If They Get Obsessed, I’m Doomed - Chapter 24

Chapter 13.1

Pitapat.

The rain poured relentlessly, showing no indication of ceasing in the near future.

“Seems like quite a downpour. Is it the rainy season?”

Absorbed in her thoughts, Ariel mumbled to herself while taking a bite of an apple.

Her gaze drifted towards the window, where she observed the garden outside. The grassy expanse was drenched with rain, and the somber sky mirrored the darkness of night. Despite waking up early, the gloomy weather made her feel as though she had overslept. The sight of the overcast sky somehow weighed her down, inducing an unusual sense of weariness.

As she absentmindedly stared into the distance and rubbed her eyes, the drowsiness that had settled upon her gradually dissipated.

“By the way, what should I do today? Should I just wait like this?”

Ariel placed the cloche onto the now-empty plate as she had finished her breakfast before turning on her phone.

『 A target has been detected nearby. 』

『 Skylar von Aither Lévretin

▷ Favorability towards you: ♥♡ (He feels favorably towards you and might even talk to you first.)
▷ Current Location: Imperial Central Hall — 1st Floor Office. 』

『 A target has been detected nearby. 』

『 Devoncia von Elios Lévretin

▷ Favorability towards you: [ Unable to verify ] (Due to a temporary error, the verification of the affection is delayed.)
▷ Current Location: Imperial Central Hall — 4th Floor Private Guest Room. 』

The portraits of the two brothers stood still in different locations in the same building. Skylar, who was said to be busy, would be difficult to meet, and ailing Devoncia would pose an even greater challenge.

‘Anyway, it’s still an error…’

A full day had passed, yet the favorability level of Devoncia remained shrouded in mystery. Ariel grew increasingly concerned, wondering if the system was functioning correctly at all as it was an issue she couldn’t address or inquire about.

At the very least, she hoped that the same error wouldn’t occur again.

Knock, knock, knock.

‘It seems like a maid has arrived.’

At the sound of the knocking on the door, she set aside her phone and rose from her chair. Assuming it was the maid coming to clear the dishes, she opened the door.

“Hello, Princess of County Huckley.”

The lady-in-waiting standing before her bowed with an air of solemnity. It wasn’t the same maid who had brought the meal tray earlier. However, Ariel couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease as she looked into the emotionless eyes beneath her auburn hair.

Unsurprisingly, the lady-in-waiting then took out an item hidden within her collar, which seemed destined to cause a disturbance.

“His Highness the Crown Prince has sent an invitation to the Princess.”

The maid held a white envelope in both hands and extended it directly toward Ariel. The imperial emblem adorned the wax seal on the envelope.

But it wasn’t from the Prince, but the Crown Prince.

…It meant that it wasn’t sent by Skylar but by Devoncia.

With a heightened sense of vigilance and growing anxiety, Ariel reluctantly reached out to take the letter. In the meanwhile, the lady-in-waiting, having fulfilled her task, bowed her head just as she had done when they first met. After a brief exchange of greetings, the maid retreated down the hallway, eventually disappearing from sight.

Ariel swiftly closed the door, as if fearing someone might be watching, and entered her room.

Bzzzzz—

Her cell phone, left on the bed, vibrated.

The unease that had enveloped her upon receiving the letter took flight. Ariel hastily turned on her phone’s screen and gasped, her mouth hanging open in astonishment.

『 Branching Choice!

You’ve been invited by the Crown Prince. This is a crucial branching choice that affects the ending.
If you accept, there will be an accompanying reward, but if you refuse, there will be a penalty. 』

The main point of the story notification consisted of just two lines, much shorter than Ariel had anticipated. The branching choice notification arrived earlier than she had expected.

‘…Should I accept the penalty to minimize the impact on the ending, or should I take the rewards and risk changing the ending?’

The problem was that she had no idea whether the consequences of this choice would be good or unfavorable.

Holding the letter between her fingers, Ariel pressed her forehead against her palm, letting out a groan as she contemplated her options.

To be honest, she preferred to avoid introducing any variables until she had gathered all the profiles of the targets. However, considering the sender of the letter was the Crown Prince, refusing became exceedingly difficult due to her status. The presence of undisclosed penalties only added to her unease.

“Is there… no other way?

Despite the potential impact on the ending, Ariel found herself with no other option. Declining an invitation from a noble family, particularly one extended by the Crown Prince, was simply out of the question.

“Let’s see what he is inviting me for.”

With a tinge of resignation, she reluctantly opened the envelope.

「 To Princess Ariel Huckley,

In a week’s time, there will be a magical aptitude test conducted for some nobles at the imperial palace. I would like for the princess to come, but won’t you accept my invitation?

My lady-in-waiting will visit you again in an hour, so give me your answer then.

From Devoncia, eagerly anticipating our meeting. 」

The dark ink of the elegant handwriting stood out on the pure white, soft paper. It was a personal letter from the Crown Prince, and what caught Ariel’s attention was the way he had addressed her by name, adding a touch of familiarity.

The weight of the situation made her fingertips quiver.

“…This feels more like a favor exchanged between close acquaintances.”

She had anticipated a command or a coercive demand, but the tone of the letter was surprisingly pleasant so this only heightened her confusion. It was clear that the intention behind the letter wasn’t simply to recommend the magical aptitude test.

Was it fueled by curiosity, or was it a cleverly laid trap?

“What should I do…”

Ariel pressed her lips together, leaving a pale mark where she bit down. There were numerous factors to consider, not just one or two.

She pressed her temples gently.

“I need to make a decision within an hour…”

The swirling thoughts of branching choices, invitations, rewards, penalties, the Crown Prince, and favorability tangled in her mind, creating a barrier to making a decision. Each option seemed to carry its own set of variables, haunting her at every turn.

A brief moment of seriousness crossed Ariel’s face, followed by a deep breath.

As a noble, undergoing the magic aptitude test was mandatory.

‘Normally, it’s done before the age of ten, but I haven’t completed it yet at this age… Moreover, refusing an offer from the imperial family would seem strange.’

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