"Technically, she’s single."
[ ...Are you serious?]
< ...Are you SERIOUS?!>
Franz stretched lazily, voice calm. "Nah, just joking. Only a scumbag would go after the mother of a classmate."
The gods in the void room stared at him. The systems buzzed with disbelief.
[What the hell is wrong with you?]
Franz ignored them, adjusting his collar as if he hadn’t just derailed the entire world’s intended plot.
The system chimed again.
[ What are you going to do now?]
Franz exhaled through his nose, a lazy smirk tugging at his lips.
Before the systems could respond, the void shattered around him.
Warmth. A faint floral scent. The soft, steady rise and fall of breath.
Franz’s eyes cracked open.
Victoria Ardent was staring down at him, her blonde hair slightly falling over her shoulders. Her expression was calm, but there was something unreadable in her gaze.
For a long second, neither of them spoke.
Then, she finally broke the silence. "Are you feeling okay? You suddenly passed out. If you didn’t wake up soon, I was going to drag you to a hospital."
Franz chuckled, tilting his head slightly. "I don’t think you would’ve been able to do that." His tone was light, teasing. "But... thanks for worrying."
Victoria averted her gaze slightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
A long silence stretched between them. Neither moved, neither spoke. Their eyes met again, lingering for just a little too long.
Then, finally, Victoria broke eye contact, shifting slightly.
"If you’re okay, you should sit up," she murmured.
Franz’s smirk widened. "Nah, I quite like it here."
[Quiet Life System: ...He’s a scumbag.]
< No doubt about it.>
Franz sighed, finally sitting up. "Just kidding."
He stretched, rolling his shoulders as he cracked his neck. "So, where were we before I passed out?"
He glanced at her before nodding slightly. "Ah, right. We haven’t even introduced ourselves. I’m Franz. What about you?"
Victoria hesitated for just a second before answering. "I am Victoria Ardent."
Franz stilled briefly before tilting his head. "Ardent, huh? Are you somehow connected to Celeste?"
Victoria’s expression flickered with surprise. "Yes... I’m her mother." Her gaze sharpened slightly, a hint of caution creeping into her tone. "How do you know Celeste?"
"She’s a friend of mine," Franz replied smoothly. He leaned back slightly, exhaling as if piecing things together. "I thought you looked familiar. I wasn’t going to ask, but now that I know you’re related to her... I have to."
Victoria’s posture subtly tensed. "Ask what?"
Franz’s gaze flickered toward the bridge before settling back on her. "What were you doing up there?"
Victoria didn’t answer immediately. Her fingers curled slightly in her lap, her lips parting as if to speak—but nothing came out.
For the first time, she looked unsure.
Franz, watching her carefully, softened his expression. His voice, usually dry or laced with sarcasm, took on an unusual gentleness.
"I can help you with your problem," he said quietly. "But I need you to tell me the truth. Otherwise, I’ll have to tell Celeste."
"She’ll be heartbroken," Franz continued, his gaze unwavering. "And I don’t want to see her like that. So, please."
His words hung in the air, and for a moment, something in Victoria’s expression broke—a flicker of hesitation, of vulnerability.
"I thought... all my problems would end with me."
Franz studied her carefully, his expression unreadable.
Then, without hesitation, he nodded once.
"Okay. Then you should die."