Name: Josephine von Konrow
Stats:
- STR: EX(++)
- VIT: EX(++)
- MANA: EX(++)
- HOLY: ∞
Gender: Female
Traits:
- [God's Beloved]
- [Pinnacle of Humanity]
- [Magic Overlord]
- [???]
"What the hell is this? Why are my stats like that?" I muttered.
It must be because I ate the Philosopher's Stone.
I remembered the writings in the recipe — it said it granted strength and mana, but I didn't think it was meant to be consumed!
And on top of that, it seems my body couldn't handle it, which explains why I almost died after swallowing it by accident.
Another screen popped up:
[Xipe smiles at you.]
One of the things I had gained, aside from the status window, were these weird message boxes from what seemed to be gods.
[Hecatia wants to introduce herself.]
[Xipe tells you it hasn't even introduced itself yet.]
Why are they fighting? Is this how gods treat mortals? How did I even survive that ordeal?
[Surtr explains that it's because of their power.]
[Surtr tells you that the Philosopher's Stone you sacrificed was imbued with their authority, allowing you to overcome the rampaging magic inside you.]
[Xipe butts in and tells you that you essentially became their "avatar."]
Huh? But why me? Couldn't you have picked someone else?
[Hecatia tells you that it's because you're special.]
In what way, exactly?
[Loki tells you that they're not lying.]
[The other gods are visibly annoyed at Loki.]
Okay, fine. I remember my past life — but in the end, how does that change anything?
[Arte tells you that it's because you're a being that changes the flow of this world.]
A being that changes the flow?
[Tyr tells you that they can't tell you much because of circumstances.]
Fine. I'm not going to question it. You saved me, after all. I don't need a reason why.
[Xipe perks up like a proud parent. The other gods nod in agreement.]
While they did that, I poked around the status window — but it seemed to be the limit of what I could do for now.
[Xipe tells you that whatever you may do, the gods will pay it no mind.]
This is more of a headache than I expected.
I grabbed a hand mirror from my pocket and looked at myself. White hair. Golden eyes. The result of eating the Philosopher's Stone.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
If it weren't for the fact that I always carried an Appearance Changing Kit — a leftover from Josephine's old schemes — I would have been caught.
I just hope no one noticed.
I used it, and my appearance returned to its usual black hair and red eyes.
After dozing for a few hours, we finally arrived at the Konrow Duchy by nighttime. I paid the coachman to keep his mouth shut and had him sign a magic contract to ensure his silence.
As I approached the entrance to the spare mansion, Jane was standing out front, looking a little nervous.
She bowed when I reached her. "Good evening, Lady Josephine."
I was about to retort — but something felt off. The spare mansion, normally dark in the evening except for my room, was fully illuminated.
Unwanted guests.
"…I won't see them."
Jane kept smiling at me nervously, not saying a word.
"Fine. How tenacious," I muttered, and opened the door myself.
They dared to treat my Jane harshly?! Unforgivable. Whoever it is, I'm going to teach them a lesson.
As I strode toward the living room, I caught the face of the idiot who had barged into my home.
"Who the fuck are you?" I said loudly.
A man with blonde hair glanced in my direction.
Peter Edencrown.
"Well, well — if it isn't Mr. Nobody," I sneered.
"Could the Lady please not address me like that?" he said, irritated.
"Whose fault do you think it is, huh?"
"Look — I know I was wrong. That's why…" he muttered under his breath. "I apologize."
"Huh?! I can't hear you!"
"I said I apologize, Lady Josephine!" he snapped.
Tsk. At least he's earnest about it.
I took the chair opposite him. "That isn't the only reason you're here, is it?" I asked.
"Well…" He couldn't find the words.
"Why has the crown prince suddenly shown up in my home just to apologize?" I already had some idea, but I wanted to hear it from him.
"I want the Lady to teach me swordsmanship," he finally said.
Told ya so.
By tradition, to be officially declared the crown prince of the empire, he has to defeat the current monarch in combat. The problem is that the current king is a monster in battle. If Peter is nicknamed the "Bloody Prince," then Joseph Cromwell is called the "Reaper of the Battlefield" — and for very good reason.
"You cannot win against the current emperor," I said, leaning back comfortably and crossing my legs.
"I know. That is precisely why I must defeat him," Peter replied.
What an idiot.
"I want to prove that I am worthy," he continued.
"Because you lack support?" I saw him clench his fists. The other princes knew their father was somewhat unhinged, driven by godlike strength — there was no beating him head-on. So they'd built their factions, content to wait for him to die of natural causes.
That's why Peter's position was the weakest of all — he had no one behind him.
"I want to be strong for Adele," he said.
I let out a small laugh. In the end he does defeat his father — but only after weakening him by slaying the Shadow Dragon and getting buffed by Adele. Which gave me an idea for a very satisfying piece of revenge against the two of them.
"Fine. I'll teach you. One condition."
"What condition?"
"For the duration of the training, you cannot approach Adele."
"What?!"
Peter shot to his feet. I didn't flinch. "That is my condition. If you don't like it, get the hell out."
He bit his lip.
Besides — no one would back him given his reputation. This is the only option he has. Honestly, even coming here and begging me was a respectable move on his part. But I don't like him, so I'm going to chase him off using this. If he really loves Adele, he won't pick—
"I accept."
"Huh?" My expression twisted involuntarily.
What is this guy even thinking?
"As I have said — I am willing to do whatever it takes," Peter affirmed.
"What is he playing at?" I muttered, more to myself than anyone.
"I want to prove that I can protect Adele with my own strength. I'm sure she will understand."
This fucking blockhead.
[Eros laughs at your futile attempt. Love can surpass everything.]
Ugh! This is so frustrating! I yanked open a drawer, grabbed a self-geass scroll, scrawled out the terms of the contract, and shoved it at him.
"If you're serious, sign this. You know what it entails — break anything in the contract and you die."
He took the parchment. He hesitated. He signed.
"Crazy bastard."
The scroll ignited in the air, sealing the contract. I clicked my tongue.
"…Come back tomorrow morning."
He looked shaken by what he'd just done. Honestly — same.
Now that I think about it, why did I even let this bastard into my house? It must be Josephine's unconscious will bleeding through. That's the only explanation. Because the moment I saw him in the garden, I could feel her reaction to him. Josephine must have had a real weakness for ikemen types.
Doesn't apply to me, though.
Handsome men can drop dead for all I care. I have my reasons. A shudder ran through my shoulders — vivid memories of my past life surfacing uninvited.
After a while, he stood and quietly walked out the door. I hoped he wouldn't come back. Yep. Really hoped.
He came back. Tsk. Persistent bastard.
[Tyr tells you that he has the heart of a warrior.]
So what? He literally threw me in jail in the original!
It was morning — cold, the sun barely up — and Jane was still asleep. Peter stood outside without his usual imperial clothes. Just a simple shirt and pants. The kind a commoner would wear.
"It suits you."
"You—"
Before he could get another word out, I tossed a wooden sword at him.
"No talking. Only training."
I already knew this was a mistake.
I have to make him strong. Quickly.