This is the world view setting of the work.

The character introductions are from the Otome game, so they are slightly different from the main story.

______________________________________

...setting...

Fantasy ADV Otome Game "Trickster Dreams in the Mirror"

The story

　One day, the main character, who was living as a commoner, awakens the magical power that sleeps within him and causes him to go out of control.

　After losing consciousness due to the release of power, the next place where the protagonist woke up was a room in a certain mansion.

　The aristocrat of the mansion offers to adopt the protagonist because there are no magicians in his lineage.

　The aristocrat vows to help the troubled hero enter a higher academic research institute, and the hero decides to take a new step in order to face his own power.

　After undergoing training to stabilize his magical powers, the protagonist successfully enters an advanced academic research institute.

　However, what awaited her was the cold stares of the sons of aristocrats who had gone on to school from middle school.

　She vows to never look down, even though she is scorned and unfairly treated as a former commoner after entering the outside school.

　Meanwhile, he catches a glimpse of Rafael, who is the first prince of the country and is trusted by everyone.

● View of the world

　A world where magic exists.

　Among them, the country of Ron Aras prospered as a country of magicians, with many of them possessing a great deal of magical power.

　It has a national policy of cultivating magicians, and has a secondary academic research institute and an advanced academic research institute, and is focusing on educating children.

　Most of the people who inherited the blood of magicians were royalty, and most of the people enrolled in academic research institutes were nobles, but the gates are wide open as people with aptitude appear among the common people.

　○Institute for Advanced Studies (three years)

　Any man or woman who has passed the exam and has a certain amount of magical power can enter regardless of whether they are aristocrats or commoners.

　It is attached to the secondary academic research institute, and most of the students are students (internal students) from the secondary school.

　○ dream disease

　A disease that adversely affects the body by accumulating mana, the source of magical power.

　There are congenital ones and acquired ones, but in both cases, mana can't be discharged out of the body eventually, leading to death.

　Perhaps because of the nation's character of having a lot of magical power, it affects both aristocrats and commoners alike, but in recent years the number of aristocrats has been increasing and it is becoming a social problem.

●Character

　○ Protagonist (Name can be changed) Gender: Female

　A first-year high school student, the adopted daughter of Count Boismortier.

　Adopted by an Earl family due to his talent for magic.

　Originally from a commoner background, she struggles with how to interact with aristocrats, but she looks forward with her natural cheerfulness.

　"I will stick to the path that I have believed in!"

　○ Raphael Emmelek Ronaras Gender: Male

　A first-year high school student, the first prince of Lonaras.

　Possessing a rare amount of magical power in recent years, she also possesses an unparalleled beauty. He is expected to play an active role not only as a prince, but also as a magician.

　He is admired for his arrogant personality that treats everyone equally, but he sometimes suffers from cruel thoughts that cross his mind, and this side is seen by the main character.

　"Eavesdropping isn't something that ladies do, is it? ──Don't think you can escape."

　○ Camille Blow Gender: Male

　A first-year high school student, the eldest son of the Marquis Blow family.

　The only son of the prime minister of Lonaras in his later years.

　A childhood friend who grew up with Rafael in order to become a close aide to him in the future.

　A perfectionist who feels inferior to Rafael, who excels in both personality and ability, but does not let others realize it.

　"I respect Rafael-sama. But in front of you, the mask seems to come off..."

　○ Serge Dudovan Gender: Male

　A first-year high school student, the seventh son of Count Dudvan.

　A childhood friend who grew up with Raphael to become Rafael's guard in the future, and his father is the current king's guard captain.

　Fed up with his father, who sees him as nothing more than a pawn in his career, he is hungry for his parents' love, and falls for the innocent protagonist.

　"You're fine. I don't know

　○ Jules Bachelard Gender: Male

　Third year high school student, eldest son of Baron Bachelard.

　He hates magic after losing his beloved younger brother to "dreaming disease" when he entered the Institute for Advanced Studies.

　Although he himself has been decided to join the Knights, his swordsmanship is in a slump, causing desperation and being aggressive towards everyone.

　"Don't mind me! If you want me to play with you, open your crot*h.”

　○ Noé Corbusier Gender: Male

　Advanced academic research institute, magic teacher. He has been awarded a knighthood for his previous achievements.

　Originally a magician who worked on the front lines, he suffered from the acquired "dreaming disease" and now works as a teacher.

　Despite being rejected by doctors for not having a long future ahead of him, he spends his days researching cures for "Dreaming Disease".

　"I'm not as strong as you, but I don't want to have any regrets."

　○ Claudette Chapdelaine Gender: Female

　A first-year high school student, the second daughter of Marquis Chapdelaine.

　Rafael's fiancée, strong-willed, and has absolute confidence in his position.

　An existence that can be a villain or a rival (a worthy opponent) depending on the actions of the protagonist.

　"It's something that a lowly person like you often slipped into."

● System

　The game begins with the words of Trickster.

　You, who has let your magical power run wild, will have an interview andtrainingmini gamewill receive

　After determining your initial status, you will enter the Advanced Academic Research Institute alternately between the story part and the adventure part, and with the help of the magic item Hand Mirror obtained at the training center, you will decide the future with the capture target. .

　○ Story part

　Advance your story with the capture target.

　The favorability of the capture target changes depending on the options that appear in the conversation.

　○ Adventure part

　Your status will change depending on your actions.

　Each capture target has a required status value, so let's use the information from the hand mirror about the capture target as a hint.

　Depending on the story part/adventure part selection, karma value (work) may accumulate, and when it accumulates a certain number, it will affect each character.

[I’m gonna turn my preference into reality.] Napoleon Hill said.

[Reality is far more creative than a novel] Bailon said.

Has everyone ever tried it at least once?

Trying to cast magic spells to see if they have magical powers, or trying to move things without touching them just in case they hold super powers.

Look, look, did you try it?

It is said that this world is made up of 11 dimensions.

That this place is the only one he recognizes. (?) ((Possibly talking about the god of the world))

You don’t understand a thing, right? You don’t care about a single thing, right?

Just what is right and what is wrong doesn’t matter, since I have nothing to do with it.

Because this is a world that uses magic.

There are parts that are the same, though.

I’m a trickster, and so are you.

Now~ Let’s fly to the world of dreams!

