...Ryuu-jin Aoki, one of the top 10 powerful people in the world, found that his favorite character in the novel named Yume suddenly became a villainess....

...For this reason, he used his wealth to find the whereabouts of the author. But to no avail, he failed....

...One day, the newest chapter of the novel, condemned Yume, who was punished into slavery....

...This is where Ryuu-jin's patience got broken....

...Luckily, a miracle happened where he was given a choice to live in her world and save her....

...So he became Ryu Xanastre, a self-made male lead who will save the damsel in distress....

..."Wait for me my princess," he said, "if the male lead abandons you, then I'll be the second male lead and protect you."...

...***...

"How dare a villainess like you, harass my future queen!"

I am now reading the most detested dialogue I have ever seen in my 28 years of life.

For I, Ryuu-jin, who holds the top 10 most powerful positions in the world, found reading novels quite amusing.

"B-But your Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, isn't it me, your fiancee, the one promised to be your queen?" she replied.

Even in my wealthy and perfect life, there were times where I struggled against the elites of the corporate world.

This is the time where I strongly searched for a wall to lean on.

The crown prince pointed his finger at the lady in the middle of the banquet, "Isn't that your and your family's delusion? What promise? If only I know what kind of a bitch you are..."

"B-But your Highness, I never intended to--"

"Enough! I might have been forced by my father, the King. But I will not forgive you for harming Rosie!" he shouted. "You even asked to poison her, who has never done anything to you!"

"Y-Your Highness that wasn't m--"

"Guards! Throw this wench out! I hereby declare, Yume Valenz, who plotted against my partner, the future queen of the empire, be sentenced to death!"

But the wall I need was not in wealth, lust, or power that any other person would want.

Rather, the wall that gave me comfort was found in a character of a story, the one I am reading now.

Not the crown prince, nor his double-faced heroine. But the character I like is the one they called the villainess.

What intrigues me more is how this novel only releases one chapter per year. But the story in every chapter was so detailed that I thought it was happening in real life.

And later, I found out that this speculation might be true.

The story started with Yume, who was the daughter born in the dukedom.

She was the one and only child of duke Valenz, a retired general of the royal army. She was even called their princess.

King Zeno, who saw the intelligent and talented Yume, betrothed her to the prince at the age of 6.

Because of this, the cute and lovely child's life turned into a doll, or rather a marionette honed to become the perfect queen.

Dozens of noble teachers came flocking to their doorstep, wanting to gain favor.

Politics, Economy, Nobility, and even Swordsmanship. She was taught the things to do's and don'ts. Her opinion is not needed.

Like livestock that was groomed to be sold.

A young girl who should have been peacefully playing outside the garden, eating desserts, drinking tea, and laughing with friends while being loved by her parents.

Were verbally and physically punished whenever she get mistakes. Just because they expected her to be perfect.

Yume pleaded, "Nooo! Please, your highness. I never intended to harm Rosie. I just..."

Rosie smirked silently, "Oh~ my dear prince, can't we just forgive her?" she said, passionately caressing his arm with her lustful fingers. "I knew she only did that because of her deep love for you."

The crown prince blushed, "I-Is that so?" he said, laughing like an innocent boy. "But still, she did something wrong."

Rosie glanced at Yume who seems lost in shock. She even smiled like someone who already won the war, "Then, instead of her life, why don't we lighten the sentence by just making her a slave?"

"Not only your heart is pure, you even forgive those who harm you. You deserve to be my queen, Rosie."

"I just don't want you to be guilty, my love," she whispered.

The crown prince raised his hand for everyone to see, "Because of Rosie's goodwill, Yume will become a slave for the rest of her life," he said. "You should thank her for sparing your disgusting life."

I had been enjoying this novel for the past 20 years since I found the devotedness of Yume so lovely.

Whenever I got into trouble, I read and remember her diligence. And it saved me every time.

She didn't care about the hardship she went through. So that her loved ones wouldn't be worried.

There were times that she even bled in the nose because of overworking. Just to be a good wife for that naive prince. Still, she endured.

