8 Chapter 8: The Palace

"What should I put on today...? Should I go all-black?"

Kendrick got out of bed and opened the closet to the side. He went through his closet looking for something to wear.

Jredd returned to his room when Kendrick told him he was finished changing and grinned.

"Are you looking forward to visiting the beautiful daughter of the king, young master? I've never seen you wear clothing that you chose yourself... Are you excited to see her...? According to Viscount Anwir, the king's daughter is a very fascinating beauty!"

"Not at all."

How could he be excited about meeting someone who would die in a couple of hours? At worst, he might even pray for her to survive this catastrophe, but that would change the storyline he knows, thus the forthcoming tragedy must never change at any cost.

'It's terrifying enough that I'm living in an otome game, but getting involved with the overall plot would almost certainly get me murdered in the future.'

"T- that's right... You don't have to hold back your excitement, young master. It's not like expressing your feelings every now and then would kill you..."

"But, I'm not excited about this trip though."

"If you say so, young master…."

Kendrick descended downstairs, took a bath for half an hour, and then ate supper with his entire family before departing with them.

Kendrick sighed as he looked out the window of the magnificent vehicle in which they were traveling.

He continued gazing at the clouds in the sky, and they soon arrived at the capital's gate.

There were knights on watch and wandering merchants displaying their credentials to get admission.

When they noticed Viscount Alastair's carriage, the knights at the guard post began rushing in a pack towards it. They appeared to be in a state of fear. With an aristocratic family present, they had to put on their best front.

After all, the disparity in rank is too great.

The knights paved the road, and they were able to quickly enter the capital. There were booths everywhere, much like in a town on Earth, if not food stalls, then apparel businesses, potion stores, and so on.

The carriage they were traveling in proceeded on its path until it came to a halt at some point. The door of the carriage opened, and the first to exit were, of course, Viscount Anwir's three lovely daughters.

Alissa Alastair, whose hair is the color of blood. Yuusa Alastair, who shared Kendrick's natural hair, and finally, the youngest of all the siblings, Ai Alastair, whose hair looked like a bulb; rather lustrous and fluffy.

Kendrick grinned as he saw them exit the carriage.

All he had to do was stick to the plan, and everything would be perfect.

Kendrick was the last person to depart the carriage after Viscount Anwir. Viscount Anwir examined his surroundings, and as soon as he noticed other nobles of various statures, he blended in with the crowd, leaving his daughters and son behind.

Kendrick waited eagerly for Viscount Anwir to return, and when he did, something shifted in his gaze. Before they departed, the greed in his eyes had become sharper.

Viscount Anwir approached him with a gentle smile.

He had no intention of mindlessly obeying his father's demands like a silly mutt.

Kendrick was prepared to be expelled from the aristocratic household rather than participate in the tides of events.

'After all, my life comes first!'

Kendrick focused on what Viscount Anwir had to say.

Viscount Anwir started to speak, still with the gentle smile he had given him when he approached him.

"Our priorities have slightly changed, Dan."

"What exactly do you mean, father?"

"Don't speak with the king's daughter throughout the ceremony," Viscount Anwir whispered into his ears, where only they could hear what they were saying, "and if there's a blackout in the middle of the ceremony, don't budge from your seat. You hear me?"

"Why, father? Is something big going to happen?"

He had a feeling it was going to be something tremendous.

So just keep your mouth shut and listen to what I say, alright?"

"Even if I get on my knees and proclaim you as the realm's rightful ruler, you won't even bother to give a reply?"

"I could only tell you if you wanted to seek death. Who knows, after this ceremony, our family could end up with a duchy."

"May I then return to the family estate, Father?"

"You can't, unless you want to bring dishonor to our family! Do you want our family to be mocked for leaving before it even begins?

Kendrick just shook his head and quickly caught up with Viscount Anwir.

Viscount Anwir entered the palace with the other nobility and picked their seats.

Kendrick was seated next to the king's daughter, just as he had been in the game.

Everything was flowing accordingly.

It took a few hours for all the nobility to be collected. The king soon appeared upstairs, where the monarchy resides, and stared intently at all of them. Along with his magnificent blazing red eyes, he appeared to be a phoenix descending from the heavens.

And there was a stunning woman beside him. Her hair was stunningly gorgeous; it was blonde, like the king's, but when mixed with her delicate skin and doll-like features, she resembled a fabled goddess from tales of ancient times. Even Kendrick was taken aback by her beauty before returning to Earth.

"...Ahem, everyone pay attention!! Shall we deliver a round of applause to my dear daughter, the hope of the Kingdom, Ruri Dhair, who has reached eighteen years of age on this day?"

Shortly after, the king began to introduce his daughter, whose birthday they were celebrating, and the acclaim of the audience was, as he had predicted, as loud as a jet's engine during takeoff.

But, unlike the apes on Earth, the nobility was just clapping. It could be heard throughout the palace as they joyfully greeted the king's daughter. Her elegance astounded all.

Ruri Dhair hid behind her father, her face covered. She looked timid as a result of her move, which attracted the attention of nearly everyone inside the palace.

"Don't be afraid, sweetheart. It's your birthday, therefore you should speak up."