The Pitiful Widower (01)

[Host: Song Xueci.]

[You are the male servant NPC in "Lost in the Castle".]

[You will guide three players to explore the secret chambers of the ancient castle, providing relevant clues.]

[As an awakened NPC, your ultimate goal is to use players to take your deceased husband out of the game.]

[Your current task--]

[One: Use tactics to make several players crave you so much that they promise to take you out of the game after you complete it;]

Second: Find your husband's body and the beautiful memories you shared with him.

[Note that you must not be out of character (OOC) during the process.]

I'm so dizzy...

Xue Ci had a splitting headache.

Her eyelashes fluttered a few times, and just as she struggled to open her eyes, a cold, stern male voice rang out. "Have you had enough?"

Wh-what?

Xue Ci finally opened her eyes.

A tall man wearing a white shirt was sitting opposite me.

The man had a noble and aloof appearance.

She sat with her long legs bent on the intricately patterned cashmere carpet. Her clothes were clearly ironed, and her hair was neatly styled with hairspray, with a few stray strands falling out.

At this moment, it was looking over with a pair of narrow, dark eyes that were devoid of any emotion.

Are you talking to me?

Xue Ci pursed her lips, her mind still racing, when the man's thin lips uttered a second sentence. "How long are you going to keep your feet on my lap?"

Um?

Xue Ci subconsciously looked down and realized that she was wearing... a maid outfit?

Like the man opposite him, he was sitting on a cashmere carpet. Presumably finding the skirt too troublesome, he simply exposed his two thighs, tucking the hem of the skirt up to his stomach.

The white shorts underneath were probably too short, making it appear as if he wasn't wearing anything on his legs except for a very thin pair of white socks.

His foot did indeed extend out, his toes almost touching the man's inner thigh.

... a very dangerous location.

It looks like it's about to brush against me any second.

Xue Ci's shoulders trembled, her cheeks flushed red, and she immediately pulled her leg back.

The elite man opposite him didn't look much better. He stopped looking at Xue Ci, frowned, and moved his body back.

Xue Ci pouted.

He could sense the man's disdain.

He mentally complained to 11: [I haven't even met him yet...]

There was no response from 11, so it seems they haven't been transported to this world yet.

Xue Ci then had time to look around.

He was in a European-style castle, a typical Gothic building that you only see in Western movies.

The castle has electric lights, so it seems the game isn't set in a very distant era.

At this moment, he and three other men were sitting near the sofa, around a chessboard.

Xue Ci's knowledge of Europe culture was limited to textbooks and movies. This should be a chessboard; he had seen it in Harry Potter.

As for how to play... I have absolutely no idea.

It was now the man sitting next to him's turn.

More accurately, it should be a boy. He was dressed in a cool, trendy brand outfit, had headphones around his neck, dyed his hair a rebellious red, and wore a black earring.

He seems to have a strong personality, and his expression isn't very easygoing.

The boy impatiently picked up a chess piece and swept aside a white one.

The person sitting between this man and the man in the elite shirt from before was also a man.

The man's hair was a mess, like a bird's nest, and he wore a plain black T-shirt. His exposed skin was pale, as if he hadn't been out in the sun for years.

He was currently staring at something that looked like an instruction manual.

Xue Ci could only see his black-rimmed glasses; she couldn't make out his face or his age.

In short, neither of them are easy to talk to.

"Your turn."

The red-haired boy suddenly spoke.

Xue Ci met his gaze.

The other person casually raised an eyebrow. "If we lose again this time, we'll have to draw a punishment card."

Xue Ci could hear the playfulness and mockery in the other person's tone, as if they were just waiting to see him make a fool of himself.

He drooped his eyelids and said, "I understand!"

Qin Zhou paused for a moment.

He looked up at the top of the NPC's head.

There are lines of text above--

[NPC: Song Xueci]

Occupation: Castle valet.

Mood: Not very happy.

These days, so much effort is put into modeling an NPC, and even their mood attributes.

