Get Out of My Way, Devilish Duke!

My elementary school teacher said that life is like sailing, a perilous one. It was relaxing to hear the waves crashing when the weather was beautiful. But sometimes, the storm comes, and the huge waves crash. It will capsize your boat.

And that storm is what I felt.

During December, the students had different reactions. First, they are happy because Christmas vacation is finally starting. Second, others were worrying about whether they can pass. They also get anxious if there were incomplete projects.

If you would ask me, I am quite happy. There were no projects to finish, and I surely passed this semester. Here I am staring at a poster where I am third in ...

"You are a genius! Could you please donate some intelligence?" one of my classmates joked.

I just laughed and said he was also smart. He nodded, tore off a page of his notebook, twisted the paper, and glued the two ends together to make a paper crown.

He walked like a drunk cat staggering in the hallway.

Although I was laughing, I stopped because it scared me. He was brave enough to make the hallway of the 3rd floor his catwalk where the offices of deans from various colleges/departments were located!

The two of us became as cold as an ice cap in Antarctica when the door of one office suddenly opened. We turned away so that no one would recognize us. I whispered to Beks that we would slowly walk away.

"Miss Santiago, the Dean wants to talk to you," called one of our professors.

"Go! I will wait for you," Beks even pushed me to the door.

We greeted our professor, then I went inside the office. As I slowly closed the door, I heard Beks was flattering our teacher. I let out a sigh after I closed the door.

We just avoided another catastrophe.

I adjusted my uniform first to make sure it was not too tangled. I centered my necktie and parted my hair.

We will deal with a Dean so, I should look good. Do not worry because I am still in the lobby / receiving area of ​​the office. I will open another door before I reach the primary office.

"Good Afternoon Miss Diaz," I greeted.

When I sat down, she immediately handed me a white envelope containing money. I thanked Ms. Dean and said that money was a big help to our family today.

"You deserve it. Again, Congratulations on being one of the top students."

She asked me if I was interested in participating in an upcoming contest in Japan next year.

That was a great opportunity. I want to experience my first winter ever and see snow. I wanted to taste authentic ramen at Ichiran buy anime merch., etc. Unfortunately, I had to refuse it.

I could clearly see Miss Dean frowned and shook her head. She fanned herself even though I was shivering in the cold because of the chilly temperature. It even drank water after hearing my revelation.

"You are a scholar. It was a pity, Miss Santiago. It is only two more semesters, then you will graduate!"

I appreciated her concern. I explained my situation and why it would be better for me to stop studying first.

She told me she could do nothing if I already decided.

I thanked her again before leaving the office.

When I came out of the office, Beks was still there. He tapped me on the shoulder.

"Come on! I will treat you and then bring gifts for the twins!"

Beks was a spendthrift. He ordered 2 boxes of pizza, a gallon of ice cream, and even had two cakes. Fortunately, he has a car because otherwise, I might hit him even though he had good intentions.

"Baks, why do you not want to borrow from me? The twins are special. They are like brothers and sisters to me!"

I just shook my head. I thanked him for his desire to help but; we have been indebted to them since their condition got worse. They did not ask us to pay them back. His family was very kind that I did not want to take advantage of their kindness.

"Big Sister!"

From a distance, we saw the twins. They ran towards us.

I hugged them. They also immediately let go when they saw Beks holding food. I winked at Beks and he got it. He will be the babysitter. After all, the twins loved him.

I asked my parents if I could talk to them in private about an important matter. They nodded as a response.

We went to the garden of this hospital because there are benches here. It was quite quiet. And at least they can focus on what I have to say. I did not want to beat around the bush. The moment we all sat down, I informed them about my decision.

They both looked at each other. My mother cried. My father explained that it also crossed their minds. They knew that one of my dreams was to finish my studies so, they just kept quiet.

I explained that I would still go back to school after their surgery. The doctor recommended that my siblings should undergo an operation as soon as possible because they would have heart complications.

The problem here is they must carry this complicated operation out in the USA. My sister has already sent all her savings, and we have sold the car. We have asked for help from the foundations, but it was still not enough.

It has been two days since the Christmas vacation started. I immediately looked for a job. The problem was as if I was entering a needle hole. They did not accept me because I do not seem to have job experience. Even for small establishments, the result was still the same.

I just stumbled on the road when I felt exhausted. My stomach growled. I grabbed my pocket from my black backpack. As I was chewing on the bread, I saw a poster in the opposite building. It is impossible for you not to notice this because it is red. But it does not look like a commercial building. I can say it looks like a condominium because it has a balcony on each floor.

