Party [2]

A young lady in a red dress and a boy next to her wearing a silver tuxedo, matching the colour of his hair.

No mistake. That's...

'Vikir Silvercrest, the protagonist of 'Engage Hundered times.''

In the game, the protagonist is, in short, the MC.

According to the official website of "Engage Hundered times," his attribute is 'No Attribute'... in other words, he is not attributed with any element.

The fact that he wasn't favoured with any element was one of the reasons why Vikir is looked down upon in this world. He doesn't possess the attribute that everyone should have, being considered as 'abandoned by the gods.'

However, in reality it was one hell of plot armour for the character. Precisely because he has no attribute, he can employ himself any element and use skills of all attributes.

Moreover, unlike others who usually have strengths and weaknesses between attributes like, fire attributes are weak against water attributes and strong against wood attributes, etc., there is no weakness to him, the person with no attributes.

'Just use the skills of elements which is advantageous against the opponent's attribute.'

In addition, besides weapon-based unique skills, he can use powerful skills or unique skills of heroines who are in a romantic relationship with him.

Of course, like other characters, there are only a maximum of eight skill slots, but you can swap them out anytime depending on the tactical situation.

Status? He's the protagonist, so there's no upper limit.

But, even though I usually receive disdainful looks from nobles when entering a venue, today, I didn't feel that as much.

'It's strange.'

I wonder if instead of me, they directed those contemptuous gazes at Vikir.

"Ely, what do you think?"

Serena, who also noticed Vikir, asked me with upturned eyes.

To be honest, in the first place I didn't even want to encounter Chris, let alone Vikir. Why do I have to come across not only Chris but also the protagonist?

Could it be that the usual light novel trope of 'compulsory conflict' is at play here, and they want to forcibly create a scenario where Vikir and I become enemies?

'I really don't want that.'

"Of course, I don't intend to engage with him."

"Understood."

When I told her dismissively, Serena nodded quietly. If she got involved with someone like 'the tainted prince,' it would undoubtely stain the reputation of the Ravenhurst family.

Of course, I feel sorry for Vikir's circumstances.

Born as the child between the king and his mistress, Vikir gained the right to succeed the throne without any say in the matter. Naturally, there are various thoughts from those around him.

Moreover, his real mother, is awful.

Taking advantage of the king's favor, she does whatever she wants even within the royal palace. If she had shown a little restraint, things wouldn't have been so complicated.

Above all, she is the one who begged King Evial and was responsible for giving Vikir the right to succeed the throne.

Well, ultimately, having that right to succeed the throne is what opens up the path to become a king and allows him to shine as the protagonist in "Engage Hundered times."

Certainly, it's separate matter.

However.

"Why is Vikir here?"

"Hmm? Your Highness?"

"No, it's nothing... Just something that caught my attention."

Serena peered at me with a curious expression. I gave a wry smile and lightly shook my head.

But, the fact remains. The reason he's here at today's party means that, he received an invitation from the Nethercrest family, the hosts.

Despite never having seen him at any party before, the Nethercrest family decided to invite him this time.

'I wonder why.'

While pondering this, Serena and I kept our distance from Vikir.

"His Royal Highness Chris, the entrance of Miss Frederica!"

The announcer's voice echoed in the venue as Frederica of the Nethercrest family entered. Escorting her was, of course, her fiancé, Prince Chris.

"Hmm..."

But Frederica, being one of the anti-heroines in "Engage Hundered times," looked beautiful. Her lustrous black hair, which seemed to shine purple in the chandelier's light, and her pale purple eyes resembling amethysts were really eye-catching features.

Though she's two years older than Serena, her well-developed body boasts a figure that surpasses Rena.

"Your Highness, do you prefer such women?"

"What!? N-no, that's not it!"

After glancing between Frederica and my fiancée's chest, I vehemently denied Serena's gaze fixed on me.

'Scary! She's really scary!'

"In the first place, I can confidently say I won't be swayed by any woman other than my fiancée, Rena! I'm absolutely certain about that!"

"Huh!?"

That's right. In my previous life, surrounded by numerous heroines, I fell for Serena, who only showed a single expression in her one still image.

'She shows me so many expressions now, and there's no time to spare my eye for other heroines.'

By the way, regarding Frederica, after being discovered of Nethercrest family's attempet of trying to obtain the throne through dark arts.

The family totally shifts the blame on Frederica. Then, she gets disowned by her father, the head of the Nethercrest family.

The protagonist, Vikir, intervenes and unveils the true nature of the Nethercrest family, leading to events that eventually unfold into a scenario. If you clear that scenario, not only you can become buddy-buddy with Chris but also one can enter into a romantic relationship with Frederica.

'But, why on earth is Frederica coming in this direction?'