As a Reincarnated NPC, I Want to Live a Peaceful Life - Chapter 13

“Grandpa Ding, could you open the door for me?”

“Young Master, what are you up to this time? The master is already disappointed in you, and yet you still—” The old man behind the door sighed, peering through the peephole. He had been ordered not to let the young master in, but he couldn’t resist the pleading.

“Please open the door. I’m carrying a little girl and can’t free my hands.”

“This— Ugh, the master’s going to scold me again.”

…..

“Young Master! You’re back!” The maids cheered, but their voices died down before reaching the end of the hallway.

“All of you, get back to work. Stay away from my room for now.”

“But… the master instructed us to keep an eye on you—”

“Are you disobeying me now?”

“…Understood. Let’s go, everyone.”

…..

The gentleman placed the girl on his bed, rubbing his temples in frustration. He had accidentally activated a skill that knocked her unconscious. Now, he was bound to get an earful from his NPC father later.

Pacing beside the bed, he stared at the still-unconscious girl before exhaling sharply and stepping out. Moments later, he returned with a blonde maid.

“Please, Aili, use your holy magic to wake her up.”

“Young Master, what happened?” The maid, Aili, looked bewildered at the sight of the girl. Remembering the master’s orders, she hesitated—until the young master gripped her shoulders and pleaded.

“You’re the only maid in this house with strong innate holy magic who didn’t become a priestess. And you’re the closest to me. Please, I didn’t mean to knock her out, but I can’t undo the spell. I couldn’t just leave a little girl there.”

The young master was frantic. After an internal struggle, Aili sighed and approached the bed, extending her hand.

“…Fine. Since you’re being so sincere, I’ll trust you this time.”

“Thank you. When she wakes up, tell her—” He quickly relayed his instructions before darting out.

Aili pouted. “This Young Master… still the same as ever.”

Golden light gathered in her palm, then radiated toward the girl’s forehead.

…..

What… happened to me?

Am I dreaming? But I shouldn’t be able to dream…

Right, I passed out. But why?

Oh—that man. He touched my shoulder, and then…

Ah, whatever. Just let me keep dreaming— Wait, there’s a light. So bright…

I blinked, staring at an unfamiliar ceiling. The bed was large, the blankets soft and cozy. Pushing them aside, I sat up.

The room’s owner was absent. The door was slightly ajar—someone had recently come or gone. The decor was lavish, filled with luxuries most commoners could never afford. Magic stone lamps glowed on the walls. This family must be loaded.

I slid off the bed, my bare feet sinking into plush carpet. My shoes were missing, but the floor was covered in expensive wool—10 gold coins per square meter. Covering an entire room like this? Ridiculous.

Before I could marvel further, a pair of black maid’s shoes entered my vision. I looked up.

“Hello. Did you sleep well?” A blonde maid stood there, holding a tray. She was pretty, with a curvy figure, but something about her felt… off.

“Who are you? Why am I here?”

She set the tray on a nearby table. “Please eat first. We’ll talk later.”

Her smile was kind, but with evening approaching in-game time, I refused despite my hunger.

As I slipped out, I heard footsteps behind me—she was chasing me. I didn’t want to trouble this household further, even if they meant well.

[Time, stop.]

The world froze with a metallic screech. I didn’t know if overusing this ability affected reality, but I didn’t care.

The mansion was large, but a window at the hallway’s end offered escape. I sprinted, pushed it open, and leaped out—

[Time, resume.]

Sound rushed back: birds, voices, the window slamming shut. I lay on the grass, breathing in the fresh scent.

Thanks for the hospitality, but I’m leaving— Wait, my shoes!

Groaning, I hovered with [Mid-Level Flight], avoiding the ground.

At the front door, I spotted my shoes and sighed in relief. No need to sneak back in.

As I slipped them on, I grimaced. The heels were annoyingly high. Do girls really balance in these daily?

But it was strange—I’d accepted becoming a girl so easily, yet now I struggled with it.

“That’s final! You’re staying in your room to reflect!” A man’s voice boomed behind me. The master of the house? I hurried with my shoes.

“Yeah, yeah, Dad, I get it.” That voice—him. The gentleman from yesterday.

“Who’s there?!” Armor clanked as a knight approached.

“Explain this, Winter! Who is that girl?!”

Past the guard, I saw two men: a noble-clad middle-aged man and the player [Winter Gale], the same guy who’d nearly gotten me killed yesterday.

Now I remembered—his touch had weakened my mind. He must have mental skills like [Mental Fatigue]. To knock out someone with [Spirit Resistance: A], his level had to be high.

“What girl? Dad, let me explain—”

The noble cut him off. “Enough. You, inside. And you—” He gestured to me. “Bring her in. I won’t have her spreading rumors about the Charlman family.”

So silencing me, huh? Fine. Let’s see what tricks you have.

I clenched my fists but followed.

The grand hall was opulent but not exaggerated—even nobles budgeted, it seemed.

I kept my head down, avoiding attention. The noble whispered to his guard, then dragged “Winter” deeper inside. I was led to a room—moderate-sized, with a bed, chairs, and a window overlooking the garden. The guard locked me in.

House arrest to keep me quiet? Cute. I could break out anytime.

A fruit tray sat on the table. Not the same as Alek’s breakfast, but edible.

I’ll wait for now.

…..

“Hah! Youthful recklessness. You still have time, Winter. Don’t waste it.”

“Dad, I’ve heard this a dozen times.”

“You disrespectful brat! The Charlman family has always been gentlemen. How did you—? Ugh. Explain the girl.”

“Well…”

“No lies. I know everything. Yesterday, you helped a ‘friend’ stop some ‘playmate.’ Today, you dragged her here after knocking her out. How could you let someone taint an underage girl?”

“…He had leverage over me.”

“No excuses! You brought this on yourself. At least you had the decency to bring her back. Now, copy the family rules five times!”

“DAD—!!”

“Elf, where’s Shiling?”

“Huh? Wasn’t she with you, Mr. Alek?”

“No! I was at the library waiting for Prince Lyle’s orders. Who knew she’d wander off?”

“Don’t worry. She can protect herself.”

“But what if she can’t? I’m going to look for her.”

“Mr. Alek, where are you going?”

“Ah, Prince Lyle! Perfect timing. My little girl’s missing.”

“Oh? With her personality, she probably got bored and wandered off—easy prey for kidnappers.”

“D-Don’t say that! I’ll go search.”

“No need. I’ll help. Benjamin, gather the men.”

“Sir. Mr. Alek, stay here. Foreign assassins are lurking tonight.”

“W-What do we do?”

“Relax. We’ll bring her back safe.”

…..

Stats:

• Attack: ??

• Speed: ??

• Magic: ??

• Strength: ??

• Growth Potential: ∞

• Precision: A

• Spirit Resistance: A-

• Airheadedness: D / Wisdom: A++

Innate Traits:

• [Boundless Energy]

• [Forced Rewind]

• [KRYY’s Blood]

• [Recovery Healing]

Weaknesses:

• [Cold Sensitivity] LV. MAX

• [Heat Sensitivity] LV. 3

• [Mental Resistance] LV. 0