Reflecting on Oneself

Translated by: ME

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*****

「...So, you really were a daughter of the Margraviate.」

When I returned to the hall, Lady Mobuno was leaning against the wall as if waiting for me. She spoke the moment our eyes met.

Usually, she is at the center of a swarm of sycophantic young ladies, so seeing her alone was rare. This girl, typically so boisterous, had been remarkably subdued today—so much so that I had only just noticed her presence.

I gave a meaningful look to Hugo and Ethan; they nodded and took their leave.

「...Yes. Since I have been operating among the commoners for my business projects... I never intended to deceive anyone, but I apologize for allowing the misunderstanding to persist.」

「Those projects... so they're actually real...」

Technically, I had never once claimed to be a commoner. ...Though I might have leaned into a bit of misleading framing to let people draw their own conclusions.

Still, if one saw me using the Margrave’s carriage and traveling with attendants, it wouldn't take much thought to figure it out. Lady Mobuno let out a weary sigh.

「...Are you not going to speak with Brother Claude today?」

When I asked casually, I saw her bite her lower lip ever so slightly.

「...My father told me. He said if I don't stop chasing Lord Claude once and for all, he’ll send me to a convent... Father was supposed to be supporting me because he wanted a connection with the Margraviate! But the moment his friends started talking, he suddenly turned on me...」

Oof... well, I can see that.

Whether "sending someone to a convent" is a standard disciplinary measure in this world or how it compares to Earth... Magnolia, who lived a mundane life in a modern Far Eastern country, couldn't say for sure. In a world defined by social hierarchy, perhaps it could lead to much darker consequences depending on the era and nation. Common sense is often only "common" within its own borders.

Still, chasing someone around without regard for their boundaries or claiming a betrothal is already decided is, frankly, unsightly. By the standards of this world’s etiquette, it's considered poor form. More than anything, I think it’s disastrous for her own reputation.

...Since these were her father’s "friends," they were likely of the same generation with children of their own. It’s quite possible there was some underlying political maneuvering or indirect pressure involved.

While reflecting on the headache of being reincarnated into such a complicated world, I racked my brain for a way to comfort the young lady, whose eyes were now brimming with tears.

「Well, at any rate... Brother Claude is currently a bit... weary of women. Rather than chasing him, I think your 'favorability rating' would likely increase if you approached him with a more appropriate sense of distance, don't you think?」

I was certain of that much. ...Though, given that his opinion of her might already be capped at rock bottom, I didn't know how long it would take to float back up to "neutral."

(But well, she’s young. It's easy to get tunnel vision. She probably just worked herself into a frenzy and it backfired. It's a fine line between being devoted and being a nuisance...)

Even adults struggle with such fixations. I just hope she can find a way to pivot...

「...For now, why don't you rest in a private room for a while?」

I asked a nearby waiter to fetch a maid and instructed them to lead her to a waiting room.

「Please bring her a cold drink and a damp towel, alright?」

「...Thank you.」

As she was led away, the young lady whispered her thanks. She was surprisingly sincere. She really must be feeling dejected.

***

「Hey, you!」

Good grief... Just as I thought I was done, I was hailed from behind by a different person. The address was blunt and rude. I turned around with a dubious look in my eyes.

「...Yes?」

It was "Brother Bra," otherwise known as my biological brother, Brian. It’s not just romantic feelings that get complicated; the same applies to human relationships in general—families included.

Ever since the party started, Gerald had been taking Brian around the hall, introducing him to acquaintances. But apparently, Brian had found it tedious and slipped away under the pretext of using the washroom. Gerald, perhaps wary of Brian's arrogant streak, had been trying to assign a knight to watch him, but Brian had pushed them aside and stormed off, claiming he’d be fine.

(If I have people following me, I can't accomplish my goal!)

To achieve his goal, he needed to contact his sister without being spotted by his father, grandfather, or uncle.

Since they couldn't get along, he had been warned not to speak to her today, given it was a celebration. But his pride wouldn't let him rest until he made this cheeky sister of his apologize.

Unfortunately, we were at the edge of the refreshment corner, where visibility was quite poor. Hidden behind groups of adults deep in conversation, the two of us—still children—were effectively cut off from view.

The adults who *did* notice us were either watching with a gentle "oh, look, the siblings are talking after so long" attitude, or were quietly spying to see what the rumored half-siblings (biological, actually) were up to.

...I’m not trying to defend them, but it’s not that the Azenda nobles are particularly low-quality. To some extent, nobles in every country are the same.

「Why should I be scolded by Father just because I won't offer my congratulations to the likes of you!」

(...Excuse me?)

「...This is a debutante party. May I ask what you came here for?」

He was a close relative (brother, no less), and more importantly, he’d been brought here because he was the recognized heir. Even if he wasn't happy for me, he should at least be able to say the words. I wondered how he expected to get by in life if he couldn't even manage that.

