ITIWAFRBIAHS Chapter 6

2. Romance Fantasy Experience Log?

I'm sitting across from my fiancé in the drawing room, but my mind isn't here in this drawing room—it's in a room of time and consciousness. In that room, I'm digging up the plots from all the romance fantasy novels I've read until now.

Now, let's think. The representative styles of recent romance fantasy novels.

Option 1.
A protagonist with bad memories suddenly receives doting from strong, handsome family members and heals in a healing story. Usually starts from childhood after regression.

This doesn't match my age, there's only one family member doting on me, and I'm being poisoned, so pass.

Option 2.
A protagonist who's been neglected or betrayed by people around them or ex-lovers undergoes a spiritual transformation and serves refreshing revenge, making those who stabbed them in the back regret and grovel.

I don't even have memories, so I don't know if I was backstabbed in the first place. This is also a pass.

Option 3.
A protagonist who regresses or possesses someone one day wins over the people around them and male lead candidates who originally had bad relationships with them, showing how the supporting characters' attitudes change and the protagonist's reputation gradually rises—a conquest story.

If I had to choose, it would be this type. A somewhat modified line from this category, you could say. A half-brother I don't get along with, a stepmother with trauma, a maid trying to poison me, and a fiancé who's handsome but whom I only see once a month so we're distant. It feels like the stage has been perfectly set for conquest.

But the problem is, I have no intention of conquering anyone...!

I just want to live a wealthy, YOLO life spending money without a care. What I mean is, as long as my reputation doesn't fall to a level that would be a nuisance to the original body's owner, that's fine.

But seeing how I experienced a poisoning attempt today, I'm thinking maybe something big will happen if I don't do some conquering. It feels like I need to raise the people around me's affection levels and build relationships for the story to progress normally.

Haha, well, I guess I have no choice. Time to show off the skills I've built up as a hardcore fan of K-genre literature. I'll conquer the main and supporting characters one by one, see all the classic events, resolve all conspiracies and conflicts, make this house bloom with laughter, and make this body beloved!!

...Of course, if it doesn't work out, I'm fully prepared to grab some gold and make a midnight escape.

"Rose, is there something troubling you?"

You're up first, face-genius fiancé.

"Ah, I'm sorry."

My fiancé seems worried about me being silent since earlier. Now, this is where the route splits! Should I talk about the poisoning attempt or not?

Hmm, this issue might be dangerous for my life regardless of affection levels, so let me speak without holding back.

"Actually, the teaspoon you gave me changed color."

"That can't be!"

"It really did. Look here..."

I pulled out the teaspoon I had put in my pocket. The bottom part of the teaspoon was still black. My fiancé took the teaspoon I handed him with a serious attitude and asked in a lowered voice.

"Where did it change color?"

"I was drinking tea, and when I accidentally dropped some leftover medicine, the color changed. I think when the tea and medicine meet, it becomes poison."

"How thorough."

My fiancé rested his chin on his hand and stared at the teaspoon expressionlessly. Then he asked in a quiet voice.

"If you'll excuse my asking, who do you think would benefit most if something happened to Miss Rose?"

"Hmm..."

Obviously, it's my half-brother who's involved in inheritance issues! And suspect number one, Sunset, seems to like him! The circumstantial evidence is very strong!

...is what I want to say, but since I don't have memories, I might be missing other suspects. And if I'm wrong, I can't handle the consequences, so let me test my fiancé's thoughts here instead.

"I don't really know that. Since my memory isn't perfect, everything is uncertain. What do you think, Sir Moore?"

"My thoughts, you mean."

My fiancé seemed to think very carefully, lowering his eyes and falling into contemplation. Wow, it's like looking at a pictorial cut. Is it okay to look this beautiful while discussing poisoning?

"First, we can't overlook the fact that Madam Sawyer has no inheritance rights from Sir Aubert, Rose's father."

"...Yes?"

Without any warning, a story emerged that my stepmother couldn't inherit from this body's deceased biological father. It feels like the conversation just jumped about three levels—am I mistaken?!

Fortunately, my fiancé's answer didn't end there. Additional explanations followed in a steady stream.

"Since your father passed away before the wedding, they never officially became husband and wife, so their surnames remain different."

...So 'Sawyer' was my stepmother's surname, not her given name. Then it's true. This body has the surname Aubert, but my stepmother has a different surname! Good heavens, wasn't the remarriage legally completed? I just tried hard not to gape at these newly revealed secrets.

Even so, my fiancé's words didn't stop.

"As I understand it, through a broad interpretation of the will's contents, Madam has been managing this mansion and assets until Miss Rose comes of age. If Miss Rose reaches legal adulthood, as the rightful heir, you could expel Madam and her daughter from this mansion."

"R-right."

This is news to me.

"Yes. And today, when the poisoning attempt occurred, Madam was coincidentally away."

"Ah... that's right?"

