Chapter 8

I listened to Lady Ariella's story with a serious face, but it was disjointed and hard to follow, not to mention quite absurd...

It seems that this world is the same as the game sold in Japan, and both the duke's daughter and I are major characters in it.

Why this world is a game, I don't quite understand.

The rough content of the game... it's more like a shoujo novel, and it's not really my type.

The protagonist, originally a commoner, raises her affection with various types of men, including a prince... raising affection with multiple men? I thought, "Is she planning to date multiple people?" but apparently, she ends up forming a couple with one of them. And in the game, she attends magic school classes.

I have some thoughts about the protagonist's morals, but it seems like a peaceful game.

"Although the story may seem far-fetched and shocking, I hope you will believe me. This is the world of a shoujo game, and I am the 'villainess,' and so are you, Lady Reimi."

She leans forward with her hands clasped as if in prayer, and I instinctively pull back a bit.

I'm not entirely unfamiliar with shoujo games, but the idea that this country, this world, is the same as one is hard to accept.

And the important word 'villainess' that she just dropped. It didn't come up in the summary I heard earlier... isn't that a rather ominous term?

"Am I also a 'villainess'?"

According to her story, I become the protagonist's enemy early in the game, and she, the duke's daughter, is the main antagonist.

"Not as big a catch as me, but, well, a minor villain... or a minor character... Ah! A mid-boss! A 'mid-boss lady'!"

She clapped her hands and said it as if she had found a good word.

"A mid-boss... what? A 'mid' boss!?"

Such a strong otome game vibe! It's so embarrassing, too embarrassing! What is that, so embarrassing!

She looks a bit sad at my shock.

"Yes, you are supposed to bully the protagonist in the first semester, out of jealousy for her charm, or something like that. I don't remember clearly, but I've seen all the endings. I skipped everything except my favorite story, so I don't remember."

Hey, you don't remember?

I want to point out her inconsistencies but swallow my words. I remind myself of the hierarchy, the hierarchy, the hierarchy, and that I shouldn't defy a high noble. I chant this in my head to calm myself down.

"So, Lady Ariella, you are the boss, then?"

"Yes, that's right, and it's a problem. If things continue as they are, I will be possessed by a demon."

It doesn't seem like she's really troubled.

Her slightly lowered eyebrows and hand on her cheek suggest a bit of concern, but it doesn't seem genuine.

"Be possessed by a demon?"

"Yes, possessed and made to do evil things. It's a spell that affects the mind, causing chaos in and out of the magic school, and subtly trying to kill the protagonist."

"Is that so, subtly trying to kill the protagonist... quite violent, isn't it? For a shoujo game."

I try to agree but choke on my words.

I thought shoujo games were peaceful and cute, but it seems different.

I've never played a game before, so I really don't understand.

But I do know that a boss is the main enemy. A mid-boss would be someone who appears around the midpoint, with about half the power of the boss, probably a subordinate. So, if I'm a mid-boss, does that mean I'm her subordinate?

"Violent, you say, perhaps."

Am I really a subordinate to such a weak noble? Me?

Ah, maybe it's because of the hierarchy. Even though I'm a reincarnated Japanese person, I'm still a high noble, so I can't defy her.

"So, what do you want to do, Lady Ariella? As the boss—"

I can't defy her, so I respond humbly. I don't like being at the mercy of others, but in this world, if a high noble glares at me, I, a minor noble, could be crushed.

Besides, I have some social skills, so I can manage a decent response.

"Um, well, I don't want to do anything to the protagonist. I just want to graduate from the magic school peacefully, marry the prince, and live happily ever after as a duke's daughter."

I feel relieved when she says this, clasping her hands in front of her chest.

"That sounds very good. Then, I should focus on my studies as a student, not as a mid-boss, right?"

I feel relieved that I won't be forced into anything unreasonable, but she looks surprised.

"Uh? But, if you do that, the protagonist's abilities won't develop."

She stammers, looking flustered.

"Then, you want me to do the mid-boss job? You're stepping down as the boss, but you want me to be the mid-boss?"

"No, no, that's not it. If you don't, you'll be in trouble. But, you know, don't you want to see the story, since you're in this world?"

She clasps her hands and looks at me with sparkling eyes, and I inwardly sigh.

I don't want to see it at all.

I stare at her, and she gives a hesitant, vague smile, then looks dejected.

"You're right, I understand. I'll give up on the protagonist's abilities."

"I appreciate that."

I feel bad for her dejected look, but it's best to avoid trouble.

She seems relieved and pulls out a thin book with a fancy cover from the chair next to her.

"This is...?"

I take it hesitantly when she offers it to me.

"Although it may repeat what I've already said, I've written down the content of the game as I remember it. I want you to use this, so I'm giving it to you, Lady Reimi. Although our statuses... are a bit different. Hehehe, let's work together and help each other from now on."

I choke on my response to her smile.

I really don't want to, but... I have no choice but to accept it.

"Thank you for your trouble."

I smile and place the thin book on my lap carefully.

"You may not believe it now, but in time, you won't be able to deny it."

Her firm, prophetic words send a shiver down my spine.

"Um... will I also be possessed by a demon?"

I ask, as it wasn't mentioned in the summary she gave. She thinks for a moment, touching her chin, then shakes her head.

"You... well, to put it bluntly, you were supposed to be my subordinate, possessed by a demon. Like my top disciple, perhaps."

So, I was a subordinate after all. That's a bit disappointing.

"Then, isn't it unwise for us to become close? If you want to change the future, we shouldn't meet at all, and the future will definitely change."

"It's fine! We were supposed to meet after enrolling in the academy, but it happened earlier. Besides, if I don't fall to the dark side due to the demon, nothing will happen. But... I feel lonely doing it alone... If you could work with me, I would feel much stronger."

She smiles brightly, and I understand.

So, I'm being dragged into this. I don't really agree, but I'll bear with it.

"Alright, I'll read this book first."

I hold up the fancy thin book, and she brightens.

"Yes! Please do."

She says eagerly, and with my agreement, her goal is achieved, and the tea party ends smoothly.

I end up falling ill and taking to bed due to the mental fatigue and overwhelming content.

This body is really weak.