Chapter One: Since things have come to this, let's eat

caching reasons, please visit the website directly in your browser to view the fastest chapter updates.)In the streetside cafe, people gathered by the window, holding steaming cups of coffee and gazi...Chapter 1. Things have come to this, but let's eat first.

The window was covered with thin leaves that were almost transparent, allowing the morning sunlight to filter in softly and warmly.

The whole room was filled with a refreshing scent of wood.

A gentle breeze blowing from the courtyard caressed his body, making him shiver. His eyes fluttered open involuntarily.

It wasn't the modern European furniture that filled the room that caught his attention.

But in the mirror not far away, a beautiful face was reflected. In her cool, emerald green eyes, there was a hint of confusion and tiredness that couldn't be concealed.

Like wanting to keep people at arm's length while appearing harmless.

He raised his hand and touched his cheek.

And the black-haired, green-eyed youth reflected in the mirror made the exact same movements.

"Where is this"

Lanche muttered.

He seems to have traveled through time.

In the mirror, this familiar figure was all too familiar to him. It was a character from

the new game "Thorns and Lionheart" developed by his company.

As the protagonist of the game, he was originally at the company organizing his colleagues to burn incense for the planner's mother. He suddenly felt like his brain had disconnected, his vision went black, and when he opened his eyes again, he saw everything in front of him.

At the same time, a flood of information poured into his mind, and he struggled to make sense of it all.

Immediately, his brow furrowed even deeper.

Because he wasn't… transported into the body of some hero with limitless potential or a villain without a shred of remorse.

...but rather a minor character who appeared briefly in the spin-off story "Talya's Rise".

This boy named "Lance" is handsome, comes from a wealthy family, but isn't very bright. He doesn't have any other remarkable qualities!

Since the important character "Tallia" in the game was entrusted to him with illustrations, all characters in the "Tallia" related story, including "Ranch", were also drawn by him.

Never would I have imagined that I would end up as a background actor...

That's okay.

He painted Ranch very handsome, in keeping with his professional spirit.

He covered his chin and began to think.

"Now, what could have possibly driven this wealthy young master to come out onto the streets like this..."

Although he belongs to the art club, he also dabbles in this game and has gotten some character profile drafts.

He soon remembered——

There's someone who will target the life of the "Ranch heir."

And that fellow was, as the rumors told, the protagonist of the story and the game's designated late-stage antagonist—the demon descendant princess Talia.

At this point in time, although the Great Demon Race Talia had not yet risen and appeared to be only a down-and-out refugee girl, her strength was already formidable.

To survive in the human world, she has always been trying to disguise herself.

Unless pushed to the brink, he would never give in to his inner rage and brutality.

...and in the extra story plot.

"Lanche" was the first human to make Talia erupt with anger after her exile.

The trigger for the feud was "Lanche" taking down Talia's spy, a dark messenger pigeon sent by the sorcerer, as prey.

When Talya found "Ranch" two days later.

The young master, unaware of the gravity of the situation, not only failed to apologize but also went on a frenzied tirade of mockery against Talia, who looked like a beggar.

He even threatened to roast all of her other familiars as well, throwing a super-duper awesome barbecue party for her!

Finally.

The reckless "Lanqi" sought to be hammered and was instantly defeated by Talia. He exploded, showering a pile of gold coins, and Talia also stole his family's treasured ancient relic, [Book of Compassion].

This plundered wealth also became an indispensable starting capital for Talia's Orcish nation-building journey.

In a way, our dear Mr. Lanche truly is Talia's lucky star.

"I don't want to be Taliya's number one brother!"

Sitting on the bed, Lance covered his head, as if he had just woken up from a nightmare.

Calm down.

>Think positively.

Things aren't actually that bad.

Since you already know about the grudge between "Lance and Talia," then all you have to do is avoid it!

Don't anger this demon lord. Safely send her out of your territory, OK!

At this very moment, in this brand new world.

Lance felt a long-lost surge of energy and enthusiasm!

It must be the blessing of having been law-abiding and kind in one's past life.

Next, the beautiful life of a rich young master began!

Economic freedom, no more overtime! Having money and power, such a dream!

At that moment.

A gentle knock on the door broke his train of thought.

"Master, have you woken up yet I was supposed to wake you up earlier yesterday..."

It seemed as if she had heard the movement inside, a faint female voice came from outside the door.

"Wake up."

Lanche answered, got out of bed, and almost tripped over a pile of bottles at the foot of the bed as soon as he stepped on the floor.