That's a very meaningful statement, isn't it? I had earthquake pupils as I guessed the implications of my fiancé's words. My fiancé looked grim.

"I don't want to have such suspicions, but given the circumstances, I think it's better to consider what should be considered... Of course, it could also be the independent crime of some ill-intentioned servant or a prank disguised as poison. I just can't help but worry."

My fiancé suddenly removed the hand that was supporting his chin and placed it over my hand. I felt the smooth texture of his glove. Gasp, sudden skinship! Is this an emotional change stemming from worry?!

"Rose, if it's alright with you, I'd like to arrange your meals separately from now on. Just in case."

Suddenly, options popped up in my head. They seemed to be composed based on the dating sims I've played and extensive genre novel reading.

A. Accept.
[Fiancé affection +15, 'This Family's Secret' route closes.]

B. Refuse.
['This Family's Secret' route opens, possibility of poisoning events increases.]

Hmm, in this case, this choice would be good.

"Then I'll ask you to do that."

"Yes."

My fiancé's expression brightened. I naturally added:

"But I don't want to seem suspicious, so could you do it secretly?"

That's right. In a game, this would usually appear around the 3rd playthrough, and in a loop romance fantasy novel, around the 5th playthrough. I'm taking all the benefits of both!

"...Yes."

My fiancé paused before answering. He must have been surprised by such a wise answer. Haha, this must have increased affection again. Conquering my fiancé will be quick!

Afterward, my fiancé went out saying he'd secure a decent restaurant. And I'm now frantically turning my brain over the newly learned facts.

'My stepmother and half-brother have no inheritance rights, and when this body comes of age, I can expel both of them'...

Wow, this is such a typical setup that I could immediately say 'These guys are the culprits trying to kill me!'

Actually, that's exactly why it's probably not them. Even in recent dramas, such obvious setups aren't the answer. Let's twist it once here.

'Actually, it's not those two but butler so-and-so who's the culprit! He's Sir Aubert's half-brother!' These kinds of developments seem more common these days.

Hmm, it's difficult. As I alternately thought of my stepmother and half-brother, I suddenly recalled my extremely prickly half-brother's attitude.

Should I see this as playing hard to get, or should I consider it real ill feelings? If it's the former, then with the crossdressing hobby and all, this side is also over-characterized.

...Could he be a sub-male lead? Is this a sub-male lead angle?

"Goodness."

Probably not. No way. I waved my hand dismissively. Besides, that side is too slender and not my type.

But was my half-brother crossdressing while everyone knew he was originally male, or was he completely hiding it and living as a woman?

Either way, it's a scary obsession. Moreover, seeing how my mother showed no disturbance during dinner times this past week, it's already a completely established lifestyle...

Either way, I felt like breaking into a cold sweat at my half-brother's more hardcore hobby life than I thought.

Nah, no way. I must have been enjoying it intensively for the week since I entered this body, but before that it must have been on and off, right?

No, but thinking about it, my fiancé saw my half-brother and said something about the eldest daughter. Then it's more likely that the gender is really being hidden from the outside. Then maybe it's not a hobby but some kind of circumstances?

This is when I should call Sunset, who seems to have special feelings for my half-brother (speculation), to probe while casually asking.

Usually in romance fantasy novels, people with the attribute of 'tried to kill the protagonist but showed hesitation until the end' can be won over!

I should try conquering at least once so I won't regret it. ...Though it's still scary. Ahem.

Sunset answered my call surprisingly quickly. I pretended to ask for tea while steering through various topics before subtly asking.

"There aren't many people our age in this mansion, so I'm asking—what did our relationship seem like to you, between me and that... half-sister?"

"...Are you referring to Miss Jeril Sawyer, your stepsister?"

Gasp, I see. If she's older than me and my half-sister, that means this body's biological father committed adultery. It's better for the circumstances and my mental health if we're just not blood-related and only legally siblings. I've been too mentally scattered with all the poisoning talk to check until now. I even suspected a sub-male lead angle—that was too much. I almost crossed the line!

I replied in shock:

"I-I misspoke. Right. Jeril... sister."

So my stepbrother's name is Jeril. Then his real name would be something like Gerald? Anyway, if there's really no blood relation, the sub-male lead angle becomes clearer, doesn't it? As I was suppressing the bad speculations in my head, Sunset stopped pouring tea, pondered for a moment, then continued.

"It's difficult for a servant to speak carelessly about such topics, but... the two of you didn't seem to be on bad terms."

"I-I see."

"Yes. It's just that circumstances haven't been favorable."

I carefully observed whether Sunset showed any signs of displeasure or pleasure while saying this. But Sunset's expression remained unchanged. This is maddening. I feel like downing some alcohol together.

Eventually, after Sunset left with no visible results, I buried my head on the table, avoiding the untouched tea sets.

This body's stepmother, please come back quickly! I have so many questions!

