Chapter Text
Since he can remember, life has felt meaningless.
He doesn’t recall much of his childhood before his parents died—just faint traces of laughter and happiness—but after that fateful day, his life was filled with hardship and suffering.
He witnessed firsthand as a man entered their apartment and, without hesitation, stabbed his father multiple times. His mother had been asleep, but she woke up from the noise and screamed. She was killed in the same way. He saw everything through the small gap in his bedroom door. He didn’t make a sound, watching the man walk around the house, grab a few valuables, and leave quickly. He didn’t move or make a single noise until a neighbor came up the stairs and found the front door open, saw the horrific scene, and called emergency services.
Everything after that was a blur. He remembers adult voices asking him questions, being taken into an ambulance, and watching as his parents' bodies were covered. Even then, he still caught a glimpse of his mother’s terrified face and the stab wounds on her chest—but he felt nothing.
His next memory is of flashing cameras and overlapping voices as he was taken elsewhere.
‘Too loud.’
“You should be able to start the next route now.”
A gentle, kind voice spoke.
“Yes, I’ll do it as soon as we get back from that boring award ceremony.”
A slender, graceful young man replied.
“Hahaha… You’re the only one who would call such an important event that.”
“I wouldn’t even think of going if you hadn’t insisted.”
The boy laughed at his own answer, lounging on the long sofa while looking at his friend.
“That’s because it’s an important event—you shouldn’t skip it. It’ll help your career.”
He spoke while turning toward the young man, who was still getting dressed.
“I know, I know… but I still don’t want to go.”
“But you have to.”
Letting out a tired sigh, the young man replied, “I’ll go only because you asked me to.”
“Hahaha… You should decide for yourself. But as your manager, I’m obligated to use my authority to make you go.”
With a soft smile, his manager stood up and finished fixing his clothes. The young man let him.
“All right, it’s time to go.”
Nodding, the two left the room, heading toward the event.
‘Ughh…’
He held his head with one hand, a sharp pain surging through it.
‘What… what happened?’
Slowly, he opened his eyes, expecting to see a familiar ceiling—but was surprised by the sight of a canopy overhead.
He sat up quickly, which only made his headache worse.
“Ugh, my head… huh?”
He clutched his head again with a groan, but instead of his voice, a strange, soft, childish voice came out.
“What’s… going on? Is this… is this my voice?”
With a trembling hand, he touched his throat. He raised his other hand and saw a small one, rather than the large, calloused one he was used to. His skin was still pale as snow, but now it was soft and small, without the marks left by playing instruments.
‘From the looks of it, I’ve ended up in another world, huh.’
He looked around—an expansive room with tall windows, luxurious carpets, and gemstone decorations. Everything screamed nobility—perhaps even royalty.
Knock knock
A soft knock came from the door.
“Your Highness, I’m coming in.”
A young man with brown hair entered. When he saw him awake, he was briefly surprised before hurrying over.
“Oh, thank the heavens! I’m so glad you’re awake!”
The young man, who appeared to be his personal butler, began checking him over. He stepped out for a moment, then returned quickly to his side.
“The royal physician will arrive shortly to examine you.”
“I understand.”
A few minutes later, a man entered—he seemed under forty. He bowed and asked permission to examine him, which was granted with a nod. After the checkup, he determined that there was no longer any danger, and advised a few days of rest.
“Then, I shall take my leave, Your Highness.”
“Very well.”
With a small nod, he dismissed the doctor.
The young man, named Dot, gently laid him back down, saying food would be brought soon.
Once alone, he finally began to think and analyze everything.
He would’ve had much less information if the young man hadn’t called him by name—he recognized immediately where he was.
‘I’m inside the game Yeon-ho showed me.’
Looking at himself in the mirror, he recognized the beautiful appearance of the former owner of this body.
Joffrey Biscotti, the second prince of the kingdom.
A quiet yet kind young man, skilled in the arts, music, and history. His profile was that of a prince who always wore a friendly smile, affectionate with children and elders. He showed little interest in most things—including the throne.
As a child, he was known for speaking very little. This was because his mother, the queen, pressured him to be better than his half-brother, the first prince Edward, the main protagonist of the game.
Their relationship was mostly neutral; Joffrey didn’t bother Edward, but he didn’t protect him from the queen’s abuse either.
In the end, he falls in love with the heroine and is killed by his brother—a simple ending.
‘Honestly, I don’t care about this world or its people, but…’
“Hey, I found a new game, and it’s my favorite so far. Every character’s story is unique and tragic.”
