The moment Adrian stepped into the hall, he knew one thing.
Yeah… I'm dead.
At the head of the table sat a man with a cold, commanding presence.
Baron Ardent.
"…You're late."
"I woke up five minutes ago," Adrian replied.
Silence.
The air froze.
"…You've gotten bold," the Baron said slowly.
Right. Trash reputation.
Adrian immediately corrected himself.
"My apologies, Father."
The Baron narrowed his eyes.
"…You sound different."
"Almost dying does that."
"…Hmph."
The Baron placed a sealed letter on the table.
"You're going to the Rosenberg Territory."
Adrian blinked.
"…That sounds important."
"It is."
The Baron's voice turned serious.
"You will deliver this to Count Rosenberg personally."
Count?
Adrian straightened slightly.
That was two ranks above a baron.
Why am I being sent there?
"Why me?" he asked.
The Baron looked at him coldly.
"Because if you fail, I lose nothing."
"…Honest. I respect that."
Adrian picked up the letter.
Heavy.
Sealed with wax.
Definitely important.
And then—
[Ding!]
He froze.
There it is.
[System Activated]
[Welcome, Host: Adrian Helios von Ardent]
A blue screen appeared.
[Reputation System Lv. 1]
Reputation: -23 (Useless Noble)
Title: Family Disgrace
"…Wow. Straight to the point."
[New Quest]
Quest: Represent the Ardent Family
Deliver the letter to Count Rosenberg
Do not embarrass yourself
Leave a decent impression
Reward:
+15 Reputation
Skill: "Basic Noble Etiquette"
Penalty:
-15 Reputation
Rumors worsen
Adrian sighed.
"So even in another world, I have performance reviews."
"…Is there a problem?" the Baron asked.
"…No. I'll go."
"Good."
On the Road
The carriage rolled through green fields under a clear sky.
Adrian leaned against the window.
"…Okay, this is way better than office life."
No boss.
No deadlines.
Just peace.
[Hint: Reputation gains increase when interacting with higher-ranked individuals.]
"…So you're telling me to impress a Count."
"Hey," Adrian called the knight escorting him.
"Yes, Young master?"
"What kind of person is Count Rosenberg?"
"A strict and powerful noble. Known for discipline."
"…So scary."
"Yes."
"…Great."
Near Rosenberg Territory – Afternoon
The carriage slowed.
"Road's blocked," the knight muttered.
Adrian looked outside.
A carriage had stopped ahead.
A wheel had come loose.
Servants were panicking.
"…Trouble already?"
Then he saw her.
A girl standing beside the broken carriage.
Long dark hair.
Elegant posture.
But clearly annoyed.
"…Why is no one fixing it faster?" she said sharply.
The servants flinched.
Definitely noble.
Adrian hesitated.
Ignore and move on? Safe option.
[Optional Action Detected]
→ Assist = Possible Reputation Gain
→ Ignore = No Change
"…You're really forcing me to work, huh."
He stepped down from his carriage.
"Need help?"
The girl turned.
Her eyes scanned him.
Judging.
"…And you are?"
"Adrian. Passing by."
She crossed her arms.
"And what can you do exactly?"
Fair question.
Adrian crouched near the wheel.
Office worker experience: zero.
Common sense: decent.
"…The axle slipped," he muttered.
He looked at the knight.
"Got tools?"
"Yes."
"Help me lift it."
After a few minutes of effort—
Click.
The wheel locked back into place.
The servants looked stunned.
"…Done," Adrian stood up, brushing dust off.
The girl blinked.
Surprised.
"…You fixed it."
"Yeah."
[+5 Reputation]
"…You don't look like someone who can do that," she said.
"People are full of surprises."
Another pause.
Then—
She smiled slightly.
[+3 Reputation]
"My name is Seraphina Rosenberg."
Adrian froze for half a second.
…Wait.
"…Rosenberg?"
"Yes."
She tilted her head.
"You were heading to our estate, weren't you?"
"…What a coincidence."
[Hidden Condition Triggered]
"Favorable First Encounter"
Adrian sighed internally.
This system really likes coincidences.
Seraphina stepped closer.
"Ride with us. It's the least we can do."
"…Sure."
As he followed her, one thought crossed his mind—
Maybe this world won't be boring after all.