Echo 3 – A Thirst for Eternity. [12.0. Scarlet Requiem]
On November 26, 2024 By Fang Dokja In Arc 12. Scarlet Requiem
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This chapter includes several themes and elements that may be sensitive for some readers. Please read the following warnings carefully before proceeding:
Trigger Warnings:
1. Violence and Blood: Descriptions of battle injuries, blood, and physical conflict.
2. Death and Rebirth (Resets): References to death, repeated resets, and existential distress tied to these events.
3. Power Dynamics and Exploitation: Themes of using faith, trust, and relationships for political gain.
4. Psychological Distress: Depictions of frustration, helplessness, and existential questioning due to repeated resets and manipulation.
5. Dark Religious Undertones: Exploitation of religious faith as a manipulative tool in political and personal contexts.
6. Violence and Injury: Descriptions of past battles and lingering injuries. Mention of attempted assassination and physical harm.
7. Manipulation and Gaslighting: The manipulation of events, people, and the protagonist, particularly through deceit and strategic emotional leverage.
8. Religious Themes and Power Dynamics: Heavy references to Church authority, divine roles, and exploitation of religious systems for political and personal gain.
9. Psychological Stress and Existential Crisis; The protagonist struggling with repeated resets, the loss of agency, and the burden of being trapped in a seemingly infinite cycle.
10. Sexual Tension and Suggestive Content: Light references to romantic and potentially adult themes, particularly in the context of the protagonist’s relationship with the love interest(s).
11. Manipulation of Free Will: Overarching themes of control, autonomy, and power dynamics between characters.
12. Romantic Tropes with Dark Undertones: Discussion of potential corruption and darker themes in character’s route, with light references to intense romantic or adult content.
13. Meta-Commentary and Fourth-Wall Breaking: Character’s direct interaction with the “live chat,” featuring audience reactions that influence decisions.
14. Foul Language: Occasional sarcastic or flippant remarks from characters.
Content Warnings
1. Reverse Harem and Romantic Tropes: Typical of otome game stories, including archetypes like the “self-sacrificing hero” and “hidden dark desires” as plot hooks.
2. Dark Humor and Sarcasm: Character’s internal narration contains biting humor that can lighten or contrast the heavier elements of the story.
3. Exploration of Bad Endings: Explicit descriptions of character’s tragic “bad end” scenarios, which include martyrdom, framing, and betrayal.
4. Audience Influence: Meta commentary on modern gaming and streaming culture, highlighting player control over character decisions.
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Status: Draft #1
Last Edited: November 26, 2024
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As the echo of their escape faded into the distance, the air around Nagy, or rather, Archbishop Velion Eleazar, began to simmer with tension. The sharp clang of armor rang in his ears as Deus Cecil, the ever-loyal Knight Captain, followed closely behind. The two of them were a study in contrast: Velion’s lithe, calculating form, his robes flowing behind him like the shadow of a storm, and Deus’s hulking presence, a pillar of muscle and iron in contrast to the delicate tension of their surroundings. Both were wounded but alive. That was enough, for now.
Velion, his blood still slick on his skin from their previous battle, wiped his hand across his forehead, grimacing as the ache of battle gnawed at his body. Healing spells were powerful, yes, but they couldn’t wipe away the fatigue of endless resets. He was tired—tired of being a pawn, tired of the game—but that would change.
He took a deep breath, straightening his posture. “Deus, you’re healed. Good. Let’s move, we’ve got work to do.” His voice was cold, his tone sharp, but it carried a sense of deep, burning resolve.
Deus, his face set in a permanent scowl, grunted, a low rumble that could have been agreement or just a breath of irritation. “You want me to go after them, don’t you?”
Velion shook his head, glancing over his shoulder at the towering knight. “No, not yet. I have a different plan now. Archduke Valor… Light Valor…” His lips curled into a bitter sneer. “He’s always been a thorn in the side of the throne, but now…” He trailed off, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. “Now we exploit it. We strike where it hurts the most.”
“Not enough,” Deus muttered, crossing his arms. “Valor’s too powerful, too ingrained with the imperial family. Taking him down directly—”
“I know,” Velion interrupted, his voice low and cold. “But we don’t need to take him down directly. Not yet. First, we need to weaken him, and we need leverage. The Church—our influence is growing, but it’s not enough to take on someone like him. Not just yet.”
Deus raised an eyebrow, the beginnings of a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “The Saint, huh? You’re going to use her.”