(Hmm, but then again, he’ll mostly be the one people bow *to*... maybe he can get away without it?)

I recalled the arrogant, overbearing attitudes of certain "high-born" young masters and older men on Earth and found myself strangely convinced. There were plenty of them. And they managed just fine.

...That said, his elders are clearly trying to educate him otherwise. Despite receiving etiquette lessons from the fairly strict Lady Daphne, how did he end up like this? The fact that he was scolded means his father is at least trying to discipline him and keep him in line.

A terribly foul-tempered boy and a toddler with an exasperated face.

Even the nobles of Azenda, far from the capital, knew who he was—even if they didn't recognize his face. Brian Chris Gilmore. Grandson of the Margrave of Azenda and heir to the Marquisate of Gilmore. A boy considered a shoo-in for the inner circle of the Prince... the Crown Prince.

He had a grandfather who was one of the kingdom's greatest knights, and a brilliant father and uncle. *I guess genius doesn't always last for three generations,* I thought as I watched the twelve-year-old boy closing in on the six-year-old girl.

「You are far too cheeky!」

His lapis-lazuli eyes were narrowed and his face was flushed bright red with rage. While not quite on the level of Gerald or Claude, my brother was quite handsome... but I was struck by the realization that a handsome face twisted in anger can be surprisingly frightening.

Well, I can see his point, Magnolia thought.

I’m probably not very "cute." Regardless of my appearance, I know my personality isn't particularly endearing. But then again, I haven't exactly been treated with enough affection to warrant a charming response, so I’d say we’re even.

「Is that so? Then I am terribly sorry (monotone).」

「Even Grandfather scolded me!」

(I literally don't care.)

Magnolia made a sour face and sighed internally.

「...I have already received a gift from Father, so my business with you is concluded. If you would be so kind as to leave. If you cause a scene like this, it won't reflect well on *Lord Brian* or your parents, will it?」

I wanted to ignore him entirely, but if I didn't engage, he’d likely keep stalking me.

(But man, he really is a 'Grandpa's boy,' isn't he... I get that he's jealous, but this is totally counterproductive...)

Between Lady Mobuno and Brother Bra, why is everyone so twisted?

I finally spotted a waiter through the gaps in the dresses and gave a sharp look and a nod. I figured it would be best to have a knight brought over to quietly escort Brian to a break room.

「Shut up! Be quiet!」

He snatched a glass from a nearby table and drew it back, preparing to smash it down from his superior height.

「!!」

The surrounding adults, who had been content to watch from the sidelines, were suddenly gripped by panic.

Magnolia was small for a six-year-old, barely over a meter tall. In contrast, Brian was already over 160 centimeters. Even a lightweight glass could cause a serious injury if he struck her with it.

***

(He’s taking too long...)

Sensing something was wrong, Gerald excused himself from Victor and scanned the hall. His eyes fell on an unnatural cluster of people at the edge of the room, and he began to walk toward them quickly.

Even though it was only the distance across the hall, it felt incredibly far. His walk became a brisk pace, then finally a run. Through the gaps in the crowd, he could see Brian drawing back a wine glass.

(...! That fool!!)

He realized he wouldn't make it in time. As he ran, he reached into his vest, pulled out a gleaming hidden knife, and hurled it with all his might toward the glass.

***

A short distance away, Colette and Iris, who had also been watching from afar, turned pale.

「This is bad! Colette!」

Iris called out her name as she turned toward her while running. Seeing her friend nod, she turned back, hand going to her still-sheathed sword. Her golden hair whipped behind her as she lunged across the floor with ferocious speed.

(Make it in time!)

Colette snapped her favorite fan—a war fan made of iron—shut with a practiced motion and threw it toward Brian’s raised hand, putting the full force of her momentum behind the throw. The heavy object let out a low whistle as it sliced through the air, gaining speed and overtaking the running Iris.

***

(...What!?)

Dean, who was carrying a tray full of glasses, couldn't believe his eyes. Brian, the brother who lived apart from her, was drawing back a hand clutching a glass, aiming for today’s guest of honor, Magnolia.

He threw the tray aside and ran, and ran, and ran. Behind him, he heard the sound of breaking glass and the metal tray hitting the floor, followed by the screams of startled noblewomen, but he didn't give a damn.

「Magnolia!」

Calling her name, he scooped up his little mistress and curled his body around her to brace for the coming impact.

***

If I protect my face with my gauntlets, I won't get hurt. But I wonder... would the magic-tool hair ornament on my head—which is actually a small-scale bomb—go off?

(If it explodes from that little vibration, I’m headed straight for the afterlife, aren't I? The creator said it wouldn't react to minor vibrations for the wearer, but... how 'minor' are we talking?)

