Twisted Development
“Heave-ho~ Whew… That’s all the luggage moved, Master!”
Eily set down the last box with a satisfied smile, her face flushed with accomplishment.
“Haa~”
She wiped the sweat from her forehead with her sleeve, savoring the sweet release after a hard morning’s labor.
“Thanks, Eily. You did great.”
“No, no! It’s just my duty as your maid, Master…!”
I expressed my gratitude for her hard work, but Eily waved her arms in the air, looking almost burdened by it.
“If anything, I should be sorry for making you lift a finger, Master…”
“There’s no way you could’ve moved all that stuff alone in the first place.”
I gently placed my hand on her head and stroked her hair as a reward for her efforts.
“Nngh, heehee…♪ If anything, I’m grateful you helped me with my job.”
At that, Eily relaxed a little, her body softening. Every time my fingers ran through her hair, she purred like a kitten begging for affection.
“Alright, let’s save the small stuff for later and take it easy this morning.”
“Yes!”
We put the rest on hold and took a moment to survey the room where we’d be staying from now on.
“…”
This was a special dormitory suite provided by the Saint Academy. We’d been moving our things here because this was where we’d live from now on.
In other words, it also meant I’d officially enrolled in the academy.
“Haa, I’m a little nervous.”
Today was the day. You could say I’d lived my whole life up to now for today… and everything after.
“…”
The long-awaited first day of school had finally arrived. Could I really navigate the path ahead?
Even knowing the future, anxiety crept in. Reality always had its variables, after all.
“Alright.”
Still, I pushed the worries from my mind. Fretting wouldn’t help anyone.
“Let’s do this.”
I clenched my fist, recommitting to my plan: achieve my goals and return to my original world. Then I quietly gazed out the window at the academy grounds, steeling my resolve.
Murmur murmur
The academy hallways buzzed with new students.
“Whoa… that glare is scary…”
“Shh, he’ll hear you…!”
“Isn’t that guy Stenman?”
“Ehh~ The infamous wicked one…?”
But even just walking calmly was impossible for me. Whispers about me blended into the background noise from all directions.
“…”
As expected… Labeled a villain, I got this treatment on day one. But I’d grown used to the pitiful stares by now.
“H-he’s looking this way…!”
“Turn around!”
The crowds’ fearful glances and trembling voices were nothing new—I’d seen them countless times.
“This is gonna be fun~”
Only Eily could smile so casually with me nearby.
“I’ll do my best with academy life and housework!”
“Yeah, yeah. Looking forward to it.”
Oh, and on grades: both Eily and I passed the entrance exams. We’d gotten our report cards a week before enrollment.
Naturally, I took first place… somehow becoming the academy’s top enrollee.
But that might’ve been fated. Arnold had ranked first in the original story too.
Maybe I’d just claimed what was always meant to be mine.
“Yup! Looking forward to working with you too!”
More importantly, though, was Eily’s rank—someone who didn’t exist in the game.
“…Yeah.”
Long story short… I had no idea what hers was.
Grades were notified individually, and the academy kept personal scores secret until the second semester.
No way to know unless they shared it themselves.
“Hope things go well for you.”
“You’ve got this, Master!”
But I suspected it wasn’t great. When I’d asked her, she’d sweated bullets and dodged the question.
“I might not be much help, but I’ll do my absolute best to support you!”
She’d shyly admitted it was embarrassing to share but assured me she’d made the cutoff. No details, though.
“Thanks…”
I was curious, sure… but she seemed uncomfortable, and as long as she’d enrolled, that was enough. I didn’t pry.
“Yes!”
No point poking at sore spots, especially if she’d barely scraped by…
“Let’s do our best together!”
So I let it drop.
“…”
Silence hung over the classroom.
Unlike the noisy halls, a heavy quiet had settled inside.
““ …… ””
No one wanted to speak first in this tense atmosphere. Maybe this was the thrill of day one.
“Hmm…”
But now wasn’t the time for that.
“…”
I scanned the room. Not here yet?
“Master, you’ve had a stern look since earlier. Is something wrong?”
I was waiting for the original game’s protagonist—the one who’d be my endless rival and nemesis, Varis Arkerland.
If my memory was right, we’d been in the same class first year…
Bang!
Just as the thought crossed my mind, the door flew open.
“H-hey, everyone!”
