Chapter 110
Chapter 110
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 110
Chapter Title: -110
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 110
Chapter Title: Laziness Maximize Overheat
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Thud. Eve took two steps toward me.
"Uh, Wolfram, right?"
"That's right."
Oh dear.
Honestly speaking, this was the last development I wanted.
Eve von Loengrin's eyes, once filled with hatred, disgust, despair, murderous intent, and a host of other emotions as she looked at me—they were all fading away.
Taking it all in, I let out a deep sigh.
The vivid blue aura swirling around Eve.
According to the favorability indicator, blue meant wariness. And as it lightened, it signaled that she was no longer on guard against me.
In other words, the favorability boost item—Secret Lovely Potion—had activated on Eve.
I wasn't thrilled about gaining favor from someone like Eve, but that made it all the more tricky to handle.
"Oh, Wolfram. My god..."
But it was already too late. The blue softened to a pale sky blue, and then... and then...
?
Why no further change?
The color enveloping Eve stayed that pale sky blue.
"It's the first time you look a little less repulsive. Amazing, huh? What item did you use?"
"......"
Apparently.
The first-stage potion only neutralized the disgust. That was it.
After that, Eve started circling me, scrutinizing every inch.
"This is really weird. Just moments ago, I wanted to stab you in the solar plexus with a holy spear. But now? Nothing. Zero thoughts."
"Eve. Staring at people like that is rude."
"Who are you to lecture me on manners? You know what you've done."
"Then fix it."
"Hold on. Just a bit longer. Hmm. Truly bizarre."
Eve and I were just your typical siblings who couldn't stand each other whenever we met, but thanks to this Secret Lovely Potion effect, she seemed surprisingly at ease talking to me.
Almost like...
Real siblings, without the hatred...?
"I see. This sense of distance..."
It felt exactly like the distance with those orphanage brats during puberty, treating me normally.
[Young-jin oppa. The director's calling you.]
[Huh? My homework? I finished it. Come on, I'm in eighth grade now.]
[Whatever. You're graduating soon and leaving, so I can't rely on you forever, right?]
[Yeah, yeah. I'll be independent too, so worry about yourself after you move out.]
Back at the orphanage, right before graduation, when I was stepping in as their guardian in the director's place. Bratty middle-schoolers who grumbled but still listened to me.
That was exactly the vibe from Eve now.
"Eve."
"What?"
"I've got a few questions."
"Shoot."
If that's the case, even if it's a hassle, now's the time to ask.
"How do I look to you right now?"
"......Pardon?"
"Serious question. Answer me."
Eve narrowed her eyes. But I needed an answer to this one.
"Fine. You just look like Wolfram?"
"No difference in appearance?"
"Well, there is a bit... Yeah. Your sleazy, vile, loathsome eyes feel a little softer. And that third-rate novel villain smirk is gone. Hmm. You look a tad more imperial now."
"......So, you're saying I've become presentable enough to acknowledge as your brother?"
"Wh-what...? If I had to say? Uh. Hm. ......Yeah."
"Got it. Thanks for the input. Nefti, how about you? What do I look like?"
At my question, Nefti lowered her hand from her face.
Her face oddly flushed, breathing a touch ragged as she looked my way.
"I see you a little differently."
"Be precise."
"...Well, you give off this incredibly lively, free-spirited vibe. More than before, that... cha-charisma..."
"Lively charisma?"
"................Yes... You look like someone who'd take me anywhere, show me the whole world..."
Nefti's face turned beet red as she bowed her head.
"Thanks for the input."
"N-no, it's... nothing, my lord."
I nodded at Nefti's reaction.
"But why ask?"
"Truth is, thanks to an ancestor's arrangement, I'm in a state where it's easy to gain people's favor."
"Ah, that explains the, ahem. Makes sense. So?"
"The issue is how it applies. Blindly gaining favor sounds no different from vile brainwashing or hypnosis."
"......Ah."
"If it were mana-based, it wouldn't pierce your defenses, Eve... So probably a blessing-type effect. That's my guess."
To Eve, I look less sleazy. To Nefti, like a sovereign.
No telling how others see me, but at least it's not malicious brainwashing.
Deep brainwashing? Karma skyrockets, and Professor Rudika comes for my head.
"Understood. Guess I'll have to stick with this look for a while."
"...Well, it suits you."
"Me too, my lord!"
Yeah. Good is good.
Anyway.
"Give me a basic item instead of a specialized one. Possible?"
Among the items available here, the most useful for my current stats.
Gear's pointless even if I get it, accessories I can craft. So...
"Skill book. Make it a manual."
"Of course."
Alright.
Time to roll the gacha one more time in this trash game's trash system.
Heading back from the dungeon to the convenience store.
