Minsoo sighed and rolled onto his side, wrapping his arms around his body. The cell was immersed in thick shadows, and a cold breeze filtered through the cracks in the walls. He was freezing to death, but what was worse was that he was transmigrated into his favorite visual novel.

In webnovels and manhwas it seemed more thrilling. Exploring a different world with dragons, magic and handsome princes… Reality was way worse than he ever imagined. And Duke Corvaliso was a total prick, just like his family members.

Still, he didn’t want to die a second time. If living as Archievald was really his second chance, and the only one he ever had, then he wouldn’t waste it.

He sat up and squinted. "System? Are you here?"

But it was only the wind’s echo that answered him.

Where did that damned dragon go?

Minsoo sighed and rubbed his forehead. He needed to calm down and review his situation.

First of all, he died. Not that he liked to think about it, since it was a really foolish death. His nanny always told him to look right and left before crossing a road, especially in Florence. But he was so busy trying to win over Corvaliso’s heart that he didn’t pay attention.

Maybe it’s better if I stop thinking about it, before I get depressed.

Second, he was reincarnated as Archievald Glennhort, Duke Corvaliso’s aide. One of the minor characters of the visual novel Hearts of the Rosen Garden.

The main problem was that Archievald was destined to die at the end of the game, killed by Prince Fabian. And Corvaliso Maythorne would die as well, either killed by Fabian himself or sacrificing himself to save the female lead’s life, depending on which choices the player made.

The third problem was that Archievald was a sadistic, psycho man who tortured the female lead. And he was loyal to Corvaliso. Minsoo didn’t want to hurt anyone, nor did he want to follow that prick’s orders.

Minsoo crossed his arms and thought about his situation, searching for a swift solution, but nothing came to his mind. Maybe he needed to understand what the rules of that world were.

"System? Hello? Where are you?"

"What do you want, human?" The tiny dragon appeared at his side, wearing what looked like small pajamas. "I’m busy right now, you know?"

Minsoo furrowed his brows. "Oh sorry, was I interrupting you?" he said sarcastically.

"Actually you did. I was going to sleep." It plopped onto his lap. "So, what do you want?"

"Can you tell me the rules?"

The dragon tilted its head and blinked a few times. "Rules?"

"You mentioned them before, right? I need to know what I can do and what I cannot."

"Why? You’re going to die anyway. Wouldn’t it be better if you just stayed here and waited? They’ll bring you food and water; it’s not that different from what your life was before you came here."

Minsoo pressed his lips together and wondered if he could just smack it on the head. If he killed the System, would the world change?

"I don’t want to wait here for my death."

The dragon squinted. "Isn’t that what you were doing in your world?"

Minsoo opened his mouth to retort, but hesitated. The System wasn’t wrong; in his past life, the one as Yun Minsoo, he wasted his days playing videogames and eating junk food. He didn’t even study for his exams.

He thought it was an easy way of living, but maybe he was wrong. In the end, he died in a horrible way.

A chill ran down his spine and Minsoo shivered.

"I changed my mind." Besides, I want to live. "I want to use this second chance as much as possible."

The System looked at him with its brow furrowed, as if it was trying to discern the truth from the lies.

"Okay, the rules are simple. You cannot tell anyone that you came from a different world, or kill one of the main characters. Besides, you must act as Archievald Glennhort."

"But he’s a psychopath!"

"Well, you don’t have to be in-character. But be aware that if you act differently, the other characters will notice and could ask questions."

Minsoo rubbed his chin. It wasn’t a bad thing that the System didn’t forbid going OOC; in that way he could have avoided torturing the female lead. And maybe Prince Fabian wouldn’t kill him in revenge.

Maybe he could escape Duke Corvaliso’s palace.

"I almost forgot!" the dragon exclaimed. "You cannot exit certain areas unless you complete the scenario."

And there go my hopes.

Minsoo sighed. "Can I at least know what scenario I’m in right now?"

The System put on a pair of glasses and opened a translucent screen. "Mmh… It seems that the female lead, Iliana Renetta Loder, will infiltrate this palace in two weeks. Until then you can roam freely, but you cannot leave."

Good! I’m still in time. Even though I would have preferred to leave this place.

The scenario the System was talking about was the first step that would lead to the final clash between Duke Corvaliso and Prince Fabian. Lady Iliana would try to assassinate Corvaliso to avenge her parents’ death, but she would be imprisoned and tortured by Archievald and saved by Prince Fabian.

I need to change it somehow. If I can’t kill her, Corvaliso, or Prince Fabian, then I need another plan.

The hatred between Iliana and Corvaliso was due to Iliana rejecting the duke’s feelings, so maybe if they fell in love instead, the war could be prevented too.

That can work! If those two love each other, then I’ll be safe. I’m a fucking genius!

"You can’t do it," the dragon said, while licking its paw. "You cannot change the direction of the story. If you do it, you’ll die." It looked at him and grinned mischievously. "Unless you give me something in return."