Isekai Online Game Developer

“Are you really not going, Your Highness? This opportunity won’t come again…”

“Ah, I said I’m not going. I want to be alone, so don’t show up.”

“If you have anything to say to me later…”

Zing—

“Then I’ll be in the banquet hall.”

Rikal’s chilling gaze.

Hanon hurriedly ran away, fearing he might be caught in the crossfire.

“Why does he always have to act like a bother at times like this…”

Finally, having gotten rid of Hanon, Rikal let out a breath of relief.

Today was the day of the ‘Zatume Expedition’ strategy meeting disguised as a royal banquet.

And Rikal had to attend the royal banquet in disguise as [Empire's Light].

To do that, he had to perfectly fool the eyes of those in the royal castle.

Everyone had been cleared out, but the most bothersome was Hanon.

That guy, still capable enough to be by Rikal’s side, was annoying.

While he usually took care of any complaints right away, he was always there at moments when Rikal needed to be alone, which became frustrating in this situation.

Of course, Hanon was puzzled that Rikal, who spoke about ‘Maple Leaf Story’ every day, wouldn’t be attending this banquet and clung to him till the end.

Thankfully, Rikal was finally able to shake him off.

“…No one’s around.”

The garden outside was quiet.

Everyone had gone to attend the banquet, leaving the area outside the building empty.

Rikal stuffed a pillow into the blanket as if he were sleeping and threw himself out the window.

Wooosh—

Rikal ran across the rooftops, avoiding the gaze of the people.

‘…These guys aren’t doing their jobs properly.’

He slipped past the guards and out of the castle walls.

Then, in a place near the walls where no one was around, Rikal pulled out a brooch.

It was a transformation artifact given to him by Rai.

Shimmer—

With a dazzling light, Rikal transformed.

Becoming [Empire's Light], he took a deep breath and headed toward the castle gates.

“Stop—!”

Guards blocked his path.

For a moment, irritation bubbled up, but he held it in.

He wasn’t fully synchronized with his persona as [Empire's Light] yet.

But as he started to speak, he swiftly immersed himself into the role.

It was already a familiar act within the game.

“I’ve been invited to the royal banquet today!”

Showing the invitation he had brought, Rikal—no, [Empire's Light]. Zebit.

The guard who received the paper took one look at the invitation and his eyes went wide.

“W-wait, is it really you, Zebit…?”

“Of course it is!”

“I can’t believe I’m actually meeting Zebit…! Please, do come in.”

“Thank you very much. It makes me happy!”

The guards were thrilled as if they were meeting a celebrity.

Zebit smirked and headed toward the banquet hall.

‘Thanks to that Hanon guy, I’ve become so late. But I should still make it just in time for the second act to start.’

Originally, he intended to participate from the very beginning.

However, it took a long time to get rid of his aide, Hanon.

Thankfully, the strategy meeting would start from the second act of the banquet, so he wouldn’t be too late.

Passing through the vast gardens of the castle, Zebit finally arrived at the entrance of the banquet hall.

He also showed the invitation to the soldiers guarding the banquet, who responded the same way as the guards at the castle gate.

“Phew…”

The doors of the banquet hall began to open.

Zebit took a breath and stepped inside.

But,

“Hawawa…?”

The atmosphere in the banquet hall was strange.

People who should be smiling were all weeping in unison, and the leader of the expedition, Galleard, was kneeling on the floor.

Rai was standing alone in a corner of the banquet hall, and upon spotting Zebit, he started waving his hands with a frantic expression.

“Ah…? Zebit? Zebit! You’ve come!”

“What? Is that person really Zebit?”

“I heard the Crown Prince successfully delivered the invitation to Zebit, and it turns out to be true?”

“Just like in Maple Leaf Story!”

“It’s Zebit, it’s really Zebit!”

-Zebit! Zebit! Zebit! Zebit! Zebit!

Leo’s voice rang out as he spotted Zebit.

People began to crowd around him, chanting his name.

‘What the hell? I expected some attention, but not like this…’

“I’m so glad to see you, Zebit!”

“Why did you show up so late?”

“Zebit is so cute—”

‘W-wait a second, this is getting too close…’

People rushed toward Zebit.

He started to back away.

If they made any physical contact, he would be exposed for his illusion magic.

“Y-you shouldn’t come too close…!”

But the excited crowd didn’t stop.

Just when they surrounded Zebit completely,

-Wait a moment!

Someone stepped in front of the crowd.

*

It’s common for a celebrity at a banquet to get surrounded by people.

But this case was a bit different.

Currently, [Empire's Light] was seen as the last key to the Zatume Expedition.

Having hidden his identity for a long time, there had been rampant speculation about him.

So, if he suddenly appeared in such a situation, it was only natural that people would rush at him.

As expected, they all swarmed toward Zebit.

With a risk of physical contact revealing the illusion, I had no choice but to act to protect him.

Not because I was worried about Rikal, but because I didn’t want to face unnecessary scrutiny either.

“Hold on a moment!”

At my shout, everyone’s gaze shifted.

I squeezed through the crowd to shield Zebit.

“I understand that you’re all excited to see Zebit, but please be cautious when approaching him. For instance… avoid physical contact.”

“Why’s that?”

“And who are you to block Zebit’s path?”

Some protested.

Of course they would; I was a shabby wizard, unlike the elegantly dressed nobles.

“I’m Illusion Mage Rai Ote.”

“Rai? Isn’t that the one who supposedly created ‘Maple Leaf Story’…?”

“I heard the Crown Prince delivered the invitation to Zebit through the Illusion Tower.”

“Then, does Zebit have a connection with the Illusion Tower?”

“W-well, not that we’re that close…”

I had managed to block them, but now I couldn’t think of what to say.