Eve stared blatantly, Nefti pretended not to while sneaking peeks.
Apparently, my current look came off as 'pretty good' to them.
Just knowing I won't get murdered for the next two weeks is a huge win.
"Th-then... see you tomorrow, my lord."
"Planning to come again tomorrow?"
"...Is that not allowed?"
Nefti looked up at me like an abandoned puppy.
"No, just checking if you're tired."
"Not at all! I want to adventure with you again tomorrow!"
"......Fine. Get home safe. See you tomorrow."
"Yes!"
"Guess I'll head out too. Take care, Wolfram."
"......Yeah. You too."
Take care. Not like Eve at all.
But... casual daily chit-chat with Eve von Loengrin, whom we used to despise? Not half bad, surprisingly.
"I'm losing it."
Happy about normal talk with Eve? Am I nuts?
This is... yeah. The mini-game dungeon's fault.
Thinking too much as Yi Young-jin. Eve's a heroine I've seen end hundreds of times.
Anyway, back at the store, wrapped up the day, prepped for rest.
Tomorrow, properly plan how to use this Secret Lovely Potion effect.
Mulling over future schedules, the store door opened. A voice.
"Wolfram...?"
"......"
Aila.
Aila Trista.
Aila entered the store and just stared at my face.
"......"
Honestly, no clue how to react.
What would her ideal face look like?
Would she yell about my treasonous mug again?
My mind swirled with wild fantasies until Aila finally spoke.
"Wolfram. Why are you just standing there?"
"Hm?"
"Sigh. Weather's getting warmer. I've got a blackout curtain with Black Crystal to block the sun, but it drains mana constantly. Exhausting. Really."
"...Uh?"
Aila was her usual self.
"Aila."
"Yes, Wolfram. Oh, can I order something cold?"
"Yeah. Possible."
Took her order, stepped to the counter. Ground beans with ice for a smoothie, snuck glances at Aila meanwhile.
Observed till it was done. Not a single change in her.
Even the pink aura around her stayed the same.
Favorability rise varies by person? Or another bug? Hypotheses came and went.
Set the smoothie before her, sat down.
"Oh, joining me for tea time?"
"Hm."
Not really—just curious about her non-reaction variable.
In D/Z SAGA's main story, this system just triggers easy favor, but in reality? Full of variables.
Unraveling them is a vet's true calling. Why no reaction from Aila? Had to know.
"Aila, one question."
"Ask away."
"In your mind, is the ideal person the one who fits rebellion best?"
"Yes. And?"
Instant answer.
"Then what does that rebellion-fitting look like?"
"Pardon?"
"Rebels come in lordly types, heroic types, etc."
"Ah... Yes. Various rebels exist. Noble intrigues are battles of rebellion succeeding or failing."
"So, what's your ideal rebel look like?"
Aila's eyes widened at my question, then she gave an incredulous laugh laced with 'You of all people?'
"My. Odd question. Obviously..."
"Hm?"
"It's you, Wolfram."
"What?"
"If anyone's the perfect fit for rebellion in this world, there's only one."
Her eyes locked on mine without flinching, breath-stealing intensity.
Lips that knew no lies.
Aila conveyed her sincerity with eyes and words.
The perfect rebellion face was Wolfram's own.
In other words.
No one in the world compares to Wolfram von Loengrin as her ideal type.
......
No wonder.
The potion having no effect made perfect sense.
"I see."
"Yes. Why ask?"
"......Nothing. Bad question."
Really.
A needless question.
Next day, lecture day, headed to Jefrin with Aila.
"Lord Wolfram. Good day."
"Hm."
"Lord Wolfram. Good morning."
"...Yes. Good morning."
Definitely, everyone's gazes had shifted.
Fewer feared me, some even greeted unusually.
Even current second- and third-years who'd curse Wolfram.
Secret Lovely Potion's effect was real.
"Wolfram. Let's ace today's class rebelliously! Top scores!"
"......Hm."
So. It should've worked plenty on Aila Trista, grinning casually beside me. Yet no change from her usual self.
"Let's do that, Aila."
"Yes, Wolfram."
This girl... she's truly trustworthy.
A sense of trust welled up.
Said that, parted ways with Aila.
Different classrooms.
The moment I entered mine, there stood a slender elf with golden long hair and slightly dead eyes.
"Diligent as ever. Regina Ciella."
"Of course. Usual class attitude shapes your future... or... so..."
Our eyes met briefly. She flinched and froze.
Oh.
Wait.
...It works on you too?
For real?
"Wo-Wolfram, H-his Highness the Imperial Prince."
"......"
"Those cold eyes. Trash-staring eyes. Ah, those long fingers on my, my neck... Those two hands... Ahh..."
Don't.
Stop it.
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