My Free Will System: Transmigrating Into My Favorite Immersion Game

Elias sat across from King Alaric, the grand banquet in full swing around them. The king's eyes glistened with a practiced politeness, but Elias could sense the underlying indifference. As they discussed the kingdom's affairs, it became clear that the king cared little for the common folk, as long as he was safe in his castle, the kingdom was safe to him.

The reality of the king was starkly different from the image he projected in the game. Elias felt a growing disdain, adding one more reason to 'devour' his wife.

The rulers of the four houses, meanwhile, engaged Elias with backhanded questions, their words were laced with subtle condescension. If they weren't talking about his home or trying to belittle him, they were talking about how he would be a good addition to Eldoria's forces

Lord Thane's piercing gray eyes and Lady Selene's deep green gaze both held a hint of derision, while Lord Varric's steely blue stare and Lady Isolde's dark, enigmatic eyes seemed to assess his every move.

"We've been considering your future, Elias," King Alaric said, his tone almost patronizing. "It might be beneficial for you to join the Royal Academy. It will polish your rough edges."

Elias smiled politely, masking his true thoughts. "I appreciate the suggestion, Your Majesty. I'll consider it," he replied, waving the matter off. In truth, he had no intention of joining the academy, and besides he had this feeling that did not resonate with King Alaric, he didn't know why, but he counted it as another reason to not join the academy.

[+100FWP]

He had someone else in mind who needed that academic training more than he did.

"Are you sure?" Alaric asked

"Did the boy just decline the King's generous offer?" Thane hissed

'Boy…'

"I was presented with a choice and simply declined it. Is that too hard to understand " Elias retorted,

[+50 FWP]

"You brat…"

"Calm down Thane" Alaric interjected, "The Royal Academy can offer you a lot of things, not just the basic formal academy teachings…unlike the church, we will not hold back with our spending and resources" He continued, his tone taking a more serious tone

'So that's what this is, a proposal from the king to win me over. I guess the king and the church aren't on the best terms, but still, I have my own plans, and sitting in a classroom, learning things I already learned for fifteen years would be a big waste of time'

"Ahh, how generous of you, King Alaric, but please let me sleep over it" Elias replied.

"Haha, I knew you were a smart boy. Why it is good to take your time with matters like this, you should give me an answer as soon as possible. Before a day would be optimal" Alaric said

'He wants me to make a decision before the High-luminary returns. What a cunning man'

"I understand" Elias replied

As the feast continued, Elias noticed that Imaya was absent. Excusing himself from the table, he made his way to her chambers.

He knocked on the door, but there was no response. Feeling Concerned for Imaya, he flooded the lock with mana, until the lock broke apart. Stepping inside, he stumbled upon a half-naked Imaya, she was clad in nothing but her nigh- transparent undergarment that left little to the imagination. Her eyes were wide with surprise.

"Elias!" she exclaimed, quickly covering herself completely with a blanket.

"I'm sorry, Imaya," Elias said, turning his back to give her privacy. "I was worried when you didn't come to the feast. And you didn't answer your door when I knocked"

"I am not obligated to answer you," She said, a frown on her face

"I was just worried that's all," Elias said, his voice laced with concern, "Have you had anything to eat?" He asked

She sighed, her voice soft and strained. "I couldn't bring myself to. Not after what happened"

Elias turned around, his expression serious. "I apologize for my bluntness yesterday." He said

"I should be the one apologizing, I slapped you after you saved my life" She stuttered, her voice filled with remorse.

"Apology accepted," He responded flatly

[+50FWP]

"But you need to understand, the only way to move forward and not let your people's deaths be in vain is to get stronger so that the next that you come face to face with that demon, because you definitely will, make sure you look it in its eyes and show it the mercy it showed your village.

You have to make sure you won't lose anyone else."

Imaya looked away, tears glistening in her eyes. "I don't know if I can. I had a nightmare yesterday. I was in front of that demon again, and all I could was freeze and wait for it to kill me. "

Seeing her despair, Elias decided to cheer her up. "Come on, let's get out of here. You need to clear your head. I know a spot where they sell the best honey lamb dough" Elias urged her

Elias waited for Imaya to dress up, then he led her out of the castle, sneaking past guards and slipping into the bustling streets of Eldoria.

They explored the city, trying various delicacies and visiting different locations. Elias showed her the vibrant market squares, the serene parks, and the hidden corners that only a true adventurer would know. It felt like a date, an escape from the heaviness of their reality.

"How does it taste?" Elias asked after handing Imaya a honey lamb dough.

"It's delicious!" Her eyes lit up as she took the first bite

"Of course it is," Elias said, but the truth was that Elias had not tasted the honey lamb dough. Honey lamb dough was one of Arcane Day's selling points, it was a game-exclusive meal. It was made up of cooked tender lamb meat stuffed in dough, fried, and glazed with seasoned honey.

"How did you know about all these places, is this not your first time in Eldoria too?" Imaya asked as she stuffed another honey lamb dough in her mouth

"Ahh…I read a lot" He lied

"Really?" She raised a brow, "you don't look like the reading type" she added as she licked the honey that drizzled off her arm

Elias gulped, as the sight of Imaya tracing her tongue up her arm looked sensual to him, "This damned body.." he whispered

"What was that?"

"Nothing.."

Eventually, Elias brought her to a secluded spot, a place he often visited in-game. It was a quiet overlook, with a view of the city lights shimmering below.

Imaya sat beside him, her shoulders slumped. "There's nothing left to protect. Everything I held dear is gone."

Elias turned to her, his voice gentle but firm. "Then find something to. And if that's too much, protect yourself. You have the strength to do it, Imaya."

She looked at him, her eyes searching his face. "You're strange, why do you care so much? "

"Ahh...I guess I just don't like to see a beautiful girl sad" Elias said carefreely

Imaya's face turned a bright red, and she went back to munching on her snack

"Are you okay? Your face is red?" Elias asked, concern evident on his face

"I'm fine idiot" she shot back

"If you say so." Elias paused

"King Alaric offered me an admission into the Royal Academy, but I'm not interested. I feel like you should take it." Elias said, staring straight ahead into nothing

"W..what?! The Royal Academy? Isn't that for only royals, nobles, and the rich merchant's kids? Is that even allowed, the king offered you, not me. Wouldn't it be disrespectful?" She queried

"Leave the convincing King Alaric to me," Elias said with a confident smile. "I'll make sure you get in."

For the first time in days, Imaya's lips curved into a tentative smile. The weight of her grief seemed to lift, if only slightly. Since her mother died, she had been the one leading her people, caring for them, and putting their needs first, it was nice to see someone think about her needs and go the extra mile for a change. And in that moment, she felt her chest swell.