Yuto nodded, understanding her need for time. He couldn't rush her, couldn't expect her to forgive him just like that
He had hurt her, had abandoned her, and that wasn't something that could be easily forgotten
"I understand," he said, his voice soft, filled with both respect and longing. "Take all the time you need"
There was a pause, a moment of shared silence as the reality of their situation sunk in. Then, Alice spoke, her voice quiet, but strong, "And...can I make a request?"
"Anything"
"Take care of yourself," she said, a hint of desperation creeping into her voice
"Physically and mentally. I don't..." She paused, her eyes looking into his. "don't want you to be hurt in any way, please"
It was a plea, an expression of her worry and concern for him. No matter how hurt she felt, no matter how angry she was, her love for him hadn't lessened
Yuto's heart, which had been clenching at her earlier distance, softened at her words. Her concern was a balm to his hurting conscience, a reminder that, despite everything, she still cared
"I will," he promised, "I will"
She gave a small forced smile before leaving him alone once more in his room. "And you can forget our plan, for now, I'll find a different method, goodbye"
As the door closed behind her, Yuto was left alone, his thoughts and emotions swirling within him. Guilt, regret, hope, and a multitude of other feelings, warred within him, leaving him in a state of intense turmoil
He lay down on his bed, his body feeling heavy and his mind refusing to rest. The day's events had been overwhelming, but the hardest part now was the waiting
[-System-]
Master Yuto
As the System's voice echoed in his head, Yuto perked up, his thoughts distracted momentarily from the weight of his emotions, "Yes?" he asked, his voice a little hoarse from all the tension
[-System-]
It wasn't your fault
Yuto paused at the unexpected words of the System. They caught him off guard. He was deep in his guilt and remorse, blaming himself for everything that had happened. But the System's words echoed in his mind, a strange comfort
"It... wasn't my fault?" He repeated, his voice carrying a hint of disbelief
"How can it not be my fault!"
Yuto's frustration spilled out in a burst of anger. The weight of his guilt was too much to bear, and the System's words, as comforting as they were, seemed almost like an illusion. He clenched his fists, his eyes fixed on the wall
"I abandoned her," he mumbled, his voice low. "I left her, alone and scared. How can it not be my fault?"
[-System-]
Master, it wasn't your fault
Yuto's shoulders slumped, the anger draining out of him as the System's words echoed again. He closed his eyes, his mind wrestling with the truth of the words
"Then...then who's fault is it?" he asked, his voice quiet, filled with a mixture of confusion and hope
[-System-]
Do not blame yourself for something you had no control over. It was an unfortunate event that you couldn't prevent because you were a child
Yuto's heart clenches at the System's words. It was true, he had been just a child, faced with a situation far beyond his control. But the guilt, the anguish of leaving Alice, was too ingrained, too deep within him to be easily dismissed
"But...I should have done more," he murmured, his voice filled with self-recrimination and regret
[-System-]
Master, please do not blame yourself
Yuto's shoulders slumped even further, the weight of his remorse and guilt pressing down on him like a physical force
Despite the System's words, he still felt responsible, still believed he should have done more
"But...but if I had...if I hadn't left..." he trailed off, his voice choked with emotion
[-System-]
You aren't listening, Master, your hometown and the people's deaths aren't your fault, your father's death wasn't your fault, and Miss Alice being presumed dead, wasn't your fault
Yuto flinched at the barrage of statements. Each word was like a blow, hitting him hard with the cold truth. He wanted to argue, to fight back, but the System's words were irrefutable
His father's death, the destruction, Alice's presumed death... He had no control over them. He was powerless against the cruelty of fate. But admitting that, accepting that, was a bitter pill to swallow
[-System-]
You can cry, no one can judge you, no one should blame you, a child who closed himself off for the benefit and safety of others, you can let the tears flow, as they should have 2 years ago
Yuto's eyes stung at the System's words, unexpected tears welling in his eyes. He had always tried to be strong, to hold it all in. But the System's permission, oddly comforting, gave him a moment of weakness
It was like a dam breaking, a floodgate of emotions releasing. His shoulders shook as he began to cry, quiet sobs escaping him
The tears fell, hot and silent, as he gave into his emotions. The guilt, regret, and anger he had held within him for so long, all came pouring out
His chest felt tight, his breath ragged as he cried silently, the weight of his feelings crushing down on him
He was tired, tired of holding it all in, of being strong. For this moment, just this moment, he allowed himself to be weak, to let everything out
For 2 years, he cursed himself for feeling weak, for even feeling bad about himself, but why did it feel relieving to cry?
