Lumere Academy: A Place to Fall in Love
It was just another ordinary otome game.
The heroines totaled four, but there was no harem ending—only pure romance endings. Each playthrough allowed the player to bond with only one heroine, a very typical setup in otome games.
There was, however, one notable difference—
The heroines not chosen by the protagonist, Yuren Star Dust, would live unhappily forever. Unable to forget the sting of rejection, they would never pursue relationships with other men.
During the end credits, a short CG depiction of the ten-year futures of the defeated heroines was shown. Watching this, one might wonder what the players of such a game think.
The answer was simple—they immediately proceeded to the next heroine, seeking their happiness. After all, that was the ultimate desire for the player.
Despite their attempts, a hollow feeling would often arise after completing all heroine routes. In each timeline, only one heroine could achieve happiness. Where was the grand happy ending where everyone lived happily ever after?
The more this was thought about, the more it irked the player. If only I were the protagonist, I would ensure the happiness of every heroine, no matter what it cost me.
Ah, it was fun—time to move on to another game, they might say. But it was a game they truly cherished. They sought to see an image where every heroine could be happy together in the same world.
Why did they hold such affection for the heroines?
Because they were the player.
Yes, because they were the player.
Lumere Academy: A Place to Fall in Love
For anyone who has played this game, there is an irrefutable element of importance—trauma.
You might know the word “trauma,” but do you understand its exact meaning?
Simply put, it’s an emotional wound carried by every person.
The developers did not lightly attach the word “trauma” to this game. The protagonist, Yuren Star Dust, bonds with one heroine.
This part had no issue on its own.
However, add the factor of trauma and it becomes problematic. Yuren can only resolve the trauma of the heroine he selects. The other heroines, left without resolution, endure a life of unhappiness due to the game’s mechanics.
This is why I suffered so intensely, joining the protagonist’s group regardless of my own well-being. My purpose was to resolve all the heroines’ traumas in place of the player-driven Yuren Star Dust.
I succeeded in solving the traumas of every heroine and depicted a true happy ending where all heroines could live happily forever.
“Yuren and Judit are having an affair.”
Could a heroine truly be happy without the protagonist?
Such an outcome was impossible from the start. Why did I only realize now that a heroine paired with someone other than the protagonist leads to an unhappy life?
I decided to tear up the regression book—not for my own happiness, but to return to the past and ensure the genuine happiness of all heroines.
For every heroine to truly achieve happiness, only one method existed.
The harem ending with the protagonist, Yuren Star Dust.
That’s all there was to it.
Seven years have passed since graduation.
“Where is Yuren hanging out these days?”
Judit Mundersturm.
A failed heroine and my favorite character among them all. She is also my only spouse.
Her tidy black hair, radiant golden eyes, porcelain-white skin, and a body highlighted by full curves and a slender waist…
In terms of outward appearance, wealth, and noble lineage as a duchess, she ranks first in every category—truly the epitome of the perfect bride.
Her character intro might describe her as “possessing a poised demeanor with haughty charm and a lemon-like freshness,” but that’s not all…
The developers should have added something crucial to her description:
A devoted lover fixated on the protagonist.
The cherry blossom hair decoration pinned to the side of Judit’s hair was a gift from Yuren, the protagonist and her childhood friend, on her birthday.
Even after marriage, she continued to wear it.
“Shirai must be living a peaceful life.”
Shirai, Yuren’s chosen heroine.
Although once blind—a fatal flaw—it was corrected seven years ago. She now walks with both eyes fully restored. She might be the happiest among all the heroines. She surely believes Yuren was the one who fixed her eyes and has since been completely under his charm.
“Shirai makes me envious.”
“If that’s the case, go to Yuren and ask him to marry you, too.”
Listening to this got me so agitated I had to interject.
“You always get sensitive whenever Yuren’s name comes up. Remember when you yelled at me after I ate dinner with Yuren?”
“Isn’t it natural to be upset when a spouse meets someone without telling you first?”
“I’m saying you’re overly sensitive. Just cool off and we’ll talk.”
The sole reason I endure is one:
The magnificent manor that no one else, not even me, could envy. The panoramic view of the empire’s dazzling city lights from the high-rise terrace.
It’s all due to Judit’s family wealth. And here I am sharing a glass of wine with her on this terrace, something long overdue.
The starry night sky—the perfect, faultless landscape.
In such a beautiful moment, is arguing really necessary?
“Anyway, let me know next time before you meet him.”
“Why? Do you think I’m suspicious?”
It goes without saying that I should be suspicious.
Judit is the heroine; Yuren is the protagonist who pursues heroines. How could I not be skeptical?
Although I know nothing will happen between Yuren, who has already married Shirai, and Judit…
“Why are you silent? Do you suspect me?”
Judit poked my chest with her fingers.
I usually wouldn’t feel pressured, but lately, these moments of tension have been increasing. Her father also dislikes me.
Judit quickly drank her wine.
Her face had taken on a dazed look due to the alcohol.
“Yuren hosts events every year, cooks delicious food, takes vacations, and performs interesting sacred sword techniques. I can’t figure out why the two of them have no children.”
Indeed, why don’t they? According to rumors, the relationship seems good.
I understand better than anyone else that it’s inappropriate to discuss this. My situation isn’t much different.
“I want to live a day as Shirai.”
“Enough!”
The atmosphere immediately chilled due to my comment.
I feel like I’m standing barefoot on thin ice.
