The Reincarnated Villainous Noble Still Won't Try His Best! - Chapter 1 : Unfamiliar Place

Chapter 1 : Unfamiliar Place

People don’t always harbor dreams and hopes. While not everyone sees the future as utterly bleak, there are those who hope for a mediocre life.

For instance, take an ordinary high school life. 

Having a few friends to hang out with is enough; there’s no need for special events like summer vacation or cultural festivals.

—It’s not surprising that there are people who still think that way.

If you look at the word ‘Ordinary’, it seems pitiful and gray, but on the other hand, it means there is nothing tragic about it.

Rather than exhausting oneself to pursue happiness, it’s better to choose a moderately easier path.

That was my belief.

◇◇◇◇◇◇

“So, how far did you get in the game? Have you conquered any heroines yet?”

It was evening. 

The light outside the classroom began to mix with orange hues.

As I absentmindedly pondered heading home, a friend seated across from me started a conversation. 

Now that I think about it, we have been talking about a game. I refocused my thoughts.

“The game I borrowed from you? I’ve been playing it. I’ve already cleared a few routes.”

“Really? It’s rare for you to play so seriously. What changed your mind? Laziness is your downfall, after all.”

“You’re saying quite a lot for someone who’s been my friend since middle school… Well, it’s just curiosity and because it’s easy.”

“Easy?”

My friend raised an eyebrow at my words.

“Romance in real life is a hassle, but a game where you follow a pre-written scenario is easy. It also makes you feel like you are in love.”

“Ah, I see… That’s a very Shun-like answer. In a way, you’ve arrived at the same conclusion as other gamers who love dating sims. The process may seem similar, but it’s entirely different.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Think about it. Most people who play dating sims, including myself, are really into the two-dimensional world and find real-life romance burdensome. But you’re different. Fundamentally different. You find romance itself to be a hassle, not because you’re scared of rejection or because you’re unappealing. See? The reason you and I play these games is completely different.”

What on earth is he talking about?

I didn’t really understand so I replied vaguely.

“Whatever. It doesn’t matter if I’m the same as you guys or not. Everyone has their own way of playing.”

“That’s true. Well, the reason behind your preferences doesn’t matter. What I want to know is, did you enjoy the game?”

He smiled as he asked.

He started the topic only to say it didn’t matter? I agree with the sentiment, so I didn’t bother pointing out the contradiction.

“…It was fun. It was a fresh experience since I don’t usually play that genre.”

“See? I knew it. Otherwise, the lazy you wouldn’t have bothered to finish any individual routes.”

This guy… Is he praising or mocking me?

Probably the latter. I’ll get back at him someday for sure.

“So, did you find a favorite character? Personally, I’d recommend the main heroine, Lilia Twilight.”

“Lilia Twilight…?”

Who was that again?

I searched my memory and quickly found the answer.

“…Ah, that blonde heroine.”

“Shun, you only remember her hair color? Did you really play the game?”

“Of course I did. I’m just not good at remembering faces. So, why do you like that heroine?”

“It’s not that I particularly like her. I just think she’d get along well with someone like you.”

Get along with me?

“I don’t understand. Explain in simple words.”

“Sorry, sorry. It’s not that complicated. Since she’s the type to take the lead, even someone as reserved as you could enjoy romance, right?”

“Take the lead, huh.”

That sounds like a hassle…

“You thought it was a hassle, didn’t you?”

Woah! He can be quite sharp sometimes…

“Seriously… It’s fine to project your ideals onto a fictional character. That’s the charm of dating sims. Even someone lazy and reserved like you can imagine, right? What a waste.”

“Shut up. I’m not interested in dragging or getting dragged by anyone. I’m going home.”

I’d had enough of dealing with him.

I packed my things and stood up.

“Yeah, yeah. Shun is as predictable as ever.”

With a sigh, my friend followed me, feigning weariness.

The hallway was bathed in orange light. Summer was approaching, with its noisy cicadas and oppressive heat… I felt my spirits sink at the thought.

However…

I never thought that I would end up getting killed by a distracted driver…

◇◇◇◇◇◇

“—sama.”

I heard a voice from somewhere.

“…rius-sama!”

It’s so loud. You don’t have to shout so loud for me to hear you.

“—Marius-sama!”

“…What?”

After being called repeatedly, I woke up.

In my blurred vision, I saw several women… Who are they?

“Marius-sama!? You’ve finally woken up!”

One of the women, gazing at my face, squealed and ran off.

I gently rubbed my eyes and sat up.

“Please don’t strain yourself, Marius-sama! It could be harmful.”

“…What are you talking about?”

What exactly happened to me? Judging by everyone’s reaction, it seemed serious… but I couldn’t remember anything.

The last thing I recall is walking home from school with my friend. As soon as we parted ways at the last corner and my house came into view…

—Ah, I remember now.

I was hit by a car. Probably some distracted jerk hit me while driving.

However, this place didn’t look like a hospital. I don’t think this is heaven either, right?

All the women around me were dressed as maids.

It might be heaven for some otaku. Fortunately, I’m not that into those kinks.

“Marius-sama, you’ve been bedridden with high fever for a few days. Please get some rest now.”

“Fever? Not broken bones or cardiac arrest?”

“Eh…? Yes, a terrible fever. You were delirious last night…”

Huh…?

What’s going on? I was hit by a car, but they say I had a fever?

I don’t see any connection in both incidents.

And, another thing… Who’s Marius?

I responded calmly, but my name is Shun Haiba. 

I don’t have a foreign-sounding name as I was born and raised in Japan.

…Wait a minute.

Could it be that this situation… is worse than I thought?

It took me a little longer to fully grasp the reality of the situation I was in.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

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TL : Zenon#4120