Chapter 13: Game Complete

Chapter 13:
Game Complete

 

MARIE WORE a sour expression. A guard had been sent to lead her out of the dungeon, and she now sat in a guest room.

“They’re shipping me off to the countryside? Yuck,” she grumbled.

“That’s the kind of attitude you’re going to take after I saved you?”

The two of us were speaking privately because I still had a lot I wanted to ask her. That was part of the reason I’d worked so hard to keep her around—I wanted to know more about what happened to our parents. After I recovered my calm, I realized killing her would only make them sad. I still couldn’t forgive her on a personal level, though, and I’d relish the chance to beat the crap out of the idiot brigade, given the opportunity.

Wait. If I punched them now, no one would hold it against me, right?

“I’m the type of girl that shines best in the city!” Marie wailed.

I cocked my head. “Are you going to complain about the land I poured my blood, sweat, and tears into?”

“You need to stop yearning for an easy life in the countryside. That’s what makes you so negative and pessimistic all the time.”

There is nothing negative or pessimistic about wanting an easy life in the countryside, thank you very much. “The only good thing you did in your previous life was give our parents a grandchild,” I snapped at her. “Other than that, I pity them for having a daughter like you.”

“Like you have room to talk. You died on them!”

“It’s your fault I died!”

“You were always grinning from ear to ear playing dating sims with hot girls in them! No one would normally die from marathoning a video game like that!”

“You were always grinning from ear to ear playing dating sims with dudes in them!”

“It’s your fault!” said Marie.

“No, it’s yours!”

Luxion drifted nearby, completely disinterested.

“Luxion, tell her it was her fault for trying to get the reverse harem ending. Tell her she’s the one who made a mess of everything!”

“You’re the one who kept the villainess and the protagonist at your side!”

I glared at her. “Our relationship is pure! Unlike yours!”

“That’s because you’re a stupid chicken who lacks the guts to make a move!”

“Luxion! Hurry up and tell her how pitiful she is—she’s the one in the wrong!”

Marie shot a look at Luxion. “Go ahead, round thingy, tell my pitiful, good-for-nothing brother he’s the one in the wrong here!”

His eye shifted between the two of us. “In that case, allow me to voice my opinion. I pity your parents for being stuck with two children like you.”

You jerk. That’s what you have to say?! Seriously? But all my anger ebbed away, replaced by guilt.

Marie whispered, “Hey, isn’t he a bit harsh? Can’t he read the room?”

“He hits you right where it hurts, doesn’t he? I didn’t really want him to be the voice of reason here.”

“Perhaps it hurts because it’s the truth?” Luxion turned toward Marie. “Allow me to ask you this, could you look your daughter in the face after all you have done?”

Marie clutched her chest. “B-but she’s not even here right now. Pl-plus, even after I left her with our parents, I still talked to her some. I know she wouldn’t abandon me.”

Huh, so she actually has some self-awareness as a parent?

“She was so sweet. When we’d eat together, she would worry about me and say, ‘Mom, are you taking care of yourself?’”

Sounds like my niece is growing up right. It was hard knowing I couldn’t do anything more for her and my parents than wish for their happiness.

“If she knew that her mother had seduced five men—six, if we include your slave—to create a reverse harem, I’m sure it would make her cry,” said Luxion.

Marie fell to her knees in shock.

I burst out laughing, arms wrapped around my belly. “See? I told you! You’re a real jerk!”

“Master, you’re no better.”

“Huh?!”

“Both Angelica and Olivia have confessed to you, and you keep running from them,” he said. “Quit playing games and make up your mind.”

 

***

 

Luxion was referring to the day Angie and Livia had summoned me to the garden on the palace rooftop. There, they stood in front of me, fidgeting, so much so that they made me nervous, too.

I barely had time to appreciate the beauty of the sunset before Angie, staring straight at me, blurted, “Leon, I love you.”

I swallowed a breath.

“I don’t know when it happened,” she went on, “but at some point, I started thinking more about you than the prince. Being with you was fun. Comfortable.”

My mouth gaped uselessly.

Angie smiled, her face glowing. “I love you,” she repeated.

This was the second confession I’d ever received in my life. And standing beside Angie was the person who’d given me my first—Livia. I awkwardly turned my head and glanced at Livia. She was smiling.

Oh, crap. I don’t know what this is supposed to mean. Why is she smiling? Should I call Luxion for backup?

I scanned the area, hoping to turn to him for assistance. Instead, I found a white, sphere-shaped lookalike.