I blinked a few times and almost choked when I read the job offer and their compensation.

Is this true? Can I still apply?

I ran out of bread. I did not know if it was because I starved. Maybe because the great job offer I found thrilled me.

I felt suspicious here. Was the company willing to pay 20 million pesos for the game tester alone?

I am here today in front of the building. A stunned fool-that was my reaction. Whenever I get hold of the door handle, I cannot push it. My hands retreated on their own.

No one came in here. If there was, I would have received complaints because I blocked the way.

Since when it became difficult for me to open a door? The problem lies with the fact that my mind and heart were arguing. My mind reminded the consequences of this risky venture. The heart retaliated that I must consider the safety of my siblings.

"Here is my resume. Where is your bathroom?"

Yes, I gambled on a highly unusual job offer. But why?

I love the twins. They make me happy. I would not forgive myself if something bad happened to them when I know I can avoid that.

Whatever the future holds, I would accept the challenge.

My eyes wandered around. It seemed like the business was legit. The wall of their concierge decorated with different business permits and awards served as the evidence itself.

I prepped to look alive, though the mirror reflected an image of a zombie. When I'm satisfied, I waited on the bench across from the concierge.

In less than 10 minutes, the receptionist told me to follow her. She dashed, though she was wearing high heels. Am I a tiptoeing dog who followed its owner? Where did she get that courage to walk fast while wearing that ridiculous and uncomfortable shoes? I gave up wearing high heels for a long time after all the injuries.

The receptionist pressed the 8th button on the elevator.

" You need to practice how to wear high heels from now on,"

Wait, is she a mind reader?

I was about to ask her when the door opened.

Finally, we reached a room in the far corner of the floor.

The receptionist stood opposite the doorbell camera, pressed the button, then said:

"Miss, we are here."

"Come in. She is waiting for you,"

She nodded before walking away.

I followed her instructions.

I can say the COO is a fan of minimalism. This room was bigger than mine. The color schemes are brown, gray, and white. They planned the layout carefully from furniture to decor.

A long office plaque made of wood on a desk. On the sides, it has a golden accent. The name "Heart Sy" was written on it. Below her name are the words "Chief Operations Officer".

What a hands-on executive. I know where she was coming from.

"Have a seat," she said

I was a little dumbfounded because of this successful person. As for her appearance, I can say that she will pass as an actress. Compared to my height, she was just a few inches tall. Narrow eyes that seemed closed when she smiled, v-shaped face like Korean pop stars. Her hair is up to her shoulders. The wispy bangs fit her.

If you will observe, we seemed to be the same age. I wonder how old she really is.

"Ms. Sophia, based on my research, you need money for your siblings to have surgery. Is that correct?"

The speed at which she got the information about me was truly exceptional. If I am in her shoes, I will do the same.

"Yes. Ma'am! I could do everything to get this job offer."

Am I ready to stand in the cold? Fight a dragon and thousands of soldiers? Be stressed because the major characters in the gameplay are so dense? She explained that as a game tester, I would truly experience the aforementioned events. I have no idea how I will do that.

"Do not worry. I possess the requirements to be your special game tester."

I have decided. Honestly, I was a little scared. I knew I could overcome all the challenges waiting for me.

After that, she asked me to read the contract carefully. She added that If I have questions, I should not hesitate to clarify them.

Of course, I blinked. I could not believe that the hiring process would be easy!

I spent 30 minutes reviewing the contract. I saw nothing suspicious at all. They wrote the conditions fairly. I noticed was that I could no longer apply once I completed the tasks. I should also keep that I work for this company as a secret.

It was okay with me because I am really planning to go back to school.

I thought the contract signing meeting would end. Ms. Heart also mentioned how to distribute my wages. She suggested that she would introduce herself as a philanthropist. She will inform my parents that I will only work for her before the next semester starts.

She is a kind-hearted woman. I was thinking about a plausible explanation about where I got an enormous sum of money.

Before they sent me home, she gave me books that have 2 volumes. Its title is Persephone's Pomegranate, a novel it based the game on.

I rarely read romance novels. When I looked at the synopsis, the plot seemed promising.

I closed my eyes as I sensed the strong wind blowing in the hot weather.

Only then did I open my eyes when I heard the voice of a man who seemed to look for someone.

"Beth, I searched everywhere to find you."

My eyes widened when I felt someone hug me from behind. His hands were on my waist. His chin rested on my shoulder.

It felt like someone threw a bucket of icy water on me. All my body hair stood up.

I struggled with extreme fear.

Who is this man? Where did he get the courage to hug me ?!

