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

This is the story of a regular guy who lived a normal life in a small town and eventually died peacefully in bed.

As a kid, he admired a young noble who could freeze monsters on the spot—Arc Noyadarma. Watching Arc turn hideous monsters to ice in an instant, then shatter them… it was almost magical.

He wanted to be like Arc. But Arc once told him, "You don't need to be me. Live your own life."

At first, those words sounded cold, but the boy—Haube—took them to heart. Instead of chasing someone else's image, he looked for his own way to be strong. So he lived an ordinary life in his hometown, got a job, met someone, married, had kids and grandkids, grew old, and passed away. A plain, uneventful life.

In the original timeline, he might have died young, but this small twist changed everything. His life had no big impact on the main story, but to him, it was everything—his one and only life.

On his deathbed, Haube thanked Arc in his mind—for saving him from those monsters and for showing him how to live.

In that way, Arc's casual words shaped the entire life of one boy.

The condolence trip ended, and we rushed back to the academy. I slept like a log once I got to my room.

High-class beds are the best. This is what being rich is all about.

Unfortunately, I slept so long my vacation ended in a flash.

Darn it. I spent almost the whole break on that ridiculous condolence tour. I wanted to relax at home and make my servants do everything for me…

I never want to see that princess again. She's a curse. If only she'd never shown up, I'd be totally free. I wish she'd disappear.

Anyway, time to forget about that "plague princess."

A test is coming up, and I hate tests. So I gave Camilla an important job: stealing the test. It's probably locked somewhere in the basement. I once caught a glimpse of Embra sneaking down there, so I suspect that's where they keep it.

I told Camilla, "Follow Embra. Go find that item hidden in the basement," not saying "test" outright because that'd be too lame. She knows what I mean. She's my top servant, after all. She nodded seriously, so I trust she got the message.

With that, I won't have any trouble passing. My little intel team is finally paying off. Good thing I set it up. Still, I warned Camilla not to take too many risks. I don't want to ruin my relationship with the academy. I said if she meets Embra, she can just hand it over or back off.

Now I just wait for Camilla to grab the test. In the meantime, I can live in style at the academy.

There's apparently a big magic competition coming up. It's an annual event. I had no plan to join—I mean, a proper noble just watches from the VIP room, lording it over everyone else.

"Arc, I registered you," said Ruine, the duke's daughter.

Unbelievable. Are bugs crawling around in your brain?

"So you'll drop out? But everyone's really looking forward to seeing you."

Tch. I don't like the idea of looking weak by giving up. That duke's daughter is a real pain.

Fine. If I face her in the competition, I'll crush her.

"Hmm? No, I'm not. I'll be watching you, Arc."

So she wants to watch me from the VIP seats? How revolting. She must still be mad about the condolence trip. People who hold grudges end up hated, you know.

Oh well. If I have to enter, I'll just trample everyone and show off.

"Do your best. I'll be cheering for you."

"I don't need your cheerleading, but keep your eyes on my brilliance."

She stared at me with bright, excited eyes. I hope she enjoys the view while she can—because I'll dominate so completely that any confidence she has will shatter.

33