The Villainess VTuber Tears People Apart

“Of course, I do have some interest in becoming a streamer.”

I didn’t expect Anna to bring that up.

Since I wanted to ask about streamers anyway, it was a good opportunity.

“Oh, really? I thought you wouldn’t be interested in streaming.”

“Well, I wasn’t until now.”

Anna’s growth had somewhat concluded with the last viewer participation stream.

I had been coaching her and earning a “friend fee” in the process, but…

‘Honestly, I wonder if there’s any more I need to teach her.’

Of course, Anna was still lacking in certain areas, especially in the finer details.

However, those are things she can overcome with just a bit of guidance.

Unless we’re talking about demanding pro-gamer level skills, I think Anna will be fine as long as she continues to gain experience.

After all, the most fundamental issue has already been resolved.

‘Teaching someone else was quite enjoyable, but…’

Pursuing this as a career would be challenging.

The only reason I could teach Anna was that she was my colleague, like Rion. If I were to take this up as a profession, I’d first need to establish my own career—perhaps something like professional gamer experience or winning a tournament.

Since it’s an uncertain territory for a woman to have a career as a professional gamer, in the end, if I want a job where I can earn money while playing games, streaming would be the best option.

It’s not that I’m uninterested.

Moreover, I have confidence that I will do well.

Wasn’t I once the noblewoman whom everyone admired?

Whether it’s as a streamer, a pro-gamer, or even a celebrity, it’s almost a given that my popularity would skyrocket.

“Then become a streamer! I’ll make sure to watch your streams!”

“That’s kind of you. But which do you think is better, being a VTuber or a streamer?”

That was the dilemma.

Rion recently suggested that I become a VTuber, but I still didn’t understand what made it better than being a regular streamer.

I had learned that being a VTuber was a career with a vastly different vibe compared to a streamer.

But choosing to be a VTuber just because the vibe is different seemed a bit vague to me.

“Between a streamer and a VTuber… If I had to choose, being a VTuber is much better.”

That’s what Anna said.

“Why? Isn’t it better to show off my beautiful appearance?”

“…You’re still so full of yourself. I can’t argue because it’s true, but… you’re not entirely wrong, Teacher. However, there are risks.”

“Risks?”

“Because you’d be showing your face. So, people might recognize you if they see you in real life. Of course, being a VTuber doesn’t mean you’re completely free from such risks.”

Anna mentioned that there were VTubers who had been stalked before.

…Is it really possible to be stalked even if you’re broadcasting using a model?

“More importantly, in terms of opportunity cost, being a VTuber is slightly better. For example… do you know what happens when VTubers retire?”

“I heard Rion is planning to become a manager.”

“That’s because Rion-senior is a special case… Quite a few VTubers become streamers after they retire.”

“?”

At that, I could only tilt my head in confusion.

…What on earth does that mean?

“There are so many reasons that it’s hard to explain them all… Since I mentioned opportunity cost, let me stick to that.

If a streamer who has already shown their face transitions to being a VTuber, or if a VTuber who has been hiding their face transitions to being a streamer and reveals their face, which do you think would have a bigger impact?”

That would definitely be the latter.

I’m not an expert on VTubers, but recently, due to Rion and Anna’s influence, I’ve been watching a few VTuber streams.

While VTubers don’t necessarily engage in hardcore roleplay, there is still a certain level of immersion involved.

That’s probably why some people like VTubers.

Conversely, if there are elements that break that immersion, the fun would likely diminish.

If a streamer who has already revealed their face starts VTubing, it would probably feel like just a slight change in the format of their broadcasts.

“Of course, revealing your face comes with considerable risks. Many viewers prefer the unique vibe that VTubers offer. So, when a VTuber reveals their face, it can kill that vibe, causing a significant loss of fans.”

“That makes sense.”

“So, many VTubers who retire end up becoming new VTubers again.”

“…That’s hard to comment on.”

“In any case, if you’re torn between being a VTuber or a streamer, it’s better to try being a VTuber first, in terms of opportunity cost.”

Anna suggested that if I found that being a VTuber wasn’t working out, I could always switch and become a streamer.

Since it made sense, I nodded in agreement.

***

[No, I’m telling you, I respect Louis-chan… No, Louis in a perfectly normal way!]

Anna mentioned that about half of VTubers rewatch their streams.

In other words, quite a few VTubers don’t watch their own streams afterward.

Because they find it embarrassing, apparently.

[So, you think I’m into that kind of thing…? You think I see the Teacher in that way? I’m telling you, no!]

[Oh my, is that so?]

[Being too perfect is a problem, isn’t it? But what can I do? I’ve been flawless since birth.]

