In the end, Aurora and Scarlett had three kids together.

In the game. I repeat, In the game.

Garbage game.

''Tch...'''

Hah... I know she was just joking, but it infuriates me, nevertheless. At this point, I have to admit, I was being too complacent.

Back on Earth, I didn't really have a serious competition, but here, everybody seems to be going after Aurora. I mean, I get it. Standing before such a cold yet quirkily funny girl, who wouldn't be shaken?

Nydia is a sure enemy of mine, and then other bitches are also showing signs...

You know what? I'm not going to play around anymore. I wanted to give Aurora some room to think, but at this rate, I'll lose squarely the moment she knows what love is.

It's time to get serious on the offense.

Having decided that I act right the next day.

''My lady...''

''What?''

''...No. Please excuse me.''

Using my right as the noble lady in this bunch, I shamelessly sit on Aurora's lap, arms wrapped around her neck. Aurora herself doesn't seem to be in discomfort, which is evident in her wings encasing both of us. This means Aurora is more receptive to intimate touches like this, although it might just be because she is immersed in the novel that she is reading.

Nevertheless, I can't let my guard down. She might be comfortable with other people doing this to her as well. Especially this bitch Nydia. She has been pretty bold recently after seeing Aurora in the bathroom...

''Heh.''

''...!''

Nydia looks quite frustrated the moment I sneer at her, clenching her fists and all.

Yes, get jealous! Aurora is mine, idiot.

Here, it's warm, it's fluffy, and I have a close, full-side view of this beautiful face as well! And maybe more than that, her chest is mashing against mine...!

It is as though her heartbeats and my heartbeats resonate with each other through our bodies—truly a beautiful moment.

Stolen story; please report.

''Heheh~''

Bobbing up and down, I enjoy the moment to the fullest until we reach the next stop. This time, it is a coastal city famous in the Empire for its rich cultural values—art, music, and stuff like that.

The meal provided by one of the top restaurants is, as expected, excellent. This can be compared to Nydia's food. Wait, am I indirectly praising Nydia...?

Either way, I grab a glass of juice and walk to the balcony for some fresh air.

''...''

Night in a coastal city is like a scene from a dreamland. Tonight, the moon hangs high in the starry sky, round and bright, yet its reflection on the seawater fails to compete with the abundance of magic lamps lit on land.

The breeze gently brushes against my body, making my long hair sway in the air.

I should've called Aurora here. It's such a romantic spot.

As if answering my wish, mere seconds later, someone opens the door and enters the balcony.

''...Aurora?''

I turn around, slightly surprised. Did she follow me here?

''Master has retreated.''

As soon as the somewhat mechanical voice escapes the person in front of me, I realize that this is not the crush that I know but her subordinate.

''I see. She woke up on the other end, huh.'' I let out a sigh.

As much as I want Aurora to stay with me, I also understand it. She needs to maintain proper sleeping cycles, especially now that a critical scenario is happening.

In silence, Peln walks over and puts her hand on the railing, staring out the sea blankly.

''...''

''...''

I have not interacted with her much, now that I think about it.

Befitting a doppelganger, her disguise is practically perfect. Her appearance-mimicking ability is flawless, as demonstrated every time I touch her body, while her impersonation is also immaculate.

Only some can pierce through her disguise; I'm confident in this.

In the game, Peln is actually an enemy mob of a future scenario. Most likely. After the clash with Suk the Miscreant, who is weirdly sharp for whatever reason, it is revealed that he has been using a doppelganger to infiltrate the academy.

Aurora defeated Suk and gained a doppelganger, so it is safe to assume that Peln is the same one Suk uses in the game.

Nevertheless, Peln has now become Aurora's follower, which means we don't have to deal with such an elusive force anymore. If there is one thing...

''Hey, Peln.''

''Yes?''

''Were doppelgangers supposed to have a personality?''

''Not to my knowledge. We simply follow our master's orders.''

''Then why do you have one?''

''...''

A shift in expression. Although it is inconceivably tiny, I sensed it. I have looked at Aurora's face for years; this is something I can detect.

So I was right. There is something else with this doppelganger. Even in the game, the captured doppelganger is similar to a soulless doll, not... Whatever this is.

''Why don't you defend yourself?''

''...''

It's weird. It's really weird. Although I know there is something suspicious about her, I can't bring myself to oppose her. I don't want to. Am I being mentally influenced...?

But I have the ring, and no one other than those at the top can pierce through it...

In the first place, I know the origin of this thing and how it got to where it was. There should be no variable, yet...

As I stare longer and longer into this puppet's eyes, indescribable emotions bloom inside my heart. I don't know how to treat this thing. What happened to me...?

''...Enough.'' I let out a sigh. ''I'll let you pass, just... Do not hurt Aurora in any circumstance.''

''...''

I down the glass of juice and walk toward the door.

''Or else, I definitely will not forgive you.''

''You don't need to worry about that.''

''...''

I pull the door open and step inside.