Velion turned to him, his smile sharp and dangerous. “Of course. The heroine, the Saint… she holds the key to everything. She’ll be crucial in the downfall of Valor. We need her on our side, Deus. She’s going to play a pivotal role in the game’s outcome, and I intend to make sure she’s our ally, not his.”
Deus laughed darkly, the sound like thunder rolling in the distance. “Getting a woman to side with you… that’ll be fun. But you know what’s coming, right? Valor will be after her, too.”
“Let him,” Velion said with a wave of his hand, clearly unbothered. “Let him think he has a chance. He can waste his time with that. Meanwhile, we’ll be planning something much more… effective.”
The wind blew softly through the trees, the sound of nature mocking their little conversation. Deus glanced at the horizon, then back at Velion, his usual hard expression unreadable. “What’s the plan, then?”
Velion’s face darkened. “We need to take the Church’s power and turn it against Valor. We’ll start by sowing seeds of discord—rumors, accusations. And we’ll use the imperial family. They need to act on the attack Valor made on the High Cardinal of the Crimson Church. His attempted assassination of me is the perfect catalyst.” He paused, considering, before adding, “We’ll make them look weak and disorganized, using Valor as the scapegoat. The people will rally to the Church, to the throne, and we’ll be able to pull all the strings.”
Deus’s lips twitched into a grin. “And when Valor retaliates?”
Velion laughed softly, a dark, hollow sound. “We’ll be ready. I’m always ready. Valor may think he’s the one holding the cards, but I’ve been playing the game for longer than he knows. We’ll wear him down, make him come to us.” He paused again, looking out over the landscape. “First, the Saint. Then, everything else will fall into place.”
“And you plan to use her just like that?” Deus asked, his tone heavy with a mix of amusement and skepticism.
Velion’s eyes flashed, the fire behind them burning with purpose. “It’s not just using her, Deus. It’s about control. If I can make her an ally, I have a weapon stronger than any army, any political power.” He smirked. “And Valor? He’ll be powerless against that. Once she’s on our side, everything will fall into place.”
Deus shook his head with a short chuckle. “And here I thought you were a man of faith, Archbishop. All this manipulation…” His voice trailed off, as if pondering just how deep the web Velion was weaving truly went.
Velion shot him a sidelong glance, his expression hardening. “Faith is a tool, Deus. Nothing more. And I’ve always known how to wield it.”
They fell silent as the weight of their conversation settled in, the wind picking up and whispering through the trees. Both men knew what needed to be done, the moves they had to make. Valor had no idea what he was about to walk into, and for now, that was just fine with Velion. The first step was always the hardest, but he had already set everything in motion.
“Well,” Deus said after a long pause, his smirk returning, “let’s hope the Saint can play her part, then. For your sake, Archbishop, you really want her on your side.”
Velion gave him a cold smile. “She will be. In time, Deus. She will be.”
And with that, the two men set off toward their next destination: where they would find the Saint and begin the next phase of their plan.
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Bella Campbell sat up in the lavish, silken bed, the golden curtains swaying gently as the sunlight filtered through. The room was impossibly bright, almost too perfect, and the constant resetting of the world had begun to feel like a cruel, never-ending cycle. Her fingers ran through her long, shimmering blonde hair, a strand of it glowing faintly as it caught the light. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been here anymore—maybe weeks? Months? It was hard to keep track when the world kept jerking her back to the start like some sadistic reboot button on a video game.
And Bella? Bella hated being the victim of a game. Especially when she knew all the cheats.
She sighed and flicked a glance at the windows where the “Game” interface lingered, ghostly and barely there. Her profile. Her stats. Bella Campbell, aka the Saint, reincarnated from Earth to this cursed, gothic hellhole of an empire. She remembered dying from the typical truck-kun incident—how original, right? Of course, it had to be a truck. But now she was in this ridiculous mess, stuck in an isekai world where she’d been so excited at first. After all, she knew this game. She played it. She was so ready to bask in her new, glamorous role as the Saint with her five main love interests, especially Archbishop Velion Eleazar, the brooding, mysterious, tall, handsome, dramatic love interest.
But instead, here she was—reset, over and over again.
“Ugh, again?” Bella groaned. “Is this some cruel cosmic joke?” Her hands flew up in the air as if to express her utter exasperation.
