1-Second Invincible Player in the Game

2. The Immortal for 1 Second (1)

I woke up to the lingering scent of aromas.

The incense had melted away long before the night was over. Yet, the smell was unfamiliar to me.

Because my room usually wafted with the scent of Downy.

‘They say it has a calming effect. Not bad…’

I flipped aside the blanket, so smooth it seemed a fly would slip and fall off it. Then, I approached the mirror to check my face.

A towering height, with hair of soft golden locks and a handsome Western visage with striking features.

This is me.

Upon opening my eyes, I had become this blond, handsome guy.

It wasn’t particularly shocking since I saw it yesterday too, and only sincere exclamations of admiration circled in my head.

‘Damn, I’m good-looking.’

Is this really me?

It’s surprising enough to have entered into a game, but look at this sculpted face and the proportions of this body.

If I were born with this physique in reality, I’d start as a child model and end as a blossoming senior.

I am the owner of this body.

And that’s not all.

Luxurious furniture and ornaments filled the room.

For a mere personal chamber, it rivals the opulence of a luxury hotel suite.

Of course, I’m the master of this room too.

“Damn, it’s a rich house.”

So, what is the identity of this character who seems to have it all?

Truthfully, even I don’t know well. However, I could check at least the name through the status window.

[Hersel Ben Tenest]

●Blessings

-None-

●Traits

◇Noble Blood’s Last Ember◇

◇1 Second Invincibility◇

Not a single blessing.

It’s so ridiculous that I can’t even laugh.

That’s because a blessing is a talent.

Not just the main characters, but even among the supporting roles, there are some with cheat-level talents.

At the very least, it’s normal to have a knack for knitting or farming as a basic skill.

In this way, Hersel is a powerless person with nothing to his name…

But the surname attached to his name compensates for all the disadvantages.

Tenest is a name belonging to a rather famous noble family within the Asares worldview.

According to the chatter outside the door by the servants yesterday, Hersel is the eldest son of the family.

“Talk about striking it lucky beyond one’s station.”

That’s why it’s also strange.

I should know him since he’s from a famous family, but the name Hersel feels unfamiliar to me.

After all, the Tenests are related to several of the hundred or so main characters.

Maybe it’s because there’s too little information.

Or maybe.

“It’s possible that he’s a newly added character…”

He could be a hastily created character for someone to possess in the game.

If there’s something that bothers me, it’s that the name sounds somewhat familiar.

But since nothing’s certain, gathering information is the priority.

Having decided on a direction, my stomach growled loudly.

Come to think of it, I haven’t eaten anything since yesterday, have I?

Just then, a knock sounds at the perfect moment.

“Young master. Are you alright? You’ve been holed up in your room all day. How will you take your meal?”

This voice belonged to the audacious little maid I saw yesterday. The mention of a meal while fasting made my salivary glands work overtime. I rang the bell on the table.

It was a signal that she could enter.

Tinkle-

With the clear sound of the bell, the door opens. A little one, half the size of the door, blinked in her maid’s attire.

I remember asking for her name yesterday, her eyes wide as she pleaded for me to moderate my drinking.

It was surely Selly, wasn’t it?

Then, with a warm smile, Selly spoke up.

“Is there something you wish for?”

“Bring me something to eat.”

The condescension came naturally.

I find this dignified baritone voice unfamiliar. It’s different from my usual tone, adding to the sense of dissonance.

I know the reason, though.

It’s because of ‘The Noble Blood’s Afterglow,’ one of the auxiliary traits a few out of a hundred characters possess.

◇The Noble Blood’s Afterglow◇

Elevates dignity in front of others.

Exudes a lofty charisma in front of others.

A trait that’s always activated in the presence of others.

My speech and intonation change on their own accord.

Thanks to this, even though the contents have changed, the people around me seem to feel no significant dissonance.

“Yes, young master. I will have it prepared immediately.”

The little one disappeared, and quite some time passed. Once again, a knock and the door opened. This time, it was a maid I hadn’t seen before.

She approached, pushing a cart laden with silver lids, and transferred the plates onto the large table.

“The main dish is veal steak. In addition, we have fresh vegetables brought in today and the wine you favor.”

Her face was smiling, but her tone was decidedly businesslike.

As she lifted the lid, the fragrance of the food hit my nose. But for some reason, I didn’t feel like eating.

Was it because I had been fasting all day?