Beyond it stood an innocent-looking guy—pure to a fault, or straight-up naive. He grinned brightly.
Short blond hair, neat features, and an infectious enthusiasm that hit you right away.
“…!”
His personality, looks… and the primal chill racing down my spine. In that instant, it hit me: He’s here.
“Varis…”
I murmured his name without thinking.
“Nice to meet you!”
Varis Arkerland, protagonist of the original game. Like it or not, I’d be seeing his face a lot.
“Looking forward to getting along! I’m Varis Arkerland!”
“Just call me Varis!”
True to his game self, he greeted everyone with bright energy.
“Everyone seems a bit stiff since it’s our first time meeting? But we’ll be together a while, so let’s get friendly!”
His exact lines from the game warmed the awkward room.
“…?”
“Uh…”
The other students murmured, uneasy at first.
“Y-yeah, nice to meet you! I’m Albert.”
“I’m Freyja!”
Soon, they melted into his vibe, introducing themselves one by one.
“Nice to meet you, Albert.”
“Freyja? Let’s get along!”
Varis beamed around the class, greeting each warmly.
“Hmm—”
Seeing Varis in person, not just on a screen… I got why he won everyone’s trust on day one.
His sense of justice radiated from afar, mixed with kindness and a pure, clear aura like fresh spring water.
You could just feel he was a caring guy.
“Hey!”
Suddenly.
“Hm?”
“Nice to meet you—sharp eyes, kinda manly~!”
Varis worked the room, then extended a hand to me for a shake.
“……”
Here it came—Arnold and Varis’s first meeting.
“Sure.”
In the original, Arnold wouldn’t have taken the greeting kindly.
“I’m Arnold. Let’s get along.”
“Arnold, huh? Let’s be friends!”
But I happily shook his hand, aiming to plant a good impression—unlike the game.
Building rapport with Varis had clear advantages on multiple levels.
“Looking forward to it.”
My current goal: guide him into the harem route with all the heroines.
Being friends made it easier to assist than being awkward rivals.
“And next to you~ Huh, that’s an unusual outfit? A maid dress?”
Our uneventful first encounter wrapped up smoothly, and he turned to Eily beside me.
“I’m Varis!”
He offered his hand just like with me.
“Oh, I’m Eily! Um… sorry, but I’m not big on touching, so a handshake on first meeting is a bit…”
Eily greeted him but refused the shake, looking mildly uncomfortable.
“Oh… alright? Can’t force it then.”
She disliked physical contact? That was surprising.
Was Eily’s real personality that shy about touch? I’d seen her clumsy side plenty, but she never seemed to mind contact with others.
If anything, she acted like a pet that craved it.
“Eily?”
“Yes, Master.”
“Mind if I hold your hand for a sec?”
Squeeze—
“…?!”
But she granted my request without hesitation.
“Like this? Are my hands warm? Feel good?”
No—she was too eager, almost overwhelming.
“G-good… that’s enough.”
“Ah, okay…”
When she let go, my hand tingled like it’d been gripped in a vice.
“Didn’t you just say no touching?”
I pointed it out.
“Th-that’s… only with strangers! You’re the opposite, Master…?”
She belatedly added the qualifier.
“If anything… I’d want you to come closer—”
“What? Couldn’t hear that.”
“N-nothing…!”
Ah, got it. That explained rejecting Varis.
“Welcome.”
As the first class began, a woman entered with a stern voice.
“I am Adria Diocarp, the professor who will be in charge of your education from today.”
Her wild red hair flowed untamed, framing fierce, noble eyes like a beast’s. She looked young enough to pass for a peer, but her tone carried undeniable authority.
“A warning upfront: I have no tolerance for rudeness.”
Her severe words plunged the warm room into a chill.
“I’ll call roll first.”
She’d commanded attention from the start, crushing any defiance.
“Andrew.”
“Y-yes!!”
Just as expected—a real ice queen.
I knew her from the game: a major supporting character.
As she’d said, Professor Adria—the strict teacher infamous among students.
“…Arnold.”
“Yes.”
“Good, everyone’s here. Glad no one’s slacking on day one.”
Always serious and strict, she ruled her students with an iron fist, a terror even delinquents feared. Hence her nickname: Tiger Professor.
“For today, just introductions and the schedule. This academy—”
Seemed like things were going canon—she’d be our prof without a hitch.
“……”
……
“Varis.”