As the tears continued to fall, a strange realization dawned on Yuto. He had despised himself for feeling weak, for even daring to feel bad about his circumstances. But now, as he finally allowed himself to break down, it felt… relaxing
The weight on his heart lessened as if each tear was washing away some of the guilt and self-hatred. For the first time in a long while, he felt lighter, freer
Despite the tears, despite the pain, he felt a sense of peace, a small moment of respite. The act of letting his emotions out, of crying and feeling weak, was liberating. It didn't erase his guilt or his grief, but it was a step toward acceptance and healing
His sobs quieted, the waves of emotions slowly subsiding. He took a deep, shaky breath, wiping away the tears with the back of his hand, "Haha, it's times like these, where I'm thankful for being in the princess's body"
[-System-]
Are you feeling better?
Yuto sniffed, the last of his tears drying on his face. The release of his emotions had indeed made him feel better, less weighed down.
He chuckled lightly, his voice still a little hoarse. "Yeah, I guess I am," he admitted. "It feels...good, to let it out"
He looked up at the ceiling, his eyes no longer filled with pain and despair. There was a new light in them, a hint of determination. The System's words, the crying...it had given him a moment of clarity, a moment to reassess
"System," he said, his voice more steady now, "Thank you"
[-System-]
. . .
There's no need to thank me, I am your support
Yuto smiled a little at the System's response. The words were simple, but they meant a lot to him. The System had been an unexpected source of support, of comfort, especially when he had been at his lowest
"I know," he acknowledged, "but I still want to thank you. Your words, your presence... it's been invaluable to me"
He leaned back against the headboard, his body weary but his mind a little clearer. The guilt and self-blame still lingered, but he felt like he could handle them better now. The conversation with the System, the catharsis of his tears, had been a much-needed break from the chaos inside his head
"System," he said, his voice a little hesitant, "Can I ask you something?"
[-System-]
Of course, Master, I am always here to listen
What is your question?
Yuto took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the wall as he gathered his thoughts. The question he was about to ask was one he had been contemplating since the System's confession
After a few moments, he spoke, his voice betraying his hesitance. "System...what are you? I mean, you've helped me so much, and guided me, but I have no idea what, or who you are. Can you...tell me?"
[-System-]
Error Error Error
The level is not high enough
Request denied
Yuto's curiosity increased at the System's response. The error message, and the denial of the request due to his low level, all made him more determined to find out
"Hah," he asked, a hint of confusion in his voice. "My level isn't high enough for you to answer my question?"
"Damn that Ernaline, it seems as if I need to level up, system forget my request"
[-System-]
Understood, Master, is there anything else I can assist you with?
Yuto shook his head, his mind already occupied with thoughts of gaining levels. The System's mysterious nature and its refusal to answer his question about itself had only served to stoke the fire of his curiosity
"No, System," he replied, his voice a little distracted. "Just...how much longer do I have in this body?"
[-System-]
3 days
Yuto let out a soft curse under his breath. Three days. Only three days left in the princess's body. It was not a lot of time, but he knew he had to use it wisely
"Damn," he muttered, his mind already mapping out a training plan. "That's not a lot of time at all," He had wasted too much time already, wallowing in guilt and self-pity. Now, he had to make every second count.
"System," he began, his voice filled with purpose, "What was my main goal again?"
[- System Quest-]
Find who was responsible for your father's death
The remainder of his quest, of his ultimate goal, sent a fresh surge of determination through Yuto's body. He sat up a little straighter, his eyes fixed on the far wall, "Right," he said, his voice a little hoarse, "Find who was responsible for Father's death"
It still felt like an insurmountable task, but with the System's guidance and his new plan, he felt a little more hopeful
"Wait, you can answer this system, who was responsible for my father's death?"
