[TTH] 23 – The targets of the conquest gradually appear. And finally, the heroine has appeared. (2)

Unfortunately, I am the villainous who is jealous of the popular heroine, not just the character that the heroine chooses to conquer.

Since the bitchy Richeli sets up erotic situations with the other characters not chosen by the heroine, not only does she interfere with the course of love and play the role of a foil, but she also ends up going to the convent for committing infidelity against her fiancé, a ruinous end that awaits her in every route.

For me, Rin, who is ordinary inside, it would actually be comfortable and welcome to go to the convent, but that's beside the point.

Undoubtedly, my love for Zinon, which has now grown uncontrollable, will be shattered to pieces.

But still.

And yet.

Naturally, I have the urge to struggle because I am a maiden, too.

I don't know about the previous Richeli, but there's no way that I, who am now Rin, would set up erotic situations with other characters besides Zinon.

So, if the heroine doesn't choose Zinon...? Maybe there's a chance I could stay engaged to Zinon? I can't help but hope.

If my memory serves me correctly, the blossoming of the bitchiness in Richeli in the otome game begins spectacularly when she tempts Reginald, the gardener's nephew, and loses her virginity.

Two years ago, then, I, who had barely switched with Richeli in the middle of reincarnation, was about to fall into Reginald's hands, but thanks to Zinon's help, I miraculously avoided it.

I am still a virgin.

In addition, thanks to the fact that I had been taking Majiram until yesterday, I had not tampered with my own body, unlike when I was Rin. I'm pristine.

This might make a big difference in future developments, right? I can't help but want to bet on a glimmer of hope.

At least it seems that Zinon still intends to go through with the political marriage with me, his fiancée arranged since childhood.

So, please let it stay this way...

I hope the words Zinon said to me this morning about getting married without waiting two more years come true.

As the view from the carriage begins to reflect the royal city's cityscape, the magic academy gradually approaches.

My heart starts to cloud over, and even though nothing has started yet, I feel a tearing pain in my chest.

"Ah."

Startled by a pull on my shoulder, I look up to see a hand supporting my cheek. Blue eyes closed in front of me, and the feeling of warm lips descending onto mine.

"Ah... Hmm..."

My heart flutters and I feel a pleasant pain.

Zinon embraces me, trapping me in his sturdy chest.

I love him.

I love you so much, Zinon.

Don't let go. I want to be yours forever like this.

Every time I wish for that, I naturally start to shake, barely stroking Zinon's chest with my trembling hand and clinging to him.

What if Zinon falls in love today?

What if the heroine falls in love with Zinon, too?

I don't want to see the still where Zinon finds the heroine; the heroine looks at Zinon, and their eyes are locked onto each other.

Despite my best efforts, I can't stop the tears from overflowing.

***

The Magic Academy of Elrand is like a large chalk-white castle. It is filled with plants, known as magical plants, that do not grow on Earth and are unlike any I've ever seen, a garden full of them, and a rainbow-coloured fountain that springs up in the centre of the path leading to the auditorium.

Today, being the first day of school for new students, many luxurious carriages are parked near the garden, and the fountain outside, and many fresh faces of noble sons and daughters are blooming.

When Zinon appears, the crown prince's arrival causes a stir, the atmosphere tightens appropriately, a large space is opened in the centre, and everyone moves to the sides, all at once giving Zinon the gentleman's and lady's salutation. At times like these, I feel the boundary between Zinon and myself distinctly.

I also have to take a step back behind Zinon, not so much as a duke's daughter but as Zinon's fiancée, and proceed with the etiquette of a lady while maintaining a posture I learned in queen's education.

I should call Zinon "Your Highness" when we're not alone, right? I think to myself, making sure I don't accidentally slip up.

Then, a handsome man with intelligent hazel eyes and amber-coloured hair flowing down to his shoulders, giving an intellectual impression, approaches us.

"Patrick."

"Your Highness, it's been a while."

"Don't lie, we just met yesterday."

Zinon and Patrick exchange casual greetings, bantering lightly.

"Hehe, that's right. It's been a while, hasn't it, Lady Richeli?"

"It's been a while, Lord Patrick."

Smiling at each other, Patrick and I are acquainted.

"It's been since the New Year's party last year, so this is the first time this year."

I nod and smile again. I wonder if my face is a little strained. I worry inwardly.

This was Patrick. I was astonished when I first met him.

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