Clementine shot up out of the soft silken sheets that enrobed her, panting as she took in her surroundings. There was almost no light coming through the window, nor where there any sources of light in the room, but she seemed to be able to see well enough in spite of that fact.
The room that surrounded her was certainly not her own, but that’s not to say it was unfamiliar, it was a jarring experience to see it from her current perspective. She slowly raised her arm and peeled back the drapery of her canopy bed to reveal the rest of the room, and as she suspected, it was her player house from Mercenary Seas. She hadn’t been to this part of her residence since she’d redecorated it a month prior.
The dim light crescent moon glittered gently across the night sky she could faintly see in the distance out her window, but it was too foggy to see any of the stars that normally accompanied it.
Clementine stood up, and was immediately thrown off balance, she wasn’t used to her newfound height and almost tumbled to the floor. Grabbing the bedpost next to her, she sat down on the bedside again, thinking it best to take a moment to think before she did anything rash.
What felt like only moments ago she was sitting in front of her computer and gaming with her friend, Tristan, and then she seemed to have gotten lightheaded and fainted… So, this must be a dream then? She pondered. It was a safe bet considering she was just playing the game she now found herself within before she passed out. Oddly though, nothing about this felt like a dream.
Looking down, she had a larger bust than she could have ever hoped to gain on hormones, her cleavage completely mugged the lack-there-of she’d had before. Taking a moment to enjoy her harmless dream, she reached her finger into her gown and fondled the soft flesh between her fingers, eliciting an unintentional moan from the sensitivity.
Hmmmm, maybe this isn’t a dream after all? Clementine began to think.
Not letting this chance slip between her fingers in case it was a dream, Clementine wondered if she might have a chance at enjoying womanhood, even if it wasn’t technically real. She slid her hand down between her thighs and felt around. She was definitely missing something, ironically something she likely ‘wouldn’t miss’. A bit of prodding with her finger on her new and unfamiliar feminine organ finally made it clear to Clementine as sensations and nerves she never felt before caused her a shudder; this was not merely a dream.
She got up and lit the nearby oil lamp, taking careful steps so not to slip. She felt hazy and her mouth was unbearably dry, one quick sniff told her that her breath stank too. There was a glass of red wine placed on the nightstand by her bedside. She wasn’t sure how old it was, but it didn’t seem at all dusty like it would have been had it sat there, and after a quick sniff, she quickly realized what she’d thought was wine, was in fact not wine at all...?
“That smell… is that blood?” She sniffed again, the smell was beginning to entice her subconsciously.
Suddenly a sharp pain in her gums jolted her out of her stupor. Bearing her teeth and reaching up with her free hand, she felt them. “I have fangs? I guess I really am an Alphire, huh.”
Still not wanting to think of the implications, she decided she would just give into the inviting aroma from the glass and try a sip, she figured whoever had put her here probably prepared that glass for her at the same time anyway. Taking a cautious sip…
It only took the taste of a single drop on her tongue before she immediately downed the glass in one chug. The taste was intoxicating; warmth ran from her tummy all across her body sending a shiver down her spine, the satisfaction of a hot chocolate on a winter’s day, the caffeine high of an energy drink, the smooth and soothing liquid moisturizing her dry mouth and throat. A smile quickly spread across her face as she let out a satisfied sigh, “God damn, I could get used to that!”
With the initial blood-rush high quickly wearing off, Clementine finally began to contemplate her situation, and there was one big question on her mind… Is Tristan here too?
The most obvious first question after that would be where is he? It would have been strange for him to be in her player home of all things, but then where would he have woken up if anywhere? HMMMMM hmmmm hmmmm Clementine wondered with all her brain power. Well, I should probably leave here to look for him, but going out in a translucent nightgown would probably send all the wrong messages, knowing my luck I’d get harassed by the kinds of sexually harassing thugs you see in manga. That being said…. Maybe Tristan would appear as my knight in shining armor? “Pfft! Yeah right!” She giggled, that would be so unlike him; he never showed interest in her beyond being friends. Since coming out to him, he treated her with white gloves, worried he might hurt her feelings – it definitely made things more awkward for her, but it was endearing in its own wa-
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*
Clementine’s head instantly swiveled to the door and her heart jumped to her throat.
