"Now we announce Duke Ernest de Viona Wynard and his daughter, Lady Leonora!" the greeter rumbled, his voice overpowering the chattering of the gathered nobles.
Though all their attention was now collected onto the two, Leonora continued to smile but it wasn't domineering or conceited as the majority of the nobility expected.
Still, it didn't matter as her plan was just starting, the wheel of a cog finally fitting into place.
"Are you okay, Leonora?" her father asked worriedly, amber eyes scanning her for any signs of discomfort.
She took his hand in hers, gently holding it as though it was the most fragile thing in the world. "Father, I'm okay. You don't have to worry."
Calmly looking ahead, she took her steps down the large carpet road that lead to the royal thrones.
As much as the noisy and two-faced nobles would like to admit, the father-daughter duo looked absolutely stunning, much more different than usual.
Duke Ernest was using his normal, formal attire with his black coat buttoned up to the top with gold buttons with the Wynard insignia. His purple hair was combed back, allowing people to revel in the sharp features of his face. Underneath his coat was a pressed collared white shirt with a black tie snugly tied. However, what truly made him a step above was his amber eyes that gleamed in the light, almost turning gold like the embellishments and embroidery of gold.
Still, that was what he usually wore, but the difference was the expression on his face, the way he stared at his daughter as though she was the most precious thing in the world.
On the other hand, there was Leonora, the girl that was known to be unruly throughout the noble society. She now had a demure and mature expression on her face and eyes that sparkled with curiosity.
Not to mention her style change where she was now wearing a striped pastel yellow and white dress with a white, ruffled stomacher in front. Although she wasn't wearing a bonnet, her hair was styled into a side braid where a diamond stud was carefully interwoven with the hair to appear at every cross. Leonora also had a small diamond necklace on a silver chain hanging around her neck, but other than that, no jewels were to be found.
As they reached before the thrones, the Duke bowed and his daughter curtsied.
"We greet your Majesties."
"You may rise."
Leonora's eyes slowly rose up to look at the royals in front of her, to study their faces. She had to deem whether or not they were corrupt and needed to be purified. Although it would be done later on as they were hard to deal with and the assassination would have to be covert, it would be done if they showed the slightest sign.
The King and Queen sat very dignified on their thrones, as did the other two princes. The King had his fur-lined red coat and a pristine navy blue suit underneath. His hair and beard showed age and so did the wrinkles on his face, but his silver eyes still showed fierceness. On the other hand, the Queen showed no-fault as her sharp emerald green eyes looked out and her crown nestled perfectly in her black hair which was in a bun.
The princes, on the other hand, showed more disinterest than anything. The main capture target of the game, Crowned Prince Edgar, showed his displeasure with a deep sigh. He had fiery red hair, inherited from his father, and the same bright green eyes from his father. While he had features from both his father and mother, Prince Winston, the second prince, had both of his features from his mother.
Prince Winston was an oddball for Leonora as he wasn't even a capture target and barely showed up in the game at all. On his small throne, he showed a bit of discomfort as he obviously didn't want to be there.
"My, my, " the Queen laughed haughtily, "I see it is true how much your daughter as changed! It is a shame that she couldn't be matched with dear Edgar here as they would've looked wonderful together! Oh well, why don't you join me at my next tea party, Leonora?"
Leonora's back stiffened considerably as she was able to read the slight intention in the woman's voice. Still, she continued her act and frowned pitifully, "W-well, I didn't want to go anywhere until Mother is well..."
She then looked to her father with a small smile and clutched his hand tightly, adding, "I couldn't let Father come here alone either."
The Queen then sent a light smile to her, "I see. I heard about your memory loss and was hoping to be able to talk to you."
She waved at the two thrones next to her, both occupied with her own sons. "I only have boys so you're the closest thing to a daughter I have, Leonora. I hope that you and your mother are able to recover soon."
Leonora's face then blossomed with a shy red and she held her hand up to her mouth as though she didn't know what to do. "T-thank you, your Majesty."
Although she usually had to use the persona to lure in rapists and pedophiles, it was doing the job that it needed to do in high society.