But be careful… Even if it has nothing to do with me and nothing to do with you, that world does exist.

To you who’s reflected in the mirror, there’s no need to ask anymore.

You are who you are.

But please don’t forget… everyone is reflected in their own mirror, there isn’t only one.

Hee~ey, Trickster.

You must never forget, you are both good and evil at the same time.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

{The Trickster Dreams Within the Mirror}

◆◆◆◆◆◆

As my body felt like it’s being torn, and my insides felt like it’s being grilled, I saw a lamp.

Within the picture, there is a clown that’s singing and dancing.

Brilliant sceneries that I shouldn’t have seen, unknown memories that I don’t remember came rushing to my head—

[*Coughs*… Ghu..]

I spit out blood.

It seems that the inflamed lungs and throat were hurt from the violent coughing.

What was that just now? I have my doubts, but with the short intermissions of pain washing over me, I don’t have the time to deal with it.

My back stiffened and my hand subconsciously extended towards somewhere.

My hand was suddenly enveloped by something warm.

[Sheryl! Sheryl!… Mother is just right here!]

I hear a voice.

I was wondering whose voice it was, but with the pain invading my head, I could not identify just “who” that was.

Pain. It’s just pain.

Just by moving my fingertips causes the pain to shoot up, causing me to let go of my consciousness.

To the dark, dark abyss I sink.

This is the first time I’ve experienced sinking down on my side.

The floating sensation of my feet and arms feels so pleasant.

When I was finally placed down, my body’s movements were regained so I looked around my surroundings.

Is this inside my dream?

If so, then were those memories I saw from before also a dream?

When I remembered, I felt like my head was gonna split.

My understanding tells me that those weren’t a dream.

Moreover, it’s telling me something.

This is the world of an Otome Game, it said.

Upon the sudden flood of information, all I could do was be dazed.

I shook my head and looked around myself.

There’s nothing there but darkness.

However, when I look overhead, I can see light falling down.

As if at the bottom of the ocean.

…Even though I have no idea what an ocean is.

It’s the same with my sickness, I don’t know that the inflammation of my throat was due to hemoptysis.

But I know of it.

{REINCARNATION}, {PREVIOUS LIFE}, {OTHER WORLD}, {INCARNATION/TRIP}

Various keywords pop up then disappears.

Those belonged to someone else’s life.

It seems I’m being flooded with somebody else’s memories.

He had a sister.

Aside from my older brother, I have no other siblings.

His younger sister loved games, and she seemed to like playing something called otome game the most.

She told him the contents of the game, the one’s she especially liked, and she let him play, too.

One of them was where a clown dances at the beginning, “Trickster Dreams In The Mirror”.

It’s a story of a female main character whose magic power went out of control, so she enrolls in the magic academy, and there she will foster her relationships with fellow classmates, upperclassmen, and teachers.

The little sister’s favorite character was the fellow classmate and First Prince of the country, while his favorite was an upperclassman.

It seems that he also unexpectedly liked it.

And the senior student who was his favorite was… my older brother.

The appearance might be similar to my brother when he grows up, but the surrounding atmosphere is completely different.

I got curious as to why was that so, therefore I searched through the memory, then I regretted it.

The reason why my brother turned out to become like that, was me.

I, Sheryl Bashrawl, suffered from the “Dreaming Illness” and lost my life, or so it seemed.

…Am I going to die?

It’s something I understand, but when I think about it again, my heart hurts, all the more if my death casts a shadow on my older brother’s future.

Moreover, my life in the next two years…

Eh?! No, no, wait, isn’t that too quick?!

The “Dreaming Illness” indeed shortens life, but is it that short?!… I unconsciously crouched down and held my head.

{DREAMING ILLNESS}

There are congenital and acquired types, and apparently, I’m the former type of patient.

In the congenital case, the symptoms worsen after the third year of activation, furthermore, if the illness still advances, then the patient will no longer be able to leave the bed.

Because they die as they are, the patients became known as ones who forever dreams, thus the name “Dream Illness” came to be known.

It seems it doesn’t exist in his world, but magic exists here.

To practice magic, you must first be able to use Mana.

When it comes to Dreaming Illness, that mana is not discharged from the body and it continues to accumulate.

And it seems that if one accumulates more Mana than necessary, it harms the body.

Even though I do not know the pain that occurs daily, I realize it, that I’m gonna die at this rate.

Preferably, I’d like to die a painless death, and how many times have I thought of it… but because it saddens the people around me, I was not able to say it.

But that, too, is a lie.

If I were given a chance, I would love to live.

I do not want to be separated from my loving family.

However, what must be done?

The “Dreaming Illness” has no cure.

Even if I search for memories, there is no such information that therapy has been established in the game.

But at this rate, if I die, Nii-sama will end up changing!

For my gentle brother to speak such words, to show such expressions… just what should I do?

— Oppose it.

Do not abandon life. Resist death.

I felt like that’s what he told me.

Quickly, I dig through those memories again.

That’s right, he knows of this world. Even if it’s a game, even if it’s just made up, I’m living here.

I’m still alive.

I sank to the bottom of the memories, looking for anything that could keep my life longer.

Contains a bit of NSFW contents.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

[Ahaahn…　Nicole, there, so good~　More, push there more~]

[…This sl*t.]

Dishiveled hair and flying sweat.

Heat was emitted from the overlapping bodies.

Perverse sounds could be heard from the junction, with occational panting sounds following after.

[Aah, aah,… that’s because… Nicole’s is awesome..]

[Lower your voice. What if the madam hears you?]

As I said it quickly, I took off the stained apron and forced it in his mouth.

[N, ngh]

I was just using him to relieve myself.

I merely opened the front of my pants, but the young man who came out from the kitchen was crawling in all fours with his *** facing towards me while being fucked.

This bit*h.

When I repeatedly pushed on his prostate, the young man covered his mouth, as if he was about to let out a cry.

Even though there’s a person here who’s dying.

I might be cursed at, but those who perpetrated it are also guilty.

The thought of wanting to turn your eyes away from the miserable body that is only bone and skin, even trivial things will not be an excuse.

Doing such terrible things just to avoid seeing that miserable body that’s only skin and bones is just unacceptable.

…Recently, he’s been vomiting blood continuosly.

