"All done! So, what do you think of the room Mama prepared for you?"

A woman stood before me, her silver hair fading into purple gradients. Her silver eyes shimmered purple as she smiled brightly at me.

How did I even end up here? Well… ugh, it’s hard to explain! The point is—

...—★—...

📌 [What I Remember]

I was flooded with countless fragments of memories—too many to process at once.

When I woke up, I wasn't in my own bedroom.

Cold sweat drenched my body, my breathing ragged, my head pounding like I’d been hit by a train. I scrambled to find a mirror.

When I finally saw my reflection—

This body was different. Slimmer. Lighter.

Hair fell over my face, longer and softer, and my skin was unnaturally smooth.

And my hair… silver, fading into a purple gradient beneath the strands, streaked with black that caught the light.

The face staring back at me was young and fresh. About fifteen years old.

Far younger than I had been before.

Then I touched my cheek—

Crack!

Pain exploded in my head—the mirror shattered. Memories that didn’t belong to me came rushing in, violently mixing with my own.

Thankfully, the parents of this body, or rather my ‘New Parents’, quickly calmed me down.

To them, this reaction seemed… normal.

From those memories, I learned that my name now was Mireille.

The problem?

That was the exact nickname I used in almost every otome game I’d ever played.

Even worse, this body’s life story felt eerily similar to the prologues of my favorite games.

And now… because of my own actions, I’d ended up stuck in Mama’s room.

...—★—...

[Back to the Present]

“Umm… Mama, isn’t this room a little too big for me?”

I asked, a little nervous.

“Nope, it's actually smaller than your old one,"

Mama replied casually.

Someone who had been silently watching finally spoke. It was my

‘New Papa’, gently lifting Mama into his arms.

“So, you chose Mama’s room?” His expression was clearly disappointed.

Mama blinked in surprise, then puffed out her cheeks.

“Don’t doubt our child’s choice! You were the one who said she resembles me, remember? Bleh~” she teased, sticking out her tongue.

Papa let out a quiet sigh, then smiled helplessly.

“Alright, alright… you win this time.”

He glanced at me, his gaze gentle but still tinged with uncertainty.

“So, do you plan to attend school? It’s fine if you don’t, but if you do, that would be better.”

He said it casually, as if shattering mirrors and breaking down were just another part of daily life here.

He glanced at Mama before continuing, his tone lightly teasing.

“You could even follow in your mother’s footsteps. She practically lived in the academy library… mostly because she was too clever at exploiting academic loopholes.”

I turned to Mama with wide eyes.

“Huh?! So Mama used to cheat the school system?!”

Mama immediately choked on air.

“I-it wasn’t cheating! I just… thoroughly read all the books!”

Papa chuckled.

“See? Even our child is shocked.”

I could only stare at them—half impressed, half suspicious—while Mama hurriedly wriggled out of Papa’s arms.

“Don’t copy me, dear! Ehh, I-i me-mean, if you do, copy the smart parts!”

“Ah, yes, yes…” Papa replied with a faint smile.

“You’re really smart. So smart it just makes me want you even more.”

“Stop saying weird things!” Mama smacked his arm.

Papa laughed softly and lifted Mama again.

“Alright, alright. Let’s go, my dear. We should let our child rest.”

“No! Put me down!” Mama struggled.

“I hate that smile!”

“Good night, my child,” Papa said, waving as he gently closed the door.

“No! Help! Please!” Mama shouted just before the door shut completely.

I stood frozen, staring at the closed door.

Then—

“No—don’t bite there!”

I stared at the ceiling, my face burning.

“…Dear God. Is my new life really going to be like this?”

I just arrived in this world a few minutes ago, and I already have to deal with this scene…?

...—★—...

A few minutes passed, and eventually the room fell silent again.

Completely silent.

I stood still for a few seconds, making sure there were no more strange sounds from behind the door. Only after I was certain did I let out a long breath.

“…Was that real?” I muttered softly.

I walked to the bed and dropped onto it. Not because I wanted to sleep, but because my legs suddenly felt weak.

The bed was soft. Too soft.

I stared at the ceiling, a faint throb still lingering in my head.

“Calm down..” I whispered to myself.

“This is not the time to relax.”

I shifted slightly, trying to find a comfortable position, but my thoughts kept spinning.

But seriously… What happened to me?

The last thing I remembered was drinking and playing around with my friend, and then… that night…

None of this made sense.

Who sent me to this world?

If someone kidnapped me, the least they could do was explain why. Don’t just throw me into this world and then disappear.

Still, there was one thing I wanted to try.

“…System.”

