Episode 10
"Frei, are you there?"
"...Kania, go open the door."
"...Yes."
When the promised weekend arrived, Isollet came to my dormitory with fire in her eyes.
For reference, the past few days had been fairly ordinary days without much incident.
Except for the fact that a Saintess blessed with protection that could fold even typical superhumans in half kept trying to kidnap me to the cathedral, causing my 'Villain's Intuition' to trigger uselessly while I lived every moment trembling in anxiety.
Or that I'd shudder in fear listening to Irina constantly reciting the ultimate curse she created in the previous timeline behind my back.
Or that I'd break out in cold sweat while desperately responding with a foolish smile whenever the Imperial Princess looked at me with her chilling smile.
Or that after sharing my life force with Kania, playing with a soft cat doll had become daily routine, and one day when I tried to take the cat away from Kania who had strangely started hugging it while sleeping, I got startled when she tossed and turned...
Come to think of it, quite a lot happened.
Still, I didn't die, so I guess it worked out?
"Welcome, Lady Isollet."
"Kania? Why are you..."
"I am currently residing in this room as the young master's servant."
Isollet, who had been looking at Kania with surprised eyes for opening the door in my place, glared at me fiercely once Kania finished her explanation.
"Frei, are you out of your mind...?"
"...What?"
"Kania... a woman... in the same room... you shameless...!"
Isollet's face turned bright red as she began raising her voice, trembling violently.
Indeed, Isollet is quite vulnerable to situations like this.
Having trained only in martial arts at the Baiwork family that knows nothing but combat, she is a complete virgin with no proper dating experience due to her inherent old-fashioned nature and hard-to-approach atmosphere.
Isollet herself knows she's well past marriageable age, so she unconsciously reacts quite sensitively whenever such topics come up.
"...Kids these days are fast, big sister."
"Y-you...!"
"What? You should try it quickly too, big sister. Or you'll become an old maid?"
"...........!"
Her face turned even redder at my words, but upon hearing the word 'old maid,' she froze on the spot.
'...Surely she didn't die of a heart attack?'
Flustered, I urgently used the Information Search skill to check her status and breathed a sigh of relief.
[Name: Isollet Arham Baiwork]
[Abilities: Strength 8.5 / Magic 5 / Intelligence 7 / Mental Strength 7]
[Special Notes: Right arm injury, Mental shock]
It was because she wasn't dead, though she did have the 'Mental shock' debuff.
[Acquired 100 Villain Points! (Truth is always bitter)]
'...Even the system confirms it.'
As I was paying respects to Isollet who had become an officially recognized old maid danger zone by the system itself, Kania, who had been making a dissatisfied expression beside me, spoke up.
"...It's the young master's joke. The young master and I don't have that kind of relationship."
"Kania, right now I..."
I was about to scold her out of habit when I froze momentarily after seeing her information window floating before my eyes.
"...Young master?"
"Kania, last night was really good."
"...Please stop."
Kania, who had been looking at me with confusion, looked at me with disgust and pushed me aside when I changed my expression to be lecherous and wrapped my arm around her waist.
"..........."
I was glaring at her and trying to wrap my arm around her again when I discovered Isollet making an expression as if she was about to draw her sword and strike me down, so I quietly hid my arm behind my back and asked a question.
"Anyway, why did you come? Big sister?"
"...You're asking because you don't know?"
"Ah, right. We agreed to go to the back alley."
"...Hurry up and get ready. We're leaving right now."
Leaving those words behind, she exited the room with her face slightly flushed.
".........."
"...Kania."
After confirming she had left the room, I began to look at Kania with a cold gaze.
"...Yes."
"Did you just push me?"
"..........."
"...Answer me."
As I approached her with a cold expression, Kania lowered her head and spoke.
"I'm sorry, Master... I momentarily lost my... Eek!"
Before she could finish speaking, I pushed her onto the bed, climbed on top of her, and began whispering.
"...Lately you keep getting ahead of yourself? Kania?"
"Y-young master...! Please stop...!"
"Why? Try pushing me away like before. Push me quickly. If you don't push, I'll take that as meaning you like it too."
