I Married the Beautiful Female Protagonist In Order To Survive

60. The Origin of Charlatans (This book is currently on sale)

Phirora had to admit, when Zerora had suggested “taking her to meet someone who had supported Zerora’s studies, someone who at least appeared to be a ‘mentor’ in terms of social standing,” she had felt a moment of nervous excitement. A “supporter,” rounded off, was practically like meeting a “father” figure! How could she *not* be nervous, this was like meeting the parents!?

But the excitement had gradually transformed into doubt, and now, upon finally seeing this person, Phirora’s initial feelings were completely swept away. Now…she was even beginning to suspect that Zerora had fallen into some kind of evil organization’s trap, and she was planning to rescue him.

After all, everything about this person who supported Zerora was, from what she could see, extremely suspicious!

First, as royalty of the Empire, remembering the identities and appearances of the various nobles within the Royal City, to say nothing of those further afield, was a basic lesson, yet no matter how hard Phirora tried, she couldn’t recall any “noble” like *this* within the city.

Second, nobles within the Royal City had various rules, either overt or covert, but this person didn’t conform to a single one.

Finally, there was the matter of superficial “appearance.” Phirora never judged a person’s worth based on “handsome or beautiful,” otherwise Zerora wouldn’t have gotten away with it that night… but this “supporter” that Zerora spoke of was, quite literally, a man in black. Someone who didn’t even dare to show his face, how could Phirora trust him!?

If she hadn’t been lacking strength at the moment, Phirora would have definitely tested this person’s true nature immediately, because within the Empire’s Royal City, there was a term that perfectly described someone like this – someone mysterious, acting all high and mighty – a charlatan.

Reluctantly, Phirora could only sit down for now, and, with a skeptical gaze, began to scrutinize the shadow’s every move. After all…Zerora seemed to know him very well.

Lost in his excitement, Zerora didn’t notice the young girl’s every move. Before asking any questions, there was something else he wanted to do even more – show off.

“Haha! See that? I found true love! This is Phirora, the Empire’s Queen’s sister!”

Although she felt a bit of embarrassment because of the words “true love,” Phirora quickly regained her composure and continued to observe.

After all, the black-clad figure’s response was so suspicious, and in that moment, he had also revealed a huge “flaw.”

“Of course I know, I also know that you two are already ‘that’ kind of relationship. Spare me the gloating. If you really want to compare yourself to me in that respect, you’ll be in tears…”

Leaving aside the question of how he had seen through their relationship at first glance, secondly: even if he was a noble who had only recently settled here, his first reaction upon learning of her identity should have been to greet her with a bow! This was a rule that every noble within the Empire had to follow, a law rather than a mere expectation!

But he did nothing! Even after learning of her identity, he continued to respond to Zerora’s boasting as if nothing had happened!

It wasn’t that she was putting on airs, but… suspicion!

Surely the best course was to find an excuse to leave with Zerola, then have the Royal Sister thoroughly investigate this man afterward?

Just as she was thinking this, something bizarre occurred…

Phyllora was absolutely certain: not a single flicker of emotion had crossed her face. The demands of the Grand British Royal Family in matters of “concealment” were extraordinarily high, yet… the figure before her, who appeared not to be paying her any attention at all, in the next instant…

“Miss Phyllora, wouldn’t it be better to seize the moment and enjoy your time together with Zerola, rather than suspecting me?”

“!”

He saw through her!?

After a moment of surprise, Phyllora chose to be direct. After all, she wasn’t at a disadvantage here!

“How could I not suspect you? If you truly have nothing to hide, first declare your name and title, so I can consider whether a noble of your description exists within the Grand British Empire!”

However, the dark figure before her acted as if he hadn’t heard a word, and instead started speaking about something else entirely.

And what he was saying was precisely what Phyllora was most concerned about!

“Zerola, Miss Phyllora’s power has not disappeared, it has merely been ‘taken.’ While starting from the beginning is not an issue, such a method is obviously not suitable for you, and would waste too much time.”

“Wait! Are you even listeni…”

“The simplest way is to win against Ludivine, and snatch her power back from her. That elf will not refuse a fair duel; all you need to do is wager your power.”

Suspicion lingered, but it was overshadowed by a sense of unease: the dark figure even knew Zerola’s purpose in being here!

Immediately she rose, and moved toward the pair before her. She wanted to understand, to see what was truly happening, but the moment Phyllora reached out…

“Ludivine has her sights set on you this time, Zerola. You two must maintain the bonds of your relationship and the trust you share right now. As long as you don’t abandon hope in each other… Zerola, you will have a chance to defeat Ludivine. Your strength and potential far surpass what you imagine. In this age, you are unique. Believe that you can bring a future to Phyllora, and even the ‘script’ of this era will align with you.”

“Seize the time to enjoy your time together, for the storm is approaching.”

In an instant, her hand met only air!

When her mind finally caught up with her eyes, Phyllora suddenly realized: she and Zerola weren’t in some mysterious residence, but rather… just standing on the road, hand in hand, gazing at the distant scenery, lost in thought!?

Then… was what she had just experienced real or not? Or had Zerola slipped her some sort of potion this morning, causing her to hallucinate?

The bizarre scene made Phyllora instinctively grab Zerola’s arm.

“Just now…”

“It was real. This man in black I know has this habit to appear out of nowhere. I apologise. You probably wouldn’t believe me if I explained, so I let you see it for yourself.”

Zerola’s expression was serious, as if he had already received some sort of “warning.”

Finally, as he turned his head, he forced a smile. “He’s never been wrong about anything he says, so… let’s seize the time to enjoy our date!”

At that very moment.

Watching the two figures, now indistinguishable from any other couple in love, walk away, a voice reached the dark figure’s ear…

“Is this for the best, Master…?”

“It’s enough. I don’t want to interfere excessively. After all… I am not that ‘Hope Fairy.’”

——

The book’s on sale now! The old one, “Naiveté,” too, for ten days. Buy both together and it’s an even better deal! Those of you hoarding them, now’s the time to pounce! Subscribing to this one is fine as well, just add it to your bookshelf and buy together for the extra discount.