There was a subtly sound of rustling grass. Yet even when I looked around, I couldn’t see anyone amidst the quiet ground.

Nevertheless, a terrible premonition loomed over me.

It was similar to the feeling I had when I confronted His Highness Zafield about the sword.

…I see.

—My time has come.

I jumped to my feet and seized His Highness Zafield’s arm. He also taught me that move. Then, just like that, I was able to sweep him off his feet.

As expected of myself.

It was even better than during the practice.

As a result—the sharp tip of a sword plunged into my abdomen.

—it hurts.

…it burns.

My entire body felt as if it was burning and freezing at the same time. Due to the incomprehensible sensation, I fell to my knees.

Fufu…

I couldn’t help but laugh.

As expected, dying was rough.

As he looked down at me, His Highness Zafield was at a loss for words. But in the next moment, he shouted.

“Go away—! This is it—the end of the task!”

Towards His Highness Zafield, who approached me on all fours, I smiled.

“Now, now… you’ll just get your pants dirty.”

“Le, Lelouche…?”

At his behest, the assassin left immediately.

What fell on the spot was a familiar, small sword—

—I see, I see… That’s how it was…

“You… did you want to frame me, for your death…?”

“Lelouche, stay strong, someone, please come here…!”

“—Answer me, Zafield Louis Lapisenta—!!”

My scolding, which resembled an angry roar, finally caught his attention.

I grabbed him by the collar.

“Are you a moron!? Did you try to kill yourself?! To throw your own life away, what kind of foolishness…!? Surely, god won’t—no, I personally won’t forgive you for this…!!”

“Lelouche…”

“I don’t care if you wanted to frame me as the culprit, or about the lies that you’ve spoken to me! Rather than that, if you indeed watched us the whole time, then why didn’t you realize it!? Why didn’t you realize that you’re important to His Highness Sazanjill!?”

Did he hear me?

He shook his head.

Idiot…

No matter how much he denied reality, he wouldn’t be able to change it—because it had already happened.

“I, I didn’t teach you, so that you can pull this sort of thing…”

“Well, wasn’t I unexpectedly on schedule…?”

Who’s protecting who, now?

Well, it didn’t matter.

Although His Highness Zafield was a much bigger idiot than I expected, everything was still within the scope of my prediction.

“Hey, Your Highness Zafield, you’re a precious childhood friend to me. Because you’ve always watched over me, I can be myself. As a result, I did a lot of foolish things in the past.”

I knew it.

Back when I fell from the staircase, His Highness Sazanjill wasn’t the only one present. His Highness Zafield probably saw the entire thing.

I also knew that when it got truly dangerous, he’d stop me.

After all, back when he taught me swordsmanship, he’d get terribly angry when I pulled a reckless stunt. It was the same when I played in the mud the other day. Somehow, before the teachers could inform my parents about it, His Highness Zafield managed to convince them that making me write a self-reflection letter would suffice as a form of punishment.

…I’ve always been spoiled by you, haven’t I?

“I was happy.”

Hence, I slowly stood up.

Otherwise, I’d end up being spoiled by him again.

Albeit my dying figure might be unsightly, but please—just see me off.

“I, have to go…”

“Where are you going with that kind of injury—”

“—Do not follow me!”

I ended up screaming for no reason. Due to that, my vision flickered, while my body wavered. As a matter of course, every time I move, my pierced abdomen hurt.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be dying beside you. Therefore, please wait here for someone other than me to scold you.”

—this isn’t the end for me.

I had to go.

After all, to him, and to her—I still had something to say.

Leaning my weight against the wall, I moved forward step by step while covering my oozing abdomen.

Ah… why does the venue feel so far away?

“…Truly, I’m no match for Lelouche.”

His Highness Zafield, who finally knelt down, didn’t follow me any further.

The tune of the orchestra rang terribly loud.

With every step I made, a red stain spread further across my pink dress.

In truth, I despised that dress.

Due to a lot of unnecessary ruffles, it was very heavy. The skirt was also unreasonably flowy. Not to mention, the stiletto heels didn’t feel right. The heels were simply too thin. Under normal circumstances, I would’ve picked something that was easier to move in. After all, simple was best.

…Although, even if I made such an inward complaint, nothing would change.

At last, I reached the corridor. I entered the academy from the emergency exit, before heading for a passageway where I would be able to easily access the venue. In the midst of that grand party, people seldom lingered around the school building. Even so, I was worried that a guard might see me… Thankfully, that didn’t happen.

After all, if there was a commotion in the end, I wouldn’t be able to pass on peacefully.

The venue was still far away.

Normally, it’d only take a few minutes to reach that place.

It’s all because of this dress!

Even though I had prepared a nice, lighter dress…

Why did I wear the type of dress that I hated the most?

…Really, it’s His Highness Sazanjill’s fault! Also, His Highness Zafield’s!

…I disguised myself to make him cry, but I should’ve stopped, after all!

“This is so annoying!”

…Feeling exhausted, I collapsed on the spot. The floor was cool and comfortable. It almost made me want to close to my eyes.

Fufu, what a disappointing end.

To think that I said those words with so much bravado to god…

“…Someone, help me already…”

“Give it your best.”

I felt like I heard such a voice.

For a moment, my vision was dyed white. Before I knew it—I felt much lighter.

I got up in a hurry, but as I thought, my wound hurt.

…Nevertheless, the useless drapes and frills were all gone.

Instead, I found myself wearing a deep, red dress.

A silk dress that was tight except for the hem.

Of course, there were no useless decorations on the sleeves, so I could move nimbly.

The shoes also had thick heels and gave a sense of stability.

The hair on my shoulders and face was also smoother than usual.

“…That goes without saying.”

Involuntarily, I smiled wryly.

For my dress to change in an instant—there was only one being who was capable of such a feat.

“…Aah, you’re disqualified as a god, after all.”

To willy-nilly perform such a miracle on an individual like me… Previously, didn’t he mention that he’d get an earful? What a foolish man…

However, I had made it this far.

It didn’t matter if I was a queen candidate, or a duke’s daughter.

If I were to give up here, I’d be a disgrace of a woman.

Thus, I put my strength in my legs and stood up again.

---

***T/N: God, I found Lelouche’s anger understandable as heck. Here she’s trying to make her last 100 days worthwhile, meanwhile this self-centered douche want to throw his life away after failing to NTR his bro’s fiancee for sht and giggles.

Also, God, that’s the most useless spell… I know you can’t alter her fate, but at least make her numb to the pain for a while? What is this Mermaidia fairytopia dress transformation nonsense.

Have a Japanese story or the likes (Drama CD, etc.) you’d like to read? Want it to be translated? I’m open for commission!
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