I’m Trapped in a Bloody Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 36

While waiting, I felt an itch to make potions. If only I had the ingredients, I would’ve done it already.

I couldn’t wait to finish the herb chamber’s request and start the event to capture Dion. These thoughts kept me wide awake despite my body’s exhaustion. My eyes felt like they could close any second, but instead of resting, I wanted to work. I suppose having a goal really does keep you going.

Once again, I reminded myself of the importance of goals. Although mine—capturing target characters and forming physical relationships—was steeped in lust, a goal was still a goal.

Reflecting on the clarity of my goals, I glanced at Dion. It would be nice if reality had such clear metrics and objectives. Then I might not have been betrayed by someone I trusted.

The memory of my ex-boyfriend suddenly surfaced, making me frown. Dion extended his hand to me. Surely, this character wouldn’t betray me after I successfully capture him.

When I didn’t take his hand and simply stared at it, he snapped his fingers and spoke, “It’s time to go.”

I wondered if I would struggle to adapt after leaving the game. It’s been over a month here, and I’ve seen the faces of Ardal, Orias, and Dion so much that I’m practically sick of them.

Dion urged me, breaking my train of thought.

“Saintess.”

“Yes, I’ll get up.”

Perhaps seeing my ex’s face would finally rid me of any lingering attachment. He was nothing but a handsome face, and even that charm had faded.

As I rose while holding Dion’s hand, I stumbled, and he supported me by placing my arm over his.

“Isn’t this a bit too close? It might look suspicious…”

“It’s less suspicious than leaving a stumbling saintess unattended.”

Dion’s curt reply silenced my objection as he led me out of the lounge.

Unlike earlier, music now filled the hall. Violins, violas, and cellos played with details indistinguishable from real instruments. The room was packed with people, so Gillian’s absence was barely noticeable.

“The main character has arrived.”

The Second Prince approached, stepping in for Lucius, who remained seated. He smiled broadly, seemingly pleased that Lucius showed no intention of taking the lead. It appeared the Second Prince planned to give the toast in Lucius’s stead.

As he drew closer, attendants moved through the crowd, handing out glasses of drinks. When one was offered to me, I nodded in thanks.

“Thank you.”

The Second Prince cleared his throat once everyone held a glass and began to speak.

“Though formal parties may not suit the Saintess, it’s hard not to celebrate this welcome banquet as the beginning of a blessing upon the Empire. Saintess, we hope you’ll dedicate yourself to conveying the Holy Kingdom’s will.”

He spoke smoothly, and I responded with a smile, raising my glass. Seeing my reaction, the Second Prince smiled and lifted his own glass.

After a short toast, the Second Prince drained his drink in one gulp and turned to me.

“You don’t look well. Is your accommodation uncomfortable?”

His tone shifted to polite formality, contrasting with the toast. The subtle way he asked made it clear he hoped I’d express dissatisfaction.

Was it because he had been present when Lucius ordered the change in my accommodations?

“If you find it inconvenient, I could prepare a place for you in my palace. Just say the word.”

“I’m fine, thank you.”

“You don’t have to decline. There’s plenty of room, and if you settle near my palace…”

The Second Prince smirked suggestively, unwilling to take no for an answer. His persistence made me curl my lips. He was so dedicated to playing the villain role that it was almost amusing.

Interpreting my twisted smile however he wished, he took a step closer and whispered, “I’m sure you’ll like it. There’s something I can show you…”

“Saintess!”

A clear voice interrupted the second prince. Dietrich, who hadn’t shown his face until now, finally appeared.

Pushing through the surrounding crowd, Dietrich approached me directly. He casually waved at Dion, who was standing close to me, and began speaking with ease. I almost fell for his friendly smile without realizing it.

“It’s been a while. I’ve missed you, Saintess.”

“It’s been a while.”

“But your outfit…. The budget for the welcome banquet attire should have been allocated. Why are you wearing sacred robes?”

Crossing his arms, Dietrich scanned me from head to toe with a puzzled expression.

Smiling, I answered his curious question, “Something important came up. I didn’t have time to get new clothes made.”

“Something more important than the welcome banquet? I wish it had been something I could help with.”

Dietrich spoke as though genuinely disappointed. It was hard to believe his affection level was in the negatives. When I didn’t respond immediately, he added playfully.

“If you promise not to bite, I’ll help with anything.”

“Excuse me?”

Promise not to bite? What could he mean?

Could this be a hint related to his route?

No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t grasp his intent. Perhaps I’d understand once I uncovered more clues later.

I casually agreed without thinking much. Dietrich let out a brief snicker, studying my face, before resuming his lively chatter.

