It Seems Like I Fell into a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 1

Chapter 1.1

Ring ring. Ring ring.

There are times when you get a sudden, sneaking feeling.

“Ugh, who the hell calls this early in the morning.”

It was a quiet and pleasantly warm day, but the ringing of the phone in the living room felt exceptionally loud. And though it was no different from any other day, I was strangely hesitant to pick up the phone.

Ring ring. Ring ring.

The insistent ringing was like a voice urging me to hurry and answer. I reluctantly reached for the receiver while mumbling to myself.

“If this isn’t something important I swear…”

Click. I bring the receiver to my ear.

Beeeeeeeeeeeep.

The sudden unfamiliar tone pierces my eardrum and reverberates throughout my body. Like the moment you see the “game over” screen, the power cuts off.

Reset.

And game set.

Someone whispers the words.

I start again.

~~~~~~~~~~

“What the hell?”

My eyes snapped open. Was I sleeping? When did I fall asleep?

Despite being disoriented, I could plainly see a lavish red ceiling above me.

Well. At least I know that I’m lying on my back.

I blinked a few more times to clear my head. Suddenly, I became aware of a heavy weight on my leg. I looked down.

“… Your Highness?”

I found myself face-to-face with a stranger, a foreigner.

The foreigner was resting his head on my thigh. I was speechless.

He seemed to read something in my eyes, because he casually began rubbing his face on my thigh before moving up to place a kiss on my lower belly.

“Huh?”

The man smiled at me amiably and said,

“Are you awake?”

He was extraordinarily beautiful.

But he was naked.

My eyes that had been darting around frantically to take in the unfamiliar surroundings now came to rest on my own body. I, too, was naked. I mechanically pulled up the covers which I must have kicked off during the night.

“Are you cold? Would you like a hug?”

The foreigner’s eyes opened wide in surprise as he began crawling over to me.

“Nope! No! I’m fine!”

I hurriedly scooted back on my butt.

“Why are you…”

His face suddenly fell.

“Did I perhaps do something wrong last night…?”

Without warning, the covers began wriggling.

“Shit.”

Please someone tell me it’s not what I think it is…

A man’s arm shot out from beneath the covers. It couldn’t be the arm of the foreigner in front of me. That was physically impossible considering the distance.

With a groan, another foreigner with messy hair made his way out from under the sheets.

The first thing I saw was his angry back. He sat crookedly, hands gripping the bed and when he tensed his muscles, they rippled across his exposed skin.

“Oh God.”

I clamped my hands over my mouth. The man finally turned to face me.

Our eyes met. His crimson-red eyes sparked in the light that slipped past the curtains. Like a graceful predator, he stood up from the bed.

I could only hold my breath and stare like someone marveling at a world-renowned painting. If there was a male god of beauty, he would surely look like this!

Suddenly, a substantial something from between his legs demanded my attention to the point where I couldn’t take my eyes off it.

It was too late to avert my gaze.

“Why? Was it not enough?”

Noticing my staring, the man scrunched up his face in anger and glared at me.

“Technically you’re the one who showed it to me first.”

I couldn’t help but feel he was being a bit unfair. But the man ignored me and began pulling on a robe that had been draped over a nearby tea table.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to see it on purpose.”

I felt awkward about apologizing to his face so I took the opportunity while his back was turned to me. Seemingly unable to take it any longer, he whipped around to face me. I swallowed instinctively under his harsh gaze.

“What kind of a despicable game are you playing this time?”

“…What?”

If you’re going to wear something, you should at least make sure to cover yourself completely. That erect thing was still all too visible from where I was sitting.

I wrenched my gaze away. But I could still feel his eyes on me. My skin prickled.

“Could you maybe close your robe a little?”

“Ha!”

The man whipped around as if he couldn’t bear the sight of me. The movement sent a cold gust of wind through the room as he stalked off. Too late I realized that he was heading straight for the door. I called out to stop him.

“Wait! Shouldn’t you explain what’s going on before you go!”

The door banged shut, drowning out my voice. The vibrations reverberated through the ceiling.

“What an ass…”

“Your Highness.”

I realized that I had totally forgotten about the other man.

He was staring at me while on his knees. Of course he was still naked. A limp something from between his knees greeted me.

Once again, I had to look away.

“Um, how about we put some clothes on first…”

As I awkwardly increased the distance between us, the man suddenly burst into tears.

“I’m sorry!”

What?

“I, It’s all my fault, Your Highness! Please, spare me, Your Highness! Please!”

He began walking over to me on his knees.

“No, wait….!”

I was so surprised by the man desperately trying to stick to me that I pushed him. I didn’t even put in that much force, but he fell over onto his butt and froze.

I watched his face go white from the shock. Tears cut across his pale cheek.

“Your Highness… Your Highness…… Please…..”

The man lowered his head and began rubbing his hands together in a pleading motion, his shoulders shaking. As he did so, I glimpsed fresh wounds and patchy bruises all across his neck and back.

….. Did someone hit him?

While I was frozen in shock at the sight, the man approached me, softly lifted my hand and carefully pressed his lips to my fingertips. My breath caught seeing him degrade himself so much.

Like an animal craving human affection, he rubbed his head against my hand and whimpered.

“Your Highness…. Your Highness….”