The moment the word left my lips, a transparent screen appeared, floating near the ceiling.

Empty.

No message. No guidance. No explanation.

I let out a long sigh and pulled the blanket tightly around myself.

“…Fine. If I’m already in this body, I don’t have a choice. Even if I don’t know what kind of game this really is.”

I closed my eyes briefly, then smiled faintly.

“From now on, I’ll live life my way. I don’t care what anyone says. I’ll be myself, because now, I’m free.”

Then a sudden thought crossed my mind.

“…But does this system have an inventory?”

I looked up, hopeful.

“System! Open inventory!”

Ding!

A blue window edged with soft light appeared before me.

[Inventory]

Empty Slots: 190/999

─────────────────────

[Potions] x67 (S Quality)

[Herbs] x49 (S Quality)

[Transformation Staff] Rank S

[Dagger] Rank A

[Gold Coins] 2,000,000

And various items of Rank A and below.

─────────────────────

My eyes sparkled.

“Woah! Thank you, God! Whoever you are—thank you, seriously!” I clenched my fists.

“To my past self… I’m sorry for spending half our savings on top-ups. But now… I know it wasn’t in vain!”

A quiet voice echoed in my heart.

But… if I were given the chance, would I return to my original world?

I shook my head and smiled.

“No. I’m not interested. I want to stay here forever. I’ll enjoy this bright life until I grow old.”

“Even if my parents’ genders are… questionable, but every blessing comes with a flaw, right? I’ll love my new family.”

I raised a fist toward the ceiling.

“I’ll live my own life!”

“And I’ll protect this precious little family!”

I paused for a moment.

“But… am I really inside an otome game?”

“Or is this actually another genre that just looks like an otome…?”

I bit my lip.

“If this really is an otome world, then someone’s bound to fall in love with me… please don’t let it be a possessive yandere…"

I arched an eyebrow, daydreaming.

“And if possible, let him have pink hair and cry beautifully…”

Even if that was probably just wishful thinking.

And so, the night passed quickly.

...—★—...

At some point, I stopped counting the days.

Honestly… not much had changed. I was still busy adjusting to my new body, to the silver hair that always fell over my face. I ate three meals a day

(plus snacks that were always there, I don’t know why), slept in a spacious room with a soft bed, living a life with no pressure to work.

And with my new Mama and Papa… well, you could say they were a bit too affectionate for a pair of parents.

I laughed as I watched them.

My laughter sounded normal… somehow, it felt as if I were merely watching from the outside.

Of course, there was no advanced technology like in my original world.

No smartphones, no PC, no internet.

But at the very least, I could still gather information

—from the books in the library, and from my parents themselves.

(This house… even has its own library. Seriously. And its size is ridiculous for something called a “home library.”)

...—★—...

From there, I learned that I am currently on the Continent of Elysium,

and that the calendar marks the year as 1970 of the New Era.

That name appears frequently in the books I’ve read.

‘Elysium appears far too often to be a coincidence.’

‘…and Mama mentions it often as well.’

This continent was once on the brink of annihilation, overrun by monsters that destroyed settlements without mercy.

It took the heroes roughly ten years to reclaim it.

Ten years.

I paused my reading.

‘Ten years… I’m not even sure I’d survive ten days if I had lived in that era.’

Aside from that, this world has a talent-ranking system for each class.

For reference, someone with an intellectual stat above 50 is considered Rank E.

Every increase of ten points raises the rank by one tier.

The same rules apply to other classes as well.

While I was flipping through the pages, Papa’s calm voice came from across the room.

He was searching for a book.

“Back then, your Mama’s average talent was over seventy-eight points,” he said casually, as if it were nothing.

I immediately stopped reading.

“Wait… what? Over seventy eight?”

I stared at him with wide eyes.

“That means Mama’s average talent was almost Rank B?!”

“Well, that’s true. Your Mama was strong,”

Papa nodded calmly, a faint smile on his face.

“Though… her physical strength was still below Rank B.”

“No!!”

Mama cut in immediately. “That’s a lie! Don’t listen to Papa, dear! Your Papa is a liar!”

Papa chuckled softly.

“See? She always reacts like that when start talking about her own strengths.”

Mama fell silent for a moment.

“Who just said my physical strength was weak?!”

She narrowed her eyes and shot Papa a sharp glare.

Papa only laughed, and Mama immediately started punching his shoulder.

“Owh, hey—mercy, mercy,” he said, laughing as well.

I grinned.

“So indirectly… Mama’s physical ability is Rank B then?”

“E-eh? No!”

Mama panicked instantly. “Mama doesn’t have that!”