The little window showing her status was still there, but she wasn’t in the mood to look at it. Instead, she lay back down, staring at the ceiling, her fingers tracing aimlessly in the air as her mind ran through the same list of thoughts, again. How long has it been? How many times has the world reset now? Why?
Her theory? Someone, somewhere, was messing with her. Bella knew it. She could feel it. Who else would have this much power?
And that was the question that had been eating at her for what felt like forever—who else could control the resets? Because from what she knew, only she, Bella Campbell, the Saint of this cursed empire, had the ability to control the game’s Save and Load feature. Only she had the power to reset the game.
Except… It wasn’t her. Not this time. Not anymore.
“I swear to God, if this is some sort of bug, I’m going to hunt down the programmers and make them regret ever setting foot in a coding room,” Bella muttered under her breath, rolling over and snatching up the crystal-clear interface window that had appeared once again.
[Current Profile:
Name: Bella Campbell
Class: Saint
Status: Alive (again)
Love Interests: 5 main characters (but none of them are anywhere to be found)
Game Progress: Reset]
It was always the same. Every time.
Bella gritted her teeth and shut her eyes. “How many times have I been through this? A hundred? A thousand? I don’t even know anymore.”
She dropped the interface with a sigh. “Whatever. Maybe the glitch will wear off… Or maybe someone out there is just having fun watching me lose my mind.”
But no matter how many times she tried to tell herself that the resets were just a bug, there was that persistent feeling in the pit of her stomach. The world didn’t reset like this on its own. She wasn’t that powerful. At least, not yet. There had to be someone else involved. Someone who could also manipulate the game’s mechanics, someone who—
“Okay, okay,” Bella said aloud, as if conceding to herself. “Time to do what I do best—find answers.”
Bella swung her legs over the side of the bed, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She was wearing the same pristine outfit she’d always been given when waking up in this luxury trap. The priestess robes with their shimmering gold embroidery. Her delicate pink eyes stared back at her with a mixture of confusion and determination.
“I don’t care how many resets I have to go through,” she muttered, pushing herself off the bed and standing to face the mirror fully. “Someone’s going to pay for messing with me. And when I find them—”
Her words were interrupted by a ding that came from the Game interface window.
[New Message: ‘Archbishop Velion Eleazar has arrived at the church, ready to meet you.’]
“Finally!” Bella almost screamed. Then she caught herself, smirking at how ridiculous she must have looked. “Oh yeah, sure, after a million resets, now the guy shows up. Thanks, game, you really know how to make an entrance.”
But the truth was, she was a little excited. She had no clue what was going to happen this time around, but she wasn’t about to waste this opportunity to get ahead of the game.
“Time to kick some ass.” Bella grinned to herself as she walked toward the door, determined. “Just you wait, whoever’s behind these resets. I’m coming for you. And you’re not going to like what happens when I find out who you are.”
Bella paused for a moment as she put her hand on the door handle. “I just hope this isn’t some cheap villain twist where I have to fight some Godly antagonist or something.”
She opened the door.
“I’ll take my chances. Let’s see what this reset’s got in store for me.”
The adventure, the mystery, and the chaos of the game were once again at her doorstep. Only this time, Bella was ready.
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Bella adjusted the folds of her pristine robes as she stood just outside the ornate doors of the Church. The golden light filtering through the stained-glass windows cast a soft glow over the stone floor, making the air almost sacred, and she took a deep breath, collecting herself before stepping into the grand hall. This time, things would be different.
Her first steps inside were met with the soft murmurs of the Church members, some of them bowing to her, others whispering behind their veils. The familiar scent of incense filled the air, thick and cloying.
With a practiced smile, Bella inclined her head, offering a polite bow to the priests and acolytes who greeted her. They all assumed she was the perfect Saint—innocent, pure, a divine being chosen to save the kingdom. If only they knew the chaotic, sarcastic, truck-kun-dodging woman behind the character.
Her eyes, however, were not on the Church members. Instead, her attention was on the chat stream, which appeared beside her in the air, glowing faintly. It flickered as new messages appeared with an almost alarming speed.
Chat Stream:
DemonicSushi44: “Yo! Bella, are we finally done with the resets?? What’s going on??”
LilithFanatic91: “WTF? The resets stopped? Is the game broken or are we getting an epic twist?!”
SpicyMeatball93: “Plot twist: Bella isn’t the real Saint. Someone’s playing a prank on her.”
FluffDragon112: “Okay but I’m lowkey worried. How long has this reset glitch been going on? Bella’s been stuck in loops for weeks.”