I pulled my hand back like he had burnt me.

“…….”

His eyes, clear as glass, met mine in space. Tears glistened in his delicate, violet-colored orbs, and a single teardrop fell from his eye.

“Please don’t do this.”

I spoke firmly.

“You can’t do this, not for anyone. Do you understand?”

It appeared he wasn’t comprehending what I was saying. But he still nodded his head.

I hesitated a little before taking his hand. The man’s shoulders trembled in surprise at first, but after a moment he sat back down quietly and seemed to calm down. With his other hand, he wiped his tears now and again.

Although I had a lot of things I wanted to ask him, I decided to stay like this for a little while. How I had come to be in this strange place, naked in bed with two men I’d never seen before but who seemed to know me… I decided to bury all of my questions for the moment.

Then, it happened.

Ding!

[The Last Prince of Velrod – 11]

He has pledged his love to you! For this reason, he is struggling to forgive himself for succumbing to Princess Yeldria’s threats and sleeping with her last night. When he arrives to confess his sins and break off your relationship – forgive him. And save him from his despair. If you are successful, he will be your eternal ally and loyal lover who will never betray you.

Before I could even begin to decipher the meaning behind the words, a chill ran up my spine.

It was impossible. There was a translucent screen-like thing in front of my eyes. It almost looked like, one of those in-game windows.

What the hell is this?

I stretched out my hand but it passed right through it. I couldn’t touch it. A strong sense of foreboding came over me.

Now that I thought about it, the room I’d assumed was a fancy hotel room was too lavish, like it had been decorated to match someone’s personal tastes, and there were signs of long-term use.

This was a room in someone’s private property.

There were other things. When I first saw him I’d thought that the man in front of me was a Westerner, but I realized now that wasn’t quite right. And I had never heard the language he was speaking ever before in my life.

On top of that, I had been naturally speaking the same language this entire time. And this body that I thought was mine…

I couldn’t believe that I’d only noticed now. Long red hair that went to my waist splayed across the bed. I had never grown my hair this long. And the color….

This body…. This wasn’t my body.

Who am I? And where is this?

All of a sudden, I felt anxiety begin to seep in. The fear coursed through me and my stomach did a flip.

I must have instinctively tightened my grip on the man’s hand because he shot me a worried look.

I tried to calm down and get my bearings. That was when I felt the man give my hands a squeeze. I let out a deep breath.

“Excuse me but…..”

“Yes.”

“No, it’s nothing.”

I couldn’t ask him carelessly, especially since I didn’t know what kind of situation I’d found myself in. There were three people mentioned on the screen.

‘He has pledged his love to you.’

He. And you.

‘Succumbing to Princess Yeldria’s threats…’

And finally, Princess Yeldria.

The story was revolving around those three.

It couldn’t be… I opened my mouth to speak.

“The man who left just now, his name…”

“Essen Velrod. The prince of Velrod.”

It was him.

Ding!

A new window popped up.

He has refused your forgiveness.

A. Walk up to him and kiss him.
B. Collapse to the floor crying.
C. Cling to him while confessing your love.

The cursor moved by itself to select A.

‘You’ wasn’t referring to me.

It was possible this was the inside of a game. One that someone else was already playing.

Then what about me? Why am I here?

After whoever it was had made their selection, the window disappeared without a trace. I couldn’t even do anything, so why even show me?

It was all so overwhelming.

Ding!

[The Last Prince of Velrod – 11]

Quest complete!

Congratulations.

Next part – [The Last Prince of Velrod – 12].

Ding!

An unknown bug has been detected!

Ding!

‘Essen Velrod’ has been granted ‘An Unforgetting Heart’.

Ding!

‘An Unforgetting Heart’ is on standby for activation.

Ding!

Would you like to inspect ‘An Unforgetting Heart’? Y/N

Ding!

Access denied!

Ding!

Access denied!

Whoever it was attempted numerous times to inspect ‘An Unforgetting Heart’ but appeared to fail each time. The game window disappeared.

“….. A bug?”

If this was a game, and someone else was playing it…

Did that mean I was the bug? I, who had woken up here with zero explanation as to why?

It wasn’t even funny.

Ding!

[The Last Prince of Velrod – 12]

For an unknown reason, you have failed to completely capture him. Nevertheless, he has become your staunchest ally. But if you are unable to set to rest his deep hatred, he will eventually leave you. Become the maid of Princess Yeldria – the woman will soon die at your hand – so that you can discover her weakness and start a series of scandals. It is critical that you show him you sympathize with his hatred.

[Current progress]

Discovery of weakness 0/1

Successful scandals 0/3

One character had been mentioned repeatedly in the game windows so far. The third and final character.

The man in front of me had been calling me ‘Your Highness’ from the beginning.

‘Princess Yeldria’.

That was probably me.

The game character in whom a ‘bug’ had been planted.

Then what should I do now. I recalled the text from the game window.

‘The woman who will soon die at your hand…’

Die here? Me? Not on my watch.

First, I had to assess the situation.

This was a game, probably a dating sim. The body I was currently inhabiting belonged to the typical ‘villainess’ character. An obstacle to the ‘MC’ and a key figure in the main storyline.

It seemed like the more ridiculous the situation, the more logical one could be. I snorted on the inside.

I wouldn’t lie down just because I was told to. Therefore, my foremost goal in this place was ‘survival’.

