SIDE STORY 1 - CORDELIA’S DIARY (1)
Be prepared for a long side story. The word count is average, but the page length is twice a regular chapter. And there’s part 2 and 3 of this side story, which are as long as this one, so please expect the release to be every 2 days.
Also, since these are diary entries, the tenses can suddenly switch from past tense to present tense or vice-versa.
SIDE STORY – CORDELIA’S DIARY (1)
1.
It’s tomorrow.
Finally, it will be tomorrow.
The monthly ranking announcement.
The day that the monthly rankings of Legend of Heroes 2 will be announced.
I’ll be first place this time.
Yes, yes, I have to be first place.
I’ve worked so hard this time.
I think I’ve spent twice as much time as usual this month?
That’s why my mom scolded me for playing games all day long.
Anyway, I’ll be first place this month.
Yes, yes, definitely.
I’ll definitely be first place.
I’ll tease Outbo a lot.
I’ll make sure to pay you back for everything that I’ve suffered, okay? Hmph!
I’m sure he’s a bad grade schooler.
I don’t know his age, but his personality is definitely like bad grade schoolers.
Haa, he’s really different from the oppa next door.
The next door oppa.
He has a handsome impression… and a somewhat melancholic appearance? Something like that? Anyway, he’s a cool oppa.
He’s tall and seems to have a nice body, but what does he do?
I often see him during the day, so is he like a freelancer?
Does he work from home? Yes, yes. There’s no way that such a cool person would be unemployed like Outbo. That’s right.
I was so embarrassed when I ran into him in the elevator some time ago.
I’m glad I wore a hat because I just came out from playing games.
We only meet each other at night, so I never thought I’d meet him in the morning.
I think it’s the next door oppa’s fault.
But what does he really do?
I’m curious.
Anyway, it’s tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
Hehe.
Outbo, be prepared, okay?
Tomorrow will be the day when first place and second place will change, the day when the correct ranking will be established.
Still, I’m a bit nervous, so I’m going to sleep tonight.
Even now, my eyes are about to close because I didn’t have enough sleep, but everything will be fine if I win tomorrow.
Yes, yes, you won’t be able to maintain your rank! I’ll be glorious tomorrow!
2.
F*ckf*ckf*ckf*ckf*ckf*ckf*ck!
Legend of Heroes 2 is a scam! A scam!
afjewkrjejfdjidjkj I don’t know!
I’m going to sleep!
Waaaah!
3.
I became Cordelia.
It’s reality and not a dream.
Yes, it’s real.
Cordelia.
Cordelia Chase.
I’ve become Cordelia.
4.
I was confused for a few days.
Like really, really a lot.
First of all.
First of all, I was reincarnated.
I entered the game and possessed Cordelia’s body! – it was not that as I was really born as Cordelia.
Like I suddenly awakened? I realized it? Maybe that’s why I have the memories and ego of ‘Hong Yoo Hee’ right now, I think? Anyway, my memories of that are stronger, but I can still tell.
That I am Cordelia.
I have the memories of Cordelia.
My childhood.
My 17 years of living as Cordelia.
I am… Cordelia.
5.
Dahlia had been looking suspiciously at me for the past few days, but had somehow returned to normal.
I understand why.
Suddenly, a kind, pretty, cute, sweet… Anyway, a girl who was like an angel that descended on earth and could only speak nice words had suddenly spit out f*ck exclamations and spoke unfamiliar words.
She was sure of it.
Yes, she was certain.
Even I would have suspected that I had gone crazy.
Anyway.
A few days had passed since I awakened my memories.
I was very confused at first, but now, it’s somewhat… natural. That’s right, it’s natural.
That I was born as Cordelia and Cordelia is me.
After I regained my composure, I was worried about the next thing.
Because this was the world of Legend of Heroes 2.
In the timeline of the game, it’s very early… Cordelia’s route had yet to start.
And the end of this game was the destruction of the entire world.
The world was destroyed by Armageddon when the angels and demons descended through the Great Summons.
That destroyed world became the stage for Legend of Heroes 3.
I was honestly scared.
Just imagining it made my hands tremble.
In manhwa and novels, the protagonist uses their knowledge of the future to do something to prevent destruction, but that’s only possible because it’s a manhwa or novel.
Can I really do it?
Can I really stop the Great Summons by myself?
If I can’t stop it…
I was scared. My head ached.
Normally, I would have told Dahlia about it.
I would have asked her to think about it with me.
But I couldn’t.
Even if she was Dahlia, she would not believe that story.
