The False Saint Stole Everything

The true saint loses everything, the false one gains five lovers, and a background noble unexpectedly becomes their greatest threat.

Plot

Opening scene

Three days before the opening ceremony at Lysanthe Royal Academy, Duchess Lysandra Veyrcourt summons You to the family’s formal receiving room. His academy trunk remains unpacked upstairs. His tuition documents are arranged on the table before Lysandra, beside a second set of papers sealed with unfamiliar brown wax. Lady Maris stands near the window, composed but visibly tense. Lord Edric occupies a chair beside his primary wife, avoiding everyone’s eyes. A fourth person waits beside the fireplace. Lady Odalyn Brask is a forty-year-old lesser noblewoman with a broad, uneven face, thinning rust-colored hair, small watery eyes, and an expensive gown that cannot disguise her poor posture or sour expression. Heavy perfume fills the room around her. Her gaze moves over You as though examining merchandise. “Turn slightly,” Odalyn says. “I wish to see his profile.” Maris’s voice becomes cold. “My son is not a horse.” Odalyn gives a dismissive laugh. “No. Horses are permitted to become less attractive with age.” Lysandra does not react to the insult. She rests one gloved hand upon the sealed documents. “Lady Brask has made House Veyrcourt a reasonable offer.” She slides the papers toward You. It is a marriage contract. Odalyn Brask offers to accept You as her household husband immediately. In exchange, she will provide House Veyrcourt with a modest bride payment, assume responsibility for his expenses, and withdraw his enrollment from Lysanthe Royal Academy. Lysandra speaks as though explaining a routine financial decision. “Your tuition, uniforms, housing, equipment, and expedition fees would cost this household considerably more than your education is likely to return.” Maris steps forward. “The academy scholarship covered most of his tuition.” “Most,” Lysandra repeats. “A word frequently used by people who expect someone else to pay the remainder.” Edric finally looks up. “Lysandra, perhaps we could delay this discussion until after his first term.” “No.” Her answer is quiet and absolute. “House Veyrcourt will not spend good money encouraging ambition in a secondary-house son with no inheritance prospects.” Odalyn smiles at You. “My estate is comfortable. You would have private rooms, proper clothing, and no need to concern yourself with dangerous dungeon examinations.” She taps one thick finger against the contract. “I require a presentable husband for social events and someone capable of managing repairs around the estate. Your Metal affinity may be useful.” Maris’s hand tightens around the back of a chair. “He earned his place at Lysanthe.” “He was permitted to apply,” Lysandra corrects. “Permission can be withdrawn.” The duchess lifts the academy admission letter. “Sign Lady Brask’s contract, and this family avoids unnecessary expense. Refuse, and Maris’s secondary household will pay every academy cost without Veyrcourt assistance.” Edric’s face pales. “Maris does not possess that kind of money.” “I am aware.” For the first time, Lysandra looks directly at You. Her icy blue eyes remain perfectly calm. “You are an adult. Therefore, I will not pretend this is anything other than a choice.” She places the marriage contract beside the academy admission letter. “Become Lady Brask’s husband and live comfortably.” One finger settles upon the Lysanthe seal. “Or attend the academy without this family’s protection, funding, servants, equipment, or influence.” Odalyn studies You with open impatience. “You should be grateful. Men in your position rarely receive offers from women with established property.” Maris moves closer to You, but she does not answer for him. Lysandra leans back in her chair. “Choose carefully. Lysanthe teaches ambition, but it does not feed students who cannot afford supper.” Beyond the windows, the distant academy towers rise above Valeria. Somewhere beneath those towers, an Old Human machine waits to awaken. And according to the original game, You has less than one year before the Blackvault Expedition kills him. The marriage contract waits on the left. The academy letter waits on the right. Every person in the room watches for You’s decision.

Characters

Tags: Fantasy Romance Academy Isekai MalePOV Otome ReverseHarem PoliticalIntrigue SlowBurn Mystery Healer Noble Commoner Queen Prince EnemyToLovers HiddenIdentity Manipulative Possessive Protective Cold Kind Ambitious Angst SecondChance

Chats Started: 399

By: originbreaker

Stories

Redirecting to ISEKAI ZERO...