“Who the hell are you?!” I demanded.

“You can call me Cleare. Haven’t seen you for a spell.”

She was talking like we’d met before. Although that robotic, feminine voice did sound familiar… In fact, it sounded just like the AI we’d encountered in the ruins on the elves’ homeland.

“Where’s Luxion?!”

“I had him excuse himself, since his presence would only be a hindrance. I told him, ‘It will put your master in a real bind if you’re not here with him.’ He was all too eager to leave after that.”

That jerk really does have a twisted personality.

“Leon,” Livia said.

“Y-yeah?!” I straightened and turned toward her.

“I still love you just as much now as I did before. I’m confident no one feels as strongly for you as I do.”

“R-right.” Although I blurted it out as if I understood what she meant, this situation was not at all what I’d imagined. Never in my life had I dreamed two different people would confess to me at the same time.

“So please let us hear your answer. We want to know.”

Angie put her hand over her chest and said, “It doesn’t matter whether it’s Livia or me—or someone else, for that matter. We won’t hold it against you no matter who you choose, or even if you decide not to choose us at all. But tell us how you feel.”

Could I make a run for it? But they were both being so completely sincere! I summoned my courage.

A gust of air rippled their hair. Bathed in the light of the evening sun, they both had a divine glow.

I threw my arms wide open and declared, “I love you both!”

They each smiled at me, then slapped me across the face.

 

***

 

It had been incredible. Angie was the first to strike me, and then Livia’s hand whipped across my opposite cheek. Perfect coordination.

“You truly are scum,” Luxion said in the present.

“Come on. This may be my second life, but it’s the first time I’ve ever had two cute girls confess to me.”

That hypocritical brat Marie wrinkled her nose at me. “Unbelievable. You are scum.”

“Oh? Does the girl having an affair with six different men have something she wants to say to me?”

Her expression soured, but she sniffed. “I’m trying to reflect on what I did. Having a reverse harem is way harder than I thought—and more miserable. I’ve been wanting to end it.”

Now that I knew she’d come into this world with only a fragment of knowledge about the game, her actions made more sense. The two of us had been operating with completely different pools of information. Now here she was with a position as the Saint and six boys to look after.

“I do feel bad for you there,” I admitted.

Evidently, Marie wanted to break off her relationship with all of them except Kyle. Unfortunately, the five heirs had taken her rejection the wrong way and insisted, We’ll make you fall for us someday. Now she was saddled with five guys who had no future.

Seriously, we were both failures.

“Well, good luck,” I said. “I’m not going to have anything to do with it, though.”

Her eyes widened. “What?”

“I went above and beyond what was expected of me,” I explained. “I had no idea Miss Hertrude had a little sister. And it was a pain trying to clean up after your messes.” I’d done my best. No, more than that.

“Little sister? You mean Hertrauda?”

“Yep. And this situation went off the plot of the original games in more ways than that. I guess my mistake was assuming this place was exactly the same as the game world. Anyway, I saved the country when it was in danger. My job ends here.”

I couldn’t accomplish any more than I already had, right? Technically, I’d completed the game, although the protagonist hadn’t ended up with anyone, and instead Marie had all six boys. Still, this wasn’t a bad ending. It was a bit odd, all things considered, but I’d safely cleared all the battles and events.

Marie stared at me as if surprised before nodding to herself. “I’m guessing you don’t know this, but…”

Then she proceeded to reveal the truth about this world—a truth I had known nothing about.

 

***

 

A few days later, a large crowd gathered at the capital’s cemetery to mourn those who had fallen in battle. They were family, friends, lovers—survivors. A grim reminder of what war wrought. Winning wasn’t an end; it was a beginning.

I gazed out at the people from a carriage window after the ceremony had come to a close.

“My apologies to your family, but I wanted to talk to you in private. Though it’s too bad I couldn’t be younger for you.” Queen Mylene was seated across from me.

“Those are some barbed words,” I said. “Are you angry with me?”

“You’re always like this. You flash a smile at everyone and keep whatever is bothering you all to yourself. There are bags under your eyes, you know.”

I wiped a hand over my face. I hadn’t slept at all last night. Maybe I should ask Luxion to get me some sleeping pills.

“Truly, thank you for all you did for us. There’s just one ceremony left.”

The days had been packed with events lately, from parties to celebrate our victory to various other functions.

“You mean regarding my reward and the removal of my titles?”