Qin Zhou had just finished the college entrance examination and was spending all his time playing games in his room when he got caught up in this endless game.

Feeling bored, he hatched a wicked plan. Knowing full well that the NPCs were all bots, he still wanted to deliberately provoke the young servant in front of him. "Want me to teach you, Xiao Ci?"

Xue Ci and became annoyed.

The other party's malicious teasing made him purse his lips.

For some reason, he got a little temperamental and, without knowing what was going on, put on a stern face. "I'm older than you. If you're going to call someone by a nickname, you should call them Brother Xiao Ci."

Qin Zhou was stunned. "Older than me?"

This face looks like it belongs to someone who's just come of age, doesn't it?

Qin Zhou had no idea that the woman in front of him was not only older than him, but had also been married before.

Even though her husband had made her completely accustomed to it, she didn't know how many positions she had been forced into or how many times her belly had been filled.

Her face still looks innocent and pure.

Before entering the small world, Xue Ci learned from 11 that there would be a player who had just finished the college entrance examination.

This must be the one.

Xue Ci said with a touch of pride, "I'm 23 years old."

Four years older?

Qin Zhou's eyelids twitched, as if he had just called a senior he had just met, who was about to graduate, by his nickname.

He coughed, feigning seriousness.

Qin Zhou felt awkward, and his tone wasn't as arrogant as before. "You look too small. I thought you were the same age as me."

Normally, if the other person says that, the conversation won't continue.

But now...

Xue Ci seized every opportunity she could, while also wanting to see how Qin Zhou would respond.

He asked in an innocent tone, "How old are you?"

This idle chatter, which was hindering the game's progress, was not stopped by the other two players.

One of them seemed reluctant to communicate and kept their head down the whole time.

One person stood with their arms crossed and a blank expression.

Qin Zhou casually scratched his red hair.

He was too concerned about saving face to reveal his real age. "I'm a little younger than you, aren't I?"

Then, seemingly out of kindness, she reminded him, "It's your turn."

Xue Ci didn't cause any more trouble.

Staring at the chessboard in frustration, he didn't even know what the rules were.

I need to find some time to look it up.

Qin Zhou hadn't originally focused his attention on Song Xueci; the other players had been dragged into this, and they all wanted to find a way out.

But this NPC suddenly bit his lip.

What's going on?

Qin Zhou didn't quite understand what this signal meant.

Song Xueci's mouth is quite small, but it looks plump and her lip is upturned. From his angle, it looks like she's biting her lip, releasing it, it turns red, then she bites it again, biting back and forth.

They smell delicious even after biting into them.

I wonder where that fragrance in my mouth came from?

Qin Zhou found this NPC a bit strange.

He doesn't look like a typical boy either; he's so fair-skinned, and when he wears a maid outfit, he doesn't dress properly, lifting the skirt all the way up to his stomach.

All that was left was a pair of very short shorts.

She was wearing such sheer white stockings on her legs.

Qin Zhou didn't know that these were all accessories from the maid outfits; he thought Song Xueci deliberately coordinated them this way.

I just stretched my leg towards the other players, my foot almost touching the man's...

Now she keeps biting her lip in front of him.

It's clearly an implication.

Is this game... serious?

Qin Zhou frowned.

What's going on? Putting a straight man like him into this kind of game? Is that appropriate?

No one urged her on. Xue Ci pondered for a long while, and at the crucial moment, a familiar voice rang in her mind—

[Baby, take the third one from the left, then move up two spaces.]

Xue Ci pleasantly surprised, but said aloud, "[You... you actually decided to come out? I was about to be bullied.]"

The unfriendly attitude of the man in the white shirt earlier had made him uncomfortable until now.

His mood improved considerably after being appeased by the Fragment, and he finally gave her a friendly look, pushing the piece upwards according to the given hints.

[Baby, lower the right side of the skirt.]

The Fragment still possesses a strong sense of possessiveness.

