It Seems Like I Got Transmigated Into An Eroge

Waiting patiently, I felt my arms and legs applying more pressure to the icicles gradually as Lily’s presence drew nearer. From what I recall in the game, Fenrir could conjure an ice shield when an incoming attack approached, protecting Lily from any harm. My brother used to call it the ‘Ice Barrier Passive.’ I could use this opportunity to distract her and then make my escape.

“If you don’t speak, I’ll freeze you to death,” she warned.

Hearing her voice, I forcefully shattered the icicles ensnaring me. I quickly surveyed my surroundings, locking my gaze onto Lily. Without hesitation, I kicked off the hard surface behind me, using my left leg for leverage as I charged at Lily. The swift kick propelled me forward, and I spun clockwise to gather momentum, aiming a back-heel kick from my right foot. However, a small block of ice materialized at that spot.

“I knew it,” I muttered to myself.

Glancing down, I noticed the ice melting beneath me. Taking advantage, I dropped to the ground and lunged forward. Although the lingering ice impeded my movement, I managed to narrow the distance between us. Lily stared at me with confusion as my left foot pivoted forward. With my left arm tucked against my chest and my right fist ready at my side, I unleashed a direct punch toward Lily’s solar plexus, intending to incapacitate her. Yet, as expected, a block of ice materialized, intercepting my blow.

“What the?!” Lily exclaimed, clearly surprised.

Undeterred by the ice barrier, I continued my relentless assault. The sound of my fist striking the ice echoed, and despite my strength, I couldn’t break through. I persisted, alternating between kicks and punches, exploiting any openings in her defenses. The sporadic ice barriers did little to halt my onslaught. Fortunately, the magic-infused mask provided by the Master adhered to my face, securing my advantage.

“Damn it—!” Lily groaned.

Caught in a dilemma between offense and defense due to her focus on her Fenrir guardian, Lily struggled to mount an effective counterattack. Her attempts at striking me with her fists were effortlessly dodged. She appeared panicked and inexperienced in hand-to-hand combat. My conjecture seemed accurate—luck favored me due to my proficiency in close-quarters combat.

Had she harnessed her spirit’s potential for combat, rather than relying solely on it, my situation would have been dire. I refrained from grappling her to avoid the risk of freezing upon contact.

“You’re not getting away,” I declared coldly.

“Tsk—!”

Lily found herself cornered as I closed in whenever she attempted to retreat. Her expression conveyed her struggle as she grappled with the situation. Throughout, I gauged the rhythm of ice materialization, adjusting my attacks accordingly. The intervals between barriers varied, but my determination remained unwavering. Finally, I seized the opportunity to end it with a single punch, executing my plan.

Sorry, but I’m not letting you kill me here—I won’t let you.

Following a left hook that sent Lily back a few feet, I took a decisive step forward. Concentrating quintessence into my right arm, I channeled the energy into a powerful punch. Swiftly, I kicked the ground to transfer my upper body’s weight into the blow. My fist connected with Lily’s solar plexus before the ice barrier could form, propelling her backward.

“Ack—!”

Thank god, please let me escape after this one.

Relief surged through me. After that punch, Lily hurtled through the air, colliding with a stone pillar in the garden before crashing into a metal rail. Time was of the essence; I fled the scene, making a beeline for the banquet hall and seeking refuge behind Master Irene. I had just defeated the kingdom’s princess, and the potential repercussions weighed heavily on me—death penalty being the worst outcome.

As I averted my gaze, I caught a glimpse of figures on the balcony. My attention was drawn to them, and what I saw filled me with dread. Master Irene stood there, waving with a proud smile beside Clara, her trademark emotionless demeanor intact. Close by were King Welton, his expression stern, and the two brothers—my face drained of color.

Punishment came swiftly, denying me the chance to relish my victory. Couldn’t I at least bask in my triumph for a moment? Dammit!

The balcony housed not only them but also the assembled guests, who had likely witnessed the entire duel. In that instant, I comprehended the gravity of my predicament—more witnesses. No turning back now.

Amidst my regret, Master Irene called my name. “Claude, come here!”

“Haah…” I sighed in defeat. My reckoning had arrived.

With a defeated countenance, I approached the balcony.

“Why the gloomy face? Hahaha…” Master Irene patted my shoulder.

“Aren’t I in trouble?”

“Why would you be? We’ve been watching, taking bets on the winner. Thanks to you, I won. Buwahahaha…”

“What?! Why didn’t you intervene? I could’ve died!”

“Come on, no need to exaggerate. I knew you could handle it. I trust you, and you emerged victorious.”

“Pure luck.”

“Luck plays a part in everything.”

