.

“Ah...this is it. Now, the game has finally begun.”

Despite her excitement, Sylvia took great caution so that no one can hear her. She didn't want anyone to think of her as a strange lady blurting out odd and random things.

After all, this is reality. She has to be careful treading through the game because the people she will be facing are real and living men.

In all honesty, she didn't believe that the game will go so well for her. Despite that doubt, she thought that it will still be a good idea to try.

(If it doesn't work, I will just live on as usual. I don't want to worry too much.)

Sylvia, whose purpose is different today, didn't want to follow the mood of merrymaking. She soberly thought about her next steps.

(Um, then...)

The opening scene is over. 

From here on, the heroine will take free action.

There are six possible destinations. Whatever you choose will determine which character you meet and which one you will avoid.

(In some sense, a single mistake is not allowed.)

Sylvia carefully recalled the flow of actions in the game.

If she goes to the balcony, she will meet the disguised prince who is fed up dealing with people.

If she goes to the restroom, she will meet the knight on the way.

If she goes out to the courtyard, she will encounter the playboy duke.

If she remains standing idly, an event will occur, and she will meet the assassin.

If she returns home as it is, the route with her brother-in-law will activate.

If all characters have been cleared, an event with the king will take place.

...

(Go to the restroom, that is the final answer!)

Remembering her original plan, Sylvia nodded deeply.

Even though she just came to the ball, she is already leaving the venue. The first person she meets is the most important thing after all.

As she moved, her hair ornament dangled sharply. This hair ornament has been Sylvia's favorite ever since she was little. She doesn't know what it is, but she loves the pink petals that shaped like a cherry blossom, and she continued using it with great care. It is a pity that the central piece of it has gone missing, but Sylvia didn't care since it wasn't that noticeable anyway.

(Since it resembled a cherry blossom, I probably came to like it.)

Perhaps she has been attracted to it because it looked like a flower she liked from her past. Sylvia touched her hair ornament, thinking that she might have vaguely sensed her previous life, even though she didn't remember any of it at that time.

Sylvia wore a dress tailored to match her hair ornament. It had a simple design, without much decoration, but was very becoming on her slim figure. Occasionally, passing men will steal glances at her, yet Sylvia didn't notice at all.

(Hmm, the restroom, the restroom...here it is.)

When she arrived, Sylvia was confused. She leaned around to look further.

(This is strange. I don't see anyone.)

According to the game, she should have encountered the knight by now.

“Eh, maybe I didn't notice him when I was walking around?”

Talking to herself, Sylvia's face paled.

(I must have been so occupied by other things, such as to overlook someone as Dietrich. This is too much of a blunder to make.)

(I must return quickly.)

Missing her event with Dietrich, Sylvia desperately tried to return to her original path. 

(...Huh?)

However, she unconsciously took a different route than planned.

(I just tried to go back to where I was, but why does it look so different?)

Before she noticed, the surroundings had become still and quiet. It was obvious that Sylvia had lost her way back to the palace.

“Ah...what should I do? How do I get back?”

Sylvia, being frustrated with her current situation, started muttering things to herself. Then, a voice rang behind her.

“There is nothing to be found around here, or do you want to be apprehended for trespassing?”

“What?” (Sylvia)

The voice sounded harsh and sharp, but somewhat delicate and sweet. Recognizing that voice from somewhere, Sylvia stood frozen.

(Eh! eh? This voice...this is impossible. Why is he here out of all places?!)

“How long are you going to turn your back away from me? Look here and tell me your name.”

“...Ah, yes.” (Sylvia)

When Sylvia heard the voice once more, she wanted to cry from the bottom of her heart. Still, she turned back as instructed.

The first thing she saw was slightly-long platinum hair and tense eyes that were a beautiful hue of blue. Though the white-knight uniform looked good on him, Sylvia knew he was not a knight by any means.

(I knew it...)

“I haven't seen you before. Your name?”

When asked for her name, Sylvia spoke with an utter sense of defeat.

“I am Sylvia Lievert, Sir Knight.” (Sylvia)

“Oh, you're the daughter of Marquis Lievert. What are you doing here?”

“I stumbled upon here when I was trying to find my way back from the restroom.” (Sylvia)

“I see, well...even if you are lying, it would do you good to return immediately. The venue of the ball is on the other side of the palace.”

“I do apologize.” (Sylvia)

As he continued to speak, Sylvia was distracted by the overwhelming sweetness of his voice.

(Oh, this face…this voice, there is no doubt.)

She felt like crying, Sylvia cursed her misfortune. She would never imagine meeting that person here.

In front of her was one of the capture targets disguised as a knight.

Arthur Felix Stride, the one man she was trying to avoid.



Shishido's Notes:
I apologize for the long delay. But, I am finally back. The past 6 months were so difficult for me that I couldn't update anything. I hope everyone can understand.

*The author consistently jumped back and forth from 3rd to 1st person view. So, I have to put certain sentences in parenthesis to emphasize this.