Sudden Change

"Sorry, Sister Oswivia. I'd really like to accept your invitation, but I need Father's permission before I can leave Carlas Province."

Fiona shook her head regretfully and politely declined the invitation.

"That really is a shame. But if you ever want to go out and have some fun in the future, I can put in a word with Duke Carlot."

The Fourth Princess nodded and did not pursue the topic further.

"By the way, have you heard? That Construct Network Headgear promoted by the Federation Parliament seems to have recently begun circulating on a small scale within the Empire as well."

Seeing that the conversation had fallen a little flat, Catherine Alfred, the seventh daughter of the golden-haired, violet-eyed Head of Alfred Family, spoke up and steered the topic in a new direction.

"I tried one before as well. There really are plenty of interesting gossip columns and local legends on it, along with some special games that let you simulate the life of a High-Ranked Professional. It seems there's a reason it's so popular among commoners."

"The Empire has always strictly prohibited the spread of such things. Those headgear you mentioned probably entered through some shady channels.

"Also, that thing is actually very dangerous. You'd best not touch it lightly."

Hearing her words, Oswivia shook her head, her expression turning uncharacteristically serious.

"The Lord of Dreams descent incident that shocked the entire Yar Continent, as well as the emergence of the Contactees—if one investigates the causes, the Construct Network Headgear played an indispensable role in both.

"During that incident, many Professionals who wore the headgear fell asleep and never woke up again.

"Although they have now removed the headgear's ability to directly connect consciousness to the network, scholars at the Royal Research Institute have discovered that these headgear still