Papa glanced at her, his smile widening.

“Who says? Back then, your physical stat even sur—”

“Michael!”

The name flew like a blade.

Papa and I looked at each other-then burst out laughing together.

– – – – – — – –

Aside from reading, I also spent time observing the photos displayed along the walls of the house.

I stopped in front of one photo.

A young man with a neat smile, calm eyes, and a face that was undoubtedly popular.

For some reason, standing before someone like that made me feel like an ant next to an elephant.

Beside it was the portrait of a young woman.

Her gaze was sharp yet lively, with a faint smile as if she were challenging anyone who looked at her. Her hair flowed freely, far less orderly than the photo next to hers.

And that was exactly what made her stand out.

There was something about her that made me feel… slightly wary.

...——•°•——...

While I was still looking at the photos on the wall, I asked Mama.

“Mama, who are these people?” I asked curiously, even though that uneasy feeling lingered as I looked at them.

Mama followed the direction of my finger, then smiled softly.

“Oh, you might not remember, but those are your older siblings. This one is named Leren Von Artheus.”

Then she pointed to the photo beside it.

“And this is your older sister, Cerys Von Seraphion.”

After that, Mama began to talk about them

—from her own point of view.

She said my older brother was the diligent type, always trying to be a role model for the family. However, his demeanor could change quite drastically when he was around his younger siblings. At present, he was studying at the Aetherium Academy, training to become a knight.

Still, according to Mama, there was one thing about him that made him a little strange.

He had a personality very similar to Papa’s.

...—★—...

“What is Papa actually like?” I asked.

“Isn’t Papa usually cheerful?”

Mama replied in a calm tone

“You might not have noticed yet, but your Papa has two sides. One for when he’s in public, and another for when he’s with family.”

“Why is that?” I asked, growing more curious.

Mama smiled faintly, as if recalling something long past.

“Back when Papa was still an academy student, just like Mama, he was almost impossible to approach. His face was always cold, and he hardly ever smiled.”

“And then?” I pressed.

“He would only truly pay attention to someone if they surpassed his rank,” Mama replied.

“Just because of rank?” I narrowed my eyes suspiciously.

Mama chuckled softly.

“There was actually another reason… but his ego refused to admit it. In his mind, anyone capable of surpassing his rank had to be watched carefully.”

“So Mama once surpassed Papa’s rank?” I asked quickly.

“Eh—not like that!” Mama hurried to defend herself.

“The point is, your Papa’s ego back then was extremely high. Even the tallest mountain couldn’t compare.”

I fell silent for a moment, then muttered,

“That sounds troublesome…”

Mama nodded in agreement.

“And strangely enough, once someone manages to shatter his ego, Papa will stick to that person endlessly.”

“So… that’s why Papa sticks to Mama like that?” I asked.

Mama let out a small sigh, then smiled helplessly.

“I hate to admit it, but... That’s true.”

She paused for a moment, as if hesitating to continue.

“But… your brother is different.”

“Leren?” I asked.

“Yes,” Mama replied softly.

“Your brother always carries a small notebook.”

I frowned. “A notebook?”

Mama nodded.

“Even though what’s inside it… is your siblings’ embarrassing secrets.”

I froze on the spot.

“…Why does that sound dangerous?”

———

Meanwhile, elsewhere—

Papa suddenly felt a wave of heat crawl up the back of his neck, despite the temperature being minus four degrees.

He stopped and glanced around.

There was nothing. No strange presence. Even the flow of mana felt perfectly stable.

He let out a quiet breath.

“…Am I being talked about?”

The thought lingered longer than it should have.

Strange.

After a moment, he shook his head.

“…Maybe just my imagination.”

———

Mama gently brushed her fingers over the frame of my older sister’s photo.

After that, she began telling me about her.

Her story was very different.

According to Mama, my older sister was far freer and much harder to control. Instead of learning etiquette or playing like a normal girl, she often sneaked off to the library to learn new things

-or challenged boys to magic duels simply out of curiosity.

Mama chuckled softly as she remembered.

I didn’t laugh. Somehow, every story about my sister always ended at the same place.

‘Papa.’

“When you think about it,” Mama continued, “she’s actually similar to your Papa.”

I lifted my head.

“Similar… to Papa again?”

“Yes,”

Mama smiled faintly.

“Too free. Too cheerful. And just as difficult to manage.”

She paused.

“The difference is, she inherited that side of him from the very beginning.”

I imagined her for a moment–

someone who laughed lightly while doing things that clearly gave everyone else a headache.

“It sounds… difficult, taking care of my brother, my sister, and Papa all at once,” I said honestly.

