Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 566: Sacrifice [4]

The tangy, sharp flavor of the wine remained on my tongue as it slid down my throat after I sipped it.

"——!"

My eyes suddenly grew wide when I realized my mistake. Quickly, my hand moved to place the glass back on the table, with the wine's aftertaste still hanging in my throat.

T-that...!

"Don’t worry, there’s no poison in it."

From beside me, Leon’s steady voice came as he also set down his cup.

He licked his lips and whispered, "It’s actually amazing wine."

My mouth opened a bit as I gazed at him.

He glanced back at me from the side with his eyes.

"...It looked nice, so I had a taste. I’m sure you were also the same."

No, I wasn’t.

I didn’t even like wine to begin with.

But...

’Yeah, it was quite good.’

Rubbing his throat, Leon went on.

"I’m quite well versed with poisons or any tricks. There’s nothing wrong with the wine. In fact, the fact that it’s such good wine is what worries me. Not even on the islands is the wine this good."

"Is that so?"

I glanced at the cup before me. The wine shone blood-red, its surface sparkling under the sun’s bright rays above.

As I scanned around, the others had shown up too, seated at the table and sipping the wine. They displayed similar looks of astonishment after tasting it.

Something about the action felt off to me, yet I couldn’t sense any issue with the wine.

’Is the wine really just wine?’

I refused to accept it.

"Are you all enjoying the wine?"

The man came closer with a smile directed at us. Though not strikingly handsome, he possessed a certain appeal that felt inviting and kind.

But...

’He knows our names.’

We had never encountered him before, but his knowledge of our names told me he was no ordinary person.

’Let’s see where this is going before deciding what to do. I’ll wait for him to leave before exploring the castle to see if he’s lying about the exit.’

"So, how was your journey through the forest?"

He began chatting casually with us.

Oddly, he fitted in effortlessly among us, as though we’d been acquaintances for years.

He shifted his gaze toward Drake and Esteban.

"...I heard about your loss. Sam and Jordan were good people. Unfortunately, they left so early. The forest is not for the faint-minded."

Drake’s and Esteban’s faces grew a bit somber.

Maybe because of that, they began eating the food. Their eyes brightened instantly upon tasting it.

Curiosity struck me as well, so I grabbed a snack and tried it.

’——!"

This...!

My taste buds thrilled with delight the instant it touched them.

This was way beyond good!

"You see, the forest is rather special in the sense that it amplifies a person’s thoughts. However, for such thoughts to appear, one must already feel them in the first place. So while it is unfortunate that they chose to go that way, in the end, they found liberation in their own way."

For some odd reason, I found myself nodding in agreement.

"I know that your line of work isn’t easy. You’ve all probably seen all sorts of things. Some of you have worked yourselves to the bone in order to escape poverty."

The man focused on Drake, who stopped reaching for his glass and tapped it against his.

"Some of you, on the other hand, do it for survival. To cure yourself of the terrifying disease that has plagued you since childhood."

A stare came my way, and without thinking, I lifted my hand, clinking my glass with his as a warm feeling spread through my chest. I felt observed. Recognized. Like conversing with someone who grasped my hardships.

"...Some of you, on the other hand, do it because you’re good at it. You don’t really find much pleasure in your line of work, but you do enjoy being the center of attention. You like showing your abilities and receiving all the praise from the media and your fans."

Clink!

Leon clinked his glass.

"I understand all of your woes and can sympathize with all of you. The pressure that comes with your job, and all the expectations. I really do feel for you all."

After setting his glass down, the man smiled again, his kind face soft like a gentle wind.

"I do hope that all of you enjoy your time over here. In the meantime, I will go and tend to the other guests who are present."

He rose to his feet, about to depart, when he stopped.

"Oh, right."

He directed his focus back to us.

As he spoke, he indicated a specific spot where a particular group emerged.

"Those guys over there should be the ones that you’re looking for. They got lost on their way, eventually reaching this place too. I suggest you talk to them. Especially since it was your goal to find them. After which, you all can enjoy this place or leave at your own will. Nobody here will stop you."

With a hearty laugh, he turned his gaze elsewhere, heading to another group for casual conversation.

Wherever he went, chuckles and grins trailed behind.

My eyes followed his figure, tracking each step he took.

He didn’t seem like the central figure of the venue, but more like a highly skilled and amiable host striving to make everyone comfortable.

This place...

It felt cozy and pleasant.

’At least, compared to the forest outside, this place is quite nice. It almost feels like a luxurious resort. Kind of makes me want to stay here longer.’

But I couldn’t.

I shook my head.

’There are things I need to do.’

The sound of a chair dragging interrupted my thoughts as Leon rose and moved toward the group the man had indicated in the distance.

I paused briefly before getting up. In doing so, I took one final bite of the food.

’It’s really good.’

Even though it looked like only I trailed after Leon while the rest stayed put, relishing the food and beverages.

I couldn’t fault them as I followed Leon.

Finally, we reached the group we sought. They matched the descriptions in our profiles precisely, though unlike the profiles, they wore different outfits.

The outfits were white, and standing as a cluster, they seemed to be savoring the food and wine in conversation, halting only when they spotted us.

"Hello."

Leon spoke first, offering a slight bow.

The group halted, cocking their heads while eyeing Leon.

But in time, they grinned.

"Hahaha, if it isn’t Leon. I recognize you."

They regarded him fondly as they set down their cups and stretched out their arms, nearly hugging him.

"You’re one of those famous Paragons from a decade ago, the one who was ranked really high. Top ten, right? Did you manage to reach the top rank?"

Leon blinked deliberately before responding.

"...I’ve only recently made it in the top rankings."

"Recently?"

The group stopped, exchanging glances before erupting in laughter.

"How could that be?"

"That’s a good one, hahaha."

Stepping ahead, a member of the group slapped Leon’s shoulder while chuckling with the rest.

"It’s been almost a decade since we’ve been here. There’s no way you’ve only recently joined the ranks. I guess that memory must mean a lot to you for you to cling to it so much."

He kept patting his shoulder.

"Come on, what rank are you now?"