Augite

“How rare for you to want to come attend a high society party. I thought you wanted to avoid it all, so why now?”

(Ah he’s already suspecting that I’m planning something! Well of course he is, it’s Leonardo after all…..)

Currently, Francesca and Leonardo were in a cooperative relationship in order to defeat their true enemy, the [mastermind].

That said, it’s not like they revealed all of their secrets to each other. That was because the mastermind seemed to have a devilish brainwashing skill.

(if either of us were to get mind controlled, it’d be really bad if all our trump cards ended up revealed to our main enemy. That’s why I have kept the fact that I was reincarnated and that this world was moving according to a game’s scenario a complete secret to myself……..)

This was, in a way, also to protect Leonardo as well. That said, it wasn’t easy to do so.

(when I’m dealing with Leonardo, even a simple action I make feels like it’d end up revealing my secrets to him for some reason……!)

While lamenting the sharp brain of her best friend, Francesca looked up towards Leonardo.

(That said, I’m not lying this time to trick Leonardo.)

Hoping that he’d realize and understand her intentions, she sent a quick wink towards him. For a moment Leonardo looked a bit taken aback but then soon showed an understanding smile.

(Thanks god, Leonardo seems to have taken the hint. Looks like he’ll follow up properly so that I can convince Graziano and Ricardo as well.)

While thanking him for that in her mind, she continued her fake conversation with Leonardo.

“I mean, I can’t help but be curious right? It’s the [Augite of Mystreal] we’re talking about here! The jewel that is passed around the ten nations every five years for safekeeping. It’s used during the ritual of the holy night as well, and is an important rock that is the very symbol of the unity between the ten nations right?”

“Hmm. It is as you say, to hand it over to the next nation is in and of itself a process to show their alliance with each other. Which is why it travels across all the ten nations one by one.”

“It’s been 50 years since it was last in our country. You can’t blame me for wanting to see it with my own eyes right? And also, a while back…….”

With her real intentions mixed in a mountain of lies, Francesca cast her eyes down.

“The [Augite of Mystreal] was last in the home country of my Mama after all.”

“……….young miss.”

Graziano shrugged his shoulders muttering ‘oh dear’ under his breath.

“Well, I guess it’s fine? The Boss will be taking part in the event as well so if anything, he’d be more relieved to have you by his side.”

“Hey Graziano, how long before Papa gets here?”

The reason why Ricardo was also here waiting by the gates was because Francesca’s father was about to arrive and then he would go along with Ricardo from here.

After all, the unveiling this time around will also have a guest of honor from the allied country as well. Amongst it all, technically Ricardo was still only the heir and he had not yet officially become the head of his family.

(On the other hand, Ricardo’s father was brainwashed by the [mastermind] and was currently in prison. In such circumstances, Ricardo doesn’t have a lot of backing when it comes to matters of high society because of all that.)

And so Francesca’s father had decided to take Ricardo with him to [introduce] him properly to everyone and make the rounds.

[That man was truly a fool but——the least I can do is look after his kid.]

With a nonchalant face as he stood gazing out of a window, her father said so.

He didn’t say all that to Ricardo himself but, Ricardo was deeply grateful of him regardless.

“………No amount of thanks I give to Lord Calvino will ever be enough, truly.”

“I wouldn’t worry too much in my opinion. Once you become a proper family head, it’ll only be a merit for Papa so it’s all good!”

Saying that she smacked Ricardo back, making him break into a relieved smile.

“You really do seem to have the talent to make someone feel relaxed no matter what happens huh.”

“Yay. I got praised!”

“How nice, Francesca. Alright, you can move away from Ricardo now.”

Leonardo grabbed Francesca by her shoulders, and quickly dragged her back away from Ricardo. Only for Graziano to grab her again and drag her away from Leonardo this time.

“The boss will be here soon. Can you not stick so close to the young miss?”

“With how much he cares about Francesca and her wishes, would he really show his overly doting side at school, when he knows that Francesca is hiding her status and would not want to be seen connected to him?”

“That’s why I am here at the gates, waiting. Just to make sure that you don’t interact with the young miss in front of him. Knowing you, I bet you were thinking of using this chance to create some strange fait accompli while the boss is unable to act as her father, weren’t you?”

(Eh, you think so Graziano!? And also, just what is this fait accompli that Leonardo wanted……?)

While Francesca was confused, Leonardo seemed to show a somewhat sorrowful smile.

“——–That’s, not something I would do. Ever.”

“!”

Graziano’s eyes opened wide with surprise. Francesca seemed to still be confused but, it didn’t seem like either of them were going to explain anything further to her.

“mm……anyway! Me and Graziano are going to return home in the carriage as always, and after some preparations, we’ll head to the event. By the way you two, are you going to be getting putting on a disguise today as well?”

“I’m going as a pirate, Ricardo will be a vampire. Even if the Matou yasai season is fully underway, there’ll be a bunch of people we’ll see today for the first time after all, can’t do anything too elaborate.”

“Then, I guess I’ll find you both easily at the place! I look forward to seeing you in your costumes, I bet you both will look great!”

“What about you Francesca? What will you be wearing?”

Leonardo seemed a little excited to find out. Francesca puffed her chest with pride, and then spoke.

“fu~fuun! I am going as………”

“………………………..”

***

Previous Chapter I ToC I Next Chapter