The Consequences of Weird Candy

The [Weird Candy] possessed a total of eight distinct special effects.

First, there was ‘Calm Reflection.’ Those afflicted by this state became exceedingly rational.

Next, ‘Personality Reversal’ would invert a player’s inherent nature. A shy individual would become outgoing and passionate, while an enthusiastic one would turn bashful.

‘Manic Delusions’ plunged the player into an endless loop of their own fantasies. They might declare, “I am the King of the World, and all the lolis belong to me!” or make similarly extravagant claims.

‘Absolute Sorrow’ relentlessly dredged up painful memories, leaving the player utterly consumed by grief.

‘Invincible Prankster’ caused the player to constantly enact bizarre and elaborate pranks on those around them. Nothing was too outlandish, nothing impossible.

‘Wild Passion,’ as the name implied, made players extraordinarily fervent and uninhibited, amplifying their desires without restraint.

‘Mental Regression’ devolved a player’s intelligence to that of an infant while simultaneously fostering an intense dependency on the first person they saw.

However, the eighth effect was the one that truly troubled Domu: ‘Complete Truth.’

This effect was deceptively simple—it merely caused the afflicted player to act and speak only what was in their heart, without the slightest concealment.

Yet this was precisely what Domu feared most.

She vividly recalled an incident at the Tear of the Goddess, when Kase, their guild leader, accidentally consumed a [Weird Candy].

After sleeping for a full day in the game, he awakened under the ‘Complete Truth’ effect. It was hard to imagine Kase, a corporate CEO, clinging to Domu and declaring to everyone:

“You wouldn’t believe how fierce Sister Momo is! Don’t let Big Brother’s glory in the game fool you. If I come home even a little late, I have to kneel on that… that washboard thing! I don’t know where Sister Momo gets those torture devices… it’s terrifying… Boohoo, my Ah Mu is so much better—so gentle and cute! Boohoo, hurry and become Big Brother’s son-in-law, then we can be together forever!”

Even now, the memory sent shivers down Domu’s spine.

She remembered Kase clinging to her and spouting those words while her guildmates—even Na’er—gave her knowing “Yoooo” looks.

Although ‘Complete Truth’ might not be the most terrifying effect in terms of direct impact, for Domu it was an absolute psychological trauma.

Domu even felt a pang of regret. Had she not been startled by Soronna’s actions, she would never have used the [Weird Candy] in such a panic.

Now all she could do was pray that Soronna would awaken tomorrow under the effect of ‘Calm Reflection.’

Despite being covered in Soronna’s drool, Domu was utterly exhausted. She simply wiped herself down with a towel, then cast a helpless glance at the sleeping Soronna and Dora.

With a restless heart, she lay down on the bed, adjusted herself into a comfortable position, and quickly drifted into slumber.

****

The night passed swiftly.

The first rays of sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the room. Due to the events of the previous day, Domu hadn’t slept well and still felt utterly drained.

Noticing the dawn, Domu reached up and rubbed her beautiful large eyes. Then she carefully and quietly slipped out of bed, observing that both Dora and Soronna were still deep in slumber.

Watching the two figures sleeping soundly, Domu smiled. She couldn’t help but envy these two little lazybones.

With that thought, Domu walked to the window and gently drew the curtains, shielding the two girls on the bed from the harsh sunlight.

Displaying her [Divine Suppression], Domu decided to take a shower first. After all, she had broken quite a sweat last night.

Emerging from her room, Domu saw Os enjoying breakfast downstairs, while Billy gnawed on a carrot.

“Good morning, Lady Domu! Uh… La… um…”

Seeing Domu, clad in white armor, exit Soronna’s room, Os—who had been eating breakfast—quickly straightened up.

He addressed Domu respectfully, but his expression, initially deferential, faltered into a hesitant and awkward look, as if he had witnessed something peculiar.

“Good morning, Mr. Os… what’s wrong? Is there something strange on my face? Why the surprised expression?” Domu asked, perplexed by Os’s reaction.

“No, my apologies, Lady Domu. I was out of line!” Hearing Domu’s question, Os quickly composed himself and spoke with a serious demeanor.

