“Why, Aki…?”
“……”
Snow and I headed to where he was.
It looked like a serene hospital room, almost like a cozy hotel.
Aki was there, lying still with his eyes closed in a hospital gown.
He really did seem like he was just peacefully asleep.
“The healer, which is like what you’d call a doctor in this world… well, they said they couldn’t find the cause… B-but that also means, you know, that there wasn’t anything wrong with him…”
“I see.”
Indeed, from what I could observe, there didn’t seem to be anything out of the ordinary.
Aki’s severed arm had been completely stitched up by me using the Blood Sutra.
Thanks to the Life-Field Surgery mini-game.
“…Aki, I’m sorry. Once again, I… I can’t do anything. I’m so powerless…”
Snow seemed to be sinking back into a depressive state.
Hmm, I suppose this is the time for me to step up, to add a little excitement to my school friendship story arc.
Mystic Eyes.
With this, I’ll examine Aki’s body!
…Huh?
Wait a second, something’s definitely off. This is strange—there’s some kind of magic swirling around Aki’s head that doesn’t belong to him.
Hmm, this might be what’s causing the trouble—
Knock, knock.
Knock, knock, knock.
“…Excuse me, I don’t know who you are, but we’re in the middle of a family visit. Could you come back another time?”
Snow spoke toward the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
The knocking didn’t stop.
Snow’s words should have been heard, but still, it continued.
And then—
“Well, excuse me. This is Aki von Schwarz’s room, correct?”
“Huh…?”
A dazzlingly handsome blond man appeared.
He was dressed in a sparkling outfit with elaborate decorations, his long bob hair flowing down.
Emerald green eyes shone from his small face.
He looked like a refined version of Aki, but with a colder, more distant aura.
“Why… are you here?”
“Hey now, no need to be so cold, Snow.”
Snow’s face twisted like she was biting into something bitter, while the handsome prince flashed a bright white smile.
Wow, it’s my first time seeing Snow make a face like this.
“The brother of my fiancée has collapsed. It’s only natural that I’d come to check on him, right?”
“…I appreciate your concern, Your Highness. But our relationship is strictly as potential fiancées, correct? And even then, I am merely a concubine candidate.”
“In the Empire, we love our wives and concubines equally. Ah, Aki, it’s a shame. Without you around, things just aren’t the same. Haha, and with your loyal dog in this state, he’s truly no match now, is he?”
“…Aki is not a dog. Please correct yourself.”
“Ah, my apologies. I meant guard dog.”
“Wait, that’s still calling him a dog.”
“By the way, who are you? I don’t think I’ve seen you around before. A student from the academy?”
Oops, I got caught up in their named-character conversation.
Hmm, this guy… doesn’t have the scent of a major character.
I’m not interested.
“Ah, yes.”
“Hmm, and judging by your expression, are you a reincarnated hero? Snow, you should be more careful with your friends—they reflect on your dignity.”
“Unfortunately for you, Your Highness… I choose my own friends.”
“Haha, you really are a cheeky one, Snow. It’s adorable.”
As the two continued their aristocratic banter, I discreetly activated my Mystic Eyes again.
Hmm? That ring on the blond guy’s finger… it’s leaking magic.
…Wait, that magic—it’s the same as the one surrounding Aki’s head…?
<<Player, it seems that the ring he is wearing is an artifact. It contains powerful mental magic.>>
Wait, what does that mean?
<<Yes, it appears that he is the one keeping Aki asleep.>>
Seriously? Why would he do something like that?
<<Unclear. Perhaps Aki posed a threat to him?>>
I see. That makes sense.
<<Player?>>
So, he’s the enemy trying to mess with my storyline.
<<That’s a quick judgment.>>
Heh, time to interfere.
For now, let’s start by removing the magic wrapped around Aki’s head.
Quietly, I sneak closer to Aki’s side.
“Haha, Snow, that cheeky attitude of yours is truly endearing.”
“Thank you, Your Highness. However, I still believe you’re better suited to your betrothed. Compared to her charm, I am nothing—truly nothing.”
“Hmph, a flower’s worth isn’t determined by status. Each one has its own beauty. But your true allure lies in the gap between your perfect noble façade and your fragile, vulnerable side. I’d love to peel away that mask…”
“Fufu, Your Highness. Aren’t you holding too many illusions about women?”
As Snow and the blond prince continued their noble chatter, I examined the magic once more… Oh, yep, it’s definitely meddling with Aki’s brain.
Alright, then let’s try—channeling just enough magic so Aki doesn’t die—
“Hey, you, what are you doing?”
“Oh, uh, nothing.”
He noticed immediately.
“Nothing…? You certainly have an interesting way of speaking. Surely you know who I am, right?”
“…”
Who is this guy?
Honestly, can I just kill him already?
—Should I kill him?
But then, Snow would see me… This otherworldly fantasy is tricky.
“Wait a second… Could it be that you’re that G-class Gifted, the homeless one?”
“Ah, yes.”
The moment I answered, the blond prince’s expression changed.
