It took me a solid half-hour of earnest persuasion to unravel the misunderstanding with Zitri, yet her skepticism remained.
The scenario in which I was found alone in the dressing room with my fiancée— not the maid — that situation would raise eyebrows.
But it was an act of God.
You should have been in my shoes if you thought it was eerie.
I, too, was spooked.
However, I kept these feelings to myself.
I feared that expressing such sentiments could contaminate the tea I was sipping. The attribute of [Loyalty] could sometimes mutate into its most perilous form.
What is the most effective strategy to manage a situation like this? Exude utmost kindness.
I attempted to soothe myself with thought.
"Enjoy this spectacle, noble lord. There's a time and a place for everything, don't you agree? Just observe how they all react as though they've spotted a deceased insect."
Paracelsus smirks, casting a tart look my way.
He appears to be reveling in my discomfort.
Leon stepped in.
"It's improper to expose one's secrets publicly. It's referred to as hero worship… and Nox has his justifications, wouldn't you agree?"
"…Is that supposed to be of any help? Are you challenging me?"
"No, sir, not at all…"
Leon floundered. Paracelsus folded his arms and nodded.
"Understood. Of course, Nox offered an excuse, but who's going to buy it? A man who couldn't tie his tie due to trembling hands, yet could effortlessly slay demons? He must be fibbing."
From their discourse, it's clear that tensions have peaked between Paracelsus and Leon.
Eleanor, also wasn't immune.
For the record, her gaze bore into me with an excess of contempt.
The kind of expression you'd anticipate from a scoundrel.
'So what? I'm the character who can comfortably play the villain whilst courting a lady.'
True, but it didn't dampen my resentment.
I felt miserable, yet I couldn't betray my feelings.
Fortuitously, I avoided being noticed by Puller or Schutzen. But, I promise, the whispers will multiply.
Particularly when it comes to Paracelsus, he's a unique specimen, right?
I've just managed to elevate my reputation a notch…
'No matter. I'd rather play the villain.'
I heaved a sigh, regaining my composure.
Of course, I harbor guilt for Talia.
She was merely trying to lend a helping hand, bless her heart…
Her crimson face revealed the extent of her embarrassment. We're close, and she aided me under the impression that we're allies.
If she isn't regretful, then that's even more peculiar.
'But I won't apologize.'
That's the mantra of the rogue.
Apologies aren't my style.
'For Nox, specifically.'
"Commoner. If you've said all you wish to say, kindly make your exit."
"Hey, nobleman. Shouldn't we be addressing my attire? Why the sudden urgency? Or do you have intentions to stage an unseen mishap? Now that would be a different tale."
"After… I'll make it my mission to slit your throat and hang you for all to see at the front gate of Eldain Academy."
"Empty threats. Prove it if you can."
"Ha."
With a faint sigh, I shift slightly, my uniform draping off my frame.
Talia and Zitri's gazes track my movement.
Paracelsus had mentioned that his large build required additional fabric for his clothing.
He is, after all, almost six feet tall.
Indeed, accommodating a man of his size would have presented challenges during the Middle Ages.
But I simply shrugged it off.
"I think you'd be more fitting in a commoner's rags… but sadly, that's not the attire of your class."
"Being a noble doesn't strictly imply silk attire, and a sword complements both well."
"Enough, both of you. Remember, you were comrades-in-arms during the Demon Incident."
Leon stepped in.
However, I find it hard to tolerate that man.
His personality is dreadful.
His presence alone dumbs down the room.
I made no effort to mask my disdain.
"You're starting to sound like a wartime companion."
"You're echoing my sentiments exactly, noble lord."
Paracelsus and I exchanged glances of unadulterated disdain.
Still, Eleanor looked quite pitiful in her school uniform with crossed arms. Her squire, Rick, was conspicuously absent.
"Eleanor…! You look stunning!"
That was Talia's initial reaction, her face regaining its color.
Naturally, fair skin and long lashes would flatter any attire. The same applies to her physique.
Eleanor would look good in everything.
However, the same can't be asserted for Talia or the others.
For one, the game is based in the world of Inner Lunatic, a place teeming with equally deceptive faces and figures.
Of course, I consider myself the most attractive among them.
"Ohhhh… magnificent! Young Master Nox! How did this happen…?!"
Puller's eyes bulged, and he tugged at his long mustache. This was his reaction in the game when he encountered someone who looked good in his clothing.
The others shared his sentiments.
Paracelsus and Leon were attractive but couldn't hold a candle to Nox.
