1-Second Invincible Player in the Game

5. The Immortal for a Second (4)

As soon as I submerged myself in the bath, a sigh escaped me.

The scene from that time was as vivid as if it were reflected on the water’s surface, and Selly’s words before being pushed off the cliff were crystal clear in my ears.

“It was all commissioned by the lady of the house. I just thought it was a good opportunity and joined in. Thanks to that, I even got paid, so it worked out well, didn’t it?”

It seems the stepmother has put a bounty on my head.

I’d like to report her to the guards, but I don’t have any backing…

Even if I did, someone with the power of the lady of the Tenest family could easily dismiss the facts.

“It’s not just the lady. Everyone in the mansion wishes for the young master’s death.”

What bothers me the most is the matured hatred towards Hersel that’s spread throughout the mansion.

Monetary motives and karma.

It was only natural that there were more than one or two who wished for my death.

Reminded of that fact, chills ran down my skin.

“……”

Without realizing it, my gaze drifted to the bathroom door. I scanned the surroundings, wondering if there was some danger I hadn’t detected.

There will probably be more assassination attempts like this in the future.

“Twice just today…”

I didn’t even have time to think about the game scenario for the survival of the world.

First, I need to deal with the imminent death that’s close at hand. All I have are the pathetic traits of ‘One Second Invincibility’ and ‘Noble Blood’s Last Embers,’ but I have to make the best use of them.

“The first thing I need to do is…”

As soon as day breaks, I must accuse Selly of her misdeeds to the lady of the house.

I want to resolve it immediately, but the night is deep.

The middle of the night in the mansion was so quiet that the sound of crickets was loud.

I’d prefer to disguise it as an accident, but at this time, there are few people awake, so if I show myself, they might try to quietly take care of me in the dead of night.

In fact, those guards tried to take my life earlier.

Moreover, not punishing me themselves and entering the tiger’s den is a kind of warning.

A warning that I know the identity of the one who’s after my life.

Even if adding the will doesn’t have much effect, it will prevent them from acting openly.

Maybe it will even buy me some more time.

“……”

Maybe it’s because I have a lot on my mind, or maybe it’s the hot steam from the bath, but my head feels tight. I finished my bath and left for my quarters.

After a rough towel dry, I relished the pleasant chill when suddenly, a bottle of liquor on the table caught my eye. It seemed to be the very drink the servant had mentioned preparing earlier.

Dew formed by condensation rolled down the bottle, just like in the commercials I’d seen on TV.

One glass should be fine, right?

Especially after a day that felt like actual hell.

* * *

Early morning.

Selly set out to pay a visit to the lady of the house.

Her complexion wasn’t great, tinged with unease. Was it something she saw in her half-awake state, or did she really glimpse Hursel, covered in dirt, flashing his eyes through the window?

Suspicious, she immediately checked the window upon rising and, indeed, there were deeply etched fingerprints.

“That wretched creature. Be it a ghost or whatever, let it come if it dares.”

I’ll douse it with holy water if I must.

Shaking off the unease, Selly arrived at the mansion where the lady resided. The house steward personally opened the door for her.

“Seeing you here, the rumors must be true.”

“Has word spread already?”

“In a place filled with gossipy maids, what else would you expect?”

…I only hinted to one or two.

Who could have blabbed?

“But tell me, Selly.”

“Yes, Mr. Steward.”

“Is it really certain?”

“Of course-?!”

The steward’s words brought back a sudden memory. The apparition she thought she saw in her sleep.

“Yes, it’s certain. The cliff there is so high.”

“Ho ho. If Selly says so, then it must be. What was I worried about? Old age brings worries as it does wrinkles.”

Selly brushed aside her discomfort. As she was ascending the lobby stairs with the steward’s guidance, a man blocked her path.

A young face, just past adolescence, with sharp eyes.

It was Erusel, the third son of the Tenest family.

“Good day, Lord Erusel.”

Despite Selly’s greeting, there was no response. Erusel simply tilted his head, looking at the steward.

“Is it this wench? The one spreading nonsense around?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

As the answer ended, a stinging sound was heard.

Slap-

After the sound faded, blood trickled down from the corner of Selly’s mouth.

It was Eruzel’s palm that had struck Selly’s cheek. Selly blinked her round eyes once and looked at the house steward. The steward’s face was only calm. Feeling the ominous atmosphere, Selly quickly bowed her head.

“Er, Lord Eruzel. I’m sorry, but why are you doing this…?”

“Don’t even think about making excuses. I heard quite clearly that you’ve been going around saying your brother fell and died.”

Was it a problem that she had spoken lightly? Or was she being reprimanded for not reporting immediately?

What was certain was that the only way to survive was to prostrate and tell the truth.

“Yes, yes. That’s correct. Lord Hursel definitely fell from the cliff…”

“Are you saying the dead man drank? I heard it clearly from the head servant. He even emptied several bottles of that strong liquor yesterday.”

Hursel is alive?

Something was wrong.

Selly trembled with confusion.

“I don’t know what you were thinking, spreading such nonsense. It’s a lie that’s bound to be exposed.”

“No, Lord Eruzel! Lord Hursel fell from the cliff! I was just following the lady’s orders!”

“…Orders?”

Oh no. Selly realized she had misspoken. The festival hosted by the lady was a public fact but also an implicit secret.

Eruzel’s murderous intent grew even thicker.

“You will be summarily executed. The charge is deception and insult to the nobility.”