“Why has Mr. Os also become so mysterious…? Oh, right, Mr. Os, I’m going to take a shower. Later… um… if Soronna shows any strange behavior after she wakes up… just call for me immediately…”

Recalling the events of the previous night, Domu touched her slightly flushed cheeks. Remembering the aftereffects of Soronna’s [Weird Candy], she instructed him with a hint of guilt.

With that, Domu swiftly darted into the bathroom.

Os stood rigidly, watching Domu disappear inside. The serious expression on his face instantly crumpled, replaced by a look of utter panic.

“Billy… this is rather serious. I can’t believe… Young Lady… she actually made a move on Lady Domu…” Os murmured in a terrified voice to Billy, who continued chewing on his carrot.

Leaving his unfinished breakfast on the table, Os rushed to Karl’s door and began knocking incessantly.

“Brother Karl! There’s a very serious problem!” Os whispered urgently as he pounded on the door.

“Hm… it’s Os. What is it? Waking me up so early—is there something delicious to eat?”

Karl, roused by the knocking, opened the door and squinted sleepily at Os.

“Brother Karl… it’s like this… I just saw Lady Domu come out… and on her neck… there were pink lip prints… And… Young Lady Soronna… still hasn’t woken up…” Os recounted with an embarrassed expression.

“Oh, it’s not food… then why wake me up so early… wait… what did you say???”

Karl’s plump body stiffened.

“Do you mean Lady Soronna and Lady Domu… they… they…”

“Yes… Brother Karl. Lady Domu is currently showering… and she instructed me… if Young Lady Soronna shows any strange reactions after waking up… to inform her immediately…” Os scratched his head nervously, unable to meet Karl’s gaze.

“How could this be… Lady Soronna is… she’s the Duchess of Norachi… Ah… truly… and besides… Lady Domu is a goddess… two girls… truly… truly such a waste…” Karl exclaimed, pounding his fist against the doorframe with a heartbroken expression.

“Brother Karl… what’s a waste?” Os asked, confused.

“Er… nothing, Os. Are you sure this information is accurate?” Realizing his slip, Karl clapped a hand on Os’s shoulder and asked gravely.

“Brother Karl… this… this is only my analysis… Young Lady Soronna and Lady Domu… may not have the kind of relationship we imagine…”

Seeing Karl’s serious demeanor, Os instinctively straightened up and replied solemnly.

“However… if Young Lady Soronna truly harbors such feelings for Lady Domu… Brother Karl… should we report it to the Chancellor?” Os asked hesitantly.

“We’ll discuss that later… Os, you know Lady Soronna dislikes being deceived. It is already a great honor for us to be chosen as her personal guardians. If possible… I don’t want to tell Lady Soronna any more lies…” Karl patted Os’s shoulder again, a deep, melancholic expression settling on his plump face.

“Brother Karl…” Hearing Karl’s words, a strong sense of admiration surged within Os.

Truly, he was Brother Karl—the man Os admired most.

“Hmph! Karl! Os! What are you two talking about? I heard everything! How dare you lie to me!”

A pleasant voice suddenly sounded from behind them.

However, its appearance sent chills down the spines of both Karl and Os.

Behind Os stood Soronna.

She was neatly dressed, her adorable pink hair tied into two energetic twin pigtails. However, at this moment, Soronna was scrutinizing Karl and Os with a gaze full of suspicion.

Upon discovering Soronna, Karl and Os froze in place.

They exchanged glances from the corners of their eyes, silently communicating.

Brother Karl… what should we do… Young Lady Soronna seems to have heard what we said… Os glanced anxiously at Karl.

Don’t panic. Lady Soronna likely didn’t hear everything, or her reaction wouldn’t be like this… With my brilliant mind… I can bluff our way through this… Karl signaled confidently.

Brother Karl… Young Lady is approaching… it’s all up to you…

“Don’t worry.”

Karl nodded solemnly.

“You… two… Hmph! Speak! Are you hiding something from me?” Soronna walked between them, hands on her hips, her face filled with displeasure.

“Lady Soronna! How could we possibly hide anything from you? I was just discussing with Os… Mm… mm…”

Karl leaned against the doorframe, flicked his golden curls, and attempted what he believed was a charming smile.

However, before he could finish speaking, Soronna grabbed his chin.

“Karl! You stupid pig! If you don’t tell the truth, starting today you won’t be allowed to eat anything!”

Soronna leaned close to Karl’s panicked face as she threatened him.