The Smiling Mask
Three years had passed since my possession. A span of time that could feel both short and unbearably long. In this world I had been suddenly thrust into, I had wandered lost for what seemed like an eternity.
Maybe if I just wait a little longer, I can go back…?
At first, I had clung to that faint hope. But eventually, I had no choice but to accept reality. The dates of the original story’s major events were approaching far too quickly.
Yes. That was exactly it.
Possession is cold. So bitterly cold it could freeze a man to death. I liked playing games, but I never wanted my entire life to become one.
A thick wave of bitter realization washed over me. I couldn’t hold back the sigh that slipped out.
As I stood there, fingers pressed to my brow, I caught sight of golden hair shimmering in the mirror across from me.
“······”
I stared silently at my own reflection. Soft, flowing golden locks. Half-closed eyelids. And that somehow sinister-looking smile. I was a boy with the classic appearance of a squinty-eyed character.
Yuda Snakers.
That was the name of the body I had possessed. Of all the people I could have become, why did it have to be this bastard?
The hidden mastermind who played the role of final boss in every route. The deceiver who betrayed the protagonist’s party in every single one. The central figure who always dragged the story toward destruction.
I had pressed the play button 1,943 times just to clear this son of a bitch once. I couldn’t even count how many times I had tasted utter defeat. In my final attempt, I had miraculously brought him down—only to be yanked straight into his body without so much as a chance to see the ending I had waited so long for.
Fuck.
“Hehe… I’m not exactly in the best of moods.”
I had meant to spit out a curse, but what came out instead was this ridiculous, polite nonsense. Even my voice was calm and composed. It was impossible to sound like someone who was actually angry.
All of it was because of this damned body.
Trait 'Smiling Mask' has activated.
In any situation, composure will be maintained. Basic dignity is never lost, and inner emotions will not show on the surface.
A blue window floated before my eyes. It was a status window, exactly like the UI from the game. I let out a short groan and glared at the text. Thanks to the trait, it probably looked like I was humming a pleasant tune with gentle, smiling eyes.
Trait: Smiling Mask.
It forced me to maintain a relaxed smile at all times and keep up a somewhat sinister attitude. I suspected it was a setting added specifically to emphasize the squinty-eyed character trope. Any speech or behavior that didn’t match the character’s dignity was automatically censored, and actions that broke character were suppressed. Just like right now.
“Good heavens.”
=Fuck.
“Oh dear.”
=This is fucking bullshit.
“Hmm, I can scarcely believe it.”
=Fuck, what the hell kind of situation is this?
It was always something like that. The strange formal tone mixed into my speech was also an effect of the trait. Not only had I possessed the final boss—I couldn’t even curse properly.
This is so damn unfair.
I couldn’t call “fuck” fuck, or “dick” dick. Even Hong Gildong the hero would have felt the same way. I swallowed my tears inwardly.
Suppressing my frustration, I straightened my clothes. Soon, a voice called from beyond the door.
—Young master, it is time to depart.
It was the servant attending me. I gave a vague signal that I understood and finished preparing.
Today was a special day. It was the day I would leave the Snakers County, where I had spent the last three years, and head for the academy.
How carefully I had lived during that time, always watching my every move. The mansion carried not a single trace of human warmth. It felt like a desert at midnight—cold, dark, and lonely.
Finally, the day had come to escape this cursed house and step into the academy overflowing with hope.
Well… even if I say that, possessing the son of a noble family is still better than the alternatives.
If I had possessed a street beggar or a slave, I probably wouldn’t have lasted long enough to even begin adapting. Not that possessing Yuda was exactly a blessing, either.
I shook off the idle thoughts and walked toward the waiting carriage.
“Have a safe journey.”
The butler saw me off with a stiff, mechanical greeting. There wasn’t the slightest trace of affection in his rigidly bowed back. It was completely colorless.
I stood still and stared at him. Once I left for the academy, I wouldn’t return for at least three years. Yet there was no sign of worry or regret on his face. The other servants were the same. Not a single one treated me warmly.
······Even the Count didn’t come out to see me off.
An unnaturally cold mansion. Servants devoid of any warmth. A father who wouldn’t even appear to bid farewell to his only child as he left. It was a harsh, barren place.
Having been born and raised in such an environment, it was no wonder the child hadn’t turned out normal. Perhaps Yuda had his own story after all.
I clicked my tongue where no one could hear and turned away.
“Then, I shall be on my way.”
It wasn’t any of my business anyway. The reason why the hidden mastermind would destroy the world? I had no interest in such things.
The gazes staring at me with cold, indifferent eyes. They were like winter itself. I skillfully brushed off the icy chill they cast. I was used to this kind of coldness.
I simply climbed into the carriage.
The World Seen by the Little Prince. Or Abose for short. It was the game that had once swept the world in a storm of popularity—the very work I had been transported into.