But now, it irritates me the most whenever I read this newest chapter...

"Ugh! Enough!" I shouted, throwing the book at the screen in front will all my might, breaking the television. "Sebastian!"

Sebastian quickly opened the door, "Yes, Mr. President?" he replied.

I pointed below the broken television, "I want you to find the stupid author of that book," I said, "so that I can get revenge for my dear Yume!"

"B-But Sir..."

"What?"

"T-This..."

"Just tell me already."

Sebastian closed his eyes looking down at the floor, "This television was already replaced 34 times," he said, "and we still haven't got any clues about the author."

"...Is. Is that so?"

"Y-Yes Mr. President."

"...You may go now, Sebastian."

Sebastian is my assistant who was working with me for as long as I know. Only he knows my secret hobby is reading novels.

When my father forced me to become the successor of his company, it was Sebastian who introduced me to reading.

In my darkest time, it was the story of Yume, that became light, my companion in life. She was like the female version of me.

Sadly, with the newest update of the novel, her life began to differ from mine. While I became successful, a good person like her fell and became the victim of the plot.

Even so, I have never been this agitated before, even if billions of dollars were stolen by the competitor, I would just brush it off, move on, and do better.

But when I read how Yume was treated, my veins just pooped out like an erupting volcano. It felt like I know and care about Yume more than my parents.

This is why I am looking for that idiotic author. Because I want to forcefully grab that reckless hands, and rewrite her life into a blissful one.

I would even put a handsome and perfect prince, to save this damsel in distress. Making her life envied by everyone.

He will pamper her like a precious child. He will do anything for her.

He will build a castle, no, he will build a country for her. He will put her in the highest authority. With an army that can dominate the entire world.

This will make her known as the possessor of a voice that can destroy the world.

Kings will have no choice but to crawl to her feet and beg for mercy.

She can laugh at them and no one will dare say a word. She can kick them to death and all they can do is smile.

But despite her unpleasant experiences, I know her beautiful character will not allow her to be this pathetic. Even so, he will continue to give her everything.

She deserves it.

"I want to help her," I murmured, pressing my palm into my face.

"Do you want to help her?"

I replied without thinking, "Of course I do."

Before I realize that the only person in the room was me. It was too late. The fact that there is someone who asked me that question made me bewildered.

When I removed my hand that was blocking my vision, I saw nothing.

It was all gone. The broken television, the book, the chairs, my table. There was nothing.

"Sebastian!" I shouted, repeating it every other second.

"Please calm down."

"Who are you?"

"I am that idiotic author."

"...What?" I asked. "Where am I?"

When I didn't receive a reply, I started to think. I calmed myself as instructed earlier.

I spoke as I knew that there will be a reply, "I am calm now. Let us talk."

In this space where there is nothing. A light in front of me suddenly appeared.

The light talked calmly, "Hello Ryuu-jin, it's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, author, is that correct?"

"You are indeed a wise child."

"I have thought everything now, and by combining the things that occurred, I assume it is all about the book."

"You never failed to amuse me," the author said, " I need your help."

I sighed, "About Yume?"

"Yes, but not exactly about her."

The light explained about Azure, it was the name of the world where Yume currently lives in.

As I felt, this world is real, like the one on earth. And the one talking to me is the supervisor of both worlds, the author.

The author told me that there is something that was ruining the balance of Azure.

A harmful existence that is changing the destiny of everyone. Including Yume.

"What can I do?", I asked.

"I can't interfere directly, this is why I wrote a book to find a soul that is compatible and can connect to this world."

The author sent the book into multiple worlds and found out that I have the best resonance.

The feeling I had whenever I read the novel, is like I do belong. This is because the connection between me and this world is already established.

"I can transfer you to that world, but when I do, you can't go back to your world anymore."

I was shocked with this one-way option, "What? But why?"

"The one who interferes is already dominating, so I want to send you back 20 years in the past.", the author said, explaining to me the details.