“Did I say something I shouldn’t have? I only mentioned one day, that’s all.”
“…”
Every time I look at Judit, I find it ironic.
My hair is golden, and my eyes are black, while hers are the opposite—black hair with golden eyes.
Our appearances clash as much as our personalities do, leading to our frequent arguments.
Still, I love Judit more than any other heroine. Even now, seeing her makes my heart race like it’s about to burst.
“Why are you staring at me like that?”
“Can’t a husband look at his wife?”
“Don’t, it’s gross.”
They say marital arguments are like cutting water with a knife. The icy tension we had moments ago vanished instantly.
We are adults and can regain our composure. When you’re married, a glance at your partner’s adorable face can naturally dispel anger.
Under the light of the moon, Judit and I calmed our anger and silently gazed at the night sky.
“Should we toast once more?”
“I just finished mine.”
“I’ll pour you more, come on.”
Judit made a reluctant expression as if it were too much, though she used to love drinking.
Resigning to pour her a glass when my hand moved downward,
“…You said you’d refill me.”
Judit coolly said with a prim expression and presented her wine glass.
The soft light of the full moon reflected on the surface of the glass she handed me. The tsundere-like features are still present, and I’ve always loved this side of her.
“My arm hurts, hurry up.”
Without hesitation, I filled Judit’s glass with wine, and we clinked our glasses together, tipping them back and drinking deeply.
WHOOSH—BOOM!!
At the same time, fireworks erupted in the sky.
The fireworks were celebrating our wedding anniversary.
‘I am happy.’
I am happy.
Could there be a better happy ending?
*
The next day, a bright morning.
When I awoke, I saw Judit sitting in front of her vanity mirror.
“Ah, you’re awake?”
“Where are you going?”
“I’ve got something urgent.”
Judit usually left her makeup to the household staff.
The only times she applied makeup herself were those important to her, like her academy graduation or photo shoots.
It was rare to see Judit do her makeup herself. The staff were very skilled, and she was beautiful even without makeup.
And as the eldest daughter of a duchy, it was natural she would have sudden important appointments.
“What is it this time?”
“Muse Fairfield’s company had some urgent business. But as a friend, I need to help.”
“Shouldn’t I go as well?”
“Muse said it’s fine without me tagging along. Too many cooks spoil the broth, right?”
The Frey company primarily dealt in weapon distribution.
A trading house greatly influencing the empire, some even say, without Frey’s company, the continent’s weapon civilization would have been delayed by a hundred years.
The person holding the real power of this remarkable place is one of the heroines—Muse Fairfield.
“Life sure is unpredictable. What could happen to such a perfect company?”
“My point is, I have to see that insufferable face again.”
Her uniform top sparkled beautifully with the gold badge, her black stockings, blue miniskirt, and the sword on her waist.
It made me feel as though I was seeing the Judit from seven years ago, giving me a grand sight so early in the morning.
“Don’t look too lecherously.”
“Aren’t we married? So what’s the problem?”
Judit finished her makeup with a cherry blossom decoration in her hair and stood up from the vanity.
“I’ll go first. Make sure to eat breakfast.”
The humming of a cheerful tune. A particularly spirited tread.
‘Is she in a good mood?’
It’s rare for her to remind me to eat breakfast.
Judit left with a light wave and walked down the corridor, escorted by various servants.
I shouldn’t have let Judit leave that day.
Why couldn’t I foresee that if Muse had an urgent matter for Judit, she would naturally have informed Yuren as well?
That night when Judit didn’t come home until the early morning, I received a shocking revelation from a visiting heroine at the mansion.
“Lord Mate, we have an esteemed guest.”
The Daylight Mansion rarely called anyone ‘esteemed guest.’
Solarsi royalty, the Star Dust and Mundersturm dukes, at most the Northern Duke or the Lumere Academy president Sylus.
Ah, and one more.
All the heroines from “Lumere Academy: A Place to Fall in Love.”
It was the dead of night at two in the morning, yet upon word of an esteemed guest arriving, I instantly prepared and headed toward the mansion’s foyer.
Because esteemed guests were worth the instant preparation, regardless.
But, in fact, the visitor was the one I cared the least about in this world, regardless of my attire.
“What brings you here?”
A petite stature that didn’t seem like an adult, cloaked in black.
No matter how seven years have passed since graduation, her middle school-like appearance hasn’t changed. Perhaps she looks even younger now.
Due to her unique ability, every time we meet, she remains the same.
Hollow eyes, aristocratic elegance in dress.
Her elegant twin-tails swaying in the light breeze.
Emerald irises shining brighter than gemstones.
The Immortal Xyah.
That is what Xyah Stella is known as in the world.
The mansion’s doors were already open. If she took one more step, Xyah would be inside.
But she merely churned a strawberry-flavored candy in her mouth and showed no intention of entering the mansion.
Nowadays, it’s somewhat clear why Xyah acted this way. Even if she’s cold-blooded, this confession required significant courage.
The courage to deliver a severe blow to the person who had resolved her trauma.
The situation where Xyah Stella had to brutally tear apart someone’s heart with mere words made her hesitate deeply.
Concealment or Confession.
After hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of deliberations, Xyah Stella reached a decision.
Whatever the outcome of her choice, she was determined to pick one that she wouldn’t regret.
The shocking confession of Xyah Stella, heard simultaneously by 37 mansion staff members that night, became
the decisive reason for Mate to decide to use the regression book.
“Judit and Yuren had an affair.”
