Chapter 5: Enchanting Saint

(The power of the Enchanting Saint is so strong that the gods take it away before it goes out of control. Depending on the situation, it may even cost a life. The reason why those considered the most beautiful in the country are not remembered as the “Enchanting Saint” is because of that. And so, the power of the Enchanting Saint is passed on to a new one.)

Until just yesterday, Aria was Leefe’s younger sister. By the way, she is still her sister, but that part is better left unsaid due to the mental damage.

Leefe, whose past life was as a dark magician, knew the path the Enchanting Saint would take. To avoid it, she regularly concocts magical potions to prevent Aria’s power from becoming too strong and out of control.

(Of course, Aria, who doesn’t know she is the Enchanting Saint, probably just thinks of it as “tea brewed by her older sister.”)

However, the father, unaware of the Enchanting Saint and Leefe preventing Aria’s rampage, was in a good mood.

“Next month, a joint engagement party for you two will be held. Aria wants her beloved sister, Leefe, to attend. You can leave the Tarrant Duke’s house after the party.”

“Are you telling me to attend the engagement party with Lord Easton and Aria?”

“Leefe, how about saying it differently? Attend the party without sulking, and support the two. You are Aria’s sister. It will surely be a grand party. As the head of the Tarrant Duke’s house, I’m proud.”

“……….”

(Not sulking… I’m not sulking, I’m angry.)

In the cheerful appearance of her father, a flame of anger flickered in the depths of Leefe’s chest. It coursed through her entire body. Leefe, whose magic power was akin to that of a demon king, was said to be abundant even in her past life.

She clenched the hand that seemed about to burst into flames. Holding onto the pain in her palm, Leefe questioned her father.

“…After that, where should I go?”

“It would be good if we could find a suitable marriage partner… Oh, speaking of which, Count Bagwell was considering a marriage proposal for his son.”

(…Huh?)

“Count Bagwell’s son is reputed to be a playboy! There are rumors that he has several illegitimate children!”

“Just in case you don’t like Count Hugwell’s son, what about the Marquis Sampson? He is looking for a second wife after his first wife passed away. He wants a spouse who can provide caring love, not just a maid.”

“Is that also unacceptable? Then, how about the Marquis Mallet? He is the same age as me. His title, appearance, and personality are not great, but he has money.”

“…”

For the daughter of a duke, all these options seemed too overwhelming.

“…I’m done with these marriage proposals, Father.”

“Leefe, there’s no need to be reserved. You are my lovely daughter. I will find a good match for you, so wait patiently.”

“!?”

Before Leefe could interject internally, her father left the study.

Then, the large aquarium placed by the window began to make splashing sounds. After a few seconds, the water swelled, and from within, Rene appeared. Droplets of water fell from his wet hair, and his clothes clung tightly to his skin, revealing its contours.

“Rene!? Hey, where did you appear from? I was soaking here!”

“Well, you seemed like you might set the house on fire, so I thought a little humidity might be good.”

“I’m not going to burn down this mansion! I’ve never used my powers until now!?”

Rene had a water spirit in the form of a fish living on his head. Apparently, even this constantly talkative, contracted spirit wouldn’t allow itself to be mistreated.

Sighing, Leefe mixed water and wind magic to envelop the spirit, then placed it back in the aquarium. By the way, the water was now less than half full.

Rene, who had floated out of the tank with wet clothes, took Leefe’s hand.

“No, that’s not it. If the miss were to burn something in anger, it would be with her own hands.”

“Grrrr…”

Her forcibly opened palm revealed burn marks. It was because she had instinctively grabbed it to suppress her magic power when it threatened to go out of control due to anger.

“Ah, well. Shall we apply some ointment gently? I have the special one the miss concocted.”

“I’m the one making that medicine, not you!”

With a sweet smile that seemed almost charming, Rene, without saying anything, turned around as if he had thought of something. While looking at Rene’s back, Leefe muttered.

“Anyway, Aria has no intention of clearing up the misunderstanding. She’s not only kicking me out but also inviting me to her marriage announcement party. It’s a bit too much, isn’t it?”

“Well, Aria-chan hasn’t had any intention of clearing things up since she told you to coordinate your stories. Only the miss would believe and be deceived so easily.”

“Ugh… My cute sister… My family… I’m alone again in this life… Sigh.”

“Though you’re crying, it was all an illusion.”

In front of Rene, who was forcing her to face reality, Leefe looked ahead.

“But, I can’t stay like this. If I don’t escape soon, I might end up being married off to someone too overwhelming! I hate playboys, caretakers, and those with terrible personalities!”

“I like how the miss doesn’t hesitate to clearly call her opponents ‘weird’ or ‘the worst guy.’ So, shall we escape like this? Should I bring the escape funds from the safe?”

Leefe stopped Rene, who was casually considering using the power of a high-level spirit for criminal activities.

“That’s not okay. After all, I plan to use the power and connections earned from being called a notorious villainess for revenge. I’ll leave after settling the score at the engagement party.”

“Well, setting aside the power, what about connections? In your past life, you were alone, right? just the two of us. Am I correct?”

“If they were not ordinary friends!”

However, Leefe couldn’t think of a retaliation that the other party would dislike. Despite being feared as a notorious villainess in her past life, her actual self was just a slightly flashy magician who only wanted friends.

Even in her past life, she had been longing for friends for 80 years. Unable to make normal friends or find a lover, she easily died from old age. As Leefe began to recall her past life, the face of an unusual friend appeared in her mind.

“Ah! Let’s ask the Demon King to escort us to the engagement party. He might even pretend to be the fiancé.”

“Ah… I’m not fond of that person. He seems negative and gloomy.”

“But I think everyone will be surprised if the Demon King and I visit the venue together.”

“Miss, even in this life, you seem to be heading straight for the path of a notorious villainess. Are you sure it’s okay?”

“!”

That’s right.

At the moment, she was only facing the possibility of having her engagement broken, being deprived of her achievements, and being kicked out of the house. There is currently no reason for anyone to be afraid of her, and she shouldn’t willingly step onto the path of being treated as a villainess.

(Let’s consider going to the Demon King as a last resort.)

Leefe nodded to herself, realizing the danger she narrowly avoided. However, it seemed that Rene had come up with something.

“Well, do you know someone who could silence anyone?”

“Who?!”

“…”

At Leefe’s inquiry, Rene showed a slightly lonely expression. However, it lasted only for a moment, and he quickly returned to his usual banter.

“I know him, and he knows the miss, but I doubt the miss knows him. Still, with this situation, I think we can get back at those who set up the miss. He might even become your marriage partner if you ask.”

“Who is that? Are there ideal people like that?”

Raising her head in confusion, Leefe was met with a sly smile from Rene.

“Shall we send out the invitation then?”