Xue Ci: "[I'm wearing pants underneath. Quickly help me figure out what to do next!]"

Xue Ci was very competitive, mainly because he felt that if he wanted to get on the good side of these players, he couldn't afford to be looked down upon.

People naturally admire those who are strong.

Of course, there's another reason... Xue Ci glanced at the stack of cards piled up beside her.

These are penalty cards; the loser has to draw one from them.

Xue Ci had a feeling that what was written above wasn't anything good.

He was using a cheat code, and the pieces he moved were all very aggressive, which made the expressions of the others become serious.

Except for the guy with glasses.

The other person's face was half-covered by messy curly hair, and they didn't dare to look up and make eye contact the whole time.

When it was other people's turn, they stared at the instruction manual in their hands, seemingly indifferent.

They are clearly not very good at communicating.

Xue Ci glanced at the man's hand—it was a chess manual.

His eyes widened.

Did you learn it on the spot?

They haven't lost yet.

"Looks like she's got a decent IQ," Xue Ci thought, momentarily forgetting to look away.

He didn't even notice the elite man glancing at him.

Lu Min's fingers curled up nervously and trembled slightly.

Why is this NPC staring at him so intently?

Is there something dirty on his face?

Did I do something wrong?

Or is he about to die?

Either is fine... but please, please don't look at him anymore.

Lu Min never expected that he, a socially awkward otaku, would be dragged into this kind of game with endless levels.

He kept his head down, but out of the corner of his eye he could see the NPC opposite him staring at him.

My mind is in a mess; I'm so nervous that countless thoughts are flooding my mind.

then--

My fingers trembled, and I moved one more space than intended.

"I didn't expect you to lose." Qin Zhou smirked, seemingly speaking to Lu Min, but his gaze drifted to the right.

The NPC's mood stat above their head has dropped again.

The corners of her lips also drooped down.

Her cheeks were chubby.

Qin Zhou noticed that this 23-year-old NPC still had baby fat on his cheeks.

With it puffed up like that, it makes you even more tempting to mess with it.

"... Okay." Lu Min hadn't spoken to anyone in a long time, and his voice was hoarse when he spoke, sounding very strange. He gave an embarrassed look and secretly glanced at Song Xueci.

The other person stopped looking in his direction.

Lu Min breathed a sigh of relief.

He reached out and drew a card from the pair of punishment cards.

[A penalty of twenty sit-ups or push-ups.]

Qin Zhou: "What is it?"

Lu Min was unwilling to speak and extended the card to the middle.

Everyone saw it.

Qin Zhou let out a bored snort, "That's it?"

He was willing to accept defeat. Qin Zhou was a homebody, but he was also afraid of becoming a complete couch potato, so he only exercised in his home gym.

Twenty sit-ups were easy for him.

"Then, I'll begin." His voice was much better than before when he spoke again. Lu Min's voice was very deep, a typical bass voice, but he felt it was hoarse, as if his vocal cords hadn't developed properly, which made him feel inferior and afraid to interact with people.

I especially don't dare to be stared at by good-looking people.

"It's right behind you," Fu Chengsi said, glancing towards Xue Ci. "Want to continue playing?"

Um?

Was he the one who organized the gathering first?

The living room was warm from the fireplace, and Xue Ci's cheeks were flushed, with tiny beads of sweat on his nose. He licked his dry lips. "... Let's rest first."

Fu Qisi tidied up the chessboard.

He doesn't enjoy working; he has obsessive-compulsive disorder.

I'm afraid that if someone else organizes it, I'll put it in the wrong place.

Here, Lu Min assumed a sit-up position. He glanced around; there were no benches nearby to help him stretch his legs.

His personality certainly wouldn't allow him to ask for help on his own initiative.

Just as I was about to switch to push-ups, a voice came from in front of me. "Do you need my help?"

Lu Min's shoulders stiffened as he saw a pair of feet, his gaze slowly moving upwards.

Through the gap in his hair, Song Xueci tilted her head and asked him.