Still, she just couldn't get it out of her head that Leonora was previously close to the Queen, intimate to even be considered kin. It had never been mentioned in the game or in the notes of the game developers. This scenario was just another piece of evidence that this is life, not a game.
Not only that but memories of accompanying the Queen were not returned. She couldn't tell if the woman was lying or not but from her tone and others not refuting her large claim, Leonora concluded that it was the truth. How could she be lacking this type of information though? The impact this would have on the game would be tremendous!
Again, she centered her rationalization. Information from the game can be useful, but shouldn't be skewed when faced with facts and evidence. How could she expect everything to turn out as the game?
There was no way, absolutely no way. That would never ever happen. It would be ridiculous to think like that, crazy.
It could help to have some precautions. Yes, only some. That way, if people were trying to accuse her, she'd have the evidence to back it up.
What she needed was the largest information network and not something that already existed. Leonora would have to create it by hand to make sure she couldn't be betrayed. She would be the one monitoring it, no one else.
Magic. That would be the only way possible and she'd eliminate every single corrupt- no, she was getting too ahead of herself. Ryoko hadn't even made her debut yet.
Thankfully, she had connected to Countess Aveline.
Since they had already successfully greeted the royals, the Duke headed to his social circle while she slowly made way to the area for kids her age. She didn't want to be there as the only thing she could make were connections, but none of the kids wanted to be near her. Amelie sat at a table with her own group of friends, clearly scowling at her.
Leonora was in no fashion welcomed there.
Instead, she walked on over to Countess Aveline, who was currently entertaining her fellow noblewomen with a juicy piece of gossip. The woman all laughed behind fans to conceal their delight as they divulged into rumors and secrets.
"Teacher, " she called out softly, already curtsying as the Countess turned, "Thank you very much."
"Not at all, " she responded smoothly with a jovial tone before turning back to the group to introduce Leonora formally, "This is Lady Leonora De Viona Wynard who I've personally been teaching dance to for quite a while now. I can say that I have almost nothing left to teach her."
"Ah, " one of the ladies responded, "She's quite the lady now. I've also heard that you've made Cecile Godwin your magic teacher. He's a... commoner, but I heard that he's quite picky when it comes to about anything. Do share what you know."
"Well, " she started off bashfully, "He came into our house without a care in the world. From what my father said, I presume that he was actually going to decline his request. It seems that I have sparked his interest? I don't know exactly what though. Mages are quite mysterious."
She took her vague lie for an answer and nodded thoughtfully. "That's very true. It's odd how the Magic Tower happens to decide on him for a candidate. Oh well, Mages dabble in what they'd like to dabble and all that complex magic isn't for me. Still, commoners aren't born with wealth in magic, especially from the slums. Perhaps the rumor is true about him being a bastard-"
Countess Aveline cut in harshly with a scolding tone, "Baron Jeanette!"
The woman then quickly shut her mouth, cheeks quickly spreading with redness. "I... I-I apologize for misspeaking."
"As you should. Are you trying to undermine the prestige and undeniably powerful Mages they outputted to protect our country and serve in times of war?"
"N-no, Countess."
"Then I suggest you keep your tongue from blabbering, " she advised, glancing at the Court Mages around, "The last thing you need is for them to hear you."
"Yes."
After the long silence, Leonora then asked to break the uncomfortable atmosphere, "Teacher Cecil to a candidate for the head of the Magic Tower?"
The Countess paused and pursed her lips, taking a few seconds to respond. "The Duke wanted the best for you, right? Cecil Godwin has the most supporters for the head title, however, he has been refusing it for a while now. Of course, there is opposition for the Noble Faction there actually, it would be the best to say the 'Pureblood Faction.' The Illegitimate nobles aren't opposed to it."
"Why would he refuse the title now?" she pondered aloud, "It would only close in on the divide between commoner and noble."
"Hmm, " she grinned sardonically, "You could say that he just doesn't want the responsibility. On multiple occasions, he's threatened to leave the Tower when they try to crack down on him. In other words, he's a powerful, procrastinating, mope."
