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Rei Oohashi had long since accepted that her obsession with Claire François, the villainess from Revolution, was a little odd. She was a 30-year-old office worker, living in Tokyo, with a mundane job that did little to excite her. But after a long day of work, coming home to play Revolution was the highlight of her day. She could easily lose herself in the story, where her love for Claire was simple and pure.
One evening, after finishing another grueling day at the office, she collapsed onto her bed. "If only I could be with Miss Claire. " She murmured wistfully, clutching her phone, which displayed an image of Claire— elegant and proud as ever. She closed her eyes, letting the fantasies of the game world wash over her.
When she opened her eyes again, something was off. Gone were the dim lights of her tiny Tokyo apartment, replaced by the warm, golden glow of candlelit chandeliers. The smell of lavender filled the air, and the bed she lay on was far too luxurious, with plush velvet pillows and silk sheets.
She sat up in a panic, heart pounding. "What the… Where am I?"
She barely had time to process her surroundings before the door to the room swung open. In walked a familiar figure—tall, blonde, and every bit as intimidating in real life as she was in the game.
"Who are you?" Claire François demanded, her icy blue eyes narrowing. She looked at Rei as if she were a particularly annoying insect that had just landed on her silk gown.
Rei's breath caught in her throat. She was here—in Bauer, in the world of Revolution, and in front of her stood the woman she had loved for years. But this wasn't the youthful, somewhat clumsy Rae Taylor from her old high school days in Bauer. This was Rei as she was now, a 30-year-old office lady with a lot of real-world experience, yet completely unprepared for this situation.
"I—I'm Rei," she stammered, realizing too late how vague that sounded. "Rei Oohashi. I… I know this might sound strange, but I think I was transported here… to Bauer."
Claire raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Transported? Do you expect me to believe such nonsense? And why are you dressed in such a peculiar fashion?" She eyed Rei's modern office attire with distaste.
Rei glanced down at her suit, suddenly aware of how out of place she looked. "I—uh, it's a long story."
Claire crossed her arms, her expression softening only slightly. "You have two minutes. Convince me why I shouldn't have you thrown out immediately."
Rei swallowed with her mind racing. She knew everything about Claire—the complexity of her personality, her likes and dislikes, her hopes and fears. But how could she convey all of that without sounding like a lunatic? Then she remembered something.
"You love tea," she blurted out, almost desperately. "Particularly, rosehip tea with a touch of honey. You have it every evening before bed. It calms you."
Claire's eyes widened ever so slightly, but her expression remained guarded. "How… how do you know that?!?!"
Rei took a deep breath, choosing her next words carefully. "Because I've admired you for years, Miss Claire. I know it might seem strange, but in my world, you're someone important to me. And not just because you're beautiful or powerful, but because I see the real you. The one who's strong, determined, and yet so vulnerable underneath it all."
Claire's icy demeanor faltered, just for a moment. She took a step closer, studying Rei intently. "You speak as if you know me, yet we've never met."
"In this world, yes," Rei admitted. "But in my world, I've spent years learning everything about you. And not just the public side—the side that everyone sees—but the side you keep hidden. The part of you that struggles to meet the expectations placed on you, that wishes for a connection beyond power and status."
For the first time, Claire looked uncertain, a flicker of something unreadable passing through her eyes. "You… you speak as if you care for me."
Rei stepped forward, her voice was soft but firm. "I do. I do care for you more than anything, Miss Claire. And I would do anything to prove that to you."
Silence hung between them, thick with tension and unspoken emotions. Finally, Claire let out a breath she didn't seem to realize she was holding. "Very well, Rei Oohashi. I'll allow you to stay. But know this—I don't trust easily. If you think you can win my favor with sweet words alone, you're mistaken."
Smiling, Rei felt a surge of determination. This was the Claire she knew—sharp, cautious, and yet so very human beneath it all. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Miss Claire. But I'm here now, and I promise, I'll do whatever it takes to stay by your side."
As Claire turned to leave the room, she paused at the door, casting one last glance at her. "We shall see, Miss Oohashi. We shall see." And with that, she was gone, leaving her alone in the grand room, her heart racing with both fear and excitement.
Rei looked around, taking in the opulent surroundings of Claire’s world. She was here, in Bauer, with a chance to be with the woman she had loved for so long. It wasn’t going to be easy—nothing with Claire ever was—but Rei was ready.
This was her chance, and she wasn’t going to waste it.
◆◇◆◇◆
Rei woke up the next morning, the unfamiliar warmth of sunlight filtering through the elegant curtains reminding her that she was far from home. She hadn’t imagined it—she was really in Bauer, in Claire François’s world. For a moment, she just lay there, staring up at the intricately carved ceiling, trying to absorb the reality of it all.