Sheryl-sama won’t survive for long.

Nobody was saying it, but that’s an undeniable fact.

The name of the disease diagnosed three months after birth is not unknown in this country, it is a difficult intractable disease which has no treatment as of the present.

Both his parents and older brother, and also all the servants working in this house all knew about this.

That’s why, when my grandfather appointed me as his servant, I felt nothing but anger.

Just why wasn’t I appointed to the healthy big brother, but to the little brother who’s only waiting or his death.

However, I was not allowed to refuse, so even though I was completely against it, I still did my duties properly, though it probably shows on my face.

Because we were left alone, I was able to make time for my current activity.

[Ngh, nhh, nn]

[How unproductive.]

Both the me right now, and him who’s lying on the bed.

While bearing my weight, I gripped his waist and proceeded on to the last spurt.

He was saying “No no” at first.

While maintaining his pose, our skins touch each other, I can feel his body’s temperature.

Even without knowing how much longer he can live, he’s still experiencing what living means.

As he was losing consciousness, a smile slightly appeared on his mouth. Even while being eroded with pain, it’s a laughable act.

There are no words, even when his body stiffens from time to time due to his illness, he’s still able to manage a smile.

Everytime, I become aware of it.

Of my own helplessness.

[Nguu, nghu, nn~!]

[U,uu]

I ****** in up to the hilt, then released my semen insde.

As I was squeezed between the undulating inner wall, I breathed out deeply after finishing my business…

The act after that was quick.

I wiped myself of the remaining semen stuck on myself after pulling out, and placed the used cloth on his pocket.

All that’s left is to close my pants. The sweat will probably dry by itself.

I opened the the windows which were closed to prevent the sound from leaking, and ventilated the room with wind magic.

When I took a glance at the young man who’s *** is still up in the air, I clicked my tongue.

[Hurry up and return to the kitchen, you idiot.]

[….How mean..]

I was thinking of kicking the young man who was looking at me with teary eyes, when I noticed something unbelievable.

[Sheryl-sama?]

The moment he heard my words, the young man panickly gathered his clothes and fled from the room without dressing up properly.

I wanted to say that he shouldn’t have been here in the first place, but I’m guilty of the same offense so I put that at the back of my head.

「…………」

[Sheryl-sama’s movements stopped after that.]

His fingertip seemed to have moved, but that does not probably mean that he’s awake.

Just how much longer will I be able to see him open his eyes again, I wonder.

My body might feel refreshed, but my heart still feels heavy.

I hid the gloomy feelings inside my heart and gazed at my master.

Hollowed cheeks and sunken eyesockets. There’s not even a shadow of his mother’s beauty that he’s inheritted.

Even his red hair which, just like his older brother, he’s taken from his father couldn’t stand the illness’s attack and has turned white.

There’re no wrinkles on his face, but with his appearance, it’s hard to tell the difference.

[Sheryl-sama…]

Just how many times did I call out his name, even I have lost count.

No matter how opposed I was before, this name has now become the name of my one and only master.

Withered from pain and when I try to wake him up, he could only groan, however, I still want to keep on serving him for a long time, even if it sounds cruel.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

Hmmm, this guy… is probably Nicole, on this scene..

I don’t recognize the other one, though. Is it just a hallucination created by my brain? I think so.

In the memory, terms such as “BL” or “homo” exists, but the me rigt now is having a hard time digesting it.

Even though I had no idea what they’re doing while overlapping each other, it’s annoying for the memory to give me an answer, and also irritating.

At that moment, in the space where the darkness spreads, I was hit by the feeling that the sparks were scattered.

Within my illness’s memory lane(?), I discovered something what the “Chinese” called “Qi”, I wonder if it can be used against illnesses.

I return my attention to the memory.

It’s the driving force for daily life activities. It gathers in the lower abdomen and extends to the distal end via meridian.

I imagined that flow as if it’s Mana.

I started imagining the Mana circulating my body, then discharging it through my fingertips.

Before I noticed it, I was able to percieve my surrounding.

Sonar, fishfinder… Can discharged mana also be used like that?

I can’t percieve sounds or color, but I can see the shape just fine.

More than objects, I can easily detect living things better, is it because of the mana regulating within them?

Even if I think any more than this, I don’t think I can find an answer.

While I am within the sea of memories, the pain does not affect me and I have a lot of fun.

I’m also happy that I’m able to observe everything around me.

To think that Nicole would do something like that in my room…… No, let’s forget about it, even Nicole should want me to forget about it.

As if sparks are lighting up again, my consciousness started to rise.

[Sheryl-sama!]

With Nicole’s surprised expression, I can tell that I’ve woken up.

There’re a few stinging pain, but I can’t seem to move my body.

If I forcefully move myself, I have a feeling that the pain would come crashing at me.

[Ah…]

[I’m soaking a clean cloth with water, please bear with it.]

Even if the cloth was placed on my lips, my mouth won’t open as I want it to.

I tried to tell him without using words.

[Please, excuse me.]

He probably undertood that I couldn’t move, so Nicole inserted the end of the cloth in my mouth.

The moisture that I was sucking with all my strength leaked out.

However, maybe because I was trying use my tongue to lick it, the cloth fell down.

Nicole persistently placed the cloth in my mouth everytime it drops.

[Are you able to digest anything?]

「…………」

I closed my eyelids to answer “no”.

Nicole seemed to have understood what I meant with just that gesture.

While in this condition, just sucking on that cloth already tired me out.

[Well then… I will moisten a new cloth with fruit juice.]

He would probably like to give me some nourishments.

Nicole drenched another clean cloth with fruit juice.

He did such tasks flawlessly.

That’s right, I looked at Nicole.

[Sheryl-sama? Is there something?]

When Nicole noticed my gaze, I gave him a smile that I managed to bring out with my strength.

It’s okay! No matter what Nicole’s sexual preferrence is, I will not deny you!

Because there will be a lot of problems that will come up because they’re both men, I can only cheer him on.

However, please stop doing it in my room, okay? I added that wish at the last minute.

[Sheryl-sama…]

Suddenly, tears came streaming down Nicole’s eyes. (TN: aww… if only you didn’t do it in his room, that would’ve been perfect…)

[P, please forgive me.]

Even though I wanted to encourage him, I ended up making him cry.

