NOVEL NEXT Chapter 105 - Chapter 105: After Wesley's Route
Chapter 105: After Wesley’s Route
Monday after school. In the usual salon, with the usual members, the usual study session, which was more like a tea party, unfolded.
Last Thursday, when Miss Lizette used the hand mirror, there was definitely a subtle tension in the air. And even on Friday, there was a bit of awkwardness, and everyone dispersed with an air of unease. However, come Monday, everything was back to normal.
Upon re-appraising Wesley, he was labeled as “Enchantment – Faint”. The enchantment should have been dispelled once. Yet, the distance between him and Miss Violet seemed even closer than before. The attendees, excluding the two of them, all seemed rather uncomfortable. Especially Lizette and her handmaiden, who frowned, as they knew his enchantment had been dispelled once before.
To probe Wesley’s true intentions, I trailed him even after the study session. When confronted by a criticizing servant, he unapologetically retorted, “She will eventually be a high-ranking church official. I cannot afford to be discourteous.” Yeah, even if the enchantment is lifted, that’s just his nature. I decided not to assist him. Let him work hard as a harem member for Miss Violet.
On the other hand, there’s Lizette. If things continue like this, she will have nowhere to go. In Miss Violet’s notebook, it simply said ‘→ Convent’. It’s a cruel fate, even more so if she hasn’t done anything wrong. Moreover, if her situation worsens, there’s a possibility that Luca-sama might study abroad in Arcart. Luca-sama is the only one I can’t allow. Having a harem route as a paid item might be acceptable in the game, but in reality, it’s a turn-off for girls to act on it. I don’t want Luca-sama to become prey.
So, I decided to contact Lizette again. I don’t know if I can be of any help, but I want to assist if possible.
“Good evening, Mademoiselle.”
Just like with the hand mirror, I left a card in her room. Lizette and her handmaiden cautiously approached, wary of their surroundings.
“I’m not sure who you are, but do you think it’s appropriate to call a lady out at this time of night?”
“My apologies. I’m Alex. As you may know, I’m the one who gave you the hand mirror.”
In the courtyard at night, with a cloak and mask. It’s a bit cliché, but it’s my first time doing something like this. Luca-sama was excited about it, though.
I went straight to the point. At this rate, she’’ll end up going to the convent. It seems Lizette has already realized that.
(Note: I just realized there might be others who doesn’t know what “Convent” means so here it is :”Convent” typically refers to a community of nuns living together under religious vows, often secluded from the outside world, especially in Catholic traditions. It can also refer to the building or buildings where such a community lives. I know I should have put it earlier bit honestly… I’m just too lazy to scroll back up)
“But Miss has done nothing wrong! That’s just too much!”
“Be quiet. I appreciate your concern. But what he says is true. And perhaps, that’s the best outcome for my future. ——You, what do you mean by giving me a national treasure-grade artifact? Surely, you didn’t come here tonight just to give me useless advice, did you?”
Lizette understands her position well. She seems quite astute for a lady of the Laquell family. Wait, did she say the hand mirror is of national treasure grade? Was that the assessment from the institute? Well, let’s leave that aside for now.
“You’re a smart lady. You must be concerned that the young lady isn’t a good person. And even if Lord Wardington returns to his senses, he will probably accept her presence. It’s difficult to expect him to make a wise judgment. So, Mademoiselle, what do you want to do from now on?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I cannot intervene in reconciling you and Lord Wardington. However, I can show you other options or lend you my assistance. For example, starting a business. Being active as an adventurer. In Arcart, Lachine, or even in other countries. How about it?”
“That’s a kind offer, but it seems a bit too convenient for me. What’s in it for you?”
She’s quite sharp. You wouldn’t think she’s Mr. Louisson’s sister. No, considering she’s also Luca-sama’s sister, that might not be so far-fetched.
“In the future, there will surely be other ladies who suffer similar fates. If you lend them your strength, it would be appreciated.”
And so, after a bit of struggle, I succeeded in forming the “Victim Friends Association (temporary).”
On Tuesday, November 4th, I issued invitations, and on the night of the 5th, the association was formed. From Thursday, the 6th, Lizette began to skip the study sessions in the salon.
“I have realized that I am still inexperienced,” she said, using the pretext of self-study to slip out of the academy.
Her destination was a beginner’s dungeon near the capital of Arcart. This dungeon, too, was beloved by adventurers of all levels, from novices to seasoned citizens, young and old alike. Whether it’s because populous areas tend to attract popular dungeons or because anyone can easily obtain good materials there, it’s hard to say.
“Well then, shall we go?”
Miss Lizette, her handmaiden, and myself. We gathered in front of the dungeon and began our attack as a trio.
“Ahaha! This is thrilling, isn’t it? Is this what dungeons are like?”
Miss Lizette was in high spirits. I had expected as much. Why is it that water attribute users always seem eager to charge forward?
My biggest contribution is power leveling. It’s repetitive, but it’s the most efficient way to get results. Especially for Miss Lizette, who is expected to act as a healer and lead while married into the Margrave’s family.
One factor in Wesley switching to Miss Violet might be related to this. While light attributes are typically managed under the church’s umbrella, she is a rare stray light attribute. Miss Violet, being a light attribute who is essentially superior to water attribute healers, brings more prestige to the Wardington family. And even if she is absorbed by the church later on, the connection between the Margrave’s family and the church will likely remain strong.
Furthermore, despite his cool appearance, Wesley apparently prefers a sweet playstyle. Miss Violet’s notebook had ‘cuteness’ written in it. However, Miss Lizette is more of a career woman type. If you were playing a maiden game, you would constantly choose options that suit his tastes and completely captivate them. NPCs simply can’t keep up with that.
What Miss Lizette desired was power. While Luca-sama desired power with his chuunibyou, his sister desired power risking her woman’s pride. Water attribute is by no means inferior to light attribute. Certainly, light attributes have overwhelming cheat skills and are favored in many ways. That’s the protagonist’s privilege. But as I’ve said many times, water attributes are excellent in recovery, offense, water supply, and excel in multiple areas.
The unique aspect of water attributes compared to other attributes is that they share skills with light attributes while also sharing skills with dark attributes. They have not only healing but also poison generation and status ailment skills. While they may not match the expertise of light or dark attributes, they are extremely versatile. Water follows the path of least resistance, but it’s an all-rounder that shines wherever it goes.
“In that girl’s company, he’s gotten carried away. I’ll make sure to shut him up, together with that annoying woman!”
Miss Lizette strides confidently at the forefront, swinging her mace. Her wind attribute handmaiden follows, cheering, “As expected! Miss!”
Why are the members of the Laquell family like this? Both the Count’s family and the servants are a bit strange.
She quickly grasped the knack and advanced smoothly. Her intelligence and initiative to understand ten things from one are remarkable, but I wonder why she might not at least be Mr. Wesley’s favorite type…
As I followed her, I pondered which dungeon to take her to next.