Chapter 34: 30. Catherine – A Change of Plans
Something's off.
Something is definitely off.
I mean, think about it. The second semester just started, and we're supposed to be deepening our bonds from here on out. But now, Dario has already cancelled his engagement?
I haven't even done anything yet.
On top of that, isn't the engagement being annulled supposed to only happen in Dario's route? In the reverse harem route, Cecilia is supposed to have a happy marriage, right? So why has the engagement already been canceled?
It's definitely strange. But still…
"Oh, good day, Lord Dario."
"Ah, Catherine. Are you on your way home?"
…Dario seems completely normal.
"Lord Dario~ Has anything strange happened recently?"
Other than the engagement being called off, of course. Not that I can say that part out loud.
Still, Dario should pick up on it. After pondering my question with an "Hmm…" for a while, Dario finally said, "Now that you mention it…"
"Father has been acting strange lately."
His father? Dario's father? The Prime Minister is acting strange? Hmm.
"Come to think of it, Father was asking if I was doing well, too."
"Oh, same here! I was wondering if you were okay too, Dario," chimed in Edgar and Chris, as if remembering something.
Dario frowned and asked, "Why?"
But both of them just responded with, "Who knows," looking just as confused.
It seems that when they asked their respective parents, "Why do you ask?" all they got in return was, "As long as he's fine, it's okay."
"Could it be because Dario's engagement got canceled?"
Arthur, ever the carefree one, casually threw out the remark. But everyone nodded, saying, "That could be it."
Honestly, I can't think of any other reason either. If that's the case, then it would make sense why the Prime Minister is feeling down.
Cecilia's family is an old, distinguished noble, right? Even in the reverse harem route, the game mentioned needing the backing of a noble lineage. It might have been a big shock to the Prime Minister.
…Wait a minute. Does that mean I'm the cause?
"Could it be… the engagement being canceled is my fault?"
I asked nervously. If the Prime Minister has set his sights on me because of this, that's a big problem.
"No, I don't think so."
"I-I think that's unlikely too," said Dario, tilting his head, while Chris nodded in agreement.
Well, that makes sense. After all, we haven't even deepened our bonds yet, so it's not like we're romantically involved or anything. It's perfectly fine for boys and girls at the academy to get along, right?
…It's fine, isn't it? We're just schoolmates. Getting along isn't a big deal. We're not holding hands or meeting in secret as a couple. It's totally fine, right?
"This annulment was something the Hartfield family decided one-sidedly," Dario explained.
According to Dario, Cecilia's family took all the subsidies money they could get, then turned their backs on Dario's family and called off the engagement.
"But doesn't that mean Lady Cecilia's family will lose the subsidies—"
"Apparently, they've started some new business venture."
With a sigh, Dario explained that Cecilia's family had begun producing beauty products, which were now being marketed by Elizabeth's family.
Beauty products? Wait, what? That's the classic way of business for reincarnators!
I froze on the spot, struck by how familiar the story sounded. On top of that, Elizabeth's family was involved in distributing the products…
That woman has to be a reincarnator, doesn't she? Unforgivable. Trying to beat me to the punch and make money by producing beauty products… how utterly shameless. This world exists for me!
"—Cathy…"
It's obvious Elizabeth is involved in this scenario change—
"Cathy."
"Oh, yes?"
—Oops, I didn't realize someone was calling me. I quickly put on a smile for Edgar, but seeing his worried expression makes me feel a bit guilty.
"You didn't know about the beauty products?"
Edgar's suspicious tone makes me stammer, "N-No, I didn't," and nod reflexively.
Apparently, according to Edgar and the others, it's become quite the buzz at the academy. People are saying Elizabeth and Cecilia's skin looks amazing, and all the female students are talking about it…
…Oh no. I've completely fallen behind on information because I don't have any female friends. Wait, could this be another one of Elizabeth's traps?
"Yeah, Cecilia and Elizabeth do look a lot more beautiful these days."
Arthur's carefree comment is met with an awkward "Y-Yeah, they do" from both Edgar and Dario.
Excuse me, what?! Are you seriously lusting after the girls you've already dumped? Do you have any idea how much that hurts me?!
Fine. I'll show them exactly how deeply words like that can wound a girl.
"Lady Elizabeth and Lady Cecilia are so much more beautiful than I am…"
I let the words tumble out in a dejected tone.
