[The Painless Player] Chapter 3

“Feel free to use it. Though it’s a bit humble.”

Serena introduced the nearly 100-pyeong (approx. 3,300 sq. ft.) suite with an awkward smile.

Since the entire top floor of the Magic Tower was her domain, calling it a penthouse seemed more fitting than a room.

This behaviour was unusual, too.

While Serena was generally kind throughout the game, accessing her space this early usually required an affection level of 50 or higher, except for the initial demon attack event.

Finding it odd, I opened the status window and let out a low hum.

[Name: Serena]

[Affection Level: 57]

Now, it made sense.

In this playthrough, Serena’s starting affection level wasn’t 30—it was 50. That has explained her overly friendly behaviour so far.

‘Is this all the post-ending collection patch offers?’

For a special patch, I’d expected more, but it wasn’t much.

Beginners might appreciate it, but as a seasoned player, I found it dull. Starting with such a high affection level took away the fun of building rapport.

There might be something new if I explored further, but…

‘I can’t just quit.’

99 playthroughs. I had seen 90 unique endings, excluding repeats.

At this point, I was playing more out of affection for the characters than for fun. I spent more time in the game than in real life, so quitting wasn’t an easy option.

If I suddenly couldn’t play *Raison d’être* anymore, the loss would be devastating.

This game was my life now.

“Uh… do you like chocolate by any chance?”

While I stood there in a daze, Serena cautiously asked, trying to change the atmosphere. Her effort was endearing.

Honestly, there was no need for her to be so deferential to a mere slave.

Although the romanceable characters were programmed to be kind to the protagonist, Serena was genuinely thoughtful. And it felt like she reserved that kindness just for me!

[No.]

[I’m not sure.]

Two options appeared again. Since I was craving dessert, I chose the second one.

"…I’ve never tried it, so… I don’t know."

It seemed this run’s concept was a pitiful slave. My avatar shrank her shoulders, staying true to the setting.

Serena’s blue eyes wavered. The visible unease on her face was adorable.

“I see… that was thoughtless of me,” she said, her voice tinged with guilt. Muttering regretfully, Serena retrieved small chocolates from the cabinet.

Apparently, my avatar didn’t know what chocolate was. Instead of unwrapping it, she simply stared blankly, which made Serena realize her mistake.

“You peel it like this.”

Serena carefully removed the golden wrapper, revealing a rich, dark brown chocolate inside.

Curious about the sweet scent, my avatar leaned forward slightly. Serena gave a pained smile at the sight.

“Open your mouth, will you?”

Ah. Oh no. My avatar mimicked her actions. As the chocolate popped into my open mouth, my eyes widened.

“It’s… delicious…”

Chewing slowly, the sweet taste of chocolate filled my mouth.

It was indistinguishable from real-life chocolate, with no need to worry about gaining weight—yet another perk of virtual reality.

“I think I like chocolate.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

When the last line finished, I regained control of my body. Serena smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling.

“There’s plenty of chocolate, so feel free to eat as much as you like.”

Under her gentle gaze, I eagerly devoured the chocolates.

The premium selection of chocolates, unique to the Magic Tower, was a true delicacy.

Once I finished, drowsiness overcame me. While the feeling of fullness was fake, the sensation was real.

Serena helped me to bed as I swayed under a sudden wave of food coma.

The scent of Serena’s signature sweet milk chocolate tickled my nose. Her delicate touch and the soft sheets quickly lulled my body into relaxation.

My vision dimmed.

***

As I enjoyed a sweet sleep, a sudden commotion broke out around me. In my half-asleep state, I caught fragments of conversation.

“Lady Serena, the meal is ready… Lady Serena?”

“I’ll be down shortly.”

“That’s not the issue…”

Adel, who had calmly approached to report the schedule, stumbled over his words upon seeing me lying on Serena’s lap.

Since Serena, a long-range caster with weak physical defences, rarely let her guard down, his reaction was understandable.

He seemed worried I might harm her while being so close.

Just as I thought this situation might lower Adel’s affection level, the game presented new choices.

[(Cling to Serena’s embrace, pretending to be asleep)]

[(Wake up startled and pull away from Serena)]

Choosing the first option would likely make Serena happy, but Adel’s affection level would surely plummet.

If even one romanceable character’s affection dropped into the negatives, the game would impose penalties.

I wasn’t planning to experience a betrayal ending where I’d be stabbed in the back, so I chose the second option.