Case 54: On an impossible mission.

I always told people that I got easily flustered, and they would, in turn, say that they understood. Still, whenever I made a fool of myself because I was nervous, I felt terrible.

Okay, 'terrible' might be too strong of a word, but it definitely wasn't a good feeling, especially when I often made mistakes when panicked, too. Yes, like in this case.

'Have you ever thought of doing a threesome?'

What the hell was I thinking...?!

If I was any less fortunate than this and those two didn't like me as much, I would have been slapped across the face twice. That still didn't excuse the ridiculous line I spewed out, though. Who in their right mind would find such words appealing?

''Nn...''

N-No, I mean, what if they actually loved this kind of thing, right? For instance, Penelope loved 'hot' stuff, and wasn't a threesome hot? Who knows, maybe Rachael liked it, too.

Maybe that was why they both said they wouldn't give up no matter what. Their earnest appearance was what really dumbfounded me. I didn't know I was that loved. It was simultaneously heart-warming and sad—sad because I couldn't reciprocate those feelings to their full extent.

Well, seriously speaking, they didn't seem to mind my slip-up all that much, which was a relief. A threesome or a foursome was something I had put on my bucket list, and I fully intended to work toward it nonetheless, so if this incident could at least make them think about that possibility, I would count it as a win.

For now, however, such talks were probably a no-go. I was sure they would have ample time to think about it anyway. Regrettably, it was time for both of them to return to work.

If Rachael weren't here, Penelope would already exercise her contract rights on me, though. I'd imagine she must be quite pent-up by now. Should I pay a visit to her residence soon? I had always been wanting to do it in her office once...

''It seems you are indeed a star, Lady Orleans.''

''Mhm? Oh, yes. Embarrassingly...''

Ah, there was one more annoying thing that came out of this situation—Jeanne, the former heroine. I was somewhat expecting her to show an interest in me, but her constant scrutiny stressed me out.

Was it the heroine's sixth sense? Her perception skills were really potent.

Either way, I was currently with Kiara, Lyra, and Jeanne. My little sister apparently nagged the royal princess to have me accompany them around the school earlier, so here I was.

Nevertheless, it worked out great because I wanted to see the academy for myself once, but Jeanne's presence was unwanted. Being the center of so many scandals, I was already conspicuous enough, but her being here was just diabolical.

Thankfully, she didn't do much aside from occasionally probing me with general questions and small talk, so I could somehow manage. If anything, I was more focused on watching the little heroine's curious reaction to the surroundings.

Was she excited? She should have known of her future admission by now, after all. It might seem peaceful in the smaller picture, but the empire's forces were already starting to notice her immense talent.

It wasn't to the point of people gushing over her favor... yet, but they would when Lyra truly blossomed.

Slightly tightening my hand that was holding my little sister's, I spoke, ''When you eventually become old enough to attend this school, this will be where your class is.''

We were strolling outside the main building, gazing into the lecture halls full of students.

''...''

After a moment, Lyra looked up at me, and she seemed to have something to say, but soon, she turned forward. That kind of reaction was quite on-brand for her, but...

Why did I feel like everybody was staring at me so abnormally hard...?

Even if I was indeed a 'star,' this much was honestly a bit much. Much to my worry, a group of three girls approached us right after.

''U-Um...!''

First, they bowed.

''Greetings, Your Highness, Your Excellency, and Ladies of Orleans!''

Then, they greeted.

'Your Excellency' was what everybody settled on when deciding how to call the former hero party's members, by the way.

In any case, all three of them focused solely on... me, for some reason, eyes sparkling, hands trembling as if they had seen their idol.

''You're our idol, Lady Cecilia!'' One of them exclaimed.

''...Excuse me?''

Unfazed, the girls each took out a notebook and handed me a pen.

''Please sign it for us!''

''Excuse me...?!''

Although I didn't realize what was going on, I couldn't simply refuse them when they seemed so sincere. So, I reluctantly picked up the pen and started signing—an act I didn't know I would be doing... ever.

''Seeing you so effortlessly shine above everybody else was so inspiring, Lady Cecilia...!''

''Right, right! I would love to be as elegant as you someday.''

As I listened to their words while signing, I slowly understood why. They admired me as someone who had debuted so spectacularly within high society and, for the lack of a better word, seduced a bunch of high-profile women.

I knew I should be somewhat well-known, but having fans was truthfully... strange. Well, I guess being loved was better than being hated.

'''' Thank you very much! ''''

''Yes. Please take care.''

After the girls disappeared into one of the classrooms, I could only smile awkwardly at my companions.

Regardless, the remainder of the trip was relatively peaceful. At some point, we were greeted by the principal and some of the professors teaching here, too. Of course, they would rather pay attention to the revered Jeanne and the two budding talents than someone like myself. I was only glad that Lyra perked up when she heard of the available curriculums here. The more passions she had, the better.

Afterward, we decided to finish dinner at the cafeteria before going back home for the night. The standard of the food here was high enough for a royal like Kiara to enjoy, so there should be nothing to be worried about.

''Can we talk?''

Except, Kiara unexpectedly pulled me into a quiet place and discreetly held my hands.

''How did it go with those two?'' She asked.''

''Ah.''

So she was concerned about that. In a sense, if Rachael and Penelope vehemently declined the whole harem shenanigans, Kiara's chances with me would crumble, after all. She would think like that.

I thought she was just as lovable as the others, though.

...Okay, maybe I didn't need to lie to myself. I loved Rachael just a tiny bit more. That was honest.

''Cecilia?''

''Oh, sorry. I zoned out for a bit.''

''Are you alright?''

''I'm good. Thanks a lot. And as for your question...''

For a moment, I thought I heard a gulp. Kiara's nervous face—her slightly scrunched-up nose—was so adorable that I couldn't help but chuckle. Feeling bold, I pushed myself up and gave my princess a kiss on the lips.

It was something I had noticed after kissing all three of them, but even the slightest reaction to the act or the minute differences in how their lips are shaped could change the experience a lot.

Oh, wait. I shouldn't get lost in my own thoughts like this.

So, to the dazed Kiara, I gingerly replied, ''It's a stalemate for now. They haven't decided if they wanted to share me or not.''

''Phew...''

''But don't get the wrong idea, Your Highness.''

''...?''

This time, instead of just standing on my tip-toe, I sprung up and nearly latched onto Kiara's body, hugging her tightly.

''Even if they wouldn't allow it, I won't ever give up on you,'' I whispered. ''As long as you don't give up on me.''

''Cecilia...''

It might sound like an impossible mission to romance all three people at the same time, but I was determined. What else could I do? I was smitten with these charming ladies.

From a long, long time ago.