Case 145: Upon an indescribably awkward act.

*****

The term 'awkwardness' is often used in social settings.

When one is forced to converse with someone unfamiliar, like a friend of a friend, they feel awkward. When one faces their significant other's parents, who don't seem to approve of them, they feel awkward. When one sits next to someone on the bus and their bodies touch, they also feel awkward.

The mood inside Cecilia's room was, in every sense, the pinnacle of such a feeling.

On one side were an imperial princess, a royal princess, and a noble magnate, plus the renowned heroine. On the other were a famous genius inventor... and the former demon queen. In the middle sat Cecilia, the demon princess, unofficially the current demon queen, and the lover of the former side.

Their identities were so random that one might mistake them for a novel's cast.

Cecilia didn't know what to feel, and neither did her lovers. Sitting in front of them was Lilith Leila Vermilion, the former demon queen, the mortal enemy of their state... and their girlfriend's mother. How should they treat her, then? Respectful? Indifferent? Should they ask for her blessing?

The only people unconcerned were Lilith herself, Lyra—the two aloof beauties—and Quasar, who seemed blissfully ignorant of the tension beneath this meeting.

''W-Well, I probably don't need to introduce anyone, right?'' Cecilia lightly clapped her hands, causing the chains to clink playfully. ''Let's get right into it.''

''Wait,'' Rachael spoke up. ''What's your relationship with her?''

Rachael had always been straightforward. Considering Cecilia's justifiably destructive charms, it wouldn't be strange if she had unknowingly seduced women behind her back. So, when Quasar, a certified cute girl, appeared, claiming to be Cecilia's helper, she couldn't help but have some suspicions.

''W-We're friends!'' The pink-haired woman quickly replied. ''Miss Rael... um... Miss Cecilia actually invested in my initial phone models. I-I consider her my benefactor.''

The answer, being prepared beforehand, naturally satisfied every party. However, the information that Cecilia invested in Quasar's business was new. When eyes poured onto her, demanding a response, Cecilia cleared her throat, ''That's right. We are business partners and friends.''

Cecilia hadn't talked about her other cooperations with Lilith and Quasar. The matter with Valerie, or even Lilith's crush on Jeanne, was omitted for the moment.

Regardless, Cecilia looked a bit proud when she flaunted her successful decision. At this point, Lyra, who had been silent until now, pinched the girl's cheek, ''And you just happened to stumble upon her potentials, am I right?''

''Y-Yesh...''

It was clear that Cecilia's abnormally all-knowing actions were too conspicuous. Yet, now wasn't the time to interrogate the truth out of her.

''...As you know, the imperial forces will start moving sooner or later.'' Cecilia sighed. ''We need to make a plan to deceive them.''

If the monarchy found out that Cecilia was the demon queen, they would undoubtedly hunt her down with everything they got, regardless of who stood up for her. Worse yet, Cecilia hadn't emerged in high society, or even outside, for quite some time. More or less, there was a higher chance they'd suspect her first.

The easiest way to fool them would be for Cecilia herself to appear and deal with the inspectors, but with her power now being remarkably unstable, it was best that the chains stayed on and her strength stayed sealed.

After explaining everything to the girls, Cecilia added, ''So... here's the problem.''

Her tone was solemn, yet one could detect a hint of embarrassment in her voice, ''Can any of you act? If one of you appeared with Lyra and me, it would be harder for them to make a move on us.''

The two princesses and the noble magnate looked at one another. They all knew to cast aside some petty jealousy for the more important matter. As a result, only Penelope, whose poker face and hard-to-read temperament were well known, raised her hand.

''But why do we need to act?'' Kiana chimed in. ''We can just be like usual... right?''

Facing the question, Cecilia subtly guided the gazes toward Lilith, who was calmly sipping her tea on the side, ''Yeah, about that...''

''I'll pose as her.'' Lilith flatly said. ''With a little adjustment, it shouldn't be difficult.''

'''' ... ''''

A tense air suddenly descended.

So the plan was... for Lilith to act as Cecilia? Putting aside the question of whether that would be feasible... wouldn't it feel wrong...?

For a moment, all eyes turned to Penelope, who volunteered herself to act as the lover 'Cecilia' in front of the inspectors. The ice queen still held her signature poker face, completed with a slight smile that had been frozen for some time.

'Ah, she's nervous.'

Cecilia instinctively thought. Penelope, the pervert, looked quite cute like this.

Unaware of the atmosphere, Quasar excitedly spoke up, ''And I'm here for tech support! I'll install hidden cameras and mics around the manor so we can monitor their moves more easily. Is that okay?''

Her gaze was directed at Lyra as she said this. The heroine nodded without much complication.

Meanwhile, the other girls were secretly glancing at each other, unsure what to make of this sudden plan. Feeling a faint headache, Rachael directly addressed Lilith, ''I know you two look alike, but your mannerisms can't be further apart. Can you really do it...?''

Indeed, while Cecilia naturally exuded a soft, fragile air, like a pure lily standing before turbulent winds, Lilith gave people a steady impression—a beautiful rose with sharp thorns.

Perhaps wanting to prove herself, Lilith decisively stood up, ''Why don't we try it right now, then?''

The demon queen's mana swelled, encasing her figure whole. After a spectacular show of swirling light, her appearance swiftly changed. She seemed a touch younger, her phoenix eyes and straight brows softened, creating a much gentler image.

''W-Wow...'' Quasar gasped. ''You look exactly like her, Lilith!''

Coincidentally, the pair of mother and daughter all preferred white dresses, so even their attire matched. Lilith took a few moments adjusting her voice, then turned to Penelope, a kind smile blooming on her face, ''Darling.''

''...!''

Not only the magnate, but everyone except Quasar and Cecilia had their hearts skip a beat. It was nearly identical. For a split second, they saw the real Cecilia smiling at them, even though the genuine one was sitting prettily on the bed.

Lilith was satisfied with those reactions. In the blink of an eye, her expression reverted, ''This should be enough to fool them.''

It felt as though a storm had run through the room. Cecilia herself was surprised at Lilith's performance, but she had expected it somewhat. On the contrary... the girls looked traumatized.

'...Maybe not to that degree.'

She chuckled inwardly.

In any case, the plan finally seemed feasible after this demonstration—that much no one could argue. The group spent a few more hours discussing the details before dispersing, and with everything ready a few days later, they were preparing to greet the imperial visitors.