Change

“A fake…….!?”

In the game, the augite was simply meant to disappear altogether but, here it had been switched with a fake.

For a moment she was left completely stunned but, she soon restarted her thoughts.

(——–no, I can’t let myself fall into a panic! The process may have changed but the end result is the same. [The Augite of Mystreal has disappeared]!!)

Even if they managed to relight the hall very quickly, it didn’t seem to have changed the result. She had to assume that the mastermind Crestani had succeeded in stealing the Augite.

[[……..the guests have not yet realized that the augite has been switched.]]

Sofia’s bitter voice reached their ears yet again. While they continued to chase after the escaping shadow, she also kept her focus on the conversation happening inside the hall.

[[At the very least we have avoided the worst case scenario. It won’t turn into an instant international problem this way I guess!]]

[[I-indeed, Lady Sofia!!]]

(It’s as Sofia-san says. Unlike the game where the Augite disappeared outright, if it’s been replaced they could buy time by hiding the truth from the other countries.)

[[Hurry and inform the Emperor asap! Also, go and find Ewalt, Aldini, and the Serranova lad. all who should be here in the hall as well. We’ll ask for help from all the families!]]

[[!?……But……!!]]

Looks like Sofua was intending to inform Francesca’s father, Leonardo and Ricardo of the situation at hand. And her subordinate seemed shocked and wanted to want to stop her it seems.

[[Lady Sofia, do you intend to reveal the truth to the other families, are you sure?! Surely we should avoid revealing such a big failure of the Ranieri family to them..…….!]]

[[Protecting this country, the way we villains have always done is far more important than our cheap pride.]]

Hearing Sofia’s unhesitating clear voice made Francesca nod and hum in affirmation as well.

[[I’ll bow my head as many times as needed, and I’ll bear all the dishonour and shame this family may face! But if we make a mistake at the very first step and make the situation unsalvageable, that alone is something we must avoid at all costs!]]

(Sofia-san……..!!)

Hearing her gallant words, Francesca could feel her pace quicken as well. The family member talking to Sofia also seemed to have been touched by his words as he seemed to feeling shame about what he said earlier.

[[No, it is indeed as you say. I shall get in touch with the other families right this instant!]]

[[I’m counting on you……..that said, where is that dumbass brother of mine when I actually need h—….]]

Suddenly her words cut off with a snap. Beside Francesca, Leonardo could only smile and shake his head, implying that unfortunately they had run out of the range for his skill to work any longer.

“Leonardo, this path ahead……!”

“Leads to a dead end. Yes.”

Out of breath, Francesca came to a stop as Leonardo beside her, who still looked fine, looked around and scoped out the area.

“It’s strange isn’t it. We were definitely chasing a person’s shadow but, at some point, it really started to feel like we really were chasing a literal shadow and nothing more………”

“I can feel something close to a person’s presence still. Francesca, the [form changing] skill that you told me about earlier. Is that Crestani’s skill?”

“While I can’t tell you why I know that, yes, the possibility of that being the case is high I think. And I think, that skill might be used to turn me into a kid or something like that maybe…….”

Leonardo seemed to look down slightly, as he brought his hand to his lips, deep in thought.

“……….appearance alteration skill. Crestani……..”

“Leonardo?”

In that instant, from the corner of her eye, she saw a flash of light shine brightly.

“!!”

That probably was, just like in the game, the skill that had been used to change he form. But seeing one big discrepancy from the game, Francesca suddenly shouted.

“…….Leonardo, watch out……!!”

“!!”

Francesca leaped, putting herself in between the path of the light that was aiming at Leonardo.

She hugged him tight, her back towards the oncoming flash of light, in an attempt to protect him.

(This way, I can protect Leonardo……!)

But the very next instant, Leonardo grabbed Francesca by the waist, and forcefully reversed their positions.

“Ah……..!!”

“That won’t do, Francesca.”

Her back was pushed against the tree nearby, as Leonardo loomed over her, completely protecting her.

The bright light burst across to them, so blindingly bright that it was impossible to keep your eyes open, and yet she could feel Leonardo’s body suddenly disappear from in front of her.

“Leonardo……!!”

She stretched out her hand to feel him, but he was not there.

Finally, the light dissipated and Francesca opened her eyes, bearing witness to an unbelievable sight.

“………no way.”

A young boy, well dressed in children’s clothing was sat on the ground.

“………….”

His height barely reached Francesca’s waist, yet his glossy black hair and his beautiful golden eyes gave him a striking look.

His big round eyes were quite large, and his eyelashes were long like a beautiful doll’s. His cheeks seemed soft and round, giving the boy an adorable face.

His white shirt seemed to have a light rainbow sheen on top of it, and his black trousers only reached to about his thighs. Grey stockings covered his legs upto his knees, and his black leather shoes had been polished to a brilliant shine.

As the boy blinked, he looked like an angel descended from heaven.

But there were no doubts about it, this boy was none other than Francesca’s best friend.

“……..Leonardo, got turned into a small boy……”

“——–Ohh?”

Glancing at his own getup, his small cuffs and buttons, Leonardo chuckled.

Soon after the sound of footsteps began to echo, as Francesca quickly stretched out her hand.

“Somebody’s coming here, hide quick!!”

But perhaps because they were both still a little stunned, she was too late in hiding Leonardo.

As a result, the person who appeared from the between the trees, could only feel utterly perplexed upon what they saw.

“Oi! Did you two do something to the Augite? Don’t run, and talk………huh?”

Having witnessed everything, the young man that had appeared looked down at Leonardo.

“……..that brat, is that perhaps, Aldini?”

(……..David…….)

At a complete loss for words, Francesca could do nothing but tightly hug the small Leonardo

—————-(Act 1 End)—————–

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