episode_0208

I was extremely worried.

I can single-handedly defeat the Scorpion King with pure power without any magic tools or artifacts.

No matter how much Talpon was testing, it was still difficult to understand such recklessness.

But he is a planner. He is a person with a clear mind who moves with reasonable evidence even when undertaking risky tasks.

It’s the same this time too.

There must be some kind of basis.

That thought was deeply ingrained in me when I took a step back and listened to Karssein’s suggestion.

However, Karssein fought the Scorpion King alone and did not use the artifact at all even though he was injured here and there.

I felt scared for a moment.

It was obvious at a glance that he was overdoing it.

It’s not a serious injury. It means that life is at stake.

Still, since I wasn’t using the artifact, I felt like my insides were going to turn black.

Suddenly I went down the hill.

Whatever happens now is fine. All I had to do was prevent him from losing his breath.

Then, fortunately.

Karssein, who manifested mana at an amazing time, defeated the Scorpion King.

It was really fortunate.

“…”

Looking at Carcein sleeping on the bed, Harnier put his hand on his numb chest and tried to catch his breath.

It was a scary experience.

I earnestly hope that it never happens again.

-Sigh.

“Please…don’t get hurt.”

Harnier held his hand tightly with a little anger and concern.

This feeling was no longer caused by the regret of losing someone named Karsein.

It’s something else.

It was because of another emotion she felt.

***

-Tap, knock.

Nobles walking into the conference room with stiff expressions on their faces.

Whenever the reporting date approaches, they always look like they just chewed shit.

For what reason will Princess Arcien wake up today?

How should I come up with an alternative if the plan I made this week goes wrong?

What excuse should we make for lack of results?

This is because such worries come to me every day.

However, today the stiff face and stern complexion are more noticeable than usual.

no. Not only that, but even the slightest chatter was barely visible.

Following the 1st week report that announced the start of the exam, the 4th week report is the mid-term evaluation date for those who have passed the 2nd and 3rd weeks.

Now that we’ve spent 4 weeks, it’s time to show results.

For that reason, unlike usual, tighter grading is expected, and all household heads will attend to watch the meeting.

In addition, all major VIPs will attend.

Starting with people around you, such as family, relatives, and fiancés, the number of observers increases several times.

In the meantime, what if you get yelled at or get points deducted from Arcien?

It’s over.

It’s okay to fall apart on other days.

But just for today, it shouldn’t be ruined.

We must use all means possible to prevent shameful acts.

It is as obvious as how you will be viewed in aristocratic society if you reveal your foundation.

“You came first. Claire.”

“Ah, sister.”

“Sister. Hehe.”

“Ugh. Our youngest. Are you a fool again?”

Claire gently patting the head of the cute youngest child who was snuggling in her arms.

Arina chuckled as she looked at the two younger sisters who were getting along well.

“The other nobles are all gloomy, but I see that you are calm alone. Sister, I guess you have prepared well?”

“…what. so so. It is not at a satisfactory level.”

As the saying goes, Arina did not produce particularly satisfactory results.

This is because progress has slowed down as help from householders cannot be received due to new rules created at this symposium.

Although it was not to the point of being completely robbed by Arsien and Florence, it was clear that it was still unskilled.

“What about you? In fact, the one who looks good is Claire. I guess there was some success?”

“Um… not a lot, but a little?”

“What happened?”

“It was perfect for me, who runs a boutique business, and there was a possibility that the fabric I needed could be produced there. It was much easier to connect with my business, so it was useful to be able to create a new source of income for the territory.”

“Humble. If that were the case, it would be enough to brag about it.”

“No. I just got lucky.”

In a conference room where only the sound of footsteps could be heard, the three sisters of Bagland gathered and talked about various things.

However, not all of the Vagrand Dukes had gathered yet.

“Claire. Have you ever received any message from Carcein?”

“Huh? huh. You didn’t say anything to me?”

“…sigh. You idiot. I’m feeling upset again. Are you trying to do something like that again, not on any other day but on the day of the midterm evaluation?”

Arina clicks her tongue and checks the time.

The time spent chatting with my younger siblings had gotten quite long and I hadn’t noticed, but before I knew it, there were less than 10 minutes left before the meeting started. In the short amount of time left, my eyes naturally become sharp.

Today is not a typical reporting date.

Since it is a mid-term evaluation day where noble families from all over the country and neighbors gather together to attend as observers, extra caution is needed.

‘If I were to be late on a day like this…’

You won’t be able to stop being embarrassed.

It wouldn’t be like putting a big stain on the name of the Duke of Bagland.

Even on the day my mother came to see me in person, I shouldn’t have been treated like that.

“That… sister. I know what you’re thinking, but there’s still time.”

“…Claire. Even taking that into account, we have to arrive now.”

“It’s everyone’s busiest day. Even though we arrived leisurely, Karsein might be a little busy.”

“Phew.”

“It didn’t turn out to be late, so let’s wait.”

okay. As Claire said, there was still time.

Even if you weren’t the one who arrived with plenty of time to spare, there was still a chance that you wouldn’t be late.

Arina waited with her arms crossed, with a glimmer of hope.

However, Carcein did not show up until Arsien and Florence, who were in charge of judging following the observers, arrived.

