Landon was aware that Cain would definitely report him to Helena, but he was determined. Regardless of what Helena said, he was insistent on firing Cain.

As a duke, if he didn't even have the authority to dismiss a servant, what kind of predestined fate was he fighting against?

Maybe, should stop being a duke and run away to the ends of the earth, wait till the game's male lead gets married before considering next steps.

The school now can no longer control Landon's movements, ironically, it was Cain who couldn't follow him out, the chance of him rubbing shoulders with Helena right in front of Landon was reduced.

However, when Landon got back home, he realised that he wasn't quite mentally prepared enough. Someone who he thought he wouldn't be seeing for a while was surprisingly at his house.

"...Lilica?"

The person sipping tea opposite Helena was precisely the same Lilica who had earlier, unintentionally seen the letter that Landon had written to Helena.

She was also the character that would lead the game’s male protagonist to the Empire… Landon had heard Flora’s divination that day, and had therefore expected that Lilica had probably already returned to the Empire with the male protagonist. He just hadn't been expecting to run into her here.

"Um, Landon ...... good evening."

Lilica was rooted to the sofa, speaking sluggishly.

The reason for using the term “rooted” was because she was too petite. Seated on the sofa, her feet didn’t even reach the ground. To sit more comfortably, she had to lean back and eventually end up lying down on the sofa.

She looked just like a 12 or 13 year old girl with black hair and eyes, dressed in a white uniform blouse, black knee-length stockings covering her slender legs that seemed to lack strength. Her leather garter belt held up her stockings to prevent them from sliding down and she wore a pair of short boots.

Probably because she, being a knight, had to fight in close combat often that she had short, neat hairstyle, longer at the front and shorter at the back.

However, no matter how spirited and energetic her outfit may be, just one look at her innocent and adorable face, made it hard for one to imagine her brandishing weapons on the battlefield.

Especially given her usually child-like, slow mannerisms, she looked more like a finely made doll rather than a female knight.

However, Landon knew that Lilica was not as immature as she appeared to be.

Being half-human, half-vampire, Lilica's growth differed from that of pure humans.

During his childhood, Lilica was already this age. Nearly ten years have passed, yet there's been no change in her outward appearance or personality......

Considering that Lilica was in a state of amnesia when she was bought back from the slave market by Landon's mother, it's been difficult to determine her actual age.

In theory, these were clear foreshadowings. If he followed Lilica's route in the game, he could unravel these mysteries.

However, as a high school student, Landon only played the game in his free time and hadn't completed it, therefore he had no idea what would happen next in this route......

If he had known he was going to cross over into this world, he’d definitely have played through the game even at the cost of dropping 100 places in the monthly exams!

Landon was deeply regretful.

Helena gently placed the teacup on the saucer, inviting Landon to sit down, "Lilica returned to the Empire today. It's been a while since you both met, right? It's a good day to catch up."

"...Sure."

Hesitant, Landon replied.

After regaining his past-life memories, in order to understand his death progress bar, he had recalled the memories of this life, including of course, the game’s female protagonist Lilica.

Lilica’s story was actually quite simple.

She was bought back from the slave market by the Duchess, who discovered her potential in combat and decided to train her to be Landon's personal guard.

As they appeared to be close in age, while on one hand they informed her of her social standing and trained her, on the other hand, they also allowed Landon and Lilica to play together and develop a bond.

With this emotional foundation, when Landon faced danger in the future, Lilica would undoubtedly protect him with her life. This strategy of nurturing guards was quite common.

However, one day, Lilica suddenly told Landon that she wanted to leave the Stuart family. Landon, who was still a child at the time, knew he had to fight for better treatment for his people. So, he pleaded with the Duke and set Lilica free. And that's how Lilica, who had once been a slave, was able to become a formal knight today.Landon believed he had never wronged Lilica, thinking their separation was amicable, without any grudges or resentment. Even after Lilica left the Stuart family, they remained on good terms for several years.

…But it seemed Lilica didn't see it the same way.

With this thought in mind, Landon's mood plummeted.

