"Hah, really."

The terrace was sparsely populated.

No, it seemed designed that way on purpose.

Unlike the casino below, which had no windows, just two floors up was a large ballroom with several big windows. The building extended even higher, likely where the hotel floors were located. While the students from the academy were staying at Northwood Castle—a place whose value was almost beyond monetary calculation—something told me that even if this place charged for rooms, it wouldn’t be quite as costly.

"I'm *such* a devout follower of the Goddess, you know. I can tolerate being touched, but I draw the line at anything further. Would you like me to start undressing right here?"

The woman closed the terrace curtains with a playful smirk.

Turning my head slightly, I could see couples on other terraces, some indulging in activities ranging from sitting on each other's laps to heavy petting. It seemed to be a sort of stopover before things escalated further.

The terraces were open spaces, though spread far enough apart that, despite some light from below, it would be difficult to clearly identify anyone unless they were nearby.

"…"

I took a seat on the guest sofa, crossed my legs, and fixed my gaze on her as she casually tucked her hand next to her chest with a coy smile.

"…"

"…"

"W-What? Do you actually want me to undress?"

She hesitated, her smirk faltering as I continued to stare without a word.

"If it’s part of the service included in the thirty pounds."

At that, her eyes widened before she quickly put on a bold smile and replied, "I didn’t know Her Highness had such tastes."

"Then if you can’t, you could always consider it the price for information instead."

"So you came here already knowing who I am?"

"Of course. Lady Verati."

The woman’s face turned rigid at my words.

"I’ve come to find out why Lady Chiara Verati is here in disguise."

"So you already knew when you came?"

"To be precise, I wanted to confirm what I already suspected."

"…So, you already knew everything?"

Chiara Verati looked both exasperated and resigned as she removed her hand from her chest and let it fall to her side.

"I suppose the warnings from the Papal Office were justified."

"To be exact, caution wouldn’t have hidden anything from me."

Chiara shrugged at that, glancing around before meeting my gaze again.

"But if you thought such a paltry sum could buy state secrets…"

"I understand. But what you consider a 'secret' is already safely stored in my mind, so there’s no need to worry. As I mentioned, the money was merely for confirmation."

"So you’re fine with spilling everything you already know?"

Chiara’s expression was incredulous, but I didn’t waver.

Naturally.

I intended to verify everything and then turn back time.

"If necessary, I could even share some information in exchange."

"You’re suggesting a trade? With me?"

"Is that strange?"

"Considering your attitude at last year’s meeting, it sure is."

So she had been there?

Not surprising. Even if she’d been among the nuns led by the cardinal, it would have gone unnoticed. I hadn’t paid attention back then, either.

"My actions are guided by what currently benefits the Empire. At the time, I merely thought that new alliances outside the Empire would do us harm. There was nothing personal about it."

Of course, my actions back then had been motivated by deeply personal reasons, but there was no need to share that with this temple knight.

"And if I share my information, what would you offer in return? Oh, and don’t bother with checks like this."

Chiara pulled the check from between her chest and waved it dismissively.

"In terms of the entire Holy Kingdom’s wealth, that’s not even a drop in the—"

"I can tell you what’s written in the Empire’s Book of Prophecies."

"—."

My calm response left her speechless once again.

The Book of Prophecies was one of the Holy Kingdom’s most coveted relics. Since they had no means to access the book buried deep within the imperial palace, they had left it untouched. But given the chance, the Holy Kingdom would have forcibly taken it, as they believed that all relics left by the Goddess should be managed by her successors, their fanatical organization.

And Chiara knew well that it was the book's contents, not the book itself, that held value.

"If you’re lying…"

"Then everything I tell you from now on will be worthless according to the standards of the Holy Kingdom. It’d be no more than a scrap of paper worth less than that thirty-pound check in your hand."

"…"

The reason she’d accepted the check despite claiming it was worth little was simple.

Refusing thirty pounds from a client would be odd behavior for a bunny girl.

She might have had no intention of selling her body, but it was only natural for her to keep a paying guest engaged, even if only for thirty pounds. If she were genuinely uninterested, she would’ve just handed the money back.

And knowing I was a princess, she likely thought it wise to have a conversation rather than let this opportunity slip.

"Fine."

After mulling it over with a conflicted expression, Chiara Verati finally agreed and took a seat, albeit on the edge of the terrace bench rather than right next to me.

The half-moon-shaped sofa placed us far enough apart that we could easily see each other’s expressions.

It was a stark scene, lacking even a drink to sip on, but I had no desire to play friendly. So I began.

"Let’s start with your identity. Chiara Verati, nun of the Order of St. Antonio and one of the Holy Kingdom’s Four Knights. Your weapon is the Holy Spear, and you’re here to 'reclaim' a relic from the Northwood ruins. Am I correct?"

"…The Empire knows about the relic?"

"I do, at least."

If we had tea, I would have taken a leisurely sip here.

"It’s a piece of an ancient weapon, located not far from where this casino now stands. Isn’t that right?"

Long ago, before the world had taken shape,

there had existed a civilization from a time before everything collapsed.

Some of that civilization's architecture and artifacts had survived the Great Cataclysm.

The Holy Kingdom gave these places and objects the titles of “ruins” and “relics” and went about calling them sacred. They scoured various places in secret.

And to avoid suspicion, they used scapegoats.

Sometimes it was a band of thieves, sometimes a monster that had inconveniently appeared, sometimes an unlucky weather event.

Or sometimes, “warlords.”

"…"

She didn’t respond, but I could tell I’d struck a nerve. Everything here was following the main storyline almost to the letter.

"No response? Then there will be no prophecy."

"…Fine."

Grinding her teeth, Chiara Verati admitted it.

Not that she had any choice. By the time I’d revealed everything I knew, the Holy Kingdom’s plan was doomed, with its chances of success greatly diminished.

Acknowledging this and gaining something from me would be a better option.

In that sense, my offer was quite generous.

"Impressive. You really do live up to being the Empire’s future empress."

"I am not the next empress."

My tone wasn’t mocking, but I corrected her matter-of-factly.

"…So, did you let another princess trail after us so she could be informed?"

…Someone was following us?

"Are you making fun of me?"

Seeing my silence, Chiara Verati rose in annoyance and strode toward the terrace entrance. Before I could stop her, she pulled the curtain aside.

"…Oh."

Standing there, plain as day, were Claire—dressed in casual attire like me—and Leo, who seemed to have followed her.

And in front of the two of them…

was Alice.

Alice, in a sky-blue bunny girl outfit.

"…"

Alice and I locked eyes, both speechless.

Though she should have been shocked by all the talk of prophecies she’d overheard… the embarrassment of meeting me in that revealing outfit seemed to weigh heavier on her expression.

…

I sighed deeply and thought to myself.

Again.