When I was about to confront him, he disappeared.

I was the only one in this vast lavender field.

Where did that go?

"Big Sister! Wake up!"

I rolled my eyes because of the ear-splitting voice.

I knew it was a dream that is almost a nightmare.

I guess my dream is weird. I did not want to have a boyfriend. Is it the effect of reading a romance novel before going to bed?

When I looked around the room, my parents were on the sofa. An unfamiliar man was sitting there as well.

Oh my. I was not notified that there was a visitor. I ran to the bathroom and made myself look presentable enough.

"My Daughter, Thank you so much for helping your siblings."

If this was the reaction of my parents, it means ...

"I am George, Ms. Heart's representative. We have explained the details to your parents. Are you ready? You need to report to Madam's office. "

I nodded. And then I asked if I could have breakfast first and say goodbye to my siblings.

They agreed and added that they would come back after 2 hours.

In fairness, they work fast.

My parents cried after they left. I could not eat well because they were too emotional.

I said they should focus on the operation. My older sister called me and announced her return to the Philippines after the recovery of our siblings.

"There is snow in the USA!" I told the twins.

Even if they do not show it, I know they are afraid of whatever the outcome would be.

I want the operation to be successful so that they can experience normal child life.

I waited outside the hospital to wait for Sir George's arrival.

I did not look stupid because they came right away.

When I entered the building, Ms. Receptionist welcomed me. She let me know that Mr. George will take care of my belongings.

I followed her as she walked away.

"You are silent," she commented while pressing the code that will open the door.

What can I say? I do not have a talk host show personality.

"Come in," she ordered.

Only my eyes moved as I inspected the surrounding.

We are in a control room. You will immediately notice 3 computers the moment you entered this place. It also has a mirror that serves as a divider because you can see a bed and monitor on the other side.

For sure, that will be my bed in the next few days.

My hunch was right because the receptionist informed me I should lie down and wear the weird helmet with many wires attached to it.

I took a deep breath.

The assistants said to close my eyes so; I did. I heard them do the countdown. After a while, I suddenly felt dizzy. I feel the excruciating pain caused by the stinging flow of electricity in my muscles.

I did not know how long I stumbled. I just woke up because of the intense shaking.

I slowly opened my eyes. A woman wearing a long black flock dress with puffy sleeves got my attention.

She must be my personal maid based on what I saw on her stats.

Based on the handbook, I would see important information about the characters of this game.

"Nora, where are we?"

I could see her emotions transformed. Now it seems to worry.

"We are currently traveling to Larson, the district headed by Count Viscar."

Oh, I see. I transmigrated when Miueriella would find out the truth about her life. Let me explain it to you.

As I mentioned, they based the game on the story titled Persephone's Pomegranate. The major character is Miuerella, a woman with angelic beauty and character who will captivate Crown Prince Reyner's heart. Before the movie-like encounter of the two destined people, you need to know that his adoptive father abused our heroine for fourteen years.

When she was a baby, Count Viscar kidnapped her to avenge his unrequited love.

Count Viscar must be lucky because I am not a lawyer in this world. Otherwise, I will file multiple charges against him. I would make sure that he will suffer.

Wait, what is my role here?

I tapped my wrist because that was the way for me to see my avatar's information.

Ah, not that bad.

Bethany Grimaldi. The youngest child of Marquess Grimaldi and one of Miueriella's friends. In the novel, she was just a humble side character. But do you know how beautiful it is? Her life was peaceful. She was not a villainess. She does not have to worry about her future.

All I have to do is to make sure Miueriella and Prince Reyner will stay together, eventually. That was the supreme goal of this game.

The Cupid's Adventure. A game where you experience how to be a cupid with a twist! There are 3 hidden quests in this game. One of them is to be a cupid. When I asked Ms. Heart what the other hidden quests are, she answered I would also know it when the right time comes.

I will be the best game tester! Because if I die when the other hidden quests are unlocked, that would mean salary deduction.

"My Lady, are you all right? Is there something wrong with you?" Nora asked because I suddenly clenched my fist.

I gave her a gigantic smile, I said, "I guess I'm just bored."

I was looking out the window. I admit it, this kind of trip is not good. It was too shaky that you felt like there was an earthquake.

Instead of complaining, I just thought this was for my siblings.

After a three-hour trip, I was thankful we had arrived. When I got off the carriage, I walked in a zigzag manner. Nora was already supporting me by holding my hand.

While walking towards Count Viscar's estate, a girl made my dizziness fade away. I thought this was not the right time for us to meet. The gameplay proved me wrong because I suddenly received a notification.