We're inside a carriage, an actual horse-drawn one.
Because in this damn world, even though phones exist, vehicles were apparently deemed unnecessary.
Who's the genius who created this place?
Those damn people are still searching for me, even the gods.
Sphiros's death dragged me into this mess, too. I swear I only tried to protect the guy.
I only ever shielded him physically and spiritually. Not from the dreams.
Nobody told that man not to mess with the unknown.
The unknown is the most terrifying thing. Even gods are known; most people know what happens after death.
But dreams… they're like another realm. The closest state to death. That's why whatever god or thing Sphiros got tangled with decided to drive him insane.
Pretty creative. I should use that.
You'd be shocked at how many people want to sell their souls.
I like being called Entity since my name isn't known.
Poor Sphiros showed me so much interest; I wanted to protect him.
In-game story, He was going to die anyway because of those entities. I merely accelerated it.
I will be lying if I say I didn't feel bad for the poor guy.
I still have a long list of people who owe me. Most want power, not money.
They're actually using a fraction of my power. There was this guy named Micah.
He wanted immortality. I gave it to him. But there was a catch: I chained his emotions. He can't feel anything anymore.
That man sacrificed his own brother to me.
His story is dark.
I sighed.
Bella and Victoria, sitting across from me in the carriage, looked over: "What's wrong, Raul?"
"Nothing important. Just tired, Lady Victoria." My voice was flat, but that stupid smile was still plastered on my face.
Bella raised a finger at me: "Even if I can't enter as a maid, you can enter as a butler; you'd better protect Lady Victoria."
"Don't worry, Bella. I'm pretty good at protection," I said.
(The guy who couldn't protect Sphiros said:)
Victoria coughed: "No need to worry, Bella. I was managing just fine before Raul." She kept her blank expression.
No wonder they call her the Ice Queen. Her mana affinity is ice, too, so that makes sense.
Her skin was pale too, like the vampires I dealt with before. Ugh, why is everything in this damn world so ridiculous?
"You're thinking something rude, Raul," Victoria said, her brows furrowed. She only showed emotion around me and Bella.
I raised my hands like a criminal: "No, you're definitely imagining things, Lady Victoria."
Bella kicked my leg: "You're lying."
I winked at Bella. She turned her head.
I know I'm handsome, don't be shy, Bella...
Maybe I sound a little narcissistic, but a little narcissism never hurt anyone, right?
Slowly, the palace came into view. Yes, the palace of the Valentine Empire.
It was Emperor Richard von Valentine's birthday today, which is why we were here.
And Lady Victoria's fiancé would be present.
I really don't want to deal with drama. Victoria's ending wasn't good. Setting aside the fact that I played this otome game in the first place…
Ugh, headache loading...
When we arrived, the coachman stopped and turned: "We've arrived, milady."
I slowly opened the door, stepped out first, then took Lady Victoria's hand.
She held my hand as she descended, gripping the hem of her dress.
The atmosphere was grand, but the food should be even better. Man, I wish the Baron had sent me to a banquet just once; at least I'd get to eat.
I zoned out, walking behind Victoria, just following. The place was insanely luxurious. This wasn't a mansion anymore. When I spread my aether, I could sense 3,450 rooms.
The Empire and their stupid wealth...
Red carpets lined the corridors. People parted for Victoria.
I scanned them. Even if no one else could see, I could see some of their sins. Squinting, I noticed one person made of pure darkness. I filed their appearance in the back of my mind.
When the time comes, I'll do my job...
Victoria and I finally reached the banquet hall. Servants were attending to everyone, butlers hovered behind their masters, most acting as waiters.
Even I felt out of place. But when Victoria glanced back, I realized it was normal that most ducal children had butlers with them.
Victoria was an only child, so no issue.
I was serving food onto Victoria's plate. Nobles kept approaching to talk to her.
She gave short, simple answers. They eventually lost interest and left.
But then a man stepped forward. I was pouring Victoria a bit of wine.
"How dare you show your face?" A handsome man stood before Victoria. This was Prince Hans, the first prince.
Hans looked disgusted. And he was Victoria's fiancé. What's going on between them? "Your Highness, please control yourself."
"Or what? You're just a gold-digger clinging to me because you know I'll be emperor." Hans seemed furious.
Hmm. Looks like Hans has an inferiority complex because of Victoria. His sins are few, but I get it.
He hates her to his core. I can read his emotions.
"Please, Your Highness Hans, you have no idea what you're talking about." I narrowed my eyes at Hans, then he looked at me.
He spat on my shoe. Got it. He will gonna be added to my little soul collection.
In the story, this is the guy who'll become Lara's husband later. I've already signed his death warrant.
When the time comes, I'll make him suffer.
Then he walked away. Gossip and whispers surrounded us. Victoria took a sip of wine: "Nice wine, Raul."
"Thank you, milady." I bowed slightly but whispered something in her ear. Victoria flinched and whispered: "Don't…"
Only I heard it, but everyone saw her tremble.
Then everything stopped. A trumpet sounded: "Emperor Richard von Valentine is arriving. Everyone, prepare!"
The doors opened again. The nobles bowed slightly while all servants—including me—dropped to their knees.
The Emperor walked to his son and took a goblet and a thin iron rod.
"Greetings to all nobles of the Empire. I thank everyone here for being by my side on my happy day. Everyone, stand up."
Then everyone, including the servants, stood. Richard raised his goblet.
"To health!" he said, extending wine into the air.
All the nobles drank too.
We servants stood straight.
From afar, I could see Bella looking nervous.
I sighed. I've seen way too many heroines at this banquet, but I'm trying not to make eye contact.
Ugh, life's getting harder by the minute.