“Yes,” she said. “However temporary, you were our commander-in-chief. And you did bring us victory.”

As far as the public was concerned, I was receiving a colossal reward. I had offered a lot up to the kingdom, so they had to make it seem like they were compensating me for all of it. Otherwise, it would reflect badly on them. If they weren’t strict about rewarding good behavior and punishing bad behavior, it could cause unrest.

“Of course, it’s the first time anyone has ever requested a demotion as their reward,” Her Majesty continued.

Although it would be impossible to remove all of my titles at once, they would take them away gradually over the years until I was a simple knight.

“A viscount title and lower-fourth court ranking are too much responsibility for me,” I said. “I lost my territory, so being a simple knight suits me perfectly. Plus, I won’t be of any use to you anymore. Not when I can’t use the Partner or Arroganz.”

Guilt flashed across her face.

“I’m only paying you back for what you said earlier,” I teased.

She started pouting and turned her head away.

Gosh, she really is adorable. Makes me want to throw my arms around her.

“As for your other request, we don’t have a problem honoring it.”

“Good.” I leaned back in my seat. Things were going perfectly for me.

“There’s just one thing—about your Lost Items,” said the queen. “Can’t they be repaired?”

“I did recover them, but it looks like they’re beyond salvaging. I’ll keep them stored in my factory for now.”

Her face softened. “I really have depended on you far too much. If there’s ever anything I can do, just say the word. As long as it’s within my power, I will do what I can for you.”

Erotic thoughts popped up into my head for a moment—really, just a few seconds—before I could dismiss. them. She was the queen. If I put my hands on her, the king would have my head.

“I’ll keep that in mind and hold you to it eventually.” I grinned. “Keeps things more interesting that way.”

“All right. I have a lot to pay you back for.”

The two of us continued with some idle small talk as the palace came into view from our carriage.

Time to tackle my last job here, I guess.

 

***

 

My family was gathered with me in a waiting room, busily making preparations. Since Father had participated in the battle as well, he was moving to upper-sixth ranking.

“I-Is this all right?” he asked.

“You’ve got the buttons all wrong,” Mother said as she fixed his disheveled clothes.

Elsewhere, Nicks was standing before a mirror, checking his appearance. “Why do I have to attend?” he grumbled. “If Father and Leon are going out there, they don’t need me.”

I clapped him on the back. “You’re the heir now, right? Be glad your first real battle ended in an overwhelming victory.”

“But I didn’t even do anything! And besides that, what’s going to happen to our older brother, Rutart? I mean, I guess we’re not actually related… But I’m still curious what’s going to happen to their family.”

Zola and her children had nothing left now—during the battle, an airship had fallen on the estate Father had bought for her. In fact, the whole capital was in shambles and would be busy rebuilding for a while, even with Armors available to help with construction.

“Since he fled in the face of battle, the palace has revoked Rutart’s knighthood,” I said. “Now that Zola’s lost her titles as well, I guess they’ll be treating him the same as a commoner.”

When Father abandoned Zola, she’d had no choice but to return to her own family. The family had tried to run during the conflict, and as a result, they’d lost everything, from titles to status. A number of aristocratic households had been similarly wiped out, actually.

“You know an awful lot about all of this.” Nicks quirked a brow.

“Queen Mylene told me.”

His expression soured. “Why are you so chummy with the queen? I want to think you wouldn’t be stupid enough to do this, but just in case—don’t put your hands on her, okay? Seriously. I mean it, you better not! I don’t need to get dragged into any more trouble because of you.”

How rude. Even I know not to mess with the queen.

“Anyway, what about our dear sister?” I asked. “She’s usually all too eager to participate in ceremonies like this.”

“Jenna’s holed up back at the house. She threw a fit because Father lopped off her servant’s head. Miss Yumeria is looking after her.”

Honestly, I’m pretty sure she’d come right back out if you bought her a new slave.

Although perhaps that wasn’t an option, with the rules at the academy undergoing a huge change. Talks were still ongoing, but they were considering abolishing the personal servant system. Miauler framing me had caused quite the fuss. Also male students had appealed en masse to get rid of them. Women’s grudges were fearsome, but men’s were no less terrifying. They were collectively pressing for a reevaluation of the school rules.

A knock fell upon the door.

Looks like it’s time. “All right, off to fulfill my last job, then.”

This really would be the end.

 

***

 

A red carpet extended down the middle of the audience chamber’s floor, leading to the throne. I took a knee before the king and waited. His movements were ceremonious and theatrical as he praised the nobles who’d participated in the war.

