Chirp, chirp, chirp.
I woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside the window.
Sitting up on the soft bed, I glanced around and found myself in a noble room decorated with red silk.
“Whew.”
A sigh filled with despair escaped my lips.
Banners with ornate designs and weapons hung on the walls.
Everything in this place was unfamiliar, unlike anything I’d seen in my previous world.
“Damn it.”
A deep voice resonated in the room.
I had hoped that perhaps, by falling asleep, I would wake up back in my original world.
But reality before me was cold and unyielding.
I had possessed someone.
And not just anyone—I ended up as the very character I despised while writing year-long comments on a heroine resurrection fanfic.
Ah, dear teacher… Do you know the fool who became trapped in the novel?
Yes, that fool is me.
“Life sure is unpredictable.”
Mumbling to myself, I stood and walked to the ornate mirror.
Reflected in the mirror was a decadent young man with jet-black hair.
His sculpted features and crimson eyes radiated ominous energy, exactly as described in the novel.
The Iron-Blooded Grand Duke.
One of only three Swordmasters in the Empire.
And the final boss who brings despair to the protagonist and his allies at the end of the story.
Behirit Develion.
Not only had I possessed a character, but I became the very being I loathed.
“Why did it have to be this guy…”
As my mood sank, the expression of the black-haired young man in the mirror grew darker.
If I had to pick the most distant character from peace in the original work, it would undoubtedly be Behirit.
Grand Duke Behirit Develion was a usurper eyeing the imperial throne.
In the novel, he stopped at nothing to achieve his goals, manipulating his loyal followers for his schemes.
Recalling the atrocities he committed left me feeling overwhelmed.
“Alright, let’s figure out a plan first.”
Since I couldn’t see a way back to my original world for now, I had to survive here.
Given the information I’d gathered so far, this seemed to be the beginning of the original story.
That meant the events of the plot were about to unfold.
I couldn’t just stay idle.
I didn’t want to face off against the heroines I cherished.
So, what should I do?
‘I’ll help the protagonist and the heroines.’
Behirit wasn’t the only villain in the story.
There were numerous threats both within and outside the Empire.
I planned to join forces with the protagonists to tackle them.
Luckily, this body possessed the strength hailed as the Empire’s greatest, so I’d surely be of help.
And, in the worst-case scenario, if I couldn’t return to my original world, I at least wanted to live peacefully with the heroines.
“Alright, let’s do this.”
With a goal in mind, my thoughts began to clear.
Just as I steeled my resolve, a knock came from the door.
Knock, knock.
“Who is it?”
“It’s the head butler. May I come in for a moment?”
“Enter.”
“Thank you, sir.”
The door opened with a soft creak, and an elderly man appeared.
Dressed neatly in a suit, his silver-streaked hair gave him an air of dignity.
It was Alfred, the head butler.
“What is it?”
“I came to inform you that breakfast time is approaching.”
Alfred, a courteous alarm clock for meal times.
Normally, this would be a maid’s task, but after I woke up in this room yesterday and caused some commotion, the maid who witnessed it had wet herself.
Alfred had taken over her duties since.
‘Tsk, how weak.’
Who would’ve thought she’d wet herself just because I muttered nonsense and slapped my cheek?
Silently apologizing for inadvertently damaging her dignity, I threw on a coat and headed toward the estate’s dining hall.
Tap, tap.
The sound of my footsteps echoed down the long corridor.
With my hands clasped behind my back, I admired the opulent surroundings.
Walls adorned with expensive weapons and floors of luxurious marble.
Given its vast size, the estate resembled more of a castle than a mansion.
‘Well, that’s to be expected.’
As the Empire’s Grand Duke and the final boss, Behirit led a massive faction.
An estate of this magnitude was only natural.
While I leisurely observed the interior, Alfred struck up a conversation.
“My lord, spring has arrived, and it’s time for sowing seeds. We plan to focus on potatoes this year. What are your thoughts?”
“Potatoes… So it’s the North, after all.”
“Indeed, sir. The potatoes of this region are famous.”
I see.
My familiarity with Behirit Develion’s territory—the Empire’s “Gangwon Province”—increased slightly.
“Very well. What’s the food situation among the vassals?”
“Due to last year’s northern tribe invasion attempt, our reserves have decreased, but the situation isn’t dire.”
“That’s a relief.”
“Yes. But if this year’s harvest is poor, it might become a bit troublesome.”
“Hmm.”
A quiet sigh escaped me.