“Madame Brommy, are you awake? May I come in?”
At first she just stood there, confused, until she remembered her character’s role-play name was Clem Brommy. Clementine frantically jumped back into the blankets, not really wanting to be seen in her nightgown even if it was technically her room. She had no idea who the lady calling her could even be, but she was about to find out.
“You can come in now.” She finally said.
With a loud creak a woman dressed like a classic french maid gently walked in, before bowing her head in respect to Clementine. Weirdly, Clementine found her eyes drawn not to her odd 19th century attire, but rather to her exposed neck… The maid, still standing there, furrowed her brow, having noticed where exactly she was looking.
The maid glanced at the empty glass, then she lit up with the realization, “Madame, are you still thirsty? I can fix you another glass. Everyone was shocked when a physician brought you home this evening passed out. After I get you some more blood, do you mind explaining what happened?”
Now Clementine was really confused, because not only did this woman she had never met in her life randomly show up at her door, but the maid seemed to know her, and show genuine concern for her. Slowly, still clinging nervously to her bed sheets, she nodded.
The maid smiled, then left the room, she could hear her heels clacking along the floor going on for a while without going up or down any stairs, before the noise faded off to the distance… My house must be really big.
The maid arrived back at the room with an ornate serving tray, on it was another empty glass, and a full bottle of… vintage wine? She set the serving tray on the nightstand and pulled a nearby chair to the bed, a more appropriate distance for a conversation.
“I thought you’d be getting me more blood, but I guess I don’t mind having a bit of fine wine anyway to calm my nerves.” Clementine sighed, the glass of blood she’d had beat anything she’d ever gotten buzzed from.
The maid stared at her in confusion before responding. “M’lady, are you okay? We always kept your blood in wine bottles as not to alarm guests who are… unfamiliar with your kind. You yourself always said it gave the blood a fruity taste that you’ve come to enjoy as well.”
Taking a sip of the ‘wine’ Clementine quickly realized she was right, this was definitely blood. With a nasal exhale she decided to be upfront with this mysterious yet obviously caring woman. “If I’m being honest, I have no idea what’s going on, who you are or what happened to my friend and if I told you what’s happening from my perspective you’d probably send me to see a psychiatrist.” Even if this is some isekai bullshit, I doubt anyone would believe me.
Stolen novel; please report.
“Sai-kai-atrist…?” The maid latched on to the word before continuing, “You must have had some serious hit to the head if you don’t even remember your own maid…” She deflated, seeming a little sad Clementine didn’t recognize her.
Clementine let out a nervous laugh, “Ah-ha-ha… Yeah, I’m sorry. Still, my own maid? That’s so cool! You’re like a real trained maid too? You’re not just cosplaying or whatever?” The excitement of everything new and the rush of the blood she was drinking overriding her previous nerves.
“’Cause-playing’? M’lady, you really aren’t making any sense, I should call the physician…” The maid began to stand from her chair, but Clementine grabbed her arm, stopping her.
“Wait! Just sit down and talk to me for a bit like I know nothing. The last thing I want right now is to be left alone in this weird place and have a panic attack. If you really are my maid then there’s a lot you can explain to me and help me with.”
The maid with a pained expression sat back down.
“I guess I’ll start with myself. My name is Ophelia, but you usually call me Lia, I’ve been in your service for 15 years.” 15 years?! I wonder how many memories am I actually missing here? It doesn’t even make sense since I would have started out as a broke noob only two years ago either, so maybe this world is different from the one from the game.
“Do you know what happened to my friend Tristan? I would guess he’d have been nearby when I fainted, and actually it wouldn’t surprise me if he fainted too.” Clementine asked.