Mama fell silent for a moment, then laughed quietly.

“Well… that’s how it is,” she finally said. “Sometimes it’s exhausting, sometimes it gives me a headache.”

Then she reached out and gently patted my head.

“But as long as you’re here,” she said quietly, her tone warm,

“Mama will be fine.”

.

.

.

I stayed silent.

The warmth felt real.

Too real for something that was never truly mine.

And yet, that was exactly why I couldn’t bring myself to speak.

If they ever found out I wasn’t Mireille…

would this warmth still exist?

.

.

I already knew the answer.

That was why I decided then—no matter what, I would never let anyone see the cracks.

Not Mama. Not Papa. Not anyone.

If this fragile peace was built on a lie, then I would be the one to protect it.

Even if that meant carrying the truth alone..

...——•°•——...

I allowed myself to believe that these peaceful days would last.

And only later did I realize—

that was where my mistake began.

One late afternoon, I sat alone in the library, a book lying open on my lap.

For some reason, that afternoon felt like the final page of a story I wasn't ready to close.

My eyes kept drifting toward the window more often than the text. Outside, the sky was calm. The sunlight slowly faded, leaving behind a pale orange glow that slipped through the glass. A gentle breeze stirred, making the thin curtain in the corner sway softly.

And for some reason—

my chest felt tight. As if something was about to happen.

Something that shouldn't.

Yet would happen anyway.

Suddenly—

Ding!

The sound was clear and crisp, not painful to the ears. It didn't come from outside. Nor did it echo inside my head.

Instinctively, I turned.

In the empty air, right beside the bookshelf, a transparent screen appeared out of nowhere. Floating silently, as if it had always been there.

I froze.

—

[System — Important Message!]

※ Episode 01 will begin

Main Quest: Go to Aetherium Magic Academy and register yourself

Time Remaining: 3 days

Description:

It's time to stop hiding behind the quiet comfort of your home and begin your own version of the story.

Reward: ???

––

I stared at the screen.

"Episode…?" I murmured.

"…What?"

Before I could even process it, another line of text appeared.

Additional Message:

If you attempt to run away, you will still be dragged into the flow of the story.

However, once this episode ends,

you will be free to choose your own path.

I stared at the screen for a long time. Too long—until the ticking clock on the wall sounded louder than usual.

I went silent.

"…Huh? What is this supposed to be!? At least explain where I even am."

Ding!

The screen trembled slightly, then new text appeared.

[System — Message]

Even if I told you, you would only try to run away.

The letters slowly faded, and the screen vanished as if it had never existed.

"Damn it."

"What am I supposed to do now?"

...——★——...

A few minutes later…

I looked back at the orange sky outside the window.

"Wait… the system didn't actually say I had to go to the academy, did it?"

I paused. Then an idea suddenly crossed my mind.

What if I just don't go?

If I run away, I'll get dragged in anyway.

So what's the point of trying, when I only have three days left?

For a moment, I almost smiled.

If it would drag me back no matter what… then this was just another cage.

DING!

––

[System — Message]

Hey.

I know what you're thinking.

Don't try it. Or I will punish you.

––

The screen shook harder than before. At the same time, a sharp pain pierced my cheek.

"Agh—!" I instinctively grabbed it.

"This… hurts."

A few seconds later, the screen disappeared again.

Silence returned to the room.

I let out a long breath, letting a few curses slip before closing my eyes and forcing my thoughts to calm down.

"Fine," I muttered.

I stared at the empty space in front of me.

"I'll go. But don't expect me to play along with your script."

To be honest, I didn't want to go back there.

Not because I was afraid.

But because I'd already been through it once.

I sighed.

"Argh… reliving those gloomy days again…"

The evening sky looked peaceful—an odd contrast to the thin, hollow smile on my face.

I stood up from the chair. If there was no other way, delaying things would only irritate me more.

Right then, I decided to find Papa and Mama—either to take care of the academy registration or atleast ask for their advice.

I knew I should be calmer. I'd survived things far worse than this.

But this body… reacted faster than my thoughts.

Still, as I walked, a strange question crossed my mind.

If this really is a story…

Then what role am I supposed to play?

The protagonist?

Or just the first victim?

But didn't the system say I'd be free after this?

What did that even mean? Why force me now if I'd be free later?

.

.

.

— ◼ —

This time, nothing felt light.

Not like it usually did.

The moment I told them I planned to enroll in the academy, I regretted it.

Not because they rejected me—

but because Mama's expression changed instantly.

She wasn't angry.

She wasn't disappointed.