IAmYourSenpai88: “Maybe she has a rival Saint or some secret reset trigger? I mean, who else could do this? Anyone else notice the extra creepy vibe from the Church?”
LuluBearXoxo: “YES! Bella, show us what you’ve learned. You can do this!!”
Bella smirked. Of course, they were confused. So was she.
She knew they were all watching, commenting, and probably donating to influence the game, giving her special perks, boosts, and items to help her move forward. They could help her find the best love interest, push her toward a satisfying plot twist, or just shower her with unnecessary cosmetic items for her character. Classic reverse harem tropes, right?
She read through the stream comments, her grin widening. “Ah, right, the audience…” she muttered to herself. Then, raising her voice so it could be heard, she addressed them directly.
“Well, well, well. Seems like everyone’s got their theories, huh?” Bella said aloud, her voice dripping with dry sarcasm. “I know, I know. You’re all wondering why the resets stopped, right? I’m just as confused as you are, believe me. But, for now, let’s enjoy the relatively normal state of affairs.” She spun on her heel with dramatic flair, stepping into the main hall of the Church with all the poise of a lady-in-waiting.
She gave a small bow to the priests once more as she walked past them, but her eyes were locked on the messages appearing on her stream. As she moved deeper into the Church, she continued her interaction with her audience.
Stolen novel; please report.
Chat Stream:
FluffDragon112: “Ugh, Bella, you’re killing me with the suspense! What’s the next move? Get your Saint on!”
DemonicSushi44: “Let’s go, girl! Give us the drama! Flirt with Velion already, or something!”
LilithFanatic91: “You’ve got this, Bella. Don’t let them treat you like a damsel! Kick some ass!”
Bella snorted, shaking her head. “Flirt with Velion?” She laughed, though there was an edge of annoyance to her tone. “I’ve been reset so many times I almost forgot what flirting is at this point. You want me to romance Velion, huh? Should I just bat my lashes and pretend to be the perfect little Saint for you?”
She rolled her eyes. “Pft, you guys are the ones who get me into all this mess, and now you want to control my love life too?” Bella smirked, leaning against one of the Church columns. “Look, I’m very happy to entertain your delusions about me being the perfect heroine in this game. But no, I’m not going to just fall for Velion. Not unless he starts making me better offers than the usual ‘you’re the chosen one’ crap.”
Bella paused and then sighed dramatically, as if the weight of her words were too much to bear. “But who knows? Maybe I’ll toss him a little flirt here and there, just to see how far I can push this romance plot. You know, keep the game interesting. But you’ll have to donate to see that, right?”
The comments exploded in response, an avalanche of enthusiastic messages pouring in:
Chat Stream:
FluffDragon112: “YESSS, Bella! Keep us entertained! Show Velion who’s boss!”
SpicyMeatball93: “LOL Bella’s sass is the only thing keeping me sane. Just please don’t make her a damsel in distress. I’ll lose it.”
IAmYourSenpai88: “You’re totally breaking the fourth wall, Bella. I love it! Gimme more!”
Bella smirked again and adjusted her posture, rolling her shoulders to release the tension from all the resets.
“Alright, alright,” she said with an exaggerated sigh. “I hear you loud and clear, chat. Now, let’s go see if Velion is finally going to show up. I’m sick of waiting. Time to get some answers.”
Chat Stream:
DemonicSushi44: “GIRL, you better make Velion fall for you. He’s hot. Just sayin’.”
FluffDragon112: “She’s too good for him. Make him work for it!”
Bella’s lips quirked into a half-smile. “I hear you, chat. But first, let me figure out why the game’s been reset a million times, and then I’ll deal with the love interests.”
As she made her way through the Church, the audience was a mix of confused, impatient, and excited chatter. Bella wasn’t sure if she should be flattered or disturbed by how much they wanted her to entertain them. But right now, she had other things to focus on—like why this damn game was trying to reset her life, and who the hell was behind all of it.
No more resets. No more games.
She was done being the puppet. It was time for Bella Campbell to cut the strings.
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Bella stepped out of the massive oak doors of the Church, squinting against the sunlight as she approached the gates. The warm light bathed the cobblestone path ahead, and for a moment, she let herself relax. Then her eyes landed on him.
Tall, lean, and practically sculpted from marble, the man stood near the grand gates. His blond hair shimmered like gold in the sunlight, and his red eyes—yes, red eyes—practically glowed, giving him an ethereal, haunting allure that could make anyone’s knees buckle.