“I think I know who you mean, yes. He had a similar condition to you and is staying the night at a nearby clinic; we offered to pay his dues since we figured he was associated with you. Curiously though, the crew on board the V.R.S. Hapsburg claimed they’d never met him, and that you, M’lady had let on board some random guest to man the fore gun turret.” Clementine tapped her chin in thought at her response.
“Alright, help me get dressed, please. I want to go meet him now.” It seemed the Hapsburg and perhaps the other ships in Clementines inventory might now be crewed.
Lia gave her mistress a disappointed glare. “Madame Brommy, perhaps it slipped your notice, but it happens to be no later than 5 in the morn. Unless you plan on breaking into the clinic, you’ll have to wait for visiting hours.” She sighed.
Clementine flopped back into her pillows give me a break. “I’m going to try and explain things to you from my point of view, but you have to vow to never to speak of this to anyone without my say-so.”
After a moment of silence Lia spoke up. “I’ll agree, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be taking you to see the physician about your apparent amnesia.”
One two hour conversation later and she was up to speed. Clementine told her everything, from her real life, her experiences playing the game, to the present and who Tristan was. As it would turn out, a lot of Clementine’s in game experiences translated to this world, the difference being that those achievements over two years of gameplay were spread to cover twenty years and change in this world. The manor she purchased a year and a half ago in her time had been fifteen years in this world, the same time the Lia came into her mistress’s service.
“While I struggle to believe you, I think my suspicions will be answered by meeting this mysterious Tristan you insist on meeting.” The maid commented. If Tristan’s story and hers aligned it would only make sense. What didn’t make sense however is that the people Clementine claimed were ‘players’ like herself, showed no such knowledge of any ‘real life’ outside of the one they currently inhabited. Even Clem’s Second in the merchant’s guild who came to check on her wellbeing after hearing the news showed no sign of amnesia or hint at him not belonging.
Nodding, and then staring longingly out the window at the rising sun, Clem sighed, “Do you think the clinic would be open now? I really should see Tristan right now, he’s likely panicking worse than I am, especially where he didn’t have a cute lady’s maid to tell him what’s what.” She smiled warmly at the old-timey girl next to her bed.
Clementine was coming to terms with her situation more than she’d readily admit. While she might want to return to her own reality, it was starting to feel surface level. In her original world she couldn’t be who she wanted to be, didn’t have real meaning to her life. Mercenary Seas was an escape from her real life, and well…
Deep down it felt like she’d finally escaped. In this world she wasn’t plain-Jane Clementine, no, she was Madame Clem Brommy, illustrious owner of the Hanseatic Company. A whole fleet of ships at her finger tips, ready and willing to do her bidding. Wealth beyond compare to what she could have made in several lifetimes in her old world.
“Very well, M’lady.” The maid moved to pick a suitable outfit from the armoire. Sorting through a few dozen dresses before landing on one that seemed suitable for the weather.
Looking in the mirror, Clem couldn’t help but blush at her apparel. Her black dress could best be described as military lolita, but without the frills. Trying out a few expressions, her beauty was uncanny – almost doll like, but undoubtedly mature. Clem had a glare that could kill, and a smile that could bend men to her will. I could be a literal goddess. She was overjoyed to have come so far from her humble mousey beginnings.
Lia, very much amused by Clem’s infatuation with her own reflection, finally decided she would snap her out of it. “Madame Brommy, perhaps we should go to see your friend now that you’re ready?”
Clem blushed, realizing she’d just done something so narcissistic and shameless in front of someone she’d probably be spending lots of time with from here on out. “Yes… I suppose we best be going.”
They both stood there, awkwardly staring at each other, Lia clearly unable to take the hint that her mistress had no idea where to go, and Clementine, too embarrassed to say admit to it.
Breaking the stalemate, Clem took a few steps to leave the room… the wrong way. “M’lady? The door is this way.” At last remembering her lady’s amnesia, she led them both to the exit. Regardless of how strange Clem’s story was and her apparent amnesia, Lia was relieved to find her mistress hadn’t changed as much as she thought; she was still just as vane as always.