Could it be that he found out that I’ve been watching?!

However, I found out that it’s not the case with his next words.

[Sheryl-sama, I… For being able to serve you, I’m so happy.]

Was my encouragement able to reach him properly?

Nicole wiped the tears off his eyes and contentedly smiled.

I became embarrassed though I was the recepient, but I wasn’t able to do anything other than that.

[This is the juice from the kuku fruit.]

A cloth dyed in red with fruit juice is inserted into the mouth.

The sweetness with a tinge of a sour flavore reminded me of citrus fruits.

I licked it again and cloth fell, I licked and the cloth fell……It’s not on purpose!

Contrary to when I was inside my consciousness, I’ve been releasing Mana from my fingertips but it seems I still can’t move even for a bit.

My muscles have probably deteriorated from being bedridden for so long.

It seems that the rehabilitation would be hard.

But since I’ve woken up, I’ve probably passed the critical state.

If that’s so, then there’s hope.

Everytime Nicole inserts the fallen cloth into my mouth, his hand would sligtly tremble.

I wonder what's wrong?

[Sheryl-sama, next is milk…]

[Sheryl!!! You’re awake!]

My mother who opened the door with a “BANG* came rushing on to me.

Actually, she just went up to the edge of the bed, but that’s how it felt like.

Fluffy and swinging blond hair and bright voice were indicative of Mother’s activity, but fatigue is emerging on the face we saw. It must be because she was nursing me with all her might.

[Madam, it would cause trouble if you hurry that much.]

[I’m sorry, it’s because I heard that he’s awake. Sheryl, how are you feeling? Not bad?]

Placing her hands on both my cheeks, the tears which have pooled in her eyes started falling.

Aah, I’ve caused her to worry, was what I realised right then.

Mother’s tears was overflowing as it spilled down ……”Mother, Mother” I kept calling her existence inside my heart.

[Hiku\, uwe\~\, *sniff*]

[Aa, Sheryl, everything will be fine… Mother is just right here..]

While being held as if I’m about to be swallowed, it was that time when she was hugging me in her chest…

[Sheryyll~!!! Are you okay~?!]

A loud voice reverberated throughout the entire room.

[Honey, could you please be quiet?]

[Master, too much noise will be harmful to Sheryl-sama’s health.]

Nicole sure doesn’t show any mercy towards father’s loud voice. Though he certainly was noisy.

As he got scolded by the two of them while entering the room, Father got smaller.

[O, oh… that… How are you doing?]

[He has just woken up and was about to finish his fruit juice.]

[I see. Sheryl, it’s your father. Can you tell?]

A big hand clumsily pets my head.

Just by that, I felt like my tears are gonna flow down again.

There’s no way I’ll make a mistake with such a eye-piercing red head of yours, Father.

He must have hurried over from work as he’s still his Magic Knight’s uniform.

[After hearing that you’ve awaken, Jule will probably come home from the dormitory tomorrow. Please show that healthy appearance to your brother, as well.]

Judging by how quick they’ve returned, it seems that I was in a pretty dangerous condition.

I hope that when Nii-sama comes home tomorrow,  the pain would have subsided.

I don’t want to experience again such pain as if my body is being torn apart. Even if it has happened a lot of times before.

I swayed my head to nod, but it’s a wonder whether it swayed vertically or not.

When I try to move too much, I start to become dizzy.

[You can’t push yourself so hard, ok? Sheryl, please rest your body in the bed. Mother will be right, okay?]

Father is here, too.]

[Honey should first get rid of your sweat first.]

[Uu, I understand.]

I am well aware that Father completely listens to Mother’s words.

Thinking back to when Nicole told him off, isn’t his standing to weak?

[Sheryl, I’ll come back right after I’ve freshen up, so you have to rest properly.]

[Master, please be quiet.]

Even so, that this is a family overflowing with love won’t change.

Including the servants, knowing that I have such gentle family was the one that’s been supporting my heart. Having seen the familiar atmosphere I’m used to, I silently closed my eyes.

[Good night, Sheryl. May you see sweet dreams.]

◆◆◆◆◆◆

The next time I opened my eyes, Nii-sama who made my father look small, was there. Right next to the sleeping me.

He’s lying inside the bedsheets.

[Oh, Sheryl, you’re awake?]

Being directed such a dazzling smile, I pretended not to see the tears which has already dried in his cheeks.

Even though we’re blood-related, our physiques were completely different.

Even though his looks is still that of a teenager, the muscles in his arms could compare to that of an adult man’s.

Must be because he was training his swordsmanship, there's small cut visible in his cheek.

As I was observing my brother who I haven’t seen in a long time, Nicole brought in a cloth and water.

[Sheryl-sama, please hydrate yourself.]

[Ah! Me! I’ll do it.]

[Please be careful not to spill it.]

[Yeah!]

Nii-sama who’s received the cloth from Nicole helped me get up.

Despite how he looks, those hands were as gentle as the ones I’m used to.

It seems like the time he’s been stuck with me wasn’t in vain.

And that older brother, bears no resemblance to the one I saw in the game.

Although his eyes still look sharp, but his expression is overflowing with kindness when he looks at me that I could not find any connection to him the one in the game.

[If it’s painful then you must say so, got it?]

[Okay…]

Although there’s still pain, but it’s not to the point where I need to cry because of it.

“It’s okay” I said with my eyes as I suck on the drenched cloth.

He understood it when my lips got wet.

I tried to move my tongue to prevent spilling it, but this time, the part where I wasn’t able to prevent dripped through my chin.

Before Nicole managed to wipe it, Nii-sama leaned over and sucked it.

[Sorry, there must’ve been too much water, careful.]

Um.

We’re siblings, so there’s no deeper meaning to it. Yep.

There was also a time when he fed me through his mouth. It looked like he was just trying to imitate what mother would do, though.

Somehow, Nicole’s eyes look like they aren’t laughing, but that’s probably also my imagination.

It’s wrong to wrongly accuse others. Because the me from before wouldn’t have doubted him, either.

By the way, where did mother go? Father also said that he’s be here, didn’t he?

Because my visison is being occupied by my brother, I turn my conscousness into Mana.

The Mana that I’ve continuously released seems to have finally reached up until the edge of the room, and it showed me the wall where my parents are standing together nearby.