[-System-]
The one responsible for the death of your father is currently unknown
I can only provide information as the quest progresses
Yuto clenched his fists, his frustration bubbling to the surface. The unknown, the mystery surrounding his father's death, annoyed and angered him. The System's response only confirmed what he already knew, but that didn't make it any less infuriating
"Damn, so the answer's not yet in sight," he grumbled, his voice laced with irritation. "I hate waiting, but what choice do I have?"
"At least guide me to the right direction of where I can find my answer"
[-System-]
You need to increase your level to receive information related to the quest
Yuto chuckled and for the next two days without anyone noticing killed small demons and goblins. Having tea with Claudia, practicing archery with Ruby, avoiding Wanless, trying to reconnect with Alice, every single second was spent building up trust and raising his level
On his third day, the king requested to have lunch with him
As Yuto walked towards the dining hall, his heart pounded in his chest. The unexpected invitation from the king to dine together had caught him off guard
Was it a test? Was it a way to assess him? He didn't know, but he couldn't afford to mess this up
He took a deep breath as he entered the room, his eyes immediately falling on the king sitting at the head of the table. He offered a slight bow before taking his seat
["That's odd, there are no guards present within 15 ft, I thought for sure at least 5 would be upfront"]
The king's steely gaze met his own, his expression unreadable. The silence between them was deafening, only interrupted by the clinking of cutlery and the sound of servants bustling around
Finally, the king spoke, his voice low and gravelly. "I've noticed you've been out hunting recently"
["What? HOW DOES HE KNOW, I made sure that it was super secretive where I went"]
"Father, did you have people following me?"
The king chuckled at Yuto's question, his eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement.
"Of course, I have ears and eyes everywhere," he replied, taking a sip of his drink. "You think I wouldn't notice when the princess suddenly decides to play hunter and killer?"
["Shit, shit shit shit shit shit, does he suspect I'm not his real daughter?"]
Yuto's heart raced in his chest as the king's words sank in. Has he been found out? Was his cover blown? He gripped his cutlery tightly, his palms starting to sweat. He forced a calm expression, hoping the king couldn't read the panic in his eyes
"I merely wanted to see what it's like outside the palace," he lied, his voice a little higher than usual
"Is that so?" the king responded, his tone almost mocking. He leaned forward, his steely gaze fixed on Yuto. "And what exactly did you learn from your little trip to the wilderness?"
[-System Warning-]
SUBTLE BLOODLUST DETECTED
MENTALITY IS HIGHER
THOU HAS RESISTED THE FEAR FACTOR
Yuto was taken aback by the sudden alarm from the System, but he quickly hid his surprise. He had sensed the king's bloodlust, the subtle malice behind his gaze
He sat a little straighter, his mind on high alert but outwardly he remained calm, his expression a mask of indifference
The king arched an eyebrow, a sly smile playing at the corners of his lips. "You're a strange one," he said, his voice a low rumble. "Most would be shaking in fear by now"
He leaned back, his eyes taking over Yuto with a predatory gaze. "You, on the other hand, are oddly calm. Interesting...very interesting"
"Now let me ask, who are you?"
Yuto froze, his blood running cold at the king's question. Was he about to be unmasked? Has the king finally seen through his facade? He feigned ignorance, his heart hammering in his chest
"Pardon?" he asked, forcing a tone of confusion into his voice
The king leaned forward, his eyes narrowed. "Don't play coy with me," he practically growled. "I've suspected there was something off about you for a while now. Your behavior change, your sudden interest in hunting...it's all too different from the princess I remember. So I'll ask you again, who are you?"
Yuto swallowed hard, his heart racing. He was cornered, the king's suspicions too close to the truth for comfort. But he couldn't crumble now. He had come too far, gone through too much to get caught now
"I...I don't know what you're talking about," he protested weakly. "I'm your daughter, Rosalind Akira. What reason would I have to hide my identity?"
