Chapter 2: Sister

Chapter 2: Sister

After contemplating for the past few days while eating the gorgeous dishes served to him by attentive maids, he was finally enjoying real meals.

A far cry from the stale bread and beef-flavored cup noodles from his past life's convenience store runs.

On his first day, he enjoyed a cut of meat he had only ever seen on his flickering television or in advertisements for high-end restaurants: a rich sirloin steak, cooked to perfection and deeply seasoned. It melted in his mouth with incredible flavor.

The next day, he tasted a massive sea crustacean. As he savored its delicate texture, he recalled the name of the dish: lobster poached in butter.

The following days took his palate on an absolute adventure: roasted sea bass, fresh Caesar salads, decadent fruit desserts, and countless dishes that seemed to mirror the fine dining of Earth.

These were flavors he had never tasted in his previous life, and he knew he would never forget them.

He also slept on a soft, supple mattress paired with pillows that felt like clouds. He had even jumped face-first onto the bed, lying there for hours in various lazy positions.

All he could say was that it was unbelievably comfortable.

This new life was wonderful. Even considering his precarious situation, living in an extremely wealthy yet overtly evil household where he might be assassinated if he wasn't careful, the luxury alone almost made it feel worth it.

Lying on his mattress, he stared up at the glowing chandelier above.

“Well, I’m fucked either way. I might as well enjoy myself…”

Knowing his family's dark alignment, he figured he would eventually face the kind of drama he used to watch in soap operas on his laggy TV.

He envisioned himself walking on thin ice, caught in political strife as rival factions tried to manipulate or eliminate him.

He might even die... again.

“Then again, I’ve seen how these stories go…”

In the movies he used to watch, evil families always met the exact same fate:

Death.

Regardless, after spending a few days isolated in this room, a single realization took root in his mind.

“I really don't have anything left to lose…”

He opened his system panel, looking at the ominous notifications once more.

[House Randomization Complete.]

[You are now an official member of House Zekenia.]

[House Zekenia Alignment: EXTREMELY EVIL.]

This family was indeed deeply wicked.

Yet, for some reason, part of his status window was still frozen.

[Loading... Status Panel]

He closed the panel with a faint sigh. He understood how status windows worked from his background as a gamer on Earth, so the terminology was familiar.

“Haaaahh…”

He took a deep breath and calmed his nerves.

Accepting his reality allowed him to face his new existence with a clearer head.

“Sure, there's a high chance I might die here…”

If he died today because of his family's enemies, at least he had experienced the comfort of a luxurious room, a stark contrast to his miserable, lonely apartment on Earth.

And in this world, he actually had family.

“At least in this life... I have a family.”

In his past life, he had been poor, overworked, and utterly alone. He had scraped by day after day, sacrificing everything just to afford a VR device for a chance at a new beginning.

He had no friends, no partner, and his parents had abandoned him when he was just a child.

“I never had anyone back then, hehe…”

Growing up, he had been passed between orphanages for reasons he never understood.

He used to wonder what was wrong with him. Other kids his age had avoided him, leaving him with a deeply lonely childhood.

His past existence had been a tragic, repetitive cycle, just as the entity in the void had said.

“So in this life, regardless of their reputation, I'm going to try…”

Now that he was here, he felt a genuine spark within himself: a drive to truly live.

On Earth, he had felt like a machine, working, eating, and sleeping in an emotional vacuum.

He had existed solely to perform labor for others.

“Yeah, it might turn out to be a mess of a life…”

But here, he was part of a family.

“Still, I want to try to have people I can call my family…”

This noble house might be corrupt and dangerous.

It might be labeled as extremely evil.

But it was still a home… and a second chance.

“Shit…”

Tears welled up in his eyes. He remembered the grueling hardships, the desperate longing for human connection, the suffocating loneliness, and the constant strain of surviving alone in a cold world.

It had been unbearable.

“It really hurt…”

He clenched his jaw as a dull ache spread through his chest. Deep down, he was still that same child yearning for a family and a place to belong.

“Damn… what a sad life I lived.”

He let himself cry quietly for a few minutes.

Once he composed himself, he picked up a sheet of fine parchment resting on the ebony nightstand beside his bed.

Afraid someone might discover his survival strategy, he carefully jotted down his main rules.

Plan: How Not to Die in Nevestria MMORPG

1. Stay the fuck inside your room.

2. Lay low and avoid named characters at all costs.

3. Connect with the household staff (maids, guards) without raising suspicion.

4. Stay clear of major conflicts and act like a background mob.

The strategy was straightforward.