The dark side of the duchy, which I had suddenly come to realize, was a reality I hadn’t noticed when only reading the novel.
‘Perhaps it’s time to bring it up?’
Maybe I should take this chance to suggest abandoning the plan for the throne altogether.
Clearing my throat, I softly spoke.
“Head butler, I’ve been thinking about something recently.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Listen carefully and try not to be too shocked.”
“Understood.”
“I’ve decided not to pursue the throne any longer.”
“…What!?”
Alfred froze in the hallway, his eyes wide with shock.
This man’s reactions were extraordinary.
Well, given that he wasn’t just any servant but the head butler who had dedicated decades to this mansion, he probably knew more about Behirit than anyone else.
It would be hard for him to accept such a sudden change, given Behirit’s past behavior.
However.
[The trait ‘Charisma’ is activated.]
[You are an absolute presence. With an overwhelming aura, you exert absolute control over those under your influence.]
The message echoed in my mind.
With this, things could be different.
“From now on, I believe focusing on the stability of our territory is more important. It’s a decision made for Develion, and I trust you’ll understand quickly.”
“…Of course.”
“I have sworn loyalty to you, my lord. Whatever decision you make, I will trust and follow it.”
Alfred bowed deeply.
The effect seemed to take hold as soon as the trait activated.
“Thank you for saying that.”
I lightly patted Alfred’s shoulder as he bowed.
I learned yesterday that I possessed several “traits” that could be activated.
Was it the author’s last shred of conscience that they gave me this power when placing me here?
It seemed I could use them with some convenience.
More than anything, having such abilities made me truly feel like Behirit.
Still, I needed to explain everything properly to Alfred later.
In the process of helping the protagonist and heroines in the future, the cooperation of the ducal household and its subordinates would be essential.
It wouldn’t be easy, but I had to keep initiating change.
With that resolve, I headed to the dining room.
***
After finishing breakfast, I entered my office and picked up a pen.
Though I had set general goals, I needed to recall the events of the original story and confirm key incidents.
As I sat at the large desk and reached for paper, I sensed someone beyond the door.
‘Is it her?’
A vivid image of dazzling silver hair and pale purple eyes flashed through my mind.
Putting down the pen, I spoke toward the door.
“Come in.”
“Yes.”
A cold yet beautiful voice devoid of emotion.
As the icy reply came, a woman opened the door and entered.
Silver hair that shimmered as it moved and mysterious light-purple eyes.
Even through her black leather outfit,
her ample chest and childbearing hips exuded an undeniable presence.
It was Lucy, Behirit’s aide.
“My lord, I’ve completed the inspection of the magical communication network with other territories and returned.”
“Good work.”
“Thank you.”
Lucy bowed her head calmly.
Her doll-like, expressionless face hadn’t changed since yesterday.
‘She really seems like she stepped out of the novel.’
With her stunning looks and tragic past, Lucy was a character who was quite popular despite being on Behirit’s side as an antagonist.
I liked her, too.
Personally, her emotionless setting stirred my protective instincts.
A woman who had lost her emotions.
Lucy had become this way due to growing up under an abusive father and a neglectful mother.
But one day, after her parents died in an accident, she had no one to rely on and ended up wandering the back alleys of the city.
She eventually caught the eye of Behirit while he was passing by and was brought to the Develion estate.
Perhaps because of her tragic backstory, many fans of the original work had hoped for Lucy to side with the protagonist.
But until her final moments in the climactic battle, she never betrayed Behirit.
“My lord, while inspecting the communication network,
I received a message from Count Gremory’s household. May I report it to you?”
“From Count Gremory’s household?”
“Yes.”
The Count Gremory household was under my influence.
As befitting the final boss, Behirit commanded a vast faction, with five subordinates who each held power capable of shaking the empire.
One of them, Count Gremory’s household, was situated near the academy.
‘If they’re contacting me at this time…’
A chill ran up my spine.
I desperately searched through my memories of the original story.
The thoughts that connected one after another finally led me to a conclusion.
“…The operation to kidnap Princess Justia.”
“That’s correct. Four days from now, before the academy’s entrance ceremony, they plan to attempt the kidnapping.”
Oh. My goodness.
Lucy spoke calmly about the plan to abduct a member of the royal family.
Listening to her words, I clutched my head.
There was no time to hesitate.
The operation had to be stopped immediately.
Because.
The one who ordered the kidnapping of Princess Justia, one of the original story’s heroines, was none other than me.