It was considered the undisputed king of action RPGs. Excellent combat feel, gorgeous artwork, and heroines with bodies that could make any man weak in the knees. It had countless charms, but the element that received the most praise was its story.
It was a tale that took a fairy tale familiar to everyone and reinterpreted it in a fantastical way. That fresh concept was exactly why I had first picked up the game.
—What the hell is this… The Little Prince?
—Everyone says it’s fun. Should I give it a try to kill time?
Back then, I had no idea. I didn’t know I would become a hardcore gamer who uploaded strategy videos online. I certainly didn’t know I would go mad hunting for hidden endings and end up possessing a character inside it.
If I could go back, I would gently press cancel on that purchase. But the water had already been spilled.
“How regrettable.”
=My life is fucking ruined.
I muttered to myself and brushed away the lingering thoughts. Ahead of my steady steps stood a massive main gate. It seemed I had arrived at my destination while lost in thought.
I looked around. Tall walls. Beautifully decorated walkways. Majestic buildings. Only after taking in the scenery did it truly begin to sink in.
The scenes I had only ever seen through a screen were now unfolding right before my eyes.
Galimard Academy.
The original story took place here. The narrative branched out around daily life and incidents that occurred within the academy. A small spark of childlike excitement stirred in my chest. My heart felt warm and fuzzy. It was an unavoidable reaction.
As harsh as the reality of possession was, I had still been a huge fan of The World Seen by the Little Prince. It was only natural that these little details would move me.
“Hehe… It’s far more magnificent than I imagined.”
The continent’s premier educational institution. Its splendor lived up to that lofty title. The academy’s scale was overwhelmingly vast—almost like a small city, from what I remembered reading in the setting book. I recalled those lines as I walked.
A large crowd had gathered near the main gate. It was likely due to today’s scheduled entrance exam. Everyone seemed to have come for that very purpose.
I stood quietly and listened to the chatter.
—So, what do you think the entrance exam will be like this time?
—I’m obviously confident!
—Hmm… There are a lot of strong competitors this year.
—Yeah, with so many children from prestigious families, it’s going to be tough.
—Ah~ I’m starving!
The children carried all sorts of murmurs with them. A mixture of worry and excitement trembled in their voices. It was a warm, lively scene.
Perhaps because I had spent so long in that desolate mansion, simply listening to their conversations brought me a sense of peace.
Yes. This is what it feels like to live among people.
I gently lifted the corners of my mouth. Thanks to my trait, it probably came out as a rather dangerous and sinister smile, but I decided to ignore that.
Just as I was killing time like that—
—Do you even realize whose path you’ve dared to block?!
—A mere commoner wench…!
A chaotic atmosphere brushed past my ears. Sharp, irritated voices. When I turned my head toward the source, I saw a spot where everyone’s eyes were gathered.
There, a girl had fallen to the ground.
—I-I’m sorry… I was walking without paying attention and accidentally bumped into you.
At a glance, it was clear someone was picking a fight. From the conversation, it seemed the girl had collided with the child of some noble house.
—What if our young master had been hurt?!
—I’m sorry… Hic…
In truth, the one who had been hurt by the collision was the girl. She was the one rolling on the ground, the one covered in scrapes, the one holding back tears. But when had delinquents ever cared about that? They were just annoyed and throwing a tantrum.
I scratched my head with a bored expression. It was better not to get involved in things like this. I had no interest in troublesome events.
Just as I was about to lose interest, the girl’s face—previously hidden—came into view.
“······Huh?”
Pink hair that flowed down to her waist. Sparkling green eyes wet with tears. A cute face reminiscent of a puppy, and a firm, beautifully curved figure. She was someone I knew.
“Regia Pirates…?”
Regia Pirates.
The central character who led the story of The World Seen by the Little Prince, and the one with the highest importance. In other words, the protagonist of the original work. Thanks to her distinctive outfit, I recognized her instantly.
Since her design was based on the “Tamers” from the fairy tale, she wore unique equipment. A somewhat rugged jacket, worn leather gloves, and flight goggles hanging around her neck. There was only one person who dressed like that.
“This is why commoners are so utterly inferior!”
“Ugh, hic… I’m so sorry…”
I moved forward as if drawn by an invisible force. Toward the girl who kept bowing her head, tears dripping down her cheeks.
“I-I didn’t do it on purpose… The young master suddenly ran toward me…”
“Are you daring to blame me right now?”
“B-but… I was definitely just standing still…”
“You insolent wench!!”
“Hieeek…!”
The young master was unreasonably threatening the girl. Confident in the power of the escort knights he commanded, he had completely let his guard down. I had already moved behind him. I lifted my foot.
“Whoops~ Pardon me!”
And then I promptly kicked him square in the ass.