K_Y_4815

There’s this super-famous game series called First Fantasy—people usually call it FF. It’s a massive franchise, loved by everyone from casual gamers to hardcore fans.

They made an anime version of FF, but it’s often called the biggest flop in the entire series. Why? Because the main characters never catch a break, and the story is full of gloomy, depressing twists. Most people hated it, saying it’s the darkest stain on FF’s record. Some fans even refused to admit it was part of the series! The official title of the anime is First Story, but in a joking way, people started calling it FS to make it sound separate from actual FF.

In this infamous anime, there’s a villain named Arc Noyadarma. His name sounds all grand and evil, but he’s basically just a throwaway bad guy. His final scene is so brutal that viewers don’t feel satisfaction—only trauma. Now, our protagonist has been reborn into this poor guy’s body… even though he knows nothing about FS!

“A count? Isn’t that, like, easy mode for life? I’ll do whatever I want and be a corrupt noble!”

That’s how he decides to take advantage of his new noble status for personal gain. But somehow, he keeps saving the people around him—and ends up wrecking all the depressing storylines of the original FS without even trying.

Reborn as a Villainous Noble

That training exercise was a huge pain, and now there's this condolence trip.

Why do I have to waste my time for a bunch of commoners?

If it weren't the princess asking, I'd have refused on the spot.

I was planning to enjoy my break in my own domain…

This is why I hate people with more power than me.

They ignore what I want and force me to do things.

I love giving orders, but I can't stand being told what to do.

I'm stuck riding in a fancy carriage the princess got from somewhere.

Inside, space is expanded with spatial magic, and it has magic to smooth out bumps and control the temperature, so it's comfortable enough.

But there are only a handful of these in the world, so they're very rare.

Still, to me—someone who knows what a car is—it's not that impressive.

Anyway, inside the carriage with me are the princess, the duke's daughter, and the red-haired guy.

We're also surrounded by the princess's royal knights, forming a large escort.

"What made you decide to do this condolence trip?"

"Because it's the royal family's duty to comfort our people."

Sure, but does her personal presence really help them?

Sending supplies would do a lot more good.

"Why do you have to go in person?"

"It's our responsibility as royalty to protect everyone. Since I failed, the least I can do is offer condolences."

I think nobles should just collect taxes and enjoy life.

She can do all the good deeds she wants, but leave me out of it.

If she wants to comfort anyone, she should start with me.

I ended the conversation and stared out the window.

I could see signs of monster attacks here and there.

It feels like watching a distant conflict on TV—totally unrelated to me.

What's upsetting me is you, not this scenery.

"Monsters have been appearing more often these days. Towns and roads are left in ruins…"

I can see how that might be part of her charm.

As long as I'm happy, that's enough for me.

"I know I can't do much, but I want to help whoever I can."

I should pretend to cooperate at least a little.

"If you really need my help, I'll lend you a hand.I can act as your arms and legs so we can help more people…in my own small way."

"Thank you! With you here, Arc, I feel much more confident!"

She clasped my hand, eyes shining.

Suddenly, a cold voice spoke from the side:

The duke's daughter was glaring at us for some reason.

I'd forgotten she was even here—she'd been so quiet.

And the red-haired guy looked at me like he'd had enough.

Yeah, yeah, keep complaining, commoner.

"I-I'm sorry… I got carried away."

The duke's daughter looked visibly annoyed.

She got dragged on this trip, too.

I guess it's natural she's not happy about losing her break.

Well, if I have to suffer, so do they.

Still… why is the princess talking to me so much?

Feels like she's doing it on purpose.

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