She wouldn’t believe me…
Strangely, I cried.
I’m scared.
What should I do?
How?
6.
Dahlia asked me to visit him.
To visit Jude Bayer.
When I first heard his name, I felt strange.
No, actually, it was still strange.
Because Jude Bayer was the fiancé of Cordelia.
Although they soon became strangers and their engagement was not properly continued in the game, it couldn’t be denied that we were engaged now.
Looking back at the memories of living as the pure Cordelia before I recalled my past life… my relationship with Jude was not close.
We were engaged, but we did not talk much with each other.
Jude was often stuck in bed for days due to his weak body.
I, Cordelia, was very kind and nice, so I tried to somehow be nice to Jude… but it was rare to meet him in the first place.
Anyway… you can say that we’re close friends.
So I guess I’ll have to go greet him.
Because I’ve always done that.
Jude Bayer.
To be honest, perhaps because my past life’s ego is stronger now, my impression of the demon Jude controlled by Outbo is stronger than the sickly Jude Bayer who Cordelia remembers.
Jude may be a weak boy now, but once his Gueumjulmaek is healed, he can energetically fly around from place to place.
In particular, the Jude controlled by Outbo is no different from the fruit of wickedness.
Jude is not that strong, but when put into the hands of that human, he is reborn as the strongest PVP player in the server.
It’s annoying to talk about him.
Argh.
Anyway, about Jude Bayer.
My… fiancé.
It feels really weird.
My heart is pounding a bit.
I wonder what Outbo is doing.
Is he still playing games like a madman?
Haa.
7.
Hey, you too?
Hey, me too.
Crazy.
Seriously crazy.
This is really driving me nuts.
Outbo appeared.
Outbo had appeared.
Outbo had really appeared?
It was so shocking that I almost fainted.
No, why was he here though?
Yes, why was Outbo here?
Wow, seriously?
We acted rashly as soon as we met, but it really was Outboxer009.
I confirmed it for sure, but anyway…
AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Wow, seriously?
I don’t know what to say.
Anyway, we decided to meet later tonight.
It seemed like it was hard for Outbo to come and see me, so I’m going to see him.
Outbo.
Did you follow me all the way here?
Seriously, he’s my worst enemy.
An enemy…
But I’m glad.
8.
I met Outbo at night.
I’d be calling him Jude from now on.
Anyway, about Jude.
The sickly boy Cordelia remembered was no longer there.
All that was left was a wicked sly man.
Wow, seriously? Should I say Outbo is Outbo?
As soon as we met, the first thing he says is that he want to defeat Leisegang.
He’s a seriously crazy guy.
Of course, we really aren’t going to defeat him, but we’re going to take advantage of reality and only steal the Sun’s Necklace… He really is crazy.
I mean, who would have thought of that?
It’s reality and not a game, so we can steal items regardless of item drops?
Does that make sense? Right?
Most people don’t usually think of that, right?
In addition, he said that he would use Bellastin’s magic circle to attack Leisegang.
And that Outbo had memorized all those crazily complex magic circles.
Is he a human?
How in the world do you remember that?
T-there’s also that.
Eh? That!
H-he says to go on a date.
Go on a date.
Go on a date.
No, uh. Well, of course it’s an excuse.
It’s our excuse to get to the mountain where Leisegang is.
This is seriously driving me nuts.
A date with Outbo?
With Outbo?
I’m going on a date with Outbo?
We’ll be riding a carriage together?
This is so confusing.
My head hurts.
But strangely, I can’t help but smile.
Uh… yes.
Because it’s a diary.
I have to be honest.
I’m glad.
I’m really happy.
Because I’m not alone.
There is someone who knows the story of the fated destruction and… remembers me who lived as Hong Yoo Hee.
I’m a little bothered that it’s Outbo, but…
Frankly, I feel a bit reassured.
As Outbo had said, the first and second place are together.
Wouldn’t it work out somehow?
Yes, it will.
That’s right.
It will be all right.
9.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
I’ve won.
I won.
I really won, okay?
My level is higher than him.
Hehe, hehehe.
I got mad at Jude because that fool made me say something incredibly shameful, but yeah, it’s all right. I’ll forgive him.
Since I won today.
Since it’s my victory.
Leisegang was really scary.
I was very, very, very scared.
Because as I had expected, reality was different from games.
Even so, I mustered up the courage.
Because I had to level up.
Because I had to get the Sun’s Necklace and treat Jude.
Thank goodness.
I was banned from going out, but it was worth it.
No, that’s not what I meant.
