Ouch…!
Pain spread across his head and shocked his body. He groaned in pain and slowly sat up. He was in a massive bed, one clearly meant for someone wealthy.
He sat up and looked around, gathering information. Just as his gazes swept across the room, his eyes landed on the mirror. It was hung in the opposite direction of his bed.
The moment he saw his reflection, he flinched. He jumped out of the bed and walked closer to the mirror.
His finger traced across his face. He pinched the skin and felt pain.
Ouch.
He then touched his head and winced again. It was probably the wound from last night's duel. The swelling had gone but the pain remained. He needed to be careful with his head.
Wait. Wait. What am I thinking? This is not the time.
He slowly shook his head and took a sharp breath.
Calm. Calm.
He began pacing across the room, organizing his thoughts.
He started to list everything he could remember. First, he was captured by the mafia for his grand scam. The scam was complete but in the end, he had underestimated their influence.
So they caught and tortured him. But it was not like he was going to die. Sure, the torture was hell but he planned for that in the worst case scenario of his.
I remembered about the torture. Then, my mind went blank and I found myself in last night's mess.
Memories of the stranger began to appear. To be precise, the memories of this body.
Silas Viremont.
The only son of the family Viremont. A noble family that held great influence over the southern part of the Zrron Kingdom.
He paused and let out a small laugh.
It can't be.
Suddenly, the door opened and an old man with grey hair walked inside. He wore a suit fitted for the servant. He gave a respectful bow and said, "Young master, it is not good for your health to move around too much. Please be mindful of your head."
"Yes." He said flatly. "Hey, can I ask you something?"
The old man nodded.
He swallowed the saliva and asked. "When does the Academy open?"
"In about two years sir. It is unfortunate that you can't enter. The king gave the order a few months ago. Currently, the construction is taking place in the central land."
"I see. You may leave. I need to rest."
"Yes, sir. Shall I bring breakfast here or will you dine with your family?" The old man asked, not changing the respectful tone.
"I will eat here. Also bring me a clean book and a pen."
"Yes, sir."
With that, the old man left.
Silas immediately let out a sigh and went to the bed. He sat down and relaxed his body.
Thump!Thump!
The beating of his heart echoed loudly inside his head. No matter how much he tried to rationalize it, he couldn't find a way. Logic, Reality, everything was cast aside for this nonsense he was in.
He was inside a game. Not just in any random game. It was a Fantasy Eroge game.
Zrron Kingdom. Viremont Family. The academy. And things he got from his memories.
Everything lined up, pointing toward one possibility, he was inside a game. He scratched his head and sighed.
So did I die and was sent into this world? That is the most possible situation.
The game was called World Talent Eroge. It was a generic name. Normally, he would not even touch this type of game but the kids pressured him. So he played the game despite having so little time in his life.
He wanted to see the kids' smiles. He wanted to connect with those kids.
His head hung low as his mind wandered about those kids. They were all similar to him. Orphans with nothing in their names.
How would they live now that he was gone? He was the only one providing them with money and stuff. He hoped that the shady old man would honor the deal. That deal was his final way of making sure the safety of those kids.
He shook his head. No use thinking of that.
I am sure they will survive. After all, they are also from the slum too… just like me.
He clenched into a fist and smiled softly.
I need to adapt. But first, I need food.
It didn't take long for the old butler to arrive with a meal. Behind him were two maids. They quickly and professionally set up a table.
He walked over to the table and sat down. He picked up a fork and carefully sliced the meat. After that he ate a small piece of meat. The meat was juicy and tender. It melted with butter.
He looked at the meat and smiled.
I don't care what I am. I am going to live. I am going to enjoy life. Now that my previous life was gone. My responsibility also died.
He completely forgot about his past relationships. It was sad that he didn't get to see how the kids would stay alive in the slum. But those were not his worries anymore.
Others might think that he was a cold hearted person but he was a con man. He had ruined many lives with his lies. He was sure that he could forget everything about his past life.
Now, I am Silas. Silas Viremont. A noble born into wealth.
