Case 10: To meet the first love interest.

''Agh... fuck...''

It hurt. It hurt so much.

My whole lung felt like it was being torn apart. It hurt so much I started to hallucinate. Somehow, I thought my cat, Charcoal, would come up to me whilst meowing like a little bird.

''Don't step on the blood, you idiot... you'll—cough... ruin the floor...''

[I can fly, you big idiot.]

''...''

Hearing Lucy's distressed voice, I finally snapped out of it.

Right. This wasn't my house.

This was... another world.

I missed you, Charcoal.

[Lay down first. I won't be able to help you much since we're linked, but I can at least clean this mess up for you.]

''...Thanks.''

So, I weakly crawled to the bed and flopped down, not before grabbing a random towel nearby to wipe off the blood left near my mouth and on my palm. Shielding my tired eyes from the bright light above, I silently contemplated my situation.

I... wasn't sure when I first got here. No, I might have unconsciously denied it.

That I would end up dead if I were to remain a human. Fuck me, huh. Why did it have to be Cecilia out of all characters? I could have literally survived if I had been put into the body of anyone else.

This was it. This 'illness' had absolutely no cure. It had only begun—my deterioration, that was, but I wasn't even sure how long I could last.

''...''

Let's just... hope I can find a way going forward. There was no use lamenting my fate, after all.

But for now... I think I could use some rest...

''—y lady, are you awake?''

''Mhgm...''

knock—! knock—!

''My lady?''

''...Huh?''

The moment I realized that someone, likely Mary, was calling me, I snapped my eyes open and quickly got up. Ignoring the searing pain still lingering inside my chest, I tumbled to dispose of the bloody towel... only to find a hmph-looking Lucy staring at me with a disappointed look.

[Go. I took care of everything.]

''Thanks a lot.''

I really meant that. I wouldn't want to worry other people for nothing.

''I'm here~!''

As I got up and adjusted my clothes, I also saw that all the evidence of my bloody affair was spotlessly gone. Only then, did I have the confidence to open the door.

''...Did something happen, my lady?''

''No?''

Unnecessarily sharp.

Either way, Mary cleared her throat before stating the main business.

''Um... as you had instructed, I am here to report on Her Highness's visit. She is currently waiting in the guest room.''

''Oh, she already came?''

Somehow, I totally forgot that it was already noon since I slept a bit. Nevertheless, today was the very day the first event of the game happened. The prologue, which was supposed to be the introduction to the protagonist's family situation, passed by a few days ago, but for me, it was the same as any other day anyway.

Today, however, one of the primary love interests was scheduled to visit the mansion, and it would be their first official meeting. The timid Lyra would have had an awkward tea party with this person, but since I was here, I wouldn't let it be that way.

After I had Mary make me more presentable, I set off to the guest room. By this time, Lyra must have arrived there. Wait for me, my adorable little sister!

''You look stunning, my lady. You might even steal lady Lyra's spouse at this rate...''

''Oh, come on. You're embarrassing me...''

Although I acted humbly like that, I knew just how destructive this body's beauty was. And if I seized the love interests' attention instead of Lyra, it would be a godsend.

No, seriously. Who in their right mind would pair a twelve-year-old kid with anyone remotely adult? I guess the power-hungry families of the love interests were. I get that Lyra was practically a perfect bride for girls with those things between their legs, but this was way too gross.

Fortunately, none of the supposed prospective lovers showed that kind of interest in such a small and young Lyra. Until my little step-sister became a full-fledged adult, only wholesome 'healing' activities happened.

Either way, I was here, too, so if they wanted to take someone from the powerful Orleans house as a wife... maybe it wouldn't be so bad?

The love interests were all too hot, after all...

''Eheheh...''

While I was having such dirty fantasies in my mind, I suddenly felt embarrassed for no reason. Every maiden would have a dream of being banged by a hot lady at some point, right?

Only me...?

Either way, as I was adjusting my bang in front of the hallway's window for a moment, I could see someone gently cupping my chin through the reflection in the glass. With a slight pull, my face was turned to the side, and that's when I saw her—

''Ah...''

''...''

An enviable pair of long legs that pushed her to be taller than even some men, a staunch statue with lean muscles faintly visible through her shirt, long, lustrous golden hair, and... fiery orange eyes as majestic as the sun.

Facing such an impressive aura, I was most certainly stunned.

Racheal de La Fayette—the first primary love interest and the future crown princess of the Libre Empire.

Noticing her thumb tracing my lower lip, I quickly snapped out of it.

''Um... Your Highness?''

''...!''

Retracting her hand, Racheal shook her head and courteously bowed her head.

''Excuse me. I was drawn to your mesmerizing beauty.''

''Ah... you don't need to do this, Your Highness...''

It was a bit awkward since I knew she wasn't this gentle to her enemies—or, in general. Still, I was more worried about her actions earlier. Rachael didn't seem to recognize me as the person who beat up the gang members in the city a few months ago, but the fact that she was drawn to my lips...

I could swear I had properly wiped my face earlier. I knew Racheal was sensitive to the smell of blood, but was her nose this acute?

No time to worry about it.

''W-Well, where was my manner? My name is Cecilia of house Orleans, Your Highness. It is an honor to meet you.''

''Racheal de La Fayette.''

The moment the atmosphere between us might have caught a glimpse of normalcy, Racheal unceremoniously grabs my right hand and blatantly places a kiss on the back of it.

''Lady Cecilia... would you be interested in some time between us?'' She uttered, holding a passionate fire in her eyes.

''...Ah.''

I didn't know how, and I didn't know why, but Racheal clearly wanted to spend time with me. I could feel the heat rising up my face, and for a brief second, I thought I would accept it right away.

No, I would, but...

''I'm sorry, but my little sister... I heard Your Highness was having a talk with her. If that were the case, I wouldn't want to leave her alone.''

At this, Racheal had a slightly surprised look on her face. It seemed she had forgotten about Lyra. Once again, the future crown princess courteously apologized and asked if we could spend some time later.

As much as I wanted to bash her for not paying proper respect to Lyra, I could also understand her reasoning. She wouldn't exactly want to resume marriage talks with a child, so she would naturally prioritize someone she was more interested in.

Before Racheal turned away, though, I mustered a smile and overlapped her hand with mine—a double attack from both below and above!

''Then, how about us three having a pleasant tea party together?''

''Gladly.''

''...!''

For the first time, I saw Racheal smiling, and it was easily the most fatal attack I've received. Her long, usually sharpened eyebrows were now beautifully curved, and her so-kissable lips were upturned, giving my now-official crush an infinitely softer look than before.

''Then, shall we go?''

''Y-Yes...''

I already loved Racheal the most in the game, and I loved her even more in real life. How can a person be so... hot?

Feeling myself blushing like a teenage girl, I quietly followed Rachael.