"Mmph...!"
At my words, Kania's face turned pale as she began pushing me, but with her incredibly weak strength, pushing away a sturdy man like me was nearly impossible from the start.
"I see... So you like it too?"
"S-stop! Don't...!!"
When I grabbed Kania's collar with a lecherous look in my eyes, she even started hitting me with her fists.
"...Where do you think you're hitting."
"...Hiek!"
I let her fists hit me for a moment before grabbing both her wrists at the right timing and binding them, then crushing her beneath me as I whispered again.
"...If I set my mind to it, I can overpower someone like you like this."
".....!"
"Because you're my possession. Not butler, not servant... just a thing I can do whatever I want with."
"Ah... ah..."
Watching her eyes dying with an expressionless face, I opened my mouth to drive the wedge in.
"So don't get ahead of yourself. If you get ahead of yourself one more time... it won't end here... Cough!!"
".....Young master!?"
But soon a massive amount of blood began pouring from my mouth, and unable to cover my mouth in time, I ended up spilling blood all over her clothes and the bed.
"......Cough, cough! Ugh!!"
"W-what is this..."
"...Get out."
"What?"
"I said get out!!!!!"
When I shouted, Kania looked at me with round eyes for a moment before scurrying out of the room.
"Cough, cough... Fuck..."
And I coughed up blood while quietly glaring at her retreating figure.
[Name: Kania]
[Abilities: Strength 3 / Magic ??? / Intelligence 7 / Mental Strength 4]
[Special Notes: Frail/Mana Unstable/Self-destruction Curse/Mental Shock]
"...Phew, I got past the crisis for now."
There was only one reason I did this.
Just now, Kania's life was in danger.
While looking at Isollet's information earlier, I happened to glance at Kania and was startled when I saw her special notes.
The 'Frail' condition she originally had changed to 'Critical,' and 'Mana Unstable' had changed to 'Mana Rampage.'
The reason she appeared fine was probably because not much time had passed since the mana rampage occurred. This is because when mana rampage happens, the body's mana gradually starts flowing backward as time passes.
When that happens, the subject feels pain as if their entire body is being torn apart before going insane or dying. And even if they miraculously survive, they would likely live with disabilities for the rest of their life.
Given such an emergency, I had no choice but to act like I was assaulting her to maximize physical contact and share my life force with her.
'...Wait, but why did mana rampage suddenly occur to Kania?'
I was definitely pouring life force into her every night without sparing any... so why did mana rampage occur? I couldn't understand.
'Could she be using black magic without my knowledge?'
If she had been continuously using black magic without my help, the mana rampage would be explained. I would need to investigate what exactly she's been up to.
Having finished my thoughts, I looked at the blood heavily stained on the bed sheet before me and realized I had vomited a massive amount of blood in front of her.
She would definitely ask about today's incident soon... how should I answer?
'...Should I make up something about heart disease? No, that wasn't the case in the previous timeline... Then should I say it's a side effect of that brooch?'
Lost in thought for a moment, I recalled that Isollet was waiting for me and hurriedly started changing clothes, postponing my worries for now.
Somehow, things to think about keep increasing.
.
"Frei, where are you going now?"
"Hm? Obviously to the back alley."
I am currently walking through the market alley with Isollet, both wearing black robes pulled over our heads.
For reference, Isollet was so tense about going to the dangerous back alley that she wore armor underneath her clothes and was gripping her family's treasured sword tightly while watching all directions.
However, the back alley isn't actually as dangerous as she thinks. While it's said that those caught face extreme punishment, since no one enforces it, it's essentially no different from a typical entertainment district.
Of course, there are a few genuinely dangerous places here and there.
"P-please... help us..."
"My body... my body hurts..."
"J-just a piece of bread... anything is fine..."
As we walked quietly through the market alley, suddenly a group of beggars began gathering around us.
"...Ah."
Isollet's expression turned sorrowful upon seeing them. This was because most of the gathered beggars were young children.
The reason this situation arose is because our Empire is corrupt.