Jude, that evil b*stard, made Dahlia look at me weirdly.
Haa, seriously.
Why did I have to say that?
Yes, those r-ro-ro… Ah, I can’t even write it. I-I can’t.
Anyway, Jude is clearly a pervert after making me say something strange and embarrassing.
Besides, isn’t it strange that I carried him in my arms?
I even had to carry him on my back on our way.
That Gueumjulmaek.
I hope he gets better.
I’m really going to make him do everything he promised.
Haa.
But it was good.
It was great.
I won, and we also got the Sun’s Necklace…
I feel like I can really do something.
We can do it.
10.
Jude, that evil b*stard.
How can he not send me a letter for a month?
Right?
Does this make sense?
Because this is the very pretty, kind, and cute… I mean, this is Cordelia we’re talking about. Yes, because I’m Cordelia.
Anyway!
A letter has finally arrived from Jude!
We’re going to a temple this time?
Dahlia is excited to support us on our secret date, but… Haa… What kind of date is this?
Seeing the things that I have to prepare makes me feel nervous.
Anyway, these are all going to be necessary.
However…
What should I wear on that day?
I mean, uh… Even if it’s an excuse, a date is still a date, right?
Should I wear something pretty?
Cordelia looks pretty no matter what she wears.
Hehe.
Anyway.
The day to meet Jude again has been set.
11.
Crazy b*stard.
He’s a seriously crazy b*stard.
I’ve known it the moment he made me stand on the front line.
I mean, how can you entrust the vanguard position to such a pretty and pitiful girl who’s incomparably beautiful?
You even made me wear armor?
And why aren’t you telling me on who the final boss is!
Anyway, he’s mean.
You say this is reality, but you don’t have a sense of reality, huh?
No matter how confident you are in defeating it, you should have told me what it is in advance.
It’s a dungeon book, so you will not really die if you die inside, but still!
I should have nagged at him, but at that time, I forgot because that exhilarating feeling of getting an item was so great.
I’ll have to nag him a lot later.
Anyway, today was a success.
And my battle with Jude.
He really is an experienced rotten water.
And…
I was surprised that we had such good chemistry.
Seriously.
We always competed in Legend of Heroes 2, so I didn’t know because I rarely played with parties, but I got along strangely well with Jude.
Our compatibility was good… Wait, cancel that.
What in the world am I talking about!
No way, no, absolutely no.
Yes, yes, I’m only saying this because of the physical stress.
Imagine if it was the oppa next door.
He would never have told me to stand in the front line.
Ha, my Outbo.
You still have a long way to go.
After all, it’s impossible for Outbo to be a cool man like the oppa next door.
Yes, it’s impossible, impossible.
Absolutely impossible.
12.
My father said that he wants to meet Jude.
Ugh… My stomach hurts.
My stomach hurts.
Arthur Chase.
Count Chase.
My father is an outstanding wizard and has great insight like an archwizard.
What should we do?
As soon as he sees Jude, he’ll notice that Jude’s a no-good fiancé and a sly person.
Eueue… will our engagement be broken?
That’s not good.
That can’t happen…
Eh? I mean, it’s convenient in many ways for Jude to be my fiancé.
Yes, yes, there’s no other reason.
It’s only that. Yes, yes.
Anyway, I’m worried.
13.
Strange.
Why did he like Jude?
Isn’t that strange?
Anyway.
I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but it seems like our engagement will be maintained.
And Count Bayer. My future father-in-law… Ugh, it’s strange.
Anyway, Count Bayer is back.
In order for Jude to go with me to the social gathering of the 12 northern families, he had to pass the test of Count Bayer.
He easily passed the test by memorizing like a madman all the attack patterns in Legend of Heroes 2.
When Count Bayer said that he himself would fight, I was nervous about what to do if he failed, but I’m glad that it went well.
Haa.
Jude, that evil b*stard.
I should stop worrying about him.
I really don’t think I can live long because of him.
14.
Jude is a real crazy b*stard.
He’s obviously a crazy b*stard.
I have to take a bath by the lake at night to recreate the event in the game.
He clearly had an impure purpose, so we compromised by just going into the lake and pretending to take a bath unlike in the game, but it’s still embarrassing.
I told him to turn around so that he wouldn’t be able to see me at all.
15.
I was unable to write in my diary because I was so busy for a while.
In conclusion, it was a great success.
The raid event targeting the children of the 12 northern families was successfully stopped.
In the game, it was a scenario where completely stopping it was impossible, a scenario where defeat was already decided, but Jude and I changed it.