And before them is a person who is facing the canvas.

[I’m sorry, Young Master Jule, to be able to see Young Master Sheryl better……Thank you very much.]

Why is a painter here?

Also, it seems we’ll be modelling for it.

Just what on earth happened while I was asleep?

Maybe he’s read my thought, my brother told me the answer while laughing.

[ Although we heard that you’re in a terrible condition, but when we came back, you seemed better as always, so father and mother decided to capture it in a painting.]

I don’t know the passage of time, probably around half a day to the whole day must have been really bad.

Becasue of my illness, I’m also aware that I’m turning into a skeleton-look-a-like.

Can something be done about it with his imagination?

[I am also happy to have Sheryl’s awakening painted, just a bit impatient.]

[eh…]

I got weak after saying so.

Well, I decided to not mind being painted as it’s I’ll just forget about it.

They’re probably comparing notes as to how we should be painting as my parents seem to have a lot to say. It’s fine if it doesn’t get in the way of the painter, though.

[Sheryl, how about the fruit juice? The fruit juice’s color was beautiful on your lips, you know?]

[Oh, oh, is that so, Nicole?]

[Here, please.]

Beautiful or whatnot, I’m a skeleton…… Oh, well, the fruit juice is delicious.

This time, Nicole gave nii-sama a cloth dyed red.

[Can you still drink? You don’t have to force yourself, ok?]

When my brother heard me say I’ll do it in a small voice, he put the cloth on his lips before putting it to mine.

I have no problem upon being doted but, isn’t this too much?

Could it be that my brother’s change has something to do with this?

Because he loved his little brother deeply, that when he lost him, the impact is also huge.

When I learned from the memories of the past life, I increased my determination.

I will stay as far away as possible from my brother.

And also resist death.

Even if my fate is already determined, at least, I don’t want to get my brother involved.

I will make an effort to live.

[Sorry, I spilled it again… chu.]

My Big Brother sucked the juice that was dripping on my skin.

No matter how many times nii-sama’s lips touch my skin, I still get embarrassed after all.

Yeah, let’s stay away from him!

Perhaps, I might currently be having my first shameful experience

It seems that a person who loves his brother so much like my older brother is called a “Brocon”.

Just to what extent is he being a brocon, first of all, he’s not leaving from my side. He tried to accompany me to the bathroom so Nicole had to stop him.

I thought that it won’t be good at this rate, so I tried distancing myself from him a number of times but…

[Nng]

[What’s wrong? Are you hurt somewhere?]

When I release a weak voice unintentionally, they’d suspect that my health has worsened, and even when I try to free my body, they’d still take it as if I’m hurt and they’d worry more.

I can’t speak what I want to say because I’m not even able to say a word.

I tried telling him through hand gestures, but maybe because we’ve been too close lately, I couldn’t do it well, simply leaving it in frustration.

[Recently, you seem to be wanting to stretch your arms, huh. Still, don’t force yourself, ok? If there’s something you want to do, I’ll do it for you.]

Our mother has been smiling while looking at my brother and I stick together, but Nicole’s daily rhythm seems to be disturbed, there’s an impression of a vien throbbing in his temple.

Even when he was back at the dorm, he used to write letters every single day……Honestly, I can’t figure out a way to get him away from me.

In the meantime, I must get back my strength and be able to speak easily, that is my goal.

[Sheryl-sama, how about here?]

[N]

I shook my head, indicating that it’s fine.

When I was able to conciously release Mana, I have never suffered from any major pain.

I can also freely use Mana even while inside the sea of memories, which even I think is amazing.

Gradually, my health is getting better and I’m able to communicate a little with everyone, so I feel that everyone’s smile has increased.

And now, in front of me are different types of ingredients.

Food with high Mana content will aggravate(?) the Dreaming Illness so they’re properly sorting those.

It was discovered that I could tell accurately how much Mana I have inside my body two days ago.

After sorting out the ingredients, this time we’re waiting to confirm on the cooking method.

[Shina’s(it’s probably a fruit) essense is no good. Should we stop here for now? Because a lot of materials have been prepared, Bellom-sama will be delighted as well.

[Un!]

Probably because I haven’t raised my voice in a long time, my voice didn’t sound quite right.

Although I can only nod my head as a form of conversation, but I was genuinely glad that the materials have increased that a smile floated from my face.

Although it’s not for certain that it’s gonna go well with the Dreaming Illness.

Nicole also look as if he’s about to smile as he’s taking care of the ingredients.

Apparently, other people seems to have no idea of the exact amount of Mana they possess.

When I asked how much Mana the ingredients have, it is said that even high-levelled magcians are not able to tell.

Is this due to me becoming conscious about the flow of Mana from the memory of the previous life?

I strongly believe that it will become the first step to find a cure for diseases rooted in this world by selecting food ingredients at least.

Now, I can properly release my Mana and my physical condition improved somewhat, which I believe to be because of “His” so-called past life.

Because other people are unable to obtain what I have, I’d like to do what I can with all my best.

[I hear that Bellom-sama will be visiting again soon. Lately, since his condition has been well so I hope they’d be able to talk a lot]

[You’re right.]

Odilon Bellom.

The Sensei who’s looking after my Dreaming Illness, was a secretary of state magic agency.

As the name implies, the Magistrate Agency is a government agency that gathers magicians and is undertaking magical research at the same time.

As the top brass of the agency, I wondered why he’s personally looking after my illness as even though I’m a noble’s descendant, I’m on the lower class. It appears that of all the patients with the congenital type of Dreaming Illness, I’m the only who lasted the longest..

If I continue to live even longer, it will become a record.

When Bellom-sensei who visited me in order to have my brother return to the dorm saw me in a lively condition, he was shocked.

Even though these words are horrible, but he seriously thought that I would be hopeless this time around. That’s how my condition was.

From there, I was asked how I was able to recover, then I explained to him how I released my Mana. I am one who does not have enough endurance to continuosly speak for long. I took a long time, but Sensei listened patiently to my explanation.

As expected, I couldn’t tell them about the Chinese part, so I changed the “flow of ki”(energy) to “flow of chi”(blood).

Even so, as I’m currently bedridden, while Sensei kept praising me for how I was able to come to such ideas and my mother on the side repeatedly saying “My child is such a genius!”, I could only shrink myself on my bed.

