Chapter 51: Latiche and Fortuna

“Die! Die! Die! You’re all in my way!”

Renaria unleashed attack magic wildly, her strikes tearing through what little remained of the greenhouse. It had already been badly damaged, but now it was reduced to rubble. At least it wasn’t the main residence yet, though at this rate it would only be a matter of time.

Despite the ferocity of her attacks, my barrier magic held firm, easily deflecting each spell. That only seemed to enrage her further, causing her to attack even more recklessly. Still, this couldn’t last forever. Her attacks lacked any planning, and some even rebounded toward her, forcing her to waste energy deflecting her own magic. It was inefficient and unsustainable.

The guards kept glancing at me, clearly wanting permission to move in, but I couldn’t risk sending them into such chaos. It was safer to wait until her magic ran out.

Watching closely, I realized her spells weren’t entirely her own. The bracelet on her arm—set with dark magic stones—was supplying most of her power. Every ten or so shots, one of the stones cracked and shattered.

More importantly, how could she not realize that causing this much noise would draw attention? Even with the annex being some distance from the main residence, the explosions were loud enough to be noticed.

It was a race—whether her magic would run out first, or reinforcements would arrive.

Just as I was beginning to worry, the situation suddenly changed.

“That’s enough!”

A sharp voice rang out, and in the next instant, magic wrapped around Renaria, restraining her completely.

The one who had appeared was a dignified older man. His slicked-back black hair, steel-gray eyes, and neatly groomed Kaiser mustache gave him a refined presence. His formal attire was immaculate, accented by a vivid green ascot tie.

I didn’t recognize him.

Was he one of the invited guests? Then why was he here?

Even though he had helped us, the fact that he was an unfamiliar man made me tense, and I instinctively stepped back.

“…To withstand that barrage—impressive barrier magic. There’s no doubt you carry royal blood… Christina wasn’t particularly gifted in magic, so this must come from that man’s lineage.”

That man… did he mean Father?

My opinion of him dropped instantly.

“…I heard you were a shut-in, but can’t you even greet someone? That rudeness must come from your father as well.”

Something inside me snapped.

“…Do not insult my father.”

“Oh? So you can speak. With that dull hair color, you look rather shabby… Christina had beautiful black hair. It seems only your dress and jewels are of any real value.”

His words were dripping with malice.

Fear vanished, replaced entirely by anger.

I stepped forward carefully over the ruined floor, stopping the guards and Anna with a small gesture. Then I performed a flawless curtsy—slow, elegant, and deliberate, carrying both gratitude and unmistakable sarcasm.

“You have my thanks for your assistance, sir. I am Albertina von Latiche, daughter of Duke Grail—”

“Christina.”

…What?

I forced my expression into a polite smile, but the man’s eyes widened as if struck by lightning. His gaze trembled, filled with something close to awe.

He stepped closer, almost reverently.

“Oh, Christina…! What a miracle! Though the hair and eyes differ, that face—there’s no mistaking it! You’re her image brought to life!”

He reached out toward me.

Absolutely not.

I suppressed the urge to lash out and stepped back, Anna subtly adjusting her position so his hand met only empty air. I made no effort to hide the coldness in my gaze.

Realizing my rejection, the man faltered slightly.

“…You must be Albertina. Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Christoph von Fortuna, Christina’s elder brother—your uncle.”

…Fortuna.

So he was from the Fortuna ducal house.

“I currently hold the rank of count, though I will succeed the duchy in time. As fellow members of the Four Great Ducal Houses, I hope we can get along.”

His expression softened completely, his earlier hostility gone as if it had never existed. If not for his earlier insults, I might have been fooled.

“That’s wrong! She’s a fake!”

Renaria shouted from where she was restrained.

“What nonsense,” Christoph scoffed. “How could this beautiful face resemble that cold-blooded brute? She’s clearly Christina’s likeness—my adorable niece. And you—know your place and keep silent.”

He dismissed Renaria like an insect.

Meanwhile, he kept trying to approach me, which was extremely bothersome. I retreated behind Anna and the guards, glaring at him, but my hostility only seemed to make him smile more.

Just then, hurried footsteps echoed from the direction of the residence.

“Albel! Are you safe?!”

“Kishutaria!”

Relief flooded me as I rushed to him, clinging tightly.

He caught me securely, his expression darkening as he took in the scene—Renaria restrained, Christoph present, and the destruction around us.

“This is the intruder, I presume… Count Fortuna, why are you here? While I thank you for assisting my sister, this area is restricted. The event is being held at the main residence. Why have you come here?”

Though polite, Kishutaria’s tone carried an unmistakable chill.

Renaria looked shocked at being called an intruder, but considering her actions, it was entirely accurate.

“What’s wrong with an uncle coming to see his niece?” Christoph replied sharply. “Your father has kept the Fortuna family at a distance for nearly twenty years. Is it so strange that I would wish to see my beloved sister’s daughter? Or is that beyond the understanding of someone raised by that monster?”

My grip tightened involuntarily.

Kishutaria gently patted my head. “It’s alright.”

Then Christoph turned back to me, smiling.

“Come here, Albertina. There’s no need to stay with someone like him. You’ll be far happier at our estate.”

“I must decline. My family is my father, my stepmother, and my brother. That is more than enough for me.”

I clung to Kishutaria, refusing even to look at Christoph.

He visibly deflated.

Kishutaria, on the other hand, looked thoroughly satisfied, gently stroking my hair as if to emphasize the point.

Then, as if remembering something, he gestured toward Renaria. She was further restrained with anti-magic shackles and a gag.

“Oh, and a piece of advice, Count,” Kishutaria said lightly.

“…What?”

“Albertina is extremely shy, especially around men. Forceful approaches only frighten her.”

Christoph froze.

“One strike.”

“She also dotes on me, her stepbrother. Insulting me earns far more of her displeasure than insulting her directly.”

His face paled.

“Two strikes.”

“And above all, she adores our father. Insulting him is the worst possible mistake you could make. Now then—how many rules have you broken?”

Christoph looked as though his soul had left his body.

Three strikes.

Complete defeat.

Not long after, Julius arrived—dropping down from above since the entrance was too crowded. He landed perfectly, surveyed the situation, and gave a strained smile upon seeing me unharmed.

Sebas followed soon after, having forced his way through numerous intruders within the estate.

It seemed Renaria had accomplices—many of them. That explained why reinforcements had been delayed.

Watching everything unfold, I couldn’t help but think that while Renaria had been completely unhinged, she truly had a frightening ability to manipulate people.

Perhaps that was her “heroine power.”

Though, judging by Kishutaria, Michaelis, and Julius, it clearly didn’t work on everyone.