A place that could not be called a room, for no boundaries could be seen.
Within it drifted the soul of a pitiful child who had already died, lost and confused.
Where… am I?
"This is the Fog Space. A place for wandering souls," someone spoke to him.
A woman? Where is she?
Ray tried to search for the source of the voice, but all he could see was mist.
"I'm sorry. In your current state, you cannot see my form."
You can hear my thoughts?
"Yeah. Besides, I trust the human mind more than the human mouth."
Ray glanced around for a moment, observing the fog that surrounded him.
Can I pass through this fog?
"…"
Why are you staying silent?
"Aren't you curious about your death?"
Come on, don't remind me again. When I woke up, my heart was getting weaker, and my lungs felt tight. The last thing I saw was my mother crying. Do you really think I could believe I was still alive?
"For that… please forgive me."
Why are you apologizing to me? Don't tell me you're the one who made my life turn out that way?
"I don't know. Besides, I'm not the god of your previous world."
Ray raised an eyebrow. That caught his interest.
So… am I in another world now?
"More precisely, your soul wandered here when a crack between worlds occurred."
A crack?
"Yeah. The main scenario of the world I manage is about to begin. Your soul slipped into the crack, and since you didn't have reincarnation permission from any god, I had no choice but to place you here. I'm sorry, I can't explain any further. Gods must remain fair."
Ray began pacing aimlessly within the fog.
"Is there nothing else you want to ask me?"
Ray suddenly started running, clutching his chest.
"You don't have a physical body. Of course you don't have a heart."
Ray began jumping around.
"What are you doing?"
Ray stopped and smiled.
Sorry. I've been in a wheelchair and bed since I was little.
"…"
So… what happens to me now? Am I trapped here forever?
"About that, actually, I have two choices for you. You can go to heaven and enjoy everything there. Or… you can reincarnate into my world."
Reincarnation!
"Are you sure you want to live again? Isn't life nothing but suffering for humans? You should know that better than anyone."
Is there an adventurer guild there? Magic? Monsters?
"Are you even listening to me!?"
Ray smiled.
Do you think I regret my life?
"You don't?"
You know… my mom stayed up late just to keep me company while I slept all day and woke up in the middle of the night. I couldn't even tell day from night. I slept when I felt sleepy. I woke up whenever I wanted.
At first, I thought I just wanted to keep sleeping. Because when I slept, I didn't have to think about anything. But do you know? My mother cried while I slept… and smiled when I woke up.
Not just my mother. My father, the nurses, the doctors, the patients there… even my little sister who didn't even know I was her brother. I was blessed with people who cared about me. People who tried to understand me. People who didn't give up on me.
That's right. They didn't abandon me. They didn't leave me behind. So how could I keep sleeping and running away? That's why I chose to wake up more often and search for as much happiness as I could. Because I realized that my happiness wasn't mine alone.
So please… if you can, reincarnate me. I want to live once more and experience everything this world has to offer.
"…I'm fine with that. But there has to be an equal exchange. I can't do it for free."
Are you a merchant or something?
"Don't blame me. This world is structured that way."
Alright, I'm fine with it. But don't take my memories. Anything but that.
"I'm not cruel enough to take what's most precious to you."
But I don't have anything to offer.
"Ah, I know! You'll become one of the characters in my story. But you'll be a villain. Don't worry—you'll be reincarnated as a character rarely highlighted in the main scenario. That way, you'll have freedom. How about it?"
Are you sure? Is that really equal to reincarnating into your world?
"Yeah. I help you live. And you help me run the main scenario. After that, you're free to do whatever you want in my world."
If that's the case, I'm fine with it. Hurry up already! I can't wait to run across a wide field!
A light began to shine from Ray's chest.
"Ah, I almost forgot. You won't be alone in that world. Don't forget that, alright?"
What do you m—
The light grew brighter, forcing Ray to close his eyes.
When he opened them again, he found himself sitting down, holding a cup of tea in his hands. A small rooftop with a view of a flower garden surrounded him, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for tea time.
He looked around and noticed a maid standing behind him, holding a kettle.
"Hey, you..."
The maid immediately trembled, her face filled with fear when Ray called out to her.
Scared? Why? Of me? Oh right… I'm a villain now. Hm… what should I do?
"Oh, what's your name?" Ray asked the trembling maid.
"My name is not worthy of being known by the young master."
"Why are you still holding that hot kettle?"
"Eh?" The maid looked confused. "W-Wasn't it you who ordered me before?"
"Eh?"
"Eh?"
"EHHH!?"
This is bad. I'll be suspicious if this keeps up. It looks like I'm part of a noble family. I could be executed if they find out I'm not their son! What should I do!? Oh right—I'm a villain now. I should do something evil, right? But what!?
He looked at the maid again, trying to come up with an idea. Meanwhile, the maid grew even more terrified under her master's sharp gaze.
"Hey. Put the kettle down," he said.
"Eh?"
"Are you deaf!? Put the kettle on the table. Now!"
"Y-Yes, young master! Right away!"
The maid obeyed and placed the hot kettle on the table. After that, she returned to her position beside him, her fear now mixed with confusion.
Ray resumed enjoying the flowers and his warm tea. But in truth—
What am I supposed to do next!? This is evil enough, right? I don't want to hurt this girl… Sorry, unnamed maid! But this is awkward. Do all nobles treat their servants like this? I can't handle it. I have to say something.
"Oh, right. What's your name?"
Damn it! Didn't she refuse to tell me earlier!? How stupid!
"Carm…" the maid muttered awkwardly.
Woah!! Did she change her mind!? But why?
"What? I can't hear you," Ray said coldly.
"C-C-Charlotte! My name is Charlotte, my lord!" she answered loudly, though stiffly.
Hm… shy, long straight golden hair, chubby cheeks, maid outfit, named Charlotte. Could she be a disguised princess or something?
More importantly, I need information. I'm severely lacking information right now. All I know is the rough outline of this world. It's still completely different from my previous one.
And how am I supposed to know when I'll be involved in the main scenario? That god didn't tell me anything for the sake of fairness. Hm… what should I do now?
Seeing her master deep in thought, Charlotte asked gently,
"Is there something troubling you?"
Ray immediately turned to her and replied,
"Yes. And you're here to answer it."
"Eh?"
"First, tell me my name."
"Why are you asking your own name? Do you have amnesia, young master?"
"Just shut up! Answer the question!"
"Which one…?"
"Are you mocking me? You are mocking me, aren't you!?"
The maid immediately prostrated herself in fear.
"I-I would never, young master! I was just confused by your question! T-That's all! Please forgive me! Spare my life!"
Ray was shocked by her reaction.
Hey, previous owner of this body, whoever you are, you really went too far. What did you even do in the past!?
By the way… this tea is incredibly good. How can another world have tea this delicious!?
After calming himself with tea, he spoke again.
"Raise your head. You're forgiven."
The maid lifted her face, still confused.
This is strange. Everything about today is strange. What happened to the young master? I'm not being kicked like usual…? He's calmly enjoying tea without shouting or complaining!? And I was forgiven so easily without being hit!? What's going on!?
Meanwhile, Ray continued sipping his tea while gazing at the scenery.
"Hmm… this is good."
How is it? I look like a dignified villain, right? Elegant. Cool, right?
No! No! No! Not like this! I need information, lots of it. Information is vital on the battlefield! Though honestly, I just want to live peacefully. I wouldn't mind staying like this forever. But for now…
Ray glanced at Charlotte, who was still bowing slightly. While Charlotte quickly looked away, still nervous.
I will use this awkward maid.