Dilemma Of The Busted
I can't even react to the System's trolling.
The two Orcs approach with their spears pointing at my throat. Can I beat them? I mean, they're Alex's people, I shouldn't, even if it's possible.
Should I run away? Is this what the System suggested? But then, they gave me lots of food. Will I be able to fend for myself for a week?
The amount I ate could last that long, though thinking about it now it could become a problem. Fighting and running sound more difficult with a full belly, and boy is it full.
Damn it, why didn't I see this coming? What a rollercoaster.
And Hana was on the ground, prostrating themselves for forgiveness a few hours ago. Now they're flanking while Charlotte tries to kill me with her glare.
"W-what do you mean?" Is it too late to play dumb?
No, the real issue is if she figured out from my behavior alone that I'm not Alexandra, this would be oil to the fire. What gave me away?
"I didn't have the privilege to serve under the Goddess back in the days, but even I know she's different." The Second In Command growls, approaching at a steady pace.
The language is still polite and clean, but she looks more menacing than ever.
"She'd punish Hana for their offense. And she might've even killed them for the shit they pulled during your feast."
This is the first time I heard her using a swear word. She's angry.
"Hey, you don't have to put it that way." The Standard Bearer complains, but their synergy is still perfect. "You wouldn't even notice if I didn't warn you."
Wait, so Alex is ruthless? They wanted me to be tougher on them?
I mean, they're Orcs under her Banner, trying to seem nice must have rubbed them the wrong way. But what else do you expect from an introvert?!
I was happy they didn't kill me outright, and then they even gave me food. Of course, I tried to be on my nicest behavior. This backfired.
Okay, change of plans. I clear my throat.
"I-I see, good. I worried you guys got soft while I was away."
Nothing? Well, two can play this game.
"As you say, you never served under me, so I was testing you."
They are still approaching, damn it.
"N-not everyone is worthy of that post, and you didn't prove yourself like Hana."
Come on, slow down, slow down, at least let me finish.
"He became my Standard Bearer by his merits in battle. To become a Vice President, you also have to prove yourself."
No, wait, Vice Commander. I messed up. I'm rambling. And they are still on to me. Hana raises an eyebrow but looks angry too. Oh shit, did I misgender them again?
"O-of course. Y-you seem worthy to be my S-second In Command now, C-charlotte."
Crap, it would be more believable if I didn't stutter. Or sweat like I'm on my last breath. Will my heart burst out of my chest before they pierce it?
"You figured out that something was off, and I commend you for your intellect."
The only emotion I can read from their stare is anger.
[Notice: lowering your pitch won't make you resemble the Thirteenth Bride any better.]
Ugh, System. Is this supposed to be helpful? Sure, it doesn't seem like they bought it but then give me a better idea.
[Notice: you can fight them even at your level.]
It seems inevitable, but I don't want to. They still approach with spears raised. This turned out bad the last time we were in this situation.
And guess what? It was also the System's fault. I shouldn't listen to her at this point, to be honest.
"Drop your weapons, you passed the test, but I won't tolerate such foolishness any longer."
Did I sound more confident this time? Was my pitch all right? A glance at the back shows Hana hesitating, but then they press on, locking eyes with Charlotte.
If only there was a progress bar to show how much I convinced them, or if it even made a dent in their will. Why don't I have skills, and where are the dice rolls to determine the outcome?
What kind of System are you?
They stop, Charlotte's spear is a mere inch away from my neck now, and she seems deep in thought. Oh? Did it work?
A second later, she swings that spear.
Is this the System's self-defense mechanism or my reflexes?
The fact is that I grab the shaft at the very last moment before it slaps my face.
Not only that, I smash it. My grip alone shatters the wood and the metal tip falls to the ground like a child's toy nobody wants anymore.
I sure am OP, but this still doesn't convince them.
After a quick flash in Charlotte's eyes, she leans into a punch. My head only moves half an inch to avoid it, but that's when Hana joins the fray too.
They still have their spear, and it wooshes past my cat ears.
Did they miss on purpose? They were out of my sight and could have knocked me out at ease. They already did it before. Did I get them thinking?
There's no time to waste. I don't want to fight these people.
I have reasons other than not wanting to beat up my hosts after giving me all that food, and because they belong to Alex. Let's say I kill them, and the rest leave me alone.
What would the Thirteenth Bride say when she returns a week later?
It's not like I had time to think about it, but what's our relationship? I'm in her body now, and it's worthy of a Goddess, but what will happen after we switch back?
Will we become friends, or go on our separate ways?
I sure hope we'll remain close, this body had quite the effect on me even before I was inside it. And that helps with the decision.
I can't harm her friends otherwise she will come to hate me. I need a way out, and I need it now.