Because it requires fine control of the imagination to control magic, I would’ve become an outstanding magician if only not for the Dreaming Illness, or so Sensei kept on saying.

I wonder if it’s bad for me to be able to release Mana but unable to produce magic?

[Sheryl-sama, can you handle a massage before the meal?]

This routine also started just recently. I nod my head signaling Nicole to continue.

Even though it’s called a meal, it’s still just liquid food, and I had Nicole massage me to relax the muscles for easy digestion.

Maybe because the Mana used to be accumulated inside my body, a lot of pain used to shoot up just from being touched, but thanks to the continuous discharge, not a lot of pain comes while being massaged.

Even still, it hurts a lot depending on the place I gradually on from where I can tolerate the most.

[Well then, please excuse me.]

Nicole unbuttons my sleepwear.

Nicole, with his dark-brown skin and black eyes, seemed mature to me.

His hair flowing down from his neck was glossy and shiny, and seeing his eyelashes up close, they were also long and black, which I thought was only natural.

[Please tell me if you feel cold.]

He took out my arm from my sleepwear and started massaging my shoulder.

Anyway, my body is gradually getting warmer so there’s no way I’ll get cold.

Every time I see my arms which are as thin as a branch, my courage to look at the mirror disappears.

The cheeks on my face also probably lacks some meat, however, it should not be to the extent where my bones would be clearly visible.

It’s a bit sad to be unable to look at your own face, isn’t it?

[Does it hurt anywhere?]

[No]

With his hands covered in oil, Nicole stroked my arms.

The touch which could only be counted as a brush, gave me a ticklish feeling.

With such a comfortable feeling of being stroked, my eyes slowly closed.

What should I do when I become able to move? In the mean time, I would like to go out to the garden and watch the flowers while inhaling the air outside.

Even while I was continuously discharged Mana from my fingertips, Nicole didn’t mind when his hand went down to my hand.

I must’ve gotten used to it and put my guard down.

[Tss..]

[I’m sorry!]

A sharp pain ran throughout my body after a long time.

Even if it was for a moment, Nicole’s face looked like he was about to cry.

I want to say that I’m fine.

However, my mouth won’t move right after the word “It’s”.

I was frustrated, but I somehow managed to give a smile as I stretched my finger to his cheek.

When I tried to stroke an outline, he seemed to understand what I mean.

However.

[I’m sorry.]

As he talked, he placed my fingers into his lips.

What for?

[N…If it’s like this, does it still hurt?]

「…………」

Uhmm, did he mean to ask which causes more stimulation, the lips or the fingers?

Uhh….

[Uhh… uhmm… N..]

Whether he understood from my reaction that it didn’t hurt, he continued to stimulate them.

Even I don’t know if it’s necessary to continue the massage at this point.

When our eyes meet occasionally everytime he checks how I was doing, Nicole’s cheeks would start to turn red.

It’s more embarrassing for me who’s looking up at you…!

I unconsciously started using my Mana to search for anyone approaching the room. The Mana is already in its release mode so even when I don’t activate it, I would still notice when someone comes.

[N…chu…haah…haah…]

Finally, lip sounds are coming out!

Must be due to the oil covering his hands a while back, Nicole’s lips are shining. Between the gaps is a red tongue.

The wetness I’m feeling must be my imagination, right?

[Chuu… chuu…N..]

[Ah..]

My fingers went in.

Where?

Inside Nicole’s mouth.

My fingertips are being wrapped in something moist and warm.

[N…n… *slurp*]

I’m being licked. My fingers are being eaten and licked..

[Wa… Nn… chuu.. chuu…]

I can feel the heat from his breath being exhaled.

The moisty black eyes saw me.

[Ah… Hahhh.. haa…ngh..]

STOP. DOING. THAT!

Eh? What? A “finger bj?”　……I don’t have such information!

I hate the memories of the past life that answered me heartlessly.

It’s totally turned into a “finger bj”, but where’s the switch?

[Chuu.. kuchuu.. ngh.. nngh…]

Without minding my reaction, Nicole took in the third finger and started sucking on it!

While he was sucking, he started licking and rolling his tongue over my fingers.

At the same time I looked at his hips which’re swaying a little, Nicole noticed my gaze and let out a loud voice.

[Aah… I’m sorry, I just can’t… hold it any longer..]

「…………」

Please restrain yourself there! I pleaded with my eyes.

You shouldn’t use your master as masturbating material!

[Yes… I won’t use my hands… I’ll also restrain from moving my hips..]

What the heck is this guy saying while extending his groin?

It’s useless, my complaints are not reaching him.

Aside from that, let’s stop eating my fingers, yeah?

[Unmhh… chiyuum, ngh… haa… I’ll finish it with this here, okay?]

With an ecstatic expression, Nicole wiped my hand which is covered with oil and saliva.

And then he lifts my other hand.

Aah, as I thought, you’re eating that side, too, huh.

At the end of my sight, my fingers are placed on top of Nicole’s tongue.

[*slurp*\, *schlurp*…Nnghh..]

Even though the pain shot up when I was being rubbed, why are the parts being sucked alright?

Maybe because it’s being sucked? There’s no way.

[Haa… nguh… chuu… haah, haah..]

Nicole’s tongue enterwines itself with my fingers.

While I was being licked in the gaps between my fingers, I suddenly felt a chill on my back.

Having a bedridden body sure is annoying.

Even so, he’s still stubbornly licking my fingers, and when I see Nicole’s misty eyes, I was attacked by a strange feeling.

I wanted to get back at him so I pushed my sucked fingers inside for a bit.

[Nguh… aahh, fuua…Sheryl..-sama~ah!]

When I did, my fingertips hit the roof of his mouth making Nicole’s body shudder.

My fingers are still inside his mouth. From that same mouth, drool is dripping down.

As I was watching it fall, my body moved on its own.

I held onto Nicole’s shoulders as I was about to fall off when I approached his body and wiped the saliva off his face.

[Aaah… huu..ch..]

When he was about to hold me up, Nicole’s body started twitching as he shuddered.

The fingers which were previously in his mouth also fell.

His rough breathing filled with warmth hit my ear.

[I, I’m sorry…. I, I ended up…. cumming…]

Eehh?! With just that?! Even though I just copied my brother?!

