Broadcasting My Death-Flags in Real Time

"So, you chose me?" Elise chuckled, taking another bite of her sandwich. "I'm flattered."

"There are at least eighteen people who want me dead. Maybe more."

"And you think I can take them all down?"

"You can't?"

Elise Einsbern wasn't just famous in this world—she was well-known in my previous life too.

Those who 'had' her in their 'formation' were usually wealthy players. But within the gaming community, they had another name: Cheaters.

And honestly, why wouldn't they be?

A single pull cost at least 300 Kuon (the in-game currency), which could amount to 10 dollars per attempt.

With an abysmally low 0.5% drop rate and no pity system, you'd need at least 200 pulls if your luck was particularly awful.

But what you got in return was worth every cent.

Elise Einsbern was said to be able to take on a thousand opponents at once—and emerge victorious.

She wasn't just powerful.

She was a walking catasthrope.

"Is that a challenge?" Elise smiled—not a smirk, but a genuine smile.

She scanned the surroundings.

We were sitting inside a small yet bustling restaurant.

I hadn't tasted the food (I only ordered coffee), but it had to be incredible to attract such a wide range of customers.

Then… what was Elise trying to do?

"Ninety-five people, huh? Not as many as I'd like, but this would still make headlines, wouldn't it?"

Huh?

I still didn't unders—

Wait—

"Don't—!" I shot up from my seat in panic. My voice came out louder than I intended, instantly drawing attention.

Heat rushed to my face as a staff member approached. "Something wrong, sir?"

"N-no, nothing at all."

After ensuring there were no issues, the staff member nodded and walked away.

"Ahahahaha! I didn't expect you to be this serious, Ethan Hudford."

I clicked my tongue, still flustered. "Don't joke about things like that."

"I wasn't joking." Elise wiped a bit of sauce off the corner of her lips. "If you really want, I could wipe out everyone here in a second. Just a few magic words and—POOF. Gone."

She looked like an innocent young girl, but that appearance was nothing more than a facade.

"I… won't ask you to do that."

"I thought you wanted to test my abilities."

"I don't think that's necessary anymore."

"Hmm…" Elise crossed her arms. "So, my target is this Liam guy?"

"No. Not yet. There's no proof."

"Why bother? You already feel something is off about him."

"That's just an instinct. Making decisions based on something so subjective would be reckless."

"Hah. That's not just instinct—it's survival sense, you know?" Elise shrugged. "I guess a sheltered noble like you has never needed it."

She was talking as if I was the younger one here.

"So? What's the plan? You're not planning to hide until our contract ends, are you? Because honestly, that sounds cowardly."

"That's exactly what we'll do."

"Huh?"

"We're going into hiding."

*#*

The chime of a bell rang as I arrived.

It was a grand welcome—something I would have to get used to from now on.

A line of servants and guards stood at attention behind the gates, waiting to greet me.

The moment I stepped out of the car, they spoke in unison.

"Welcome back, Lord Hudford."

Elise, trailing behind me, looked impressed. "Not bad. If you stay holed up here, no one will be able to touch you. Especially with me around."

I turned to face her, watching the lingering pride on her face.

"You're leaving."

"Hah?"

"Arlan!"

One of the servants immediately abandoned his formal stance and approached. I whispered a few words, and after nodding in understanding, he hurried inside the mansion.

"You'll be delivering a gift to my cousin, Frederick Hudford."

The atmosphere immediately grew heavier.

A dangerous pressure radiated from Elise.

Magical Aura.

This time, it wasn't for show. Her expression hardened, and I could hear her teeth grinding.

"You're treating me like a delivery girl?"

The suffocating air pressed against my lungs, but I refused to show fear.

Showing weakness in front of a beast like her would be fatal.

"I'm treating you as a professional bound by contract."

Elise glared at me, pure hatred in her eyes. For a moment, I thought she might kill me on the spot.

But just as suddenly as it came, the tension vanished.

Her Magical Aura faded.

Arlan returned, carrying a small parcel. His face was pale, his eyes tired—he, too, had suffered under Elise's overwhelming presence.

Elise snatched the package from his hands, then turned on her heel and stomped toward the car—like a child throwing a tantrum.

"One more thing."

"What now?" Elise turned back, exasperated, clearly thinking I was pushing my luck.

"Tell him… 'Thank you for visiting.'"

I watched Elise's back as she walked away, feeling the weight of my decision.

I knew this was irrational.

Elise should have been my strongest shield—my last line of defense.

But the more I thought about last night and this morning, the more questions arose.

If Frederick and Liam wanted me dead, why hadn't they struck when I was most vulnerable?

Like when I was asleep?

Unless… that was never their goal.

Not yet.

They had sent my dying sister as a message.

"This is what will happen if you step out of line."

Then, they had erased all traces of their involvement.

Killing me outright would be easy.

But then what?

They would lose legitimacy.

In this world, noble society condemned fratricide. If I died, rumors of a coup would spread, turning even foreign noble houses against the Hudford family.

This wouldn't affect most aristocrats.

But the Hudford family thrived on commerce.

And for a merchant, reputation was worth more than gold.

Instead of risking their future, they would keep me alive—as a puppet.

After all, what could a cowardly heir possibly do?

One who had locked himself away for years, mourning his father's death?

Well …

Maybe they should rethink that.

Because this cowardly heir was about to send his own message.

That he wasn't as weak as he seemed.

And that he had a guard dog.

Not just any guard dog—

A hound from hell.