To do that, I needed to escape the fate of the ‘villainess’, since the ‘villainess’ was always a character who only existed to die.

When I thought about it like that, I was actually glad that I was a bug. Because that meant I had the potential to throw off the system’s balance.

I decided not to even consider that it might be impossible, because that would really make me want to chuck myself out the window.

Whether this was a game, another world, or even a dream, it didn’t change anything. My first priority was to survive. After that, I’d find a way.

If I had one advantage over the ‘MC’, it was the fact that I was also able to see the game window. It meant that I could see what choices the ‘MC’ was making, and how they were playing, all in real time. Depending on how I used it, it could be a powerful weapon.

I addressed the man who had wordlessly waited for me to organize my thoughts.

“May I ask your name?”

He blinked. The color of his eyes was truly captivating. He whispered,

“Nadricka…”

I really had wanted to know his name out of my own interest. But from now on, I couldn’t act as myself anymore; I had to be like someone else.

I closed my eyes and opened them again, sighing deeply. The whole time, I felt the Nadricka quietly observing me.

“I think I’ve lost my memories.”

His eyes betrayed his shock.

“Don’t tell anyone else.”

Speaking to him informally was easier than I thought. Based on his behavior before, unlike me, the ‘princess’, Nadricka didn’t have a very high status. Though I didn’t feel very good about it, I knew I had to become used to it.

“Yes.”

It appeared that I had made the right decision because he got off the bed and knelt on the floor, his expression much more composed than before.

“….. I can trust you, right?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

He seemed like he might be on the verge of tears so I tried to see his face, but he bowed his head low.

——–

Nadricka explained everything to me.

My name was Yeldria Viotte Cecilia. I was 23 years old. And as the only blood relative of my older brother, the emperor, I was next in line for the throne.

The reason was as follows.

Although the emperor kept countless women, none had born him an heir. Though no one dared to say it out loud, everyone knew that the problem was with the emperor himself. Thus, the only princess drew more and more attention with the passing days.

Many men sought out the princess’s bedroom in hopes of becoming her husband. And even those who did not want it were eventually pulled into her bed.

The rumor was, the only man in the palace that she had not laid her hands on was her own brother, the emperor.

Not unexpectedly, that princess’s hobby was to ruthlessly throw away her lovers after spending one night together.

Her extreme sadism shone through in the actions she took to achieve her desires. She was especially cruel when it came to showing off and taking possession of what she wanted. So, it came to be that the kinds of things that normal people wouldn’t even dare to think about happened in the palace on a regular basis.

Recently, on a trip to the neighboring country of Velrod, the first prince of Velrod caught her eye.

But the prince of the tiny nation rejected her advances without a second thought. So two months later the princess led her army to Velrod and decimated it. ‘Essen Velrod’ became her war trophy.

I was at a loss for words. He had watched his father and brothers who had guarded the throne until the very end, along with his loyal subjects, die before his very eyes.

Then, on the night that his country was reduced to the empire’s dependency, he got on his knees before the princess to beg her to spare what was left.

That man…

I recalled his red eyes from when I first saw him. Eyes like desolate embers that had only fury left in them. I felt chills, and the sensation that I had seen the abyss .

Afterwards, the former prince stayed in the palace as a captive, and whenever the princess called he would be dragged off to serve her in bed. It was his only reason for existing.

But as of late, he had become unusually rebellious and had begun to refuse to follow orders. It wasn’t difficult for me to guess the reason.

He had found a woman he loved.

As the main capturable target in the game, there was truly no better backstory than his. But I had already seen him not as a character in a game, but as a living, breathing human being.

It was nothing but a horrible tragedy.

“Why… are you with me?”

I became curious. I wondered if it was possible to not find this woman detestable.

“Yes?”

Under the pretext of helping me restore my memories, Nadricka had been giving me a crash course over the last several hours. There were many times when he had hesitated to continue. The princess had too many flaws; anyone would be reluctant to spell them out completely unfiltered.

“That’s because… I’m Your Highness’s concubine.”

It was a response I hadn’t expected.

I supposed I should have known that a princess like Yeldria would have concubines.

As I closed my mouth, I noticed something seemed to be bothering Nadricka. The change in his complexion betrayed a slight anxiousness. But I held myself back from rashly grabbing his hand again. Because the princess wouldn’t do something like that.

There was a bitter taste in my mouth.

Nadricka believed I had lost my memories, but it was too risky to act like a completely different person. I had to be careful in the meantime.

Human beings don’t change so easily.

At the last minute, Nadricka added,

“And Your Highness took me in even though I’m nothing… you didn’t throw me away.”

I became momentarily speechless.

One good deed couldn’t justify all of the abuse, just like how the bruises that colored his skin like a painting couldn’t be erased.

But he looked serious. He was sincerely grateful. It was enough to make me angry.

Nadricka hung his head submissively, and I felt like I was seeing him in a new light.

