Chapter 6 — Moon Princess

Two years had passed since then, and I was preparing for my regular visit to the kingdom. My body was beginning to change as I entered puberty—my voice was losing its childish tone. Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me. The twins had come to see me off.

"You look happy, Rex. Is it because you'll see that woman again?"

"Rex-kun, you're not cheating on me, are you?"

I quickly reassured them.

"This is just to strengthen relations with the kingdom."

"Really? You're wagging your tail like a dog in heat!"

"Of course not. I have two beautiful princesses at home—why would I need other women?"

"...!"

"Hehe, he called me beautiful."

For months, the twins had been acting more... aggressive toward me. Not violent, but they'd get uncomfortably close whenever I greeted any female servants.

They'd begun developing too—their hair had grown longer, gradually matching their in-game appearances. All villainesses were beautiful, creating stark contrast with the plain, generic heroine (which was supposedly her charm).

What idiot would choose an NPC-looking girl over a beauty?

Though I hadn't expected "that part" to develop so quickly. Their breasts were growing—already matching their in-game size, which meant they'd get even bigger? My teenage body couldn't help being drawn to feminine charms.

"You... where are you looking, you pervert!" Anne noticed me staring at her chest and covered herself in embarrassment.

"Disgusting! Degenerate!"

"S-sorry! I just can't believe you went from flat to rivaling the bustiest maids... wait, what am I saying?!"

Puberty was taking over.

Mary suddenly lifted her own breasts with her arms.

"Rex-kun, my onee-chan is too tsundere and clumsy. You can look at mine instead—they're bigger."

"Remember, these breasts belong to you."

Mary had become aggressively affectionate. If she tried pulling my pants down like before, things might escalate dangerously now.

"I'm thinking about breasts too much today."

"Mary! Stop flaunting your chest at this pervert!"

"And you—get out noooooooow!"

◇◇◇

Arriving at Duke Rysburg's mansion, I was greeted by Ellie, who'd also developed beautifully—especially in the chest area.

"Rex-chan, I'm glad you're well," she said elegantly, though the "-chan" was unnecessary.

"Likewise, Ellie-chan."

"Don't address noble ladies so familiarly unless you're engaged!"

"But you told me to call you that."

"That's different!"

(This girl's logic confuses me sometimes.)

Ellie then shared good news: "Her Majesty approved your request."

"Really?"

"Yes, but I'll be your escort."

(Time to advance my next objective.)

◇

I asked Ellie to get me a permit to enter the palace. The reason was to investigate documentation of the principality.

The queen understood that if she could make the younger generations stop hating the kingdom, both sides would win. It took time, surely because the ministers opposed, but Duke Rysburg must have supported me.

The game's prologue is getting closer, and I must move my pieces soon.

I got separated from Ellie when I least expected it and headed to a specific place. I needed to avoid a tragic event.

I walked through a private section of the palace. Getting in was easy with Ellie, but now I had to move on my own, as if I were lost.

I studied this place well in the game. The principality's palace had a similar structure—surely due to the developers' laziness.

After wandering around, I succeeded: I heard light footsteps. In the silence, they were easy to distinguish.

I opened the door where the sound was coming from and found a dimly lit greenhouse. Though it was dark, one figure stood out: a girl watering plants.

Her silver hair shone like the moon, so beautiful that, without realizing it, I approached and took it. It was soft like Caribbean sand, with a sweet scent reminiscent of a spring flower field.

When I reacted, I saw the girl looking at me, surprised and frightened.

"I'm very sorry. I was dazzled by the beauty of your hair, which seems like the very reflection of the moon."

"Huh? Beautiful hair?" The girl blushed.

It was a strange encounter, but she blushed. I think I'm succeeding, though I feel like a pervert.

"Rexxxxx!!!!" Ellie entered and gave me a smack on the head. "Here you are! Don't leave my side! You could get into trouble!"

Noticing the girl, Ellie got scared, took my head, and forced me to kneel, slamming my face against the floor.

"I apologize for my guest's disrespect, Your Highness Marie!"

"Highness? She's a princess?"

