The Protagonist's Party is Too Diligent

As expected of a hotel that looked so impressive on the outside, the interior was just as remarkable. It wasn’t excessively extravagant, nor was it overly simplistic—it had just the right touch of luxury. In fact, it looked far more expensive than a place decked out in jewels and glitter.

If a noble family operated a hotel this perfect, they’d probably be proud to show it off. The Grace family took pride in cultivating the only patch of green grass in the middle of a dreary city, the Winterfield family in their strong-hearted citizens, and the Northwood family in their magnificent streets.

But no, this place did show off its elegance. However, the person who was supposed to take ownership of it—Jake—was merely smiling faintly, without a trace of a boastful attitude.

Jake was, in fact, much more composed here than he was at the academy.

"You probably already know the room assignments. We’ve put you with people you can comfortably stay with, so there’s no need to worry," he said.

I shared a room with Alice. It was a spacious two-person room, though they could have packed us into a four-person room. The decision to keep us in a larger room was likely more influenced by the Lindbergh family than by the academy’s plans.

The willingness to offer such generosity, along with the intention to make sure that when the time came for business visits, they would ensure we stayed here, was clear.

Providing the same for the commoner class meant Lindbergh was "progressive," in a sense. Of all noble families, they were the most sensitive to money. It was also a family that always lacked manpower. Whether commoner students would end up becoming bourgeois or professionals, it wouldn’t hurt to become familiar with them early on.

Of course, the term "progressive" probably only applied to pure-blooded Empire citizens, particularly those of white descent.

"We’ve been traveling for days, so I’m sure you’re all exhausted. Rest well today. However, as I mentioned earlier, before going outside the hotel, report to me or one of the teachers waiting in the lobby. Also, make sure to travel in groups of three or more. A little additional advice—don’t fall for any persuasion that might lead you astray," Jennifer said.

Her last words caused some laughter among the students, but Jennifer’s expression remained quite serious.

"The security around here is better than in some places, but it’s still not as good as in the Empire. Stay alert and act responsibly. That’s all."

In truth, most of the students here weren’t from the Empire, so they were probably more familiar with places that had far worse security. Still, there might be some who had never experienced places with poor security firsthand. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

"Sylvia."

Once Jennifer finished speaking, and the students began gathering in their groups, Alice tapped me lightly on the shoulder.

"Shall we go check out our room? It’s on a pretty high floor."

Alice’s expression was excited, so I nodded silently in agreement.

*

It would be a lie to say I hadn’t felt excited since coming to this world.

The moment I realized I was in the world of the game series I loved. The moment I found myself beside Alice as a princess.

When I entered the academy that the main characters attended or got involved in the main story...

There were many moments when I had to think hard and ponder, but at the same time, I felt a flutter in my chest. Honestly, I don’t think there’s anyone who wouldn’t feel excited when they find themselves in the world of a game they love.

In most body-swap stories, people usually start by saying how everything’s ruined and this world is doomed, but eventually, they end up living well after meeting the heroine.

...I guess it’s a little different for me, but still.

"This is amazing, now I get why they insisted on having us stay in this hotel."

Alice said, gazing out the window.

The 72nd floor, the very top.

No matter how big the hotel was, there was no way they could have squeezed so many students into such a scenic location. The reason our rooms were placed here wasn’t a coincidence; the room allocation wasn’t random.

The road outside, visible through the clean glass windows, was perfectly straight. It seemed as though it had been measured with a ruler, as the road stretched all the way to the edge of the city, which could be faintly seen in the distance. A road that cut diagonally across the city was also visible.

It proudly showed that the city had been planned from the start.

At the far edge of my sight, the industrial area began. Outside the city limits, I could see black smoke and white steam rising. Beyond that, there were likely plantation farms.

"If we had stayed at Lindbergh Estate like the other places, we wouldn’t have felt like this."

"Lindbergh Castle is actually much more modest compared to the estates on the Empire’s mainland."

Unlike other estates, which literally resembled castles, Lindbergh’s family residence was just a mansion in the middle of the city. It wasn’t small enough to be called ‘just’ a mansion, but calling it a castle would have been a stretch.

It was built during an era when families didn’t need to prepare for medieval-style sieges.

"A new kind of business for a new era..." Alice muttered, gazing down at the scene.

"Well, fine. Let’s check the room and luggage first, then we can go out and explore the area. Charlotte’s probably itching to go outside, so we can gather the others and head out—"

Before Alice could finish speaking, there was a knock at our door.

"I’ll go answer it."

I had a pretty good idea of what was happening since this was part of the story from the original.

As I walked across the large room toward the door, the knock didn’t come again. Whoever had knocked wasn’t in a hurry and was waiting quietly.

When I opened the thick door, I met Roti’s eyes.

"Your Highness."

Roti bowed slightly. She had always greeted people with grace, even when she was just another student at the academy, but this time, her greeting was different.

She held the edge of her skirt and bowed with a refined gesture.

It felt more like a formal bow than a simple greeting.

"What is it?" I asked.

I already knew what was happening, but I felt awkward not asking about it.

"Tonight, Duke Lindbergh would like to invite the two princesses to a banquet at Lindbergh Mansion," Roti said, bowing again and handing us two invitations.

I took them, and on the elegant, flowing handwriting was written: "To Her Highness Princess Alice Fangriphon" on one side, and "To Her Highness Princess Sylvia Fangriphon" on the other. Both invitations were sealed with a dark purple wax seal, embossed with an image of a rearing horse.

"It would be an honor if the two princesses would grace the banquet with your presence," Roti said, her voice full of respectful courtesy.

"...Roti?"

Alice’s voice came from behind, surprised to see Roti standing at the door and greeting me so politely.

Though Roti was still in her uniform, her posture was as dignified as if she were wearing a maid’s uniform.

I silently passed Alice her invitation.

"We’ve been invited to a banquet tonight at Lindbergh Estate."

"...Really?"

Alice squinted slightly at the envelope, then looked back at Roti.

"Roti, there’s no need to be so formal. We’re both in the same uniform right now."

"However, the invitation was sent in the name of Duke Lindbergh," Roti responded, her words carrying more meaning.

Roti was Jake’s personal maid, so when delivering something like this, it was natural for her to do so as a maid.

Whether she was wearing a uniform or not, when dealing with nobility, Roti would always act in her professional capacity.

"...I see." Alice nodded, as if understanding the implication.

Roti gave another deep bow and then stepped back, retreating a step.

She remained standing in the same spot until I closed the door.

"So, Roti is Lindbergh’s..."

"His maid, I suppose. Jake insists she’s his childhood friend, though."

"Actually, that would be the more natural assumption. I’ve been at the academy so long that I keep forgetting things like that."

Alice’s expression was complex.

I didn’t think it was a bad thing, so I didn’t feel the need to say anything about it.