Being greeted and bowed to respectfully by all her staff in the manor was… odd for Clem to say the least. She wasn’t used to the feeling of being so revered, with that being said she was craving every moment of it with a stupid grin.
A part of her wondered if the vanity was always a part of her personality that laid dormant, but another part considered the possibility that her new nature might have effects beyond the physical need for blood. Alphires were essentially vampires after all. Vampires were known in folklore to be power hungry, and unashamedly narcissistic creatures of seduction, there was a distinct possibility that she had inherited those traits too.
A small part of Clementine began to worry. What if Clem wasn’t just my character, but her own person? Am I Clem, or am I Clementine, or am I both? A lot of things weren’t making sense to her, from the fact that time in her original world while playing the game had passed differently from this world didn’t add up, and she wondered what her character’s life was like before she would have started playing by this world’s standards of time; maybe Lia knew a family member of past Clem she could speak to? Questions for later.
The physician’s office appeared in front of Clementine, almost bumping into Lia whilst lost in her thoughts. “Ahem.” Lia coughed in a fruitful attempt to take her mistress out of ‘la-la-land’ and nip any chance at her embarrassing herself in public. “This is Dr. Schmidt’s office. We should try and keep your amnesia on the down low for now, it wouldn’t be good if rumors spread that one of the few affluent individuals of your kind caught the crazy. I’d be woe to imagine the reaction of the Tories in the house of commons, they’d undoubtedly take the chance to crack down on your kin.” Her maid spoke softly as not to alert prying ears.
Clementine’s eyes went wide. “Wait, you mean people are like racist to me?!”
Her exasperated maid put her index finger to her lip to quiet her, “Yes, but we can talk about that later.” She gently took her lady’s hand and walked them into the reception area.
“My lady, Madame Brommy is here to see the man we had brought in here yesterday, has he awoken?” the maid inquired to the old receptionist.
The receptionist put the newspapers she was reading down on the table and folded away her glasses. “Ah, Monsieur Wa-ta-na-bay, he seems to have contracted a form of brain fever, he’s awake but restrained in ward three in the basement level.” His last name was Watanabe, but she'd evidently never heard a name like that.
Upon hearing this Clementine was internally enraged, trying her best to maintain her composure if for nothing other than her maid’s sake, before demanding, “You put him in a fucking dungeon?! What is wrong with you people?! Show me to him at once!”
The receptionist’s face drained of blood and she cowered under her desk. “PLEASE DON’T EAT ME! I HAVE A FAMILY!” She desperately pleaded.
Seeing her amusing over-reaction, Clementine smirked. Serves her right if she’s gonna be complacent in locking Tristan up. Her maid quickly wiped the smile off her lady’s face though with a stern glare, like a mother chastising her mischievous child.
Lia sighed, not wanting her mistress to stir up another alphire hunt like the old days in her ignorance, she walked over and laid a comforting hand on the receptionist’s shoulder. “My mistress won’t hurt you, she’s just upset about the way you’ve treated her dear friend. Besides, you’ve surely heard the name Brommy before, no? You should know she of all people doesn’t go around willy-nilly preying upon the innocent.”
The receptionist seemed to calm down slightly, but was still shaken. She looked up at the middle-aged maid, “B-but, her blood eyes…. They stared into my very soul… Can you have her wait outside? You can take him with you, we don’t want any trouble… We were just doing our job and he tried to run away…” She managed to jitter out in spite of herself, there was no way she’d be able to act calm in the presence of Clem now.
The maid sighed again, annoyed at the blatant stereotyping of her mistress’s kind. If only more people would be willing to understand and donate blood, there’d be fewer cases of rogue alphires only trying to avoid starvation and live their lives.
Lia walked back to her mistress and relayed the verdict. Clem was offended, but kept quiet. After a huff, she stood outside the door, waiting for the maid’s return.
