I stood still, quietly analyzing my surroundings while trying to calm the storm of absurd thoughts swirling through my head.
(Although… it might actually be a viable option. If I manage to win her favor, maybe I could influence the Count's decisions.)
But then I groaned and covered my face with a hand.
(No, no, no! What the hell am I even thinking? I'm a damn child now! This is wrong in every possible way.)
I tried to shut the idea down entirely, but deep down… I knew the rules of this world were different from mine. Morality here wasn't the same.
(Still, my ideals and my sense of right and wrong are part of who I am. I can't stoop that low… right?)
I shook my head and tried to focus on something more rational.
(Wait... I can just ask her.)
—"Quincy, calculate the probability of success in a social interaction with Count Valentine's wife."
The answer from my assistant appeared instantly on the glowing screen in front of me.
[Estimating probability of success...]
A second later, the screen lit up with the result.
[Success rate: 54%]
I frowned, then blurted out the obvious:
—"So... if I raise my Charm, the chance goes up, right?"
Quincy caught the comment and responded automatically.
[Based on the subject's preferences… Charm must reach 150 to increase success probability.]
I grinned with confidence.
—"Good. Problem solved. Quincy, make the adjustment."
[Adjusting...]
A second later, the screen flashed again.
[Adjustment complete.]
I exhaled in satisfaction—but something still felt off. My body was tense... maybe from the charm boost? I'd figure it out later.
—"Hmm... your answer was fine, but I really don't like how you talk, Quincy..."
I didn't know why, but every time Quincy responded, her monotone tone made it feel like I was talking to a soulless robot—not an elite assistant.
—"If I want something more interactive... I'll have to upgrade her personality."
And since I wasn't a fan of her responses...
—I guess I'll just have to boost her intelligence and give her a voice.
[Basic Skill "Systematic Transcendental Omniscience" — Active]
A light tingling spread across my scalp.Sometimes this skill activated unintentionally, but so far, I hadn't experienced any side effects.
—"Alright, let's begin."
[Processing...]
My eyes lit up.
[Adjusting parameters...]
I smiled in satisfaction as I watched Quincy's upgrade unfold.
—"More interactive, with greater analytical capacity... that's the goal."
[Processing changes...]
—"Smarter, and with a familiar voice... I'll feel much more comfortable."
[Update complete.]
When it finished, I asked her:
—"So, Quincy, how do you feel now?"
And that's when I finally heard her new voice:
[Thank you, Host. I feel quite well.]
I was stunned. For the first time, Quincy wasn't just a glowing pink text box—she had an actual voice.
And her voice… it wasn't just sweet and clear.It carried a strange balance—calm, direct, a little cold… but somehow warm too.Like intelligence and tenderness rolled into one.
—"Perfect. I'm satisfied, Quin."
[I'm glad to hear that, Host.]
I was about to keep talking with her, when her tone suddenly shifted.
[Host, I detect a presence approaching.]
My body tensed instantly.
(Shit. Who—?)
Before I could assess the situation, a familiar voice cut through the air.
—"Son, who were you talking to?"
My whole body froze.
My mother stood just a few meters away, arms crossed, eyeing me with suspicion and curiosity.
(Wha—WHAT!?)
My brain went into panic mode.
(Don't panic. Don't panic! Just—think! Come up with something, damn it!)
I scrambled for composure.
—"Sami, answer me. Lord Henry doesn't like it when we're late," Elisa added, her tone firm.
—"Ah, w-well... I was just..."
I scrambled for an excuse. Anything.
—"Praying! Yeah, I was praying to the goddess who healed me!"
Elisa blinked in surprise.
—"She… communicates with you, Sam?"
—"Ah... you could say that," I replied with a forced smile.(This lie will carry me until the day I'm free.)
My mother smiled with relief.
—"That's wonderful. Let's go, then. Our masters are waiting. I'll lead the way, dear."
—"O-of course, Mother."
I sighed mentally. Crisis averted… for now.
—"Alright, Sam. Let's go."
As we walked toward the mansion again, a thought crossed my mind.
(Now that I think about it... I've never checked my mother's status window.)
There was something off about her. Something… unsettled. Why did she always seem slightly disturbed?
Without hesitation, I activated the skill to view her status.
[NPC STATUS WINDOW]
Name: Elisa RaymondRace: HumanAge: 32Titles: NoneLevel: 32Vitality: 3584 / 3584Mana: 6400 / 6400Unique Trait: Maternal InstinctJob: Slave (Sexual) / MaidClass: None
Strength: 15Agility: 14Speed: 12Vision: 19Endurance: 12Intelligence: 30Wisdom: 34Adaptability: 12Luck: 11Charm: 160
▼ View More
Skills: High-Class Service (EEE+)Condition: MarriedAffection: 90Sexual Desire: 08Stress: 60Status: Disturbed, Sexually Harassed
My body stiffened.
(...What?)
I read and reread the information, praying it was some kind of error.
(Are they trying to sleep with my mother!? What the hell is that "Sexual" label under 'Slave' supposed to mean!?)
My mind ignited with fury in an instant.
(WHO THE HELL is trying to get with my mother?!)
My heart pounded with quiet rage—and for a moment, I forgot this was just a game.
(Calm down… calm down… remember, she's not really your mother… she's an NPC… She's not real... SHE'S NOT REAL.)
But screw that.
I couldn't help feeling furious.
I had to find out who was behind this.
I took a deep breath and pushed down the anger as we walked.
We re-entered the mansion.
(Time to find out what the hell's really going on here.)