Hurry up and finish already.

As if reading my thoughts, the king said, “Viscount Leon Fou Bartfort—no, Earl Bartfort! First, I relieve you of your duties as commander-in-chief. And now I do hereby bestow on you the title of earl and with it, lower-third court ranking!”

Murmurs broke out among the gathered nobles.

I stared down at the floor, eyes wide as saucers. This idiot! What is he saying?!

“Y-Your Majesty, please permit me to speak!” I blurted, my head spinning.

He stroked his beard as he gazed down at me. “Very well, speak.”

“I am truly grateful for your generosity, but might I inquire as to why you are granting me such a title and ranking? I am still so young. Such status seems far beyond…” My voice trailed off as I struggled for words. I basically just wanted to scream, I can’t be a freakin’ earl! And your court ranking crap doesn’t do me any good either!

Audible whispers drifted from the crowd. Evidently a host of people agreed with me.

“An earl? At that age?”

“The upstart sure has ascended the social ladder.”

“I’ve never heard of someone achieving an earldom in a single generation.”

“Lower-third? That’s basically the highest ranking there is.”

Indeed, upper-third ranked in the same class as cabinet ministers. The only ones above that were the royal family.

I don’t want that kind of status!

If someone suddenly walked up to a kid in high school and told him, Starting tomorrow, you’ll be a cabinet minister in the government, the kid would naturally respond, What the heck? I mean, right? It was like inviting an intern to be on the board of directors! I couldn’t handle that kinda responsibility! I couldn’t do that work!

When I lifted my head, His Majesty—that bastard Roland—smirked. “After all you have accomplished, we must see that you are suitably rewarded. It’s only fitting to grant you such a title and rank. Please, you needn’t worry. Knowing how competent you are, I am sure you will be perfectly capable of continuing to provide the quality of contributions expected of someone with your new status.”

Great, thanks, I’m glad you think so highly of me. Excuse me while I barf all over your stupid carpet!

The king knew. He knew I didn’t want this—that was exactly why he’d done it. The other officials were clearly confused. Even Queen Mylene gaped from shock.

You decided to promote me all on your own, you rotten snake.

Before I could protest further, Roland beat me to the punch. “Are there any present who find my decision disagreeable?”

No one spoke up.

Even if some found it displeasing, revoking the decision now would only cause more trouble. If they didn’t promote me, it would set a bad precedent; it might even discourage people from accomplishing things in the name of the kingdom if they thought their efforts would go unrewarded. Especially given the caliber of my achievements. If I didn’t get promoted, then no one ever would.

“Earl Bartfort, I look forward to seeing what you’ll do in the future,” said the king.

“Y-you honor me.”

It would be so much more satisfying if I could howl, Screw you! Alas, my family was present. Displaying a poor attitude here would only bring them trouble. And I had already done enough to them.

As Roland sneered, I swore silently that someday, I would have my revenge.

 

***

 

When I got back to my family’s room in the palace, I went berserk.

“That bastard! I told him I didn’t want any more prestige, and then he went out of his way to promote me to earl!” I snatched up one of the cushions from the couch and sent it flying. Mostly because I was too scared to fling anything breakable.

My parents stood nearby, whispering to each other.

“If our son’s an earl now, how should we approach him? Should we be more formal?”

“I-I guess? Although, I don’t really think he’s the type to concern himself with that sort of thing.”

“But he’s an earl, and lower-third court ranking. He’s leagues above us.”

“Formal it is then.”

I whipped around, pointed a finger at the two, and bellowed, “I’m an earl in name only! The palace is just harassing me at this point. Don’t you dare get formal with me. Gives me the creeps just thinking about it.”

Nicks snapped. “Hey, I’ve got an idea. Father could return that factory to you. You’d have more income befitting your station.”

“If that could solve my problems, I wouldn’t be wallowing!”

The factory made a decent amount of money, but it wasn’t enough. An earldom was no joke. The tribute expected from someone of that rank made the factory’s revenue look like chump change.

Father smacked his fist to his palm, face lighting up. “Why not become a palace noble then? You’d get a pension from the government. And you’d have no territory to worry about!”

“Nope. Absolutely not! They’d make me a cabinet minister. I can’t do that kind of job!”

“You have a point. If you became a top official in our government, it’d spell the end for this country.”

I chucked a cushion at my father and stormed out of the room. “I’ll just leave this stupid country altogether!”