Not that I care about this world, but since it affected Yume, and knowing that she is not just a fictional character, gave me my resolves.

I replied, with my tone as firm as a rock, "Fine, it is better that way so that I can establish myself first. But only if you allow me to do what I want, then I will help you."

"As long as you can find the culprit that distorted the world and stop it, then you are free to do what you will."

"Then what would happen to me on earth?"

"Don't worry, I already prepared a soul for your body."

"Then what if I destroy the world instead?"

"Then Yume will be sad."

"...You're right. Let's go then."

The light shone much brighter, blinding my vision before completely disappearing.

"Thank you. I bless you in your new life."

"Uwaaaa! Uwaaaaa!", I shouted, crying without knowing the reason.

"Congratulations Hazel, you gave birth to a healthy boy."

When I heard this, I asked, "Who did gave birth to whom?"

But no one replied to my question, rather, no one heard me. I was confused.

"Ms. Anna, can I hold my baby?" Hazel said, stretching out her arms to hold me.

"Of course, you are his mom," Anna replied, "here you go, he's so adorable, you should give him a name."

This woman, Hazel, touched me with care. Without me knowing, she looked at the corner of a room where a man is facing a wall, she said, "Dear husband, stop crying and come here."

"...B-But"

"Come here. The baby is fine."

"Y-Yes my dear."

"I want to name the baby together."

"Wow, is this, really, our baby?"

"What?" she asked, shrinking her eyes towards her husband, "Graham Xanastre, do you think I would do adultery?"

"Of course not!"

"Then stop."

"...Sorry."

The couple began to interact with me. This is where I learned, the baby they were talking about is none other than me.

"He looks cute, just like his mom."

I was reincarnated in this world as a newborn baby.

Then, I remembered the things I talked about with the author, it seems this is 20 years before Yume was sentenced to slavery.

"He is also quiet and well-behaved like his dad."

Every day back on earth, I dreamt of this place. I cried every time I remembered what my beloved character had to go through.

Every time I could only watch her suffer. But now, I was given the chance to save her. I can never thank the author enough.

"Ryu."

I was surprised when Hazel, who was my mother called my earth name.

"Ryu? It's a good name", Graham said.

On the other hand, it also seems the name they gave me in this life. The author might have visited Hazel in a dream and suggested my name.

But instead of Ryuu-jin, I became Ryu Xanastre.

She might not have remembered it whole since dreams can get vague.

But this might be for the better as I won't dwell on my past whenever I hear the name I had on earth.

I was born in a family of commoners. My mother Hazel is a maid of a noble household, while my father Graham Xanastre is a city guard commander.

Our family is not rich, but we had a firm, stable, and happy relationship.

We live in a city called Southbourne, a border city that protects the kingdom from monsters.

Yes, there are monsters in this world, as well as crafts and magics. Another reason why I didn't hesitate when I was asked to be summoned here.

...***...

2 years have passed. I am currently being taken care of by my 12-year-old aunt, Sara.

Sara has long pink hair. She also has blue eyes just like me and my mother. She was the younger sister of my mother who was asked to care for me because my parents were busy with their jobs.

"R-Ryu! Please stay put!" Sara shouted, with her face turning red and purple. "How come it's so hard to take care of a single child."

People who can hear might think that this young lady is abusing a 2-year-old me. But no one should blame her.

Who would have thought that by this age I would be able to play with Fireball magic with my own hands, tossing it back and forth like a ball between my hands?

"Noooooo!" she shouted, losing her consciousness and falling to the ground with a loud - bang! - sound.

Don't worry, it was not her head that fell to the ground but the bucket full of water she was holding. She might have been scared when I almost dropped the fireball on her favorite dress.

I am now well versed with beginner magics, that I even stopped her head from crashing into the ground with wind magic.

"Afiste tin na petaxei"

It was a chant to summon a greater wind to carry my aunt to the bed. - sigh - "Is it me or her that needs to be taken care of?"

By the way, I have been keeping this a secret from my parents for a year already. My aunt even tried to tell them but they didn't believe her.

