001 The Violating Villainous Noble

"Hyaaaa... aaahhh!!!"

A shrill cry—no, a delicate, melodic scream echoed through the room.

Wait... Who is that? And where the hell am I?

I had been playing a game until a few seconds ago. Now, for some reason, a woman was crouching right in front of me. To be more precise, she was tied up in a rope in a... well, a very compromising state.

"Wh-wh-wh-what is... going on..."

I was so blindsided that I let out a sound like someone trying to soothe a spooked horse. But the one who really needed soothing was me.

"Young Master Weiss... is something the matter?"

Without turning her body, the woman glanced back over her shoulder, her voice laced with worry. Even in a situation this insane, I couldn't help but notice how incredibly beautiful she was. Her eyes shimmered, and her fluffy blonde hair fluttered with every slight movement.

But I'd seen her somewhere before. I was sure of it.

I glanced down at my own hand and realized I was gripping a whip.

Wait... Weiss?

A bound woman, a maid outfit, a whip, the name "Young Master Weiss," and this gaudy, opulent room.

(Don't tell me... Am I Weiss, the Violating Villainous Noble?!)

I scrambled over to a full-length mirror standing nearby. Looking back at me was, without a doubt, Weiss Fancent—the bottom-tier, scumbag villain from the academy-sim game [Noblesse Oblige].

Which meant the woman in front of me had to be... the maid, Lilith Scarlet.

"...Lilith?"

"Yes? How can I help you?"

It really is her... No way. This is a joke, right?!

If I were the real Weiss, I probably would have spat out something like, "Shut up, you sow! Don't you dare talk back to me!"

But the current "me" was different. I was just a guy who liked the game enough to clear it a few times. There was no way I was going to say something that vile. Not in a million years.

Wait, come to think of it... this guy’s hobby was hitting people with a whip.

God, he really is the worst. I mean, I guess "he" is me now, but still.

"Lilith... can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Did I... hit you?"

"Yes. You struck me twice, then a third time. You told me you wanted to strike me, crush me, and turn me into a 'mushy mess,' so I... I took off my clothes."

...What a complete and utter bastard! Why would anyone do that?! Especially to a girl this cute?!

I needed to untie her immediately. But wait, if I suddenly flipped my personality a full 180 degrees, wouldn't it look suspicious? I needed a reason. Some sort of... logical explanation.

"You... you've got it all wrong. I just wanted to check the quality of the meat! I’m planning on making boneless ham soon, you see!"

"Boneless ham...?"

Dammit, I think I blew it.

What do I do? I need another angle—think!

"Uh, well, you know! You wrap the meat tight and smoke it! It makes the flavor much better!"

"I see... So you intend to smoke a sow like me. Please... enjoy your meal..."

No good! Everything I say is backfiring!

I gave up on the excuses and frantically began untying Lilith's ropes.

"...Master Weiss?"

"I've finished my... inspection, so it's fine now. More importantly... uh, does it hurt?"

Lilith blinked, her eyes wide with shock.

Crap, did I say something wrong again?

"What's the matter?"

"N-no, nothing! I just... I never expected you to say something so kind. I was startled."

"...I won't say things like that anymore."

"Eh?"

I hurried her to get dressed. While she was occupied, I tried to organize the chaos in my head.

My name was Weiss Fancent. In the world of this fantasy academy game, I was the undisputed king of trash—the "Violating Villainous Noble." My mother died when I was young, and my father was always away on diplomatic business. Left to my own devices, I'd spent my life doing whatever I wanted.

After enrolling in the academy, I was the type to use my family's influence to ruin anyone who annoyed me or outperformed me. I tormented the weak and obsessed over crushing anyone who dared to talk back.

But in the end, the protagonist beats Weiss to a pulp and exposes his crimes. He loses everything and becomes a servant to the Demon King. In the finale, he’s literally transformed into the [Demon King's Shield], dying only after every single "hole" in his body is pierced through.

Sure, the game gave him a tiny bit of sympathy—like being bullied as a kid or betrayed by a servant—but the Demon King’s cold line, "Doesn't it feel good to be lighter, Weiss?" became a meme. He was the most-hated villain for years. "Meat-removal Complete" and "Shower Weiss" were the kind of internet slang that followed him everywhere.

Worst of all, he was a total creep. His "hobby" wasn't even something fans of adult content would enjoy; he just liked hurting people, like he’d been doing to Lilith. It made everyone hate him.

And I hated him too. My real-life dad always told me that "women are precious and should be protected." I would absolutely never do the things Weiss did. (For the record, I’ve never actually interacted with a woman properly, but that’s not important right now.)

"Lilith, your neck..."

"Huh?"

I noticed a whip mark still lingering on her skin. If anyone saw that... I needed to do something. Anything.

Wait... I remember now.

One of the big draws of this game was the UI. You could see statuses, skills, and level-ups. The villainous Weiss was supposed to be low-level because he hated effort, relying entirely on his status. But maybe...

