Observation Record of a Self-proclaimed Villainess' Fiance

Chapter 13 Bertia (17 Years Old)[1]

"Where is this...?"

When I regained my consciousness, I was in a pure white space.

"...Is this something like my consciousness' space that's been influenced by the light spirit?"

I briefly checked over my body, but there weren't any particular abnormalities.

Well, since I can't really check my actual body in reality, I can't definitively say that [I'm all right], though.

"Now then, I wonder what's the deal with this?"

Thanks to Zeno's power and the earring that Bertia gave me, for the time being, I don't feel that things have gotten particularly troublesome.

In order to break through Kuro's barrier, the light spirit had exhausted its power to the utmost limit. With the spirit's remaining strength, it should be impossible to maintain this space for a long period of time and to continue imprisoning me like this.

At most, it would last around 10 to 20 minutes, I think?

"It's unlikely that I wouldn't be able to get out if I had thoughts of doing so, but rather than trying to recklessly force my way out and risk suffering the after-effects to my unconsciousness, it'd be better for me to wait until the light spirit uses up all of its strength, I guess?"

Considering the remaining quantity of the light spirit's power, it shouldn't be able to make any direct attacks on me, while I'm protected by Kuro and Zeno's powers.

On the contrary, if I were to try to leave this place forcefully, I would have to attack and inflict damage to this space in some way in order to make an exit.

In that case, there's the likelihood that I might end up attacking too excessively, causing this space to be destroyed or twisted away from its desired shape.

If I have to take such a risk, it'd be better to wait on and not rampage recklessly.

"Though I hope that the spirit will use up all of its strength before Bertia begins to act rashly again."

I made a bitter smile upon recalling Bertia's cry that I heard just before I lost consciousness.

Now then, just right at the moment when I began to think about how I should pass the time here until the time-out...

The white space before my eyes began to shine brightly.

"How dazzling..."

I held my hand over my face and shut my eyes in order to avoid the light.

However, that light disappeared in no time.

Feeling that the light faded away from the sensation that passed through my eyelids, I slowly opened my eyes.

Laid out there was a familiar scenery that was completely different from the pure white world just now.

"The audience room... is it?"

A room inside the royal palace that I've gone in and out of many times over to attend on my father's work.

However, when I took a closer look, the ornaments placed and the curtains hanging on the windows were subtly different from usual.

Even so, they were not [unfamiliar things], but [nostalgic things].

These are...

"I-it's a pleasure to meet you for the first time. I am the eldest daughter of Douglas Ibil Noches, the current head of the Noches Marquis family. My name is Bertia Ibil Noches."

While I was trying to search back into my memories as I gazed around the surroundings, suddenly I heard the childish and charming voice of a child right in front of me.