Preparations (1)

We haven't talked much after our talk in the boutique since we finished picking out the dresses. Beau had lunch in the mansion since the countess wanted to discuss it intensely with me.

We're now having our lunch in a VIP part of a restaurant. We could have a table even if we didn't prepare a reservation because of the countess' connection with the restaurant's owner.

"Adel," the countess called. "I hope my favor didn't create a distance between us. You can always reject it."

"It's not that, countess. I'm willing to protect Beau and even your eldest son, Rupert, from whatever danger we'll encounter later, but I don't know if I can do it. I don't remember having any powers, and I don't know how to fight!"

I lied about the part I don't know how to fight because I have a black belt in Taekwondo and attained the highest rank in Kendo, but I doubt it can be helpful against mages and swordmasters!

Besides, I practiced those sports a long time ago and have yet to have the chance to test them out with really violent people. I want to avoid getting a chance to test it out because this world is dangerous! It's not like kicks and bamboo swords can be used in long-range combat.

I know I'm thinking about it too much, but my life is at stake here. I'm still getting used to the second life I'm given, and here I am, possibly dying again because of this world's peculiar life forms!

"As much as possible, I don't want you to engage in combat. I was also against using you as bait for this plan, but you're the key to success. We needed to lure out those criminals since they knew you were with us. We wouldn't have to resort to this if no high-ranking nobles were involved, but unfortunately, there are."

She sighed. "Besides that, we couldn't risk asking for a servant to disguise herself with your appearance because a spy might lurk within our premises."

I squeezed my hands. "Is my incident related to those criminals you're talking about?" I asked, and she nodded. "Then I don't have any more reason to hesitate. What do I need to do, countess?"

Before the countess could answer, the servants arrived with our food. The countess thanked them as they finished placing the food, signaling they could leave.

"Let's slowly get to the plan while we eat, shall we?"

*****

We arrived at the mansion later than scheduled. The countess meticulously explained their plans and what I should do during the mini banquet. The count, who could come at any time, will reveal the rest of the plans in greater detail.

I looked through the window from my new room, and I could already hear the exuberance and cheers from the townspeople.

I already know the count, but I'm unsure about his eldest son, Rupert Blake Vanidestine. The picture frame from my previous room was old since Beau was still a baby, so I'm curious about what young Master Rupert looks like for him to join the subjugation at such a young age.

I heard a knock from my room. "Milady, the countess ordered everyone to welcome the count outside. Does Milady perhaps need help with her retouch?"

I was about to let her in, but I remembered what the countess had told me earlier.

"No worries, Haren. I can do it on my own."

"I'll wait for you downstairs, Milady," Haren said, and I could hear her footsteps slowly fading away.

I feel guilty for putting distance between us, but it was necessary. The countess told me that there was a mole inside the mansion, which is not that surprising, to be honest. The criminals behind Adelaide's death were the nobles selling and artificially breeding monsters.

In this empire, slave trading has been strictly prohibited since they value human life and nature's principles. But these criminals have been buying and trading enslaved people in the southern region of the empire, where the House Vanidestine is located. The worst part is that they are also trying to breed monsters and humans, which they will use as weapons to start a rebellion against the current emperor.

Their plans aren't that far-fetched, knowing that this world can do anything—even breaking the natural law between monsters and humans is possible. I don't know what these monsters look like, but thinking about associating them with humans is something that shouldn't exist.

On the other hand, Adelaide was sold as a slave to a powerful Marquess from the Western region. According to the countess, Adelaide was the only one who managed to escape from the illegal facility for experiments. But unfortunately, her freedom didn't last long since she was chased—that's how she met her demise.

Knowing all that, I wondered if I deserved this second chance in life since I only got this opportunity because of Adelaide's unfortunate death. It's not like I'm not grateful for it, but there's a thought in the back of my mind that if Adelaide had still been alive, what would have happened to me?

I looked at myself in the mirror and thought, "Will I do this? This is for the unjustified death of Adelaide, and it is also for the sake of my safety."

Right, I'm Adelaide now. But I will always be Chesah deep inside, and I'm not going to be someone I'm not—at least, I'm only different by name.

I quickly retouched my makeup and headed downstairs. Everyone was already there, including the countess and Beau. I stood behind the countess as everyone was filled with anticipation. How should I greet them? I recall bowing toward nobles with a higher rank in movies, but in Adelaide's memories, I don't remember her bowing to anyone, even though her memories are still hazy.

I haven't considered Adelaide's origins, so I'm just a commoner, right? It's normal to bow to people whose status is remarkably higher as a sign of respect. Although back in my world, my culture includes taking the back of the hand of an older person and lightly pressing our forehead with it.

"Adel, my husband is kind of intimidating at first, so I hope you won't get startled by his presence," the countess warned.

Well, he wouldn't be the count of House Vanidestine if he wasn't intimidating, or at least a bit menacing, since it's pretty challenging to handle a county with people dependent on your decisions.

The count also needs to subjugate monsters yearly, so I can't imagine how great of a husband and a lord he is.

"The Count and the Knights of Vanidestine have arrived!"