“Wasn’t Lucius supposed to give today’s toast?”

Ah, I’d almost forgotten about the Second Prince.

Dietrich’s strong presence had made me completely overlook the fact that I’d been talking to the Second Prince. I finally gathered my wits and turned back to him.

Smiling faintly at Dietrich’s lighthearted tone, the Second Prince replied, “My brother didn’t take the initiative, so I stepped in. You know my brother’s personality well, Grand Duke. He detests standing out.”

“It’s fortunate that someone here enjoys being in the spotlight, isn’t that right, Dion?”

Dietrich’s mocking words drew Dion into the conversation. Given that both Dietrich and Dion were on Lucius’ side, I assumed Dion would naturally take Dietrich’s side in the discussion, but instead, he sighed and tugged at my arm.

“Let’s move elsewhere.”

“But we’re in the middle of a conversation…”

“Saintess, are you planning to ignore all those people waiting to speak with you?”

Glancing disdainfully at Dietrich, Dion addressed me with a tone suggesting he was tired of these skirmishes. This clearly wasn’t the first time he’d dealt with such exchanges. Without waiting for further protest, Dion guided me away from Dietrich and the Second Prince.

“Is this really okay?”

“Yes. They’ll sort themselves out.”

When I glanced back, Dietrich and the Second Prince were now talking with exaggerated smiles, their lips moving but undoubtedly not sharing friendly words.

“Um, Saintess…”

“Yes?”

“Hello…”

As Dion clicked his tongue at the two men, a soft voice called out to me. A young girl, who couldn’t have been older than ten, stood before me. She wore a charming lily-of-the-valley dress and greeted me shyly.

Cute.

Her endearing appearance took my breath away. She didn’t look like a disposable character. When I gasped in surprise, she flinched, her large green eyes welling up with tears. I crouched down to meet her eye level.

“Hello there.”

She looked like she might cry if I startled her any further. Not an extra, but what kind of character could she be? As I smiled warmly, the girl blinked her green eyes and blushed.

“M-my name is Dahlia.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Dahlia. Thank you for coming to say hello.”

“Y-yes! I… I…”

Clutching the hem of her dress tightly, Dahlia lowered her gaze, stammering.

“Do you have something you want to tell me?”

“S-Saintess, you have a special ability, right?”

“Huh?”

“With that ability, could you… my sister…”

“Dahlia!”

A sharp voice interrupted Dahlia’s timid words. A woman who resembled her stormed over, her expression angry.

“S-Sister Tricia…”

Dahlia looked at the woman, her face pale with fear.

Wait a second. Isn’t this a character from Dietrich’s route?

I recognized her face immediately, having encountered her several times in a previous playthrough. Tricia was someone who had harassed me whenever I got closer to Dietrich.

So, she has a younger sister.

As Tricia glared at us, Dahlia’s face twisted in fear. She scurried to Tricia’s side, only for Tricia to smack her lightly on the head and turn away, dragging her along. Dahlia glanced back at me with tearful eyes, but Tricia held her firmly by the head.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“No,” Dion replied firmly, straightening up as he helped me to my feet.

<Warning! Stamina is low.>

Already? It hasn’t even been thirty minutes.

I hadn’t even caught a glimpse of Adrian, one of the capture characters. So far, I’d encountered Lucius, Dietrich, and Tricia and Dahlia, who weren’t capture targets. Including Gillian, that made five people.

Since Lucius had spoken to me and slightly increased his affection, it wasn’t a total waste of time. Perhaps Dahlia’s words could also provide clues to exploit Tricia’s weakness, aiding in capturing Dietrich.

Leaning against Dion’s arm, I reflected on the gains from the welcome banquet.

“Saintess, you don’t look well…”

Dion frowned as he noticed me leaning entirely on him.

<You will enter a fainting state in 30 seconds.>

Beyond the people approaching me, I caught sight of Lucius still seated. He seemed uninterested as he watched Dietrich and the Second Prince from a distance. Then, as if sensing my gaze, he slowly turned his head toward me.

<15 seconds remaining.>

• Moving to a safe area is recommended.

Lucius’s eyes met mine just as the system window appeared. My vision flickered white as my breath quickened.

“Hold on properly. It would be best if you went back to the lounge to rest before returning.”

Dion spoke to me, but his words barely registered.

I can’t breathe.

This game was too realistic. Struggling to breathe, I gasped for air, but my oxygen-starved brain throbbed painfully. As my mind grew foggy and the room spun around me, the countdown finally hit zero.

<0>

• You will remain in a fainting state until stamina is restored.

In the last burst of white light in my vision, I saw Lucius rise from his seat.