The next morning, Lynn stared blankly at the ornate relief on the ceiling with lifeless eyes.
Why had things turned out this way?
With a sense of desperation, Lynn yawned, sat up, dressed, and prepared to wash up.
By now, he was truly in too deep, trapped from all directions, all retreats cut off.
As long as the positioning collar Ivyst had put on him was not removed, he could never escape her grasp.
Thinking about the inevitable future confrontation with the protagonist group, Lynn felt despair.
Although he didn't know if this world had something like a "world will" setting, since the system mentioned a plot deviation degree, it meant they were strictly following the preset path of the original story.
That path ends at a sheer cliff, completely devoid of any rationale for survival.
But, at this point, there was no other choice.
He could only act as a double-crosser, blend into Ivyst's team, and always look for a chance to escape.
To rid himself of that woman, he might even need to cozy up to some original characters.
Of course, there was another way.
By changing the plot deviation of Ivyst and those around her to earn a huge amount of system points and upgrading like mad until he became stronger than her, he could liberate himself.
But undoubtedly, this path was even more difficult.
He had managed to increase Ivyst's plot deviation degree only slightly after several dangerous days.
It was indeed a long and arduous journey.
Lynn sighed and spat out the toothpaste in his mouth.
After finishing his morning wash, he rang a small bell.
A few seconds later, the maid Nina came in.
"Master Lynn, Her Highness mentioned that after you wake up, she wants you to meet the others at the dining hall."
Clearly, she still hadn't adjusted her view of Lynn from a guest to something else, as she occasionally stole glances at him.
Unfortunately, Lynn was not in the mood to chat; he nodded gravely, "I see, lead the way."
Augusta Manor was vast.
It took about ten minutes, guided by Nina, for Lynn to reach the so-called dining area.
Though it was called a dining room, the opulence of the scene could be felt deeply.
Upon entering the main hall, long banquet tables made from expensive beech wood were neatly arranged, with silver candlesticks and exquisite utensils pressing down on the tablecloths.
At this moment, some people were already seated at the tables, quietly chatting and eating.
Looking around, Lynn realized that aside from Rhein and the housekeeper named Kasha, he didn't recognize anyone else present.
Oh, there was also a black cat squatting in a corner, licking minced meat from a plate.
The atmosphere seemed quite lively.
Even Princess Ivyst was sitting at the head of the table at the far end, currently wearing a half-face mask, revealing her tender white chin.
Her fork and knife gestures were elegant, rhythmically slicing the food and gently chewing it, sending the pieces into her red lips.
During meals, she really resembled a well-mannered noblewoman.
Lynn curled his lips.
It seemed that this woman was quite approachable, dining together with her subordinates.
Apparently sensing Lynn's critical gaze, Ivyst suddenly opened her eyes and locked her gaze precisely on him.
Lynn immediately adopted a solemn expression.
"Add another breakfast."
Ignoring him, she whispered to the housekeeper Kasha beside her.
Soon, a new plate was brought over, containing steaming sausages and lamb chops.
Lynn glanced at the filled beechwood long table and chose the most corner seat to sit down.
Then, he faintly felt several covert gazes coming from a distance.
It seemed that seeing a stranger arrive here, and given that Her Highness had allowed him to sit, the people began observing this tall and handsome young man with different looks.
Lynn ignored these people and picked up his knife and fork to start eating.
Hungry after a whole night, he ate voraciously.
Seeing his manner, many expressed a slight disdain.
Most of the people present were nobility, and though some followers of Her Highness from early on had no titles, they were at least titled knights.
Who was this newcomer that appeared from nowhere to dine with them?
This thought arose in their minds.
Situated closest to the main seat, Rhein watched Lynn's eating, his face showing contempt.
At the same time, he couldn't help but recall that night a few days ago, his anger flaring instantaneously.
One day, he would completely reclaim this scene.
The proud Rhein almost snapped his fork in hand.
Sadly, the Princess was present here, so he dared not and could not cause any trouble.
"I'll let you off this time."
Rhein sneered inwardly.
But what he did not expect was that though he avoided trouble, trouble found him first.
"Homosexual, help me grab the pepper from over there, thank you!"
Lynn suddenly called out loudly in a voice everyone could hear.
At that moment, this thought arose in everyone's mind.
The events of that night were clearly unwilling to escape through the gossiping mouths of the residents.
At least, most of the people present already had some knowledge of it.
Although he later clarified ambiguously, not many believed him.
Sure enough, Rhein exploded instantly.
He intended to slam the table and stand up, but looking over at the Princess, who was dining with her head down, he felt extremely stifled and withdrew his hand.
Right, with Her Highness present, how could he show himself in such an unrefined light?
His temples bulged with a raging vein, but he ultimately restrained himself.
"Alright, stop arguing," Ivyst suddenly spoke up. "Let me introduce the newcomer; this fellow here is Lynn, and he will be your companion from now on."
"Later, remember to go to the 'cellar' to collect some Extraordinary Equipment. You are too weak now, completely lacking the ability to defend yourself... Rhein, show him around."
She instructed both of them simultaneously.
Rhein paused for a few seconds, then a look of uncontrollable joy spread across his face, "Yes, Your Highness."
If he could take him down to the cellar, then things would be easier.
Although he did not know why Her Highness had brought him here, it was definitely a good thing.
Thinking so, Rhein sneered coldly as he looked his way.
Feeling his hateful gaze, Lynn seemed oblivious as he flashed a brilliant smile.
This incident was merely a slight interlude.
Soon, the crowd would put it out of their minds.
"Your Highness, Duke Tierus has once again declined your invitation. What should we do..."
In the crowd, someone started discussing official matters with Ivyst.
Seeing this, Ivyst couldn't help but frown deeply.
This stubborn old man.
Suddenly, she lost her appetite.
Bai Leier Tierus, one of the Seven Imperial Electors of the Saint Laurent Empire, possessed the supreme power to elect the Emperor and was the ultimate target for Ivyst's trip to Orn City.
After all, unlike the other princes and princesses, she was naturally disliked by Saint Laurent VI and many of the ministers.
Not only that, but she also did not have a powerful maternal family like they did.
Therefore, Ivyst needed even more the support from outside forces.
Thus, her sole purpose in coming to Orn City was to win over Duke Tierus, who was in his prime.
This would strengthen her position in the upcoming King's election.
Unfortunately, that old man was very stubborn and, like most others, held a poor impression of her.
"Let's discuss this matter latter; are there other urgent issues that need addressing?"
Ivyst, unable to come up with a solution, decided to temporarily put aside the matter.
"Of course, there is," the man speaking nodded solemnly. "Your Highness, you recently eradicated the Creationist School, which was a significant achievement for Orn City. However, the three hundred innocent civilians saved from the school have become a troubling issue."
"These people seem brainwashed, steadfastly believing in the dogmas of the Creationist School, even to the point of endangering city safety."
"Therefore, the City Council and the Security Bureau refuse to deal with this mess and do not allow those three hundred civilians to enter the city."
"What do you think should be done about this situation?"
Another headache-inducing matter for Ivyst cropped up.
She has always been relatively inept at dealing with cases involving ordinary people.
After all, these were over three hundred lives that couldn't be abandoned and left to survive for long outside, possibly even triggering a series of problems.
Yet they couldn't simply be killed.
Ivyst's brow furrowed slightly.
After much thought, she decided to delegate this troublesome matter to her subordinates.
So, Ivyst raised her head, her gaze sweeping across both sides of the long table.
Soon, the lucky person was chosen.
Looking at Lynn, who was currently hunched over in the corner concentrating on his meal, Ivyst's lips curled into a subtle smile.