Episode 2: Possession (3)
Back in my bedroom, I decided to finish organizing my thoughts.
The character I'd possessed, Scarlet Cepheus, wasn't exactly a major player in the original story. In fact, he didn't even appear in the main game. He was merely mentioned in the setting notes as Leticia's younger brother—a character so minor he didn't even qualify as a side role. It almost feels like a waste, given how well-crafted his character and striking appearance are.
But maybe it's because his design and looks were so appealing that, despite having zero screen time, he had a surprising number of fans. Apparently, a ton of fans begged the game developers for Scarlet-centric side story merchandise. Meanwhile, Leticia, his sister, had almost no fans except for a small, niche group, thanks to her consistently villainous behavior in the game.
Anyway.
It's hard not to wonder why Scarlet had no presence in the story. He wasn't in a position that made it hard to get involved—he attends the academy—and it's not like he lacked influence. In fact, Scarlet, not Leticia, is the head of the Cepheus family. His authority and influence should be greater than hers, if anything.
There were probably some behind-the-scenes reasons at the game company. It's not like Scarlet's absence in the game matters to me—I wasn't a player, just someone who drew art for my sister in exchange for cash. But now that I'm in Scarlet's body, the game company's decisions aren't something I can just brush off.
Hmm.
Sitting here racking my brain won't produce answers, though. I barely know anything, so what's the point of agonizing over it? Still, I can't ignore the possibility that something I'm overlooking might trip me up later, so I should jot it down.
I pulled a notebook from the bedside drawer and grabbed a pen, scribbling down my current concerns in Korean so no one else could read it. Above the line "Find out why Scarlet had no role in the original story," I'd written down the world-building, character details, and things to watch out for that I'd pieced together over the past month.
First, the most obvious key figure, the heroine Luna Taylor, isn't a high priority right now. Not because she's unimportant—far from it. According to the game, she's quiet, with an innocent face and a pure personality to match. She's from a minor baronial family, which might make her seem like an easy target at first glance.
The problem is the people around her. As the story progresses, she gets entangled with multiple male characters, which is a hassle in itself. Plus, she's got the potential to become the greatest spirit summoner, wielding high-level spirits thanks to her overpowered setting. But she's not an immediate concern because she doesn't enroll in the academy until I'm in my second year—meaning I have a whole year to prepare. I even know where she's from, so I could track her down if needed.
The real person to watch out for is the prince, Luke Arcadia—the named character my sister falls for first in several routes. Thinking about the kind, caring sister I've observed over the past month turning into a despicable villainess because of this guy makes my blood boil. I've only ever seen the prince in my own drawings or on a screen, but I already hate him like he's my sworn enemy.
If you think about it, isn't this basically NTR? I've decided to win my sister over, so if this prince, who's never even met her properly, steals her heart, how is that any different from NTR?
In other words, the prince is an NTR jerk. He deserves to die.
…
Putting my personal grudges aside, I can't kill the prince if I want to see a good ending. The game requires all named characters with routes, plus the heroine Luna, to survive to defeat the demon king's invasion. That's why I can't just assassinate him, tempting as it is.
In the end, as I resolved earlier, the only option is to win my sister over first.
I pressed the pen hard over the prince's name, letting the ink smudge, then closed the notebook. I couldn't think of anything else to write.
Tossing the notebook back into the drawer, I muttered "status window" to myself. I glanced over my halved stats. The average academy freshman has stats between 30 and 40, top-tier students hit 50 to 60, and only the elite named characters reach around 70. My stats are more than sufficient.
Scrolling past the stats, I reached the traits section.
Scarlet Cepheus
…
Traits: 「Vampire」「Void」
Unique Traits: 「Bestowal」「Connection」「Tuning」
The 「Vampire」 trait is shared by all vampires, but its rank varies. The rank determines the trait's power and versatility. For example, an F-rank vampire can only slightly enhance blood-drinking efficiency or make shadows flicker—basically a defective vampire.
An S-rank vampire, on the other hand, could wipe out a city in hours just by feeding, move through shadows, or materialize shadows for attacks. The status window doesn't display ranks, but according to the setting notes, a barely-turned vampire has an F-rank 「Vampire」 trait, while Leticia, from the prestigious Cepheus bloodline, is S-rank. That means I'm likely S-rank too.
One detail caught my eye:
「Vampire」
▶ Commands blood and shadows. Can captivate reason.
The ability to "captivate reason." Even though my sister has the same 「Vampire」 trait, could I use it to my advantage? My magic stat is significantly higher than hers, so I might have a shot. Plus, the captivation effect has both active and passive components. The higher the rank, the more you exude a pheromone-like allure.