Although I deliberately shoved them in, I didn’t particularly touch anything, you know?

…Let’s give Nicole the title of Perverted Butler. Although his personality’s like that, he’s still my butler and I can’t really do much without his help.

[Aah, Sheryl-sama… Sheryl-sama.]

With a feverish voice, Nicole repeatedly calls out my name.

I could feel my cheeks burning.

For the time being, I would like to ascertain what has become of my standing to him.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

[Hou~! This is magnificent!]

When Bellom-sensei received the summarized report that I had Nicole bring to him, he raised his hands up in praise.

With his gray hair flowing down his back while stroking his abundant white beard and shining eyes, I can only see him as an old magician.

He’s actually the Commissioner of the Magic Agency, though.

[This discovery will definitely become a new hope to fight the Dreaming Illness! However, Sheryl…]

Towards Bellom-sensei who suddenly turned serious, I also nodded my head as a reply.

[The sharpness of your Mana perception can’t be done by anyone else. As a magician of high level, even I can’t determine just how much Mana you have. Even when you discharge your Mana near me.]

To an ordinary magician, when an inanimate object comes to life, it just gives a “not enough” feeling.

That’s why the amount of Mana that food contains has been overlooked.

[I don’t know if it will turn into a benefit when it comes to the Dreaming Illness, but that sharper sense of yours will definitely become a force to reckon with depending on how it’s used. However, rare powers often brings trouble along with it. Just as I said before, only I and your family should be the only ones to learn of this for now. With regards to your health, you can just say that you’ve eaten something bad and had gotten sick and it should be fine.]

Whether it’s to lighten up the dampening mood, Bellom-sensei honorably said while laughing.

Also, seeing my face loosen up after being carried away with the atmosphere, Mother spoke.

[Aah~! With this, Sheryl’s name will resound throughout the world, won’t it?]

Please stop it, Mother. It’s embarrassing.

I wonder why they react exaggeratedly when it comes to me?

[That’s right. In the official document published by the Magistrate Agency, your name appears in the form of a collaborator. You should become well-known if it’s done to that extent.]

By the way, regarding the recovery of my Mana, Bellom-sensei had previously lined up various medicinal plants taken from the back, and among them are the ones used to create a Mana-recovering medicine for me.

Regarding the data this time, since it’s written that I got ill from eating something, it should be fine for now.

When I feel better and my endurance is raised, I plan to eat as much as I possibly can.

[I also heard that Jule has remarkably improved his swordsmanship. What a bright future our house is headed.]

[Fufufufu, it’s such a wonderful thing, is it not?]

[Yes! Bellom-sama, I deeply thank you for coming despite your busy schedule.]

[I would like to say the same. As of now, overseeing Sheryl’s condition has become my “lifework” after all.]

[My, how reassuring.]

[Fufufu]

[Ohohohoho.]

These two have been controlling the flow this entire time. Although it’s good that they’re having fun.

I, who’s the main topic of the conversation, is full of nothing but fear.

Before this, when Mother brought over the country’s Prince, I couldn’t close my mouth.

That’s right, he’s the previous life’s sister’s favourite character.

Ron’ Ares Kingdom’s First Prince, His Highness Rafael, holds an amount of Mana rarely seen in recent years and he seems to be shining brightly among the famous magicians due to such powerful emissions.

That prince is said to be blindingly beautiful, and since we’re both of the same age, Mother decided to invite him over.

I’ve never had any visitors since I’m in this condition, Mother said that I couldn’t help how I look, as I am in the middle of recuperation from the Dreaming Illness, even if I compare myself to the prince.

That’s impossible. As I thought, it's impossible after all, Mother. I sure have extremely outrageous parents, huh.

Or is it that because I look like her, she does not want me to lose when it comes to beauty? Besides, I’m just from the Baron house and comparing myself against a royalty is somewhat worrisome.

Bellom-sama who’s been listening on the side the whole time just laughed, but I really hope nothing disastrous happens.

[Oh, that’s right. I forgot. I’ve brought you the manual to learn magic.]

「！」

Before I could even speak, Nicole swiftly and steadily arrived to support me. He’s normally efficient to begin with, though.

[Don’t be so flustered. It’s fine to study but when it comes to practical tests, you must have someone else with you, okay?]

[Oh? Bellom-sama, isn’t Sheryl supposed to be unable to use magic…?]

[That’s right, it’s impossible for the Dreaming Illness patients. But I just thought that it’s possible if it’s Sheryl. He might be able to use magic in a different way.]

[Such a thing is…!]

Ah, this is bad. Mother’s eyes are shining again.

It’s still a matter of possibility!

Please rejoice after I’m able to actually use magic!

[You’re currently discharging Mana consciously, aren’t you? Originally, that’s something the body does unconsciously. But since Sheryl could trace its path, maybe he can control it manually. If you do, you can also accumulate the necessary amount of mana for activating magic outside your body……Although all of these are just my theories.]

I see, even though I have just been releasing Mana so far…. Should I give it a try?

This may be worth a try. Let’s immediately do it tonight.

[Yes, yes, your eyes are looking good. Since this is the Magic Agency’s summarized research, it’s gonna be more difficult than the normally circulated ones. However, since the specific details have been omitted, it’s perfect for studying from scratch. I thought it’d be more useful to you this way.]

[Un!]

Thank you! I gave a big nod filled with gratitude.

Even while having general knowledge, I’m in a condition where I can’t really do much.

Even if the difficulty somewhat increases, and if it allows me to apply it to myself, it is better.

I really want to learn how to use magic after all…!

[Aren’t you glad, Sheryl? Mother will also help, so let’s study it together, okay?]

[By the way, didn’t Walt Cadio come here? He’s my fellow researcher from the academy and we used to study together. After graduation, that guy pursued the butler’s path but if you have questions about the basics, he should be able to answer you.]

Goodness, so the Butler Grandpa was a fellow student of the Director?

Huh? Doesn’t the higher academic research institute only accept the ones who are talented in magic……Moreover, he’s the same level as Bellom-sensei.

I wonder why Butler Grandpa became our butler?

[Fufu, although difficult, if it’s a question that he’s studied before, he’ll be able to properly answer it. There’s no need to be afraid.]

