24 What the hell!?

"...The dance with Lord Ely was completely ruined because of those two," Serena said, staring daggers at the retreating backs of Vikir and the others, and she added with a dismissive tone, "Ah, haa..."

'I generally agree, but still, it's a bit too harsh, isn't it?'

At least towards the two of them, or rather, towards Vikir.

"So, um... This might be impolite, but do you have some connection with Vikir?" I asked.

"Lord Ely, please, I implore you, refrain from uttering that person's name," Serena responded with a chilling gaze and a terrifyingly low voice.

"All replied!" I replied, under her sad gaze.

There must have been something between her and that person. It's concerning, but I don't want to ask any further, since rena said so.

"Ha... I'll cool my head a bit," Serena said.

"Ah... then, I'll..." I started to say.

"...I'll go pick some flowers," Serena brushed me away and hastily left the venue.

'Oh no, I lacked a bit of delicacy there.'

So, until she comes back, I decided to become a wallflower it's not like I had other options.

Looking around... yup, the nobles are giving me curious glances from a distance.

Well, even after my memories returned from my past life, I haven't done anything dramatic to change Elysion's reputation. To the public eye, the only noteworthy thing about me is probably the engagement with the daughter of the Ravenhurst family.

I don't care what those people think about me, or so I tell myself... Sorry, that's a lie. I care a lot.

Because if you think about avoiding the bad ending, it's only natural to keep a distance from the main characters, including the protagonist and heroine.

But If my reputation remains bad, there's a possibility of getting involved in events, being targeted, and all that trouble.

Of course, to brush off the sparks, I'm still enduring Serena's training... I mean, special training.

"But... it's bothering me."

What happened between Serena and Vikir?

In 'Engage,' in the prologue event, I unilaterally broke off the engagement with Serena, and after that, it's just a tutorial event about the rebellion by Duke and its suppression by royals, followed by her execution mentioned matter-of-fact.

Other than that, there's no interaction between the two.

But Serena is clearly conscious of Vikir, and Vikir... well, his attitude earlier alone doesn't tell me much. Even though I've been avoiding contact, Vikir never expressed any wish for a meeting.

"But... it's bothering me."

Serena and Vikir, what exactly happened between them?

There's no such setup in 'Engage,' and it would have made sense to have some related scenes about Elysion of the Chris faction and this matter if it existed in the game. Or rather, I want to protest to the 'Engage' management right away.

"Even so... I'm curious."

I held my head and slumped down on the chair... but.

"Elysion."

"Ah..."

Of all people, I got caught by Chris.

Since he's my real bigger brother, it's only natural for him to casually strike up a conversation, considering he wants to use the Ravenhurst family through me. Or maybe he found it strange that I didn't initiate a conversation.

Or maybe he's just curious.

Well, the previous Elysion would have been over the moon if praised by Chris, so I'm making a different reaction to avoid raising suspicions. It's a bit too different, and it might be troublesome...

'Wait, I've got a good idea.'

"By the way, brother, do you happen to know why that guy... why Vikir is attending tonight's party?"

Chris seemed to notice my expression of disgust and giggled.

After all, I might be asking about the reason for Vikir's presence, since originally Elysion might have done the same.

"Hahaha, surprised?"

"? Uh, well..."

With a smile that seemed to imply something, he slightly furrowed his brows.

In this context, it seems like he knows the reason why Vikir is here.

"To tell you the truth, at the request of His Majesty the King, Vikir was to be incorporated into my faction."

"!?"

'What the hell!?'

Why is King Evial interfering in the succession to the throne?

"His Majesty has been concerned about Vikir's situation. There's no place for him in the royal palace, and yet, due to his mother, it's not easy for His Majesty to extend a helping hand to Vikir openly."

"...."

"So, His Majesty, being the considerate king he is, thought of placing Vikir under my protection. By doing so, he believed that Vikir could avoid any meddling from His Majesty, palace officials, and even the nobles."

Uh, my head can't keep up with this.

So, King Evial has been concerned about Vikir for some time. Still, if that's the case, he could have taken action much earlier.

"In any case, that's the situation. Today's party was an opportunity to invite Vikir and make it known that he's a member of my faction. However..."

"...However?"

"You, who usually promptly respond to invitations from me or nethercrest family, the home of your sis-in-law, didn't give a reply for over a month this time. I thought maybe you were refusing because you anticipated Vikir's participation."

So, it's like that. That's why I kept receiving invitations persistently.

To introduce me and Vikir.

"In any case, that's the situation. From now on, don't pull off such stunts. Also, you're my brother, so keep an eye on the pitiful little brother."

Chris placed his hand on my shoulder and whispered as if ordering me.

"Well then. You should enjoy yourself with Miss Serena."

Chris fluttered his hand and left the scene.

'Hero and villain as allies…what's the hell?