The door creaked open, and a maid stepped inside, bowing slightly when she noticed Rei was awake. "Good morning, Miss Oohashi. Lady Claire has instructed that you join her for breakfast in the dining hall."
She sat up quickly, still disoriented but not wanting to miss this opportunity. "Thank you," she replied, trying to sound more confident than she felt. The maid nodded and left, giving her a moment to collect herself.
She dressed quickly, rummaging through the wardrobe in the room, which, to her surprise, was filled with clothes that fit her perfectly. It was as if this world had prepared for her arrival. She chose a simple yet elegant dress, something that wouldn’t make her stand out too much but still showed respect for Claire’s status.
When she finally made her way to the dining hall, she found Claire already seated at the head of the table, elegantly sipping her morning tea. The room was grand, filled with sunlight streaming through tall windows, and the table was laid out with an array of delicacies that made Rei’s stomach rumble despite her nerves.
Claire looked up as Rei entered, her expression unreadable. “You’re punctual,” she observed, setting her teacup down.
Rei nodded and took a seat opposite Claire. “I didn’t want to keep you waiting.”
“Good. Punctuality is a virtue.” Her tone was cool, but there was no hostility in her eyes, just curiosity. “I’ve had some time to think about what you said last night. About how you know me.”
This made Rei skip a heart beat. She could tell that Claire was testing her, probing to see if there was any truth to her claims. She chose her next words carefully. “I understand that this situation is bizarre. But I meant every word I said. I’ve admired you for a long time, Miss Claire.”
Claire’s gaze didn’t waver. “And you believe that makes you special? That I should simply accept you because you claim to know me?”
Rei shook her head. “No. I don’t expect anything. I just want the chance to show you who I really am and, if you’ll let me, to stand by your side.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if she were trying to decipher a complex puzzle. “And if I told you that I have no need for your admiration or your company?”
Rei smiled softly, the familiarity of this dynamic warming her heart. “Then I’d respect your wishes. But I’d still find a way to help you, even from afar.”
A brief flicker of surprise crossed Claire’s face, quickly masked by her usual composure. “Help me? And what makes you think I need help?”
“I don’t think you need help,” Rei corrected gently. “I think you deserve it. You carry a lot on your shoulders, Miss Claire. More than most people realize.”
For a moment, there was silence. The two women sat there, the distance between them filled with unspoken words and lingering doubts. But then Claire sighed, her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. “You’re persistent, I’ll give you that. I’m not sure if that’s admirable or foolish.”
Rei allowed herself a small, hopeful smile. “I’m willing to take that risk.”
Claire’s lips quirked into what might have been the faintest hint of a smile, but it was gone so quickly that Rei wondered if she had imagined it. “Very well, Rei Oohashi. I’ll allow you to stay—for now. But be warned, I won’t tolerate any lies or deceit.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it, Miss Claire.”
Claire glanced at the clock on the wall and then back at Rei. “Today, I have a series of meetings at the Academy. You will accompany me.”
Rei’s eyes widened in surprise. “You want me to come with you?”
“You said you wanted to prove yourself. Consider this your first test.”
Rei nodded, trying to mask the excitement bubbling up inside her. “I won’t let you down.”
Claire stood, her elegant figure casting a long shadow across the room as she headed toward the door. “We’ll see about that,” she said over her shoulder, the challenge clear in her voice.
She quickly followed, her heart racing. She knew today would be crucial—a chance to show Claire who she really was and to begin earning her trust. As they walked through the grand halls of Claire’s estate, Rei couldn’t help but marvel at how surreal it all felt. But there was no time for daydreaming; she had to focus.
When they arrived at the Academy, the familiar architecture and bustling students brought a wave of nostalgia over her. She had spent so much time playing Revolution, but now, she was here, living it. And more than that, she was here with Claire, in a position she had never imagined possible.
The first meeting was with a group of noble students, discussing some upcoming event. She stayed silent, observing how Claire handled the discussions with a mix of grace and authority. Every now and then, Claire would glance in her direction, as if to gauge her reactions. Rei met her gaze each time with a calm, supportive smile, determined to show Claire that she wasn’t just another servile.
As the day went on, shefound herself increasingly drawn into the rhythm of Claire’s world. She realized that while she might know Claire’s character from the game, there was so much more to learn about her as a person. And every moment spent with her presence only deepened her resolve to be someone worthy of standing by her side.
By the time they returned to the estate that evening, Rei was exhausted but exhilarated. She had managed to keep up with Claire’s demanding schedule, and though Claire hadn’t said much, she could tell that she was being evaluated at every turn.
Back in her room, she collapsed onto the bed, her thoughts swirling with everything that had happened. She had been given a chance, however small, to be part of Claire’s world. But she knew that gaining her trust—and perhaps something more—would be a long and challenging journey.