"Yes, idiot!" Ellie shouted. "She is the kingdom's first princess, Marie Lilinette Phil Lynneburg."

I already knew, but I needed her to introduce her to me.

"Apologize to her for whatever you said."

"But I didn't do anything."

"You're lying!"

Princess Marie raised a hand and murmured:

"E-Eliza-san, it's alright. He didn't say anything unpleasant to me... In fact, he complimented me. It was strange, because it's the first time someone has complimented me sincerely."

Then she stared at me intently with her bright blue eyes.

"Was what you said true?"

"What?"

"That my hair is beautiful like the moon."

I stood up, adopting a chivalrous posture.

"I don't lie. I was amazed by your silver hair, but now that I see you properly... your blue eyes, your white skin, your angelic face... You are beautiful. You would be the second most beautiful woman I have seen."

"The first, by the way, is your mother, who still makes my heart race."

"That last part was unnecessary!" Ellie hit my butt and I fell to the floor.

Princess Marie laughed, covering her mouth.

"I see. You are the one who complimented my mother. I was curious about who would be such a fool to say such false things... but now I see they were sincere. And... it made me happy."

"Could you tell me your name officially?" She extended her hand to me, so delicate I feared breaking it with a squeeze.

"I am the son of Viscount Leone of the Principality of Blanchett: Alex Arlen Leone. A pleasure."

"The pleasure is mine. I am Marie Lilinette Phil Lynneburg, eldest daughter of the first queen. Eliza-san, Alex-san, would you like to join me for tea? I left it warming."

"I-if you wish it, I cannot refuse."

"What man would reject the invitation of such a beautiful princess?"

Ellie whispered in my ear:

"Every word you say, I'll tell Annerose when you return."

A cold sweat ran down my back as I imagined Anne turning into an oni.

◇◇◇

We had tea, but a question arose for me.

"Excuse me, Princess Marie, why are there no maids around?"

"...!"

It seems my question caused discomfort, judging by how Ellie was looking at me.

"Well, you are a foreigner, so you may not know," Marie explained softly. "In the kingdom, there is a superstition: silver hair is a bad omen. Whenever someone like that appears, misfortunes occur."

"From inexplicable earthquakes to wars, famines, and plunder... the epicenter was always near someone with hair like mine. That's why, for years, the country had no people with this hair color," she continued, nervously playing with her cup. "Until I was born. They couldn't get rid of me because I am royalty, but as a princess, they left me alone."

"My mother visits me, though the servants try to prevent it. My younger brother hardly comes anymore... My father and grandfather see me occasionally," her voice trembled slightly. "So I've spent almost my whole life alone. I learned to fend for myself. The last time I spoke with someone was five days ago, with a knight who got lost."

Her face showed deep sadness, though she tried to hide it. Ellie clenched her fists, visibly affected.

"I don't like that either," Ellie said firmly. "Something similar happens to me. People mock my red hair, saying I look like a demon. And that infuriates me!"

Demons... Another problem I'll have to face.

What I heard angered me. I stood up from my seat with determination.

"Those who mock are idiots! Both of your hair is beautiful, as are your faces. And your personalities are what matter most!" I said vehemently. "Ellie is bossy and boastful, but she's a good girl. And Princess Marie is sweet and kind. I don't understand how anyone could insult them!"

"If I had them here, I'd beat them up and demand they apologize," I added, punching my palm with my fist.

Both blushed. My plan to avoid her ruin was going well. Now, to finish it off:

"And besides, both of you have big breasts! How dare they criticize beauties with such attributes?"

My eyes involuntarily drifted to Princess Marie's cleavage. Though only two years older than me, her bust surpassed that of the twins and Ellie. I hadn't planned to say it, but my hormones spoke for me.

Princess Marie is a villain, just like Ellie... But I can't explain that now.

"Damn idiot!" Ellie shouted, slapping me hard. "Stop looking at us like that and apologize to Her Highness!"

"But it's true! Your hair is beautiful and your breasts are magnificent!"

"Puuuh!" Ellie was almost steaming with anger. "Enough talking about breasts, you damn boob-obsessed pervert!"

