Case 5: In the city by myself.

In simple words, the marchioness of Orleans was a creep.

I didn't know why, I didn't know how, and I didn't want to find out. In the game, she was nothing much other than an almost invisible evil mother who abused Lyra. After a while, she ran away somewhere with my mother, aka Lily, as well.

In theory, if I could avoid causing too much trouble, she should leave me alone...

Well? I had already messed it up, didn't I?

''It is such a blessing to have your beautiful mother... and you here, don't you think?''

Cheeks flushed, voice cracked—gently twirling a glass of wine in her hand, Gloria de Orleans shot a passionate gaze at me.

''You see, I've been without company for so long... that I think I started to lose myself a bit.''

''...''

''That was when I met your mother. She was as lovely as a fresh lily in the morning garden, as sweet as a ripe cherry, and... she fills the emptiness in my heart.''

''You love her, don't you?''

''Of course. That is why I will marry her... but you. You are even more tempting than your mother. Your defiance attitude, your expression that is full of disdain...''

''Do you feel like violating me and forcing tears out of my eyes?''

At some point, Gloria had already approached me, who only sat blankly in front of her desk. Her finger trailed below my chin, forcing my hair to stand up involuntarily.

''Yes, my darling.''

Her voice, as lustful as a succubus's, tickled my ear.

''...''

Her indecent face, which was reflected in my eyes, seemed to fade away. Even as her hand undecidedly began to tease my chest, I couldn't feel much of anything other than... disappointment.

No anger, no fury.

What was I expecting, anyway? That she would at least show a shred of dignity?

The same woman who abandoned a small child for whatever reason?

''Hah... Lucy.''

Heeding my call, Lucy manifested in the air. One glance at her was enough to transmit my intention. My reliable pe—Soul Guardian tapped Gloria's forehead, and within the next second, the marchioness collapsed onto me, unconscious.

Luckily for me, this body's combat strength is something—Lucy's combat strength, to be exact.

As I tried to put Gloria back in her seat, another voice sounded behind me.

''Let me do it. She needs proper rest.''

''...Mother.''

Lily, the one who was supposed to be my mother in this world, looked at me impassionately and embraced Gloria.

''I'm glad... you have no ill intention.''

''...Yes.''

''You can go now.''

''Okay.''

Cecilia's mother was... a bit weird, to say the least. She seemed relieved knowing that I wouldn't take her woman, yet she paid no mind to the fact that I had interfered with Gloria's emotions and memory.

Such a world filled with mentally ill people.

Either way, I had nothing to do there, so I went back to my room.

As soon as I flopped down the bed, drowsiness invaded. It was indeed quite late. I want to wash myself to get rid of this smell, but... oh, well...

The following day, I was awoken by Mary's slightly thick voice—this time, with good news as well.

''Whew... yes!''

It seemed the butler had generously allocated some money to me, which meant I could finally act out my plan.

As if infected by my good mood, Mary also had a smile on her face as she did my hair. I still held a certain grudge as she had ignored Lyra's suffering, but then again, I had to consider her status and the fact that I didn't know her situation.

''Hm?''

The moment I stepped out of my room, a little angel greeted me.

Standing there with her round eyes was Lyra de Orleans... and Amethyst, who comfortably nested in her partner's arms.

It seemed today was a good day.

''What's wrong, Lyra?'' I crouched down and asked with a smile.

''You... were you hurt...?'' She uttered, her voice trembling.

I couldn't help but get a bit sentimental. Such a young and thoughtful child... what did she do to deserve all this?

With founded confidence, I reached out and gently patted her head. She still flinched, but nothing major.

''I wasn't. Thanks for the concern, Lyra.''

''...Mhm.''

''Hm... since I don't have any particular plan for today, can I accompany you for the morning?''

''Alright.''

With that, I legally joined Lyra's swordsmanship lesson... as a spectator. I didn't think I would be able to do well when I was this weak physically.

Watching her little arms flailing around the sword was comically adorable, but now, there was something I needed to do.

After lunch, I told Mary not to disturb me as I needed a long nap. It made total sense since I returned late the night before. Then, I took all the allowance I got and stuffed it into my pocket.

I had to thank Albert again for giving me cash instead of a simple cheque. What I was about to do with this money was not something the marchioness or anyone affiliated with her should have known.

Donning a full cloak, I leaped out of the window and quickly escaped the mansion with Lucy's help. Since it was a race against time, I didn't stop for long and dashed toward the city.

Being one of the more historically important houses, the Marquisate of Orleans actually bordered the capital of the Libre Empire. In the game, this made it more convenient for the player to run around the map and do quests in both the mansion and the city.

Luckily, this also meant that I, a resident of this world, would be able to obtain useful items more easily.

The first thing I wanted was something I could use to hide my identity at all times so that I would be able to move more efficiently outside in the future.

For that, I already had an idea in my mind.

Since I played too much of this game, I naturally conquered it all with every build possible. One such build was the stealth one. The core of this strategy was to stack as many points and skills into the relevant stats like camouflage or evasion. Of course, equipment also mattered.

Out of them, one item clearly stood above the others—the Bracelet of Anonymity.

This could alter the perception of the user's observers, making them significantly less likely to remember them after the encounter. It was quite useful for someone as sweaty as myself at that point, but now?

Totally worth it. More than usual.

To obtain the item, I would need to defeat a moderately powerful local gang near the academy, which was not impossible with my current strength.

Ahem. Lucy's strength.

Either way, most of the gang members couldn't even react to my fluffy companion, so it was a big success. Blood splashed all across the small alleyway, which... didn't affect me much, honestly. I didn't feel nauseous or anything of the sort. Was it because they were despicable people?

Maybe I was a cold person. Was I really? Who am I, really?

''Whew...''

Letting out a sigh, I soon snapped out of it.

While I was rummaging through the leader's body, however, an unexpected presence showed up behind me.

''Hah... hah... what...?''

With bated breaths, the stunning woman with hair as beautiful as molten gold and eyes as bright as the sun narrowed her brows at the current scene. Bathed in the sunlight, she gleamed a certain light—as majestic as a divine creature.

Why... was she here right now?