Case 55: When a nefarious scheme comes undone.

A few days after the duel.

I was chilling in my room, texting my three little lovers as usual. Of course, since two of them were chronically busy and the other had classes, I was forced to switch to other things once they couldn't reply anymore.

Hmm... it seemed the businesses I had invested in were blooming quite well. I was a bit scared of going into this so confidently without prior education, but thanks to all the money I got, I could buy a lot of elixirs, among other stuff, for Lyra.

Talk about elixirs; maybe it was time for her to ingest another one. It had been wholly satisfying to see the little one grow so quickly in battle, and while I wanted her to stay this cute a year or two further, it was just time for her to enter puberty.

Aside from that, there were numerous headlines after the fight. Officially, it was declared as a 'friendly' duel between the two former heroines' disciples. I had visited a number of forums, but all they discussed was 'the future generation of combatants' and whether they could compete against the old ones.

Even though I had my biases, I couldn't be bothered to participate in any of them, for I was certain that only my lovely little sister could stand above all.

That would be in the future, though.

''Phew...''

And then... what else...

...

I suddenly wanted to bake a cake. For once, Lyra actually got excited at my cheesy castella the last time, and I wanted to see that face one more time.

So, I let out some questionable noises while stretching uncontrollably on the bed. A lethargic bone resided in my body, as usual, but I needed to get up.

''Mhm...''

It took a bit, but I eventually dragged myself up, put on the draped cape, and headed to the kitchen. As professional as she could get, my maid joined me sometime along the way.

By this point, there was no servant in the house who showed hostility toward me anymore. Rather, they were quite obedient. Was it the effect of having powerful women by my side?

I wouldn't know for certain. Still, the chiefs were quick to prepare any necessary ingredients, and my journey to bake a strawberry shortcake went smoothly—until I felt the phone in my pocket vibrating.

''Huh?''

Kiara had sent something to me. Was she on a break?

Nevertheless, it was an article from a popular channel catering to teens' gossip. It was known for its credibility on nothing but gossip, which was par for the course, I suppose.

I didn't know Kiara followed this channel, but more noticeably, a certain face in the article made me halt my hands.

Blaire de Dreux.

The butterfly of high society.

She was one virtually untouchable lady in the world of nobles and with whom I had a little bout recently. However, the pretty face I saw this time around wasn't the same dignified yet cold one that I always saw.

Instead, it was shame and utter embarrassment that riddled her countenance. Curious, my eyes immediately went to read the big texts.

[Blaire de Dreux and her potentially illegal scheme to get her dream partner's attention?]

''...''

...How could anyone even resist such a title?

So, I took a brief break from making the dough and sat down with the smartphone in my hands, profusely scrolling for any and all details of the situation.

The article itself was filled with sensational statements about uncertain elements, which was just about right for such an outlet, but the broad story being told here was quite crazy if true.

In short, Blaire had attempted to drug Rachael—a member of the imperial family—during a business trip in the hope of having a relationship with the princess.

''Why would she try to... ah.''

Just then, I remembered what the silly girl had brought in the underground auction—a potion of aphrodisiac made from a succubus's essence. Almost immediately, I face-palmed myself, startling Mary, who stood nearby.

I told you it wouldn't work... well, I didn't actually tell her, but what was done couldn't be changed.

As far as I could comprehend, there wasn't an official reason provided for this plot, but a case had been filed by Rachael's team, so it would inevitably become much more complicated.

Knowing how powerful the Dreuxs were, nothing could be certain, but either way, Blaire was kind of screwed. That was why this small outlet dared to make such an article in the first place. They were sure that the public would be on their side.

Still, what an impressive speed for such a humble establishment. This barely happened an hour ago.

Oh, the other ones had started to release their versions, too.

Well, from experience, there wouldn't be anything new for a while, so I'd better finish baking the cake first. Let's leave a message for Rachael, too.

[I read the news. Text me back whenever.]

Good.

Now then, how many strawberries should I add...

In the end, even after I had baked the cake beautifully and uploaded its picture to my social media page, Rachael only replied to my message with a simple [Wait a bit.].

I'd imagine this scandal would be a massive headache for both parties, too. Publicly, the two families were close...

''Well, it's all pretentious regardless.''

In response to the news anchor who had just regurgitated the 'good relationship' bit, I casually scoffed. Lyra, who was busy chewing the piece of cake in her mouth, turned to me with two big, round eyes.

Sometimes, I thought she resembled a deer, and other times, I thought I saw death manifested in human skin.

What was this strange contrast?

Nonetheless, she was still the heroine I loved.

''Oh, I almost forgot. Lyra, give me your hand.''

''...?''

Tilting her head, my little sister put her hand forward anyway. Happy with such obedience, I took out a small vial containing a diluted blue liquid, which swirled silver stars whenever it was moved.

''It's a mana-boosting elixir. You can drink it and get stronger, Lyra.''

''...Where.''

''Hm?''

''Where did this come from?''

The doubt had definitely grown stronger. This time, with furrowed brows and a stern tone, Lyra grabbed my hand as if demanding an answer. It didn't seem like she would let me go if I kept avoiding it.

So, I decided to be honest.

...Half-honest.

''I properly brought it at a store when I went out with Her Highness the other day.'' I confidently replied. ''I thought you could use it.''

''Why don't you drink it yourself...?''

''You silly.''

Pushing my index finger on Lyra's forehead, I told her with a smile, ''I can barely use mana. An elixir is of no use.''

''...''

For a brief moment, a hue of worries fell upon the little heroine's face, but soon enough, she obediently nodded and chugged the elixir down.

''...Thanks.''

''It's only natural for an older sister to take care of her little sister.''

''Mhm.''

As I continued to stroke Lyra's head, my phone vibrated. It was Rachael who finally sent me something else, and it read—

[I need you at the imperial palace now. Get ready, and I'll be there in a minute.]