Episode 4 Don't Be Too Uptight

"Ah…" I could feel myself breaking under his hands. All of my inhibitions, my worries, and my tightness were nothing to him. This feature wasn't in the original game, but it was a welcome surprise.

It's great that I'm in such a luxurious position. The surface of the massage bed was cushioned with plush padding that cradled my body as I mewed on it. Damn, my back had been aching for so long, and I didn't even notice it until now.

Eyseck, always attentive to my well-being, had arranged for a moment of rest and relaxation. The scent of aromatic oils wafted through the air, carrying with it a soothing aroma that eased my senses. The masseuse's expert hands kneaded and manipulated my tight muscles with precision, using just the right amount of pressure to release tension and stress. Each stroke and movement seemed to melt away the worries and concerns that had been plaguing me since my arrival in this world.

Five days had passed since my arrival in this remarkable world, and I found myself basking in the lap of luxury. At first, I was a little apprehensive, but with the great food and the privileges I couldn't afford in my past life, I think I'll surrender myself a bit.

I lounged in a spacious and lavishly appointed suite, where every comfort and indulgence had been thoughtfully provided. The panoramic windows offered breathtaking views of the futuristic cityscape with its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets.

As I reclined on a sumptuous chaise lounge after my massage, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of relaxation and contentment. The cares and concerns that had weighed on my mind in those initial days had faded into the background, replaced by a feeling of tranquility and indulgence.

Then, like being stabbed, I remembered. Oh yeah, I had a world to run.

The weight of my newfound responsibilities as Queen continued to bear down on my shoulders. Each day brought with it a fresh set of challenges and demands that required my attention and decision-making. I was stressed out. The one-hour massage was a break after being relentlessly bombarded by growing problems within my meritocratic civilization.

The responsibilities were vast and varied, from matters of governance and diplomacy to the intricacies of technology and society. The pace of change and innovation in this futuristic world was relentless, and it felt as though there was always something new to learn and understand. Don't get me started on the award ceremonies.

This was a meritocracy—power was given to individuals based on ability and talent rather than wealth or social class. I didn't know it meant I had to go to at least ten award ceremonies every day for the past five days since advancement in this world is based on performance and achievement. These people sure love their medals. I can't help but think my sister would thrive in a place like this.

The stress of leadership was a constant companion, a reminder that my role as Queen was not just a title but a position that came with real consequences and impacts on the lives of those I governed. The decisions I made could shape the course of this society, and the weight of that responsibility was ever-present. I hate it. I want to go home.

Late nights were spent poring over reports and discussions with advisers, trying to make sense of the intricate web of politics and technology that defined this world. The lines between fact and fiction continued to blur, and I often found myself crying and overworked. I thought this was a fantasy where I could relax and be surrounded by handsome men! I was wrong!

Who runs the world? Me. It has to be me.

I sat slumped over my desk, the weight of my responsibilities bearing down on me like a heavy cloak. The throne room was empty. The soft hum of advanced technology filled the air, creating an ambiance of focused intensity. A feature where a desk appears out of the floor was cool the first few times, but every time I saw it waiting for me, I felt dread.

Eyseck, ever attentive and supportive, stood beside me. With a graceful gesture of his hand, he summoned a holographic text box that hovered before me. It displayed a list of bills, each one awaiting my approval.

I scanned through the list, my eyes moving methodically from one item to the next. Each bill represented a critical decision, a commitment that would have implications for the society I now led. I knew that even a small error could have significant consequences.

I don't want to be known as irresponsible. Not anymore.

The world outside the chamber seemed to fade into the background as I immersed myself in the task at hand.

As I diligently worked through the bills and decisions before me, a sudden notification materialized in my field of vision. It was an urgent message, informing me that a group of refugees was en route to our planet on a ship, seeking asylum and refuge.

The weight of the decision hung heavily in the air. It was a matter of compassion, ethics, and the future of our society. With a deep breath, I read the options presented before me—whether to grant them asylum or to turn them away.

My heart ached with empathy for those in need, but I also understood the complexities and challenges of welcoming refugees into our already intricate society. It was a decision that required careful consideration.

"Eyseck," I turned to the handsome man standing like a guardian beside me. "Prepare medical triages and a refugee screening system based at the main port. We have some guests from a Vecta-06 coming in."

After careful consideration, I made the decision to grant the ship carrying the refugees access to our port. It was a choice that aligned with my personal principles. I may have been an unemployed nobody in the past, but now I could actually use my university education.

Back in my world, some countries didn't treat refugees as victims of conflict. They were either turned away or abused at the borders of their territory.

I believed in humanitarian rights, and I hoped to instill this principle in the society I now lead. Before, I used to be helpless in these situations, whether I saw them in real life or in the news.

Now I had the power.

"I will do so immediately, my Queen." He smiled at me. I could feel the affection points rising for him. Yes, let us not forget that this was also a dating simulation where I could get buffs once I reached a certain level of affection.

What did I say? A hodgepodge of a game.

The weight of the decision lifted slightly, replaced by a sense of relief and satisfaction that we were extending a helping hand to those in need. It was a small step toward building a better future in this sci-fi world, and I was determined to continue making choices that would lead us in that direction.

As Eyseck left the throne room to oversee the ongoing preparations, I took a moment to savor the solitude. The chamber was bathed in the soft, ambient lighting, and the quiet hum of technology created a serene atmosphere. I sinked into the plush leather cushion, the contours of the throne cradling me in comfort.

I gazed out of the panoramic windows, watching as the cityscape stretched before me. This was my world now. Even if it might be a huge weight of responsibility, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed these past few days immersing myself in the game I played like a madwoman.