Bella had to stop herself from rolling her eyes as a smirk crept onto her face. Of course, it had to be him. The first love interest. The fan favorite. The sweet little cinnamon roll with a side of corruption kink potential.
Archbishop Velion Eleazar.
His robes were pristine, crimson with intricate gold embroidery that signified his position as the High Cardinal of the Crimson Church. Every step he took exuded elegance, like the man floated instead of walked. The faint sound of bells chimed as the breeze picked up the ribbons tied to his cuffs. If Bella hadn’t known better, she’d think he walked straight out of a Renaissance oil painting.
The game’s graphics didn’t help, either. She swore, every time she looked at this man, her screen—well, her vision now—hit her with HD 4K realism, complete with cinematic lighting. And don’t even get her started on the R18 DLC content. She’d downloaded that faster than she could say “truck-kun.”
Yes, I’m a pervert. Sue me, she thought, grinning. This game wasn’t named the best otome game for nothing.
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Game Window:
Name: Velion Eleazar
Role: Archbishop of the Crimson Church | High Cardinal | Route #1 (Recommended for Beginners)
Age: 29
Traits: Refined, Protective, Gentle, Self-Sacrificing
Special Abilities: Healing Magic, Divine Blessings, Exorcisms
Affection Progression: Dense but unwavering loyalty and devotion
Corruption Potential: Moderate to High (Post-Route Side Stories Available)
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Bella mentally flipped through everything she remembered about Velion’s lore as she approached him, keeping a polite expression plastered on her face. She could practically hear the in-game narrator in her head.
“Velion Eleazar, the first love interest encountered in the game and arguably the greenest flag in the entire lineup,” she muttered under her breath, sarcastically.
She remembered the forums raving about him. Velion’s route was called the “first-time player’s dream” because of how forgiving it was. No surprise twists. No hidden backstabbing. Just pure, sweet self-sacrificial love that made players ugly cry at 2 a.m. on their third cup of instant ramen.
Velion’s aura radiated warmth, kindness, and an almost too perfect level of innocence—and that made him, ironically, the most interesting love interest to start with. He was the “green flag” route, the one all the players recommended first, not because it was easy, but because it was a damn good start. Self-sacrificial, protective, and dense as a brick wall when it came to matters of the heart.
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The game’s description was clear on this: The one who would protect you, even at the cost of his own life.
Bella wasn’t the type to fall for the typical white knight, but there was something about Velion’s sincerity that did make her pause. He wasn’t the smartest or the most sexually experienced (not by a long shot), but damn, he was the kind of guy that made people swoon for no reason at all.
Lore of Archbishop Velion Eleazar:
Velion Eleazar was the Archbishop of the Crimson Church, one of the most respected men in the empire. Raised in a noble family with high expectations, he had always been the one to step up to protect others, even at the expense of his own happiness. His faith was unshakeable, and his love for children, especially the orphaned and destitute, was something that earned him the respect and admiration of the people. He was often described as a man with a heart as pure as gold—though that purity came with its own flaws.
Velion’s entire life was built on duty, honor, and an overwhelming need to protect. He had no time for romantic entanglements or frivolous love affairs. His path had always been one of self-denial, which led to his almost saintly reputation. But deep within him, buried under all that righteousness and devotion to the Church, was a heart full of unspoken desires, fears, and a deep loneliness that was masked by his stoic, always-saintly demeanor.
He wasn’t the type to chase after a woman—at least, not openly. His affection was something slow-burning, gentle, and built over time, though entirely innocent on his part. Yet, as the first route that most players chose, his arc became one of angst and self-sacrifice, the man who would protect the heroine at all costs—even if it meant sacrificing himself to keep her safe.
In his “bad endings,” it was always him who died—never her. He would lay down his life without a second thought, believing that the world would be better off without him if it meant the heroine could live freely. And somehow, that was what made his tragic endings so heartbreaking: his death wasn’t just physical—it was emotional. He died for her, time and time again.
And, of course, no one could ignore the secret R18 content. In the hidden routes, where the game’s more “adult” themes came into play, Velion’s character was revealed to have an even deeper, darker side—one that catered to those with a particular kink. With a soft voice that could melt anyone’s resolve, Velion would slowly, gently, coax the heroine into situations where he wasn’t just the saintly protector but also the one who would break her down with passion and care.
