Chapter 3

Skritch— Skritch—

“Lita, why do you look so serious?”

I’m really not in the mood to answer right now…

“Why don’t you mind your own business?”

“Oh? Oh… okay, sorry…”

I think I’ve been brooding for quite a while, isolating myself from the world while peeling potatoes alone in a corner of the kitchen. On one hand, I was filled with hope because a clear method of escape existed—which was at least better than being kidnapped for real.

On the other, I despaired at the fact that if I failed, I would meet a ridiculous death in someone else’s body in a place where I had no parents, no friends, and no connections, and no one would ever know.

An unwanted simulation began running automatically in my head.

Mr. Seo So-shin, a man in his 30s, met a tragic end while playing a game… an incident that brings the dangers of gaming back into the spotlight…

‘How did So-shin end up like that?’

‘Well, apparently he was playing a dating sim, and…’

‘A dating sim? What’s that?’

‘You know, those games where you hit on girls.’

‘Ah… I see. Hmm. I didn’t know he was into that kind of thing.’

No, absolutely not!

I wouldn’t even be able to rest in peace after death…

The conclusion I reached in my agony was a simple one. A decision that was all too obvious.

‘I have to make this work, no matter what.’

Fortunately, I know the general content of this game inside out. I’m so glad I used my vacation days to play this. No wait, if that’s the reason for this possession, maybe I shouldn’t be glad…? Anyway, since I know the future, I’ll surely be able to find a way out of this mess.

“Now then, is everyone doing well?”

The clapping of an older woman who appeared to be a supervisor drew the attention of the maids in the kitchen.

“Good, it looks like we’re almost done. Belita and Io! Get ready.”

“Yes~!”

“This is my first time at such a large-scale dinner. Same for you, right?”

This Belita kid, she’s lucky she hasn’t been hauled away for lèse-majesté¹ yet. Ah, for the record, Vincent was the previous head of the house who died in the accident.

“There might be more of these from now on.”

“That would be nice! I find this kind of bustling atmosphere more heartwarming. It’s been so empty until now.”

Right now, we were heading toward the banquet hall carrying silver trays filled with appetizers. Early in the game, there was an episode that briefly introduced the protagonist’s situation and the major characters through a banquet setting. It seemed I was heading straight to that very scene.

“Ugh… It was only a few days ago that I was complaining about having to do kitchen work because we were short-staffed, but to think I’d actually want to go back to the kitchen instead. If I mess up because I’m nervous, you have to help me, okay?”

I felt like I’d be more of a hindrance than a help, but I gave a small nod anyway. The sound of whispering voices and clinking glasses drifted over. Instead of the grand entrance, we entered the banquet hall through a small side path and began serving the food in earnest. There wasn’t a single sound of laughter, but the atmosphere wasn’t overly somber or particularly cheerful either. The banquet was attended by the vassals, branch relatives, and allied families of the Rubel Duchy; it was a place for mourning the deceased Duke and brief networking before the meeting, not an atmosphere for toasts and music.

“So, has everyone made up their minds?”

“Well, wasn’t this already the expected course of action? I didn’t think it would be this fast, though.”

“Hmm, that is true.”

I could hear the voices of the extra nobles who didn’t even appear in the main episodes. Well, they might have appeared as faceless background characters.

“Honestly, I don’t even know why we’re having this meeting. Even a passing dog knows the result. To think we have to go through all this trouble because of that ‘dirty blood’.”

“K-Keep your voice down a bit…”

The noble looked around anxiously, conscious of his surroundings.

Sure enough, a man cut into their conversation.

“I wonder what that result might be. I’m curious myself. Care to tell me?”

“Gasp, Sir Carlo!”

A middle-aged man adjusting his glasses appeared—he was a character with a fair amount of screen time. Right, I’m pretty sure the game introduced him like this:

“O-Oh, it seems there’s been a misunderstanding…”

“Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding?”

This time, a young man with his hands shoved sloppily into his pockets interjected while rubbing the back of his neck. The already thin ice of the atmosphere felt like it would break at any moment, turning into a full-blown brawl. This guy… was his intro something like this?

“Are you looking down on my father right now?”

As Oscar marched toward the man, a silhouette blocked his path.

“I appreciate you coming to this difficult, sudden gathering, but please refrain from such careless remarks, Baron Ploca.”

“Uncle!”

“You need to calm down a bit, Oscar.”

‘There he is.’

I recited the man’s introduction roughly from memory.

…Robert Rubel, the most likely successor and the father of the protagonist. The corpse I had discovered during the prologue was that of this very man. And the person who murdered him was, based on the circumstances, the woman I had possessed: Belita.

To be honest, I hadn’t read the early story very closely, so I didn’t know the specifics. It wasn’t a part that required a walkthrough or anything. I just figured I only needed to understand that the protagonist’s father was killed by a maid and move on.

“I have misspoken. Sir Robert, I am sorry.”

“The one who should receive an apology isn’t me, but Carlo, wouldn’t you agree?”

Baron Ploca read the room and apologized repeatedly to Carlo, bowing until the crown of his head nearly touched the floor.

“Seriously, it’s like pulling teeth to get an apology,” Oscar muttered.

“Oscar.”

“Fine, I get it!”