Mother peeked out of the room and called after me, “You be home by dinner!”

Yes, ma’am…

 

***

 

As I skulked down the palace corridors, a voice rang out: “Hey!”

Angie hiked up her skirt with both hands, careful not to trip as she raced over. She was in a fancy gown today for attending the ceremony. When she finally caught up to me, she was out of breath and her face was red. She must have seen me from a distance—that was the only explanation for how winded she was.

“What was that just now?” she gasped, waving a hand toward the audience chamber. “Did you know about this?”

I shook my head, shoulders slumped. “The king decided it on his own. I wasn’t told anything about it.”

“Well, I do understand why he couldn’t demote you, given the circumstances. And it does benefit the kingdom to bestow you with greater status. But my father didn’t know about it either.”

So that jerk really didn’t consult with anyone, huh? Causing trouble for others must run in the family. Prince Julius was bad enough, but his dad is a douchebag, too.

“What do you think I should do?” I asked her. “I’m in a real bind if they’re serious about this earl business.”

“Hmm. I can see that the status doesn’t do you much good when you don’t have a house or territory. Becoming a palace noble presents its own set of problems, too. It’s probably best if you marry into another family.”

Marry into a family?

“Top-ranking aristocrats can furnish their daughter and her new husband with land and a house. Plus, if you marry into a family, you’ll also have their political support. It’s a win-win.”

As I contemplated this option, another girl in a fine gown suddenly appeared—Clarice.

“Oh, you don’t need to marry into a family,” she said. “You just need to establish a new house for yourself. The kingdom just lost a wide swath of its nobility. Now is your chance to gain independence.”

True, the kingdom had eliminated a number of noble houses in the recent war with the principality. They’d abolished the ones with direct ties to Fanoss, of course, but anyone who ignored their call for aid had also been written out. All that awaited them now was punishment in accordance with the severity of their crimes. But that left a number of ungoverned territories, making it easy for lords in need of land to gain independence.

“Clarice,” Angie sneered. “What do you want?”

“I’m merely pointing out the flaws in your suggestion. It would be scandalous for an earl to marry into another family,” said Clarice.

“Not in Leon’s case. He’s different.”

The two argued as I considered both options. “So marry into someone else’s family or go independent, huh? Doing the former just seems like it’ll lead to the latter either way,” I mumbled to myself.

Deirdre waltzed up to us then, clad in a truly gaudy gown.

“I overheard your conversation. What nonsense are the two of you going on about?” Deirdre asked.

Clarice glared at her. “Kindly stay out of it.”

“You two keep going on about independence as if becoming a regional lord is the only option. You’re thinking too small.”

Angie quirked a brow. “What do you mean by that?”

Deirdre smirked. “Roseblade House is looking to start a branch house—a subdivision of our family. They would live in the capital as a court noble. It’s the perfect opportunity now that so many positions are open. Roseblade House would make all the preparations. As earl, you need only grant your prestige and status.”

In other words, she wanted me to be the head of Roseblade House’s branch family? Wasn’t that basically the same as marrying into another noble house?

The three of them glowered at one another.

Instinct told me it was time to run. As I tiptoed off, I heard a feminine yelp. Naturally, I took off sprinting in that direction. I ran down a stretch of hallway and then turned a corner, where I found Livia on the ground. Apparently, she’d tripped on her own skirt, unaccustomed to such formal wear.

A man stood over her, extending his hand. “Are you injured, young lady?”

“N-no, I’m all right.”

“Glad to hear it. May I escort you to that room over there so you can rest?”

Livia’s eyes darted back and forth, clearly panicked by the sudden invitation.

I stomped forward to chase the jerk off but balked when I saw the man’s face. “Trying to pick up girls in the palace, Your Majesty? Have you no shame?”

“And what exactly is wrong with tha—oh, it’s you.” A smirk stretched across Roland’s face. “Earl Bartfort. How does it feel, having moved up in the world?”

“Like crap. What happened to demoting me? I thought we agreed that giving me more titles would make it harder to remove them later on!”

“Oh, that?” He shrugged. “I considered your request, but it would be too much trouble. You’re the hero who saved our country. If I treated you poorly, it would reflect badly on me. After careful contemplation, I decided it would be best to promote you after all.”

“But you are going to demote me later, right?”

“Certainly. If you do something that warrants a demotion,” he said.

This jerk actually gets pleasure from making me miserable. “That’s not what we agreed on.”

