I’m Trapped in a Bloody Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 21

“I’ll head down first to prepare for the procession rehearsal.”

“Alright, see you later.”

Ardal, who had helped me get ready, bid farewell and left the room. Once the rehearsal, led by Ardal, was over, it would be time for me to leave.

Rising from my chair after preparing since early morning, I glanced around the waiting room. With nothing to entertain me and Ardal gone, there was little to do.

“Maybe I’ll go for a walk?”

Since there was plenty of time, I decided a short stroll in the garden might be refreshing. Without hesitation, I stepped out of the waiting room.

The bright blue sky was cloudless, as if it might spill forth pure azure waters, with not a single cloud in sight. A gentle breeze blew, making it the perfect weather for the coronation.

Smiling at the crisp, dust-free air, I walked leisurely along the garden paths.

“How is this virtual reality?”

I murmured as I reached out to touch the vibrant green leaves. Despite technological advances, I had never imagined a game could deliver such sensory detail. If I didn’t remember logging into the game, I might have believed this was reality.

The device I used wasn’t even a bulky helmet from the early days of virtual reality. Instead, it consisted of a few electrodes placed on my forehead and temples.

These electrodes stimulated brainwaves to create the virtual experience. The development team behind The Saintess Is a Spy! was the only one to use this method, a technique other games hadn’t yet adopted.

I marveled once again at the game’s realism. Despite using an unprecedented method, it reported none of the side effects other games had experienced.

“So, I’m probably fine too.”

Choosing optimism, I reasoned that my real body must still be sleeping soundly, and I continued walking.

Soon, a small fountain came into view. Sitting near the fountain, where cool water bubbled gently, I glanced around to ensure no one was watching.

“No one’s here, right?”

Removing my shoes and setting them aside, I cautiously dipped my toes into the water.

“Ah, that’s cold.”

Splashing lightly with my feet, which were free of calluses, I listened to the rustling leaves and the sound of water falling into the fountain. The tranquil ambiance made me close my eyes in contentment.

Ah, this is so nice.

Being in the game for extended periods allowed me to discover hidden features like this. During the earlier six-hour session limits, I had been too busy focusing on character captures to explore leisurely…

If I’d known about this spot earlier, I would have visited sooner. This is better than spending a fortune on a real-life vacation.

I exhaled wistfully and leaned back.

“Oh?”

“What are you doing here?”

When I tilted my head back, an incongruous figure appeared in the peaceful setting. Dion stood there, frowning deeply at me.

Seeing the hem of my dress pulled up to my thighs, Dion bit his lip and turned away abruptly.

“Enough greetings. Fix your attire.”

My dress was slightly damp from the fountain water, so I hesitated to lower it immediately. Instead, I asked Dion, “Sir Dion, do you have a handkerchief?”

“I do.”

“May I borrow it?”

Letting out a sigh, Dion tossed a handkerchief in my direction without even looking. It landed perfectly on my knee.

Whoa, how did he do that?

“Wow. How did you manage that?”

Amazed by his flawless aim, I asked, only for him to respond in an annoyed tone.

“Why are you fussing over that? Fix your clothes already.”

What a grump. Still, he’s my type, so I’ll let it slide this time.

Watching Dion’s back, so different from Ardal’s courteous demeanor, I pouted my lips. After hastily drying my thighs and putting my shoes back on, I saw Dion turn around to face me.

“Why are you wandering here alone right before the coronation?”

“I had some time to spare, so I went for a walk.”

“How carefree. Aren’t you nervous?”

“With His Holiness and Ardal handling everything, there’s no need for me to worry.”

While folding the damp handkerchief, I stood up. It was evident that Dion was debating whether he should escort me.

As I approached him, the system window appeared with a welcome message.

<Dion’s affection has slightly increased.>

Smiling at the notification, I said, “I’ll return your handkerchief later…”

“No need. Just give it here.”

Before I could finish, Dion snatched the handkerchief from my hand.

<Dion’s affection has slightly increased.>

• Dion’s affection level is no longer in the negative.
• Dion is now available for capture.

Unlike Dion’s brusque demeanor, the system window showed positive progress.

The handkerchief he had practically ripped away from me was clenched tightly in his hand, the veins on his knuckles visible. Noticing his muscular wrist exposed beneath his sleeve, I licked my lips nervously.

Dion’s character design was on par with Ardal’s.

Although I wanted to raise his affection further, it was difficult to make significant progress with Imperial characters before moving to the Empire. I should be grateful just to get out of the negatives.

“I’ll head back to prepare for the coronation.”

“…I’ll escort you.”

“There’s no danger in the temple. I appreciate the thought, Sir Dion.”

Better not push my luck and risk a mistake.

I responded to Dion with a smile.

“Take your time enjoying the garden before the coronation.”