"Turn around for a second."

"E-eh? Y-yes..."

Lilith’s voice was trembling. She probably thought I was going to whip her again. Taking a breath, I whispered the command.

Status Open.

Nothing happened for a heartbeat. Then, in the next instant—

[Name: Weiss Fancent] [Race: Human, Male] [Age: 14] [Job: Noble] [Level: 1] [Health: 10] [Mana: 20] [Unique Skill: New Challenge Play Lv.1] [Title: New Master of Boneless Ham]

(Yes! It worked!)

I had the [Appraisal] skill. Normally, you could only see the protagonist’s stats, but I had a hunch.

But wow... my level is pathetic! The hero starts at level 10, if I remember right. This guy really hasn't done a lick of work in his life.

And what was with [Challenge Play Lv.1] and [Master of Boneless Ham]? Whatever. I’d deal with those later.

"Um... should I do something?"

"No, just relax."

If my memory of the game's secrets was right... I should be able to use that.

"Wait, what do you—"

"[Heal Light (Small)]."

I held out my hands and chanted. This was a hidden skill the developers had tossed in as an easter egg. The strategy guide mentioned it was a recovery spell Weiss could technically use from the start, though the original Weiss was too lazy to ever try.

A warm, white light spilled from my palms. The bruise on Lilith's neck vanished, replaced by smooth, pale skin.

"Master Weiss... it's so warm... it feels wonderful."

"Good. You're all healed up."

Lilith rushed to the mirror, unable to hide her disbelief. Between my sudden kindness and the fact that I was actually using magic, she looked completely lost. The original Weiss was a sloth who barely learned enough magic to graduate, figuring his status meant he’d never need it.

But from today on, things were going to be different. I was Weiss, but I wasn't that Weiss.

"Thank you, Master Weiss."

"No... I'm sorry for what I did."

"...I'm so surprised. It’s like you’re a different person. And I had no idea you could use recovery magic."

I feel terrible for confusing her. I mean, think about it: she gets tied up and whipped, then suddenly the guy unties her and heals her with magic. That’s bordering on a horror movie plot.

That evening, the butlers prepared a full-course meal. It was incredible—every bite was delicious. I couldn't help but grin as I cleaned every single plate.

"That was amazing..."

Suddenly, the room went silent.

"Master Weiss... did the seasoning particularly suit your palate today?"

Zebis Alldin, the head butler, was staring at me with his eyes practically popping out of his skull. He was a sharp-featured man with a lean, muscular build—highly intelligent and a beast in combat. Usually, he was the definition of unflappable, but right now, he looked like he'd seen a ghost.

"Uh, what do you mean by that?"

"Well... you see..."

He seemed hesitant, so I gave him a slightly firm look, urging him to continue. I figured I shouldn't drop the "arrogant noble" act too quickly or it would look weird.

"...Usually, you tell us the food is disgusting and hurl the plates at the floor. If the seasoning was to your liking, I shall ensure we prepare it the same way from now on. Forgive my presumption."

I see... He really was that much of a prick? I cleared the game, but even I didn't know he was that bad. Who throws food this good?!

No wonder the staff were all trembling while I ate. I’d wondered why they were all standing there in a row—they weren't there to serve; they were waiting to clean up the shards of broken porcelain.

Only Lilith was smiling, just a little. Maybe she realized I’d changed.

Regardless, I had to say something. It was only right.

"I... I’m sorry for my behavior until now. When I woke up this morning, I realized how wrong it is to waste food. I won't do it again. I truly am sorry."

There. That should do it.

But the entire room stayed frozen. Crap. Did I overdo it? Do they know I'm an impostor?

"...Wh-what magnificent words! I am... deeply honored!"

Zebis managed to squeeze the words out, his voice cracking. Was he always this dramatic?

Suddenly, I heard the sound of sobbing from the other servants.

What the?! What is this?! Why does it feel like the emotional climax of a movie?!

"Master Weiss, that was wonderful!"

Even Lilith was moved to tears. The room erupted into applause. Look, guys, I just ate dinner, okay? Babies can do that! Goo goo ga ga!

"Haha... yeah. Thanks. Thank you."

Well, they seemed to accept it, so I’d call that a win. It was going to take time, but this was a solid first step.

Still, I needed to change a lot more. The academy entrance ceremony was only two years away. In the game, Weiss fails the placement mock battle against the protagonist, his reputation hits rock bottom, and the number of people wanting him dead skyrockets.

But if I could fight the hero to a draw—or even win—I could maintain my dignity and earn the respect of those around me. To do that, I needed to prepare.

With my current stats, the future was set in stone. I was headed for the "Shield" ending.

I'm going to work my ass off. I'm going to break every ruinous flag and avoid that doom.

The thought of having holes opened all over my body was enough to keep me motivated for a lifetime.

Step one: Throw that whip in the trash.