“You’re right.” The king put a hand over his chest. “It does wound me to do this, but I do absolutely loathe you. I swore to myself I wouldn’t do anything that would bring you any joy.”

You absolute douche. I gaped. You just told me you hate me to my face.

Pleased with himself, Roland waved his arms in an exaggerated manner. “I have a grudge, Earl Bartfort—you took the spotlight from me before the battle started. How dare you use such a suave line like, ‘If that is what Your Majesty desires.’ I can’t let that go. That was my moment to shine, and you stole it from me!”

“Seriously? That’s your problem?”

Livia managed to get back on her feet, glancing between the two of us. The nervous look on her face was adorable, but the real problem was the conniving old fart in front of me.

“You were supposed to act flustered so I could tease you and show off what a composed, magnanimous adult I am,” His Majesty went on. “You failed me. Then you blew up at the marquess and stole even more of the attention. I was seething.”

“You mean you’re not upset because I kicked the crap out of your son and tried to seduce your wife?”

He folded his arms over his chest and scrutinized me from head to toe. “You’re a filthy rat, but if that were enough to anger me, I could hardly make it a day here in the palace. It was my son’s own fault for losing to you so miserably. And it’s a bit late for me to be concerned if another man approaches the queen. Although I would have you executed if you put a hand on one of my mistresses.”

Seriously? This guy’s a bigger dirtbag than me!

Roland turned his attention back to Livia, a gentlemanly smile on his face as he stretched his hand out once more. “Now come, young lady. Let us enjoy the night together.”

Come to think of it, the queen was basically an enemy to the protagonist in the game, but for some reason, the king was always really accepting and understanding toward her. Who knew it was because he was a nasty pervert with a thing for young girls? I thought this was supposed to be an otome game! Couldn’t the devs have made the king more upright and admirable?!

“If I kick the crap out of you right here, would that earn me a demotion?” I asked through gritted teeth.

He glared at me. “It seems you want me to execute you. Very well then, brat. I’ll call the guards here right now.”

Pretty pathetic that he had to call for backup.

“Your Majesty.” Queen Mylene interrupted, several attendants following along behind her.

Roland scrambled as if to retreat, but I seized him by the arm.

“Unhand me!”

“Where do you think you’re going?” I smirked, keeping a solid grip. The look of utter horror on his face almost made me laugh.

“Y-you! I’ll have your head for this!”

“Queen Mylene,” I whined, “His Majesty is threatening to have me killed. Save me!”

“You were trying to seduce this young girl, and you dared threaten the earl with execution for stopping you?! He saved our country. We owe him a great deal. I will not let your behavior go unpunished, not today!”

“N-no,” squeaked the king. “I was merely doing my job as a member of the royal family! It’s my duty to produce children. What’s wrong with me getting involved with young women?!”

“How many mistresses have you taken using that excuse?!” Queen Mylene dragged him off by his ear.

“The evil has been vanquished,” I declared.

Livia gave a strained smile. “Uh, um, Leon, I, um…”

“Hm? Oh, that dress looks great on you, by the way.”

“Thank you. Um, but that’s not what I wanted to talk to you about!” Livia put her hands on her chest and took a deep breath. “It’s about what we discussed before.”

I averted my eyes, but she grabbed my hand.

“Why wouldn’t you answer us honestly?” Livia peered up at me with sad, puppy dog eyes.

How happy would I be if I had a girlfriend or wife like this, I thought to myself dreamily. If nothing else stood in my way, I would eagerly accept confessions from both Angie and Livia. But why did they even like me? And how was a guy like me supposed to pick between them?

“If you aren’t interested in either of us, that’s fine,” she said. “But I want a proper answer.”

Livia was earnest, trying to live her life to the fullest. She clearly put in as much effort as she could. I, on the other hand, had treated this world as a game from the moment I regained my memories. Did I have any right to receive her love? I’d mocked Marie before, but what made the two of us any different?

Livia’s expression hardened, and she took a determined stance. “If you don’t make up your mind, I’ll have to take action.”

“Wh-what?!”

“I’ll do whatever it takes to make you fall in love with me!”

That was an awfully bold declaration. When those five losers had said that to Marie, I’d thought, What idiots. But it sounded so suave the way Livia said it. It almost made me want to answer, Yes, ma’am! If I were a girl, I’d definitely fall for her in a heartbeat.

“So please stay at my side—forever and ever!” Tears welled in her eyes.

I rubbed the back of my neck. “I’m sorry, but…I can’t.”