Just when he was down, Helena had to bring up the one name that currently annoyed him, barely concealed her intention, "I received a letter from Kain, does he say you intend to dismiss him?"

"That's right," Landon promptly admitted, "Did he mention why?"

Helena nodded gently, "He said that the saintess divined for you and you believe the divination says Kain will bring danger to you. "

“Indeed, I've given him a chance, just let me investigate him to ensure he won’t be a danger to me, but he seems hesitant... who knows what he's done to wrong me behind my back. "

Helena frowned, "You shouldn't suspect your associates like this, it's hard to gain people's trust if you're so suspicious. Be nicer to those close to you."

Landon leaned back on the sofa, “Say whatever you want, the dismissal letter is already prepared, your agreement or not won’t affect the outcome. I can’t keep someone who might put me in danger … also, even if you’re good to someone, they may not appreciate it, right, Lilica?”

Suddenly named, the spaced-out Lilica blinked as if rebooting, and took a few seconds to reply.

"umm... Typically, people are grateful, I think."

Her detached response had Landon respond, rubbing his forehead in annoyance: "Is that what you think? Would you remember if somebody was good to you? "

He really was struggling to understand Lilica. Why could she continue to pretend as if she hadn't done anything, maintaining an unruffled demeanor?

The reason Landon had mentioned Lilica suddenly was that he could not help remembering what she had done – which was completely different from her answers.

No matter how he racked his brains, Landon felt he hadn't wronged Lilica. But how did she repay him?

Once, a girl that he had never met claimed that he had flirted with her and complained to Helena.

The girl and her parents had no evidence, but Helena believed them immediately and questioned him.

Of course, Landon denied it: "Impossible, I don't even know her, she鈥檚 just trying to scrounge money...yup! Lilica was with me at that time; Lilica is the witness!”

He was looking forward to clearing his name in front of Helena and was eager to involve Lilica in testimony.

As Lilica arrived, Helena asked her, "Landon claims he was not there but at a store near your house and saw you. Do you remember?"

Landon looked at Lilica full of trust and anticipated her confirmation according to their relationship.

But the unexpected happened.

Lilica answered hesitantly, "I can't recall."

Landon was shocked and hurriedly added more details, "It was a candy store across the street from your house! I even asked you what flavor you like... Don't you remember?"

Lilica responded flatly, "I don't think so. You must have got it wrong."

Landon was dumbfounded by Lilica's attitude.

Lilica had no reason to lie. Did he really remember it wrong? But that was impossible as his memory was so clear…

Lilica's guiltless behavior when it first happened made Landon willing to believe that she might have forgotten for a while, so he forgave her.

But then it happened again and again…

Every time, Landon thought Lilica would give him the answer he had hoped for, but every time, she disappointed him, sending him crashing from heaven to hell.

Eventually, Landon couldn't help but confront Lilica, accusing her of doing it on purpose.

Lilica calmly replied, "I know you're there... I also know you didn't do those things... But I don't want to say it, is that not okay?"

Incredulous, Landon asked, "Why? Where have I offended you?"

"…Hmm, you haven't crossed me…there's no reason…I simply did what I felt like doing.”

Lilica showed no emotion, her dark eyes unwavering, staring directly at him.

Even if there were hatred or disgust in her gaze, those would count as reasons.

But the problem was, Lilica's eyes were calm, devoid of anything, as if she really did act solely upon her whims.

Yes, Lilica had never intentionally done anything to harm Landon.

She merely stood by and watched as Landon fell into a well, perhaps even tossing a stone in opportunistically, but she would never actively try to help him out.

She couldn't even provide a satisfactory reason.

This unprovoked, but very real malice towards Landon, was something he couldn't understand.

Realising this truth yielded Landon a tremendous blow.

Being betrayed by someone he wholly trusted hurt him more deeply than Helena's suspicions.

And the most formidable thing about Lilica was that no matter how outrageous her acts against Landon were, her demeanor remained unchanged, showing no remorse.

Just like now, Lilica sat nonchalantly on the couch, as if she hadn't backstabbed Landon, responding with lies without breaking a sweat.

"…Of course, I would be grateful."