◇◇◇

Princess Marie watched as Ellie kicked Alex.

She should have been offended, but she was delighted.

It was the first time someone had genuinely—not forcedly—told her that her hair was beautiful.

In the future, the reason she becomes a villain is that someone used those same sweet words to brainwash and manipulate her.

She asked them:

"Hey, do you have the day free?"

"I'd like to invite you somewhere."

Ellie stopped hitting Alex, and both nodded.

◇◇◇

A few minutes later, after speaking to a guard, he left, and she extended her hand to both of them, beckoning them to follow.

"Whenever I'm bored, I come to this place."

"It's the place I wanted to take you."

"Better yet, this is a place only the royal family is allowed to enter—with a few exceptions."

"The Royal Library."

The Royal Library and the Palace Library are different yet similar. Both hold private information that only ministers and influential nobles can access, but the Royal Library contains records from the country's founding, documentation of secret heirs, and information that would never come to light.

Ellie wanted to scream at Marie, "Are you insane, Princess?! Showing confidential information to a foreigner?" But then she remembered she had planned to do the same.

"I haven't been to the Palace Library or the public library, so I don't know if they're all this huge."

The Royal Library was so vast it stored hundreds of books—some shelves empty, but every book contained valuable information.

"I use this place to be alone and read. None of the content here interests me, so if you came looking for something, this place might have more complete information."

"Thank you very much, Princess."

(I know this place from the game, and it doesn't have any unknown information about the Principality.)

(If the Principality was truly a victim, they wouldn't write about it, but there might be something interesting.)

Alex went to search for books about the Principality, along with Ellie.

Marie stayed with them as they read.

"Nothing important here that I didn't already know. And it smells like fertilizer."

"They're old, well-preserved books—it's normal for them to smell odd. That's why the pages are yellowed."

"If you're done searching, how about we start a book club?"

The princess wanted to get along with them. Alex also wished for it. Ellie felt speaking casually to the princess was rude, but seeing her loneliness, she wanted to befriend her too.

They agreed and looked for books for him.

Alex pulled one from the shelf—and saw an eye.

"Uwaah!"

He screamed—and so did someone else.

The girls rushed over, and Marie said:

"Huh? Ethan-kun, what are you doing here?"

A blond-haired, blue-eyed boy was hiding behind the bookshelf.

"Marie… Onee-sama."

"Eh?! Your Highness Ethan?!"

Alex stood up and, hearing them, deduced who he was.

(So, this is the kingdom's second prince—the eldest son of the second queen.)

(He's also categorized as a villain, but I'm not interested in saving a man.)

"I'm so sorry, I was just— I'll leave right away."

"Wait, Ethan-kun, you don't have to go. You can stay with us."

Prince Ethan looked sad and tried to leave.

Alex sighed.

(I'm not interested in saving a man, but the second prince is a key piece in a certain in-game event. If I can get him on my side like the crown prince, I might prevent that event.)

Alex glanced at the book he was holding and pretended to recognize it.

"Eh?! Isn't that a book on golem-focused magic?"

"Huh? You like golems?" asked the young prince, intrigued.

"Of course! There are no mages where I'm from, but I've seen images of golems—they're fascinating. I've always wanted to see one."

"Oh."

The prince seemed interested.

"Do you want to read it? I could lend it to you."

"Really? I'd love that."

(Well, it's true I said I wanted male companionship.)

"Then… I'll join you. Ah, I'm Ethan Cody Phil Rosenbauer. A pleasure."

"Alex Arlen Leone. Likewise."

Ethan sat with them to chat.

Though reluctant, Alex achieved two great feats that day—ones that would bring him immense help in the future.

◇

It was the last night of my stay in the kingdom. Ellie asked if I could accompany her to a coming-of-age party.

In this world, the coming-of-age celebration was held when children turned twelve—considered the age when they began preparing for adulthood.

I asked her if it was really okay for me to go instead of her fiancé, the prince. She replied irritably, "He said he was busy and couldn't come, so just go with me."

"Normally, a lady's fiancé should accompany her. If she doesn't have one, then her brother should go. But if neither is available, a servant can attend instead."

