Exiled Young Girl’s Territory Development Record: The Result of the Villainous Young Lady Who Was Exiled Before the Scenario Began and Did Whatever She Wanted for the People.

We rode the carriage and arrived at the mayor’s mansion. After Marie escorted me out of the carriage, we were greeted by Lord Edward, standing at the front, with Muriel, Lady Gloria, Sir David, and the household staff lined up to welcome us.

“Baroness Scarlettford, thank you for coming.”

“Yes, it’s been a while.”

“The pleasure is ours. We are deeply grateful for the help you provided with the skeletons for the construction.”

“Think nothing of it. It’s an essential road for us as well.”

As we exchanged these formal greetings, Muriel lightly nudged Lord Edward.

“Oh, that reminds me. Muriel here was eagerly awaiting your visit, Baroness.”

“Well, I’m delighted to hear that.”

I moved in front of Muriel.

“It’s been a while, Muriel.”

“Yes! Lady Olivia, it’s been so long! That red dress is absolutely stunning and suits you so well. Is it from Catherine’s boutique?”

“Yes. As expected from your recommendation, it’s a wonderful shop.”

“Oh! I’m honored to have been of help to you, Lady Olivia.”

We continued to chat casually for a while.

“It’s been a while, Lady Gloria, Sir David.”

“Yes, it has been, Lady Olivia.”

“It’s been a while.”

We exchanged light greetings with Lady Gloria and Sir David.

“You must be tired from the long journey. Tomorrow’s events start in the morning, so please relax and take your time here tonight.”

“Thank you. I’ll be in your care.”

With that, we entered the mansion.

After resting well that day, I donned a red dress the following morning and headed to the ceremony venue.

Can you guess where it was?

Surprisingly, it was the same central plaza we visited last time.

This means that the starting point of the road to Scarlettford, on the Bitterray side, was not at the north gate—formerly called the Gate of the Cursed Forest, which they plan to rename on this occasion—but here, in the central plaza.

What does this mean, you ask? Honestly, I’m not too sure myself.

For the record, as long as the roads are properly connected, the starting point on the Scarlettford side is the back gate.

However, it seems that Count Lazlo’s decision is what established this plaza as the starting point.

According to Lord Edward, there was already a straight road wide enough for carriages to pass between Bitterley’s north gate and the central plaza, allowing soldiers and supplies to be quickly sent in case something happened in the Cursed Forest.

So, from a road management perspective, Count Lazlo ordered that the road within the town and the newly built one outside be treated as one connected route.

Hmm… I sort of get it, but at the same time, I don’t. It’s a bit hard to explain.

Anyway, a large crowd had gathered in the central plaza.

It looks like the ceremony is about to begin.

“Now, we shall commence the opening ceremony of the Scarlettford Road!”

As I was thinking this, a man, serving as the master of ceremonies, loudly announced the start of the ceremony.

“First, we shall receive a congratulatory address from Lord Edward Hallows, Mayor of Bitterley.”

Lord Edward ascended the stage.

“Ahem, today we are blessed with fine weather, a sign of the heavens’ approval. I am overjoyed that the road connecting the Scarlettford Baron’s capital, Scarlettford, has been opened as we continue to address the Cursed Forest, which has long been a concern. The threat posed by the monsters in the Cursed Forest is…”

Lord Edward read aloud from his script, his tone flat and without inflection, delivering an incredibly long congratulatory speech.

…Wait, could this be one of those situations? Like in my past life, when the school principal would drone on forever during graduation ceremonies, even though no one was really listening?

I’ve seen people make jokes about it on the internet a few times. I get it now. I suppose it is a bit of a nuisance when someone goes on and on like this.

Even as the guest of honor, I’m getting bored. It must be even worse for the audience.

“…and that concludes my speech. Ahem, thank you.”

*Clap, clap, clap.*

Hmm? Is it over?

Wow, that was long.

Lord Edward descended from the stage, looking satisfied.

Wait, do ceremonies have to have long speeches like that?

I didn’t prepare anything that lengthy…

“Next, we shall hear a congratulatory speech from the Baroness of Scarlettford, Lady Olivia Ainsley.”

Oh well. I’m not good at improvising, so I’ll just say what I prepared and finish quickly.

I stood up and, escorted by Sir David, walked up to the stage.

…Huh? Why is everyone staring at me so intently?

Ugh… Being watched like this is making me nervous.

But I can’t afford to mess up now!

I steeled myself and turned to face the crowd.

The audience was buzzing.

I’m not sure why, but for some reason, I didn’t feel any pressure anymore.

Alright, I think I’m good now.

“People of Bitterley and Count Lazlo’s domain, I am Olivia Ainsley, Baroness of Scarlettford. I’m delighted to be able to celebrate this important day with all of you.”

I could feel everyone’s attention focused on me.

“Scarlettford lies within the Cursed Forest and is constantly under threat from monsters. However!”

I boldly looked around at the entire central plaza, making sure not to shrink under the audience’s gaze. By the time I realized it, the murmuring had completely died down.

“With the opening of this road that now divides the Cursed Forest, the threat posed by the monsters will be greatly diminished. The monsters cut off by this road will gradually decrease in number, and eventually, the day may come when we no longer have to fear them. If we, the people of Scarlettford and Bitterley, join hands, we may be able to achieve such a future.”

I paused for a breath before continuing.

“Let us make this road the path of friendship and hope between Scarlettford and Bitterley, protect it together, and together overcome the threat of the monsters. I am confident that with all of you, we can make this happen.”

With a smile, I turned to Sir David. However, he seemed to be staring at me in a daze.

“Sir David? My speech is finished.”

“Huh? Oh! My apologies!”

Sir David hurriedly approached me, and I allowed him to escort me back to my seat.

“Thank you, Baroness of Scarlettford. Next, we shall hear from Sir Jack Edowes, captain of the Bitterray Guard under Count Lazlo, who was in charge of security during the construction period.”

Several other guests gave their speeches, and then…

“Next, we will proceed to the ribbon-cutting. Baroness Olivia Ainsley of Scarlettford, Lord Edward Hallows, Lady Gloria Hallows, Sir Jack Edowes, and Baronet Steven Keynes, please come forward to the ribbon.”

At those words, I stood in front of the ribbon, taking the central position. A pair of scissors was promptly handed to me.

By the way, Steven Keynes is the head of Keynes Trading Company, the most powerful business in Count Lazlo’s domain, and he contributed funds and materials for the construction on the Bitterley side.

“Now, let’s cut the ribbon!”

At the signal, I cut the ribbon.

“The Scarlettford Road is now officially open!”

Applause erupted from the crowd. I smiled at them, gently and gracefully waving.

Sir David approached me.

“Sir David, if you please.”

“Yes!”

I boarded the open carriage prepared for us, escorted by Sir David. Lord Edward sat beside me, with Lady Gloria and Sir David seated behind us.

“And now, the first carriage will travel along Scarlettford Road.”

Cheers erupted, and the carriage we were riding in began to move slowly. We paraded along the route, traveling back and forth between the north gate and the plaza.