—Thus, the next day.

I wanted to say that I was bullied again today, but the truth was that I took the day off from school. I might be in my teenage years, but I was also an aristocrat who had made her societal debut. There were rare cases where obligations took priority over academics.

Of course, in such cases, if I followed the proper procedures. I wouldn’t be considered absent.

“So, I properly submitted Lumiere’s application as well. Don’t worry.”

“Eh… but I’m scared… No, I don’t think I’ll come back alive?!”

“I appreciate the spirit of rephrasing, but it’s rude either way.”

I took Lumiere to the carriage early this morning and headed to our destination. This time, there wouldn’t be a fussy little man. In order to make the most of that difference, I explained the full details of the plan.

“I want you to give this letter to Lord Zeldo, Lumiere.”

“Isn’t Lord Zeldo the count of the neighboring country we met the other day?”

“To be precise, he’s the second son of the count of the neighboring country. I looked into it, and it seems that Count Isaac has been granted his nobleman title for a generation, instead of receiving it hereditary. He attained it by serving as the royal knight for generations. Most knights were only granted the title of viscount, but the current Count Isaac… Lord Zeldo’s father is the captain of the royal guard. As such, he was given a higher title. Lord Zeldo’s brother is also a knight and already holds the title of viscount. So, there seem to be high expectations for Lord Zeldo as well.”

I tried to explain it carefully so that even Lumiere could understand.

Haha, her blank look is adorable. Is she really an aristocrat?

Then, her squishy-looking cheeks puffed up.

“Even I know that much! I haven’t been forced to study hard for the past two months for nothing!”

“Oh, so can you imagine where we’re going now?”

That was a question that couldn’t be answered with knowledge alone. It required a grasp over the state of the world, an understanding of people’s movements, and the ability to predict the thoughts of others. In this case, my thoughts.

Lumiere answered with an extremely anguished look on her face.

“Count Luct’s mansion, or something…? I’m sure there’s will be a meeting about the pirate incident today. Prince Sazanjill will be attending as the royal representative…”

“Yes, that’s right! Did Prince Sazanjill tell you about the meeting?”

“Yes, hence I’m also taking a day off school today… but that’s not right, Lady Lelouche! Even someone like Lady Lelouche can’t just attend such an important meeting…”

“Hehe, don’t jump to conclusions. No one said we’re going to attend the meeting, right?”

Seeing my broad smile, Lumiere’s face contorted.

I’m a little unhappy about that… but I’m sure Lumire is still sleepy. I’ll have to get some café au lait somewhere.

“Why is this happening!?”

Before work, I like to drink café au lait to get myself in the mood to work.

After experiencing this adult feeling, we changed into our uniforms.

As Lumiere shrieked softly in her round glasses, I praised her.

“It suits you so well! You’re just as cute as a palace maid!”

“Waaah! Lady Lelouche… I don’t know where to even begin!”

That’s cruel.

All we did was change into some maid uniforms, dye our hair gray, attach fake pigtails to our hair, draw freckles onto our faces, put on some glasses, and pretend to have hunched backs.

The main source of income for Luct’s territory was trade at the port of Haar. As part of their activities for their overseas expatriate, they employed many immigrants from overseas. As such, the turnover of servants was high. There were rumors that they had recently hired several newcomers, so there was no reason not to take advantage of that.

An important meeting with many important people was suddenly held, so the servants at the mansion were in a panic. Surely, nobody would notice even if two unfamiliar young girls suddenly joined?

So, in order not to stand out…

“Hey, newcomer over there! How long are you going to keep talking nonsense?!”

I replied cheerfully to the scolding from the senior maid, albeit in a drawn-out manner.

“Yes, sorry!”

Now, the great operation to invade the territory of Luct begins!

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