Enter the Story, I

Before Lahn reincarnated into this world, he was Choi Min-jun, a young man who was once so full of life. Then, he entered the workforce and became a disposable office worker. Ten-hour days, five days a week, take the weekend off, then rinse and repeat.

The endless cycle nearly drove him to madness, but he was able to persist by indulging in his one hobby.

Reading novels and comics online.

One such novel was a fantasy romance titled "A Sword Through The Heart."

By reading the prologue, he assumed that the story would be a mix of high fantasy and adventure. However, as he went through the first chapter, it became clear that it was a romance story all along, and he subsequently dropped it.

It was a mere twenty-minute read, never to be remembered again.

Only now did he realize that this past year, ever since he was reincarnated, was the prologue of that very novel. The first chapter revealed a woman with pink hair. He recalled how she looked because the art was extraordinary. And that woman was standing before him.

"Oh dear," she said, hovering a hand over her mouth. "You seem pale, sir knight. Could it be that I am troubling you?"

Lahn hesitated for a second longer before bowing his head.

"Not at all, my lady," he replied. "Could you tell me where you were meaning to head?"

"The reception area. I intended to pay a visit to the lady of this house after hearing that she had fallen ill, but I became mesmerized by this beautiful garden. It seems I've wandered for too long."

"I see. If you would follow me, I shall guide you to the reception hall."

Lahn had to slow his steps to match her pace. While they continued through the estate garden, he couldn't help but internally scream at himself for the way he had spoken just then.

There was nothing particularly wrong about what he said. Rather, it was how he said it.

Before his reincarnation, Lahn was quite an abrasive young man. He would use slang and shorten some words that flowed like water. Now, he was stuck with decent manners and proper enunciation that surely would've weirded out his old college friends.

He wondered where they were now. Had they heard the news of his death? Were they mourning him? Or did they simply move on with their lives?

Reality sank in once again as he realized... He might never know.

"Hmm... If I may say something, sir knight," the lady mused, "It almost seems like you are unaware of who I am. Surely, that can't be right."

Lahn turned to meet those turquoise eyes once more. Just like the novel had said, they were sharp and elegant, like someone had crafted a pair of beautiful gemstones and embedded them within. Her pale pink hair was as smooth as silk, framing her face modestly.

Such a fantastical appearance didn't exist in his world. Here, it was different. One or two unique qualities were commonplace, even regarding himself, as his eyes were naturally red.

"I apologize, for I was only recently instated as an escort knight here," Lahn said. "I'm... assuming you are someone important."

"Pfft, someone important, he says. It's okay. Some say that I like to hold grudges, but for a blissfully ignorant stranger, I am quite merciful."

Soon, the pair made it the central manor. As always, Lahn had to cover his eyes as he walked in.

Paintings lined the walls leading up a staircase. A massive red carpet lay before them. To top it all off, a golden chandelier hung just above.

Bright. It was far too bright in here.

"What a beautiful house," the lady smiled. "Its humble appearance never ceases to amaze me."

Humble? You call this humble?

But Lahn didn't say it out loud.

Judging by her appearance, this lady is a noblewoman. In this world, nobles are held in the highest esteem. Only the goddess knows what will happen to him if he speaks his mind freely.

"The reception hall is through those doors there, my lady," he said, pointing at a set of double doors. "I shall alert the count that you have arrived."

"Oh? And how will you do that without knowing who I am?"

He froze only after a few steps.

"...That is true. In that case, may I have your name, my lady?"

It almost seemed like her smile turned into an amused smirk.

"Indeed, you may," she said, pressing a hand on her chest. "I greet you, sir knight, as Erina Astrada, princess of House Astrada."

Lahn raised an eyebrow. He hadn't yet learned all there is about this world, but that name was one he'd definitely heard before.

House Astrada is the only grand ducal house in the Obertas Empire. The status of the grand duke can be compared to that of the emperor himself, so the children are naturally quite famous. Erina Astrada is no exception.

"Hmm... For someone who has heard my name for the first time, you don't appear too... surprised," she mumbled.

"Forgive me for my lack of a better reaction, my lady," Lahn said, offering a slight bow as an apology. "I am not a very expressive individual."

"So I've noticed. Go on, then. Inform your lord that I am here to visit his wife."

With one final bow, Lahn left her in the reception hall while he went down another corridor. The moment he turned the corner, he placed a hand on the wall and slumped over.

"Phew... Not a very expressive individual, my ass," he muttered to himself.

The truth is that Lahn is expressive. It's just that he has learned to control it in the face of many things. Demons, beasts, and even the Archdemon himself. Unfortunately, unrivaled beauty isn't one of them.

Seeing Erina up close, there is no doubt she is the woman he saw on the cover art of "A Sword Through The Heart." After all, it was the sole reason for why he even bothered checking it out.

"Shit, man..." he sighed. "I should've kept reading. Then again, how the hell was I supposed to know I'd die and get reincarnated into this? Of all things..."

Lahn turned to look out a window, where the land ruled by House Reginar spread far and wide. It was a majestic sight, unlike anything he'd ever seen in his world.

While his hands were against the glass, he balled it into a fist.

None of that mattered anymore. Long had he accepted that he was no longer Choi Min-jun. Perhaps, in the distant future, he could return to his home. Until then, he resolved to steel his nerves and survive.

No matter what.

As he continued through the manor, he pondered.

Through vague memories of the novel, he did recall the hero's party from the prologue.

Radeus, the hero.

Kah'Rin, the saintess.

Melanie, the sorceress.

However, there was no mention of a commoner named Lahn. Likewise, the system message he saw earlier solidified his suspicions.

"Story deviation... New route..."

For whatever reason, Lahn was placed into this world that was already set in stone. An unknown variable. Perhaps it was due to his involvement in the prologue that the system had to generate a new route to mend the paradox and stabilize the story.

"But why do I have to live through it?" he groaned. "Tch... Fuck me, I guess."