I could sense all the female gazes around me, zeroing in on me.
Apart from that, the ensuing gossip was unbearable.
For a time, the rumors circulated that Nox was nothing more than a pretty face.
Those days of being an outsider are behind me.
My performance in the entrance exams and the subsequent Demon Slaughter earned considerable recognition.
Recognition is always beneficial.
After all, to truly be a villain, one must first become a household name.
'If I merely serve as the stepping stone for the main character, I'm reduced to a mere extra.'
That was my conclusion.
Suddenly, Eleanor, who had her arms crossed, spoke up.
"Nox von Reinhafer. I need a moment with you."
"What's the matter?"
Instantly, my guard went up.
Why?
What now?
"It's trivial. You declined my gift previously, and I'd like to ensure you accept it this time. I have something for you that even House Rivallin can't reject."
"...Alright, I'll receive it."
I didn't protest.
After all, it's already been exposed that my act of saving Eleanor was a charade. If I'm going to keep up appearances, I might as well profit from it.
I'm a pragmatist, capable of flipping my attitude as quickly as the palm of my hand.
Surviving is never off the table.
Over the past months, this fact has been etched in my mind.
* * *
"I suppose the rumors are valid, especially about the girls. Wouldn't you agree?"
Along the lengthy corridor, we navigated every nook and cranny of the Fourth Commercial District towards the central building, where Eleanor's suite was located.
For context, Zitri, Eleanor, and I were walking shoulder to shoulder. As usual, Eleanor shot me her customary glare.
But perhaps due to the prior incident?
Zitri refrained from taking my side.
"Think what you like. Your opinions are irrelevant to me."
"Oh, I'm certain they matter to you."
Well, this predicament is my own doing.
Damn.
Regardless, reaching the heart of the Fourth Commercial District felt somewhat refreshing.
Among other locales in Inner Lunatic, this spot was a personal favorite.
For numerous reasons…
Primarily, the Rivalin family traded high-end items here.
Then, following the publication of Lars' thesis, blacksmiths swarmed the area for costly fortifications.
To put it simply, yes.
The entire building was a gold mine.
'Oh, there goes my PTSD again….'
My PTSD was in overdrive.
Just how much money had I squandered gambling here?
In Inner Lunatic, gear had an amplified risk of destruction starting from the seventh round, forcing me to gamble everything.
Coupled with the plethora of artifacts obtainable only on the first playthrough, enhancing them was practically impossible.
Unless one possessed an absurdly resilient heart….
Items that detonate?
Irrecoverable items?
'There are two types of players in such situations: those who quit the game when the enhancement fails, and those who switch to a different game. In the end, both groups stop playing.'
This is the harsh reality of unrestricted in-game enhancements.
'That sly fox…'
I exhaled a soft sigh as I gazed at the archenemy of my depleted gold.
She halted her steps, and a crisp voice declared,
"Well, we've arrived."
"Why not inform me of our destination first?"
"It's my family's vault, where we keep our high-rank treasures. I'll let you choose anything you desire from here, on the house."
My ears immediately pricked up.
For some reason, Eleanor had accentuated the word 'free.'
Her earlier statement about an offer I couldn't refuse suddenly took on a new light.
A high-grade artifact, at the very least…?
That could significantly boost my stats.
…Although.
'…Does Eleanor think I'm Vernon, with her emphasis on the word "freebie"? It's slightly disconcerting.'
The old saying goes: love for freebies leads to baldness…
By that logic, Vernon would undoubtedly qualify as a freebie lover.
His sparse hair is testimony to that.
Well, that is, if we're going by that analogy.
…or not.
"I must admit, I'm surprised."
"What has surprised you?"
As I glanced at Eleanor, I voiced my thoughts, and she responded.
I delved into the specifics.
"Isn't this the Rivalin family vault that's typically inaccessible?"
"Yes, under ordinary circumstances. We're merchants, after all. If we give something, we expect something of equal value in return."
Eleanor appended, sporting a cunning grin.
"But there's nothing in this family I'd trade for my life. So, you need not feel obligated."
"I didn't feel obliged to begin with… You're overestimating your worth."
Nonchalantly, I fibbed and stepped into the vault Eleanor guided me to. I walked past her, who had simply deactivated the magic recognition device…
And soon, I was met with a spectacle beyond my wildest imagination.
'Unbelievable… This is the volume of artifacts monopolized by a single family?'
At this point, Lars' thesis had yet to be made public, which meant the artifacts currently hoarded by the Rivalin family were all naturally occurring relics.
