AN: Just started my internships and uhm... it's going to need some getting used to, to say the least... It's 8-5 and it's an hour away from my home, and though I'll wfo and wfh interchangeably every week, it'll still be tough. Pray for me T_T
"Father, forgive my tardiness."
"Ah Risa! Where were you, angel? Your mom and I wanted to spend this party with you. Unfortunately, she is currently meeting her friends. But Risa, why are you calling me 'father'? Call me 'dad' as usual."
Dad... please... we're in public.
Look! The nobles who saw you acting this way are shaking in their fancy boots! And why wouldn't they be?! The ice devil prime minister is acting like a doting father!
Grrr...
And Lu-nii! Don't laugh at my pain!!!
"I-I apologize, d-dad..."
Ahh! I don't know why but it's embarrassing to call him that in public! My character in public is supposed to be the elegant and mature lady of our house, you know?
This makes me seem immature...
"Okay, you are forgiven. I can't stay mad at my little angel after all. Here, let me introduce you to my good friend. This is Roland von Raeven, the royal guard commander of the royal knights. I've known him since I was in the academy."
Wow, he's so tall... I mean, I know I'm short right now but he's even slightly taller than dad! He kinda looks intimidating but I know that he's a softy when it comes to his family through the game.
Yes, he is feared and admired as the strongest man in the kingdom. In addition to his looks, many feared him more than admired him.
But... How do I say this... He's weirdly cute...
He's blushing right now. I'm serious. It's not that visible but his face is definitely flushed right now.
What's with this gap moe?!
Ah, now that I think about it, Leon is also a gap moe character. Leon looks intimidating on the outside, especially since he's tall, always frowning, and always has a sword on his hip. But he would act like a pampered child with the heroine when she's on his route.
So he got it from his father huh.
"It is an honor to be acquainted with you, Raeven-sama. I have heard so much about your greatness and exploits from my father."
"Umu. It is nice to meet you as well. These are my children, Leon and Noir."
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
"I-It's a p-pleasure to meet you..."
Ooohhh, so stoic and mysterious, just like in the game. Whatever~ We all know you're a softy on the inside.
On a more important note...
IT'S NOOOOIIIRRR!!!!!! KYAAAAAAAAA! SO CUUUUUUUUUUTE!
Her long black hair looks so smooth and shiny. Her big round eyes are even more beautiful and precious than even the most precious jewel. And her soft, milky white skin, free of any blemishes~
It reminds me of an art from the game when she's reading a book. Ah~ I feel so healed!
Can I use books to get close to her? I mean, I've been accompanying Hana and her mangas in our previous lives.
I'll use whatever it takes to make Noir love me!
Look at her hiding behind her brother like that! How adorable is that!!!
Ah~! Don't hide yourself behind your brother even more! Don't worry~ This big sister isn't scary~ Come out please~ I want to appreciate your cuteness!
Was I staring at her too much?
Aw... I wanted to stare at her longer...
"It is an honor to meet the esteemed son and daughter of the Raevan family. Leon-sama, Noir-sama. I'm pleased to be your acquaintance. I hope we can get along."
Especially with you, Noir! Come on, come to nee-chan!
I gave her my best smile while trying to hide my excitement and lure her out.
Oh?! I think it's working!
Noir is slowly coming out from her hiding.
Come to me~ This nee-chan is not scary you know~?
"Noir-sama, I've heard from my mother that you love reading books. Is that true?"
"...Y-Yes. I-I like to read r-romance novel..."
Ah~ Her voice is so cute~ I want to hear more.
"Truly? I'm also interested in romance novels. Would it be okay if I ask for your recommendation?"
"E-Eh?! A-Alterisa-sama likes to read romance novels too...?"
"Yes. I usually read my father's academic books and books about magic. So romance novels are very nice for a change of pace."
Books about magic are really interesting, and father's academic books were great for studying. But as a girl, nothing can beat romance novels~!
Hey, even if I'm a tomboy, I'm a girl at heart too you know?
Seeing the guys trying so hard to seduce the main girl is really fun~ Sometimes I'd even try to compete with them with Princess Lily (Hana) as the judge!
