Several dozen days had passed since departing from the town of Romelia. After an endless journey of being jostled around in a carriage, we had finally arrived at our destination.

  "Whoa…"

  "This must be your first time seeing that, kid."

  Schneizel, resting his cheek on his hand against the window frame, pointed toward a massive outer wall in the far distance.

  "That’s Alregalia. The royal capital of the Arcadia Kingdom."

  The royal capital of Alregalia—a metropolis hailed as the pinnacle of the world in every aspect: scale, popution, culture, history, economy, and entertainment.

  Even the towering outer walls, if you looked closely, were adorned with the finest artistry imaginable.

  A nostalgic, yet overwhelming sight. The very same scenery that had filled my vision in that game—the one I had staked my life on—was now right before my eyes.

  Leaning further out the window to take in the view, I was abruptly yanked back into the carriage by a panicked Misha, who wrapped her arms around me.

  "What are you doing?!"

  "Whoa—! S-sorry!"

  "Don’t do that again, okay?"

  "Uh, I get it, so if you could let go now, that’d be great…"

  "No. You’re staying like this until we arrive."

  And so, I remained trapped in Misha’s embrace, seated on her p like a child.

  "Pfft, you look like such a brat like that."

  Schneizel smirked as he gnced over. I turned away, feigning indifference.

  Not that I minded. This position let me enjoy Misha’s scent and softness to the fullest. Especially the two mounds pressing against the back of my head—an indescribable sensation. Honestly, this was its own kind of bliss.

  As we continued, I noticed an enormous crowd gathered near the outer wall up ahead. A checkpoint seemed to be set up, and they were likely waiting in line.

  If we had to join the very end of that line… Just thinking about the wait was enough to make me dizzy. But as it turned out, we never had to.

  "Welcome back, Lord General."

  "Yo."

  A voice called from outside the carriage. Through the window, I saw a guard kneeling on one knee, bowing his head, while Schneizel looked down at him as though it were only natural.

  "We have prepared for your arrival."

  "Sweet. Lead the way."

  After that brief exchange, our carriage bypassed the line entirely, slipping through the gates via a separate route without any hassle.

  "No way…"

  "Surprised? I might not look it, but I’m kind of a big deal, y’know?"

  "I’ve never seen anything like this… Miss Misha, you’re a noble too, right? Is this normal for you?"

  "Someone of my standing wouldn’t be able to bypass the royal capital’s checkpoints. At best, I might get some privileges back in my hometown."

  *Not that I ever want to go back there,* she added under her breath before gently patting my head, still resting on her p.

  Lately, it felt like she’d been spoiling me rotten. *Keep it coming.*

  "Kid, your breathing’s getting heavy."

  "Just your imagination."

  While indulging in Misha’s pampering, I turned my gaze back outside. Once past the outer wall’s checkpoint, an awe-inspiring sight unfolded before us.

  The royal capital of Alregalia. At long st, I had arrived at the city that served as the game’s main stage.

  "This is… insane."

  Even compared to Romelia—no, even compared to modern cities back on Earth—Alregalia was staggering in its grandeur.

  The main streets, shopping districts, and residential areas were all far more expansive than any town I’d seen before. Despite the medieval European aesthetic, the city boasted towering structures that rivaled skyscrapers.

  And in the far distance, an enormous white royal castle loomed over everything.

  The Endeberg estate paled in comparison to this majestic architecture. The only thing that came close was the Pace of Versailles, which I’d only ever seen in pictures online back on Earth. The entire royal pace was like a work of art.

  Everything about this pce was breathtaking. It was no wonder it was called the greatest city in the world.

  "Hehe. Are you enjoying yourself, Noll?"

  "Yeah… I’ve never seen anything like this."

  Technically, I *had* seen it—many times. But witnessing it in person was nothing like seeing it as pixels on a screen.

  Even though it had been nearly a year since I possessed this body, it wasn’t until now, standing before this sight, that I truly felt like I’d arrived in the world of *Arcadia Quest*.

  But I couldn’t afford to stay in tourist mode forever. I wasn’t here for fun.

  "Once we get to the mansion, you’ll have to greet my daughters."

  "…!"

  "Whoa, why so tense all of a sudden?"

  "It’s nothing…"

  This capital was the game’s main stage—the central hub where most of the characters resided, some from the very beginning.

  The daughters I was about to meet were no exception. Sarasvati and Lucy, the twin swordswomen, were the game’s main heroines.

  Not only were they key party members, but they were also characters who pyed a role in Crescentia’s murder.

  My goal was to influence them now, ensuring they’d never kill my favorite character in the future.

  Could I really do it? Could a shut-in NEET like me actually change the world?

  No—I *had* to. Otherwise, I’d never save her.

  Besides, I had my game knowledge. I knew these characters inside and out, heroines included. If I used that to my advantage—

  Lost in thought, I barely noticed as our carriage passed through the commoners’ district and entered the noble quarter—where the aristocracy resided.

  The opulent mansions here made the Endeberg barony’s estate look like a shack. The very air felt different.

  "This is amazing…"

  Even Misha, with me still on her p, seemed dazed as she took in the surroundings. The streets, crafted to embody the Arcadia Kingdom’s prestige, could captivate even a noble’s heart.

  Schneizel’s mansion was located deep within the noble quarter—closer to the capital’s center.

  "We’re here."

  The carriage came to a stop before an enormous estate. The most magnificent mansion I’d seen today, radiating the overwhelming prestige of a ducal house.

  But right now, I had no room in my mind to be impressed.

  My heart pounded with nerves. Every move I made from here on out could determine my favorite character’s fate. The weight of it made even breathing difficult.

  Still, I forced myself to steady my nerves as I slowly pushed open the carriage door.

  This was where my real battle would begin—