I Killed The Game's Protagonist

The carriage wheels slowed over polished stone as they passed through the tall gate engraved with the Ross family crest — a stylized gear wrapped in silver ivy. Noah leaned slightly out the window, catching the full view of the estate for the first time.

It wasn't what he expected.

Unlike the baroque towers and high arches of noble houses he'd visited before, this place looked… modern. Not in the techy Earth way, but in its own arcane-industrial blend. Polished pipes ran along the side of the building, vents let out gentle hisses of steam, and glass-paneled walls shimmered faintly with containment glyphs.

"…This looks like a DLC map pack," Noah muttered under his breath, eyes narrowing. "We're not in the base game anymore."

The carriage came to a halt. Cordelia stepped out first, straightening her coat and turning with a smirk.

"Welcome to my home," she said casually, motioning for him to follow.

Waiting at the entrance were two figures, standing side by side. Both had striking white hair like Cordelia's, though styled differently. Her father wore a dark workshop coat over tailored slacks, with a belt full of tools around his waist. His eyes, a deep violet, twinkled with curiosity. Her mother had a more regal posture, long white hair braided behind her shoulder, and sharp sapphire-blue eyes that scanned Noah like a blueprint.

Neither of them looked particularly hostile — just… intrigued.

The father stepped forward first, offering his hand.

"So you're Noah," he said with a warm smile. "Nice grip or a good story — either works. What do you have for us?"

—-

The Ross estate interior was just as unexpected as the outside. Warm lights flickered behind glass orbs suspended by rune-inscribed cables. The walls were lined with diagrams, magical blueprints, even sketches of machines he'd never seen in the game. A faint scent of oil, ink, and something herbal drifted through the air.

Noah tried not to gape.

Cordelia's mother led them to a cozy lounge beside what looked like a mini-laboratory. She gestured toward the cushioned chairs while her husband poured tea into thin cups, steam rising in elegant curls.

Cordelia sat with casual ease, but Noah remained politely straight-backed. He was being observed, and he knew it.

"So," her mother began, her voice smooth but sharp at the edges, "how long have you two been… involved?"

Noah blinked once. Then twice.

Cordelia jumped in without missing a beat.

"It's still new," she said with a polite smile. "But he's been kind and reliable. I thought it was time to introduce him."

Her parents exchanged a look — not suspicion, not approval. Just calculation.

Her father leaned forward. "Tell me, Noah. What do your parents do?"

"My father's a military officer. Retired now. My mother used to be a healer, but she mostly yells at us nowadays," Noah answered smoothly.

"Good woman," the man said, chuckling.

Cordelia's mother sipped her tea. "And what do you do, Noah?"

"Study. Occasionally blow something up in class," he replied with a smirk.

That earned a genuine laugh from Cordelia's father. "Oh, I like this one."

Cordelia, hiding a small smile, crossed her legs and tilted her head.

Noah glanced between them all, noting the familial warmth. It was… odd. Comfortable. Not what he expected.

And when he looked toward the far wall and noticed a framed schematic — a steam-powered rail system meant to connect multiple continents — it hit him.

This… wasn't in the game.

Noah's thoughts paused.

'This really is like a damn DLC.'

Cordelia's father stood and motioned toward the large blueprint on the wall — the one Noah had been eyeing.

"I see you noticed our little project," he said, tone casual, but with a glint of pride in his eyes. "It's still in its infancy, but if it works, it could change the way this world moves."

Cordelia's mother added, "It's a concept we brought back from… somewhere far away. A steam-based engine system that runs on condensed mana crystals. Much safer than direct combustion."

Noah raised an eyebrow, walking closer to the schematic. It depicted sleek metallic carriages, glowing with enchantments, traveling across vast distances via elevated rails. Tunnels through mountains, floating bridges above rivers… all connected.

"So you're building this, what is it called?" he said.

Cordelia's father chuckled. "A Magical Train."

Noah thought. 'Not very original honestly, I was hoping for something more epic.'

Cordelia leaned on the armrest beside him, crossing her arms. "I told you they were inventors. They like their toys."

"Toys?" her father mocked, dramatically hurt. "This will revolutionize commerce and diplomacy!"

Noah took it all in. He couldn't help but think, None of this existed before… in the game. Not even as unused lore or concept art.

He turned to look at Cordelia, who was watching him quietly.

"You know this is going to shake the whole damn story, right?" he muttered under his breath.

Cordelia only smiled. "Good."

The dining room of the Ross estate wasn't overly extravagant — warm candlelight, polished mahogany, and a large window overlooking a glowing courtyard garden. Plates clinked softly, filled with roasted vegetables, seasoned meat, and delicate side dishes clearly made with love.

"So, Noah," said Cordelia's mother casually, sipping a bit of wine, "when should we expect the wedding invitations?"

Noah immediately choked.

The piece of meat he was chewing lodged in his throat. His eyes widened, and he started coughing violently.

Cordelia's fork clattered onto her plate. "Seriously?"

She stood up, moved behind him, and slapped his back twice. When that didn't work, she wrapped her arms around his waist and performed the Heimlich.

With one solid push, the offending bite flew onto the table.

Everyone blinked.

Cordelia sat back down, cheeks flushed. "Could we not kill the guest before dessert?"

Her father chuckled. "Seems he wasn't ready for that question."

"I—I'm fine," Noah croaked, grabbing his water. "Just... went down the wrong pipe."

Cordelia's mother smirked. "Mmhm. It's just a question, dear. You two do make quite the pair."

Cordelia looked away. "It's not like that."

Noah grumbled, still red-faced. "I'm just helping her with a… fake relationship. That's all."

Her parents exchanged knowing glances.

"Of course," her mother said, smiling far too sweetly. "Just fake."

Cordelia hid her face behind her wine glass.

Noah rubbed his neck. "So... your mom's got a sharp sense of humor."

"She likes to test people." Cordelia glanced over her shoulder. "You passed."

"By nearly dying?"

"You didn't die, did you?" She turned around, arms crossed. "Honestly, what did you expect? You agreed to pretend to be my boyfriend and then show up acting like it's a business meeting."

"I thought we were keeping things casual."

Cordelia stepped closer, looking up at him. "Yeah, well, my parents aren't idiots. They've been married for twenty years and still act like newlyweds. Of course they're going to poke at us."

Noah raised an eyebrow. "You say 'us' pretty naturally."

She looked away, a faint pink rising to her cheeks. "Shut up."

There was a short pause.

"I'm surprised though," Noah said. "Your family's… nice. Normal. For people who basically created a magic-powered train system, I was expecting robes, cults, maybe a giant dragon skull in the hallway."

Cordelia laughed softly. "They're brilliant. And yeah, pretty rich. But they're still just my parents. They want what's best for me."

Noah nodded slowly. "...And what do you want?"

She hesitated. "I want to be in control. Of my path, my choices… my story. Not just another NPC or a side character in someone else's game."

Noah's eyes narrowed slightly. He understood that feeling all too well.

"Then don't let anyone write your story but you," he said.

Cordelia met his gaze.

'Why do you say things like that so easily?' she thought, heart skipping for a moment.

She stepped back, breaking the tension. "Come on, let's go inside before they start planning our honeymoon."