It was a tougher competition back then, but I'm winning by a lot since I'm competing with guys in this world. They're just so cheesy. They say their lines like they're reading them off a script that they've used a thousand times to a thousand girls. Of course, this prince of the drama club will win by a landslide!
Ufufufu~
Kya! Now her eyes are sparkling!
Well, it's no wonder. Romance novels aren't that popular because they're looked down upon, at least when compared to academic books.
Hah~ This is why the girls here are really unfamiliar with romance and became victims to these amateurs.
"M-My favorites are "The Sweat Romance of the Noble Lady", "The Royal Knight's True Feelings", and "Everything For You"!...A-Ah, please forgive me... I've become too excited..."
"No no, it is fine, Noir-sama! I haven't read those novels yet and I would love to give it a try! May I bother you to have a talk about them after I've read them?"
"E-Eh?! I-Is that really fine?!"
"Of course! I would love to spend time with you, Noir-sama."
"T-Then please! By all means!"
Yay! I got another friend! And it's Noir nonetheless!!!
Hm~ I can't wait to spend an afternoon with her talking about the story! Noir sitting next to me, no I hope she'll sit on my lap! How heavenly would that be?!
Without realising, Leon and his father were staring at me with amazement. Noir was an incredibly shy child, but I was able to have such a lively conversation with her! I didn't realise that an interest towards me has grown, especially in Leon, until much later.
Oh that's right!
"Excuse me, dad, Roland-sama. I have something to discuss."
"Hm? What would that be, angel?"
"...I would like to learn combat and self-defense from Roland-sama."
All of them, including Leon and Noir looked at me with wide eyes, not able to believe what I just said.
"R-Risa, why do you wish to learn that?"
"Although I have been practicing my magic with my brother, it would be difficult to defend myself in case of an ambush or kidnapping attempt where I would be overwhelmed with strength, numbers, and weapons at close range. In addition..."
"In addition?"
"I thought it would be very interesting and fun!"
I smiled widely, even showing my teeth, making it a really innocent and pure smile of a child.
No, I'm not calculating my smile you know? This is purely excitement.
I mean come on! The face my ambushers would make when they realised I'm not just some weak noble girl and got their a$$ handed to them!
And also, there'll be a tournament arc in the game which will occur in the middle of the first year. It's an annual tournament thing and it's a very famous one where noble families will come to watch their children.
It is unfortunately divided by gender, so I won't be able to fight against Alexus since the winner from the male and female side will have the first dance in the banquet following the tournament.
In the game, the heroine would win, completely decimating Alterisa since she's very weak, and danced with Alexus. It was the first event that made their love bloom.
Well, I'm not that interested in the dance. I'm more interested in the fight itself!
It's the tournament arc everyone loves after all!!
Though unfortunately it'll be separated by genders.
I wished I could fight Alexus and the other guys... But I guess it'd be hard to change the rule that had been there for many years.
Hm, I wonder what I should use as my main weapon. Swords are too generic and boring.
Bows might be fun, but as expected, I'd rather fight close range with my weapon since I have my magic for long range.
Dagger is uhm... doesn't suit my taste.
Hm... How about a spear? That might work.
A certain purple haired heroic spirit came to mind.
Yep! That's it!
As I was thinking that, they finally snapped out of their daze.
Wait, why are they blushing again?! A-Are they mad now?"
"...Alterisa-jou, my training is very tough. It is not suited for a young lady such as yourself."
"With all due respect, Raeven-sama. Thanks to my daily training regiment which includes stamina and muscle training, my physical strength is above the average strength of a young noble lady. Please, I wish you would reconsider my request."
Practicing in the drama club for 6 hours straight that might include sword fighting scenes have tempered my toughness. And as I've said, I've been doing stamina and muscle training regiments every morning. I'm confident that I'm way stronger than other noble ladies.
He seemed to be hesitating, and Leon and Noir were still surprised at my claim. Hell even dad is surprised.
I guess he never really found out and I never really told him.
Just one more push...
"If you deem me unfit to be under your tutelage, then you are free to dismiss me at any time."
I looked at him full of conviction.