“I see.”
“That’s why I want you to play it too. You’ll learn a lot about their lives, emotions, feelings, and experiences.”
“…You know I’m not into those kinds of games.”
“Please, I want you to reach their endings and feel something.”
“But Ho, you know I don’t—”
“I know, but who knows, maybe through this… you’ll be able to understand…”
He remembered that day, when he agreed to play it, and Yeon-ho had forbidden him from looking up spoilers.
‘…This world is one that Ho loved. Especially his favorite character—the heroine. And his favorite route was with Edward.’
Even though he only played Joffrey’s route, he knew Edward’s childhood had been anything but happy—and that was due to the queen, his new mother.
‘Hmm… then what I need to do is simple: I have to improve Edward’s life, so he can grow up well and won’t end up killing the heroine.’
He didn’t even consider his own possible death. That kind of fear didn’t exist in him. And even if it did, he wouldn’t know how to feel it.
“Are you sure you want to return to class, Your Highness?”
“Yes, I mustn’t neglect my studies.”
“Still…”
“I don’t want to worry Mother. She must want me to continue my education.”
“As you wish.”
Dot, walking behind him, escorted Joffrey toward the study hall where the Duke Pie taught. Gently, Dot opened the door and stepped aside to let Joffrey pass.
“Greetings, Your Highness. I’m glad to see you well.”
“Yes. Your encouragement helps me want to return to his lessons.”
He entered with a firm, measured step and took his place. From the corner of his eye, he saw his brother—the main character of the game—Edward Biscotti. His elder half-brother, the one who would eventually kill him.
Even with that knowledge, Joffrey showed no trace of fear, smiling in his direction.
“It’s good to see you again, Edward.”
The blond boy did not lift his head; he remained lying on the desk. Despite no response, Joffrey smiled more broadly before turning his attention back to the tutor, who showed no reaction and did not reprimand Edward for not paying attention.
Joffrey listened attentively, having reviewed the material beforehand to prepare for the day’s topics. It would not do to disappoint—he didn’t want to disappoint anyone.
When the lesson ended, the tutor packed up his teaching materials. Joffrey took the moment to wake Edward.
“Edward, you must be hungry. Would you like to come to my palace for some snacks?”
In a calm, gentle voice, he addressed his brother. Not seeing him get up, he stepped closer to Edward’s ear:
“Get up—you shouldn’t starve yourself.”
Finally, the boy lifted his head, his large sapphire eyes meeting Joffrey’s.
“Let’s go.”
Not wanting to waste time, Joffrey insisted again, and Edward rose and followed him.
“Here you go—please enjoy your afternoon tea.”
“Thank you. You may leave now.”
The maid bowed politely and left the room. The two princes remained alone, attended only by Joffrey’s assistant.
“Don’t hesitate to have more—eat as much as you like.”
Joffrey brought several treats closer to Edward, who didn’t move at first.
“Try these—they’re delicious.”
Edward watched Joffrey's movements with an indifferent gaze.
“Alright.”
Cautiously, he picked up a utensil and tasted the dessert. His eyes lit up at the flavor.
“It’s delicious, isn’t it?”
He propped his chin on his hand, watching Edward eating more treats. The boy nodded in agreement.
Joffrey's smile widened. He watched Edward try different desserts. After a while, he picked up his own utensil and tasted one as well.
A gentle silence filled the room, broken only by the soft clinking of plates.
Birds flew joyfully over the vast garden. Gardeners worked diligently as a handsome boy walked by greeting them all.
“Lovely weather today, isn’t it?”
“Oh, Your Highness—it’s an ideal day for pruning the bushes and tending to the flowers.”
“Keep up the good work—see you later.”
“Take care, Your Highness. Enjoy your walk.”
The old gardener waved goodbye to the cheerful prince as he passed.
More than a month has passed since he arrived in this world, and he has begun to grow accustomed to his new life, body, and routine.
During this time, he has spent more time with his brother, trying to get Edward to open up and, with hope, improve his quality of life and treatment at court. He gets along well with the palace staff and servants, but he hasn’t had much contact with the queen—only when she came to visit after he awakened in this body. He has yet to meet the king, though he understands they will soon dine together as a family.
Admiring the beautiful planted roses, he turned his gaze toward a tree. Beneath a little shade, he saw someone.
“Dot, I’d like to have tea in the greenhouse.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Bring two cups and various pastries.”
“…Yes, understood.”
His servant nodded and left. Over the days, Dot stopped asking questions and began to understand immediately why a second cup was requested.