Is that so. Is this who you are.

I learned a few more things from Nadricka after that. Contrary to my expectations, the princess didn’t have that many concubines. She had three, and since one was off at war, there were only two at the palace.

I pulled on the rope to ring the bell. When a young maid entered, I let Nadricka go.

Before the day was up, I would act.

The woman in the mirror was exceptionally beautiful and alluring. Her glossy red hair fell in waves over her back and to her waist. She wasn’t exactly petite but she was slender with smooth curves. The dress she wore while comfortable exposed wide swaths of bare skin, clearly a move calculated to attract attention.

While I was absorbed in admiring the princess’s appearance, a maid led my guest into the room.

Essen Velrod.

The man who’d slammed the door on me this morning.

“What is it you want?”

He stood stiffly, not even bothering to hide his hostility. His disheveled appearance from this morning was gone, replaced by immaculate formal attire. His attractiveness was even more apparent now. Though he also looked more severe.

But this was no time for me to be drooling over him.

“Take a seat.”

“This is the last time I listen to you.”

“Are you saying you won’t come next time even if I call for you?”

He looked supremely confident. Was this what was left of his pride?

I guessed the princess had permitted this behavior of his. I considered him silently.

In my eyes, he seemed like he was lashing out in desperation. Like the kind of thing one did when they had reached the end of their rope, and there was nothing else they could do.

“Haven’t you had your fill? Don’t you ever get tired of this?”

I supposed the princess found this side of him amusing. She must have enjoyed the never-ending cycle of riling him up just to crush his pride in bed.

“I understand.”

I readily assented.

“What?”

“You’re free to do whatever you want.”

It was the reason I’d called him here in the first place. I had no desire to drag him to bed without his consent just to hasten my own demise.

“Why, are you sad that I’m letting you go?”

“You’re insane.”

I laughed and watched his face crumple up once again.

“What’s your office right now?”

“Like I said, I don’t need an office granted to me by someone like you.”

But you’ll come to need it. Because I’m about to propose something that the princess of the past never would have. Then it happened.

Ding!

Essen has temporarily left your side. You do not know when he will return. What will you do?

A. Wait.
B. Find Princess Yeldria.
C. Go to Robia who is waiting for you in your room.

I hoped they would select B. Because it would give me an opportunity to naturally scout out what the MC looked like.

But the cursor moved to C. When the selection had been made, the window closed out.

“….. Robia?”

“Why are you suddenly bringing up your concubine?”

So he’s my concubine. I knew the name seemed familiar.

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry and settled on a face in between. Letting you steal someone else’s man. For a dating sim, it was awfully close to life.

“I’m going to bestow a fief to you tomorrow.”

“What?”

“Leave this palace as soon as possible.”

“What- .”

“I don’t have any hidden motives. Ah, that’s right, I’m fine if you want to take someone from my palace with you.”

“What?”

“A lover, for example.”

Before I could blink, he had grabbed me by the throat. My breath was cut off in one swift move.

“You….!”

“Is putting your hand around my neck supposed to do something?”

He shook me roughly with the hand around my throat. I waved off the surprised maids who tried to approach.

“However, you can’t return to your country. Forget the past and just live out your days with that person. This is the most I can do for you right now.”

Although it was realistically impossible for him to start a rebellion, I also couldn’t just let someone who posed a risk to the empire go free.

Essen spit his next words out through clenched teeth.

“Don’t touch her.”

I chuckled. Could the princess have been unaware of their relationship? I didn’t think so.

“You know me well, don’t you?”

“……”

“Then tell me. Have you known me to say anything I didn’t mean?”

It seemed that wasn’t the case since he was unable to respond.

“If I had wanted to kill that girl… I would have, you know, brought her here and killed her. In front of you. That’s the easiest way, isn’t it?”

I did my best to keep my voice even. Essen tightened his grip on my throat.

“I’ll kill you!”

“If that was possible, you would have done it by now.”

Poor darling. The thought suddenly crossed my mind.

“You know nothing.”

“…..”

“She’s different from you! I pledged myself to her.”

With that, he released his hand from my neck. I choked out a few raspy coughs to clear my throat. Looking me squarely in the eyes, Essen slowly dropped to his knees before me.

“I beg of you, spare Yuriel, if you’ll only do that, then I…”

‘Yuriel’. I recited the name in my head.

Ding!

Robia tries to kiss you. He resents that you haven’t been to see him in a while. If you fail to comfort him, his love for you may weaken. On the other hand, if you drag out your time together, Essen may return and catch you. Please choose wisely!

A. Kiss him back.
B. Reject him.
C. Have sex with him.

“… I won’t care if you kill me.”

The cursor moved down to C. When the selection had been made, the window disappeared. I saw Essen clenching his teeth. I blinked.

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to do anything to you.”

“What about her!”

“If that’s what you want, I won’t do anything to her either.”

I couldn’t help but feel sympathetic. Towards the man who might someday kill me.

If I was judging correctly, ‘Yuriel’ would never be satisfied with Essen alone.

I had to admit I would have done the same. If this was a game. It was, after all, a ‘reverse harem’.