He was taken aback.

>That's also right.

Since I just turned 16 last month, I've developed the bad habit of drinking alcohol.

Therefore, the memory of the past month or so always feels a bit fragmented.

He seemed to have his old ways, often getting drunk and acting wild or foolish.

In the original plot, "Lanche provoked Tallia," and perhaps it was because he had been drinking.

That's why drinking too much is harmful.

Ranch sighed, putting on his clothes.

Just out of the bedroom.

He noticed the maid trembling by the door.

The maid seemed to have no choice but to complete the evil young master's task, and she was afraid that if she woke him up, he would fly into a rage and scold her.

Good morning.

Lanci said calmly.

"Huh"

The maid's expression of surprise, she subconsciously let out a sound.

It seems to be judging Lance's mood today.

She immediately reacted and hurriedly said to Lance:

"Your grandfather is already waiting for you at the restaurant."

Ran nodded.

He knew that his previous life's parents were still alive, so he wasn't an orphan.

They are busy with the Chamber of Commerce affairs, and have basically adopted a hands-off approach to Ranch for the past few years.

Even these days, when my father returns home, it is a rare occasion in the memories of my past self.

As he thought, Lance walked down the hallway of the mansion.

All the servants, without exception, would shrink back, bow deeply, and then flee as quickly as possible.

It seems the former self often caused trouble for those around them.

Lanche sighed inwardly.

Although I don't have many memories of being drunk, it seems that my previous self would become irritable and throw things when intoxicated. It's natural that the servants were afraid.

……

Soon, Lan Qi arrived at the restaurant.

He saw that sitting at the head of the long table was a middle-aged man, which was Ranch's father.

"You're late again today."

The father did not intend to scold Lanci, he was merely stating a fact.

"I'm sorry, I won't drink too much anymore."

There is no need to despair from now on.

Lance is very satisfied with the life of a rich young master.

His life goal is only one—

Living comfortably, peacefully and securely.

Have a seat.

All the servants in the obvious hall were astonished by their attitude towards Lance.

After a moment of stunned silence, the father nodded in response.

Okay.

Lance looked at the plentiful but not breakfast-appropriate food on the table and sat down in his place.

For some reason.

He felt something was off.

Subconsciously, he raised his head and stared at the buffet table in the center of the long table.

The roast pigeon on the plate had a golden, crispy exterior.

It was evenly coated in a fragrant blend of spices and, when sliced, still maintained its perfect form.

"This is..."

Lanchi looked strange, slowly raised a finger and pointed at the pigeon.

The more he looked, the more he felt a strange sense of déjà vu.

The father did not respond immediately. Servants in the distance also looked at Ranchi with puzzled faces.

Today's [蘭奇] seemed very strange to them, in short, it was very gentle.

"It's the pigeon you sent back yesterday. The servants prepared it for breakfast as you requested."

Father raised his head and glanced at Lance, saying lightly,

"You got too drunk last night, don't you remember"

" "

Yesterday

My returned pigeon

In an instant, Lance felt deeply uncomfortable. He hastily extended his fork toward the unfamiliar dish, pretending to be calm.

Even though the roasted pigeon on the plate was now a mess.

But observe its shape and outline carefully.

Finally, this convinced Lance beyond a doubt that it was Talia the Great Demon's pigeon.

After all, Talia's familiars were also drawn by him.

"Are you okay"

Lanche's abnormal behavior couldn't escape his father's eyes.

"It's alright, it's just the aftereffects of alcoholism. Drinking really harms people."

Randy smiled at his father and continued eating breakfast.

Upon seeing the gruesome state of Talia's familiar, Ranche felt a lump in his throat.

Your former self was truly a newborn...

To make someone's familiar look like this.

And then I wanted to mock her again.

She wouldn't be the Demon King if she didn't kill you!

Lanche couldn't help but wonder, was this crispy pigeon with tender meat still salvageable

The answer is no.

Then what one should do now is very clear.

All evidence should be thoroughly destroyed, and you should get up and recover your body after the hangover.

So he finally reached out, picked up the pigeon leg and put it in his mouth. He took a bite of the crispy roast meat, which was salty and flavorful with absorbed oil. Just like that, the wonderful taste spread in his mouth.

Very satisfied.

Let's take the bones to feed the dogs later.

……

[ ]ssed ten days.Ektar's weather was unpredictable, with rain and wind. The campus was swept by a long-awaited strong wind, and the temperature drop was particularly noticeable."It's so noisy out here,...