Lu Min's whole body stiffened, his scalp tingled, and he wanted to say no, but his throat felt like it was blocked by something.

The other person was the only one among the three who seemed approachable, Xue Ci the initiative and asked, "Are you hot? Is the fireplace set too high?"

Large beads of sweat were already dripping from Lu Min's face, turning it a deep liver color. "It's nothing."

"Well, thank you."

He quickly put on his shoes and lay down stiffly.

That's incredibly strong.

Xue Ci couldn't hold it down with her hands.

He called out, "Wait."

Lu Min was about to get up, stiffened and fell back to the ground.

Soon, he felt something soft sitting on his ankle.

A soft voice said, "It's done."

Lu Min's head was buzzing, and he was sweating profusely from the heat.

Lu Min didn't know what kind of finisher he was, having done twenty sit-ups. He only knew that his chest was heaving violently, and he felt like he couldn't breathe. He opened his mouth and lifted his cumbersome curly hair up.

A handsome face with sharp features was revealed.

Song Xueci was getting up when he secretly glanced at her.

The mood attribute above my head has worsened.

Was it him? Did he just sneak a very obvious sniff?

Lu Min was embarrassed to admit that he had secretly glanced at Song Xueci several times and thought Song Xueci smelled really good.

This constitutes sexual harassment.

Lu Min didn't dare to speak to the other person first, and dejectedly followed the remaining two players back to the second-floor room.

*

I don't know what Lu Min's bones are made of, but Xue Ci's thighs were all red from being poked.

He breathed a sigh of relief and sat down on the sofa after all the other players had returned to their rooms.

Version 11 is finally out. I'll also refresh the data while I'm at it.

It was too hot in the living room, and there was no one else around. Xue Ci took off her two cumbersome white stockings, lifted up her skirt, and put her feet on the sofa.

The soft flesh of the thigh was squeezed out of shape.

My legs are a little red.

He felt uncomfortable sitting on the man's lap.

Xue Ci hunched over, her cheek resting on her knees, as she flipped through the documents.

The game primarily revolves around the castle in this small town. Players need to utilize limited resources to explore the secrets of the ancient castle.

[The clues you can provide to the player--]

First: The castle's owner Mrs. West, is 84 years old this year. She was unable to care for herself due to a car accident two years ago and now lives in the castle being cared for by several servants. Mrs. West loves the violin and has a poor relationship with her family.

Second: The rabbit in the castle holds a crucial clue.

Very few clues.

These clues failed to attract the attention of those players who seemed quite picky.

Xue Ci frowned slightly.

[Furthermore, due to unknown reasons, you have lost your memory and need to leave the castle during your vacation to search for your husband's body.]

This is a hidden quest.

[Important Notes--]

You cannot let the other players know that you have a husband.

Otherwise, you will bear all the consequences.

There are other NPCs in the castle: a cook, a gardener, a doorman, and several servants.

Xue Ci's daily work was simple: to take the meals to the top of the castle—the First Lady's room.

Also, the rabbit that takes care of the First Lady.

Xue Ci checked the salary and was surprised – it was a very good job.

Having understood the mission and character settings, he opened the profiles of the players he had just met.

Lu Min: Game Designer.

Age: 24 years old.

Attribute: Socially awkward, introverted guy.

Intelligence attribute: S-rank.

Physical fitness: S-level.

Social Attributes: F-rank.

Relationship status: Currently single due to fear of communicating with humans.

Abnormal attribute: Unknown.

Fu Chengsi: Family CEO

Age: 28 years old.

Attributes: Cold, elite, sharp-tongued, and selfish man.

Intelligence attribute: S-rank.

Physical fitness: S+.

Social Attribute: F-.

Relationship status: Dislikes equality and sees everyone as empty shells.

[Perverted attribute: If we're going to talk about it, they'll probably pull a lot of tricks.]

[Qin Zhou: Male prospective college graduate.]

Age: 18 years old.