First, he would stay inside his room unless strictly necessary.

Second, he would steer clear of named plot characters.

Third, he would build casual rapport with the household staff. Even if they served an evil house, having friendly contacts was better than total isolation.

Lastly, he would avoid major plot conflicts, blend into the background like a generic NPC, and observe events safely from afar.

It was a sensible approach. It kept him safe while allowing him to enjoy the comfort of his new lifestyle.

“Still, I have to remain cautious at all times... One wrong move and I'm dead.”

If the household grew suspicious of him, it could easily lead to an early grave via assassination or betrayal.

Drawing from his extensive experience with visual novels and RPGs, he knew that staying out of the spotlight was the best way to avoid deadly plot events. Functioning as a background character was his safest bet.

Besides…

“I only have one life.”

He kept that absolute condition firmly in mind. If he died here, there would be no second respawn. He needed to balance enjoying his new comfort with constant vigilance.

“I also need to train myself…”

Recalling the lore the entity had shared about Nevestria, he knew basic martial preparation was essential. It was a matter of self-defense. If he wanted to protect this comfortable new life, he needed the strength to defend it.

“That's why I need to—”

Knock! Knock! Knock!

“Young Master…”

A gentle feminine voice called out from the other side of his heavy ebony door. Was it one of the maids?

“Yes? What is it?” he called back, keeping his tone calm and composed.

“The Young Lady, Miss Estelle, requests your presence, Young Master.”

Estelle?

That was an elegant, prominent name, which meant she was almost certainly a named character. His instinct was to avoid her, or at the very least, proceed with extreme caution.

“Did she mention why she's calling for me?”

“She did not specify, Young Master. However, she emphasized that it is extremely important.”

Extremely important? What does that mean?

Should I actually go? Damn it…

“Give me a few minutes to prepare,” he replied carefully.

If a named character was specifically requesting him, ignoring the summons might mean missing crucial information or drawing unwanted suspicion. While laying low was his primary goal, ignorance was equally dangerous.

Gathering intelligence was vital for survival.

“I need to watch my words carefully…”

He opened the wardrobe near the balcony and selected an outfit: a tailored jet-black suit with matching trousers, formal gloves, and polished leather dress shoes.

He looked less like a noble teenager and more like an operative for a covert organization.

“Do I really have to dress like this just to walk down the hall?”

Apparently, formal attire was standard protocol for the family's nobility. He hated the rigid formality, he would have preferred to stay in cotton pajamas and lounge in bed all day but breaking protocol might raise red flags.

“I'm coming out now…”

He turned the brass doorknob and pulled the door open.

Standing in the hallway was a maid with lilac hair and matching eyes. She wore a neat navy-blue dress beneath a white apron, complete with a maid's cap, stockings, and dress shoes.

She was undeniably striking.

Haahh…

He nearly gasped. Based on her voice, he had expected a typical maid, but her features were striking enough to rival a high-profile celebrity from Earth.

“Do you have any special requests, Young Master?” she asked, her eyes studying him with polite curiosity.

Stay calm. Do not lose your composure. If you mess up here, you're dead!

“None,” he replied, keeping his voice smooth and steady. “Lead the way to her room.”

“Right away, Young Master,” she responded, a faint glint of interest in her eyes.

As they walked down the wide corridor, Keizen took in his surroundings for the first time.

Woah... this place is incredible.

He had spent his first few days locked in his bedroom, so he hadn't seen the rest of the estate. On his right were several heavy ebony doors with nameplates arranged in sequence:

Kudos, Keizen, Estelle, and Elena. Four private quarters reserved for the Duke's children.

To his left stood impressive marble statues of armored knights mounted on horseback, wielding swords, lances, bows, and staves. The craftsmanship was remarkable.

Beneath his shoes lay a thick, crimson carpet that muffled their footsteps.

Beyond the statues, expansive glass windows offered a view of the inner courtyard, featuring an ornate central fountain surrounded by lush gardens on one side and a military training ground on the other.

Above, the sky was illuminated by a glowing blue sun flanked by two moons.

“Young Master, we have arrived.”

Alya stepped up to a grand double door and knocked in a distinct rhythm: three heavy taps, followed by two light ones. A coded signal.

“You may enter, Alya,” a voice called from within.

Alya pushed the door open, and Keizen stepped inside, only to stop dead in his tracks.

“What in the…”

The room was an explosion of pastel pink.

