As a Reincarnated NPC, I Want to Live a Peaceful Life - Chapter 12

We were helped—helped by a big shot, for no apparent reason…

Our plan to leave the city was something he seemed to know all about, though I hadn’t told him our final objective. It was a precaution, in case he decided to burn the bridge after crossing it, using some noble pretext to further cement his reputation as a genius.

Besides, this Lyle was also a player. Who knew what kind of deals or connections he had with other players—or even NPCs? For now, things might be fine, but traveling with a high-profile fugitive and an old man would undoubtedly draw more attention…

And then there were those who might remember us, or take an unusual interest in either Elf or me—like that perverted uncle-type player, Rawston.

Even with Alek, a high-level elf mage, lending a hand, I’d still end up tangled in plenty of trouble because of Elf… She was fragile. Sure, she might have some self-defense skills, but against any real threat, it’d be like trying to put out a wildfire with a cup of water.

Still, it was better than before, when I’d been dragging around two deadweights… What about Nas St. Roya? With the city locked down, she should still be inside [Mallethus], together with her dear sister… Why was I thinking about Nas again? Having a perfect memory didn’t mean I had to obsess over her.

I envied her—that carefree, ever-cheerful attitude of hers. Part of me wanted to find her. We’d only been separated for a day—maybe it wasn’t too late…

…Hah. Wishful thinking. After all, the one who let her down was me.

……

Lyle noticed my unease and, setting aside his noble demeanor, stepped closer. He raised a hand as if to reach out but hesitated mid-air.

“Don’t worry. I, Lyle In Harrut, do not go back on my word. Whatever you need, even if it’s something reckless, I’ll help you.”

I didn’t respond immediately, quietly dissecting his words. There wasn’t a hint of hesitation—if this were just a whim, he should’ve at least paused to consider.

“Shiling, since His Highness Lyle is offering so sincerely, why not accept his goodwill?”

Alek chimed in, oblivious to the fact that I was weighing the potential consequences and costs of what might come next. He was usually so cautious, yet now, his judgment seemed clouded.

He really trusted this “Prince Lyle,” huh? Alek, you should know better than anyone how deceitful people can be. There are times I don’t even trust myself—let alone a prince I’ve just met, whose motives are a complete mystery.

Finally, I let out a heavy sigh and nodded under their expectant gazes.

“…Since Alek insists… then… Prince Lyle In Harrut, greetings. This is our first meeting, and my earlier behavior was… impolite.”

I dipped my head slightly, then looked up to meet his eyes directly.

Lyle was undeniably handsome, and the magical energy radiating from him was real. The hilt of his platinum longsword bore clear signs of wear… but why were his hands completely free of calluses? Wait—why was I even fixating on that?

“Ah, no need to stand on ceremony. I understand why you’d be wary of a sudden offer like mine. May I ask your full name, Miss Shiling?”

“Then, allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Tsuki Shiling, from [Croft]. The reason for leaving the city is to return home. As for Alek, he’s just accompanying me part of the way.”

I gave a small bow, observing proper etiquette. Lyle returned the gesture—probably because I was a child, and nobles rarely lowered themselves unnecessarily.

“Your Highness, the task you assigned has been completed. Ah—greetings, Master Alek, and this young lady.”

As Benjamin reappeared, I couldn’t help but grimace before hiding behind Alek, glaring at him. Benjamin froze for a moment, then turned to Lyle, who was stifling a laugh. He looked like he had complaints but couldn’t voice them.

For now, everything seemed to be going smoothly—at least on the surface. Lyle… who knew if he’d do something stupid later? Best to stay cautious.

After exchanging a few more words, Lyle and his entourage left the residence, claiming they needed to prepare for the complicated exit procedures.

Not like I could stop them anyway. Watching Lyle’s retreating figure, I silently prayed he wouldn’t do anything reckless.

***

After leaving the alchemy shop and turning a nearby corner, Benjamin confirmed they weren’t being followed before handing a file to Lyle.

“Your Highness, these are the witness statements from yesterday, along with photographs. The carriage driver finally confessed. All the evidence points to that girl being connected to Rawston’s death.”

Lyle flipped through the documents, his expression shifting rapidly.

“Also, the two girls she was carrying—we had Intelligence look into them. They’re the princesses of [Colfort]: Nas St. Roya and Nia St. Roya.”

“To think that girl is tied to the two fallen princesses we’ve been hunting… Has anyone tried leaving the city recently?”

“No, not to my knowledge. They must still be hiding somewhere in [Mallethus]. Our guards have searched everywhere but found no trace…”

“Keep looking. We must find them. If that ‘stepmother’ of theirs is so desperate to erase them for the sake of appearances, then I’ll make it my mission to oppose her.”

“Your Highness, about the transit pass for the teleportation hub—the administrator insists on seeing you in person before releasing it…”

“Fine. I’ll deal with him myself.”

***

Time slipped by, morning fading into afternoon without much incident. The only notable event was Elf devouring another pile of fruit. Nothing else held my attention.

Alek was in the library, engrossed in some tattered tome on magical theory. Since I couldn’t read the text—probably written in Elvish—I stepped outside, leaning against the doorway to watch the world go by.

Logically, I should’ve been able to understand human script… so those must’ve been foreign characters. For someone as old as Alek, knowing multiple languages wasn’t surprising. And given his personality, he wouldn’t waste time on fiction—meaning every book in there was likely on advanced elven magic.

As NPCs and players passed by, I exhaled deeply, boredom gnawing at me. It was the kind of frustration that came from having the power to act but being forcibly restrained.

