chapter 4

It's been four days since I took over this body. I currently am trying my best to blend with the given situation. There was no mention of Aldrich's personality in the game because he didn't get any screen time at all.

Heck, he doesn't even have his name mentioned in the game. The only thing is known was about the Sparta territory, to which Angeline was wedded.

I tried my best to communicate with the people and servants living in the mansion. I tried to act all polite when we converse so that I don't draw much suspicion. But it looks like my polite stance did the opposite of what I intended. There was this one maid girl, who completely freaked out and started wailing when I talked kindly to her. That was 2 days ago and it created an extremely awkward situation.

Well, going by the narrative of the game, Aldrich did do some heinous things to Angeline, that drove her to commit suicide. So it's a given that he had a horrible character.

Still, it's not like I can just go and act terribly with the servants of the mansion. Even if it creates suspicion among them. I was quite the good boy you know? There is no way I can just change myself instantly, and become somebody whom I am not.

Anyway, coming back to the main topic, I have accepted my current situation. I understand that I have to live as Aldrich from now on. In this context, I understood that I need strength. Yes, although it's an otome game with all these lovey-dovey events, it still has many RPG elements in it. This world has people with mind-blowing powers, and other super-strong villains and game bosses. While Angeline is also a villainess, she is just on the academy level. Her role is just to act as a trigger for getting the heroine and capture targets close. But she is nothing compared to the final bosses, which will appear at the end.

'Now that I think about it, as Angeline is already banished from the empire, the academy arc should be over, right? And as the crown prince is involved in her banishment, means that the heroine won over the crown prince. Hmmm…. So it will be starting soon huh? The second arc of the first game and also the first arc of the sequel game.'

Yup, the game has multiple sequels with the same world setting. And each sequel has its heroine and capture targets. And ultimately all of these are connected to a single grand ending.

And to survive in this world, I need my power. I had speculation from the beginning. And that speculation came true when I checked it.

Aldrich hasn't awakened any element of magic. Though he is a somewhat rundown noble, he is not talented at all.

But that won't work. I have to find some measures to increase my power.

"But first I need to get rid of this fat ass body of mine."

Resolving myself I started my day and night workout routine. As the roads outside are jammed with snow, I couldn't go outside to jog.

There was a training ground in the mansion, to train the family guards. But with years passing, the number of guards also decreased. Now there are only about fifty guards left. And in due time all of them became incompetent. No one could fault them though. This territory is a completely isolated place, plus the harsh climate here resulted in the decline of any tourists. So now the training grounds remain empty and neglected. So I took its maintenance upon myself, earning many bewildering gazes from the people of the mansion.

"Young lord, may I know what you are doing?" asked Joseph, with a weird look appearing on his face. He came here with two maids, who were standing at the back.

Ha...ha...ha… Huu… I breathed and put down the iron weights. Sweat covered my entire body.

"Ah! Joseph, It's you! I am just doing my morning training." I said it. While presenting a beaming smile to him.

-Tch*

Guess he didn't like my smile that much, as I heard him click his tongue.

"Young lord, are you sure you are okay? You are acting weird lately. Maybe I should call for a medic." he said the last part in a whisper.

'Man~ I know you guys will feel I am being weird. I mean who wouldn't think that it is strange? Their lord suddenly changed overnight. Treating them politely, doing exercise out of nowhere. Of Course, you will be suspicious.'

I pondered in my heart. 'And what's with this medic stuff dude? Seriously?'

"No, Joseph I am completely fine. I just wanted to change myself" looking into Joseph's eyes, I said with a serious look on my face. "Joseph, listen to me. I realized that I was being naive and acted unrulily. I know I treated you guys terribly. And for that, I am sincerely embarrassed and so I ask for your forgiveness." saying, I bowed my head slightly to them.

And as expected, Joseph and the other maids were shocked.

"Y-young lord..??." Joseph stared at me with his eyes wide open. His voice quivered.

I closed my eyes and started resisting all the lines I have been practicing for four days.

"Joseph, I know I am incompetent. I understand that because of how many problems you guys faced. Only if I was competent enough, the state of the barony wouldn't be like this. I understand all of this."

I took a deep breath before taking on the Demeure of a righteous man. I put one hand on my chest and closed my eyes, and continued. "Joseph, I promise that your previous incompetent lord will be no more, instead I will become someone who will return our estate to its former glory. I promise you, that I will surely make our family's name proud-"

And then, I felt somebody grabbing my hands.

Abruptly opening my eyes, I saw Joseph standing right in front of me. He held my hands together, clutching them tightly. His eyes were full of tears and snot flowing through his nose.

He suddenly bawled loudly, taking me by surprise.

"YO-YOUNGGG LORD!!"

'Eeekk!!!? W-what!? Di-did this old dude finally go insane???' I freaked out internally.

Just who screams like that in front of someone's face?

"Sniff* sniff* Y-young lord! I can't believe you are the one saying it! I never thought that I would get to hear this in my lifetime! Ohhh! merciful goddess Sia, thank you! Thank you for giving this old man the fortune to witness this. Sniff* sniff*"

"O-oh! Ah!" Now, this is getting awkward. Why the hell did he become so emotional all of a sudden?"

Sniff* sniff* I heard some sniffing sound from behind too. Turning my head around I saw the maids who came along with Joseph were also shedding tears, pressing a handkerchief in front of their mouths.

Then, I slowly freed my hands from Joseph's clutches and said "Joseph there is no need to cry you know?"

Hearing my words, he slowly stopped crying and wiped his tears, " Yes, Young lord. It is not the time to cry. IT'S THE TIME TO CELEBRATE."

"Come on girls, we'll prepare a feast for Young lord today!" said Joseph, addressing the two maids.

To which, they enthusiastically replied. "YES SIR!"

"ah wai-", I tried to voice my opinion, but they were gone even before I could say anything.

"Damn...so much for living huh?...." *hehe* I chuckled softly.

I had a feeling that if I can trigger their emotions, they will readily accept the changes in me. Looks like I was on point. So maybe now they won't be giving me those suspicious glances.

"Haaa~ well, all are good if they are convinced I guess?" A smile bloomed on my face.

"Alright! Let's continue the training then, shall we?" I said to myself, before walking to the iron weights.