When Mother said while stroking my head, I tried to recall my memories of grandpa.

Looking back at it, I’ve never talked to Butler Grandpa before, have I?

Although I do know where he’s at with the help of Mana. I remember how surprised I was when I saw his Mana emission was greater than Father.

Its atmosphere was definitely… A very quiet feeling.

When my memories went up to there, my eyelids started getting heavier. I wonder if this is due to Mother’s healing touch.

[I seem to have stayed for too long. I’ll leave it up to here for now and see what’s gonna happen in the future.]

[Bellom-sama, thank you for today, too.]

[You don’t need to send me off. Just please look after Sheryl.]

[I thank you for your thoughtful words.]

While Mother was holding me, she gave a bow with just her head.

Nicole lead him out on behalf of my mother.

[Sheryl, you might be curious about the book but let’s rest for now, okay? I will wake you up when dinner’s ready.]

Since I can’t fight even if I try, I put the manual behind my head (literally) and obediently lied down.

If I’m able to use magic, the action itself will automatically release the pent-up Mana inside the body regardless of the amount, helping me recover from the dreaming illness.

For the dreaming illness patients, being able to use magic is such a pleasure.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

I unexpectedly woke up and looked around.

It’s probably night now. There’s no light passing through the curtains.

The only company I have is the light from the night.

With the only sound coming from the insects outside, I ended up thinking that I’m in a different world.

After eating dinner, Mother asked me to read the Manual I was given today.

Although I’ve learned about the letters, I could only read simple words so I needed help to study.

But I’m happy with that.

I have a lot to do and it’s still increasing.

I’m able to confirm that I’m alive..

I still have a lot I want to do.

By the way, although the contents of the manual is complicated, with my understanding, I believe it’s gonna be fine.

I don’t know the memory of the past life has appeared. Although it gives me unnecessary information at times, it has made me expand the way I see things.

Speaking of which, I was told by sensei not to try to gather Mana inside my body from the outside.

I got too excited because of the manual that I totally forgot.

I looked at the stars over the wall just under the boundary with the ceiling.

Because the curtains are closed during the night, Big Brother painted them while on Father’s shoulders as a replacement for me who couldn’t see the stars.

Whether he used a white crayon, the stars’ shape looks like the ones I saw in my previous life.

Even if this is a different world, knowledge still remains.

That is whether this place was also created or not.

However, operating Mana requires the use of the mind…

In that sense, I’m really grateful to the knowledge of the past life.

I think about myself gathering Mana.

Is it the same as filling up a cup? But if that’s the case I will need to prepare an additional substance.

「……？」

While I was wondering what to do, someone got caught in my Mana perception.

Someone’s entering the room. At this time, just who on earth……With this amount of Mana, is it the butler grandpa?

[Oh my, you were still awake……To think that his master’s still awake and he still hasn’t noticed, Nicole still has a lot to learn.]

If Nicole, who’s sleeping next door, wakes up just because I woke up, I’ll be the one who’ll get scared.

[I am observing the surroundings. Because you were always asleep, you wouldn’t know, though.]

… I can’t tell him I saw him through the Mana perception. I was actually asleep. I think explaining that difficult situation is a lot harder the blood’s flow.

Grandpa walks towards me without changing his facial expression while carrying a pitcher.

[If you have awakened, it’s better to get yourself hydrated.]

[N..]

When I nodded my head, Grandpa helped me up the bed and placed the cup of water in front of my mouth.

Of course, I’m already done with the cloth!

I took a breath after gulping down the water.

[There’s still time before morning. It is fine for you to go back to sleep.]

[Nn…]

Although I get it, sleep just doesn’t seem to come.

I would also like to think how to gather Mana.

When the preferences start lining together, I could feel my eyes sway as grandpa lightly patted my chest.

Mother also likes to do this when she’s sending me to sleep.

Although grandpa’s expression remains the same.

Un… will this be effective?

Perhaps I’m weak against other people’s body warmth. When I feel a person’s warmth, my tension immediately plummets down.

[Until you’re asleep, I will stay here by your side.]

[N…]

Although Mother spoke to me as if I was afraid of him, but I didn’t find him scary with our direct contact just now.

He certainly has a poker face so I guess small children will get scared. Because he’s Nicole’s grandfather, he’s also a looker which is just too much.

With his white hair falling straight to his waist I’ll acknowledge that he’s old, but he looks like he’s younger than his real age.

While thinking that he has the same color as me, I fell asleep.

Within the darkness of my consciousness, as I was thinking about a cup filled with water…

◆◆◆◆◆◆

After falling asleep, I entered the sea of memories while thinking how to gather Mana.

If only I could recover from the dreaming illness, I won’t have to distance myself from my brother.

As expected, it would be a pain to always stick together so I’ll gradually keep a safe distance.

How about treating the gathering Mana as if I was pouring water into a cup?

In this world, there’s an item called magic stone where we store Mana in it.

Those without mana are colorless and transparent, and the color changes according to the attributes of mana that can be stored.

Just like how magic stones near the volcanoes are red in color because the are filled with fire attribute and so on.

And in particular, magic stone mined in places without fixed attributes has less mana content and many colorless ones.

Common magic stones were mainly used as fuel for lamps and used both at home and in public facilities.

Even among manastones, rare ones with a high mana content can be used for attack magic, so the country seems to be managing it.

Since the magic stone itself does not suck mana, I have no choice but to gather it myself, but it seems the quickest way is to use the colorless ones.

But then, it would be useless.

Once it’s stored inside the stone, the Mana would be cut off from and will turn into “the magic stone’s Mana” instead of mine.

But with just using the Mana on the magic stone, my Mana won’t be converted to magic.

To store the Mana inside my while being linked… I see, it’s to “bind” it!

To be precise, it’s a thread.

I wonder if I can discharge Mana like threads and instead of letting it flow out freely, I’ll do it just like how silkworms spit out threads.

And then I’ll spin them into a cloth……No, rather than a cloth, would a ball be better? Just like the description, I am spinning Mana thread into a ball of Mana.

Yeah, let’s try it with this image.

While also searching for Mana, I started spinning my own into a ball little by little.

I make an image of Mana coming out from my ten fingers as threads

As if searching for it.

I took my time inside the sea of memories to prevent the making of the Mana thread from scattering.