Suddenly, the idea of greasy meat was a bit much…

I’d like something easier to digest.

I feel a bit sorry to say this.

Can I change it?

“I made a mistake. I should have told you what I wanted to eat in advance.”

“Is it not to your liking?”

“My stomach feels uncomfortable, do you have something like soup?”

I looked at her with a hint of guilt, lowering my eyebrows. In that moment, the maid’s eyes widened slightly before she responded with a gentle smile.

She seemed to be professional in her service, but I guess it’s still a hassle all the same.

Just as I was about to eat, the maid moved the plates back onto the cart.

“I apologize for not being attentive. I will prepare it right away.”

That would be nice for me.

“Something simple is fine. Anything that doesn’t take too much effort. As long as my stomach feels better.”

“That won’t do. You must be hungry, so I will prepare a quick meal. Of course, it will be a dish befitting your stature.”

…There’s no need for that.

The maid crossed the threshold with the cart, not losing her smile.

How kind.

Time passed again. The soup was placed on the table. It seemed to take a while this time, but for someone who complained about the side dishes, I was grateful for this much.

I scooped up the mysterious soup with a silver spoon and brought it to my lips.

A peculiar taste.

Yet, not an unpleasant deep flavor.

Even though I was used to instant foods, it wasn’t too stimulating and was nicely balanced. I leisurely moved the silver spoon around. As the plate began to show its bottom, the maid carefully picked up a wine bottle.

“No wine for me. It’s daytime, and it doesn’t seem right to drink alcohol now.”

Besides, wine with soup?

I’m a Korean who only drank soju with pork belly, so I’m not sure, but does that even go together?

“…Yes, my lord. If your stomach is upset, then I have made a thoughtless mistake. I apologize. Please forgive me.”

“People can make mistakes. I’m done eating, so you can go and rest now.”

The maid left the room.

Having satisfied my hunger, I decided to get up and look around the mansion.

As I stepped into the hallway, I came across Selly waiting by the door.

The tiny little maid, who had been waiting for orders, greeted me with a bright smile, having done her job well.

“Where are you heading, young master?”

“I’d like to take a look at the family tree. Could you guide me?”

Every noble house has a family tree. It starts with the ancestors and shows the relationships of all family members to date.

But was it out of the blue to ask to see it?

Selly seemed slightly suspicious, tilting her head momentarily.

“Yes, I understand. Let’s see… I should choose a good route for your convenience. Hmm.”

“Is it that far?”

“No? Not really. It’s just that, to have a good day, it seems necessary.”

Her answer was somewhat meaningful, but what of it? I followed Selly, walking behind her. As we passed through the corridors, the mansion’s servants greeted me with bright smiles.

“Good morning, young master.”

“Is everything alright?”

“How about a stroll in the garden on such a fine day?”

I responded to them with a simple wave of my hand.

The mansion’s interior was filled with a very harmonious atmosphere. Of course, it was hospitality for me, a noble, but the liveliness was so infectious that I felt uplifted too.

‘Living like this wouldn’t be so bad.’

A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth.

Of course, I couldn’t continue living this way forever.

The game’s scenario involved preventing world destruction, and it was uncertain whether a game without players would clear itself.

But according to the world’s rules, most of the outside was a demonic realm, and with my defenseless body, staying here seemed the safest option for now.

First, I need to adapt to my status and situation. Checking the scenario can wait.

Besides, being the eldest son of the Tenest family is akin to being the son of a conglomerate chairman.

Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to enjoy this for a while.

When else would I get to live like the heir to a conglomerate?

* * *

Once I stepped outside, I realized the mansion was not alone.

It turned out that the place I had been was a residence solely for me, a Hursel.

Beyond the garden path, there was another grand mansion where the head of the Tenest family resided.

Guided by Selly, I walked through the grounds, which were as vast as a park, and arrived at a special room where the family tree was carefully enshrined.

Portraits of ancestors hung on the walls. I sat in a chair, familiarizing myself with their faces and the family tree, feeling a sense of longing as I reached the era of Hursel.

[Lysian Ben Tenest. 767-09-11~ 789-08-17]

Beside a woman’s name, numbers denoting the start and end of life were written.

This signified that Hersel’s mother had passed away at a young age.

And the name engraved right next to it.

[Ahille Ben Tenest.]

This was the name of Hersel’s stepmother, and listed below in a row were the names of his half-siblings.

This is not good…

A sense of foreboding made my fingertips tremble.

