Sichuan Opera Face Changing

Without any hesitation or delay, after a simple wash-up and urging me to “hurry up,” Kefir grabbed my arm and dragged me, running all the way to the main hall of the family estate—Miss Nilu said that Her Majesty the Queen would be waiting for us there.

In the rush, I didn’t even have time to look at the script for Queen Louise IV of the Great British Empire this time, but obviously, her purpose was aimed at the “selection quota,” and along the way, Kefir kept warning and “threatening” me.

“Euclid, when you meet the Queen later, keep your mouth shut if you can, play dead if you can. And don’t start blurting out your weird prophecies about the ‘quota’—my relationship with my royal sister isn’t that bad, and… it’s for your own good too.”

I agreed readily. Or rather… even if Kefir hadn’t warned me, when I actually met the Queen, I was already planning to play dead to cope.

Her Majesty the Queen—just listen to that, how imposing! Sounds like a major character. And according to the script, she’s going to “kill me” in the end anyway. I’d rather not have anything to do with her.

“We’re here. Hide yourself well.”

Saying that, Kefir quickly arrived at the main hall, took a deep breath, adjusted her posture, and struck the heroic pose that always belonged to the “protagonist” before pushing the big door open.

“!”

Countless gazes instantly fell on Kefir. Thanks to that, it seemed no one even noticed me, who was just treated like a “follower.” Compared to before, today’s scene was on a much larger scale.

Uncle Zerola, Kefir’s own father, was hosting the event.

Inside the hall, rows upon rows of people stood—clearly cannon fodder, yet all of them were big shots who could crush me like an ant without effort.

Even Louise XXIII, who had fled in fear before, was now fully recovered and staring at me with a smug, sinister smile.

Sigh, typical villain behavior—get humiliated, then come back for revenge.

What truly caught my attention was the most eye-catching guest among them, the one who looked nothing like a background character and was obviously the highest in status—a young girl.

“Royal Sister!”

I thought Kefir was about to do something earth-shattering like a true protagonist, but instead, she flashed a bright smile and ran toward the girl in just a few strides.

Even though layers upon layers of guards surrounded the girl, none of them dared stop Kefir.

Not only because of Kefir’s identity, but also because of the girl’s reaction.

“Kefir~”

The girl looked just as happy, casually tossing her parasol to a nearby guard and rushing into Kefir’s arms with excitement.

“It’s been so long! I’ve missed you so much~”

The layers of guards… their attitude toward Kefir… and this scene where nobody dared to interrupt despite how informal it seemed—this girl in front of me… she must be Louise IV, right?

The only reason I hesitated was that at first glance, I couldn’t see a single element of “Queen” in her.

Her looks were flawless, but her long, drooping curls were full of star-shaped ornaments—hardly the dignified image of a queen. The only crown I found was a tiny one on the side of her head, decorated like an accessory.

Her outfit had nothing “regal” about it either: a huge ribbon bow, a light, fluttery short skirt boldly showing off her black-stockinged legs.

Her waist and skirt were full of girlish decorations and trinkets. I almost mistook her for a popular idol who had traveled through time.

When she hugged Kefir with a bright, gentle smile, she gave off an even lighter, more carefree feeling.

Their closeness wasn’t inappropriate—I already knew from the script about the relationship between Kefir and Louise IV.

【Louise IV and Kefir are cousins.】

By the way, the script also pointed out an ending that made me start to worry.

【Louise IV will kill Euclid.】

This light, cheerful girl who seemed like a national idol… will kill me? I can’t even think of a reason.

I didn’t have time to dwell on it.

Because Louise IV, having clearly heard something from Louise XXIII earlier, let go of Kefir and turned her innocent, curious gaze toward me.

I suddenly shivered all over. Before I figured out why, Louise IV asked in her soft, girlish voice:

“So you’re the man that XXIII mentioned—the one Kefir brought back? Wow~ How rare! How did Kefir accept someone like you? Normally, Kefir doesn’t even bother looking at guys her age~”

“That’s because…”

Some profound reason.

I was about to answer when Louise XXIII’s mocking tone interrupted.

Looks like Uncle Zerola was right—Louise XXIII really did go tattling. And now, she was obviously trash-talking me from head to toe.

“Royal Sister, he…”

“XXIII, at official events, I’m Your Majesty the Queen~”

The girl’s smile didn’t change, but Louise XXIII shivered and quickly corrected herself.

“Uh… ahem, Your Majesty, he’s the thug I told you about earlier. The one who tricked Kefir. Worse, Kefir is still obsessed with him. That’s why I’ve been petitioning you—to let Kefir take a break and fix her bad habits, and drive away this love scammer. So about the quota…”

Tch, just as expected—thanks to this villain, Kefir’s storyline won’t be smooth sailing.

What I saw now was this: 【Louise IV plans to choose Louise XXIII, but Kefir objects.】

There’s no way I can let that druggie steal the protagonist Kefir’s script! I’ve been planning this from the start!

Kefir is my big thigh to hold on to. If anyone makes her suffer, making me lose my grip, I’ll dig up their ancestors for eight generations!

But the next moment, things suddenly changed.

“XXIII, I think any man who can stay by Kefir’s side must be an exceptional man~”

Louise IV said this with an innocent smile as she turned to me.

“May I ask your identity?”

“Lide. Currently serving as Kefir’s personal priest.”

“A personal priest? Hmm! That’s a job where you can protect Kefir with your own ability~”

I didn’t respond—not because I killed the conversation like a social disaster, but because I was shocked.

Because just now, I clearly saw it—the script on Louise IV, which I’d been watching since I came in, changed!

Along with her next decision!

【Louise IV suddenly decides to let Kefir and Louise XXIII compete for the quota.】

“Then my decision will make it clear. Zerola, about the candidates for the ruins expedition—I’d like the two to compete for the spot. What do you think?”

The girl’s every move made it look like this had always been her plan.

But because of the script, I saw it clearly.

This Queen—she changed the original decision without batting an eye!?