I decided to save the active effect for a critical moment and focused on enhancing the passive effect by activating my magic. Thanks to a month of practice, I felt a surge of vitality course through me.
Knock knock.
Right on cue, a knock came from the door. "Scarlet, you asleep?" my sister called.
Since I'd told her I was going to nap after we parted at the dining hall—and knowing she'd come in even if I were asleep (once I fell asleep waiting for her and woke to find her waiting for me)—I could pretend to be asleep. But, energized by the magic coursing through me, I decided to reply with a playful tone.
"Not asleep. Come in."
The door opened softly, and my sister entered, carrying a tea set herself instead of letting a ghoul maid do it. She carefully walked to the bed. Over the past month, whenever she visited my room, it was like she claimed this space for just the two of us, not allowing anyone—not even the mindless ghoul maids—to intrude. I knew it was a kind of affectionate, almost clingy attachment to her brother, and I let it happen. I liked her too, after all. To her, it was probably just deep sibling care for her weakened brother, but for me, it might've been what made me start seeing her as a woman.
I mean, when you spend hours every day in a bedroom, dressed in thin clothes, sitting close and chatting intimately, what guy wouldn't start developing feelings?
"Where are you looking?" she asked, placing the tea set on the soft bed. I couldn't admit I'd been staring at her cleavage, the faint outline of her thighs, or her waist through her clothes, so I shook my head and said it was nothing.
She chuckled lightly and skillfully prepared the tea and snacks. A month ago, she was clumsy at this, but now it was second nature, a testament to her consistent effort.
"How's that? Your big sis is getting pretty good at making tea, right?" she said, puffing out her chest proudly. Among human nobles, a young lady skilled at making tea or snacks is quietly admired. Sure, they could leave it to servants, but young girls often want to create something sweet and delicious themselves. For a vampire, who treats human food as a luxury, mastering tea-making could draw attention in high society.
"You're right. You'll be super popular. Lucky you," I said, swallowing a cookie and savoring its sweet aftertaste. With this skill, she'd probably impress the kids who've never touched kitchen work.
But for some reason, her gaze turned cold. With her pale skin and red eyes, her icy stare was honestly a bit intimidating, like a chill radiating from her face.
What did I do wrong?
"You don't like the idea of being popular?" I asked cautiously, unable to figure it out.
She sighed, exasperated. "You really don't get it?"
"Nope."
I answered honestly.
With a small sigh, she reached out. Leaning slightly toward me from her spot on the bed, she pinched my cheek firmly. "I didn't practice this to be popular with other people. Got it?"
Oh.
So…
"You practiced for me, but I made it sound like you'd share it with others, and that upset you?"
I wasn't sure if that was right, but she gave a playful smile and nodded. "I barely have time to make stuff for you. When would I make things for anyone else?"
Why is my sister so pretty and sweet? Honestly, it's kind of hot. She's being so nice to me, it's making me feel like a baby vampire whining for attention. As she leaned forward to pinch my cheek, her loose clothing revealed her bra-clad chest. I wanted to grab it. Her subtle scent hit me, and I was this close to getting hard. I adjusted the blood flow in my body to hold it back.
"Why're you so quiet? Are you even listening?" she asked.
"I'm listening."
I wasn't. She was saying something, but I was too turned on to hear it. My head felt foggy, like I was drunk. I blurted out something random about hiring a human maid, and her expression cooled briefly, snapping me back to reality for a moment.
But soon, I was dazed again.
…
Wait, am I being captivated right now? The faint pleasant scent, the sudden surge of desire, my hands twitching to grab her chest—this has to be captivation.
I snapped out of it, purging the subtle captivation magic lingering in my body. My vision cleared, and there she was: flushed cheeks, labored breathing, sweaty forehead, and a damp neck and collarbone. She looked aroused.
"Uh… you… are you… listening… to me…?" she stammered, barely coherent. Just moments ago, she was scolding me for not listening, but now she was reduced to murmurs. It seems while I was affected by her captivation, she was hit by mine. Since neither of us resisted, and my magic stat was higher, we both succumbed to each other's captivation instead of one overpowering the other.
Her flushed, trembling state was incredibly sexy. I'd dispelled the captivation, so why was I still turned on? I couldn't hold back anymore and got hard. She didn't seem in her right mind either, so maybe it was fine.
But acting on it now would be premature, so I scooped up my panting sister. "Eek… what… are you… doing…!" she yelped, flailing her legs. Her smooth thighs were fully exposed, and I didn't resist rubbing them. "Hngh!" She let out a sharp squeal, but I ignored it and handed her to the ghoul maid waiting outside.
Phew.
I almost went too far.
Still, her affection must've gone up, right?
Leticia Cepheus
Affection: 58
Why did it drop?
Why didn't he go for it?
I used captivation so strongly.