The nobles only think of their own safety and don't look after the people, so naturally the people become impoverished. Because of this, parents abandon their children in the middle of the market to reduce mouths to feed.
The abandoned children wander around begging for days before eventually starving to death.
And the next day, those corpses disappear.
On days when corpses disappear, the other children don't beg for some reason. The reason is something those who know would know without needing explanation.
Such things happen frequently throughout the Empire. Some might ask why the people living such grim lives don't rise up in revolt.
To answer that question simply... they will rise up soon. Across the entire country.
And the beginning is the 'Commoner Dormitory Raid Incident' at Sunrise Academy.
Of course, the mastermind behind that raid is... the Demon King who has started moving in earnest, but even if the Demon King hadn't stepped forward, this movement would have eventually erupted anyway.
In that sense, this hopeless dark fantasy world is, to borrow the words of our ancestors, like a sunfish.
Rebellions, uprisings, droughts, disasters keep occurring... and finally, an impossible-to-oppose existence called the Demon King appears.
Even if I, the protagonist, follow the standard route without the system, awaken the Hero's equipment, and defeat the Demon King, by then it will already be too late and I'll be left alone in a destroyed world. How gloomy and unfair this world is.
"Um, please... my younger sibling is sick..."
"...Hm?"
I was internally cursing this damned world again when someone grabbed and shook my robe, and I came to my senses and looked down.
"Please... just one coin... please..."
".........."
"I want to feed my sibling... even just a piece of bread..."
"...A piece of bread?"
"Before my sibling... dies from illness... I want to see them smile even once... *sob*... *wail*..."
The girl with a haggard but cute appearance who had been shaking my robe suddenly burst into tears, seemingly overwhelmed with emotion.
I looked at her quietly and was about to coldly rebuke her as usual when I realized my current appearance was hidden by the robe, so I spoke in a gentle voice.
"...Stop crying."
"*Sob*, *wail*... *sniff*..."
"Good, you're a good child."
I gently patted the head of the little girl who stopped crying and started sniffing at my words, while glancing sideways at Isollet beside me.
"Please... Sir Knight... our child..."
"Big sister... I'm hungry... please save us..."
"Sister... please help us..."
"W-wait a moment! I'll give equally to everyone, so please line up!"
Isollet was sweating profusely as she dealt with the beggars who had discovered she was a noble from seeing her treasured sword. It seemed this little girl was too weak to even join that group.
'In that situation... my actions probably won't be seen...'
I thought for a moment, then rummaged through my clothes, took out a gold coin pouch, placed it in the little girl's hand, and said.
"...Use this to treat your sibling and get a house."
"...Eh, eh!? But...!"
Seeing the gold coins filling the pouch, her eyes went round and she started raising her voice.
"Shh..."
"Mmph... mmph..."
I urgently covered her mouth, carefully looked around, then removed my hand from her mouth and whispered.
"...What if you get caught showing that off."
"B-but... it's too much..."
"...Hm?"
"I have nothing to give in return... what should I do...? Even when I grow up, I don't think I can repay it all... *sniff*...!"
I gently patted the head of this cheeky little girl who was talking about repayment while begging, then whispered quietly again.
"It's okay. You don't have to repay me."
"R-really...?"
"Yes, but instead help me for a moment."
"...Yes?"
"What you're about to do is worth several times more than that gold."
After saying that, I quietly whispered something in the little girl's ear, and she tilted her head for a moment before smiling brightly and said.
"I don't know what it is, but I'll try my best!"
"...Good. When this is over, take your sibling and leave this place immediately."
Finishing those words, I took out a whip from my clothes and began striking the little girl with all my might.
"...Eek!!"
When she let out a frail scream, the beggars who had been extorting money from Isollet, passersby, and Isollet herself looked at us and began making expressions of shock.
"...You filthy thing, how dare you try to pickpocket me?"
"I'm, I'm sorry!! I won't do it again... Eek!!"
"Shut up!! Trash like you deserves to die!!"
Saying that, I put more force into the whip, and the little girl's screams grew louder.
'...Ah, my arm hurts.'