But this man didn’t even know anything and was eagerly laying down his life.

“Do you want to know why?”

“……”

Under the circumstances, I couldn’t tell him the truth.

“I’m tired of you.”

“……”

“It happened faster than I thought. I suppose it’s normal to lose interest the moment you finally get that toy you really wanted.”

I heard the sound of his jaw clenching.

“Are you truly that deaf to the screams of all of the innocent souls who died before their time?”

He cursed me while glaring at me with bloodshot eyes.

“Just wait and see, you will get what you deserve. For sacrificing innocent lives for your entertainment, for treating human lives so insignificantly! I swear I’ll expose the truth of the disgusting greed hiding behind that pretty face, and execute…!”

“Shut the hell up!”

I knew in my head that I wasn’t the target of his fury and curses. But the one reflected in his eyes right now, the one who had sit here listening to every pointed word, was me.

In the end, I also exploded in genuine anger.

Did I do that to you? I’m also a victim here. You might have lost your country but I lost my whole world. I lost myself. The words threatened to boil over.

But why do I have to die?

Why!

“The only thing you can do is hurl empty curses.”

I scoffed at him.

“…….”

“But I’m different. I only speak the truth. Or at the very least, things that will very soon become the truth. Should I let you in on a little secret? Aren’t you wondering what your woman is doing right now and who she’s with?”

“Shut your mouth.”

“That girl is probably in the middle of having a secret affair with my concubine right now, in the very same bed where you two got it on.”

I decided to hit him where it hurt.

This is what’s best for you too.

Ding!

You had sex with Robia within the time limit. Congratulations! You comfort Robia’s heart a little.

I looked away from the game window. It seemed that Essen hadn’t had the courage to confirm the truth after walking out a little while ago. If not that, he really trusted her.

Whichever it was, it would be impossible for him to return to how he was before. The fear and doubt should have already taken root inside him.

A sour taste filled my mouth.

Ding!

But then, something totally unexpected happened.

Robia’s affection for you decreases a little.

Robia’s affection for you decreases a little.

Robia’s affection for you decreases a little.

.

.

.

.

Robia’s affection for you decreases a little.

Only after sounding the alert around ten times did the window finally close. They’d had their fun, so why all of a sudden?

[Robia’s Suspicion – 1]

After failing to win the princess’s love despite chasing after her, Robia met you and sincerely dreamed of a future together. However, after seeing you treat sex with him like it was nothing he is beginning to feel doubtful. He suspects that you have another man. Do not let him find out about your relationship with Essen for the time being.

[Current progress]

29 days 23:59:09 left.

What exactly did you do to make the man doubt you?

Compared to the two men who were both desperate in their own ways, the woman beyond the screen seemed totally carefree. You’re saying it’s only a game, now are you.

Ding!

Due to your negligence, you failed to comfort Robia!

Ding!

A penalty will be applied.

Passive skill ‘Nobility’ decreases a little, passive skill ‘Sincere Voice’ decreases a little.

“…. You’ve got to be kidding me.”

I crawled beneath the covers . Whether they dated or broke up or cried and made up, it was none of my business. As long as my safety was guaranteed.

“I’m so tired….”,

I mumbled and closed my eyes. Unable to fight of the encroaching drowsiness, I fell into a deep sleep. Although I thought I heard several alerts as I was drifting off….

Content warning: Attempted sexual assault. You can skip to after the asterisks if you need to, and I’ll summarize it at the end in the translator’s note.

“…..Your Highness.”

I felt a touch on my shoulder. The hand on my shoulder was thick, large, and warm. Subconsciously, I called out the only name that came to mind.

“…..Nadricka?”

When there was no reply I blinked slowly and opened my eyes.

But the face that greeted me was a stranger’s. He knelt next to the bed with the moonlight streaming in from behind him. Wordlessly, he increased the pressure on my shoulder.

Though it didn’t hurt, it was enough to chase the sleep away. I sat up.

“Who the hell are you?”

“….Have you already forgotten me?”

His breath reeked of alcohol. I instinctively put up my guard and slapped the man’s hand away from my shoulder.

“Get out, right now. Before I call someone in.”

“Do you really not recognize me?”

Unfortunately for him I had none of the princess’s memories. There was no way that I’d recognize him.

But… he sounded like he was holding back tears. Feeling baffled, I let out a sigh. It hadn’t even been a day and this was already the third man to kneel before me.

I had no idea why everyone decided to turn on the waterworks in front of me. I wasn’t used to dealing with situations like these.

“First of all, I can’t see your face.”

At my words, the man quickly drew back. His face was partially uncovered under the moonlight.

On the surface, he appeared fragile, but a closer inspection revealed sharp and intelligent features. He looked like a fairy.

What I’m trying to say is, this was clearly my first time seeing him. Which was a given, considering.

Yet the man was staring at me expectantly. He seemed convinced that I would show a different response now that I’d gotten a look at his face.

“So…. Why did you come here?”

I pretended to recognize him.

I briefly considered calling the servants, but they were likely the ones who had allowed him into my room in the first place.

I didn’t want to overreact to something that was a regular occurrence. I wanted to save the excuse of having amnesia for a little while longer.

“I heard that tonight, you hadn’t called for anyone.”

“…….”

