Please Fall in Love with Me! – A Villainess on Her Second Loop, using 'Seduction' to Avoid Ruin! - Chapter 4.3

The hostess of the salon, Duchess Smaragd, leaned forward slightly as she asked her question.

Duchess Smaragd’s salon was renowned for bringing together intellectuals from various fields.

Today’s topic of discussion: “The Legend of the Saintess.”

I smiled and nodded.

“Yes, as far as I am aware, that is correct.”

A man standing before a painting depicting an ancient saintess raised his hand.

“Is simply meeting her enough? Or is physical contact necessary for proof to manifest?”

“According to the legend, merely meeting her should suffice. At present, ensuring the Saintess’s peace of mind is our top priority, so she is staying at our Kishtaria Ducal estate. However, she will eventually be presented at the royal palace before moving to reside in the temple. At that time, she will meet many more people, and perhaps someone will be chosen as a Knight of the Round.”

“Are only men chosen by the heavens as Knights of the Round?”

“No, based on my research, there are no such restrictions. Thus, it is entirely possible for a woman to be chosen as well.”

“As it stands, women in the empire cannot hold key government positions. Does that mean a woman could even become emperor?”

I nodded again.

“Yes, exactly. The heavens do not discriminate based on gender. Talent is not something determined by s3x. Whether one possesses the qualities of a ruler has nothing to do with whether they are male or female.”

This world, modeled after late 19th-century Europe, was still far from gender equality.

Perhaps that was why no one had even considered the idea. The gathered gentlemen and ladies gasped, exchanging looks.

“Indeed, at present, women cannot hold ministerial positions. But did you know? There is no law stating that a woman must not become a minister or an emperor.”

“—!”

Yes—this was a game world. A fictional creation. While inspired by 19th-century Europe, it was not an exact replica. To ensure that modern players would not feel discomfort, the game incorporated the sensibilities of 21st-century Japan.

In other words, the world did not impose severe restrictions based on gender.

“Both men and women have equal potential.”

“Equal… Such a thing…”

“Unbelievable…”

Some frowned in clear skepticism, while others seemed to brim with newfound hope. Though they remained silent, the sparkle in their eyes betrayed their excitement.

“It is all the will of the heavens.”

As I smiled, the man seated beside Duchess Smaragd let out an admiring sigh.

“My, you are quite knowledgeable. I heard your family possesses ancient records?”

“Yes, either my great-grandfather or great-great-grandfather—one of my ancestors—left behind a wealth of research materials.”

“How extraordinary.”

“Oh, not at all. I still have much to learn. I only happen to have some knowledge in this field… Compared to all of you, who excel in so many areas and contribute to this magnificent salon, I have a long way to go. I will continue to strive forward.”

It wouldn’t do to come across as merely showing off my knowledge. That would make me no different from before. I had to respect the hostess and acknowledge the gathered scholars.

As I bowed my head, Duchess Smaragd offered a gentle smile.

“I am glad we invited you, Lady Kishtaria. You have shared many enlightening insights.”

“Indeed, I feel I have learned a great deal.”

Yes! Thank goodness! I’m so relieved!

Please, invite me again next time! I’ll work even harder to keep up with discussions in various fields!

Feeling a deep sense of relief at Duchess Smaragd’s kind words, I slowly rose from my seat.

“If you’ll excuse me, I need to step out for a moment.”

I smiled politely as I exited the salon.

Quickly, I made my way down the hall, entered the powder room, and clenched my fists.

Yes, this was going very well! Everything was going smoothly.

Especially since Duchess Smaragd was the mother of Henri, one of the key figures in this world. I absolutely needed to stay in her good graces.

During my first attempt, I had been too focused on avoiding death. I had little information on not just the key figures but also the people surrounding them. I was navigating all of this completely blind, struggling to build relationships from scratch.

But in the real world, that’s just how it is, isn’t it?

You don’t get second chances in forming connections. There are no guides or strategy books to help.

I have to try. I have to build good relationships. If I want to escape a terrible fate…

“Alright!”

Reaffirming my determination, I checked my makeup, adjusted my appearance, and stepped out of the powder room.

Just as I reached the hallway’s corner on my way back to the salon—

I suddenly heard a voice.

“Duchess Smaragd is far too kind. To think she would invite someone like Lady Kishtaria… that woman with such a terrible reputation…”

I froze in place.