Even when people occasionally tried to strike up a conversation, I’d stare blankly until they took the hint and left.

Ugh. Wasn’t there anything exciting happening? Back in the real world, I could’ve killed half an hour just messing around with a brick—Wait. Him?

My body tensed as a familiar figure strolled past.

Black leather, a mask, a status bar floating above his head—the same gentleman who’d grabbed me yesterday. If not for him, I might’ve made it out of that alley, found the carriage driver, and left [Mallethus] with Nas before the lockdown. Those kind strangers wouldn’t have had to dirty their hands for me!

Clenching my fists, I slammed the door shut and began tailing him from a distance.

Where was he going? Why was he still wearing that mask? Was he planning something shady again?

My teeth ground together, a murderous impulse surging up. I knew I couldn’t suppress it, so I vented by clawing at the walls as I followed, leaving deep gouges in my wake. Left turn, right turn, into an alley, onto another street—before I knew it, I’d trailed him halfway across the city with no clue where he was headed.

Finally, he stopped at the end of a dead-end alley, head bowed as if counting something. The area was deserted, even though it wasn’t far from the main street.

Meaning if I killed him here, no one would know…

I shook my head, forcing myself to stay rational. I wouldn’t let bloodlust turn me into a monster. Even if a brief spree brought temporary peace, it wouldn’t last.

Shoulders hunched, I peeked around the corner. The man was now holding a long-barreled firearm—completely out of place in this era. Was it some cash-shop exclusive weapon? I knew the devs needed to monetize, but this was ridiculous—

BANG! BANG!

Gunfire exploded in my ears. The sharp noise made me clap my hands over them as I scanned the alley.

“Heh. So you actually came, Young Master Winter.” [Explosion·Luo Xiang]

“I gave my word yesterday. I don’t break promises, sir.” [Winter·Cleavewind]

Then, doors along the alley burst open, and players poured out. Their gear was shabby, but their stats were top-tier.

A gust of wind carried the thick scent of bloodlust.

“Tch. To think you’d mobilize your entire guild just for little old me. I’m flattered.” [Winter·Cleavewind]

“Shut it! You’re done for. Hand over what we want, and maybe we’ll let you leave with your face intact.” [Explosion·Luo Xiang]

“Yeah! Our boss has been waiting for that thing forever!” [Random Henchman]

“We’ll carve you up so bad you’ll never show your face again!” [Random Henchman]

Scenes like this weren’t rare in the game. Whether in mountain passes or city alleys, “safe zones” were often just places where players brawled without consequences.

(Currently Available Intel)

Art World Online features numerous PvP modes, including arena duels, guild wars, and minigames.
When initiating a duel, players can attach wagers. Once agreed upon, the loser forfeits their stake to the winner, with no recourse.
The “group duel” between the gentleman and the mob exploits a bug in the duel system, where the game only checks if the combat system deems the numbers fair.
(Also, why is no one commenting? Share your thoughts! A lonely author can only write so much before going insane.)

***

The fight ended as abruptly as it began, the last gunshot echoing before the gentleman blew imaginary smoke from his barrel and stashed the weapon away.

I’d seen it all—the lackeys charging, only to be effortlessly dismantled. Thanks to duel rules, they didn’t die but simply respawned. Even [Explosion·Luo Xiang] had been pinned to the wall, a bullet through his chest (though he survived).

Damn. That was impressive. No wonder he’d caught me so easily yesterday. He’d barely used his weapon, relying mostly on hand-to-hand to take down high-stat warriors and assassins.

But I wasn’t scared. Even against him, I could fight indefinitely. That gun of his? Useless. I had a perfect counter.

“The duel is over. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave. Business calls.”

[Explosion·Luo Xiang] didn’t respond, just slumped against the bloodied wall, probably in shock over his defeat.

Serves you right, I thought, turning to leave as the gentleman stepped out—

“Wait, little girl. Why have you been following me?”

The scorching sun hadn’t made me sweat, but that single question sent droplets rolling down my face. A chilling pressure bore down on me from behind.

I turned mechanically, forcing the widest, fakest smile I could muster.

“Hi! I don’t know you, you don’t know me. Just strangers passing by. I’ll be going now!”

His masked face was unreadable, but the slight uptick of his lips made my brain short-circuit. What was I supposed to do now?

“You’re the girl from yesterday, aren’t you? Ah, yes—someone interrupted before that man could…”

“…You remember? If not for you, I wouldn’t still be stuck in [Mallethus].”

“Your tone changed quickly. Allow me to apologize for yesterday. I had no choice—he had leverage over me.”

He bowed deeply, sincerity in every motion. Even if I didn’t forgive him, I had to play along. Antagonizing someone like him was a death wish.

His combat stance, refined attire, and polished weapons all screamed not normal. I couldn’t pinpoint why, but something about him was off.

Scratching my head, I turned to leave—only for his hand to clamp down on my shoulder again.

That same grip. That same gloved hand. My vision blurred as an icy dread crawled up my spine. A piercing gaze seemed to dissect me from every angle.

I trembled, an unnamed terror spreading through my chest. My limbs felt weak, just like yesterday…

Yesterday… What had happened yesterday?

My thoughts scattered. Then, everything went black.

……

(STATUS WINDOW)

Attack: ??
Speed: ??
Magic: ??
Strength: ??
Growth Potential: ∞
Precision: A ▶▶ F
Willpower: A ▶▶ F
Airheadedness: F+ / Intelligence: A+