Work Rules
7. On Monday mornings at 9 AM, you must wait at the entrance to give morning greetings to Madam Sawyer.

8. During morning greetings, do not make eye contact with Madam Sawyer.

But like a lie, tonight's dinner ended up being just me alone.

"Are you kidding?"

They say my stepmother still has no set time for when she can return. It seems like an urgent and important business matter. Naturally, she's absent from dinner.

And my stepbrother refused just before the meal, saying he had no appetite. Hehe, so normally he had such an appetite that he'd nibble on salads and leave, huh? Actually, didn't he anticipate getting bombarded with questions now and dodge in advance?

...By the way, Mrs. Perkins, who delivered this news, was an elderly woman. Let's scrap the father's half-brother hypothesis for now.

Anyway, so I'm sitting alone at this vast dining table receiving food service. It was quite embarrassing. If my stepbrother was going to skip, I wish he'd told me a bit earlier. I grumbled while swallowing saliva at the food before me.

Today's main dish was a small poultry roasted whole in the oven, served piping hot. The well-roasted crispy exterior sparkled in the chandelier light, almost appearing golden. And as side dishes, well-roasted apples with butter and honey were prepared. The rich aromas mixed and pricked my nose, making my mouth water.

I used all my strength just to not pick up the utensils. This is completely a battle with myself. Just hold out until the poisoning danger passes, let's try to endure!

So when I learned that the reward for that hard-fought battle was a meager sandwich, I had no choice but to look at my fiancé with coldly disappointed eyes.

"..."

"Rose? Didn't you say you were hungry?"

This guy still doesn't understand how the situation is unfolding.

Hey, if you were the protagonist and I was the conquest character, your affection would have plummeted here, you know? If you were a male lead candidate, your stock would become worthless paper in an instant, got it?

I almost shouted at my fiancé while waving the dessert sandwich piece that wasn't even substantial. Couldn't you have bought something more delicious or filling while you were at it? Is it because of money? Then I'll pay, so go right now and bring the most delicious thing in this city, paying extra, okay?!

...Of course, I couldn't say such harsh words to someone who had gone to the trouble of buying something, so I said the following very calmly.

"That's right. I'm very hungry indeed. I'll eat well."

"Yes. Please take your time..."

Chomp chomp. I finished the sandwich in two bites.

As soon as I looked up after dusting off my hands, my fiancé had a dumbfounded expression. It looked like earthquake pupils were about to occur any moment. Hmm, even that crazy face isn't very useful in this situation. Less impressive. The only plus was that he was holding a teacup in his outstretched hand, probably meant for me.

I took the teacup and downed it in one shot. Ah, this body seems to have a sturdy throat too. It's fine even when hot. As expected, the sickly thing is just a concept!

"I ate well."

"Yes..."

"Do you happen to eat small portions?"

My fiancé seemed to finally come to his senses after hearing my question. But unlike usual, he replied with a slightly sharp tone.

"I don't particularly care about food or pay much attention to it. Why do you ask?"

"I see."

I continued seriously.

"I am a tremendous glutton and care enormously about food."

"..."

"Eating accounts for about 30% of my reason for living."

"Yes..."

"No, about 40%."

"..."

"Hmm, 45%?"

My fiancé had no response after that. I decided not to add more words to pressure him unnecessarily. I just hoped my fiancé would deeply consider my words and bring delicious things from next time. I think it was the magnanimous spirit of a great person.

But the problem came next.

"I'm hungry."

I muttered with hollow eyes from inside my bed. This body must have been well-fed and well-lived, because after one skimpy meal, my stomach was making quite the self-assertive grumbling sounds.

Ugh, this is exactly when you crave a late-night snack.

But how could I get a late-night snack? Setting aside whether it might be poisoned, calling working people for food this late at night itself would be...

"Oh, that's right!"

I could go to the kitchen myself! I clenched my right fist. I should use this opportunity to open up the kitchen route a bit. If I'm lucky, there might be a development where I discover poison-related evidence!

I quietly got up from bed. Past 10 PM, perhaps because computers weren't properly developed yet and there was no SNS to do, people who all went to bed early, the mansion was quiet.

Now, let me think.

Based on where the tray moved after dinner last time, the kitchen is in the outskirts, somewhat separated from the dining room. There's probably a back door for easy transport of ingredients and food waste in and out.

Then the garden surrounding this mansion would also be connected to the dining room. Going through the garden to enter the dining room through the back door would be the least conspicuous and most secretive way to make the trip.

Then there's no need to hesitate.

I grabbed the gas lantern from the dressing table and first carefully dropped it out the window.

Fortunately, it landed safely in a soft spot without sound. Then, like my meeting with my fiancé last time, I hung from the window frame and lightly jumped down to the garden below.

Having done it once before, I was able to land more stably than last time in the lantern light.

Now, let's return to the garden and conquer the kitchen's back door!