"This is my distant cousin, but we're as close as real siblings—Raymond Levester."
Romeo naturally introduced Lelia to the Count, who was the Head Chamberlain of the Auraria Imperial Palace.
"Oh, it is an honor to meet you, Sir Raymond. I hope you enjoy a peaceful stay in Auraria."
"Pleased to meet you."
The Levester family was actually the name of a noble house in the Roseberry Empire.
Fortunately, there were no nobles from the Roseberry Empire currently staying in the Auraria Imperial Palace. Only Romeo, a member of the imperial family.
That was why Romeo could use the name of an actual distant relative with peace of mind. But Lelia seemed uncomfortable, smiling awkwardly.
"Could you at least smile?"
"...."
As they were guided to the room by a servant, Romeo said with a frown.
Lelia glanced at him slightly and followed behind the Count.
This morning, Lelia had finished her preparations perfectly. Then, together with Romeo who came to fetch her, she arrived at the imperial palace by carriage.
Kindly, the Head Chamberlain personally came out to guide her to her quarters.
Since Romeo was a prince from another country, it seemed they wanted to treat Lelia with no less courtesy for the sake of diplomatic relations.
"If there is anything uncomfortable or anything you need, you may give orders to the servants and attendants."
"By the way, the atmosphere in the imperial palace seems a bit unsettled. Has something happened?"
Romeo asked calmly with a face that knew nothing. The Count seemed a bit flustered.
However, he soon furrowed his brows, placed his palm on his chest, and spoke.
"It is nothing serious. A small disturbance occurred yesterday. As you know, yesterday was the last day of the banquet.... I apologize for causing you concern, Your Highness."
Romeo nodded, saying it was fine.
When the Count left and only the two of them remained in the room, Lelia breathed a sigh of relief.
"It's right next to my room."
"That's fortunate."
Romeo plopped down on the sofa in the reception room. Before long, Calix also came to this room.
Lelia sat on a single sofa next to the two men, drinking the tea a maid had brought.
"I think I can go out tonight pretending to take a walk. I'll go alone today."
Since such an incident occurred yesterday, security might have become stricter. The Emperor might be there again.
Of course, from what she heard, only the castle gate area seemed to have strengthened security, but anything could happen.
In that case, it would be better to move alone and carefully.
If something happened, she would have to use the alchemical potion, but if she used it openly in front of Calix or Romeo, they might suspect she was an alchemist.
"Will you be alright?"
"Yes."
When Lelia answered more firmly than ever, Romeo nodded in acceptance.
"By the way... what do you plan to do after finding that object?"
Romeo asked as he elegantly lifted his teacup.
"...There's something else I need to find personally. Why do you ask?"
"I'm bored, so I thought I'd tag along."
Romeo said quite boldly. Calix, across from him, also nodded.
Lelia suddenly recalled her childhood.
Romeo's appearance, coming to her room time and again, following her around.
"I don't even need to return to my home country."
"That goes for both you and me."
The two chuckled as they looked at each other. Lelia felt a subtle emotion.
Being able to laugh and chat with friends again like in the old days felt like a dream, but at the same time, it was frustrating.
'I could get things done faster without them here...'
In her plan to find materials and steal the holy relic, these two were openly being a hindrance.
"By the way, it's amazing that you can change your hair color. Your voice seems a bit lower too."
Romeo said while looking at Lelia's hair.
This morning, Lelia had used an item from the 'Alchemy Lottery' game to change her hair and eye color.
Her originally silver hair was now a light pink, and it had become shorter. Also, her olive-colored eyes had changed to light brown.
Lelia felt quite reassured looking in the mirror.
Her frame was slender, but when thought of as a man, she looked just like a delicate, sickly handsome youth.
Calix's gaze also turned toward Lelia.
He had a somewhat dazed expression.
Because Lelia in men's clothing really looked like Leo.
'She really must be his cousin.'
Romeo seemed to have the same thought, glancing at Lelia with curiosity as well.
In the awkward atmosphere, Calix and Romeo started exchanging trivial conversation.
Lelia turned her gaze above Romeo's head.
'The affinity has risen a lot, but still...'
The value that was [-200] had now risen to [-59].
If it turned into a positive value now, she would be able to proceed with quests like with Calix.
Knock, knock.
Just then. At the sudden sound of knocking on the door, Romeo went to check, and a servant bowed his head and spoke.
"His Majesty has heard the news that His Highness's guest has arrived and has invited you to this evening's banquet. I will come to escort the three of you at the appointed time."
"...Understood."
When Romeo nodded, the servant turned away with a smile.
As soon as the door closed, Lelia was outraged.
"How could you accept the dinner invitation!"
A dinner banquet!
The Emperor, along with Uriana, Cedric, and Prince Damian, would surely appear at that gathering.
She had thought she might run into them once she entered the imperial palace, but this was too sudden.
Seeing Lelia anxious, Romeo tried to calm her and spoke.
"Don't worry. The two of us will attend the banquet, so you can go out alone during that time. We'll say you suddenly felt unwell and fell asleep."
"...!"
When Lelia blinked her eyes, Romeo grinned confidently.
If what Romeo said was true, it was a very good opportunity.
At least she wouldn't run into Emperor Perseus again at the cottage.