The Reincarnated Villainess Whose Romantic Trauma From Her Past Life Is Too Strong Is Sweetly and Painfully Doted On by the Prince of the Neighboring Country - Chapter 30

“—The Maiden of the Flower Succession has vanished.”

Two days after Lily had caused a scene in front of the academy’s main gate.

It was the weekend, and Cherie, who had been studying at home since the academy was closed, was summoned to her father’s study. Those were the first words out of his mouth.

“Vanished… you say?”

“Indeed. It appears she left a note, abandoned all her responsibilities, and fled.”

(Left a note? Abandoned her duties and ran away?)

Cherie involuntarily ruminated on her father’s words in her mind.

“The Church of the Flower Succession is searching for her, but they have yet to find any trace of her whereabouts.”

Cherie knit her brows.

It was true that even in the original game, there was an episode near the climax. Around this very time, where Lily disappears.

But in that version, the protagonist, Lily, learns the truth about becoming a living sacrifice. Overwhelmed by the shock and not knowing what to do, she wanders off with nowhere to go.

In the game, the capture target with the highest affection level at that point chases after her, leading to the final story branch. They confess their feelings and vow to work together to avoid the future of ruin. That was how the plot was supposed to unfold.

(…What is going on? In the original work, Lily doesn’t leave a note and disappear; it shouldn’t be this big of an ordeal. After all, she’s supposed to be found by a capture target in the small hours of the morning, exchange vows at dawn, and return by sunrise.)

Therefore, the situation where she still hadn’t been found and was being actively searched for shouldn’t be possible.

(And, that argument the day before yesterday.)

That was another episode that didn’t exist in the original story.

Since she, Cherie, had been reincarnated into this world, it might not be strange that things weren’t proceeding according to the script. However, the more she thought about it, the deeper her suspicion grew that Lily was likely a reincarnated person as well.

Cherie was lost in thought before her father until he called her name in a formal tone, snapping her consciousness back to the reality in front of her. “—Cherie.”

“The reason I contacted you wasn’t just to report that the Maiden has disappeared. As a precaution, they have asked you to serve as the Celebrant for the [Festival of the Tree-Flower Prayer] in place of the Maiden.”

“…………”

Faced with this formal notification, Cherie remained silent, signaling her readiness to hear the rest.

—The Festival of the Tree-Flower Prayer.

It was a sacred rite held once a year to offer thanks to the World Tree for a safe year and to pray for continued blessings.

The main event of the festival, the offering to the World Tree, was strictly designated to be performed by the Maiden of the Flower Succession as the lead Celebrant.

However…

“…In years where a Maiden of the Flower Succession has not been chosen, the top-ranking female student of St. Glosis Academy serves as the proxy Celebrant. Normally, this system wouldn’t apply this year since a Maiden was chosen but following this disappearance, they contacted me requesting that you take the stand.”

The Festival of the Tree-Flower Prayer was coming up next week.

Under normal circumstances, for the Maiden to vanish at this timing and for them to request a proxy so late was utterly beyond the pale.

“…I told the Church that I would respect your will and give them an answer after hearing your response.”

So, what will you do? he seemed to ask.

Cherie felt a flash of surprise that her father, in a rare show of consideration, had left the choice to her.

“I understand. I accept,” she replied.

“…I thought you might say that.”

“Are you dissatisfied?”

“…No. It’s just… I find it infuriating to be constantly jerked around by that Maiden time and time again.”

Her father let out a heavy sigh.

“Regardless, this is a peerless opportunity to demonstrate that our house has produced the top-ranking student. Do not lose your focus; apply yourself diligently.”

With that, he dismissed Cherie.

(…What on earth is Lily thinking?)

Leaving her father’s study, Cherie walked down the hallway, her mind occupied by the missing Lily.

(The Church must be desperate to find her. They have to, otherwise they’ll be left without a human pillar to offer to the World Tree.)

Thinking of it that way, running away because one doesn’t want to become a sacrifice seemed like a short-sighted move.

Though looking back on Lily’s behavior thus far, her thought process did seem capable of such impulsive actions.

As she was lost in thought—

“—Sister!”

A small shadow called out to Cherie and came running from the other end of the hallway.

“Theo.”

Theodore Mercury or “Theo”, Cherie’s younger brother who turned ten this year, came pattering toward her.

“Sister! Is it true that you’re going to play the role of the Maiden for the upcoming Festival of the Tree-Flower Prayer?!”

“Yes, it’s true.”

As she spoke, she gently stroked the head of the boy who had scurried up to her. Theo beamed with a look of pure happiness. He had likely heard the news from their father.

Hearing Cherie’s confirmation with a look of suppressed excitement, he let out a “Wow…!” and his face lit up.

“I’m so looking forward to seeing you looking wonderful, Sister!”

(—He’s so cute…)

Cherie’s expression softened as she looked down at her brother’s innocent face. As the heir to the Marquess Mercury household, this younger brother was loved by everyone in the house for his natural brightness and innocence. To Cherie, he was a truly precious, lovable brother.

“Hey, Sister. Won’t you have tea with me today? It’s been so long.”

Taking her hand, he looked up at her with moist, pleading eyes.

Cherie was incredibly weak against her adorable brother’s entreaties. Besides, given the news her father had just broken to her, she wasn’t in a state to focus on her studies anyway.

In that case, it might be good to listen to her cute brother’s request and have some tea to clear her head.

Just as she thought this and was about to say, “Yes, that sounds lovely,”—

“Um… My Lady. You have a guest.”

A servant spoke up, interrupting them.