Shannon Flem.
She is the heroine and childhood friend of the protagonist, Rogue, and was set up as his lover.
Unlike Rogue, who was a dropout, Shannon stood out as an excellent priest and was respected by others. After joining the [Heroic Sword of Legends] with Rogue's invitation, she became an executive due to her high-level healing magic (though this was actually due to Rogue's skill, Grant, which strengthened and evolved her abilities).
However, Alfred used Alluring Eye, and despite Shannon's loyalty to Rogue, he seduced her and broke the bond between them.
After Rogue's banishment, like the others, her ability statistics greatly diminished, and she could no longer use her unique skills. But, even in this state, Shannon continued to indulge in carnal pleasure with Alfred.
At times, she even sold her body to strangers to earn money to please Alfred, completely losing the saintly image she once held in people's admiration.
In the end, she fell into darkness alongside Alfred, confronting Rogue only to be defeated and sentenced to execution.
Three days before her execution, Alluring Eye's curse lifted, and Shannon regained her sanity.
Even though she returned to her original self, she retained all the memories of betraying Rogue and her corrupt relationship with Alfred. In the days leading to her death, she cried tears of blood in agony, falling into madness.
And just before the execution, Shannon spotted Rogue watching her.
With a faint voice, she whispered, "I'm sorry," but Rogue quietly muttered back, "It's too late..." before beheading her.
Her body was displayed in the castle alongside Alfred's, both executed together. Their corpses were pelted with stones by the people and left to be eaten by vultures.
That was her miserable fate.
There was no salvation.
Recalling it now just leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
Even though many readers craved justice for her, I couldn't help but question the author, Tanaka Daichi's sense of humanity.
Back in my previous life as a corporate slave...
That storyline left me feeling sick, so much so that I even complained to Sasaki-kun, my junior, who had recommended the light novel.
"Sasaki-kun, don't you think this story is a bit too cruel? Shannon is just so pitiful. Sure, she betrayed Rogue, but she was manipulated by that scumbag Alfred, right? I get that she can't reunite with Rogue, but couldn't they have at least spared her from the death sentence? Rogue could've found another way he's the protagonist, after all."
"Senpai That would be so boring, wouldn't it? Readers project themselves onto the protagonist. For them, all they care about are heroines who validate and fulfill the protagonist's desires. They don't care about some traitorous slut who got defiled. A chick like that is better off dead, right? This kind of 'deserved retribution' makes the story so satisfying! Torimaki-sensei is a genius!"
Sasaki-kun said all this with a beaming smile.
Am I the one out of touch? I felt disgusted rather than satisfied.
Sasaki-kun, you seemed like a cheerful guy, but maybe you're a bit messed up after all. My view of you has definitely changed... seriously.
I recalled being utterly shocked back then.
That's why, now as Alfred in this reincarnation, I won't be led astray.
No matter what the devil whispers, I'll control my desires.
Meanwhile, Shannon, dressed in her nightgown, was blushing as she nervously glanced around the room.
For some reason, her gaze kept drifting toward the bed.
Why does the once strict saint seem so easy to tempt now?
It feels like if I pushed her onto the bed, something might happen... No, no, I can't let that happen.
I cleared my throat awkwardly.
"Shannon, if we're done talking, I'd like to get some sleep."
"Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stay this long and be a bother... I just got carried away."
It's not that she's a bother... but to be honest, I'm not sure I can maintain my composure much longer.
Shannon, blushing to her ears, hurriedly stood up.
But in her haste, she tripped over the leg of her chair and lost her balance.
"Ah!"
"Watch out!"
I jumped from the bed, trying to catch her, but-Thud.
Shannon fell right into my chest, and the momentum knocked both of us onto the bed.
Wait... did I just get pinned down?
"I'm sorry, Alfred... Are you okay?"
Shannon's beautiful face and soft lips were right in front of me.
It's the first time I've seen her this close.
My heart was pounding out of control.
If she wanted to...wait, shouldn't it be the other way around?
I could easily kiss her right now if I just reached out.
Her slender, soft body was pressed against me, and now that I looked closely, I realized her breasts were pushing against me too.
Oh no, this is too much for a virgin like me... I can't hold out much longer.
No, I have to remember... This is Tanaka Daichi's story world.
It's a trap.
The story is trying to make me and Shannon get together... but why does it feel like I'm the one being pushed down here?
"I-I'm fine. It was just an accident; I get it."
"Yes, I'll get up now..."
Though Shannon said this, her face was still bright red, and she didn't seem to be in any hurry to move.
"What's wrong?"
"Alfred... my heart is racing so fast."
"Yeah, mine too...but, well, given our situation, I guess that's normal."
"This is my first time."
"Huh?"
"I've never felt my heart pound like this in front of a man before... This is the first time."
What is she saying?
But... wasn't she-
"What about Rogue? You're supposed to be in love with him, right?"
"What? No, Rogue is important to me as a childhood friend... more like an unreliable older brother. People may have thought there was something between us, but honestly, that was just for appearances. I've never had feelings like this for him... not even close."
"R-Really? Huh..."
Now that I think about it, in the original story, there was only one line from Rogue's perspective saying, "Shannon is my childhood friend and lover~." There were no actual scenes of them dating.
I'd just assumed it was Tanaka being sloppy, but it turns out it was all in Rogue's head-a fantasy couple.
So... Shannon's single? You've got the green light; go for it!
A voice echoed in the back of my mind.
Damn it, that devilish whispering again it's Alfred's leftover trashy instincts.
Shut up! I don't even know if Shannon likes me!
Even if we're this close right now, it's just an accident. And just because she's not moving doesn't mean she actually wants this.
Most importantly, I don't want to treat Shannon like the original story did.
She's a precious friend and someone I want to protect.
I gently placed my hand on Shannon's cheek.
"Ah..."
Shannon let out a soft, seductive sound, her large eyes moistening.
"I'm really happy you think of me that way... Thank you. But I think we both need some time to sort out our feelings. Rogue cares about you too, you know."
"Yes...you're right. I guess I got carried away."