Chapter 7: The Eldritch Goddess and the Heroine

And so, against my better judgment, I ended up joining the student council.

After being released by Klaus and Felix, I stepped outside to find Frieda waiting for me.

"You waited for me, Frieda?"

"Yep! There’s still somewhere I want to show you."

She grinned, and I couldn’t help but think—so cute.

"Where to next?"

"It’s a secret~!"

Hmm?

The original game was a visual novel, so there was no "exploring the school"—you just picked choices and jumped to scenes. That meant I had no idea where Frieda was taking me.

"Here! The library!"

"The… library?"

Not just a room—an entire building. A standalone, old-fashioned mansion-like structure nestled within the campus. The school itself was already stylishly Western, but this was on another level.

"Wow. It’s incredible."

"Ehehe. I practically live here since I’m in the literature club!"

She led me inside, and I followed.

The interior was just as grand as the exterior. Four stories high, with a central atrium surrounded by endless shelves. Polished wooden tables and chairs were scattered about, where students quietly read or studied.

"Lord Albrecht should be here somewhere…"

Albrecht? Who’s that?

"Ah! There he is!"

While I was still puzzling over the name, Frieda spotted her target and tiptoed through the hushed library.

"Lord Albrecht?"

"Ah, Frieda. What brings you here?"

The boy she greeted had slicked-back black hair and square-framed glasses—the very image of a "I excel at academics!" character.

"I brought Iris to see the library. Are you working on your writing again?"

"Yes. Still just a dilettante’s hobby, but I’d like to finish at least one proper work."

From the stack of handwritten pages and the fountain pen in his hand, it seemed he was writing a novel.

"Is this the mythical beast story you mentioned at the last reading?"

"That’s right. I’m doing some research now—cross-referencing a few books on legendary creatures."

Frieda was practically vibrating with excitement, and Albrecht seemed equally engaged.

"I’d love to read it when it’s done!"

"Of course. I’ll have it ready for the next meeting."

Frieda clearly wanted to talk more, but the library’s solemn atmosphere cut the conversation short.

"Do you like reading novels, Iris?"

"I do, though mostly just light entertainment."

"That’s fine! Not everything has to be highbrow. Books are like food—everyone has their tastes. And I think compatibility with the author matters too."

"Compatibility?"

"Their experiences, their philosophies, their core values—all of it seeps into their writing. So it’s natural for some works to resonate and others not to."

Huh. I never thought about it like that. Back in my past life, I’d just read whatever was popular, then immediately forget it like a goldfish.

"And Lord Albrecht’s stories? They click with me. Every word, every scene, every character—it all just fits."

"Oh? Do you… like Lord Albrecht, Frieda?"

Her face turned beet red in an instant.

"W-Well, um… Y-Yes…"

She admitted it, flustered but honest.

"No need to be embarrassed! I’ll root for you."

"Thanks, Iris."

I LOVE watching other people’s love stories!

Even if I can’t imagine myself falling in love, I adore seeing it unfold for others. I’ll cheer Frieda on with all my heart!

…Wait. Something feels off. Did I forget something?

"Ah! Emilia!"

!?

A chill ran down my spine at the name.

"Hello, Frieda."

Standing before us was a girl with a sleek blonde bob and clear emerald eyes—radiant, intelligent, and kind.

"Iris, this is Emilia von Ritterbach, from our class."

"H-Hello. I’m Iris zu Lauenstein…"

I forgot. The protagonist’s existence.

This girl—Emilia—was the heroine of the game.

A descendant of both imperial and saintly bloodlines, she’d soon be dragged into the incidents triggered by my arrival. Through solving them, she’d grow closer to the romanceable characters…

Including Albrecht, the boy Frieda had a crush on.

I take it back. I love love stories, but love triangles? Hard pass.

I might avoid getting sealed away by not acting like an eldritch horror, but please, Emilia—don’t steal my friend’s love interest!

"What brings you to the library, Emilia?"

I decided to probe subtly.

For a dating sim, the game had surprisingly few routes:

• Klaus Route (student council)

• Albrecht Route (literature club)

• A third guy’s route

• And the Bad End (solving nothing)

Since the game had likely just started, her route wasn’t locked in yet.

If she was already eyeing Albrecht, though…

"Oh, just some research. Getting a head start on this term’s coursework—I heard it gets much harder."

"I see."

Phew. No signs of Albrecht interest yet. Good, good.

"Emilia’s amazing at studying. She’s taught me so many tricks! If you ever get stuck, ask her, Iris."

"I wouldn’t want to impose…"

Hanging around the protagonist felt risky. Even without "eldritch moves," I needed to hedge my bets.

"It’s no trouble. Teaching helps me learn too. Let’s get along, Iris."

She smiled warmly and extended a hand.

"Thank you. I’ll take you up on that."

Even if we might become enemies later, there’s no denying she’s a good person. A heroine has to be likable, after all.

I shook her hand.

"—!"

The next second, Emilia staggered—then collapsed.

"Emilia?!"

The library erupted into murmurs as Frieda rushed to her side.

"S-Sorry… Just a bit lightheaded…"

"Let’s get you to the infirmary, just in case."

"Really, I’m fine—"

"Please? With so many people falling ill lately, I’m worried…"

"…Alright."

With that, Frieda helped Emilia away.

"Sorry, Iris! I’ll show you around properly next time!"

"Of course."

And just like that, we parted ways.

Well, nothing else to do now. Time to head home.

………………