Author's Incarnation: I Became My Novel's Villain

Days had passed since I reincarnated. At the breakfast table, I was having lunch with Elithia and Klo's little brother, Lux.
Since morning, Lux had been staring at me, as if he was seeing a monster that found salvation and turned good. Honestly, I don't blame him for it. But it does get creepy when someone keeps blinking repeatedly in your direction.

I tried to break the awkward tension so Lux would stop.
"So, Lux, how's your studies going?"
"Wow, my brother is asking about my studies. Can you believe that, Lynette?"
"I agree with you, Mister Lux. Mister Klo's been acting weird lately," Lynette said.
Elithia joined in,
"You're both right. Klo used to be so harsh to me and mocked me a lot. It's like he's not the same Klo we knew."
Everyone turned their eyes toward me, and suspicion started to creep into their hearts about an impostor pretending to be Klo.

There was no escape from this situation except to copy the behavior of the character I wrote.
I slammed the dining table hard, causing food crumbs to fly into my face.
"Shut your mouths, you fools! Can't a man change his ways?! Or do you miss the Klo who stomped on you like trash beneath his boots?"
"..."
I was so tense I hid my trembling legs beneath the tablecloth. It's hard for me to act rudely toward others.

Ah, I remembered—doesn't Elithia have an exam in her academy next week? If I recall correctly, she failed it and fell into depression. I should try to help her pass.
"Hey, Elithia, don't you have an exam next week?"
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"I just wanted to help you pass—"
What the hell am I saying? In the end, she's just a character from my imagination. Why should I help her?
But still, I need to blend in and live naturally among them. Helping them is part of it.
"You could do that since you have tricks and schemes only people like you would use."
"Thanks for the compliment. Once we're done with lunch, let's talk in private about the exam."
Why did you accept?! And worse… from the wrong person!

---

After we finished eating, Elithia and I met in the backyard.
We were sitting at a white table, sipping tea and gazing at the sky tinged with red.
"So, how exactly do you plan on helping me?" Elithia asked.
I took a sip from the teacup to wet my throat.

"I'll sum it up in one word: buy Upgrade Powder."

Upgrade Powder, in my novel, is an item used to enhance mana within objects it touches, like swords. She would coat her sword and her hands in it, then undergo intense physical and spiritual training for hours. That's how Elithia succeeded in her second attempt.

"Upgrade Powder? What would that do for me?"

"Didn't you want my advice? Then just do it if you want to pass the exam."

"Tsk, but you're coming with me."

"To where?"

"To the market, you idiot."

M–Market? I used to never leave my room unless it was for school. I avoided parties and family gatherings because of my social anxiety. I only felt comfortable talking to people behind a screen—I even made online friends.

And now you're telling me to go with you to the market? Impossible.

I raised both hands to form an X.

"I refuse your offer, miss."

"Whaaat?!"

"You heard me."

Ding~

[ Side Quest ]

"Go to the market with Elithia."

As if I'd just be handed a side quest with no consequences.

Ding~

I looked at the floating screen again.

"If you fail to complete the mission, the result will be death."

Damn you, cursed system.

"Alright, Elithia. I accept your offer."

"Really?! Let's go, what are you waiting for?!"

She grabbed my hand and ran around happily.

"Prepare the carriage, Andrew," Elithia ordered.

---

Andrew, the head butler who raised Klo, brought the carriage.

"I've prepared the carriage for you, Sir Klo and Lady Elithia."

"Thank you for that, Andrew."

Elithia and I rode the oval-shaped carriage pulled by a horse. Inside, it was spacious enough for five people max. On the left side was a small glass window with a black latch that looked like an old metal door handle.

The shape of the carriage resembled a primitive version of a car made of leather seats.

The carriage moved slowly toward the city, leaving the giant mansion behind.

We were heading from Klo's mansion to a city called "Azurel."

"Are you excited, Klo?"

"Y-Yes, I'm so happy I could jump out of my seat on fire."

"...Are you sure?"

Damn it, she noticed the sweat pouring down my face and my shaking hands.

I waved both hands frantically to calm her down, my sweat flying everywhere.

"Don't worry, Elithia. Everything is just fine."

We arrived in the city, and more specifically, at the market.

I stepped out of the carriage and my legs refused to support me.

Move already—why are you failing me now?

We headed toward the entrance of Azurel's market.

It was packed with people, crowded around stalls, busy shops, kids playing and running around.

But I felt like everyone's eyes were locked onto me.

Ding~

[ Congratulations ]

"You've received rewards for achieving the milestone of leaving your house after 6 years."

20 C

Don't joke around at times like these, you trash.

I lowered my head and sighed.

"Why has the world turned against me…"

"Come on, Klo. That shop looks like it sells the powder."

Elithia grabbed my hand and dragged me toward the store.

I tried to stop her but I couldn't. Everyone's stares were making me anxious.

"D-Don't do this, Elithia. Everyone's looking at us…"

Elithia paused and looked at me.

"As if you ever cared what people thought."

That's harsh.

"I know… but still, please don't…"

"Hmm… fine, I won't. Now hurry up."

I followed her to the store. As we entered, the bells above the door chimed.

A merchant appeared—he looked kind.

"How can I help you two, young ones?"

"We're looking for Upgrade Powder," Elithia said.

While she spoke to the merchant, I looked around the place step by step, eyeing everything.

I felt like someone was watching me.

Then suddenly, something was thrown over my head—it felt like a sack of rice. I couldn't see through it.

I started screaming, calling for Elithia's help, but there was no response.

Is this the end? Will I have to reload from the last save point?

As I was being dragged away, I heard people talking about something shocking.

"Did you hear about the bounty the kingdom placed on one of the spoiled noble brats?"

"Yeah, it's Klo Yuthnir. The royal seer called him the next harbinger of evil."

So that's why… I was kidnapped because the kingdom placed a bounty on my head.

So that hero didn't come for nothing.

I slowly lost consciousness from the lack of oxygen.

...

"Wake up."

"Wake up, you bastard."

I stood up in shock from the loud voice yelling at me. I was drenched in sweat.

I looked at my hands and the space around me—I was in a cell.

I never wrote this scene… how is it happening?

Could it be because I went shopping?

"So you've awakened, Klo Yuthnir."