Saffron Awakened!

When I returned to the sci-fi-like castle, my father directly ordered me to show myself in the audience chamber. 'Is he planning something??'

Guided by the soldiers, I made my way to the audience chamber, only to realize the plot my old geezer had in his mind. 'He reeks of happiness!'

Although my best friend, Lysa, was the one to design the father character of Ryker, I am well aware of his characteristics. The face he currently makes doesn't seem good at all.

"Rein. In recognition of your recent achievements, I am granting you a portion of the royal domain and the title of Duke."

In the throne room, where all the key persons have filled their seats, I was surprised to hear this immediately after my report.

'So, this is it, huh.'

Becoming a Duke means I can no longer stay in the royal family. This means being removed as a candidate for ruler by my father. This probably means Saffron did something to catch his attention.

Well, that's fine, but why?

After all I've done...I am still being removed from the position of the next ruler.

Sigh, I should have expected this from the start.

Furthermore, this decision came too quickly. It seems like it was predetermined for when I returned. He really had planned it out regardless of my contribution, huh.

"What's wrong, Rein? Are you dissatisfied?"

"...No, I humbly accept."

"I see. Then, the reward ceremony for all the soldiers and contributors will be held at a later date. Be ready for that day."

"Yes."

Whew, I don't know if he is effectively planning to kick me out just after the reward day.

I dunno.

"..."

"Big brother! You have returned!"

When I returned to my room after a long time, my sister was there.

As I caught her presence, I widened my eyes.

'Wait, she's wearing men's clothes? That's a...training suit!'

And she even has the plasma gun at her waist—the same gun carried by my father before.

"My brother, I'm relieved that you've returned safely."

"Oh, yeah..."

"I thought I might never see you again."

"Wouldn't you have been glad then, haha-!"

"Brother!! Hump, don't even kid like this!" Her little fist smacks me as Saffron grits her teeth. However, something seemed off.

Her tone and demeanor were off.

It's unsettling. She used to be such a sweet, innocent girl, but now she's like a knight or something straight out of a game, like the real Saffron Yukline.

"Um, Saffron? What's with this new get-up? You got tired of those cutesy dresses and stuff?"

"I realized that I sent my brother into danger because of my own weakness. That's why I've decided to become strong like our father—huh, sorry! I mean, like General Lorenzo!"

"I see... You're doing your best, huh..."

"And listen, my brother! I've discovered during my training that I have a talent for Vanguardship and the ability to wield vast amounts of ME (Molecular Energy)!"

Everything falls into place, and the source of my unease becomes clear.

My cousin sister has awakened. And Father, recognizing her talent, planned to nominate Laurel as a candidate for ruler.

That's why he wanted to get rid of me, another candidate for ruler, by giving me the title of Duke. Perhaps he didn't publish or he could even have intentionally concealed the fact of my prowess from the public.

'No, he would not have hidden the story; rather, he may have changed their opinion like it's nothing big.'

After all, he is one of the greatest manipulative minds in the 'Stardom Academy.'

"Brother, so how was space?"

As Saffron asks this, I break into a cold sweat—not because of her question, but rather because a realization dawns upon me.

If Saffron awakens and becomes a candidate for ruler, it means we're following the same path as the game.

...Is this the power of the universe? Nah, that's too cringe for the plot! My story won't probably end like that...right? Right? Haha...But I really can't fathom a good ending for Ryker right now.

Decapitation. Live bait. Pickled in potion.

"Hey, brother?"

"Hum, what is it?"

"Is something bothering you?"

"No, all is fine."

It's really not.

"I want a kiss."

Haa...this lewd redhead. You...really aren't bothered by your brother's life, huh?

Well, even if I feel depressed...maybe kissing this lewd redhead will help me too.

"Let's do it."

"Yay! Mwah~~"

As I watch my melting cousin sister, I resolve.

Let's live! I will at least live longer than this lewd redhead!!

YES!!