Time passed, and the first class ended. More orientation than real lessons—course overviews and units.
“Huh? Oh… Arnold, right?”
Still time before the next, so I approached Varis.
“Here.”
Pretending nonchalance, I handed him a mana-infused bracelet.
“Whoa, what’s this?”
It was in-game gear: Bracelet of Versatility, boosting wearer stats. Perfect for early-game power-ups.
It’d help Varis on his path.
“A gift. To show we’re friends.”
Proper cupid support for linking him with the heroines.
“R-really…? Thanks! First gift like this!”
He eyed it curiously, then slipped it on without question.
“Cool! Ngh~ Can’t let you outdo me!”
His joy was short-lived. Suddenly competitive, he bolted from the room.
“Where you going?”
“You gave me such a great gift! Wait here—I’ll grab something to repay you!”
With a sunny grin, he dashed off for “repayment.”
“What? No need—”
“Be right back!”
“Hey…”
Gone before I could stop him.
“…”
Right… Forgot he was like that. Not dumb, just boldly impulsive.
“Haa…”
Well, gratitude’s nice. No harm.
“Eily, I’ll step out a bit.”
The dizziness hit; I needed air.
“Huh? Then I’ll—”
“Be quick. Stay here.”
“Oh… okay…”
I waved off her concern and headed out.
In the hall, I strolled slowly, peering out windows.
“…Hm?”
Then—
“~”
In the central garden, a familiar scene caught my eye.
“……”
Maybe too familiar.
“Elisha, right? Cute name.”
“Just play along a little?”
“…Pass.”
Yeah, definitely… the first event.
“…! Let’s go.”
First heroine event—I hurried over.
“C’mon, don’t be like that~”
A sleazy voice grated as I neared.
“I said no…”
Elisha Grain—game’s first heroine, Arnold’s canon fiancée—was hemmed in by guys, unable to move.
“It’ll just take a sec?”
“Ngh…”
She looked trapped and distressed.
“……”
Spot on. Normally, Varis would swoop in, save her, spark their first meeting, and earn her favor.
The Delinquent Event.
Elisha, a heroine, cornered by arrogant nobles. Righteous protag rescues her—classic romance trope for initial affection.
“Keep rejecting us~? Our family’s pretty prestigious, y’know?”
“Be friends~!”
And that moment was now.
“Ngh? Let go!”
The punks grabbed her arm roughly—Varis’s cue.
“Where to after?”
But—
“Let go…!”
Her hero was nowhere.
“Hm…?”
He should’ve been here by now. What gives?
He’d normally crash this scene.
“Ah?!”
Then it hit me.
The reason he wasn’t here? Me.
He’d run off to repay the gift…
“Wait, if this keeps up…”
Variable introduced. No protag meant the event derailed—by my hand.
“N-no…!”
“Stay still!”
No canon line, and no Varis. Someone had to step in, or she’d get dragged off.
“Haa, should’ve been more careful…”
No choice—
“Hey.”
My mess, my fix. Should’ve watched him closer.
“Huh? Who’re you?”
I strode between them boldly as Elisha struggled.
“What’d you say, punk?!”
Predictably, they swung at me per script.
Crack—
“Guh?!”
But no way I’d take that slow punch.
“Enough.”
I clamped their fist hard.
Crunch!
Twisted the wrist in a vicious arc for max pain.
“Gaaah?! S-sorry! I’m sorry!!!”
The punk writhed pathetically.
“O-okay… my bad!”
“One warning.”
I flung him down like trash.
“Guh?!”
“Get lost while I’m nice—before I snap you all.”
I glared with cold killing intent.
Tougher than Varis’s game response, but fitting for Arnold.
“Guh?!”
“Tch…”
They shuddered under my vicious aura.
“Dammit… l-let’s go…!!”
They fled Arnold’s menace.
“Phew.”
Event cleared. Varis struggled more in-game… late-game talent, I guess.
“…You okay?”
Now for the real issue.
“A… Arnold…?”
Keeping cool and blank-faced, I checked her over.
“Looks fine.”
No injuries, good.
“Guess I’ll head out.”
Acted indifferent, avoiding a good impression—didn’t want to steal Varis’s affection points by hijacking the event.
“W-wait…”
But—
“…?”
“Hold on.”
Against my hopes, Elisha stopped me, voice laced with surprise.