Please! I want to learn to defend myself. And in case I really got exiled, I want to be able to protect myself!
After a few minutes of a staring contest between Roland and I, he finally sighed and relented.
"There will be conditions. First, if you ever complain, even once, then I will stop teaching you. Second, I will still discuss with Altair about this. And third... I would like you to come to my mansion once a week to play with Leon and Noir. I shall oversee your whole training, but Leon will replace me when I am busy. Will that be fine?"
Of course! It's more than fine! And now, I have a legit permission to visit Noir!
Look! She's looking at his father and me with sparkling eyes!
Yes, I'm also very happy, Noir!!!
"Yes. Thank you very much, Raeven-sama."
I bowed to him and he nodded silently.
"T-Then Risa baby, go find Prince Alexus okay? He's been searching for you this whole time."
"I understand, dad. Please excuse me, Raeven-sama, Leon-sama, Noir-sama. Thank you very much for attending my debut party."
I curtsied with a smile and excused myself. I walked towards the balcony to have a breather.
I know I know... I'll look for him after this. I'm also beginning to feel bad since he's been looking for me this whole time.
To make up for it, I'll be having my first dance with him since he had been bugging me about it.
Dances aren't that often in debutante parties. Since the one debuting is only a 5/6 year old kid, they haven't been taught how to dance yet.
They started taking dancing lessons at 7 or 8. The lessons they'll be getting after, or for some before, the debut party are etiquette and basic academics.
Since I can already dance, mom and dad decided to include the dance in the party.
After reaching the balcony, I opened up the glass door and went outside.
Hah~ The night breeze is so refreshing~
I've been getting tired of greeting so many nobles and trying to remember their name. Even though some are viscounts, they have pretty large companies in the kingdom. So remembering their names would be worth it.
It's called networking~
I stretched out my fatigue, of course without letting anyone see. But then, I saw a beautiful little girl looking into the distance with a saddened look.
Her beautiful long brown hair swayed in tune with the night breeze, perfecting the divinely picturesque scene.
Waaaahh~ I'm meeting so many beauties today! It must be my lucky day!!!
But she looks so sad... What happened?
I walk towards her and get her attention.
"Is something troubling you?"
The girl turned to me, surprised and immediately apologized. She seemed to recognise me since she stared for a second before bowing.
"F-F-Forgive me, Alterisa-sama! I was not aware of your presence!"
Ah... now that I can see her face clearly... and her voice... Wait a minute.
S-She's Illya right?!
Illya von Luminum, the villainess of Lu-nii's route! It took me a while to notice since she never looked so sad in the game. She was a hardworking type of girl who strives to become a worthy partner and wife for Lu-nii.
Ah~ now that I see her in real life, she even cuter than in the game~
I won't stand for this! I don't want this cinnamon roll to be sad!
"Hehe~ No, I am the one who should apologize for startling you."
"N-No! I-I'm the one who should apologize!"
Ah... this is getting nowhere...
"Then let's consider it even, okay?"
"E-Eh? Is that fine..."
"Of course! My name is Alterisa von Lorya. May I know your lovely name?"
Illya blushed very redly and bowed to me energetically, or rather nervously.
"M-My name is Illya von Luminum! I'm the daughter of Marquis Marvin von Luminum and Marquise Liana von Luminum. It's an honor to meet you! "
"Hehe~ Likewise. Then, may I ask what is troubling you?"
"Eh..."
Ah, her melancholic look returned...
"I might be unable to save you from your troubles. However, I would be willing to at least listen to your concerns."
I said as I looked her straight in the eye. I truly want to be of help to you, Illya. I might not be able to solve your problems, but I can listen to you. I can stay by your side.
"Why... W-Why would you concern yourself with someone like me?"
Isn't it obvious?
"Because I want to be your friend, Illya-sama."
Her eyes went wide. I could see traces of surprise, confusion, not able to believe what she just heard, and sadness.
And it seems, her sadness overwhelmed her and tears started falling down her eyes.
I walked to her and wrapped my hands around her little body. Though I'm little too so it's pretty hard.
I stroked her head gently as she cried all her sadness on my chest, and waited until she calmed down.