“I’ll do that.”

Dion replied curtly, his expression unchanged as he watched me walk away. The sharp sensation of his gaze lingered on my back as I moved.

As my creaking limbs carried me away, the system window popped up again.

<Dion’s affection has slightly increased.>

Unexpectedly gaining favor during my brief walk, I returned to the waiting room in high spirits. The room wasn’t empty.

Spotting the familiar golden hair, I called out with a smile.

“Orias!”

“You’ve arrived just in time. Let’s head out; the ceremony is about to begin.”

Standing where I had been earlier, the Pope extended his hand to me with a gentle smile. Taking his hand, I exited the waiting room with him.

***

Approaching the Holy Grail, I glanced at the faces of Ardal, the Grand Duke, and Dion, who were all watching me from below. The Pope, standing next to the Holy Grail placed on a white cloth, handed it to me. The holy water shimmered as though sprinkled with gold dust, its beauty surreal.

The Saintess Coronation was a critical event in the game, and it was clear the developers had poured their hearts into creating this moment.

As the Holy Grail left the Pope’s hands and passed into mine, a brilliant light of holy power radiated. Sneaking a glance at the Pope, I saw him flash a mischievous smile.

It seemed he had enhanced the moment by releasing holy power to make the scene more dramatic.

What a showoff.

Smiling faintly, I raised the Holy Grail to my lips and tilted it slightly. As the cool liquid touched my lips, a warning appeared in the system window.

<Poisoned Holy Grail>

• The holy water has been laced with poison.
• Lethal poison. (50% chance of death)
• Antidote must be taken within 6 hours for the poison to be neutralized.
• Failure to neutralize the poison will result in death.

Wait… what?

Startled by the sudden warning, I froze, the Holy Grail still tilted. Lowering my gaze slightly, I scanned the faces around me. The Pope’s expression was obscured, but Ardal was watching me with a concerned furrow of his dark brows. As I shifted my eyes further, I saw the composed Grand Duke and Dion.

Who did it? Who poisoned the holy water?

The only person with a clear motive to harm me was the Grand Duke, a guest from the Empire. Though a capture target, his lack of affection toward me made him a plausible suspect.

But why now, when nothing had happened in the previous playthrough?

Was it because I destroyed the event where we met?

While I hesitated, murmurs rose among the spectators below.

“What’s happening?”

“Is she drinking it?”

“It doesn’t seem like it.”

<If you do not drink the holy water, the Saintess Coronation will be halted.>

• Halting the coronation will trigger the event ‘The Suspicious Saintess.’
• Triggering ‘The Suspicious Saintess’ results in restricted actions.
• The Pope (Orias)’s trust level will plummet, and all Pope-related events will be permanently disrupted.
• Probability of entering a Dead Ending increases by 80%.

80%?

Are they telling me to just die?

And if I drink it?

<If you drink the holy water, the Saintess Coronation will proceed.>

• Drinking the poisoned holy water triggers the event ‘The Threatened Saintess.’
• The effects of the poison will impose restrictions on your actions.
• Knight of the Empire (Dion)’s affection will significantly increase.
• Grand Duke (Dietrich)’s affection will significantly increase.

Ha…

So, if I don’t want to die, I have to drink it.

The odds of survival seemed better if I drank the poison. Unable to even sigh with the Holy Grail at my lips, I cursed the developers for creating such a malicious event.

Damn event, why on earth did they make this kind of event?

The conditions for this event were unclear, and surviving the poison was purely a matter of luck.

As I scanned the room, my eyes met the Grand Duke’s. He smirked slyly, his eyes narrowing.

Was it you?

Suspicion flared as I glared at the Grand Duke. It was a reasonable assumption—if he couldn’t seduce me, perhaps he thought killing me was the next best option.

Still, I had no choice but to drink the poisoned Holy Grail.

After blinking slowly at Ardal and Orias to signal my resolve, I closed my eyes and downed the holy water.

The cool liquid flowed down my throat.

<The holy water bestows a mysterious ability.>

• Mysterious Ability: Potion Crafting acquired.
• The holy water invigorates the body.
• The holy water significantly increases survival probability.
• The holy water slightly enhances poison immunity.

So they didn’t actually want me dead.

Drinking the holy water seemed to activate some protective effects.

<Danger! You have ingested an unknown lethal poison.>

• Bodily functions are reduced to minimal levels.
• Stamina has reached critical levels.
• Without consuming an antidote within 6 hours, death is inevitable.

From afar, I heard Ardal’s voice.

“Lady Haniel…?”

Before I could process the next system message, the Holy Grail slipped from my weakened grasp and clattered to the floor.

As the Holy Grail rolled noisily across the ground, I collapsed beside it.

I could only hope Ardal and Orias would find the antidote and save me before it was too late.