In the past, this continent was on the brink of destruction. The Demon King rose from the abyss of darkness and began his invasion. A black fog swept across the land, destroying everything in its path.
Yet, amidst the despair, heroes emerged—like stars piercing through the night sky, banishing the darkness that had swallowed the world. They united, fought, and ultimately defeated the Demon King.
Among them was a Knight who never retreated a single step from the front lines of battle. Sir Lancelot De Tharsaros, founder of the Kingdom of Tharsaros. A knight who lived by honor and became a symbol of virtue and integrity.
One of his most famous codes reads: "Be the shield to protect the weak, be the sword to strike down evil."
From that oath and resolve, the Kingdom of Tharsaros was born—not from blood and conquest, but from the honor passed down by heroes.
—
—Early Spring, Year 500 of Tharsaros—
Clip-clop! Clip-clop! Clip-clop!
The sound of hooves echoed along the stone-paved road leading southwest, toward a city—Tharsaros Academy City. The most prestigious place in the kingdom.
No need for lengthy explanations. This academy is the typical backdrop found in generic novels, where all dramatic events begin. The difference? This isn't just a typical fantasy world... it's an Otome world. And this academy is the starting point of all that chaos.
"Alex, what are you reading?" I turned to the side, eyeing Alex, who had been buried in a book since the journey began.
"A history and ethics text passed down from Sir Lancelot, Young Master," he answered, still reciting the knight's codes written in it.
Yeah... even if this guy looks like a nerd—with his slightly messy black hair and innocent face straight out of a third-rate fantasy story (the kind of face that usually attracts a dozen girls because of how "pure" he is)—he's surprisingly strong and talented.
Plus, he's obsessed with knightly ethics.
If this were a classic fantasy academy setting, Alex would totally be the protagonist.
But again... This isn't a normal fantasy world. This is a trash Otome game world.
Our carriage continued forward until we arrived at the city gates, specifically District Three—where low-ranking nobles and wealthy merchants gather. One of the guards stopped us for inspection, and I handed him the Lucien territory plaque.
"Whoa, are you Rey Lucien from House Lucien?" one guard asked warmly.
"I heard that small barony in the northeast is thriving. And that you've crafted some incredible artifacts," another added.
"Those are just exaggerated rumors," I replied briefly.
"Hmm, you're quite humble," the first guard noted, eyeing me for a moment. "Many nobles come here with higher status. But an attitude like yours... might just save you."
"Thanks for the advice," I replied, pulling out a small bag of candy.
The guard blinked in surprise.
"Here. Just candies made in Lucien territory."
"Ho—thank you very much!" he grinned.
With a respectful bow, the guards let us through.
Inside the city, sturdy two-story buildings stood tall. Their stone bases were solidly built, giving off a strong, timeless aura. Small wooden-framed windows lined the walls, and the first floors bustled with shops and workshops serving a steady stream of customers.
The streets were alive. People from various regions passed by, some in exotic cloaks, others armed to the teeth. Among them, figures with animal ears—members of the Warbeast tribes. A blend of aromas filled the air: food, hot metal, and the sweat of soldiers.
We finally reached the registration hall. As I stepped to the counter, one of the staff looked up and froze upon seeing me.
My brow furrowed slightly. Is there something weird about my face?
"S-Sir... are you sure you're in the right place?" she asked nervously. "District 3 is for low-ranking nobles. If you're from the royal family or high nobility, you should be in District 1."
Her voice trembled, her eyes confused.
I sighed and pulled out the Lucien family plaque from beneath my cloak. She gasped, then quickly bowed her head.
As I suspected. She thought I was high nobility based on my appearance.
That's how this world works. The cleaner and flashier your looks, the higher people assume your status, ability, and influence are. It's one of this damn Otome game world's core premises.
After paying 200 gold coins for enrollment and the semester fees, I parted ways with Alex. He seemed overly excited to head to a local training area in District 3—probably hoping to challenge strong fighters and prove himself.
Two hundred gold coins... for the both of us. Just two coins could feed a farming family for an entire month. Spending that kind of money while still in survival mode... that's terrifying.
I sighed and headed to the inn. I picked a rather luxurious room for myself upstairs, while Alex stayed in a regular room. As soon as I lay on the soft bed, something materialized in the air—transparent, round, slowly floating beside me. Its blue lens lit up softly.
Apolo. The AI drone that controlled Stargazer.
"Apolo, display the log of my conversation with the viewers during the livestream," I ordered.
[Understood, Creator.]
A system interface appeared in my private visual space—invisible to anyone but me. All the comments and spoilers viewers had dropped about the otome game Doki Doki Love Fantasy unfolded once more. I hadn't even played the damn game yet. Everything I knew came from those spoilers they shouted during the stream.
In the end, though, it didn't matter.
I wasn't interested in storylines, plots, or romance. My goal remained the same: become an Alchemist and continue my research.
Honestly, I had already crafted some interesting items. Unfortunately, without an official license, I couldn't sell them legally. Only basic goods—like refreshment potions and handmade candies—were marketable for now.