I had heard the princess switched out partners nightly and had slept with all sorts of men. But I wasn’t planning on continuing the tradition just to make my act more believable.

“So?”

“You purposely didn’t seek me out all this time.”

“…..”

“Saying that there were plenty of men who could act as a substitute….”

“But it seems you’ve gotten tired of even that. Seeing as how you’re sleeping alone now. Yet I knew that Your Highness would never seek me out first, so what else could I do? I had no choice but to come myself.”

Saying so, he stealthily grabbed my hand which had been lying on top of the covers. The thought suddenly crossed my mind that he might be one of my concubines.

Automatically, my mind went to Robia.

“That’s not it. I’m tired. So I would just… like to sleep.”

“I know you prefer something more refined after playing around with that sex slave. I can serve you well.”

“No, I’m fi-…”

He tightened his grip on my hand and came up onto the bed. The mattress dipped from the added weight, then his shadow cast over me. When he had gotten close enough that I could feel his breath on my forehead I asked him,

“What about Yuriel?”

He froze.

It seemed that my intuition had been right. His identity was…

“…. What is the meaning of your words?”

Ding!

I sighed.

Essen wants to make love to you. But if you agree, he maybe able to pick up on the fact that you and Robia were together. However, if you refuse, Essen may make a request that you will not be able to refuse… (Warning! You have reached a critical branch point!)

A. Refuse.

B. Soothe him with lies.

C. Have sex with him.

D. Cry.

The cursor moved to D. I almost snickered. Tears? In that situation? Yuriel. I thought she might be even worse at planning ahead than I’d thought.

Robia stayed frozen in place even after I had finished reading.

“Look here.”

I tapped his cheek with the tips of my fingers.

“Are you like this because you’re worried I’ll hurt you?”

“……”

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to do anything.”

“I…..”

“Really, you thought to come straight to me after doing that with that woman? A man should have some devotion.”

“……”

“Are you going to stay here all night? I’m tired. Go back to your room, let’s stop this.”

I was serious. The entire day I’d had people asking me for something I didn’t have. I was a little tired of this dull and emotionally draining exchange.

“…..Are you not jealous?”

“What?”

“I’m still… your concubine.”

“……”

He pulled his arms back from where they had been on either side of my head and straightened himself.

“Aren’t you angry?”

It looked like he was the angry one instaed. His words came out hard and fast.

“Why, why do you always … why do you have to be so cruel, to me.”

Cruel? Me?

“But didn’t you sleep with someone else too?”

“I, I’m….. You -!”

“Choose one, me or her, and stick to it. Stop feeling sorry for yourself.”

As soon as I’d finished speaking, he bent over and was on top of me again. I instinctively tried to push him away but he grabbed my arm and forced it over my head.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m feeling sorry for myself? How could you of all people say that!”

“Do I still mean that much to you?”

I could no longer keep the hurtful words from pouring out of me.

“I don’t love you the way you want so you’re trying to get me to change my mind with brute strength. Isn’t that right? You’re pitiful and you’re childish.”

“….. You like sex, don’t you?”

“And?”

“So why can’t it be me? Why can’t you do it with me? Why is it only me!”

He sobbed out the words, his body curling up over me. Silence fell between us.

I saw his shoulders tremble and felt his hands shake through his grip on my arm. You’re one of the princess’s only three concubines. What are you so bitter about?

I was beginning to feel frustrated because I didn’t know what had happened between them.

“Hey,”

“…..Please let’s just do it once.”

“What?”

I was so dumbfounded that I couldn’t even let out a sigh. I had no idea what he was talking about. Besides, I wasn’t even his ‘princess’. I didn’t have any duty towards him nor did I feel any guilt.

Ding!

“….Hngh, wait, wait a moment!”

Robia placed a kiss next to my navel over my clothes. And then, instead of moving up, he slowly began making his way down. I freaked out and kneed him in the chin. There was no time to sit around reading the system window.

“Ah!”

He glared at me resentfully while nursing his chin.

“I told you I don’t want to!”

“You’re lying! You never cared who you did it with!”

Ding!

“Fuck, so what? Are you saying you’ll r*pe me!”

“…..What?”

It was as if he had been doused with cold water.

As soon as I felt his grip loosen, I yanked my hand away. My wrist throbbed. Robia was silent for a while after that, his expression blank.

“I, I was…. That wasn’t my intention.”

He murmured while still on top of me. I was forced to watch as his eyes filled with tears. They dripped down his face and onto my chest.

In the end, I lost my will to be angry. I sighed and spoke.

“….. I get it so why don’t you get off now.”

I grabbed Robia’s wrist and pulled. He let himself be dragged along without a fight. As Robia flopped down onto the bed, I sat up and sat across from him.

“….. It was too horrible. The thought that I’d get rejected again was painful enough to make me go crazy. That’s why.”

“Fine. Do you have anything else to say?”

“….. I apologize.”

“As long as you realize what you did. Now then,”

Just like that, Robia fell face first onto the bed.

“…..Are you asleep?”

“………”

This son of a bitch?

I forced a benevolent smile onto my face and tried to remember that patience is a virtue. That was when it happened.

**********

“Your Highness! It is I.”

There was the sound of urgent footsteps, followed by banging on the door. I gave the man my permission to enter.

“There has been an emergency!”

Was there anything bigger than the fact that the soul of the princess had been switched out? I gave my reply.