I am going to enjoy life.
He took another piece of meat.
"Sir." The old man said. His voice was shaking as if he didn't know what he was supposed to do. The two maids also exchanged glances.
"Sir, what is wrong? Is the meal not to your liking?"
"N..o…" Silas spoke. He noticed why the butler reacted that way. He was sobbing, tears filled his eyes and ran through his face. "I am…fine."
***
After that small episode, Silas was left alone again inside his room.
The tears had dried. He sat on the table and stared at the book. Inside the book were important plot points and stuff he knew about the game.
That will be the key to survival. Although he didn't finish the game, he was sure that this amount of knowledge was sufficient.
Of course, the language he used to write the book was his own secret code he developed during his days as a con artist. He didn't want to risk it.
I basically memorized everything. He picked up the book and threw it into the firepit without regret.
He basically wrote the book the entire time but now that it is over. He didn't need it anymore.
It was now night time.
Silas was surprised that nobody interrupted him. Considering the fact that he embarrassed the family with the duel, he was certain that his father would summon him.
He stood up and stretched. This body was not tall at all. It was probably about 5 feet 11 inches, very much shorter than his previous body.
The hair was black like most people in the country.
But the trait of Viremont was their eyes. Silas looked at the mirror and saw the sharp eyes. Even in his resting face, he looked mean.
Other than the eyes, he was handsome. It was probably because of his mom's genes.
The game's main protagonist was the bastard son of a low ranking noble. The game plot line started as soon as the Academy opened. The protagonist was angry at his father and decided to become strong.
It was a classic revenge plot line with a few erotic scenes. That is how it should be but it changed quickly from that.
The Academy arc didn't even last that long. The academy shut down as soon as the continent was attacked by outside forces.
In short, the game's intention was to grab the buyer's attention using boobs and cute girls, while the real goal of the developer was to tell the story about the invasion, wars and other interesting stuff.
He sighed. He watched the fire burn the book. According to the butler, the Academy is going to open in the next two years.
I got about two years to prepare. I need to strengthen myself and gather people to my side. The time is long and yet short at the same time.
But first, I need to meet with my dad to get some money for my first step.
As soon as he finished his thought, the door burst open. Silas was not worried about some unknown person breaking in. Who would dare to break inside the Viremont house?
"I see. I was tricked by that old butler. You are not crying at all."
Silas knew who the voice belonged to. It was his older sister. The one who suggested the duel.
She still wore her sexy clothing. Silas sighed. He had already inherited the previous Silas's memories.
With his acting skill, he didn't think they would notice him.
"No, he is right. I cried." Silas corrected her. "It was an ugly cry."
His sister flinched and stared at him as if she was looking at an alien. Silas ignored her gaze and grabbed a wine glass on the table. He smelled the sweet fragrance and drank a small slip.
He liked the taste.
"Aren't you embarrassed? No. No. Did you seriously cry because you lost that duel?"
"It doesn't matter, sis." Silas said. "I cried. That is the truth. I am not denying it. And I don't care. So mock me if you wish."
His sister smirked and shook her head. "I came to mock but it is useless now. You have a lot of passion in you now, my little brother. What are you going to do? Take revenge?"
Silas shook his head. "I am not a petty man. I lost the duel and I was in the wrong. It is not worth my time."
"Oh.."
"And why are you here, sis? I thought you were in the border patrol." Silas asked, recalling the party they had for her farewell a few months ago.
She was sent to the border of Dark Forest to check the monster activities. As a future queen of blood, she needed experience right now.
"Don't worry. Don't worry. I got permission." His sister laughed.
Silas squinted his eyes. He was doubtful, he knew well of his big sister. Although the two of them were about 10 years apart, they got along quite well.
"Well, it looks like you and I are going to be summoned by our father."
"How did you know?" His sister asked. "Did he ask you already?"
"I don't know. Just a hunch. I think he is going to complain about my behavior during the birthday party. And as for you, he is going to ask why are you here? Disobeying the king's order is a serious offense."
"Aa.." His sister grumbled.