"How can such a cute sweet baby do something like that?" they asked.

"B-B-B-But I saw his hands burning!" Sara said. "He even helped me with laundry from time to time."

"How ridiculous, Sara," Hazel said, "if you don't want to take care of your nephew, just tell me."

"I-It's not-"

"Then enough already."

This was the last time a conversation about me and my magic was brought up. Even my aunt gave up and just went with the flow.

If not for the reason I need to get stronger, I would have pitied her. So I'm sorry for now.

The reason how I'm able to learn magic was because of the book my mother owned. She was once fascinated by magic so she tried to learn it.

But because of the harsh reality of her having no affinity with magic, she gave up and kept the book on the side until it was forgotten. It was for the same reason she doubted that I learned magic.

Only 1 out of 1,000 people can learn magic. And 1 out of 100 of them can be a genius.

Flip!

"That was the last page of the book for beginner magic," I mumbled.

I heard that a genius would at least need 10 years to learn and practice everything within this book. Surprisingly, I completed it only within a year.

It seems my talents from my past life also came with me. Which is greatly helpful for this life. I can learn as much as I want and faster than most people.

The only problem blocking my path is our current financial situation. But if I would be given a choice to be reborn, I would still pick this lovely family.

So for now, I temporarily stopped learning magic and started to pick up a piece of pen and paper. These are the tools my dad uses when making reports.

I held the pen with my tiny hands. It was inconvenient. This will do for now.

"To earn money"-I lifted my head and thought-"business is necessary."

...***...

Clink.

The store clerk turned his head at the sound of the door opening, "Welcome to Pseudo Trading Guild, how may I help you?" he asked, looking at Sara who is behind me.

"Ehem!"

"Who was that?"

Sara bowed her head slightly, "S-Sorry Sir, not me, but it's my nephew who wants to talk business."

"Who?"

She pointed at me. "This one. My nephew."

The store clerk's eyebrows came together. "Are you kidding me?" he said, "I don't have time to play jokes with you kids."

I didn't like to make more commotion so I just asked straight away. "Can I talk to your boss? I have a great amount of business proposal for him."

The store clerk couldn't believe me. Who would even believe a child smaller than a chair?

He quickly covered his mouth. "Pffft." Trying to resist bursting out his laughter.

"I am serious though."

"Pfffft! Bwahahahahaha!" he laughed, stomping at the desk with his hands that show mockery.

"It seems we failed to talk business," I said, "we will be going then."

Of course, I can't blame him. I might even laugh louder when I was given a similar scenario.

A kid with a cute little undeveloped voice. Seriously asking to talk about business, a topic for adults. I guess I'm not yet convincing.

"Let's go aunt Sara."

"O-Okay."

Clink.

I looked up in the sky and saw how beautiful it was. Even though my business plan just got rebounded, doesn't mean I should give up.

There will be an opportunity that will come as long as you don't give up. The chances will get higher with the right qualification.

These are the things I learned when I was a president back on earth.

For now, I am still a child. A retreat is better than a complete defeat.

On the way back, I already started to think of another plan. I can't be held back by this.

My aunt and I were walking on a street when a crest that was hanging on a wall piqued my interest.

The emblem is a rook (chess piece) with two swords crossed together. It was an adventurer's guild.

I looked at my aunt, while she looked at me back, I asked, "Aunt, do you know how to use a sword?"

"No? The only thing I held in my life is a kitchen knife."

"I see. That is enough. Follow me."

"To where?"

"Here." I pointed at the building of the adventurer guild.

"I-Isn't this Rook's adventurer guild that fights monsters?" she asked.

"Yes."

"But what are we doing-" She was trying to ask me something but paused when she suddenly understood. "-Are you insane?!"

"Is there a problem, aunt Sara?"

"I-I-I-Isn't the reason you ask me about a sword?"

"Don't worry, I only need a meat shield." I took a step forward to enter the guild.

"No no no no no! My sister's gonna kill me!", Sara said, screaming like there is no tomorrow. "Ryu, Nooooo!"