I needed to prevent Zebit’s identity from being exposed while also stopping any physical contact…

After pondering for a moment, I just started spouting whatever came to mind.

This situation had already turned absurd anyway.

“So… Zebit is a type of ‘delicate maiden’.”

“A d-delicate maiden, you say?”

“Definitely, with that pale skin and petite figure…”

“Yes, that’s correct. Zebit is a very fragile ‘delicate maiden’ who is really vulnerable to bacteria, so we must refrain from any reckless contact.”

Ahhh…

The crowd collectively sighed as if they felt sorry.

It seemed my setting for Zebit’s appearance really worked.

“Recently, Zebit visited the Illusion Tower and explained her situation. She wanted to participate in the ‘Zatume Expedition,’ but felt reluctant about attending a crowded banquet.”

By then, the Emperor had also approached nearby to listen to what was being said.

“Zebit and I initially decided this during a conversation. Unfortunately, I agreed to act as the messenger to convey that Zebit could not attend the offline strategy meeting.

After all, we can’t afford for her health to worsen due to attending the banquet.”

Everyone nodded in unison.

My portrayal of Zebit’s illusion was indeed charming enough for that.

“However, at that moment, the Crown Prince visited the Illusion Tower. And in a very polite manner, he requested that Zebit come. Everyone has been waiting for her. She is to be the hero of this expedition.

Zebit pondered for a long while after the Crown Prince left. And in the end, she mustered the courage to decide and join the strategy meeting.”

Ooooh…!

Tears of emotion began to well up in the eyes of the people.

Why are they immersing themselves so much in this?

“What a touching story…”

“She truly is just a light…!”

“I can’t believe I almost made her suffer without knowing… To think someone so lovely…!”

“How could such a beautiful lady…?”

Everyone felt emotions like fondness, sympathy, and nurturing affection toward Zebit’s looks and story.

The young noblewomen looked at her with both adoration and pity.

And among the noblemen, some were already casting love-struck gazes her way.

I didn’t want to imagine what those guys would do if they knew who was truly inside Zebit.

Especially since the Crown Prince was also looking at her with a gaze that seemed smitten…

I desperately tried to ignore that and continued talking.

“In any case, you all must be particularly cautious about physical contact. Zebit has sacrificed her own self to attend this event for the sake of the Zatume Expedition, so please be considerate.”

“T-that’s it…”

Clap— Clap— Clap—

At that moment, a loud round of applause erupted in the banquet hall.

Galleard was clapping away with his brute hands.

“Thank you very much, [Empire's Light]. Your self-sacrifice reminds me of a past comrade. In the last battle against the Demon King, he sacrificed himself to bind the Demon King’s foot. In the end, he died in that final battle, but without his sacrifice, we could not have captured the Demon King.

But do not worry. This time, I will ensure that no situation arises that threatens [Empire's Light]‘s health. Let’s safely conclude the strategy meeting and work together to vanquish Zatume.

Now! Let everyone clear the way! Let us show [Empire's Light] our praise and reverence through thunderous applause instead of a handshake! Such a noble self-sacrifice for humanity deserves a tribute!”

Waaaahhhhh—

People began to clap in applause.

As the crowd parted like the Red Sea, a path opened up for Zebit toward the round table.

These people are absolutely wild.

Comparing it to someone sacrificing themselves over just a game?

Is that not a slander against that person?

But it seemed that my thoughts were not being conveyed, nor should they be.

People were showering Zebit with praise, even tears and emotions weren’t spared.

“Now, we’ll really begin the second act of the banquet!”

Grand music began to resonate once more.

Thus, the true strategy meeting commenced.

“Hawawa? Zebit also has a powerful attack skill called ‘Genesis’!”

Before long, Zebit easily adapted, actively participating in the strategy meeting.

Every time he spoke, there would be reactions from the audience.

“Oh, how cute Zebit is!” or “I just want to give him one hug!” or “I’ve never seen such a beautiful lady before!” or “Zebit’s beauty even brightens up this banquet hall!”

I looked at Zebit, who seemed to be enjoying those reactions, with a cold glare as I left the banquet hall.

It was now mentally exhausting to fit in with this rise in absurdity.

Anyway, with Hina around, I would hear the details later.

So, the night at the castle deepened.

…And the next day.

[Finally opened ‘Zatume Expedition’ offline meeting. Who are the expedition members?]

[Extreme odds to win the banquet invitation for the notorious Zatume strategy meeting. Interview with the lucky winner.]

[The long-hidden ‘Maple Leaf Story’ named user appears at the Zatume strategy meeting.]

[Shocking! The identity of the named user [Empire's Light] is a delicate maiden?]

[[Empire's Light]. Despite suffering from a rare disease, she appeared at the banquet for the ‘Zatume’ expedition. Attendees shed tears upon hearing her story.]

[Her appearance and personality are just as charming as in the game. The heartbreaking story contrasting with her looks has everyone across the globe suffering from ‘Zebit fever’.]

[Alchemy Guild: “We will create a potion to cure [Empire's Light]’s illness within a year.” Currently requesting tests from the [Empire's Light] side to discover the identity of the rare illness.]

[A ‘Zebit craze’ breaks out among artisans from all fields. Items used by [Empire's Light] or tools utilizing [Empire's Light]’s identity have created trends dubbed ‘Zebit goods’.]

[‘Zebit goods’ that aren’t even completed yet. Over 1000 orders have already surpassed. The prices of ‘Zebit goods’ soar unusually high. Some are even popularizing ‘Demon Tower Warrior’ goods, ‘Elf World’ goods, and more for other members…]

.

.

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Just as expected, a flood of related articles erupted.

Zebit had already become an idol.

“This doesn’t even surprise me anymore.”