Even in modern times, stepmothers and half-siblings are often not exactly in good relations.

Especially in a noble family where various political dramas unfold, the existence of half-brothers seemed all the more ominous.

‘As the eldest son, am I not the primary competitor…?’

Realizing the reality, I gazed pensively at Selly, who was beside me.

Could it be that earlier, her intention to plan our movements was to avoid encountering my half-brothers?

Since I had to leave my private residence to come here, my guess is probably correct.

That means, Selly can be considered on my side, right?

After all, the fact that Hersel, the primary heir to the succession, has survived until now is evidence that even the servants at the residence can be trusted.

As I looked at Selly endlessly, this little girl approached me and examined my face.

“Young master. You looked unwell yesterday and today as well. Are you feeling ill?”

“I’m fine. It must be because I’ve been cooped up in my room.”

“Then, how about getting some fresh air outside? I know a place with a beautiful view.”

“A view? Are you talking about outside the mansion?”

“Yes. Don’t worry. Trustworthy guards will accompany us. And if any danger arises, I, Selly, will protect you with my life.”

Selly stood with her fist pressed to her chest, her eyes shining.

She was bold, if that’s the word for it.

With this little girl speaking so, it was hard to refuse.

In truth, I also wanted to take a look outside.

To catch a breeze and to satisfy my curiosity about whether the world of Asales, which I had only seen in games, was properly realized.

“Is it close?”

“Of course. It’s just a few minutes away once we leave the mansion.”

* * *

Hersel’s untouched steak and wine.

The maid pushing the cart with precise movements, delivering the food.

As she strolled down the corridor to dispose of the food on the plates, the familiar voice of the house steward pierced her ears.

“Rats in the storeroom?”

“Yes. Recently, there have been holes in the flour sacks. It’s so filthy, I was holding my breath trying to stay quiet, but then I heard the sound of rats squealing, you know?”

“Oh dear… We should have managed it better.”

“What should we do? There’s food in there for the employers to eat…”

“Well, now that I know, carry on with your work. As I’ve said time and again, the lady’s tasks always come first. I’ll assign this matter to the other maids.”

The maid pushing the cart, a serene smile on her lips, approached the two women who looked troubled.

Following the house steward’s orders, another maid had already turned her back and left.

“Good day, Mr. Steward. I didn’t mean to overhear, but there are rats in the storeroom?”

“Huh? Oh, it’s you, Mirei. I was just about to call you. Could you tell the other girls to come to the storeroom?”

“Do you really need to do that? Everyone’s busy, you know. I’ll take care of this myself.”

“You? By yourself?”

Mirei, noticing the steward’s wide-eyed reaction, parted her lips with a profound gaze.

“I happen to have some good rat poison.”

Her gentle touch caressed the lid of the plate.

The steward looked at Mirei with a twinkle in his eye.

“You’ve started quickly, Mirei.”

“As you can see, I’ve failed. Now it’s Selly’s turn, isn’t it?”

“Ah, Selly? Speaking of which, I heard the young master went out with her. I wonder if it will all be over as soon as it started today. That would be a shame.”

“Well, I wonder if it will be that easy…”

Mirei trailed off, lost in thought.

The young master’s face when he refused the veal steak was vivid in her mind.

His eyebrows lowered, the furrow in his brow – what did that expression mean?

If he knew all along that there was poison.

If that’s why he chose the soup that required a silver spoon, it was clear it wouldn’t be easy.

“This festival might last longer than I thought.”

“Really? We shall see.”

The steward chuckled and looked around. Joining his gaze, Mirei also spotted something amusing to watch.

Across the mansion, a maid practiced how to drop a flowerpot from the high windows to make it look like an accident, while a butler hurriedly packed glittering blades and wires into a box in front of the incoming supply cart.

Amidst the bustle of the mansion, a young butler approached, carrying a small box in his hand.

“Housekeeper, Miss Mirei. Hello?”

“Ha, what’s in that tiny box?”

“Oh, it contains a venomous spider. Don’t worry. It will be used just once and then promptly disposed of.”

The three of them smiled subtly.

A smile that was both innocent and laced with malice.

And they were not alone.

The thrill of hunting down a single prey kept the laughter going throughout the mansion.

The housekeeper clasped his hands together as if in prayer, his voice gentle as if telling a story to his grandson.

“Let’s give thanks to the lady of the house for hosting this festival.”