Of course, this whip was the 'Villain's Whip' I had bought in advance at a shop, which causes almost no pain to the person struck. She's probably gritting her teeth enduring the ticklish sensation right now.
"N-no! Stop it!!"
As I continued my method acting and striking the little girl, Isollet came running with fire in her eyes, shielded the girl, and shouted at me.
"Are you out of your mind right now!? What did this little girl do that you..."
"She tried to steal my wallet."
"That doesn't mean you have to beat a child like this!!!"
The enraged Isollet briefly laid the girl on the ground, then began approaching me with blazing eyes.
"Alright, I'll stop. Let's just go our separate ways..."
"...You really are a ugly fellow. Truly."
"...You just realized?"
"I was a fool to trust you. From now on, I won't worry about you... or treat you personally. So don't call me big sister anymore either."
"Do whatever you want."
After saying that, she looked at me with contempt for a moment before turning around and heading toward the little girl.
'...Did it work?'
I watched her figure for a moment, then used the 'Mind Reading' skill with anticipation, but...
[Isollet Arham Baiwork's current emotions: Contempt/Fury/Disappointment/Worry/Regret/Pity/Sadness]
"...Sigh."
I discovered that worry, regret, and pity still remained in her emotions and let out a deep sigh.
'Says she won't worry... she's lying.'
If Isollet continues to 'worry' about me like this... she'll fall into great danger in the main scenario to come.
That's why I tried to completely cut off her affection this time... but this kind-hearted big sister must still worry about a scoundrel like me.
"............"
The little girl being held by Isollet was looking at me with somewhat fearful eyes, so I quietly showed her a thumbs up.
"...Th-thank you!"
At that, she hurriedly pulled away from Isollet, bowed deeply, loudly expressed her thanks, and disappeared into a secluded alley.
[Acquired 300 Villain Points! (Charity Angel)]
"...Let's go."
At the same time, I looked at the notification window floating before me, then spoke calmly to Isollet who was still glaring at me.
"...Where to?"
When she coldly asked back, I pointed to the secluded alley the little girl had entered and answered.
"...To the back alley."
.
"...Ha, is this really the back alley?"
"Yeah, that's right."
Isollet, having entered the back alley, momentarily lost words at the splendid scenery and began looking around.
Well, I'd probably find it absurd too.
Just one block back, children starving to death are dying, but just one block forward, everywhere is decorated splendidly with people walking around bedecked in jewels.
But this is the laughable reality of the rotting Empire.
"...Did all those people come here through the exit we entered?"
"No, that's not even an entrance. It's just a rat hole that the high-ups don't use as an emergency exit because they call it filthy."
"..........."
"Then, welcome to the heart of the Empire... Professor."
When I changed my title, Isollet frowned and spoke coldly.
"Guide me to that shop."
"It's right in front."
"...What?"
"I didn't come through that rat hole without reason. To save time, I deliberately came this way."
"...Wait here. I'll handle it and return."
Leaving those words, she began walking toward the magic tool shop.
"Sorry, shopkeeper. Still, I hired you so I'll make it less boring..."
"Mmph, mmph...!"
"...Hm?"
I was paying silent respects to the eccentric shopkeeper I rather liked when I heard groaning sounds from somewhere in the distance, turned to look, and froze.
"Mmph! Mmph! Mmph...!!!"
"...Little girl, stay still. No one's coming to help you."
"Oh my? She doesn't look like she's eaten much but she's full of energy? Seems like we got something good?"
In the dark gap between buildings, the little girl who had received my gold coin pouch was being held by masked assailants and struggling.
"Pwah... S-save me...! Cough...!"
"At this rate... if we feed her well, she'll be top grade."
"...Let's withdraw for today."
"Hey, you'll let me have some fun too, right?"
After struggling for a while, the girl took a blow to her stomach and went limp, and the masked assailants hoisted her up, exchanged words, and quickly disappeared somewhere.
"Ha..."
Quietly watching the scene, I muttered while fingering my beloved sword I had carefully hidden in my clothes in case of being accosted by beggars.
"...Looks like I need to change the plan."
Seems it's time to play hero for once.