A stout man, draped in finery that spoke of immense wealth, lounged on a sofa in a room furnished with luxury pieces, savoring a glass of wine.
He was in an undeniably excellent mood, a smirk playing across his lips as he tilted his glass. He was the head of a certain viscountcy within the Arclesia Empire.
As he enjoyed his wine in solitary satisfaction, a knock sounded at the door. A moment later, his wife entered—the Viscountess, a woman in her forties wearing an elegant evening gown.
"My, you seem to be in high spirits," she remarked. "Drinking wine in the middle of the day... did something wonderful happen, dear?"
"Ah, technically it is about to happen. Won't you join me?"
"I believe I shall."
Though she tilted her head curiously at his jovial state, the Viscountess accepted the invitation and sat beside him. Theirs was not some grand, legendary romance, but they had met at a party in their youth and married for love rather than political convenience. Now, having been together for over twenty years, the Viscount felt comfortable enough to boast of his success to his beloved wife.
"I’ve stumbled upon a rather exquisite piece of information. The Rich Baron House is in a fascinating position right now, and I’ve been thinking our house should certainly take a slice of that pie."
"Oh? Is that wise? I’ve heard rumors as well... isn't that a matter involving the otherworlder? Didn't the Emperor himself warn the noble houses against acting recklessly in anything regarding that individual?"
"Hahaha, there’s no need to worry. I’m not planning anything illegal. It’s merely a matter of 'assisting' the Rich family with their business ventures. I’ve done them plenty of favors over the years; they can hardly refuse me. Despite being neighbors, I’ve maintained social ties with those poor excuses for nobles for a long time. It wouldn't be right if I didn't see some return on that investment. Honestly, I’m impressed those paupers could be so useful."
"Is it truly such a lucrative deal?"
Perhaps emboldened by the wine, the Viscount spoke with booming confidence, and the Viscountess responded with a pleasant smile.
"Oh, yes. The profits should be quite substantial."
"Well, that sounds wonderful. In that case, perhaps you could buy me a new accessory or two?"
"Hahaha, consider it done! You can even replace your dresses and the magic tools in the room if you like."
"My, how marvelous!"
Her eyes sparkling, the Viscountess set her glass on the table and leaned in to embrace him affectionately. The Viscount’s grin widened, his mood reaching its peak.
She clung to him for a moment, acting pampered and sweet. Then, as she slowly pulled away as if lingering on the moment, she whispered a low, honeyed warning into his ear.
"The Phantasm King No Face will not tolerate this. If you proceed, prepare yourself to pay the price."
The Viscount froze. The words hit him like a bucket of ice water, snapping him out of his drunken haze instantly. He turned toward his wife, his face a mask of shock, but she merely blinked at him with an innocent, puzzled expression.
"Dear? Is something wrong?"
"Y-You... just now..."
"Just now? Did I do something to offend you?"
"A-Ah... no... No, it’s nothing..."
"Are you sure? Goodness, you’re sweating quite a bit. Are you alright? Perhaps you’ve had a bit too much to drink."
Beads of sweat broke out across the Viscount's entire body. He felt as if the very heat were being sucked out of him. The woman before him was undeniably his wife. She had to be. Her laugh, her tone, her expressions, and her gestures were all perfectly consistent with the woman he had lived with for over two decades. And yet...
He had heard it. She had used that same voice to deliver a chilling warning.
A wave of uncertainty crashed over him. Was the person standing before him truly his wife? He couldn't tell. He knew nothing anymore.
Had one of the Phantasm King's subordinates disguised themselves as her? Had his wife been one of them from the very start? Had he caught a glimpse of a mental manipulation spell, or was it a telepathic message mimicking her voice meant only for his ears? None of the answers made sense.
Only one thing was certain: his every thought was transparent to the Phantasm King. If he didn't abandon his plans immediately, his head would be the next thing to hit the floor.
He trembled with an unspeakable terror. In a single breath, his most trusted companion had transformed into an unknowable, terrifying entity. Overwhelmed by a sudden, deep regret, the Viscount resolved to burn every plan he had made.
As he sat there, he realized that this lingering fear—this doubt that would make him suspicious of everyone for the rest of his life—was the punishment for his own foolishness.
Serious-senpai: "...Terrifying!"
???: "Right? Alice-chan really is a pro at shadow support. For the record, the Viscount is wrong. The answer is number two—the wife was one of my subordinates from the very beginning."
Serious-senpai: "That’s even scarier than being threatened by Eden. That’s pure, psychological trauma territory..."