It was a mix of worry and sadness—

like someone who had just lost a fragile peace they had carefully protected.

That was when I realized something.

I wasn't the one being hurt.

I was the one hurting her…

Mama fell silent for a moment, then spoke in a gentle voice that almost shook my resolve.

"You've only been awake for four weeks," she said softly.

"Isn't it too soon… to leave again?"

It didn't sound like a prohibition.

And because of that, it hurt even more.

Her hand rested lightly on my shoulder.

"Wouldn't it be better to rest a little longer… or stay with Mama for a while?"

My heart beat a little faster.

I knew she was right. And because she was right, I didn't answer immediately.

Not because I didn't know what to say—

but because somethings simply couldn't be answered with words.

I managed a stiff smile.

Honestly, the part about 'stay with Mama'

almost made me nod in spite of myself.

Not because I changed my mind—

but because part of me wished I could stay.

Thankfully, Papa stepped in before my emotions slipped any further. His voice was low, but firm—enough to pull me back to my original resolve.

"Calm down, dear…" he said gently.

"Our daughter has already made her choice."

Papa let out a short sigh before continuing.

"We can't force our child to stay."

His gaze softened as he looked at me.

"I understand how you feel… but now, she has her own determination"

Mama looked at him, her eyes starting to glisten.

"Chel… but he just woke up… I don't want—"

Papa gently cut her off and kissed her hand.

"Don't think about that.. Calm yourself… and trust our child's decision."

Mama fell silent, then let out a quiet breath.

"…Maybe you're right."

She slowly walked away.

Only then did I realize my breathing felt heavier—not because I was afraid of the academy, but because I knew that from that moment on, I had chosen to leave something comfortable behind.

Papa looked at me and gave a small smile, gently patting my head.

"Alright. Don't overthink it. I'll take care of the rest. If you're truly serious… we'll leave in two days."

With that, he followed Mama out.

——★——

Somehow… in the end, I was given permission.

Not because Mama had fully calmed down,

but because Papa never stopped talking.

His voice stayed low and gentle, constantly soothing—

as if he were negotiating with something fragile and ready to crack.

"Come on, dear…" he said softly.

"Don't make that gloomy face."

"You'll just make our child feel guilty for the rest of his life."

Mama stared at him.

For a long time.

Then she sighed—soft, but heavy.

"You really…" she said at last, resigned.

"Always know how to make me lose, don't you?"

Papa smiled sheepishly, like a child caught cheating.

"Hehe. Experience," he said lightly.

"Since you used to win all the time."

Mama finally looked at me and gave a weak smile.

"Alright," she said at last.

"I will support our child."

Papa smiled in satisfaction.

But when he saw Mama's faint smile, an idea suddenly crossed his mind.

He leaned in slightly, his tone turning playful.

"Hey, Cass… there's something I want to tell you."

Mama looked at him suspiciously.

"What is it?"

Papa whispered into her ear.

A moment later…

Mama's face turned bright red.

She tried to stay composed, but the embarrassment was obvious.

"What are you thinking?! Don't say things like that at a time like this!"

I could only stare at them in confusion.

Papa chuckled at Mama's reaction, then glanced at me.

"See? Just a few words, and your Mama's already back to nor—"

"You idiot!!"

Bugh!

Mama punched Papa in the chest.

He froze for a second… then collapsed flat onto the floor.

"This… is why this trick… is extremely risky, kid… don't… copy Papa, okay…" he muttered weakly, struggling to breathe.

"Shut up! Th-that's your own fault!"

Papa could only raise a hand weakly, wearing a crooked smile.

"Heh… at least your Mama's not gloomy anymore…"

Mama let out an annoyed sigh—then finally laughed softly as well.

Mama walked over to me, then slowly crouched down.

For a moment, she hesitated—her fingers curling slightly, as if choosing her words carefully.

"After your Papa talked things through with me…"

she said softly, her voice still a little shaky,

"I finally made up my mind."

She placed her hand over mine, warm and gentle.

"Mama will always support you," she continued, offering a small, sincere smile.

"And I'll let you choose your own path."

Her thumb brushed lightly against my knuckles.

"…Everyone has their own road to walk," she said quietly.

"Right?"

I fell silent for a moment, then smiled.

For some reason, hearing that made the weight on my chest slowly fade away.

Papa, still sprawled on the floor, added weakly,

"But if you ever need to try something… different, just go for it. Even if… the result… ends up like Papa here."

Mama shot him a sharp glare.

"Quiet."

"Hehe… sorry" Papa replied weakly, still smiling.

I couldn't help but let out a small laugh.

The warmth of the house returned, just like before.