[I’ll even allow you to lick my feet. I’ll make an exception and give you permission.]

[Please don’t say weird things… That’s not what I meant!]

That’s why Anna said she doesn’t watch her past broadcasts. Rion is probably the same, considering how she freaked out when she rewatched her first stream.

But it didn’t bother me at all.

– Jealous!

– Please let us lick your feet too!

– Why just Anna? Why just Anna? Why just Anna? Why just Anna? Why just Anna? Why just Anna? Why just Anna?

– How much do you want?

– Bring it on!!!!! Licklicklicklicklicklicklicklicklicklicklicklicklicklicklicklicklicklicklick

“Hehe.”

I chuckled.

Appearing on Anna’s channel, I was still as perfect and noble as ever. Even without revealing my real face, where else could such a beautiful existence be found?

Moreover, the viewers’ reactions entertained me.

After all, followers are naturally drawn to a villainous noblewoman.

In that sense, I thoroughly enjoyed being admired by others.

“Yes. It’s not bad at all.”

Nodding, I closed the archive of my collaboration stream with Anna.

Anna had said it herself: if you’re torn between being a VTuber and a streamer, try being a VTuber first. It’s better in terms of opportunity cost.

So, I decided to start as a VTuber with a light heart. If I didn’t like it, I could always explore other options.

But then,

‘But what do I need to become a VTuber?’

I tilted my head in confusion.

Even if I suddenly wanted to become a VTuber, it wasn’t something I could do right away. I didn’t even know how to start a broadcast.

So, I typed “How to become a VTuber” into the search bar.

After looking around here and there, I realized that becoming a VTuber required more than I had initially thought.

First and foremost, the most important thing: the “model.”

The model refers to the Live2D modeling used by VTubers.

Korean fans refer to this modeling as “판떼기” (panttegi), and… well, there’s no need to explain why. For reference, Japanese fans also call Live2D modeling “chopsticks.”

Anyway, the model is the life and essence of a VTuber, and creating one requires considerable resources.

‘Finding an illustrator is going to be a challenge too.’

To create a model, you need illustrations, and for that, you need an illustrator.

The problem was that there didn’t seem to be many illustrators who specialized in drawing VTuber models. I figured the cost of production wouldn’t be cheap either, and I had no idea how to commission a model in the first place.

For a moment, I even considered whether I should draw it myself. After all, during my time at the Ducal Family, I had received art education as part of my cultural training.

So, I was fairly good at drawing, but after thinking it over, my style probably wouldn’t fit. Besides, I didn’t even have a tablet or any tools for drawing.

“I’ll take my time finding an illustrator, so let’s solve the other things first.”

Next was the streaming equipment.

The specs for my PC and VR gear weren’t a problem.

However, the microphone… should I buy a new one? I already have a headset, but I’m not sure if I need to get a new mic specifically for streaming.

A soundproof room… Is that necessary? If I’m only going to play VR games, I probably don’t need one, but there’s a chance I might want to sing, isn’t there?

During my time at the Ducal Family, I received music education as part of my cultural training. I swear, being good at so many things is such a burden.

The biggest issue seems to be the tracking equipment.

The model has to move in sync with my movements. For that, I would need tracking equipment that can recognize me, but… would a webcam suffice? I’m not sure about that either.

And there’s more: I’d need to create a channel, install streaming-related software, and also get a separate program to run the model.

Hmm….

– ♪♩♬♪♪♩
– ♪

[…What is it?]

“Come to my room.”

[What now…]

– Click.

It was getting too complicated, so I ended up calling Rion.

After hanging up and casually tossing the phone onto the table, Rion entered the room, looking exasperated.

“What do you want this time?”

“I’m not calling you for work, but there’s something I’d like you to explain.”

“Explain something?”

“I’m thinking of trying out VTubing. What do I need?”

“Huh?”

Rion’s eyes widened.

“You’re going to become a VTuber, unnie?”

“Yes.”

“R-Really…? Seriously!?”

“…Why are you so surprised? You were the one who suggested it in the first place.”

“Well, yeah, but… I didn’t think you’d actually do it…”

Rion seemed quite flustered, but for some reason, her expression brightened.

…Is my becoming a VTuber really such a good thing?

I couldn’t understand why she was so happy.

“So, what exactly did you want to ask me?”

“I tried to research VTubing on my own, but I couldn’t figure it out.”

How to create the model, what streaming equipment was necessary, what software I needed to install, and so on.

After listening to my story, Rion tilted her head.

“…Why are you worrying about that stuff? You can solve all of that easily.”

Easily?

I looked at Rion, puzzled, waiting for an explanation.

Then she said,

“Join our company. They’ll provide everything you need.”