As she drifted off to sleep, she made a silent promise to herself. No matter what it took, she would prove to Claire that she was someone she could rely on. And maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to turn her impossible dream into reality.
◆◇◆◇◆
The following days settled into a routine, though nothing about it felt ordinary to Rei. Each morning, she would accompany Claire to the Academy, observing how the noble students interacted, how the political intricacies of Bauer unfolded, and, most importantly, how Claire navigated it all with poise and intelligence.
Despite Claire’s initial coolness, she found that there were moments—fleeting, almost imperceptible—where the tension between them softened. Claire would occasionally ask for her opinion on trivial matters, and while the questions were simple, she knew they were tests. She responded thoughtfully each time, always careful to strike a balance between honesty and tact.
One afternoon, a week after Rei’s sudden arrival in Bauer, she found herself alone with Claire in the Academy’s garden. The sun was high, casting dappled light through the leaves of the tall trees that lined the path. They were on their way to another meeting, but for a moment, they paused by a small fountain, the sound of trickling water filling the silence.
Claire looked out at the garden, her expression unreadable. “You’ve been here for a week now, Rei. Tell me—what do you make of our world?”
Rei was caught off guard by the question, but she took a moment to gather her thoughts. “It’s beautiful, but complicated. There’s so much beneath the surface, so many unspoken rules and expectations. But I can see why you’re so determined to protect it. There’s a lot worth preserving.”
Her eyes flicked to her, studying her intently. “And what about me? What do you think of me now, seeing me in this world, not as a character in a game, but as the person standing before you?”
Rei felt her heart skip a beat at the directness of the question. She had always admired Claire, but being here, seeing her in action, had deepened her feelings in ways she hadn’t anticipated. “I think you’re even more incredible than I imagined,” she said quietly. “You’re strong, intelligent, and you care deeply about the things that matter to you. But I also think you’re lonely, even if you won’t admit it.”
Claire’s expression didn’t change, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—surprised, maybe, or perhaps something deeper. “Lonely? What makes you think that?”
Rei hesitated, wondering if she was overstepping, but she decided to be honest. “Because I see how much you carry on your own. You’re surrounded by people who admire you, but how many of them really understand you? How many of them see you for who you are, not just for your status or power?”
Claire was silent for a long moment, her gaze fixed on the fountain. When she finally spoke, her voice was softer than usual, almost introspective. “You think you see me, Rei, but you’ve only been here for a short time. You don’t know the full extent of what it means to be me.”
Rei stepped closer, her heart pounding. “Then let me understand. Let me be someone you can trust, someone who won’t judge you or expect anything from you other than the chance to be by your side.”
Claire turned to face her, their eyes locking. For a moment, it felt as if the rest of the world had faded away, leaving just the two of them in that sun-dappled garden. Rei could see the conflict in Claire’s eyes, the walls she had built around herself wavering.
But she then took a step back, her expression hardening once more. “You’re persistent, Rei, I’ll give you that. But trust isn’t something that can be earned with words alone. It takes time, and I’m not sure you’ll be able to handle the realities of this world.”
Rei’s heart sank, but she nodded. “I understand. But I’m not going anywhere, Miss Claire. I’ll take whatever time you need, and I’ll prove to you that I’m not just someone who’s passing through. I’m here to stay.”
She studied her for another moment, then turned away, her voice distant. “We’ll see. But for now, we have a meeting to attend. Don’t keep me waiting.”
Rei followed, her mind racing. She knew that breaking through Claire’s defenses would be difficult, but she was more determined than ever. She couldn’t let Claire’s loneliness continue to fester beneath her carefully maintained exterior.
The meeting was uneventful, another discussion about an upcoming event, but Rei couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted between her and Claire. Perhaps it was subtle, something that only she could sense, but it was there—a crack in the armor, a glimmer of vulnerability that Claire was trying so hard to conceal.
Later that evening, as they returned to the estate, Claire spoke up, surprising Rei. “Tomorrow, there’s a formal event at the palace. You’ll attend with me.”
Rei blinked, caught off guard. “A formal event? Are you sure?”
Claire’s expression was unreadable again, a mix of authority and something else that Rei couldn’t quite place. “You said you wanted to prove yourself. This is your chance. But remember, this isn’t a game. One misstep, and you’ll be out of my sight for good.”
“I won’t let you down.”
Claire gave a curt nod and continued walking. But just as she reached the door to her quarters, she paused, glancing back at her with an unreadable expression. “And try not to stand out too much.”
Rei smiled softly. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”
Claire said nothing more and disappeared into her room, leaving her alone in the corridor.
Rei headed back to her own room, her mind racing. Tomorrow would be a critical test—her first public appearance in Claire’s world, and a chance to show that she could handle the pressure of Bauer’s high society. But more than that, it was an opportunity to inch closer to her, to prove that her feelings were genuine and that she was someone Claire could rely on.