To hear the woman insult someone was new for Leonora, even refreshing. The man must've hit many nerves to have the great Countess Aveline talk like that. It wasn't surprising at his lack of manners. What was surprising was that some noble didn't have a death warrant out on him, but then again, there's always the black market.
"Why don't you be a dear and run along now Leonora?" the Countess asked, "I'm sure Amelie will be happy to have you join her!"
She didn't have to look to know that Amelie was scowling at her back. Joining them would be the same way as entering a fight and that was the last thing she needed for her slowly redeeming reputation.
"Perhaps a bit later, " she answered sheepishly, "I have a bit of pent up energy and since I haven't formally debuted yet, I can't dance and put your teachings to good use. I'll probably find my father. Thank you again, Countess."
As she walked around the ballroom to scour for her father, her ears tuned in to the conversations around her. One, in particular, piqued her interest considerably.
"Have you heard about those serial murders?"
"Hush, hush, don't speak too loudly about this. It'll create a bad mood."
"Right, so, have the soldiers caught him yet?"
"No, the crazy bastard is still on the loose."
"What about the Mages? Can't they do anything about this?"
"Murderer didn't use Magic... Incompetent and stuck-up bastards, aren't they? So arrogant for being fuel for the Tower."
"He only targets women, right? It doesn't matter what age."
"That's right. They call him the 'Stomach Piercer' as he just stabs them straight in the gut and leaves them to bleed out in isolated areas... What was the territory again...?"
"Wasn't it under the Wynard household? They can't catch a break, can they?"
She hadn't heard of the case from her father before, but it would explain why he had so much paperwork lately. He wouldn't speak of such gruesome murders in front of his darling daughter either.
However, had he said something earlier, she wouldn't have had to search so hard for Ryoko's first target. The first one she would purify would be the 'Stomach Piercer' as it would garner good attention from both nobles and civilians alike.
Finally finding her father, she ran up to him and hugged his legs since that was what she could reach naturally. "Father! I was looking for you!"
She smiled as he patted her head while asking, "Why are you over here? Why aren't you with the other kids?"
"I wanted to see you, Father!" she exclaimed with a very bright smile, "I missed you and you were too far away!"
Then her attention was drawn to the people he was talking to and she quickly pulled away with an embarrassed face. She greeted them, "H-hello, I'm Leonora De Viona Wynard..."
They were definitely people of high stature and she couldn't lose face in front of them. This was also a perfect opportunity to show her humane and innocent side.
"Father, I heard people talking about this 'S-stomach piercer.' "
At those words, his expression certainly got darker.
"Is that why you have so much paperwork lately?" she then asked without skipping a beat. Leonora couldn't let his thoughts linger too much on what she heard or he would grow too angry.
"It is."
Then her face turned into a pout as she puffed out both cheeks. "If you wanted help you could've asked me! I would help you with everything I have! You always look so worried and you always make time for me! I should return the favor!"
The Duke's expression was stunned for a few moments before his face stretched into a handsome smile. "I'm glad that you're concerned about me, Leonora. That truly makes me happy."
"I guess... you get a pass this time."
He looked to his group of noble friends and then turned back to his daughter. "Isn't it about time you go back to the other kids? I'll take you there."
Hoisting her up in his arms, her father then said to his group, "I'll be back in a bit."
Leonora didn't hesitate to wave with a cheerful smile on her face, "Bye-bye! Thanks for being friends with Father!"
She didn't miss it as some of them couldn't hold in their laughter as her last sentence. It sounded like a mother being proud that their child had friends.
Still, for Leonora that didn't have any, she was quite proud of her father. He was able to do something she struggled with greatly. None of the children wanted to be friends with her, after all.
It was also an act. A child acting too mature for their age without acting childish at all would be too suspicious. What if someone accused her of being possessed or even replaced Leonora? Once in a while she would have to reveal a childish nature to have people ease off on suspecting her of anything.
He brought her back to one of the children's tables and patted her head before heading back to rejoin his social circle. Though she hadn't heard any gossip from the group, Leonora was sure that she made an impression on them.