Watching the young man disappear, Joffrey walked toward the tree, calm and smiling.
“Edward—it’s good to find you here.”
“… I don’t understand how you keep recognizing me.”
“Haha… it’s easy—Edward’s appearance is hard to disguise.”
Edward was dressed like a simple servant, wearing a patched cotton shirt too big for his slender frame. A grey cap sat awkwardly on his blond hair, which escaped in golden strands too bright to go unnoticed. It seemed he had been wandering the palace gardens as he had come to do.
The first time Joffrey saw him in that attire was two weeks ago, returning from the stables. Upon seeing Edward, he had approached once Dot stepped aside. Edward was surprised to be recognized instantly.
Joffrey didn’t understand how anyone could identify him in costume—it was too recognizable: his striking face, his blond hair—unusual even in the capital.
This was the fourth time he had encountered Edward dressed as a servant, and each time, Joffrey invited him to tea.
It had become a pleasant little routine.
“Come, let’s have something to drink.”
Edward followed, used to Joffrey’s invitations.
The greenhouse smelled of sweet camellias and jasmine. Light streaming through the arched windows painted golden patterns on the white marble floor. Small butterflies fluttered among the hanging pots, as though they sensed time slowed here. Surrounded by unique trees and flowers not native to the kingdom—gifts from his dear uncle, the King of Sorbett—the greenhouse was constructed and maintained under royal patronage. According to his mother, a letter from his uncle was expected in a few days.
When they arrived, attendants arranged ivory- and gold-colored teacups and a teapot, as well as several pastries and snacks. Dot pulled out Joffrey’s chair, and another servant did the same for Edward.
They left, leaving the two brothers in peaceful solitude.
It had happened so often by now that eating in silence had become normal for them.
“I see you really like cookies.”
Edward’s hand paused mid-air, looking at Joffrey with curiosity.
“I’ll make sure they prepare more.”
“It’s not necessary—there are already many.”
And it wasn’t a lie. There was a great variety on display. Over time, Joffrey learned Edward’s preferences and had asked for extra stock.
Edward seems to enjoy cookies. Eating them calms him down. That must be beneficial. I should order more.
With a soft smile, Joffrey thought this.
“Still, one sometimes can’t have enough of something you like. It's okay to be a little greedy.”
“Is that so?”
The long blond lashes blinked.
“Yes. It’s part of human nature to want more of what pleases us, so there's no harm in it.”
A gentle silence settled in the room. After a while, Edward nodded.
“If you say so, it must be true.”
Joffrey smiled in satisfaction and decided to change the subject he had wanted to bring up earlier:
“Lunch will be served soon. The servants love to bring more cookies afterward.”
“Really?”
Edward paid attention, and his blue eyes brightened.
“Yes. And honestly, I’m quite full—but if you want, you can eat it.”
“May I?”
“Of course—later they’ll bring the food. Come with me so you can have freshly baked cookies.”
“Alright.”
Clenching his fist inwardly, Joffrey picked up a profiterole and ate it gently.
"I hope Your Highnesses enjoy everything the chef prepared especially for you. I shall take my leave."
The servant bowed along with the others before departing.
Only the princes and Dot remained.
On the table lay several delicious dishes—meats, freshly baked bread, soup, salads, sautéed vegetables.
Edward’s sapphire eyes sparkled at the sight of the large variety of food laid out before them.
"Take your time choosing."
Joffrey offered with a smile. After hesitating for a few seconds, Edward picked up a bowl of creamy soup.
His quick hand movement made it clear that he liked it.
‘Good, then I should eat too.’
"Dot."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The young servant approached with an ice bucket and tongs.
Plop
Edward, who was eating, stopped at the sound and looked toward it, witnessing a very strange and unusual scene. Joffrey’s servant was putting several ice cubes into Joffrey’s soup bowl, as well as in the other hot dishes his brother had chosen to eat.
He must have felt Edward’s gaze, because Joffrey turned toward him.
"I don’t like eating hot food—I prefer it cold. Sorry for the strange sight."
His brother explained with a gentle smile.
‘How odd…’
Since the day he woke from his sudden fever, Joffrey’s personality had changed. Before, he kept to himself, quiet and gloomy. If he didn’t breathe or move, one might have thought he was dead.
But after that incident, he came back different. For starters, he spoke to Edward—something that had never happened before. His once lifeless, indifferent gaze was gone. Now he smiled. There was always a smile on his face, and his black eyes, tinged with amethyst, sparkled like the sun.
Words to invite him to eat together now came from his rosy lips.