As she prepared for bed, she couldn’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety. She was living her dream, but the stakes were higher than she had ever imagined. Still, she was determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead, for the chance to be with Claire was worth every risk.
And deep down, she knew that tomorrow could be the beginning of something truly special—if she played her cards right.
◆◇◆◇◆
The day of the palace event arrived, and she found herself standing in front of a full-length mirror, dressed in a gown that was far more luxurious than anything she had ever worn. The deep blue fabric shimmered in the light, hugging her figure perfectly and accentuating her features in a way that made her feel both confident and nervous.
As she took a deep breath to steady her nerves, there was a soft knock at the door. She turned to find Claire standing in the doorway, dressed in a stunning black and gold gown that radiated elegance and power. For a moment, she could only stare, captivated by the sight of the woman she had admired for so long.
Claire’s eyes swept over her, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. “You clean up well, Rei.”
Rei blushed slightly, smoothing the fabric of her dress. “Thank you. You look incredible!”
Claire’s smile lingered for just a moment longer before her usual composure returned. “Shall we?”
Rei nodded, following Claire as they made their way to the palace. The journey was short, and soon they were stepping into the grand ballroom, where the most influential figures of Bauer had gathered. The room was a sea of glittering jewels and elaborate gowns, with soft music playing in the background as the guests mingled and exchanged pleasantries.
As they entered, all eyes turned toward Claire, and by extension, Rei. She could feel the weight of their gazes, the curiosity, and perhaps even suspicion, as they took in the sight of a newcomer by Claire’s side. But Rei held her head high, determined not to let her nerves show.
Throughout the evening, she stayed close to Claire, quietly observing as she navigated the complex web of conversations and alliances with ease. It was clear that Claire was in her element here, commanding the respect and attention of everyone around her. And yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling that, beneath the surface, Claire was still testing her, waiting to see how she would handle herself in this world.
As the night wore on, she found herself growing more comfortable, even managing to engage in a few polite conversations with some of the nobles. But her attention remained focused on Claire, watching for any sign that she might need support—or perhaps just someone to talk to.
Finally, as the evening began to wind down, Claire led Rei out to the palace gardens, where the cool night air provided a welcome respite from the heat and noise of the ballroom. They walked in silence for a while, the only sound the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze.
Claire stopped by a marble bench, turning to face Rei. “You’ve done well tonight,” she said softly. “Better than I expected.”
Rei smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest at the rare compliment. “I just wanted to make sure I didn’t embarrass you.”
“You didn’t embarrass me. In fact, you impressed me.”
Rei’s heart skipped a beat. This was the first time Claire had spoken so openly, without the usual prudence in her tone. She took a step closer, her voice gentle. “Miss Claire, I meant what I said before. I want to be someone you can trust, someone who’s here for you no matter what.”
Claire looked away, her gaze fixed on the distant lights of the palace. “Trust is difficult for me. I’ve spent my whole life surrounded by people who only see me as a means to an end, who only care about what I can offer them.”
Rei reached out, gently taking Claire’s hand in hers. “I’m not like them. I don’t care about your power or your status. I care about you, Miss Claire, as a person.”
For a long moment, Claire didn’t say anything. But then she turned back to her, her eyes shining with a mix of emotions that she could no longer hide—fear, hope, and something else that made Rei’s heart ache.
“You’re persistent,” Claire whispered, her voice trembling just slightly. “And for some reason, I find that I don’t want you to leave.”
Rei’s breath caught in her throat. This was it—the moment she had been waiting for, the moment where all her patience, her dedication, and her love had finally reached Claire.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Rei said softly, stepping even closer until they were inches apart. “I’m here for as long as you’ll have me.”
Claire’s eyes locked onto hers, and for the first time, the barriers between them crumbled completely. There was no pretense, no walls—just Claire, vulnerable and real, standing before her. Slowly, almost hesitantly, Claire leaned in, her lips brushing against Rei’s in a soft, tentative kiss.
It was a moment that seemed to stretch on forever, a perfect crystallization of everything Rei had ever dreamed of. When they finally pulled apart, Claire’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of emotions.
“I don’t know what the future holds,” Claire whispered, her voice barely audible. “But I want to find out—with you.”
Rei smiled, her heart swelling with love and determination. “Then let’s face it together, one step at a time.”
Claire nodded, and for the first time since Rei had arrived in Bauer, she allowed herself to relax completely, leaning into Rei’s embrace.
The garden around them was quiet, the world beyond the palace fading into insignificance as they stood there, holding each other. Whatever challenges lay ahead, Rei knew that they could face them—together.
And as the stars twinkled above, Rei realized that she had found her place in this world, not just by Claire’s side, but in her heart as well. The future was uncertain, but for the first time, Rei felt truly at peace.
She was home.