For now, better to dodge than take the hit on my gauntlets... as I was thinking this.

Brian’s movements seemed to slow to a crawl. Brian’s eyes were wide, as if he himself were shocked by his own impulsive action.

Just as I was about to dodge, someone shouted my name and grabbed me. (Whoa! Hey, Dean!?)

—Wait, hey! My head is completely exposed!!

I tried to move to avoid injury, but I was pinned by Dean’s body, which was much larger than mine. To make matters worse, though I tried to defend myself with my gauntlets, my arms were pinned to my sides by his embrace.

Whether he was frozen in terror or simply desperate to protect me, his grip was incredibly tight.

I actually found myself thinking that a few minor scratches might be worth it if it reduced future hassles (like marriage proposals), but then I considered the fallout... specifically Servas... and it was easy to predict that a different kind of trouble would descend upon me.

In my slight state of panic, a tall, slender black shadow stepped silently between us and Brian, standing like a shield over Dean and Magnolia.

***

「Dammit!」

Gai, who had been sent on a trivial errand by Plum, had finished his task and returned to the hall only to find the Young Lady and the Young Master of the main house in a very bad situation.

(Why does this happen exactly when no one is around! And Dean, you're not even protecting the Young Lady like that...!)

I suppose I have to admire his spirit... at any rate, I’ll have to give him some special training when we get home, Gai thought as he surveyed the situation.

Looking at the "Peacock Wife," she seemed completely unaware of the commotion. She wasn't the only one. Since they were far from the center of the room, the noise was drowned out by music and conversation; the people in the distance hadn't even looked over. Being tucked away at the edge of the hall behind a crowd made it difficult to see.

A few people who *had* noticed were currently in the middle of their own moves to prevent the worst from happening.

(I've been outpaced!)

Gai dropped his body low to the floor, then sprang upward with explosive force and vanished. The people nearby suddenly looked around for the waiter who had disappeared with a sound like a gust of wind, but he was nowhere to be found.

「Above you...!」

At someone’s cry, they looked up. There, framed by the dazzling light of the chandelier, a man's shadow appeared as if flying through the air. The black shadow quickly drew something gleaming from his vest and threw it with blinding speed.

Gerald’s hidden knife flew true, piercing the bowl of the wine glass and knocking it from Brian's hand. An instant later, Gai’s knife also struck. Guided by the two knives, the glass was pinned to the nearby wall without even shattering.

The faint, clear ring of glass being struck echoed briefly.

Almost simultaneously, Colette’s iron fan struck Brian’s hand. Stunned, he was then pinned from behind by a slender body and the scabbard of a thin sword.

A lock of golden hair brushed Brian’s cheek. It was Iris.

Catching the fan as it bounced into the air with her left hand, Iris hurled it back toward Colette. Colette caught it with a backhand without missing a step, reopened the fan, and looked around.

Then, she realized her respected uncle was looking down at Brian with an expressionless face.

***

Magnolia was being shielded by Claude’s back—which looked slender, but was actually much broader than one would think. She stared at his back, where his black hair fell, then came to her senses and patted Dean’s back a few times, speaking loudly into his ear.

「Dean! It’s alright now. Thank you for protecting me.」

*But my head was totally sticking out,* she added mentally. Dean jerked his head up and looked around. He could see the palace guards rushing over.

「The Gilmore family is supposed to be the shield of the kingdom. Since when did you change your specialty to being the protagonist of a picaresque novel?」

A voice, low for a woman, reached Brian’s ear along with a firm, unyielding restraint.

Magnolia spoke up before her father could say a word. Rather than having her father settle the matter, it should be handled by the hosts.

「Apologies will come later. Take Brother Brian to a private room! Brother Claude!!」

Claude gave a small nod, visually confirming Magnolia was unharmed. Then, he took the arm of the dejected Brian. ...Iris finally released her hold.

Gerald and Magnolia shared a long look; he nodded, bowed silently to the people around them, and stepped forward.

「Everyone, I apologize for the disturbance. Please, continue to enjoy the party.」

As she spoke, Magnolia gave a bow she had been taught by Rosa. She straightened up and signaled the musicians.

The people around them returned to their conversations as if observing a scripted beauty, though they remained curious. By the time people further away finally realized something had happened, the commotion had already been settled.

***

Just as I was feeling relieved, a voice called out from behind me, and I turned.

「A pleasure to meet you, lovely Fairy Princess of Gilmore. I am Marchioness Perronsch. I would be delighted if you would join me for a dance.」

(...It’s a live-action Lady Oscar!!)

Standing before me was a beautiful woman in men’s clothing, her magnificent blonde hair tied back, smiling warmly. She looked exactly like the "Rose of Versailles" herself.

*****

If ye dunno bout Lady Oscar, Watch it on Netflix, Rose of Versailles. That one is a remake of the original anime and mangoes.

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