“Sigh… So, what’s the aftermath? I think… I knocked out the princess…”

“Hahaha, don’t worry, no hard feelings, right, Welton?”

The king approached, conceding with an air of defeat. “Indeed. As much as I love my daughter, a bet’s a bet. Besides, I hold no grudges; this was a personal clash. Alright then! Let the banquet continue. Please, everyone, head inside!”

Guests stared at me with disbelief and bewilderment. Some wore expressions of fear, particularly the trio from before, whose gazes were daggers. I locked eyes with them as I retreated. Master Irene, Clara, the king, and I remained on the balcony. As the guests filed inside, I noted the disdainful looks from the two brothers and the infuriated gaze of King Welton. My face paled even further.

Heaven was swift to dispense my penance. Couldn’t I savor my victory first? Dammit!

The balcony’s other occupants included Master Irene, Clara, the king, and myself. The others were already indoors, leaving me to face the music.

“If I may ask, what about the person Princess Lily just defeated?”

“Oh, the man? No worries. They were about to assault her, so it’s fine,” Master Irene replied.

“You were watching from the start?”

“Absolutely. When you left earlier, Clara and I followed to see where you were headed. Others followed us, and… I didn’t expect you’d…”

Oh, please, no.

“…want to fight the princess that badly.”

“Huh?”

“What? Isn’t that the truth?”

“Uh, yeah! I-I wanted to test my limits against a formidable opponent…”

“Ah! So you knew she was strong. That’s my boy.”

Not really—Sorry for lying, Master! Despite everything, they seem to be acting normally toward the murder of someone, as if it’s a normal occurrence to them. Aren’t the guests here all important people? That means the person who she just killed must be a noble of some sort, but they treated it like air. I don’t get the logical reasoning in their heads, honestly. Regardless of their high status, there must be some consequence or some conflict that comes along with it, right? I don’t get it, but if I’m not in trouble, then I’m fine with it.

A realization struck: the garden had been quite close. I could have easily accessed it via the balcony. How foolish I’d been, wandering around aimlessly. I failed to notice the convenient exit right before me—how utterly idiotic.

“So, what’s the deal with this kid of yours, Irene?” the king inquired as his daughter received medical attention from elven healers in the garden below, having been knocked unconscious.

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t play innocent, Irene. No mana means no way he could defeat my daughter, blessed by the gods with immense mana and chosen by the mighty Fenrir. Where did you find him?”

“I met him while jogging around the neighborhood.”

“You expect me to believe that excuse?”

“It’s the truth. Ask him yourself. Besides, he’s exceptional. Remember the manaless companion?”

“Seriously?”

“Yes.”

“I see. If that’s the reason, then I don’t have questions about him. You found quite a treasure right there—So kiddo, have you bonded with your guardian spirit yet?” The king’s gaze was on me.

“I haven’t yet… But I’ll form a bond next month.”

The king’s eyes widened. “Really?! No kidding! Hahahaha…” He burst into laughter.

“He’s special, isn’t he?” Master Irene smiled proudly.

“Yeah, yeah… You’re learning her swordsmanship, right? If so, don’t be afraid to ask if you want a sword. And, treat it as a friendly exchange between us, plus I bet my daughter would love to have a friend like you. She doesn’t have any female friends since she always secludes herself inside.”

“I’m a guy though.”

“Huh? Excuse me?”

This pattern again…

“I’m a guy.”

“O-oooh…? Really? Oh, I apologize for it. Then let’s just treat it as a friendly exchange between us without my daughter in the line. Hahahaha…” The king of elves immediately retracted his statement, nervously laughing—What an overprotective father.

“Thank you.”

“No problem, then I shall go to visit my lovely daughter. See you guys around.” He then waved before leaving us.

After he left, I asked Master Irene a question. “Master, what’s the bet all about?”

“Oh, you’re interested? Whoever wins, the basic stuff because I bet one of my sacred weapons while everyone else bet their Lyrium magic stones and money on the princess. One of the easiest bets I ever did. Hahahahaha…”

“Lyrium stones? What’s that?”

“It’s one of the rarest magic stones to mine, as its existence is way underneath the world. They’re precious stones that can even power the entire city for a month, that’s how special that thing is. I got like 4 of them just from the bet. That’s why I’m lucky to have you.” Master Irene then embraced me tightly.

I don’t know if I wanted to be angry, depressed, or be proud. Firstly, I got used as a tool on a bet where my life is at stake earlier. Or how they treated it as entertainment. I’m so tired today, both mentally and physically. Let’s forget what happened today and treat it as if nothing happened. And lastly, I need to start thinking about my current state and about this world—This is not a laughing matter anymore.