Part I - Hana
I went to sleep (or tried to, at least) and remained Livia. It took a while, but I managed with sheer stubbornness and willpower to close myself off from Shizuo's thoughts.
When I do that, she assumes total control.
Through tests, I discovered a few things: Livia's memories are available to me, but Shizuo's are not. I believe she also doesn't have access to my memories, considering the dizzying number of questions she asked me.
The second discovery is that when both of us retreat, Livia sleeps. On the first night after the funeral, neither of us knew this, which resulted in a miserable second day due to the little sleep we got.
Shizuo is truly capable and adaptable, just as I made her to be, but even so, I decided not to reveal yet that I created her, because I don't know how she would react to the shock, and I need her psychologically well. She is the best 'player' in this world; I made her to win.
Well, I initially made her to fail, but Ryuuji didn't let me make her die in volume 3...
Now that my destiny and hers are linked, I am glad Ryuuji was so stubborn.
Shizuo?
I called her in my thought.
Hana?
That's right, glad you remembered. I replied.
I still can't believe it! I've never seen any other-world reincarnation story with two protagonists!
Yeah... the author of this story must REALLY be a genius... Ugh, having to answer that probably made Livia's face blush.
Without a doubt!
You seem much calmer. Excited even. She didn't answer for a while.
I started to think I said something wrong when she finally spoke.
It was a big shock, but... This is all too surreal. I think it wasn't that hard to accept one more craziness after everything that has already happened to me. Like, we are inside a video game!
Manga.
Damn, I thought too fast. I can't keep letting certain information slip or she will start asking too many questions and eventually find out who I am.
Manga? Did PsychoLove get a manga?
Hmm... Yes, that's right. I... never played the original, only read the manga.
Shizuo remained silent for a while. I made her smart, plus I am a terrible liar. I bet she noticed something strange in the way I answered.
Do you think we came from the same real world?
Damn Shizuo, why didn't I make you dumb?
I don't know... I replied, hoping I managed not to sound evasive.
And Lucian? Do you think whoever incarnated in him is a good person?
Yes.
Zero hesitation.
I mean, if he were someone with knowledge of the plot and had bad intentions, I think we would have suffered the consequences by now, don't you think?
Shizuo paused before agreeing: Yes, I think so.
The sound of knocking on the door saved me; I retreated again to the back of our consciousness and let Shizuo handle whoever it was.
You handle people; there is only one person I can handle, and he isn't around.
Part II - Shizuo
Hana's presence retracted, and I felt her only watching silently as I adjusted my clothes and went to the door. Upon opening it, I was met with a smiling Evelyn.
I stepped aside and invited her in. She was wearing a white dress and a lovely royal blue shawl.
"Lady Evelyn, please, come in."
"Call me Evelyn, after all we are sisters now."
I nodded. Evelyn was the guide character of PsychoLove, responsible for informing the player about the story status and supporting the heroine...
At least until her death at the beginning of Act 3 of the game, when the dark duke discovers she was helping the heroine in secret and orders her execution. Of course, this time I would do everything to save her...
Everything will be fine, now you have me to help. — Hana said, then returned to my subconscious.
I blinked, not expecting an intervention from her. Evelyn had her back turned and didn't see my strange behavior. She sat at a table by the window. I saw when she looked at and touched the book I had taken with me to the garden.
"It was his favorite... back when he still knew how to smile."
"Forgive me, I didn't know it belonged to His Grace," I said.
"Don't worry, he probably doesn't remember this book. Everything in this house will be yours soon, anyway."
She became thoughtful, and I took the opportunity to look at her more closely. It was impressive. I already had my suspicions about her when I played PsychoLove for the first time. She was very suspicious.
She still is, even if I like her.
"I heard what happened yesterday."
I looked at her, surprised; I didn't imagine the conversation would head in that direction. Well, so much was already different from what I knew...
"Are you alright? What the Prince did was inelegant, even by his standards."
"I am fine, thank you."
"Good." — She paused, looking out the window before turning back to me. — "I also wanted to apologize to you."
"For what?"
"For lying..."
"Oh, forget about that. If you hadn't done that, I fear His Grace wouldn't have summoned me yet."
"That is true!" — Evelyn confirmed with a melodious laugh. — "And you probably wouldn't have moved here. This part of the mansion is much more pleasant, isn't it?"
"The West Wing was also lovely, but... yes, it is more pleasant here."
"So," — she said, standing up full of energy — "I will consider this a success and accept your conclusion that I don't need to apologize. Even if I feel bad when I deceive people I like."
Oh, is that affection?
I smiled, half for Evelyn, half for Hana's comment.
Evelyn then approached and spoke, close to my ear:
"Follow my brother's recommendation to the letter. I have known the Prince since we were children."
I nodded.
"I know him; I can guarantee he will try to approach you again. Do not let him, for your sake and ours."
I looked at her firmly, and nodded a second time.
"I like you. You are not a fool. Keep it up."
She held my hand and squeezed.
"You... you can count on it."
"Well... My brother will hardly be accused of being gentle, but... He is very zealous with his possessions and with those under his protection."
I swallowed hard. What was I, possession or protected?
"Do not underestimate him, Livia. He CAN protect you if you allow it."
I didn't answer. Evelyn looked at me for a while longer until appearing satisfied with what she saw, smiled, and left.
I sat by the table where the book rested and let out a heavy sigh I had been holding.
I had a lot to think about.
Hana?
Yes, Shizuo?
In the manga... which route did they choose?
Silence. Hana seemed to think. Something about the way her voice sounded uncomfortable talking about the supposed adaptation bothered me, but I didn't know what.
The worst one.
She finally said. It was as I thought.
Our conversation was interrupted by a new set of knocks on the door. Precise, proper.
I opened it, and came face to face with one of the mansion's servants. I didn't remember his name. There were many I still didn't know well, and that was problematic.
He smiled, and when I gave him permission, he entered pushing a tea cart. He placed a vanilla cake, rose tea with blackberries, and some homemade cookies.
I thanked him with a smile, and he left.
I sat down and served myself a piece of cake. From the smell and the warm temperature, it had been baked a short while ago. I poured tea into a cup and took a small sip. Slightly sweetened, but to me, it tasted like syrup, it was so sweet. I detested drinks like that.
And yet... I couldn't stop drinking.
Hana?
Ah, yes, it's me. I LOVE sweets.
But did they need to be SO sweet?
Of course, if it's going to be sweet, let it be really sweet.
Despite everything, I found myself enjoying that drink. I remember hating very sweet things since... since... I tried to find the memory of why. A childhood trauma? A bad candy? Nothing. The memory just... stopped. It was like hitting a blank wall where a backstory should be.
I looked out the window and observed the garden for a while, and when I finished eating, I stood up. I stretched, feeling a tiredness creep up on me.
The last few days were... intense. I thought to Hana.
That's because you didn't even die in an accident. Dying from overwork... I thought I would go that way too.
...
Hana?
Yes?
I never told you how I died.
Part III – Hana
Oh, Shit.