The king threw a sword at Yuto's head, and he reacted before the sword came flying toward him. He lunged to the side, the blade narrowly missing him. His heart was in his throat, adrenaline coursing through his veins
["Fast, I thought he was weak but that inhumane speed was like my uncle's, this man's class what is it?"]
He landed roughly, a hiss of pain escaping him as he looked up at the king, who was now standing, a dangerous glint in his eyes
"You're far from being the princess I remember," the king hissed, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "That princess was timid, shy, and easily scared. You...you're different. You're fearless, strong, and can handle yourself. And I want to know why"
["I see, the problem was that I overacted, confident in my abilities without actually trying, but I will try harder if I make it out that is"]
[-System Reward-]
New Passive: Acting Genius is now active
Yuto stood up, brushing off the dirt and ignoring the pain from his fall. He could feel the System's warning, the new passive coming into effect. He had to stay calm and level-headed. He had to act convincingly
"Father, I..." he began, his voice shaking a little, "I assure you, I'm still your daughter. I've just...grown up a little, that's all"
The king scoffed, his face twisted in anger and disbelief. "Grown up? In a week, you've become a different person entirely. You expect me to believe that?"
He stepped closer, closing the distance between them, his sword still drawn. "I'm tired of these games. Confess your true identity, now"
Yuto's mind raced. The king was growing angrier, more suspicious with each passing second. He had to tread carefully and find a way to convince him without revealing the truth
He took a deep, shaky breath, trying to steady his voice. "Father, I am your daughter," he repeated, adding a touch of desperation to his tone. "Please, believe me," Yuto began to cry, trying to wipe the tears
The king's expression softened slightly as Yuto's tears began to fall. He hadn't expected the princess to start crying, but the sight of tears seemed to affect him
He lowered his sword a fraction, his voice losing some of its edge. "Stop that," he muttered, almost gently. "You know I can't stand it when you cry"
"Father, my father tried to kill me, throwing a sword at me, threatening me. How could you!"
["Remember, folks bull shitting is 90 percent truth and 10 percent lies. You just have to believe in your life"]
The king flinched at Yuto's words, a flicker of guilt and regret crossing his face. Yuto felt a pang of conscience at manipulating the king, using his guilt to his advantage, but he had to keep up the act
"I...I didn't mean to scare you," the king said, his voice losing some of its edge. "But I had to be sure"
["Oh, it seems that the king has returned to his usual appearance, sly bastard this form is just a way to deceive his enemies, how terrifying"]
Yuto continued to cry, allowing his tears to flow freely. The king's guilt was showing, his anger fading. He was falling for Yuto's performance
Yuto looked up at the king, his eyes wet and pleading. "I'm still your daughter, Father," he repeated, his voice cracking. "Please...please believe me"
The king watched as Yuto cried, his heart seemingly softening further. He took a few steps closer, his eyes filled with remorse
"I...I'm sorry, Rosey, my sweet little Rosey," he murmured, his voice filled with regret. "I shouldn't have doubted you. I just...I had to be sure"
Yuto held back a smirk. The king had bought his act, hook, line, and sinker. With a few tears and a few words, he had managed to turn the king's anger into guilt
["Pathetic"]
The king stepped closer, wrapping an arm around Yuto's shoulders, and pulling him into a hug. "I'm sorry, sweetheart," he muttered again, his voice low and remorseful. "I shouldn't have doubted you. I should've trusted my little princess"
Yuto let out a shaky breath, letting himself lean into the king's embrace. He acted as if he was a terrified little princess, all trembling and tears, while inwardly he felt a sense of victory. He had fooled the king, turning his suspicion into guilt with ease
["Too easy"]
The king held Yuto close, his hands running through her hair, trying to soothe her. "Don't cry, sweetheart," he murmured, his voice tender. "I'm sorry. I just had to be sure you were my Rosey."
Yuto continued to sniffle, burrowing deeper into the king's arms. He took a deep, shaky breath, letting out a soft sob.