Oscar continued to grumble under his breath, but he didn’t cause any further commotion.

“By the way, what about Jeffrey? Did he say he couldn’t make it today either?”

“He’s abroad, so the message was delayed. It seems he’ll only hear the news of Brother Vincent’s passing by the time the meeting is over.”

Robert and Carlo spoke as they took their seats. Oscar, who had been quietly listening to the adults, looked around before letting out a natural question.

“Where’s Brother?”

“Hereis? They said he’d be a bit late.”

“Give me a break. It’s not like he’s the protagonist or something.”

He’s late exactly because he is the protagonist. The reason is likely that a Heroine Event is currently unfolding outside this banquet hall. Depending on who he enters with, his affection points with them would increase.

Creeeeak—

A servant opened the door and announced the entering guests.

“The Vice-Commander of the Imperial Knights, Sir Hereis, and the only daughter of the Marquis Peyers family, Lady Edelina, are entering!”

Oh, so the protagonist’s choice was Edelina.

Edelina is a total childhood friend cliché, but clichés are clichés for a reason, right? She’s the character with an unshakable number-one popularity rating. Admiration and gasps began to erupt from the surroundings. Two figures, possessing an aura that set them apart from the rest, were approaching.

“My, Lady Edelina, and…”

“Well, it’s said both families have been considering marriage for those two.”

“They’re practically engaged, really.”

“They look so good together… Truly a match made in heaven.”

I snatched the plate from my roommate’s hand and spoke.

“I’ll carry this one.”

“Oh, thank you, Lita!”

Since I’ve transmigrated into this world anyway, I might as well get a close-up look at the main characters’ faces. Balancing a heavy steak plate on my hand, I headed toward the seats where the protagonist and Edelina were sitting. Fine-textured, long straight purple hair. Jewel-like blue eyes. Distinct features like a Western doll and large, striking eyes came into view. I couldn’t believe I was seeing the heroine—who also happened to be my favorite character—in real life.

‘I guess this is the only perk of being stuck in this trash game.’

Of course, I would have much preferred to keep looking at her through illustrations rather than seeing her in person.

“Ooh~ what’s up with you two? Are you finally getting married?”

“…I heard you were suspended from the Academy, how did that happen?”

“Hey, hey! That’s supposed to be a secret…”

“Oscar, tell me exactly what that means.”

“Gasp, Mother. That, well, you see.”

It was an event I recognized. The dialogue immediately surfaced in my mind. A choice would pop up next. Since Edelina and the protagonist have been friends for nearly 15 years and know each other inside out, a bold approach is more effective than acting shy. I wondered which question the protagonist here would choose.

The moment the mysterious screen appeared, my surroundings suddenly began to slow down. My steps slowed, and I felt as if my movements were being partitioned into seconds—a bizarre sensation, like I was lagging or buffering. Could it be… because of that choice window? Even the UI was identical to the game, down to the last pixel. After a moment, a sound effect signaled that a choice had been selected, and time returned to normal.

“What do you think about what Oscar said?”

And now, close enough to see clearly, text began to appear above the protagonist’s head.

Mo Je-won?

“Pfft, Hereis. Stop acting so serious, it doesn’t suit you. Well… it’s not exactly bad. I’ll leave it at that.”

Mo Je-won had picked the right answer. His favorability rating probably went up by about 10. Wait, no. That’s not what’s important right now….

“My brother and the head of our house, Duke Vincent, who led the Rubel Duchy with grace and wisdom, has departed to Ralphican’s side after a tragic accident.”

As Robert stood up alone, the chattering noise died down in an instant. After a brief silence, Robert’s calm yet sorrowful voice echoed throughout the hall.

“Everyone, please rise for a moment of silence.”

The seated nobles stood up, and the servants stopped what they were doing. Everyone bowed their heads for a brief moment of mourning. I had no choice but to follow suit and lower my head.

“Though it is devastating and heartbreaking, His Grace the Duke would not want us to grieve forever.”

Perhaps overcome with emotion, a slight tremor could be heard in his voice. However, that only added more weight to his sincerity.

“For the sake of the Rubel Duchy and the Lemir State, we, who are its backbone, must not fall. Let us all join forces and move forward. For the Rubel Duchy!”

“For the Rubel family! For the Lemir State! For Ralphican!”

The nobles shouted the slogan while raising their wine glasses high, draining them all at once. The protagonist did the same.

…I think I need to re-evaluate the situation.

Is that person Hereis, or is it Mo Je-won?

‘Just as my name is in parentheses next to Belita’s on the status window, there’s a high probability that Mo Je-won has possessed Hereis.’

If you asked me anything about Mo Je-won, I could answer with total confidence. Even if it was only through a screen, he had been a part of my life for almost half of it. That’s because he is the only variety game streamer whose live broadcasts I actually tuned in for. From the time he was my own “small and precious” streamer until he became a giant in the industry, I hardly missed a single day. It was absurd, but the fact that someone I knew was transmigrated along with me brought a sense of psychological relief…

…?

Before I could even finish reading the message filling my vision, a familiar voice drifted in from somewhere.

“I’ve finally caught the vibe now. Everyone, fasten your seatbelts and hold on tight!”

In a blue window floating in the air, text began scrolling up at high speed.

What is this?

What on earth is this?!