The Protagonist's Party is Too Diligent

Chapter 94

"Hah, really."

The terrace was sparsely populated.

No, it seemed designed that way on purpose.

Unlike the casino below, which had no windows, just two floors up was a large ballroom with several big windows. The building extended even higher, likely where the hotel floors were located. While the students from the academy were staying at Northwood Castle—a place whose value was almost beyond monetary calculation—something told me that even if this place charged for rooms, it wouldn’t be quite as costly.

"I'm *such* a devout follower of the Goddess, you know. I can tolerate being touched, but I draw the line at anything further. Would you like me to start undressing right here?"

The woman closed the terrace curtains with a playful smirk.

Turning my head slightly, I could see couples on other terraces, some indulging in activities ranging from sitting on each other's laps to heavy petting. It seemed to be a sort of stopover before things escalated further.@@@@

The terraces were open spaces, though spread far enough apart that, despite some light from below, it would be difficult to clearly identify anyone unless they were nearby.

"..."

I took a seat on the guest sofa, crossed my legs, and fixed my gaze on her as she casually tucked her hand next to her chest with a coy smile.

"..."

"..."

"W-What? Do you actually want me to undress?"

She hesitated, her smirk faltering as I continued to stare without a word.

"If it’s part of the service included in the thirty pounds."

At that, her eyes widened before she quickly put on a bold smile and replied, "I didn’t know Her Highness had such tastes."

"Then if you can’t, you could always consider it the price for information instead."

"So you came here already knowing who I am?"

"Of course. Lady Verati."

The woman’s face turned rigid at my words.

"I’ve come to find out why Lady Chiara Verati is here in disguise."

"So you already knew when you came?"

"To be precise, I wanted to confirm what I already suspected."

"...So, you already knew everything?"

Chiara Verati looked both exasperated and resigned as she removed her hand from her chest and let it fall to her side.

"I suppose the warnings from the Papal Office were justified."

"To be exact, caution wouldn’t have hidden anything from me."

Chiara shrugged at that, glancing around before meeting my gaze again.

"But if you thought such a paltry sum could buy state secrets..."

"I understand. But what you consider a 'secret' is already safely stored in my mind, so there’s no need to worry. As I mentioned, the money was merely for confirmation."

"So you’re fine with spilling everything you already know?"

Chiara’s expression was incredulous, but I didn’t waver.

Naturally.

Long ago, before the world had taken shape,

there had existed a civilization from a time before everything collapsed.

Some of that civilization's architecture and artifacts had survived the Great Cataclysm.

The Holy Kingdom gave these places and objects the titles of “ruins” and “relics” and went about calling them sacred. They scoured various places in secret.

And to avoid suspicion, they used scapegoats.

Sometimes it was a band of thieves, sometimes a monster that had inconveniently appeared, sometimes an unlucky weather event.

Or sometimes, “warlords.”

"..."

She didn’t respond, but I could tell I’d struck a nerve. Everything here was following the main storyline almost to the letter.

"No response? Then there will be no prophecy."

"...Fine."

Grinding her teeth, Chiara Verati admitted it.

Not that she had any choice. By the time I’d revealed everything I knew, the Holy Kingdom’s plan was doomed, with its chances of success greatly diminished.

Acknowledging this and gaining something from me would be a better option.

In that sense, my offer was quite generous.

"Impressive. You really do live up to being the Empire’s future empress."

"I am not the next empress."

My tone wasn’t mocking, but I corrected her matter-of-factly.

"...So, did you let another princess trail after us so she could be informed?"

...Someone was following us?

"Are you making fun of me?"

Seeing my silence, Chiara Verati rose in annoyance and strode toward the terrace entrance. Before I could stop her, she pulled the curtain aside.

"...Oh."

Standing there, plain as day, were Claire—dressed in casual attire like me—and Leo, who seemed to have followed her.

And in front of the two of them...

was Alice.

Alice, in a sky-blue bunny girl outfit.

"..."

Alice and I locked eyes, both speechless.

Though she should have been shocked by all the talk of prophecies she’d overheard... the embarrassment of meeting me in that revealing outfit seemed to weigh heavier on her expression.

...

I sighed deeply and thought to myself.

Again.