Edward didn’t understand what Joffrey was trying to do. Until now, they had remained indifferent to each other. But now it was different.
Every time Edward disguised himself as a servant, his brother found him and invited him to tea. And after class, it was the same.
Joffrey paid attention in class, though sometimes he would be distracted by the window. In those moments, the tutor would ask him a surprise question, but Joffrey always answered without hesitation.
From what he’d heard, his brother liked to walk in the garden in the mornings and afternoons, greeting everyone with a kind smile. They all greeted him back happily—something you wouldn’t expect from a prince. Someone of his rank didn’t usually acknowledge those below him.
Edward had started to grow accustomed to this routine of being taken to eat sweets, and to this new behavior. But today, he saw the strangest thing yet.
The servant had begun placing ice in Joffrey’s food. Apparently, Joffrey couldn’t stand eating anything hot. And from what he saw, the servant even added ice to Joffrey’s tea, which explained why his tea wasn’t touched until some time had passed—and when he did drink it, he added ice.
Edward saw nothing wrong with it—the summer heat was strong.
Once the ice was added, Joffrey stirred the soup for a while and then started eating.
‘Very strange…’
Not wanting to waste time, Edward resumed eating.
The dining room was calm and quiet, with only the soft sounds of silverware, none too loud.
"Well then, enjoy the cookies. Oh, and I asked them to pack some for you to take."
Edward nodded.
Under Joffrey’s servant’s guidance, they moved to another room inside his palace, a spacious resting area. Without delay, the black-haired prince took Edward’s hand and settled him onto a soft, fluffy cushion.
It had no wooden structure, but it was more comfortable than a sofa. Unconsciously, Edward relaxed and let out a small sound of pleasure.
"It’s very comfy, right?"
Joffrey looked at him with a pleased smile.
Edward turned his gaze slightly, embarrassed by his own reaction.
"Hahaha, don’t worry—I love it too. That’s why I had it made."
"You had it… made?"
"That’s right. I wanted something comfortable that didn’t require much effort. And you can lie however you want on it—it adapts to your body."
Walking calmly, he moved to another cushion and sat down, settling naturally with an air of elegance.
"What do you think? Do you like it?"
"…"
Joffrey waited calmly for his answer. His dark but shining eyes observed him. Occasionally, amethyst hues danced in them, like stars in a dark night.
"…Yes, it’s very comfortable."
A beautiful, bright smile spread across Joffrey’s lips. His eyes curved like a crescent moon as he smiled.
"I see. I’m glad to hear that. Actually, I had it made after I couldn’t find a place where I could rest comfortably. Sofas get tiring sometimes. This cushion is called a pouf."
"Pouf?"
"Yes, it’s very soft and cozy. I can lie down, sit, or even rest my feet on it—it’s multipurpose."
"I understand."
Edward nodded at the younger one’s explanation.
A soft sound was heard.
"Come in."
"Your Highness, I’ve brought you something to drink."
The young servant approached with refreshing drinks.
"Thank you."
"…"
With a puzzled expression, Edward looked at the strange pink drink with ice cubes floating in it. When he moved it, the ice clinked against the glass.
With a bit of hesitation, he took a sip.
His eyes widened, shining with delight at the unusual, sweet flavor.
"From your expression, I take it you liked it. I’m glad I asked the chef to make it."
"Yes, he prepared it according to Your Highness’s instructions."
His sapphire-blue gaze shifted to his brother’s drink, which was a different color—light green, with a lemon slice floating on the surface.
"This is mint and cucumber lemonade. I don’t think it’d suit your tastes—it’s not sweet."
"I want to try it."
Joffrey nodded with a smile.
He handed him the glass. Upon tasting it, a fresh, minty flavor passed down his throat, but as Joffrey had said, it wasn’t sweet, and there was another flavor he didn’t quite like.
"Haha, I told you."
Taking the glass back, Joffrey chuckled softly.
Edward silently observed his strange and mysterious brother. The boy drank calmly while settling into the pouf.
As always, their conversation was quiet and light. They didn’t touch on many subjects—just the weather and how his day had gone. Even when Edward didn’t respond about what he had done, Joffrey didn’t get upset; he just smiled, as if he understood.
In the end, Edward had to return to his palace, but not without first receiving many sweets and drinks packed in a picnic basket carried by Dot, who would accompany him.
With a final glance at his brother, who waved goodbye with a smile, Edward turned away.
His brother was certainly odd.
But… maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing after all.
‘There may be many changes in the palace…’
With that final thought, he headed back to his palace.