Chapter 4 Rivalry and Growth Aren’t So Bad
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Four months had already passed since Alexia began visiting the Seifried estate again.
This world—’Alysphere,’ the indecent game world I somehow woke up in—follows the same flow of days and seasons as Earth once did: 365 days, spring to winter. When the goblins attacked me in the forest, it had been April, springtime. Now it was July—mid-summer, hot and blazing.
But unlike the sweltering summers of my old life, this world’s heat was surprisingly mild, even pleasant. When summer first arrived, I couldn’t help but marvel at how comfortable it felt. Maybe it was just my memories of the old world clashing with the new.
As for my greatest nemesis—dear little Alexia—ever since that April day, she’d been visiting my house every single day. We sparred with swords and practiced magic together, and when we weren’t training, we cooked or painted—things I used to do back on Earth. She seemed to enjoy herself immensely, and honestly, I couldn’t complain. Spending time with my favorite character, Alexia the adorable tomboy, wasn’t exactly torture.
Still, I knew better. Spending this much time together was dangerous. If I slipped up and revealed something strange, she’d surely turn on me—and maybe even chop off my head.
”Shin-kun, look! The muffins we baked are perfect! Don’t they look delicious? I can’t wait to taste them!”
Her smile shone like sunlight through glass. Adorable. Utterly adorable.
”…They do. Later, let’s invite Orphen and Layla to join us for tea in the garden. I managed to get some fine tea leaves the other day. I’ll brew it myself.”
Poison paranoia aside, I preferred to do things myself now that fragments of my past life had returned. I didn’t want to rely on others—or risk earning their resentment. Nobles usually left such things to servants, but my reputation had already soured enough. Most of them avoided me, save for Orphen and Layla.
”Mm-hm. I’m looking forward to it,” Alexia said, her smile bright enough to make my chest ache.
That girl… she was the true protagonist of this world. One day she’d disguise herself as a boy, enroll in Alys Magic Academy, and charm half the heroines while pretending to be the most beautiful young man alive. And me? I’d fade out of her life, settle somewhere far away, maybe till the soil in peace.
”Because,” she said softly, “I hope these happy days with you never end, Shin-kun.”
Another dazzling smile. Damn it, Alexia. How did it come to this? I’d tried to keep my distance, and now she was part of every day.
I’d grown too used to speaking politely to avoid offending her—and it had stuck. My old rough speech felt unnatural now. When had I turned this soft?
”…Shin-kun teaches me so many fun things,” she murmured. “I like you.”
THUMP! My heart exploded.
”G-Gohah?!” I nearly choked. I hadn’t expected a sudden confession from the cute little Alexia while I was lost in thought.
Was this a trap? Some kind of strategy? My inner strategist—whoever he was—offered no advice. Great, now I was talking to imaginary tacticians.
”Ha-ha-ha! As expected of the most gifted daughter of the noble Churidince family. You joke so well, Alexia-sama! Save such sweet words for Layla instead; you’ll get along splendidly with her in time.”
”Shin-kun, you’re dodging with big words again,” she said, pouting. “And why Layla? I told you I liked you.”
I couldn’t tell her the truth—that she’d eventually romance Layla in the game’s route.
”Well, Alexia and Layla are the same age, right? You’ll both be happier growing close. She’s a good girl.”
That was my goal lately—nudging Alexia toward the Layla route.
Layla, the maid-in-training, had strong magical talent and had been recommended by my father, the Duke, for admission to Alys Magic Academy. A heroine in her own right, admired for her gifts. In childhood, though, she’d hated me—Shin Seifried—the spoiled noble brat who’d treated her like dirt.
When I regained my past memories and saw her again, I dropped to my knees and apologized, forehead pressed to the floor. Since then, I’d spoken to her politely. Recently, she’d even begun speaking to me like a normal person.
But Alexia’s eyes sharpened suddenly. “No. I want to be happy with you, Shin-kun. I’ll chase you as far as I have to.”
Terrifying. Could she actually be planning to behead me?
”…Anyway,” I said quickly, “this afternoon, let’s visit the forest and play with Gōbu and the others. I’d like to introduce you to a few new friends.”
”Eh? You made more monster friends, Shin-kun?”
”Yes. I’ve been running through the hills at night lately. Gets boring staying cooped up here.”
Gōbu was the goblin I’d fought back in April—the one who’d cracked my skull. After that, I’d brought him honey, his favorite treat, and bowed so low my forehead scraped the dirt. Better to make peace than risk revenge. Goblins hold grudges.
Since then, Gōbu and I had become close—running through the mountains at night with all sorts of monsters in wild, chaotic parades. Of course, Alexia eventually found out. Now she came along too, laughing as we raced through the forest under the moonlight.
Really, how did things end up like this?
”Maybe invite Layla too,” I teased. “You two could ride Rieuse together and—mmph!”
Alexia clapped both hands over my mouth.
”Shin-kun, you talk about Layla too much,” she said, cheeks puffed. “That’s not fair. You’re with me right now.”
Uh-oh. If she started crying here, I’d never live it down.
”You’re right,” I said softly. “It’s your day today, Alexia. How about we visit Gōbu and the others together, just the two of us?”
”…Mm. Thank you, Shin-kun.”
Her smile bloomed again, sweet and content. Ever since she came to this mansion, she’d thrown my world into chaos—but when she smiled like that, none of it mattered. I just wanted to see her happy.
Even though I knew—deep down—that this girl was my biggest death flag yet.
Notes:
• Layla – A maid-in-training for the Seyfried family. She is observing Shin’s dramatic change in behavior after the incident with Alexia.
• Orphen – The Seyfried family’s head butler and Shin’s swordsmanship mentor. He is a retired legend—the Demon Knight of the Kingdom and a former Holy Knight. He agreed to train Shin only after the child abandoned his pride and groveled.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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