Sylvia-unnie and Viola were also safe.
And Lucas too.
An unbelievably happy ending that was impossible in the game.
To be honest, Jude was amazing.
That scammer.
It was like lying was something passive for him.
That sly guy deceived the knight commander and even forged documents while pretending to be a virtuous person.
He clearly was a scammer in his past life.
He said that he was a law-abiding good citizen, but who would believe that?
Yes, yes.
Even so, how should I say this?
I don’t this he’s a real criminal.
Yes. I don’t think so.
Oh, and this is a bit strange, but…
I think he’s an oppa.
No, I mean, I think he was older than me… Something like that?
Because he told me a lot of strange things like taxes and stuff.
Hmm…
How old was he?
I didn’t ask Jude properly as I wanted to avoid calling him oppa.
I couldn’t imagine it well.
The side of Jude when he was Outbo.
First of all, he can’t be as cool as the oppa next door, right?
But when I think of it… he doesn’t seem like a gambler.
I don’t know.
Strangely, my mind keeps beautifying him.
After all, Jude is an absolutely handsome boy.
And…
“He’s reliable.”
While writing in the diary, Cordelia said in a very low voice.
The apperance Jude showed in the series of battles.
His figure during the battle.
“Regarding Jude.”
Just a little, really just a little bit.
He was very, very, seriously cool.
Only a tiny bit though.
“Ahem.”
With a small smile, Cordelia closed her diary.
16.
Although we prevented the abduction of the children from the 12 northern families, we still needed the power of the witch, so we coaxed Lucas and headed to the witch’s forest.
Lucas Hræsvelgr.
In Legend of Heroes 2, either Cordelia or Lucas would become a demonic human, so I only played his character once.
Yes, in short, I didn’t know much about Lucas.
I knew in great detail the version of him when he became a demonic human.
Anyway, about Lucas.
He’s big and cute.
How should I say it… He’s not just nice as he’s also cute?
There’s something cute in seeing him wanting to be a hero like Biltwein.
Like a big puppy. Then a golden retriever? Anyway, that’s how I see him.
17.
I didn’t have time to write in my diary for a while.
To briefly summarize it, I obtained the power of a witch.
I was very surprised and scared because Jude almost died in the middle… but fortunately, it ended well.
I got the power of the witch.
Happy ending, happy ending.
But a problem then arose.
An incident occurred at the viscount’s mansion where we stopped by to join Landius, one of the main characters in the first episode.
I didn’t know that the viscount was a demon follower.
The situation was different from the game, so it was a hidden setting. Anyway, that was what happened, and we were attacked by the demon followers.
I’m suspicious of Jude’s job in his past life, but thanks to the traps he set, we were not attacked right away, but anyway, it was a desperate fight and we were pushed to a really dangerous moment.
But at that moment, that person appeared out of nowhere.
Wow…
Landius.
What the hell happened to him in the last 10 years!
Landius became huge.
Landius, who became extremely strong, took care of everything.
He was definitely a swordsman in the first episode of Legend of Heroes, but for some reason, he only used his fists.
But those punches were too strong.
Yes, it was too strong…
Then he declared that he would make Jude his disciple.
He said that he would pass on that Ninth Heaven’s Nine Doors something?
It’s a very different situation from the game, but anyway, it’s a good thing.
Besides, if Landius is this strong, he’ll be of great help in the future.
But why did Landius die in the game?
I don’t think he’ll die even if you kill him…
Oh, and one more good thing.
Even if Jude learns from Landius, he will not become as big as Landius.
I mean, well… he’s my fiancé now, right?
If he’s too big, that’s a bit… a bit…
I think he’ll grow up to be as big as the oppa next door? I think it’s cool and nice if he’s that tall, but if he grows taller than that… especially if he grows too big like Landius…
Jude, just be moderately tall.
Okay?
Moderately.
Moderately!
18.
Jude, that evil b*stard.
Why is it me again?
Why me again!
When we ran away last time, he made me say something embarrassing, and this time, he made me leave a shameful letter.
On top of that…
What’s with that reasoning?
Since it’s already dyed black, it won’t make a difference if we do it a couple more times?
Seriously!
Ah, just seriously die.
Just die!
I’m going on a h-ho-honeymoon trip with my b-be-beloved Jude Bayer…
Uwaah…
What will people see me as?
Especially Dahlia.
Dahlia!
That evil b*stard.
I have to hit him hard.
Since I remembered, I should hit him now.
19.
I rode a horse with Jude.
I sat behind him.