Calling over one of the palace maids, she had them serve tea to her lonely table. She sipped away, waiting for some type of commotion to play out between the young nobles. Even though they were raised to be proper, they were still children and could still throw tantrums.
It wasn't long until she heard a bang on someone's table and the enraged voice of a noble girl.
Looking over, she saw Amelie clearly flaring her nose at another young noble girl that sat at the same table. Amelie's chair was then pushed back as the young pigtailed girl approached the female on the opposite side.
Leonora's memories weren't exactly much help as the girl previously didn't care to memorize the names of the other people around her except for family and royals... But how come ones about the Queen personally were either erased or blocked off? It certainly made no sense.
Perhaps she would inquire about it with Cecil once they returned home. Perhaps it was magic-induced since she was only checked for injuries, not magic interference.
The young girl that was being harassed had short, black hair up to her shoulders. She also had doe-eyes with pink irises with thick and long eyelashes. Her skin was also without blemish and porcelain, as though she was a doll for young girls.
"How dare you!?" Amelie shouted at her, raising her voice considerably. Her blue eyes then searched the table around them for anything to throw.
In the meanwhile, the trembling victim got up from her chair and was currently trying to find a way to escape. However, she had no idea where she could go.
Amelie then grabbed a teacup and was ready to splash it on the girl.
Preparing, Leonora sighed and then had her face contort into one of worry. She quickly sprinted to shield the young noble. Sure, it wasn't customary for a lady to run, but she was also a child.
Arms spreading protectively out, Leonora didn't flinch when hot water spilled onto her face, drenching her dress, and reddening her skin. Instead, she looked back at the pink-eyed girl with a smile.
"Are you okay? It didn't get on you, did it?"
Although she couldn't manage to squeak out a word, her head feverishly shook no.
"Why...?" Amelie muttered, her knuckles turning white, "Why do you have to always have to be in the way!?"
It wasn't long before Amelie pounced on Leonora, grabbing her side-braid and yanking on it.
"Why? Why do you have to protect this Baron child that doesn't know her place in front of a Countess's child!? Why do you have to take away my mother!? It isn't our fault yours is on her deathbed! Stay away from us!"
Leonora didn't struggle, instead of letting her yank her hair once more to stumble to the ground. Her eyes stung with tears, but she still didn't want to be saved.
She needed to be fragile yet strong.
"Are you finished?" Leonora then asked, breaking her silence as she got up from the floor.
"What?"
"I asked if you were done. Have you enjoyed harassing other people? Has your anger been quenched?" Her eyes narrowed as she waited for her answer.
"Of course not! It won't be until my mother no longer goes to your home!"
Gesturing to the eyes around them, she casually informed, "But your mother was requested to teach me. I never forced her to. She accepted my invitation. It's as simple as that."
"But-!"
"I let you pull on my hair because I know your frustrations of not having a mother. However..." her eyes looked to the Baron girl and she continued, "I will not tolerate injustices against other people because you view that it is fine."
"You did this all the time!"
"I... did?" Leonora paused and tearfully looked to everyone else, "I did this to everyone?"
The other children averted her eyes but it was an obvious silent answer of yes.
With a deep breath, she then pledged, "I promise on my last name of De Viona Wynard that I will not unjustly throw my power and wealth around. If I am to break this promise, may I be struck down on the spot."
"Leonora!" a voice called out, her father.
"Father, I'm fine, " she replied back, "It's only water."
There was another shout, "Amelie!"
The Countess angrily approached her daughter, eyes unforgiving and disappointed. "We're leaving now."
"But I-"
She was cut off once again and remained in silence as she trailed behind her mother. The two exited the large doors of the banquet hall.
Her father then walked up beside her, taking his pocket-handkerchief to wipe her face. "You're not fine. You might have gotten burnt. Why didn't you use your magic?"
He was then extracting the magic from her clothes, water floating out in globules.
She laughed sheepishly, "Well... my body just moved on its own. Before I knew it, I was in front taking the splash."
"Come, let's leave also. We'll head to our capital residence for a night so you can get warmer. How does that sound?"
"It sounds nice, Father."