“…”

“…”

Claire and Flora began to take notice of Arina.

“Ha. It’s my fault for having expectations.”

Arina clicked her tongue.

“At the birthday party, I was told that something happened that made me feel bad, so I let it go, but this issue will not be ignored. On the day my mother comes to see me…”

Arina, gritting her teeth, muttered that after the report was over, she would have to firmly correct Karssein’s bad habit.

Right then.

Arcien came up to the stage for a moment.

“Today is the 4th week, there is an applicant for Rest Week for the mid-term evaluation.”

The nobles expressed their doubts, asking whether anyone would be foolish enough to apply for Rest Week on this important day.

‘no way.’

At that moment, Arina lost her senses.

The name of that guy who hasn’t appeared yet might be called from there.

I couldn’t believe it, but Karssein’s name was clearly called from Arsien’s mouth.

“You stupid bastard. Are you using this trick to avoid the mid-term evaluation report? It’s so pathetic.”

It’s probably not a sick leave, and I’ve never been reported on any issues related to the Duke family.

“You start your business so quickly that you end up in an accident. I guess I applied for Rest Week out of avoidance because I obviously didn’t get any results. I will do everything I can to tarnish Bagland. Tsk.”

When I guessed that in a very condescending tone, Claire suddenly spoke up.

“Isn’t it possible that you applied because you have a really important matter and you can’t put it off?”

“What?”

“That’s right. It’s not painful, and there’s no major problem that we heard about. If you do this, you may have found a clue to solving the problem in Shatren.”

Claire suggested that she consider what it would have been like if she had made the same judgment as Karssein during this time.

“That may not be possible. However…”

Arina sighs and continues answering.

“You should think about the gap between you and Karssein. That’s just being too optimistic. It doesn’t make sense to think that the answer has been found, as the bastard’s head is looking for tricks and excuses.”

When I listed all of Carcein’s antics so far, Claire could not refute it further.

Qualifications, capabilities, and judgment.

That guy is a human being who is lacking in everything.

Even though he had everything, the person who could not shake off his natural instincts and did not fulfill any of his duties as a nobleman was that stupid Karssein.

So, there is one conclusion.

“That shallow and foolish bastard would never have made a proper plan.”

It was.

***

-Pushuuk!

The demonic beast’s blood splatters in the air and it falls.

Just looking at the number of sweeps, the number already easily exceeds double digits.

-Tiring!

▶An enemy entity has been defeated.◀

▶EXP has increased by 250!◀

-Tiring!

▶An enemy entity has been defeated.◀

▶EXP has increased by 316!◀

-Tiring!

▶An enemy entity has been defeated.◀

▶EXP has increased by 477!◀

Lv. 60

▶The SP you have is automatically ??? Used for stats!◀

▶Strength 6.10

▶Agility 7.38

▶Endurance 7.51

▶Stamina 5.59

▶Immunity 1.55

▶??? 60%

Karsein’s stats were already over level 60.

“…Phew.”

Karssein, who had completely eliminated the nearby demon beast, wiped the sweat from his chin.

Because I have been hunting the western demon beasts for several days, I am now somewhat accustomed to handling mana.

The visible haze or solid lines were the flow of mana, and I felt with my body hundreds of times how mana was consumed when using magic and how to activate the Wederos Kingdom-style swordsmanship skill.

Through proper rest, various aspects have been resolved, including recovery amount, recovery time, and body reaction that occurs when overexertion is exercised.

The time to clash swords with Talpon was slowly approaching.

***

‘…is it coming?’

I can smell him from afar.

Karsein. He was walking.

It was only a few days ago that I gave away the room key after defeating the Scorpion King.

He was prepared to welcome anyone who came to visit him at any time.

However, it was much earlier than expected.

‘I expected him to visit at least once since the Eastern Noble Conference is in progress.’

I was planning to take that into account whether I had to go to the conference room and report or do something else, and I expected that the time I would meet Karssein again would be next week at the earliest.

But, I never thought we would be clashing weapons like this in just a few days.

Is that why you have been steadily clearing out demonic beasts from time to time in the territory of Lilpeten?

‘what. Anyway, it’s good. There’s only one thing for me to do.’

By clashing the swords with all my might, I smell the reverberation of the mana flowing out and understand everything.

What kind of path has your life been leading so far?

As a survivor of the Kingdom of Wederos, is Lilpeten worthy of following?

And… what kind of person is Karssein?

Just judge that.

– Sabak.

When Karsein’s steps stop, Talpon turns his back and asks.

“It looks like preparations are complete, right?”

“Okay.”

The scent of numerous trainings and fights permeated his body as he calmly affirmed it.

“Harnier. Please fall.”

“Yes?”

“It looks like it will start right away. In this place.”

“Hoo.”

Did you feel that?

I thought my spirit had improved quite a bit, but I didn’t expect it to be this much.

When Harnier left with a worried expression, Talpon immediately raised his weapon.

“I think I noticed it at first glance, so there’s no need to explain. But I want to tell you one thing.”

“What is it?”

-Suuu.

“Fight with the determination to die. Otherwise, you’ll really die.”

As soon as the conversation ends, Talpon kicks the ground and rushes forward.

His first blow cracked the ground with a heavy, bizarre sound.