Victoria of Many Faces (手札が多めのビクトリア)

10 YEARS AGO

Jeff!

What's wrong? Aren't you going on an expedition today?

I am, but I wanted to see your face before I left.

Please come home safely.

Don't you worry.

I'll be with your dependable brother.

Kaiser!

Thank you, Jeff.

I'm counting on you to take care of my sister.

Of course.

I had a fiancée once.

But I failed to notice...

how much she was struggling.

I couldn't become someone to be depended upon.

VICTORIA OF MANY FACES

I COULDN'T BECOME SOMEONE TO BE DEPENDED UPON

There, you're all set.

You look like a princess, Vicky.

Thank you, Nonna.

How go preparations for the dance party?

Perfectly, ma'am.

So you're still dating the captain, yes?

I don't know if we can call it "dating."

But he invited me to help ward off other women, so I wanted to help.

He can be so unskillful.

He should come right out and ask you out without making any such excuses.

The three of us went on a picnic!

My, you did?

That's wonderful.

You and the captain are both single, and in this day and age,

class differences can be worked out.

We don't have that kind of relationship.

Oh, don't worry.

The spark of love is a necessity in life.

You're still young, you know?

If I'm there to keep other women away,

people will assume that we're lovers.

I'm sure it'll be a headache for me, but I'm prepared for that.

I don't make promises I can't keep.

I'm good for my word.

That's my policy.

He's here!

I chose that dress because I knew the color would look great on you.

I'll be the victim of many a jealous stare tonight.

Why, thank you very much.

I'm happy to accept endless praise.

I'll be home soon, okay?

Have a good time, Vicky.

I will take care of her until morning,

so you don't have to come home tonight.

Lady Yolana, are you trying to turn me into some kind of a bad girl?

Well, enjoy yourself.

Okay, my mission begins.

You're so popular, Captain.

Well, it's been ten years since I attended with a lady.

They must be surprised.

It's been some time, Lord Asher.

Surprised to see you with a lady.

It's nice to see you, Earl Wald.

May I ask your name, miss?

My name is Victoria Sellars.

I'm from the Kingdom of Randall.

I knew I didn't recognize you.

So you're from abroad, are you?

Good evening, Lady Gilmore.

I suppose now is when I play the part of women repellent.

Lord Asher, I've asked you many times to call me Florence.

Oh? It's rare of you to bring someone.

This is Victoria Sellars,

the daughter of a viscount in the Kingdom of Randall.

Is that so? A viscount, you say?

You really shouldn't be making such a face in front of your crush.

Indeed, I'm Victoria Sellars.

The ladies of Ashbury are all so elegant and kind, I'm just overwhelmed.

She's dear to me, so I do hope you'll be nice to her.

Oh, Jeffrey, you...

Maybe tone down the sweetness when you look at me like that.

Now, if you'll excuse us...

Look, there's the crown prince!

Oh, how beautiful!

They're picture-perfect.

Shall we dance as well?

Sure.

So you're even good at dancing.

I've been asked to play a similar role before.

My goodness, you're full of surprises.

I'm flattered.

Now, your boss who keeps trying to play matchmaker is...

Oh, that would be Prince Conrad, who was dancing earlier.

Ah...

So you're His Royal Highness's favorite, huh?

Captain.

What is it?

That server over by His Highness...

He hasn't been working whatsoever.

It makes me wonder if he's after the ladies' jewelry or something.

He seems to be looking for someone.

Sorry, I'll be right back.

Yes, of course.

Too bad. Sounds like the captain let him get away.

That man will most likely...

ditch his uniform so as not to stand out.

Now's my chance.

I found him!

Captain.

Oh, good. There you are.

I'll take the carriage home.

Yes, please use mine to get yourself back.

I'm sorry, but I can't leave just yet.

I'll talk to you later.

I understand.

They did catch the culprit, but security here is lax, which works in my favor.

It sounded like a commotion in the ballroom.

Did something happen?

You could say that, but it's all settled now.

I'd like to change on the way home,

so drop me off at a store in the southern quarter.

Certainly.

They know not to pry...

As I'd expect of a duke's servants.

It's been a while since I did something like that,

so I don't want to see Nonna right now.

She'd be quick to pick up on the signs.

I should take a break somewhere before heading home.

Welcome.

A glass of whatever you recommend.

Certainly.

I haven't felt those sensations in a while.

The accomplishment in forestalling and subduing him.

The nervousness and excitement that slows down everything around me.