Edgar and Dario immediately panic, stammering, "Th-That's not true!"
Serves you right—maybe now you'll think twice before saying something stupid.
"If you used those beauty products, Cathy, you'd outshine them both."
"Exactly."
"Oh, stop it~"
Hearing their synchronized praise, with Chris and Arthur chiming in their agreement, so I decide to let it slide this time.
Anyway, it seems the reason Dario's father is so feeling down is because of something weird Elizabeth has done. As for the beauty products… they're definitely the work of a reincarnator.
Fine. If that's the case, I have my own plan.
For now, I'll put the harem route on hold and focus on strengthening my position.
Judging by how things have been going, Elizabeth seems determined to sabotage my reverse harem route.
So, I'll use that to my advantage and crush Elizabeth… no, the reincarnator that was possessing her
Once my reputation as a saintess rises, I'll gain access to divine revelations in the game. If I claim a divine revelation has shown me that Elizabeth is possessed by a forbidden witch… then that's perfect. I can eliminate anyone who stands on my way.
Sure, this skips the game's story progression straight to fighting the final boss, and yes, the enemy will be the entire country, but that's Elizabeth fault for starting this fight.
I might have to ignore some reverse harem events, but I already know everyone's struggles and personalities inside out. While saving the world, I'll slowly form new bonds with them.
After all, there's no problem with the saintess who saved the world ending up in a relationship with her companions, right?
Now that it's decided, I'll start by completing the closest Saintess main event. If I remember correctly, around this time, a farming village near the royal capital is being attacked by several stray magic beasts—Big Apes.
There haven't been any casualties yet, but if I remember correctly, someone will be attacked tonight. This is where we step in, help the troubled village, slay the magic beasts, heal the injured, and even cook up some meals for them.
It's a small, low-profile event that raises my virtue and fame as a saintess just a little. There's plenty of time before it disappears, but the sooner, the better. It feels like the perfect task for us right now.
Plus, if I remember correctly, the Big Apes' movement involves orcs and, ultimately, the real culprit—a giant variant of the Armor Lizard. If we all work together, it should be manageable, and it'll help everyone level up. More importantly, it'll raise our adventurer rank.
A higher rank adventurer means access to new dungeons… Alright. Let's start clearing the Saintess main events.
"By the way, does everyone have plans for tomorrow~?"
"Not really…"
At Edgar's response, Dario, Chris, and Arthur exchanged glances and nodded.
Of course, I knew that already. I made sure to check that everyone was free tomorrow. In the game, it's a free exploration day—perfect for going out with anyone, or even everyone.
"If it's alright, I'd like to visit a nearby village~."
"A village?"
"Yes."
I nodded and explained that an ominous presence was looming over a nearby village.
"What?"
Edgar reacted immediately, and the other three leaned in, curious.
"Is this a divine foresight?"
"Yes. I think it might be Big Apes or something similar~."
If I recall correctly, the village chief should be submitting a request to the adventurer's guild today. However, it's likely been ignored so far.
The damages are minor—just some crops—and the information is vague.
The reward is also too low to attract adventurers. Most adventurers would focus on investigating the root cause if it really were Big Apes, as their habitat is deep in the forest.
Still, if we don't act quickly, another group of adventurers might beat us to it. We need to get there in time to help the village.
"Catherine, is that ominous presence very strong?"
"It's still weak~, but I don't think we can ignore it~."
When I answered Dario's question, Edgar and the others exchanged glances and nodded.
"Then we'll set out first thing in the morning."
"We'll need to prepare, so that's the best option."
With Edgar and Dario's direction, we decided to meet at the eastern gate of the capital at dawn. While the scattered orcs and a few Big Apes shouldn't pose much trouble, the Armored Lizards deep in the forest is formidable. I'll need to rest well tonight to be at my best.
After all, our success depends on my buffs.
Just you wait, Elizabeth. I'll prove that I am the true saintess and heroine.
————-
While Catherine was fired up about her change in plans…
"What part of this is supposed to taste good?"
"No idea… I'm not sure…"
"Idiots. Just bring it all."
Randy, Liz, and Ellie were in a forest near the royal capital, wrestling with a pile of orc meat.
They were picking the best cuts to bring as gifts to the village where they planned to stay the night. Unbeknownst to them, this very orc-related event was the cause of the scenario Catherine was targeting.