Pink teddy bears of various sizes rested on marble tables, the walls were painted a soft blush tone, and plush bear toys lined the shelves, wardrobe, and bed canopy. It looked like the bedroom of a pampered child.

Sitting amidst the sea of plushies was a young woman with long, silver-white hair spilling over her shoulders, crimson eyes, a delicate nose, and soft red lips.

Her natural beauty was staggering, easily matching top-tier actresses from his previous world.

Yet her striking appearance stood in hilarious contrast to her bear-themed room.

This is supposed to be an 'extremely evil' household? This looks like a middle schooler's playhouse…

“Oh! You're finally here, Keizen! Yay!”

Estelle, dressed in white bear-patterned pajamas, leaped off her bed and charged at him, tackling him into a suffocating hug like a mother bear reuniting with her lost cub.

She squeezed him tightly, nuzzling against him.

Keizen stood frozen. He had walked in expecting a tense, life-or-death political exchange, only to be ambushed by an overly affectionate older sister.

“Okay! Okay! That's enough!”

He tried to pry her arms off, but her grip was like forged steel.

Damn it... is this how strong named characters are? She's squeezing the breath out of me!

“Please... stop!” he choked out.

“Oops! Sorry, little brother~” she giggled, releasing him with bright, energetic eyes.

Keizen cleared his throat and adjusted his collar, trying to regain his dignity. “Ahem... I came because you said it was important.”

“Important? What do you mean?” Estelle smiled cheerfully, picking up a medium-sized pink teddy bear and holding it out to him. “Do you want a teddy? Here~”

No! Focus, Keizen! Get the information!

He took a deep breath, carefully placed the teddy bear onto the bed, and looked her dead in the eye.

“Please tell me why you called me here.”

Estelle’s cheerful expression vanished instantly.

“Haaahh…”

She let out a low sigh, her lively demeanor flattening into something cold and calculated.

“Listen to me carefully, Keizen. Do not leave your room over the next few days. No matter what you hear outside, stay locked inside.”

“Secure your door with magic and hide. I used my allowance to install something under your nightstand. Tap the underside of the table three times slowly, then two times fast, just like Alya's knock.”

Keizen's breath hitched.

The bubbly, bear-loving sister had completely vanished, replaced by an intense, chilling figure that sent an edge of dread through him.

“I... I understand,” he managed to say, holding her gaze.

“Are you sure?”

An icy pressure settled over the room, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.

“Yes! Don't worry, I won't step a foot out of my room!” he blurted out under the oppressive weight of her gaze.

So this is the aura of the main character... Her personality switched in a split second!

“Good boy~ Always be careful, okay?” Estelle chirped, instantly reverting back to her hyperactive, smiling self.

The sudden shift was dizzying.

“Got it... I'll stay inside. Don't worry, Sister Estelle.”

He gave a firm nod and turned toward the exit, but her voice caught him just as he reached the door.

“Oh, by the way... she mentioned she can't wait to see you at the Academy.”

She? Who is 'she'?

“Vonheim Academy starts in a few weeks,”

Estelle added casually. “Once this current situation passes, prepare yourself to enroll. I’ve already handled your paperwork.”

Vonheim Academy? I'm actually going there?

“Understood, Big Sister.”

“Alya, escort him back,” Estelle instructed.

“Yes, Young Miss,” Alya bowed politely.

Once back in his room, Keizen immediately examined his ebony nightstand. Sure enough, he located a hidden compartment beneath the wooden tabletop.

So this is what she was talking about... a panic shelter?

Curious, he decided to test the mechanism. He locked his bedroom door tightly, sat down beside the table, and tapped the hidden surface in the exact rhythm Estelle had specified: three slow taps, followed by two quick ones.

Tap... Tap... Tap…

Tap-Tap!

Clang! Clang!

An alarm-like chime rang out inside his head as a blood-red system screen materialized directly in front of his eyes.

“Fuck…”

[EMERGENCY QUEST TRIGGERED!]

[Quest: Save Estelle von Zekenia]

[Overview: Due to escalating political tension between Duke Archanos and House Zekenia, Duke Archanos has ordered an immediate assassination attempt on House Zekenia's prodigy, Estelle von Zekenia, to serve as a warning and force the family into submission.]

[Reward: Unknown]

[Failure Penalty: Death of Estelle von Zekenia & Death of Keizen von Zekenia]

[Time Remaining: 4 Days, 2 Hours, 39 Minutes, 21 Seconds]