Attribute: A carefree and cool guy with no bad intentions.

Intelligence attribute: Grade B.

Physical fitness: S+.

Social attributes: S+.

Relationship status: Just turned 18, full of romantic expectations for love, and has high requirements for a partner.

[Perverted trait: Unexpectedly innocent.]

Xue Ci quickly made the connection.

He stared at Qin Zhou's age column.

He knew all too well the passion of younger men.

Once you get involved, it's hard to have any personal time.

It seems that Lu Min is the most suitable candidate at the moment.

*

After doing twenty sit-ups, Lu Min still didn't know why his body felt so hot.

He went downstairs to get a glass of water and saw Xue Ci sitting on the sofa, spreading her legs and bringing her face close to his.

Lu Min was startled by such a bold move and really wanted to go over and ask Xue Ci about her situation. After hesitating for a long time, he immediately gave up the idea and hid back on the stairs after the other party made a very small movement.

It's not really appropriate to greet someone at this time.

Wearing nothing at all, it'll probably be very awkward.

Lu Min went upstairs with a flushed face, only to run into Qin Zhou in the corridor.

Seeing Qin Zhou about to go downstairs, he mustered his courage and said, "Wait, don't go down yet!"

Qin Zhou turned to the side, looking at him with a puzzled expression.

In his eyes, Lu Min was a slovenly nerdy guy with a strange personality.

Talking nonsense.

What kind of people did I encounter?

He ignored him and continued walking, but this time Lu Min stopped him directly.

"Um... um... there are NPCs downstairs, it's not a good time to go down now." Lu Min's face flushed suspiciously as he recalled the scene from earlier.

Qin Zhou: "You mean Song Xueci? What's he doing?"

Lu Min didn't say anything, only repeatedly telling him to wait a while before going down.

Qin Zhou, whose personality was completely different from Lu Min's, said impatiently, "What could he possibly be doing in the living room?"

Lu Min stammered, "He was... I don't know, anyway, his skirt was all lifted up... and his socks were off too."

His embarrassed look made Qin Zhou shudder. "What's wrong with being a man? Or are you not straight?"

Lu Min was stunned, but immediately retorted after realizing what he meant, "How could I not be?!"

"What are you afraid of? It's just a thigh. He just lifted up his skirt, and he was wearing shorts underneath."

"Those shorts... are very thin."

Reminded by Lu Min, Qin Zhou seemed to have thought of it as well.

The fabric was very sheer, and you could vaguely see underneath—white shorts with lace trim.

A strange dryness rose in his throat. "What happened to his... thigh?"

Lu Min didn't dare to look around. "I don't know."

Qin Zhou frowned. "He was just sitting on your lap. Did you do something to his thigh?"

Lu Min tongue-tied and couldn't explain himself clearly.

They were completely outmatched.

Qin Zhou muttered to himself, "The skin on his thighs looks so tender; it would probably turn red if I pinched it... Never mind, I'll go ask him."

The room door opened.

Fu Chengsi leaned against the door, expressionless as he watched the two straight men brazenly discussing the NPC's thighs.

He gave a soft scoff.

Just as I was about to remind the two to keep their voices down, my gaze inadvertently fell on what was behind them.

There were several steps separating them.

The person being discussed stood there, his ears burning red.

Perhaps feeling embarrassed by the fact that two men were discussing her thighs, Song Xueci kept her eyes down, twisting her clothes with her fingers, staring awkwardly at her toes.

He hooked up with those two idiots so quickly.

Fu Chengsi raised his narrow eyes.

I don't know what tricks I'll have to play on him in the future.

Author's Note:

Do you think we'll be able to find the baby's white socks later?

The baby already felt seduced before it even started.

As for why Fu Chengsi didn't dodge even when he was about to be hit, it's because the other person was Xue Ci herself.

This opening chapter is already from my second reading.

The first playthrough is about the husband and the first time visiting the castle.

Every week, Xue Ci loses her memory, hehe.