Because while his world was built on saving everyone, in his private moments, he had his own desires, secret fantasies that emerged in moments of weakness. And for those who explored his R18 DLC content, they were able to indulge in a very different, much more intense version of Velion. He was both an innocent, sacrificial lover and a man with hidden, darker desires—often juxtaposed in ways that left fans swooning over his complexity.
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He was, without question, the most loyal love interest.
But, of course, the real kicker?
His bad ends.
Bella smirked at the thought, recalling all the tear-streaked forum posts lamenting Velion’s tragic routes. Unlike the others, his bad endings didn’t result in the heroine dying. Oh no. Velion was the one who bit the dust every single time. He’d give his life, his soul, his everything to protect the heroine—even if she didn’t deserve it.
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Some Bad Endings of Velion Eleazar:
1. “Crimson Sacrifice”: Velion willingly sacrifices himself to purify the heroine’s corruption, leaving her heartbroken and alone.
2. “Eternal Silence”: Velion is executed by the Church after being framed for heresy while protecting the heroine.
3. “Shattered Vows”: Velion is excommunicated and hunted down by the Church for harboring the Saint, ultimately meeting his end at the hands of his former comrades.
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And then there was the infamous post-route DLC where the heroine could choose to corrupt him, slowly unraveling his innocent, untouched demeanor into something darker and far more twisted.
Bella chuckled under her breath. “Man, the devs knew exactly what they were doing when they made this guy. Pure angst, drama, and R18 fantasies rolled into one.”
As she approached, Velion turned, his red eyes softening the moment they landed on her. His expression was warm yet serious, the kind of look that could melt the heart of even the iciest tsundere.
“Saint Bella,” he said, his voice smooth and deep, with just a hint of reverence. He inclined his head slightly in a gesture of respect. “I trust you are well?”
Bella wanted to laugh. Oh, sweet summer child, you have no idea what I’ve been through.
“I’m fine, thank you, Archbishop Velion,” she replied, her tone sweet but laced with an undercurrent of sarcasm. “Just getting used to… everything.”
He frowned slightly, his red eyes narrowing in concern. “If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask. Your safety and well-being are my utmost priorities.”
Bella fought the urge to gag. Not because she hated him—oh no, Velion was a literal angel wrapped in a sexy goth aesthetic—but because she could already hear the chat stream losing their collective minds.
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Chat Stream:
FluffDragon112: “OMG IT’S HIM! IT’S VELION!”
FluffDragon112: “GIRL, there he is!! Look at Velion! Are you gonna flirt with him?!”
DemonicSushi44: “YESSSSS! Velion’s the best route. The drama, the angst, the self-sacrifice. It makes my heart ache!!”
IAmYourSenpai88: “Omg Bella, you HAVE to romance him first. He’s the one you’ll cry for.”
LilithFanatic91: “Can we get a close up of Velion’s face please? I need that in my life.”
DemonicSushi44: “Bella, PLS seduce this man already. He’s too good for us mortals!”
LilithFanatic91: “Velion’s bad ends destroyed me. Protect this man at all costs!”
SpicyMeatball93: “Y’all don’t get it. Corrupt Velion is chef’s kiss.”
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Bella glanced at the stream comments and smirked to herself. “Oh, don’t worry, chat,” she murmured under her breath, just quiet enough that Velion wouldn’t hear. “We’ll have plenty of time to mess with his pure little heart.”
For now, though, she decided to play the part of the perfect Saint. After all, the game—and the audience—expected nothing less.
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Archbishop Velion Eleazar, the paragon of refinement and virtue, smiled down at the Saint with an expression of pure benevolence. His crimson eyes softened, betraying no hint of the sharp calculations running through his mind.
She was polite, if not a little too poised for someone supposedly thrust into the spotlight of divine responsibility. Her wide-eyed innocence seemed genuine enough, but he could sense the subtle shifts in her tone, the occasional flicker of awareness in her gaze.
Another Player.
He folded his hands in front of him, the golden embroidery of his robes catching the light as he spoke. “The journey before you will not be an easy one, Saint Bella. Many will look to you for guidance, and it is my duty to ensure your path remains clear of peril.”
Her lips twitched into a polite smile, though there was a flicker of something behind her shimmering pink eyes. Was it amusement? Irritation? He couldn’t be sure. Interesting.
Velion inclined his head slightly, keeping his movements deliberate, respectful. “I trust the Church has provided everything you need for your stay thus far?”