[So what's your plan now, Creator?]
"Simple. Live as a background character. Focus on classes, become a licensed Alchemist, and graduate. No meddling in this disgusting otome plot," I replied while scrolling through the logs.
[Wow. Classic. Side character who ends up tangled in the main conflict.]
"Doubt it. We have Alex. A knight obsessed with virtue and etiquette. If anything big happens, he'll handle it. Me? I'll sit back and enjoy some tea."
If the main game protagonist couldn't defeat the villains, Alex would take care of them. No need for me to lift a blade.
[What about a life partner?]
That question hit me like a brick.
Oh, right... The most clichéd part of this world's setting. According to Tharsaros law, every noble must have a fiancé or spouse before turning twenty. Otherwise, their territory and noble title could be revoked or demoted.
I closed my eyes and took a long breath.
"Damn this cursed otome game setting."
—
The next morning, I rose from bed and slipped into a dark gray training robe I had prepared the night before. A large mirror hung on the wall of the inn. I looked at my reflection.
This face... still the same as in my past life—except now, with one major difference.
Long, silvery-white hair that cascaded to my shoulders, paired with pale blue eyes without pupils... giving off a cold, mysterious, and slightly eerie vibe. Honestly, a bit too striking for a background character. But maybe that would make people avoid me.
It's easier to stay uninvolved when you look intimidating.
I headed downstairs and met Alex, already suited up in his combat gear. We were preparing for the sparring session—or more accurately, the class placement exam. But before we could leave, someone was already waiting by the door.
A chubby young man with dark brown hair and a cheerful, round face. He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at Alex like a puppy who just found its master.
His name was Pong Melt. Son of Baron Melt from the southern regions, known for their massive cattle ranches.
The day before, while scouting the training grounds, Alex had accidentally saved a student from being bullied. That student turned out to be Pong. Since then, Pong had become Alex's loyal follower and joined our group.
"Hehe, thanks for letting me tag along," he said sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.
I gave him a slight nod. It was fine. As long as he didn't cause trouble, I didn't care.
After a quick intro and a modest breakfast, the three of us headed for District Three—the sparring grounds for this district's students. Today was the final test before class assignments. In short, it was a show of strength.
I wasn't too concerned.
The protagonists and antagonists of the otome game were in Districts One and Two. So as long as I stayed in District Three, I was safe from annoying love triangles, dramatic duels, and the infamous "falling into a prince's arms" moments.
District Three felt... normal. At least for now.
Upon arrival, we found a wide field resembling an open arena, with small platforms at each end and observation stands above. Stern-faced instructors stood by each platform, ready to evaluate us one by one.
Every student would be called based on their chosen role—either Knight or Mage.
About 300 students from District Three were participating. Quite a lot, but rumor had it District Four was even more packed, mostly with commoner students trying their luck.
The exam would run all day. I had a few support items prepared, but ideally... I wanted to keep things low-key.
The sparring session began.
I stood among the crowd, observing from a distance. On one platform, Alex had been called early. The instructor gave a light nod, signaling the start.
Alex took a deep breath, then dashed forward.
"Quickstep!" he shouted.
In a flash, his body vanished—and in the blink of an eye, he reappeared behind the instructor, swinging a horizontal slash at the neck.
Fast. Clean. Lethal intent.
Unfortunately, it was parried with ease. The instructor merely tilted slightly and let out a casual whistle, as if to say, "Not bad."
I activated the analysis function in my right eye. Status overlay appeared in translucent blue.
[Alex | LV: 24] [Instructor | LV: 45]
Their level gap was wide—almost double. But this wasn't a normal world, this was an Otome game disguised as an RPG. With, of course, a gacha system.
Yes, this world had RPG mechanics—levels, skills, even flashy skill names like Quickstep. Not limited to mages, even knights had martial arts techniques with cool names to bend reality.
The battle was intense. Alex gave it his all, eventually landing a solid hit.
Alex was thrown back, rolling twice on the rocky ground, then sat up, clutching his injury. Blood trickled from his lip.
The instructor looked down from the platform. "Are you done?"
Everyone held their breath. Alex slowly stood, wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand, and stared straight ahead.
Cheers erupted.
The students roared, applauding like they were watching the protagonist rise in the final episode. The atmosphere felt like a climax cutscene.
[Another cliché scene, huh?] Apolo's voice chimed beside me, still in transparent mode.
"A blinding light from behind would complete the effect," I muttered flatly, arms crossed.
But yeah... not every cliché scene ends happily.
Moments later, Alex attempted one last strike—and failed. With a swift motion, the instructor floored him. No second wind this time.
The instructor finally clapped. "A fine effort," he said, prompting applause from everyone.
Alex lost. But he lost heroically. The crowd cheered louder than when the winner was announced.
Standing at the very back, I joined in with light applause.
Seriously... if this weren't an Otome world—if this were just a regular fantasy academy story…
Maybe... he would have been a great protagonist.