“Get to the point.”

As soon as I had said the words, a maid entered the room followed by a soldier who knelt and bowed his head.

“The prince of Velrod and a palace servant were discovered trying to run away during the night!”

…..What now?

I pressed a hand to my forehead.

Ding!

You have automatically failed [Robia’s Suspicion – 1] .

Ding!

An unknown bug has been detected!

A penalty will be applied.

Ding!

As a penalty, ‘Robia Juran’s’ affection level will reset. The ‘Robia Juran’ route will be temporarily terminated. (Terminated routes may be reopened depending on successful completion of hidden quests.)

Ding!

A hidden quest has opened!

Ding!

[The Crossroads Between Life and Death]

You attempted to run away in the night with Essen Velrod, the man who was openly staying in the palace as the princess’s lover! It has finally been revealed to the world that you are his secret lover. Please guard your and Essen’s life from Princess Yeldria’s wrath.

[Current progress]

01:59:09 left.

Essen Velrod’s life 0/1

Yuriel Dravier Cecilia’s life 0/1

The day seemed like it would never end.

A man and woman knelt before me.

“What made you try something like this?”

I sat in front of him with one leg crossed over the other and shook my head like I found him pathetic.

“Are you asking me to kill you?”

“…..You said with your own mouth that you would let us go…..”

“Yes, I did say that. But I never said you could go like this.”

I glanced at the woman. She was staring straight at me with clear, crimson eyes full of tears.

One thing was for sure, she wasn’t the tiniest bit afraid. She either wasn’t afraid of death or thought that there was no way she would die because of a character in a game.

Essen shouted out in a voice laced with desperation.

“I despise you. I despise you, princess!”

“I know.”

It would be a lie to say those words didn’t sting. I sighed.

“I’m not that stupid, you know? Stop repeating things everyone already knows, it’s getting dull.”

“……”

“I asked you why.”

“….It was to get this person away from you as fast as possible. I didn’t want to find out what things you had planned.”

“I said I wasn’t going to do anything.”

“If you were me, would you believe that?”

No.

I laughed.

“Kill me.”

His expression hardened.

“Is your life only worth that much to you?”

“…….”

“If that’s not it, is that woman’s life that important to you?”

Essen’s face relaxed.

“Yes.”

Ding!

The system window popped up between me and the woman.

Princess Yeldria knows that you have been sleeping with her concubine. Yeldria’s patience is about to wear out. You must calm the princess’s wrath. (Warning! Please choose wisely. The life of ‘Essen Velrod’ is on the line.)

A. Lie and say there’s nothing between you and Essen.

B. Beg for your life.

C. Ask to be killed alongside him.

D. Ask Robia for help.

Our eyes met across the screen. I got the sudden, strange sensation that we had met before….

No, that wasn’t important right now.

Yuriel bit her lip.

“It will be okay, Yuriel.”

Essen squeezed her hand while keeping his head held high. Yuriel made her decision.

‘A. Lie that there’s nothing between you and Essen.’

Yuriel pulled her hand from his. Essen didn’t seem surprised. His eyes still fixed on me, he said,

“Isn’t my life enough to take out your anger?”

“…….”

“You said it yourself. That everything word from your mouth is the truth or would soon become the truth. Then prove it. You said that you wouldn’t touch this woman if it’s what I wanted.”

“I said that I wouldn’t do anything to you.”

“Take those words back, Princess. It is as simple as that.”

“…..How stubborn you are, last Prince of Velrod.”

Essen’s eyes signaled his surrender. The dark pupils and blood-red irises which had contained so much murderous intent, were trying to submit to me now.

Yuriel, who had been waiting for her chance, shouted out,

“Your Highness! I was dragged into this! I swear it’s the truth!”

I wondered if this was the sight the princess was used to. If she had looked down like this and seen the ugliness of those who were willing to do anything to survive even if it meant stepping on others.

“Your Highness! I had no part -!”

“Stop.”

I felt like throwing up.

“You had no part in this?”

“Please spare me!”

Yuriel crawled over to me on her knees and grabbed onto my ankle.

“That man and I –“

“Definitely know each other. Am I right?”

“Y-Your Highness! I – !”

“If he lives I live, if he dies I die…. Say it, Yuriel.”

I softly touched her cheek.

“Like that man is doing for you.”

“……”

“Now.”

“I, I’m……”

“You love him, right?”

Just say it even if you don’t mean it. That man over there is laying down his life for you. You made him like that. So take some responsibility.

As if she was in a trance, Yuriel stared into my eyes and murmured,

“I don’t want to die….”

So that’s how it is. I cut her off before she could finish.

“I see, if that’s how you feel then I guess there’s no helping it.”

“Your Highness!!”

“I’ll let you go. Both of you.”

“W-What are you…….”

“On one condition – that you leave and never return to this place.”

“……”

I brought my face close to Yuriel’s confused one and whispered,

“Just do as I say. Don’t be greedier than this.”

Don’t try to kill me.

“I’ll give you all the funds you need, enough so that you’ll be set for life.”

“You’re letting us go?”

Essen asked. I didn’t respond. The important thing was what Yuriel would decide. Yuriel was silent.

As long as he had this woman by his side, Essen would cleanly give up on any plans for revenge.

But Yuriel was different. There were likely many things in the palace that she still wanted. It wasn’t a complete lie that she’d been dragged into running away.

So, hurry up and make your decision.

Before I change my mind and decide there’s no choice but to kill both you and that man right here.

“….Yuriel.”

Then it happened. From behind me, a form emerged from the darkness and slowly walked into the light.

