Chapter 2. Kain

『Seasonal Magical Love: Spring Premium Edition.』

An extraordinary dating simulator game that seamlessly blends RPG strategy elements (wow, a truly unique and innovative fusion of game genres that has never been seen before in this world :v), renowned for its captivating plot. Although it may not stray far from the clichéd narratives often found in the market, its popularity skyrockets thanks to the stellar voice acting, stunning illustrations, and top-quality production from a renowned studio.

In this game, players have the option to embody a male or female character. If selecting a male character, there are four captivating romance options available, and similarly, choosing a female character opens up four intriguing male characters to romantically pursue. Moreover, the premium bonus feature unveils two hidden targets, one female and one male character.

Despite these game intricacies, I have completed this journey at the cost of my life. While not intimately acquainted with all the characters, one figure stands out - Kain.

Kain is one of the companions who must be overcome in a crucial chapter as the story nears its climax in Prince Lucius's narrative. A thorn in their side or a foe in disguise, that's him – pretending to exude a cold exterior while concealing a more sadistic and cruel nature, as Prince Lucius has pointed out.

As a player, suspicions of him had already lingered in my mind. His mere presence at the tragic scene as Prince Lysander's mentor, failing to save the faltering prince, was indeed questionable. When pressed about why he didn't seek help promptly, he defended himself by claiming he had done his best to aid Prince Lysander. However, he admitted his inability to perform the healing magic that he was credited with, delaying in seeking outside help, a delay that proved to be fatal.

Putting aside how easily Prince Lysander's parents believed Kain's words, Prince Lucius, who witnessed everything firsthand, descended into a pit of trauma and so on and so forth... (He could have convinced his parents that there was something peculiar about Kain... but it didn't matter.)

Turning our focus back to Kain, he is an enemy spy, harboring a deep loathing for the Clover Royal Family - intentionally allowing Prince Lysander, at death's door, to lie before him. It wasn't out of malice but rather a thrilling spectacle for him.

Even after his defeat at the hands of the player and Prince Lucius in battle, the reasons behind his role as a spy or alignment with the anti-royal faction, and his intense animosity towards the Clover Royal Family were never fully explained.

Let me absorb all I can from him in the coming four years before he eventually brings me down as well...

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After a brief silence, Prince Lysander blinked and then stared directly into Kain's eyes, which had been fixed on him the whole time.

Their gazes met, and in that moment, Kain could only think, 'Ah, this insignificant little bug. It's truly distasteful that I have to instruct him, but I must do this for...'

However, these thoughts gradually shifted as he observed the child's gaze in front of him. There was something amiss, as though... the child already knew. Unintentionally, this caused Kain to swallow subtly and furrow his brow. While Rina, completely unaware of the situation, gently patted Prince Lysander's shoulder again and whispered softly, "Your Highness, I hope you will continue to behave courteously regardless of your status."

Prince Lysander offered a slight smile to Kain, who suddenly felt rigid from head to toe. "Forgive me, esteemed Master Kain. It seems I have been acting confused and impolite. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Prince Lysander Clover, the second son of the Clover Royal Family. As your new student, I am eager to learn from you and eagerly anticipate your guidance and assistance," After his words, Prince Lysander respectfully bowed to Kain, leaving the latter speechless.

Rina? She covered her mouth with both hands, feeling touched. 'I didn't expect him to greet his teacher so well...he exceeds my expectations! I am impressed by you, my child!'

"...ah, yes. Let me introduce myself; I am Kain, one of the mage soldiers appointed by His Majesty the king to teach you. I hope you will follow my lessons well."

"Absolutely, Master," Prince Lysander responded eagerly.

Come on, share all your knowledge with me, you sly Kain!!!

'I thought he would be just like his brother, initially resistant to learning and behaving arrogantly to gain his parents' attention, but it seems every child is different. Well, the sooner he learns, the sooner I can avoid dealing with this little bug,' Kain thought as he nodded and bid farewell to Rina before leading Prince Lysander to follow him.

"Master Kain, I entrust Prince Lysander to you. Prince Lysander, study diligently and do not trouble Master Kain!" encouraged Rina, to which Prince Lysander responded with a broad smile, waving briefly before following Kain's lead.

Walking through the long corridor along the castle's edge after departing from the throne room, Prince Lysander observed Kain's upright posture ahead of him.

Kain, a man of around thirty years old, with no family, had served as one of the mage soldiers in the Clover kingdom since his magical talent was recognized during his time at the magic academy. Unlike other kingdoms that looked down on the lower class, the Clover kingdom promoted harmony among all its citizens... although it didn't solve everything, it was still preferable to the neighboring kingdoms.

Kain possessed a strikingly handsome appearance, fitting the aesthetic standards of the dating sim game genre where all characters, including NPCs like Rina and himself, were designed to be visually appealing by a renowned illustrator. His dark blue hair was neatly trimmed in a Dandy cut, reaching down to his neck. His eyes, also dark blue, exuded a cold aura, and his facial expressions were consistently subdued.

Had it been my sister here instead of me, she would have undoubtedly expressed elation and set a new goal.

"We've reached our destination. Today, we shall begin by focusing on unlocking your magical abilities before progressing to physical and sword training."

Kain's composed voice shattered Prince Lysander's train of thought, prompting him to halt his steps as they arrived at the center of a vast field. This area appeared to be one of the training grounds for the castle's royal army, Prince Lysander surmised, before nodding in acknowledgment.

Very well... Prince Lysander, I hope you possess special talents like your brother!

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To Be Continue ?