"But I'm not a servant."

"That's why we're going to a party where none of my acquaintances—or anyone who knows you—will be."

"Well, if that's the case… I accept."

After agreeing, I changed into formal attire and slicked my hair back. We arrived at a luxurious mansion—apparently belonging to a baron. It was incredible that this was considered modest by noble standards.

The moment we entered, I noticed everyone staring at Ellie. She looked radiant, breathtakingly beautiful.

While most praised her elegance, there were also whispers—harsh words spoken just loud enough to hear.

"Look at her. Her first social debut, and she shows up with a servant despite having an older brother and a fiancé."

"If I were her, I'd be too ashamed to show my face after arriving with a mere attendant."

But one comment in particular made my blood boil.

"She looks grotesque with those misshapen breasts."

(How dare they insult a girl whose body is still developing?!)

(You flat-chested plank, don't you dare talk about Ellie like that!)

"Ignore them," I muttered.

Ellie held my hand, as was customary for escorts, but she seemed genuinely comforted by my presence.

She mingled with the guests while I lingered in a corner, watching. Eventually, she returned after speaking with some other young nobles.

"I'm going to the restroom. Behave yourself—no picking fights or praising some other girl's chest."

"Don't worry. No one here compares to you."

"…"

She left slightly flustered, but I couldn't shake a strange sense of déjà vu.

I stepped into the courtyard for fresh air—the venomous gossip here was suffocating.

Then, a commotion caught my attention.

"How dare you reject my offer!"

"I-I'm sorry, but I really can't go with you…"

A heavyset boy was intimidating a trembling girl. I should've ignored it, but her terrified expression tugged at me. She wasn't a game character—just a background NPC like me. Yet, her tear-streaked face awakened something protective in me.

"Apologies for the delay, young miss. I couldn't find what you asked for."

As a foreigner, I couldn't afford to cause trouble. But dressed as a servant, no one could fault me for "rescuing my lady."

"Hah? Get lost, servant. She's busy."

"I regret to inform you, but I'm her escort. It's only natural I remain by her side. Besides…" I lowered my voice. "You're making a scene. Do you really want to be humiliated by yet another rejection?"

The bully glanced around, clicked his tongue, and stormed off.

I turned to the girl. She was… average.

Her face was plain—pretty, but unremarkable. Blonde hair, blue eyes, nothing extraordinary.

"Um… thank you. But I don't have a servant?"

"Eh? Then how did you get here?"

"I came alone. They told me to socialize, and someone will pick me up later."

It was bizarre. Even a baron's family (assuming her status) should've sent someone to accompany her.

I noticed her gazing longingly at the dancers, her eyes sparkling.

"Would you like to dance?"

"Eh? But I… don't know how. And you're a noble's attendant—"

"Don't worry. My lady wouldn't mind something like this."

Ellie was my escort, but I meant nothing to her.

The girl hesitated, then clumsily took my hand.

"P-please."

We moved to the center and danced a light waltz.

She was awkward, stumbling often. But Angel had taught me how to lead—especially with an unskilled partner. Every misstep became part of an elegant, dynamic performance.

When the music ended, the crowd applauded. She stared at me in awe.

"That was amazing! I didn't know what to do, but you guided everything so… wow!"

Her speech was refreshingly ordinary—no convoluted noble etiquette.

"No problem. I enjoyed it."

(Huh? That's weird…)

(Somehow, this mirrors an in-game event exactly.)

(The prince met the heroine at a party like this—helped her, danced, left her stunned.)

(It can't be…)

"Excuse me… may I ask your name?"

"I'm Lilliane. Nice to meet you."

"Lilliane. I see."

(Not the heroine's name. Must've just been déjà vu.)

"R-e-x—"*

A murderous aura spiked behind me.

Ellie stood there, face crimson with rage, looking ready to sprout demon horns. Her eyes burned with fury.

"You unfaithful DOG!"

"The second I take my eyes off you, you're seducing some stranger?!"

"Ellie, wait, this isn't—"

"NO EXCUSES!"

*SLAP*

And with that, the party ended.

On the way back, she hissed, "Never speak to me again."