“Oh, absolutely,” Bella replied, her tone light and saccharine. “The bed’s so soft it’s like sleeping on a cloud. And the food? Top-notch. You guys sure know how to treat a Saint.”
He chuckled softly, a sound that could have melted the hearts of every maiden in the empire. “We strive to ensure your comfort, of course. But should there be anything amiss, you need only tell me.”
She nodded, clasping her hands in front of her like the perfect portrait of piety. “You’ve been incredibly kind, Archbishop Velion. I don’t know how I’d manage without you.”
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Velion’s smile didn’t waver, but his mind churned beneath the surface.
Flattery. Testing boundaries. Either she’s naturally manipulative or she’s still figuring out how to navigate the role. Doesn’t matter.
He’d dealt with countless opponents in this game—some clever, others predictable—and by now, reading people had become second nature. And if there was one thing he’d learned about Players, it was that they were opportunistic.
The Saint, Bella Campbell, was no exception.
While her presence disrupted the natural flow of the game, it also presented an advantage. She was the key to defeating Archduke Light Valor, the villain that Deon’s overpowered character had so thoroughly twisted into an untouchable nightmare. If Velion—or rather, Nagy—could steer her correctly, she would not only secure his route but also ensure victory over the Duke.
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“Your Holiness?” Bella’s voice brought him back to the present.
“Ah, forgive me,” Velion said smoothly. “I was merely reflecting on the weight of your journey. It cannot be easy, bearing such a burden.”
Her eyes flickered again, amusement breaking through her perfect façade for the briefest moment. “It’s… a lot to process,” she admitted, her tone carefully neutral.
Deflection.
He didn’t press. It wasn’t time yet. Instead, he leaned into the image of the benevolent protector, his gaze steady, compassionate. “Know that you are not alone, Saint Bella. The Church, the people, and I—we are all here to support you.”
Her smile grew a fraction more genuine. “That’s… comforting to hear. Thank you, Archbishop Velion.”
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She’ll be easy to manage.
Velion studied her as they walked through the Church gardens, the sunlight casting dappled patterns across the stone pathways. She moved with confidence, though she kept glancing at her surroundings as if searching for something—or someone.
Does she already suspect me? Or is she looking for the next love interest? Either way, it doesn’t matter. She’ll fall into my route soon enough.
His ultimate goal wasn’t just to protect her; it was to claim her affection entirely. The heroine needed to be tethered to him, body and soul, for this plan to succeed.
But for now, he had to tread carefully. She wasn’t an NPC; she had agency, and he had no intention of underestimating her.
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The conversation shifted to lighter topics as they strolled through the garden, Velion playing the part of the attentive confidant. Bella’s sarcasm peeked through every so often, which only confirmed his suspicions further.
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“…and seriously, why are there so many fountains here?” Bella gestured toward yet another marble monstrosity. “It’s like the Church is trying to win some kind of fountain contest.”
Velion chuckled softly. “I suppose it’s to inspire awe and reverence among the faithful.”
“Uh-huh. Sure. Because nothing says reverence like over-the-top waterworks.”
He raised a brow, his expression both amused and chastising. “You’ll find that symbolism holds great importance here, Saint Bella.”
She shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “If you say so, Your Holiness.”
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Chat Stream:
FluffDragon112: “VELION IS TOO PURE FOR THIS WORLD.”
DemonicSushi44: “Did Bella just diss Church aesthetics lmao??”
LilithFanatic91: “Don’t fall for her, Velion! She’s too sassy for your innocent soul!”
SpicyMeatball93: “Nah, he’s totally into it. Corruption route incoming.”
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Velion couldn’t see the chat, of course, but he could feel the intensity of Bella’s hidden smirk as they continued their walk.
No matter. Let her think she’s in control.
He glanced down at her, his crimson eyes warm yet unreadable. “I’ll escort you to your quarters, Saint Bella. We have much to discuss regarding your role in the empire.”
She raised a brow but nodded. “Lead the way, Your Holiness.”
As they walked, Velion allowed himself a small, private smile.
Let the game begin.
═════════════════
The soft hum of activity in the Church corridors faded away as Bella followed Archbishop Velion Eleazar into his office. The grandeur of the space didn’t surprise her—she’d seen it all before in the game—but experiencing it firsthand was something else. The towering bookshelves, gilded fixtures, and gentle scent of incense combined to create an atmosphere of reverence and warmth.
