Dietrich's celebration banquet began late at night.
Since the afternoon, Preseppe had been exceptionally busy getting dressed. It wasn't particularly difficult, since she had gone through the same ordeal in Normal Mode.
As she stared at herself, covered in essential oils and wearing a face mask to make sure her makeup applied smoothly, all she could think was, Please let this be the last time I have to do this.
But this thought did not last long.
The story has already changed slightly, and you will encounter everyone at the banquet except for the Chief Mage Ivan. She had no idea what might happen or where, so she had to stay alert.
Attar was also going to attend the ceremony. She wanted to avoid him as much as possible, but she figured it wouldn't hurt to notice if anything had changed.
I also need to find the real hero, he might appear here.
There was much to do, and even more to be careful of.
While Prisippi was deep in thought, the time for the banquet approached.
After she finished her preparations, she arrived at the ceremony location in her car. The area adjacent to the concert hall was already crowded with guests.
“……”
Precipi quickly scanned the crowd, but no measures of affection appeared above anyone's heads. This is going to be a very long and stressful day.
“Just get in already,” she said to herself with a sigh and took a short, steadying breath before stepping into the hall.
And she didn't notice it.
Far away, in the middle of the crowd, there was a pair of eyes hidden among the moving bodies… that had been fixed on her ever since she got out of the carriage.
The banquet was exactly as Precipe remembered it.
Dietrich entered politely and gave a short word of thanks to the guests present. Groups of people mingled and exchanged pleasantries, while Precipe watched Dietrich warily, for fear of displeasing her in any way.
...nobody new.
She darted her gaze around the hall, searching frantically, but the room was only filled with disposable NPCs. None of the new characters had a visible emotion meter, with the exception of the main male characters.
I'm out of time.
Precipe had every reason to be impatient. Normally, she didn't have any acquaintances or anyone she could comfortably talk to. In the end, she went out to get some air to escape the stifling atmosphere. She was walking around the garden alone, and this is where the essence of this event unfolded.
This event was mandatory without any options, meaning Preseppe had no veto power. It was inevitable.
After a short while, the next event began.
Despite this, Precipe turned her head towards the Emperor's throne, where Dietrich was sitting talking with a nobleman from a neighboring empire. He didn't even look at her.
Silently, she got up from her seat and headed towards a quieter place.
Presibe found herself in the garden behind the banquet hall.
As in her memory, the garden was quiet and still.
If things go as before, Atari should appear soon...
The core of this event was the first meetings with the male leaders, with the exception of Emperor Dietrich and the Chief Mages Ivan.
The sequence was as follows: First, she was to meet Atari Hanan and exchange greetings. On her way back, she was to meet Noah de Verne, Duke of the North. Dietrich, realizing that Precipe was gone, would angrily appear and drag her into the hall like the obsessive stalker he was.
From there, Preseppe would be taken to the tower on the orders of Dietrich and his knight-commander, Siegfried, marking the end of the banquet.
This is how things were supposed to go, but will Atari really show up this time?
Mystery clouded Precipe's mind as she recalled Atari's emotion scale—filled with question marks—and its event log, full of messy, ink-smeared lines. His photographic self-portrait, eerily blurred, also passed through her memory.
And then-
“Mrs. Presby.”
A low voice called from behind, and Prisippi slowly turned her head.
“It's dangerous for a beautiful person like you to be alone, even with guards.”
But the person who called her was not Attar.
"I apologize for the delay in my introduction. I'm Noah Duffern."
[Noah Duffern / Affection: 0]
“Nice to meet you. I’m Prisippi,” she replied automatically, the pre-defined lines sliding naturally from her lips.
In that moment, Precipe was almost grateful that there were no options in this event – better to avoid provoking another freak mistake.
However, there was only one thought occupying her mind:
Why is he here? Where is Atari?
“I may sound rude, but I had many questions, and I feel honored to meet you this way.”
Noah's sharp eyes curved into a faint smile, and Precipe met his gaze calmly.
His red hair was gently swaying in the humid breeze, his dark brown eyes sparkled with a slight coldness, and his exquisitely groomed features were undeniably stunning.
But Precipe knew it was best not to be fooled by his appearance. Noah Duverne was as dangerous as he was beautiful, although in a normal situation Presibe didn't realize it.
“What questions can you ask me?”
Despite her thoughts, Presippi read her written lines with feigned innocence.
“I have a great appreciation for beautiful things.”
“……”
"So, naturally, I was curious. People have been talking a lot about your beauty, and now that I've seen you for myself…"
Noah laughed softly before continuing.
“I understand why there are such rumors.”
“I'm not sure what you mean...”
"No need. Beauty often shines brightest when the bearer is not aware of it, and all the more when someone acknowledges it."
...What a smooth-talking creep.
"Were you enjoying the air? If you don't mind, can I join you? Like I said before, it's dangerous for someone like you to be here alone."
Oddly enough, Wah himself was one of the greatest risks.
Presibe hesitated, and her cheeks flushed involuntarily. Of course, this wasn't her doing – in the game Presibe was a timid and timid girl who completely lacked immunity to men.
“Should we?” Noah pointed out with a gentle smile.
Whether he did it or not, it didn't matter; Dietrich would show up soon enough and drag Precipi away like the maniac he was.
...But seriously, where's Atari?
As she took her third step forward, she heard a voice tinged with annoyance.
“Ms. Prisippi already has plans with me.”
It was Atari, and his expression was twisted with annoyance.
“…Prince Atari?”
“If you know who I am, you should also know that you have to leave immediately.”
Noah's left eyebrow rose slightly – a habitual movement he does when he's upset.
“I'll go and see her for myself when our conversation is over. Go.”
"……"
"Now!"
Although Atari was undoubtedly crazy, Noah was not far behind him. However, Noah had a certain intelligence and knew that it was best not to provoke the prince of a neighboring empire.
"...Show."
Noah finally gave up, his face cold as he muttered: “My apologies, Prince Atari.”
Presibe could only watch the exchange in confusion.
“It was a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Presby. I hope we have the opportunity to meet again.”
After a polite bow, Noah walked away.
The garden was silent, leaving only Prisippi, who could not understand the situation, and Atari, who was staring at her intently.
“I thought you were just a noble lady, but I was wrong,” Atari finally spoke, breaking the silence.
“……?”
“I heard that your mother's scandal cost you your position as princess.”
“……”
“However, you are still in the palace, under the protection of the Emperor.”
“……”
“Precipie!”
“Yes? Yes?!”
Precipi was surprised by his sudden outburst, so she responded reflexively, realizing that she had the power to speak freely.
[◆Would it be okay if I were you, you idiot?]
Just as she could do at the time.
“I have something I want to ask you.”
Atari's voice was strange and uncertain, and his expression was m
Almost as confused as Precipe's expression.
“Have we met before?”
"...What?"
“Have you and I met in the past?”
What was he saying?
Prisippi frozen, her face stiff with shock.