Clink.

"I want to join this guild," I said, standing in front of the guild reception.

The lady in the reception was confused, she said, "Did I hear something?"

"You did."

"Huh?"

"Look here lady, look below."

The lady followed my instruction and saw me. "Whaaaat? How adorable, what is a baby doing here?"

"I want to join this guild." I looked directly into her eyes with a determined look, this is to show my sincerity. I don't want to repeat the same mistake I did in the trading guild.

But of course, with this baby voice and soft tender skin, even I wouldn't be able to control this kind of reaction.

"Kyaaaaa!-" the lady quickly left her post and came to me "-of course, you want to join, come here you adorable sweetie cutie pie. How about we play-uh, we go hunt monsters?"

I bet I would have to deal with this for a few more years.

"C'mon Mia, don't hug that adorable baby adventurer by yourself," another receptionist said, "let me come play-I mean, hunt too."

"No Kathy, he is mine, all mine." Mia hugged me tightly, almost to the point that I can't breathe.

"Don't be greedy Mia. You're hurting him!"

This was embarrassing.

I know I am older than these guys, well, not physically, but the fact that I am enjoying this a little, is quite...

Sigh...

I give up. "Heyo pwettie lady." If talking seriously wouldn't work, then how about my baby talk.

Ba-dump!

"Oh my goodness!" "No way!"

It seems I found a temporary killer skill that can make my way out whenever I get in trouble.

Not wasting a moment, I followed up by pointing my little finger at my aunt who is grabbing the door while trembling, I said, "Aunt. Jwoin. Gwild."

Mia who is beside me glanced at my aunt. "I see.", she said, "it was your aunt who wants to join."

When I saw my aunt who was preparing to decline. I immediately shouted. "Aunt! Stwong!"

"W-What are y-you saying, Ryu."

The reaction of my aunt never ceases to amuse me. If we ever count the time she almost passed out because of me, then we would be here forever.

"Aunt! Stwong!" I repeated this many times so there will be no time for them to think. "Aunt! Jwoin!"

Mia went back to her desk and took an application form. "Haha, hehe. S-Since you are t-too cute, I'll help aunt," she said, laughing like some creep, "hehe, fill this form and pay 1 silver coin, then we can proceed with her test."

I think they still half-hearted believed us. Mia thought that a silver coin would make us back out. I already knew my aunt can at least afford it, but she has a different thought though.

Sara was shocked when she heard the price of the application fee, she said, "1 silver? T-That was already equivalent to my y-yearly pay!"

I took the form and handed it to my aunt before she can even think rationally. "Don't worry aunt, we will earn more after this."

"B-But what if I fail the test?" -boohoo- "I have been saving this silver for a new dress."

"It will be fine, aunt, please... just... trust... me..." I blinked a few times with puppy eyes.

"...B-But"

"Then how about this." I pulled her dress to lean her head and whispered. "I might accidentally burn your favorite dress with fireball if you don't agree."

"Whaaaaaaat?!"

...***...

"W-W-W-What am I doing here?" Sara said, holding a round wooden shield bigger than herself, trembling.

A moment ago, I realize that with my current age, people wouldn't take me seriously, so I decided to let my aunt Sara be my proxy.

Luckily, she was a late bloomer, so I can still coax her with my words. I feel guilty though.

For now, our problem is to pass this test. It was a mock battle against an instructor. The applicant needed to show that he or she has the ability to defeat even the weakest monster.

We are now located in the training yard at the back of the guild building. This is where adventurers do their assessment tests. So other people were also present.

I already discussed the strategy with my aunt earlier, that's why she chose to use a shield instead of a weapon.

"Are you mocking me?" the instructor asked. "Why the hell are you only using a shield?"

"N-N-No, I-I'm not, S-Sir," Sara replied.

The instructor must be pissed right now. But this is good to our advantage.

"Then let's start this test." The instructor launched the attack as quickly as he can. He might have thought this was pointless, so he wants to end it soon.