It was Robia.

It was an ambush.

Essen’s eyes immediately went to Robia. He caught me staring and our eyes met.

But then he quietly lowered his eyes again. It appeared that he’d realized that everything I’d said was true. Even if you try to hide it, I already saw it, you know. That you’re hurting.

“How could you do this me?”

Robia staggered over to Yuriel and dropped down in front of her.

“Tell me, Yuriel!”

As Robia tried to grab Yuriel’s shoulders, Essen caught his arm.

Sparks flew between the two men as they locked gazes. It felt like they would start throwing punches at any moment.

“Let go of me.”

“………”

“I said, let go!”

Why was I stuck here in the middle of the night watching this frustrating soap opera of a love triangle? I wanted to yell at everyone to get out and finally get some sleep.

I pressed a hand to my forehead before looking up again.

“You get on your knees too.”

“What?”

“…….”

As I stared at him pointedly, Robia shifted his body around and knelt next to Yuriel. I looked over them and let out a deep sigh.

Being in the princess’s body was really the worst.

Fine. So you’re saying I have to play matchmaker now?

“I’ll just let you go too.”

“What?”

“I’m saying I’ll free you from your status as a concubine.”

“…….”

Robia looked at me with an incredulous expression. I’m just doing what he wants so why’s he looking at me like that. I was serious.

“Go to the person you want.”

I looked at Essen and said,

“Do you have a problem with that?”

“…….I don’t”

“So he says.”

“Don’t you have any pride?”,

Robia scoffed, looking at Essen. But Essen seemed like he didn’t think it was worth it to respond. Unable to take it anymore, Robia shouted at Yuriel.

“Even if this guy is fine with it, I won’t accept this! You, tell the truth! What’s your real goal?”

He was pretty amazing asking the MC of a reverse harem that kind of question.

“I’m………”

Ding!

Congratulations! You have obtained ‘A Broken Heart (S)’.

*A Broken Heart (S): Once a heart has been broken, it cannot be easily restored. No matter what you do in the future, Essen will not leave you. (Warning! This item can be destroyed.)

Yuriel lowered her head. Though she tried to hide it, I saw the corners of her lips twitch up.

She was really too much.

Just like that, Yuriel bowed her head low and declared,

“I don’t want to leave! Your Highness, I came to this palace to serve you. I’m innocent! I don’t know this man! The idea that I have anything to do with him is ridiculous!”

Robia gaped at her.

“Please allow me to remain here! Please allow me to serve you, Your Highness!”

I couldn’t believe that she was trying to use this as an opportunity to become my personal maid. I supposed that she was probably trying to complete the quest for unearthing my weakness.

How stupid did Yuriel think I was? But wasn’t this a golden opportunity?

“I never wanted to leave in the first place! But this, this person forced me to –“

“Stop right there.”

Everyone focused on me. Specifically, on what I had to say next.

“You want to live, you want to stay, you even want to serve me…… You want so many things and you’re picky too, aren’t you, Yuriel.”

“Your Highness…..”

There was no point in banishing her. This woman wasn’t going to give up. She was basically telling me to my face that she wasn’t going to give up.

“…….”

This was an opportunity to leave no regrets. I already had plenty of justification.

Let’s kill her.

I have to kill her.

Just as I had made up my mind,

“…….Do whatever you want. But you can’t be my maid.”

Shit.

“Thank you!”

I turned around to look at Essen.

“And you?”

“………I, will remain here as well.”

Is this how it would end. With everyone staying.

Everything had gone back to how it was before.

Ding!

[The Crossroads Between Life and Death]

Quest complete!

Congratulations!

Ding!

The reset on Robia’s affection level will be maintained.

Ding!

The ‘Robia Juran’ route has been updated from ‘terminated’ to ‘on standby for termination’!

Ding!

You have received the reward ‘Life’.

I sighed and ordered everyone to leave.

“Why did you not ask me anything?”

Robia was the last one left.

“What do I have to be curious about?”

How annoying.

“Will you really dismiss me like this?”

“That’s right.”

“Even if I don’t want it?”

“Yes.”

“That… that isn’t fair.”

“Then what would you like me to do? You betrayed me. I won’t make you take responsibility for that. But there’s no real reason to keep you by my side now, either.”

“………”

“Once you’ve sorted out your feelings, come find me. I’ll finally set you free from your suffering.”

“Free…”

A moment later, I was the only one left in the spacious room.

I sat down on the bed.

It seems like I can’t kill after all.

Even though I might be killed in the future, even though my life was on the line.

Even though it was like that.

I couldn’t kill anyone.

I couldn’t kill someone who was begging for their life in front of me.

I felt empty.

I couldn’t stop thinking that this might have been the last opportunity. But I shook myself out of it.

If I thought about it another way, this was a good thing. If I couldn’t send them far away, then it was better to be able to keep a close watch on them.

That was when I heard the sound of the door opening gingerly.

“I thought I said for everyone to leave!”

I shouted in frustration but stopped in my tracks when I saw white gold hair through the crack in the door.

“Nadricka?”

The door opened a little wider and revealed Nadricka kneeling in the doorway.

“I’m sorry.”

I flinched and mumbled.

“…..Come here.”

He stood up wordlessly and approached me. He sat down next to me and cautiously leaned into my embrace.

I laid my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes. In the darkness, I could feel him gently patting my back.

I was glad when he didn’t say anything.

The knowledge that I’d almost killed someone was beginning to sink in.