An Extra’s Rise in an Eroge

Alicia insisted on me riding with her, but I had my reasons to decline. I needed to gather some context about Arthur and the Raven siblings from Lily. With some effort, I managed to politely refuse her invitation. Alicia, pouting adorably, got into her car with Cedric and Kaela. I followed in the car behind, accompanied by my maids.

Inside the vehicle, I turned to Lily, who was sitting beside me.

"Hey, Lily."

"Yes, young master?" she responded, her tone ever composed.

"I've been meaning to ask—what's my relationship with the Raven siblings? My memories have been foggy since my awakening, and I can't seem to recall much about them."

Lily raised an amused eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips. "Ah, so that's what's been on your mind."

She shifted slightly, launching into an explanation. "They are your childhood friends. The Marquess Raven has been a significant contributor to the military, donating vast sums annually in exchange for the Ludwig Dukedom's protection. Their estate falls under the jurisdiction of your family's domain. Over the years, this financial and territorial connection brought the two families closer. Both households often attended each other's celebrations.

"You first met Lady Alicia and Master Cedric when their family attended your fifth birthday celebration. Since they were the only children your age, you bonded quickly. From that point on, their visits became regular, given their estate's proximity to ours."

She paused for a moment, smirking slightly. "And, over the years, Lady Alicia has grown quite fond of you. It's no secret she's fallen for your charm. There have even been discussions of an engagement between you two, though nothing has been made official."

"Oh, so you're saying Alicia likes me?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," Lily affirmed with a nod.

"And Cedric knows about it?"

"Of course," she replied with a hint of amusement.

"And he doesn't mind?" I pressed.

Lily chuckled softly. "Why would he? You're the heir to a dukedom, young, handsome, and powerful. Any brother would be thrilled for his sister to be courted by such a capable man. Cedric even encourages it."

At her words, a familiar voice echoed in my mind.

[Another prey caught in your web without effort. Talk about luck.]

'Not my doing,' I thought to myself, amused. 'But I won't refuse a treat.'

"Did you say something, Young Master?" Lily asked, tilting her head.

"No, just talking to myself," I replied casually.

The rest of the ride passed in silence, giving me time to check my stats.

'Hey, Sol. Show me my status window.'

Status Window

Name: Arthur Ludwig

Age: 15

Title: Heir of Ludwig

Strength: 75

Agility: 68

Stamina: 55

Intelligence: 75

Perception: 80

Charm: 38

Luck: 90

Mana Affinity: Light, Fire, Dark, Space, Water, Earth, Air, Divine

Aura: Intermediate

Class: Swordsman; Mage; Healer

Skills:

Observer's Gaze (B-SSS)Spirit Slasher (D)Death's Touch (SS): Drains vitality from enemies through touch.

Purification (A): Cleanses potent toxins, curses, and negative effects from the target.

Weapon Master (S): Proficient handling of all weapon types, though not at master level.

Foresight (SS): Briefly predicts an enemy's next move.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Divine Grace (B): Grants a minor boost to allies' resistance to weak curses and minor injuries.

Friend of Nature (A): Beasts are friendly toward the user.

Quick Learner (Passive) (B): Increases the user's learning speed and retention.

Shadow Manipulation (A)

Sensual Pheromones (Active/Passive)

Chantless Magic (B)

Blade Dance (D)

Arcane Shield(D)

Hypnotic Gaze (C-S)

Shadow Step (C-S)

Items: Venom (Untainted) (Bound to Host)

Blessed by Primordial Goddesses

Harem: Lily

Eroge Points: 1,356,500

Fate Points: 30,000

Kill Points: 35,000

'My repertoire has certainly grown,' I mused, noting how my previously empty "Class" section now listed Swordsman, Mage, and Healer. Skills I'd picked up along the way filled out nicely.

The sight of over a million Eroge Points earned from my escapades made me chuckle. "All that fooling around with the palace maids sure paid off," I murmured under my breath.

But something in the "Harem" section caught my attention. Only Lily?

'Hm... Now that's confusing,' I thought, narrowing my eyes at the screen.

'Hey, Sol, I've slept with plenty of women, so why is Lily the only one showing in the Harem tab?' I asked, genuinely curious.

[Simple. Lily's affection for you runs deeper than mere physical desire. The others? They were just satisfying their lust.]

'Huh, not even Lira and Lyra?' I thought, casting a quick glance toward the twins seated across from me, their calm expressions betraying nothing.

[No. While their loyalty and respect for you are unquestionable, it hasn't crossed into the kind of affection that qualifies them for the Harem list.]

I smirked at that, leaning back into the plush seat. 'Guess they just need some "extra attention", then,' I mused, mischief gleaming in my eyes.

As I revelled in my thoughts, the car began to slow, and the driver spoke. "We've arrived, young master."

The door opened, and Lily stepped out first, holding it open for me with her usual grace. I followed her lead, stepping into the cool evening air.

It was already dark, the sky painted in deep hues of indigo, but the sight before me stole my breath.

Even in the dim light of the evening, the building radiated an aura of authority and wealth. The sprawling gardens surrounding the manor were impeccably maintained, with pathways illuminated by soft, glowing lanterns. Statues of mythical creatures and heroic figures adorned the grounds, their intricate carvings catching the faint moonlight.

The manor itself was a towering masterpiece of architecture. Its tall, arched windows reflected the evening glow, and the imposing double doors, flanked by marble pillars, spoke of old money and influence. Above the entrance, a grand crest of the Raven family was proudly displayed, its intricate design shining faintly in the light.

Lily must have noticed my expression because she chuckled softly, leaning close. "Intimidated, young master?"

"Not intimidated," I replied, my tone carrying a hint of humour. "Just reconsidering who holds the superior title between our families."

Lily smirked. "The Raven family may have wealth, but don't forget who holds the true power, young master."

Her words were meant to reassure, but I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer opulence before me. "I'll admit, it's impressive," I said as we moved toward the entrance, where Alicia was already waiting, a playful smirk on her lips.

"Welcome to the Raven estate," she said, gesturing grandly, her tone teasing. "Don't get too overwhelmed, Arthur."

"You know," Alicia said, her voice dropping to a low, teasing tone as she stepped closer, her delicate features illuminated by the warm lights of the manor. "If you say the word, this could all belong to you."

Her words caught me off guard, and I coughed, nearly choking on my own saliva. "Cough—Cough!"

Alicia giggled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Ha~ha, you're adorable when you're flustered," she teased, clearly enjoying my reaction.

Before I could respond, she took my hand in hers, her soft grip firm enough to leave no room for protest. "Come on, follow me," she said, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "I'll show you around."

And just like that, she pulled me inside, her cheerful energy filling the grand entrance hall as she led the way.