Our plan is really simple.

First, we already achieved it by ruining our enemy's ability to think by taunting him. And it came so effectively since my aunt is a total amateur.

He might have thought we are just playing around when she applied.

Second, we let his guard down. Who would think of defending when fighting against an unarmed enemy? Plus, against a young lady.

Third, they don't know we are cheating.

"Afiste ton anemo na reei."

Without anyone hearing, I chanted to cast magic, creating a large wind.

I used the fact that the shield can be used as a kite, that will fly because the wind pushes it. I used the wind to exerts a force on the shield.

Instead of making it fly upward, I just changed the trajectory of the wind so my aunt will plummet forwards the instructor. I just hope she wouldn't let go of the shield.

Using your enemy's strength against him.

Just what I learned back on earth. When the instructor jumped towards my aunt with full speed, it gave us the perfect chance for a counterattack.

The impact would be stronger when you punch someone who was running towards you than punching someone who was just standing. The same can be applied with this scenario.

"Hold on tight aunt," I mumbled.

Whooosh!

"Kyaaaaaaaa!" Sara was blown away by the wind, she was like an arrow, hitting the instructor with force.

He was not prepared for this.

BANG!

"Bueeh!" The instructor shrieked. He was thrown off a large distance from the impact.

"What happened?" everyone was stunned.

"Isn't he a rank-B instructor?"

"I think he is, did he just fainted?"

"From that young girl? Haha. Isn't that ridiculous?"

I was lucky enough that magic users are rare. If a magic expert was present, I could have been caught. That was what I thought.

Who cares anyway? I'm just a baby.

"R-Ryu." Sara was looking at me with tears dropping from her eyes that looked like it was saying, "Please save me."

Well, I'm sorry dear aunt. I will need you to do more than this in the future as well. So I hope you would understand.

"Aunt! Stwong!"

"Yes baby, your aunt is indeed strong," Mia said, walking towards Sara. "Congratulations Sara for becoming a rank-F adventurer."

"W-What?"

"You just passed the test."

"S-Sorry!"

"Why are you apologizing Sara? It's not like you did something wrong."

"Haha... Yes, I did n-nothing wrong. Haha. Hahaha." Sara's tears continued to flow while laughing.

"Must be tears of joy," Mia said, patting the shoulder of Sara, "let's go get your guild card."

It was already 2 years since I came to this world. And my goal just reached one step forward.

I might have failed to get the cooperation of the Pseudo Trading Guild since I remember that this guild will become well known in time. But as I have said, there will be other opportunities in the future.

My first goal is to have the strength to protect myself, and I achieved that by completing the beginner magic book.

I skipped the trading guild and achieved a connection with adventurer's guild instead, which is not bad.

Now, I need to earn money.

Tting!

Sara received her guild card.

...Rook Guild...

...Sara Astalle...

...Warrior (Rank F)...

...-Other private information-...

"I-Is this true? I'm an adventurer?"

"Yes," Mia explained that guild members can take quests on the quest board. Each quest has a rank requirement, so Sara can only take rank-F quests until she gets promoted.

A rank-F adventurer is required to complete one quest per 30 days, so Sara has no choice but to select one.

"My cute nephew, how about this herb gathering quest?"

My aunt, Sara, happily took a quest. Like she forgot the things that made her worry earlier. I remembered she was just 12 years old.

When I read the novel in the past, I knew that even this herb gathering has a high chance of encountering monsters. I'll keep it a secret for now.

"I need to prepare my aunt," I mumbled.

"Mmm?"

"It's nothing aunt, let's go home."

"O-Okay!" Sara happily responded, feeling like a fishbone that was stuck in her throat just got removed. "Hehe."

It felt weird, but seeing my aunt happy, made my heart tingle. Is this what family is?

Realizing this, I wonder how would I feel when I meet Yume. I don't even know how she looks like.

Thinking of her reminded me of what will happen in the future.

"Your storm will start in 4 years," I mumbled, "please hang in there my princess."