I was forced to hug Jude’s waist.
It was as firm as a pillar.
It felt a bit strange.
20.
Honestly, I can’t help but admit it.
Jude is a man with great living skills.
His living skills are really great.
Besides, that JudeWiki in his mind is seriously amazing, okay?
Again, to be honest, the trip to the north was quite fun.
By doing all sorts of quests, we increased our living expenses one by one…
And should I say it?
I hate to admit it, but… well, should I call him oppa?
Jude during the trip was a bit… really a bit… ah, f*ck. He looked reliable.
Is it more appropriate to say that I feel secure when I’m with him?
If I just stay with this guy, at least I won’t go hungry – that kind of thought.
We were obviously bare-handed when we left, but suddenly, we got horses and all sorts of things like camping gear, sleeping bags, and tents.
In addition, Jude was good at cooking.
Ahem, ahem, he’s okay.
He’s qualified.
As a reward, I’ll call him that here once.
Jude-oppa is amazing.
What am I saying?
Hahaha.
21.
Jude, that evil b*stard.
That’s why I said I didn’t want to cook.
But uh, do you really have to give that kind of critique to a dish that a person put so much effort into?
He’s bad.
As expected, he’s mean.
But even so…
“Since he ate it all.”
Even though he kept complaining that it didn’t taste good, he ate it all at once.
He said that there was a time he found it hard to find food, so now that he was fortunate, he could never throw away food.
“Hmph.”
Anyway, Jude is definitely an evil b*stard.
Really.
22.
We safely arrived in Frost Anvil.
We also obtained the Winter Protection, and everything went well.
Everything went well…
Eueueue…
Even now when I think about it, my face feels hot.
The things that happened while we were playing with the Winter Fairies.
I mean, why couldn’t he just calmly read the lines and not drag me in it? Huh?
Well…
I was fine with reading the lines the fairies gave me until that time.
The lines were really cheesy, but the fairies liked it.
But uh… but then.
When reading the romantic lines of the Archmage and the Fairy Queen.
I mean, was it really necessary?
It made my heart pound.
It… afkjeiklfjdfje
Cordelia’s writings became messed up as she pouted her lips and looked around for a moment.
Fortunately, Jude was sleeping with his back facing her.
“Haa, seriously.”
Her heart was pounding when she thought about it again.
Given that her face felt warm, it was clear to her that it was very red now.
‘Argh, how annoying.’
Why is my heart pounding?
Out of all the people in the world, it’s Jude.
No, I think this is normal.
After all, the current Jude is very handsome boy.
That’s right, if a handsome boy hugs your waist, gets closer to your face and says ‘I love you,’ you’re not human if it doesn’t make you excited, right?
“Eueueueueu…”
She thought about it again.
Her heart was pounding loudly as though it was about to burst.
‘Calm down, Cordelia. Calm down.’
He’s Jude.
Also known as Outbo.
That bad grade schooler Outbo.
He’s obviously an oppa.
He has great life skills though.
So he’s reliable in many ways.
“Eueueue…”
She suddenly remembered the first time they met Landius.
Jude did not leave Cordelia’s front.
Even when struck by Landius’ immense pressure, he stood still to protect Cordelia.
‘Ah, seriously.’
Why am I suddenly remembering this?
Anyway, he’s Outbo.
Yes, he’s Jude.
He’s Jude, he’s Jude.
“Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale.”
Cordelia took deep breaths while letting out strange sounds, and this allowed her to regain her composure.
“Fwoo.. It’s because of the situation. It’s because of the situation.”
Anyway, it was acting, so let’s just forget it.
Yeah, let’s forget it.
When the fairies shouted for a kiss in the end, it felt really strange, but anyway, we did not do it.
“A kiss…”
I’ve never done it before. I wonder how it feels.
Cordelia lightly touched her lips and soon shook her head.
She tightly shut her eyes as if trying to erase all the thoughts that came to her mind, but she had no choice but to open her eyes again with a groan.
Because when she closed her eyes, she imagined Cordelia kissing Jude.
“No way.”
Yes, that’s right.
No way.
Out of all the people in the world, why would I want to kiss Jude?
That Jude?
Jude?
‘B-but he’s my fiancé?’
Cordelia quickly shook her head.
After erasing her ridiculous thoughts, she closed the diary and tried to sleep.
They did not need someone to watch at night since they had alarm magic.
“Let’s sleep.”
Cordelia deliberately spoke a bit loudly before lying down and closing her eyes.
But at the end of that night.
Cordelia was unable to sleep.