Shing-

Eruzel’s eyes gleamed as he drew the sword from his waist.

Selly thought as she saw Eruzel raising the sword.

There’s no way Hursel could be alive. He came back in good health and emptied the liquor as usual?

As death approached every moment, Selly trembled violently. It was then that Eruzel was about to strike with his sword.

Bang──!

A loud noise came from behind. Selly reflexively turned her head without realizing it.

Click-clack- Click-clack-

The person who opened the door was flushed red, and even from a distance, the smell of alcohol wafted. Still not sober, he staggered towards this side.

As he approached, her legs gave out, and eventually, Selly collapsed to the floor.

An unwelcome presence dared to step into this place.

“What do you think you’re doing to my servant, Eruzel?”

A deep voice echoed through the hall.

It was Hersel.

* * *

“Ah… my head.”

I clutched my throbbing head as I rose from the bed. The floor was littered with bottles of alcohol.

I had forgotten Hersel’s notorious alcoholism. My vision spun the moment I took a sip.

Never again will I drink.

It wasn’t too late, so I straightened my clothes and headed to the lady’s mansion.

But what did I find upon arrival?

There was Selly, one cheek flushed red, blood trickling from her mouth.

And standing before her, sword in hand, was undoubtedly the third son from the portrait, Eruzel ben Tenest.

It was not a pleasant situation. I had intended to report them before Selly and the lady could devise a plan.

But what about these people? No manners at all, always quick to draw their swords at the slightest provocation.

I asked to assess the situation first.

“What do you think you’re doing to my servant, Eruzel?”

“Hersel…”

“What are you trying to do?” I demanded.

“It’s a summary execution. Your damned servant girl dared to deceive and insult a noble, so she must die.”

But why is he speaking informally…?

He’s of lower rank than me and yet has no sense of decorum.

“You’re quite terse.”

As I pointed it out, a spasm crossed Eruzel’s face. It was more fear than disgust.

He seemed slightly intimidated…

Well, if there’s ever a time for atmosphere, it’s now.

I walked towards Eruzel, igniting the ‘noble embers of blood’ within me.

Click-clack, click-clack—

As the sound of my footsteps approached and the distance closed, Eruzel began to sweat profusely and stepped back.

That reaction… He’s definitely afraid of me.

Do I have a trauma from childhood? Well, it’s unlikely that this notorious scoundrel would have left a good punching bag like a half-sibling alone.

Now, if we fought, I’d probably lose, but it seems I was thoroughly beaten up from an early age as part of my ‘early education.’

“But, deception, did you say? What kind of deception are you talking about?”

“That, well, it’s like. No, you blurted out that you were dead-“

What are you saying?

Choose either informal or formal speech…

Anyway, I’ve roughly grasped the situation. The assassination failed, so they’re trying to cut their losses.

Selly is a discarded pawn thrown by the opponent. I can’t forgive them for targeting my life, but at this moment, she’s the only one who could be my ally.

Should I use her?

I looked at Selly, blinking in confusion, and then gave Erusel a sly smile.

Deliberately, like a boss’s smile full of schemes.

“I ordered it.”

“What?”

“Are you deaf? I told you to do it. Spread the rumor that I’m dead.”

A look of panic spread across Erusel’s face.

“…Why would you do such a thing?”

“Why? Weren’t you pleased? I heard many would be happy to hear of my death.”

He flinched. He must be uncomfortable knowing about the assassination attempts by my stepmother.

I narrowed my eyes and, with a feigned nonchalance, flashed a grin at Erusel, whose eyes were trembling.

“Judging by your expression, you don’t seem too pleased. But then, which brother would be happy to hear of his sibling’s death? Right?”

I approached Erusel. The sword got closer, but I didn’t care. If necessary, I have a second of invincibility.

I patted the stiff shoulder of Erusel, concluding the situation.

“Please forgive the childish spite of a brother who loves to play pranks. Erusel.”

It’s wrapped up as a joke, so he won’t say more.

The servant was just following orders.

The fault is all mine.

If they want to blame someone, let them. But can they really punish someone of higher rank than themselves?

“Tch…”

Erusel completely lowered the sword he was holding. Whether it was out of fear, or because of the uncharacteristic language, I don’t know.

I left Erusel, who had become mute as if he had eaten honey, and turned to look at Selly.

“Let’s stop here. Selly.”

“Ah… Yes! Master Hershel.”

Startled, Selly’s eyes widened as she abruptly stood up. She seemed to catch on quickly, moving in accordance with my intentions.

Click-clack, click-clack.

Leaving Eruhsel behind and exiting the mansion, Selly asked,

“…What are you going to do with me?”

“Shouldn’t you start with an apology or gratitude?”

An apology for pushing me off the cliff.

Gratitude for saving me from Eruhsel.

I didn’t elaborate, but Selly seemed to understand.

“I’m thankful for what just happened, but the apology should come from you, young master…”

Selly’s eyes were filled with resentment as she turned back to me. It seemed she no longer intended to hide it.

Such a definitive grudge. How can one lack the flexibility to be even-tempered?

I sighed deeply and said,

“There’s something I need to tell you first.”

I stopped walking and turned to face Selly.

“The grudge you hold… about your mother’s incident, it’s tragic, but I feel neither guilt nor remorse for it.”

Selly looked at me with a sneer, as if to say, ‘I thought as much.’

Just listen to me till the end.

“It wasn’t my doing.”

Now, Selly’s expression turned to confusion. I decided to drive the point home.

“I am not Hershel.”