In other words, they were ancient treasures.
Of course, they carried a hefty price tag.
I'm astonished they've managed to amass such a collection…
Perhaps I had underestimated the wealth of the Rivalin family.
…Had I known it would be like this, why didn't I just accept when Rick initially proposed the gift?
'No. My rejection has led to an even greater gift.'
With that thought, I started examining the items surrounding me.
Eleanor placed her hands on her hips with a touch of arrogance.
"Care for a bit of family history?"
"...."
Finding nothing to brag about, I opted to remain silent.
Well… there's that.
I shot her a glance, though I doubted it would have any effect.
She's likely discerned my thoughts by now, given her [Acting Genius] ability.
[Trait 'Acting Genius' fluctuates slightly].
Perhaps this is how she interprets my behavior?
[Wow! This is astonishing! All these treasures in one family? Insane!]
....
...Somewhat far-fetched, even for me.
Damn.
* * *
{Emma's POV}
"...So that's the reason behind your frantic pacing all day, young lady?"
"What? Who's pacing...."
"Come now, young lady."
Emma's tone carried an undeniable certainty. Talia's cheeks flushed a vibrant red, and she peered out from under her bed covers.
It seemed the excitement from earlier events hadn't yet faded.
Unfazed, Emma turned her gaze towards Talia.
For context, the story Talia had just shared went something like this.
'I, I knotted Knox's tie… I was the one who tied it...!'
From an objective viewpoint, this might not seem a significant event for two engaged individuals, but I refrained from voicing this to her.
Additionally, it made little sense to Emma.
Why on earth would you give him a tie out of the blue without any preamble?
Of course, considering Young Master Nox had rarely shown interest in Talia before, this could be interpreted as progress in their relationship.
But truthfully, from Emma's perspective…
'I think she's making a mountain out of a molehill….'
Honestly, that was the case.
If relationships began simply by tying a tie, wouldn't most people engage in that ritual during their first meeting?
Emma genuinely thought so; if it were true, she wouldn't still be single. She wouldn't be single…
'Oh, why do my eyes well up suddenly....'
Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Emma looked at Talia, sprawled across the bed, her laughter uncontrollable.
It must be more severe than she initially thought.
The occasional flailing of her feet was a clear sign.
Convinced, she shook her head once more, the image of Nox's innately noble, scowling face etched in her mind.
A face so maddeningly handsome, it was almost revolting.
With a face like that, it was no wonder a young woman like Talia could easily be entranced. Handsomeness sometimes equates to virtue.
"Well... I'm afraid I have to report that nothing happened to Lord Rover this time."
Not as much as the Reinhafers, but....
Rover's sword is no slouch when it comes to empty words.
He would not stand for it if he learned that Talia had tied another man's tie.
"For the sake of the peace of House Steiner...."
Emma thought.
Of course, she would never know that Talia was kicking and screaming under the covers at that moment, envisioning her future with Nox.
* * *
The Inner Lunatic features a myriad of grades of artifacts.
The most prestigious, of course, is 'Supreme'.
There are only a handful of them in the world, and their rarity is ridiculous. You can only get one by fulfilling special conditions.
Generally, the hardest tier to get.
Next up is the 'Superior' grade artifact.
These are also very useful and can be used almost all the way through the story.
They lose some of their power in the later stages, but with the suitable units, you can still complete the story with these artifacts.
There are other items down to the lowest tier.
There are special items above the Supreme, but that's about it for now.
Neither is on the list, and I need to pick something useful here. And my answer, like the old man's saying, is set in stone.
"I'll take these."
I said, pointing to a pile of swords, spears, bows, and other weaponry. Eleanor's eyes narrowed for a moment at my choice.
"Uhm. .... Not bad, but are you sure you want to do that? Aren't you a knight?"
I didn't answer. I just shrugged.
Okay, get that out of the way first.
'Maybe Eleanor will get it.'
She's already an [acting genius] and knows everything I'm doing.
Was I right on the money?
Eleanor's face crumples, and for a moment, her gaze is demanding.
But why should I tell her?
There isn't.
I've come to collect my just reward, and I'm going to spend it on myself. Eleanor seems to have figured that out quickly enough, crossing her arms.
"Ha, okay, I'll give it to you, I'll give it to you, but I don't want it to be free."
With that, she held out the artifact I'd indicated.
"I didn't expect to get this artifact at this point, but... this might be the best early character build I've ever played.'
I now have just over 140 days left to live.
With about two weeks left to go until the main story, I began to build my strongest early character build in earnest.