"It...it hurt, Father," he said, his voice small and scared. "Your sword...it almost hit me. It scared me"
The king tensed, his guilt heightened at Yuto's words. He tightened his grip on her, pulling her closer to him, his chin resting on the top of her head
"I'm sorry, my sweet Rosey," he repeated, his voice filled with remorse. "I shouldn't have thrown the sword. I was just...I was just frightened, that's all"
Yuto continued to cry, his act convincing enough to fool the king. "You frightened me, Father," he said, his voice shaky, trying to convey a sense of hurt. "I...I feel tired, may I go back to my room?"
The king nodded, gently stroking Yuto's hair. "Of course, sweetheart," he said, his voice filled with tenderness. "You go rest, I'll come to check on you later. I promise I won't let anything hurt you, my precious Rosey"
Yuto pulled away from the king's embrace, his face still wet from tears. He offered a shaky smile, trying to act like a fragile princess
"Thank you, Father," he said, his voice still a little shaky. "I'll go rest now"
The king watched as Yuto left the room, a guilty expression on his face. The princess's tears had managed to turn his anger into concern, and he couldn't help but feel bad for casting her doubt on her
He let out a sigh, his hand running through his hair. "Damn, I should've trusted her more," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. "She's still my daughter...my precious Rosey"
A shadow-like figure dropped to the ground, kneeling before the king, "My king should I follow her some more?"
"Nay, Casey, I just scared my little girl, there is no need to follow her since she proved to be my daughter, I guess she is growing up"
"Just make sure she doesn't get too hurt, have someone clean up this mess before Alyssa comes back"
"As you wish," and as fast as he appeared he also disappeared
The king sighed as he took a seat, looking at an old family photo, "She is like you, Whitney, I guess I should prepare her gift soon"
Meanwhile, in Rosalind's Room
Yuto closed the door behind him, the act dropping the moment he was alone. He let out a deep sigh, wiping away the remaining tears
He had managed to fool the king, turning his doubt into guilt and remorse. It had been easy, almost too easy. The king's love for his daughter had made him gullible, easy to manipulate
"But fuck that was insane, had it not been for the new passive I doubt I will be able to breath let alone move"
With another sigh, he slumped onto the bed, his head spinning. Acting like a scared princess, crying on command, it had been exhausting. But it worked. The king no longer suspected him of anything
He allowed himself a small sense of victory, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. For now, at least, he was safe till the door creaked open and Yuto tensed, his heart skipping a beat
He sat up on the bed, ready to put on his act again, but to his relief, it wasn't the king. It was Claudia, she entered the room, a frown on her face. She closed the door behind her, her eyes quickly taking in Yuto's tear-streaked face. She walked over to the edge of the bed, her expression concerned
"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice gentle
Yuto took a deep breath, forcing a shaky smile onto his face. He tried to act as if he was still emotional from the encounter with the king, but he was struggling to keep up the act with Claudia
"I'm...I'm fine," he managed to say, his voice a little hoarse. "Just...just a little shaken"
She reached out and took his hand, her grip firm but gentle. "You don't have to put on a brave front, you know," she said, her voice soft. "Not with me, at least"
Yuto's heart ached, the genuine concern in Claudia's voice nearly breaking his composure. He clung to her hand, finding comfort in the simplicity of her touch
His act slowly dropped, his shoulders slumping. He allowed himself to look at her, his expression tired and weary. After a while of small talk and making sure Yuto was okay, Claudia left
Once Claudia left, Yuto was left alone with his thoughts.
He fell onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. The adrenaline from the confrontation with the king had faded, but the exhaustion remained. Acting like a princess, deceiving everyone around him, it was taking a toll on him
He let out a weary sigh, his eyes closing. He needed sleep, rest, and a break from the constant hiding and pretending
"Hah, alone again, exhausting this day has been"
[-System Hidden Quest-]
You have reached a certain level of trust with those around you
You have unlocked the hidden condition, and you may peek at certain individuals memories
Yuto's eyes widened at the sudden notification, curiosity, and intrigue stirred within him. Is a hidden condition unlocked?
"I can peek at someone's memories?"
[-System-]
Will you accept going into Rosalind Akira's memories?