Velion gestured for her to take a seat on the plush couch by the hearth, his crimson eyes as serene as ever. “Please, make yourself comfortable. I’ll prepare some tea.”
Bella plopped down, sinking into the luxurious upholstery, and couldn’t help but glance around the room again. Man, the devs really went all out with the details here. It’s practically begging for a DLC mansion tour.
Meanwhile, Velion moved with practiced grace, setting out a tray with porcelain teacups and an assortment of biscuits. She watched as he poured the tea, the steam curling in the dim light of the room. His every movement was elegant, refined—straight out of a Regency romance novel, minus the inevitable societal judgment and arranged marriage drama.
No wonder he’s the green flag king, she thought, stifling a grin.
Once everything was prepared, Velion set the tray on the table between them and sat across from her. He folded his hands neatly in his lap, his gaze meeting hers with that signature blend of warmth and sincerity.
“Saint Bella, I hope you’ve been settling in well,” he began, his tone soft and measured.
Bella nodded, picking up her teacup. “I can’t complain. The Church knows how to roll out the red carpet.”
He chuckled, the sound like a soft chime. “It’s only fitting for someone of your station. Though, please do not hesitate to inform me if anything is amiss.”
God, he’s so polite it almost feels criminal to sass him. Almost.
“I’ll let you know if the tea’s not sweet enough,” Bella quipped, flashing him a quick grin.
Velion smiled, undeterred by her teasing. “I shall take that as a promise.”
They continued with light conversation as she nibbled on a biscuit, Velion occasionally refilling her cup with precision that bordered on supernatural. Eventually, his expression grew more serious, and Bella knew the small talk was over.
“There is an upcoming event I must bring to your attention,” he said, folding his hands again. “The imperial family will soon hold a grand ball to commemorate the crowning of the new emperor. His Highness, Crown Prince Caesar Charlemagne, will ascend to the throne.”
Bella’s eyebrows lifted. “Oh, we’re already at the royal ball? I thought I’d have more time to… you know, figure stuff out.”
Velion’s gaze softened. “I understand this is all quite sudden, but the ball presents an important opportunity. It will allow you to establish yourself among the nobility and solidify your position as the Saint of the Crimson Church.”
He paused, letting his words sink in. “However, I must emphasize that the decision is entirely yours. This is a time of great change for you, and I would not wish to impose upon you further.”
Bella stared at him, half-expecting some kind of pressure tactic or manipulative undertone. But no, this was Velion—pure, golden retriever energy wrapped in a gothic package. If anyone could actually mean that kind of thing, it was him.
“Okay, but let’s be real,” Bella said, leaning back. “I’m guessing people are going to be judging me no matter what I do. I could sneeze too loud and someone would decide I’m the Antichrist.”
Velion chuckled softly, though there was a glimmer of concern in his eyes. “Unfortunately, you may not be far off. Some will see you as a threat, simply because of your position. But the Crimson Church will stand behind you, no matter the opposition.”
Damn. Why does he have to be so perfect? It’s like the game gave up halfway and said, ‘Here’s the moral support boyfriend. No drama, no strings.’
“And if I decide not to go?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Then I will respect your decision,” Velion said simply. “The Church will handle any matters that arise in your absence. Your well-being is my priority, Saint Bella.”
The sincerity in his voice was almost disarming. Bella let out a slow breath, setting her teacup down.
“I’ll think about it,” she said finally. “But thanks for giving me an out. Most people would just shove me into the spotlight and tell me to deal with it.”
Velion’s smile returned, soft and reassuring. “You are not most people, Saint Bella. And I am not most people.”
Oh, I bet the chat is losing their minds right now.
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Chat Stream:
FluffDragon112: “VELION BEST BOY. NO DEBATES.”
DemonicSushi44: “Caesar who? This man is carrying the whole Church and my heart.”
ScarletSaint45: “Bella, girl, MARRY HIM ALREADY. Or corrupt him. Your call.”
LilithFanatic91: “Velion: ‘You are not most people.’ Me: Screaming internally.”
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Velion rose from his seat, bowing slightly. “I will leave you to your thoughts for now. Should you require anything, you need only call.”
Bella watched him leave, her expression caught between exasperation and fondness. Man, they really don’t make ‘em like him anymore. Unreal.
She sighed, staring into her half-empty teacup. “Well,” she muttered to herself, “time to either save the empire or make a mess of it. Decisions, decisions.”