episode_0011

I gently stroked Vivian’s head as she fidgeted nervously, holding a letter in one hand. Despite knowing we had to leave soon, I couldn’t shake off a sense of unease.

If I hadn’t known any better, hearing about how that brat Bi Han caused a scene in the streets because he didn’t want to marry his fiancée would have been shocking enough. Observing Vivian’s behavior, it was evident he must have treated his fiancée even worse.

“Oh, big brother…”

After affectionately petting Vivian’s worried head, I sighed and stood up. There was no point worrying now; it was best to resolve this quickly.

Lifting Vivian up and patting his back reassuringly, I made my way to the study. I needed to talk to Aaron.

He seemed quite concerned about that matter. He’d surely grant permission, right?

With such thoughts in mind, I approached Aaron and said, “It’s impossible.”

My trust was betrayed like a dog.

Why does it feel like I keep getting possessed and things continue this way?

Even though I’m an experienced individual…

…

Aaron’s serious expression as he refused left me genuinely flustered. I protested sincerely, “Why! Won’t Father know about the disrespect I’ve shown there? I must apologize! It’s the proper thing to do!” But Aaron simply shook his head solemnly, countering each of my arguments meticulously.

As he continued to refute me, I found myself unable to speak. Seeing my attempts to divert his attention, Aaron, sighing, spoke, “It’s dangerous now, Bi Han.”

Aaron explained that they were currently dealing with dark mages. Given the ongoing conflict with them, it was unsafe to move elsewhere without additional protection. From the practicality of not having extra guards to concerns about me going out when so much was at stake, his words were mixed with worry.

As he looked at Vivian with eyes brimming with tears, almost conceding defeat, I snapped back to reality.

If I don’t go now, things will really go south!!!

“…So, if we can find escorts capable of ensuring safety without relying on the family’s help, is it possible?”

“…Yes, it would be, then.”

Despite his answer, his eyes conveyed the difficulty of the task.

I smiled inwardly as I met his gaze.

I’ve said what needed to be said; there’s no turning back now.

“Could you lend me the communication device for a moment?”

“The communication device…? Alright, I understand.”

Receiving the puzzled look from Aaron, I infused magic into the communication device.

The person’s communication frequency… Was it SB10321HB-32? It’s a bit confusing.

As I input the frequency, a small barrier formed around me, a magical shield to prevent eavesdropping.

I smiled at Aaron’s surprise upon feeling the magical shield. Gesturing that everything was fine, I turned my attention to the figure appearing on the communication device.

“Mom? What’s the occasion for the call? It’s not time to visit yet… Is there an issue with Lei by any chance?”

Amidst a bustling screen where blood splattered and sounds of slashing could be heard, the calm voice of the person on the other end continued the conversation.

“Hmm? Why isn’t anyone answering… Who are you?”

Having glanced at the screen a moment ago, the woman raised her eyebrows upon seeing me. Feeling the pressure even through the screen, I stuttered in response.

“Um… Do you happen to like younger siblings?”

“What?”

The person was taken aback by my question, then turned away before asking me, “Are you insane?”

“Hahaha!”

That was a bit too harsh.

As I laughed, the woman gave me a ‘oh, you’re kidding’ look, but it truly hurt.

But I need to act more maturely.

I calmly brushed off the expression my opponent made and spoke, “No, I am the one who will spare Ray’s life.”

-Shiver-

“..You”

What does that mean?

Though a woman distant as if in a far-off communication zone,

It felt like having a knife at my throat right in front of me.

Feeling that chill, I smiled.

So, you really like your sibling, huh?

Good for you.

For both you and me.

That day, I temporarily gained a respectable escort that would be acknowledged by anyone on the continent, and received Aaron’s reluctant approval.

Vivian?

“Oh, separated from my brother again… *sob*…”

Please don’t cry, Vivian! It was my fault, Vivian!!

Honestly, convincing Vivian was four times harder than convincing the escort.

…

Until the escort arrived at the mansion, I made various preparations.

Packed what needed to be packed – Vivian, hiding herself in my luggage as if she were an item, was quite adorable.

Gathered everything I could from the black market

Commissioned information with the bounty placed on the dark sorcerer

While checking my last possessions, I sensed a huge mana in front of the mansion gate.

“Looks like we’ve arrived.”

Seeing how he can make mana completely undetectable if he wants, it seems he’s still a bit angry.

I opened the door with the prepared carriage and servants, and there stood a woman with her arms crossed, looking at me.

Silver hair shining in the sunlight.

Spring-like green eyes.

A beauty that even on a rough face doesn’t fail to captivate most people’s gazes.

But what matters now is not that radiant appearance but the aura she exudes.

Laughing fiercely at the feeling of slowly encroaching space, even though it’s invisible.

“Shall we depart quickly?”

This woman, who entered the carriage and crossed her legs while expressing discontent, is the current Sword Star of the Empire.

Having defeated a high-level demon at the age of 10 and the former Sword Star at 15, she is a genius.

She’s my temporary escort, always wanting to be around me because she likes her sibling so much.

The second daughter of the Grand Duke ruling the South.

Linus Lunn Noistern.

“What are you looking at?”

She might be a bit angry now, but well… she’s not a bad person.

…

“Orc Hero.”

“Lord Mayan.”

“Anti-Pheromone.”

“Wait, are there really monsters with those names?”

“So, is there a monster called Lord Mayan? And Anti-Pheromone is a creature found in the Empire’s North and South regions, a plant-like demon used frequently as an herb.”

I used to hunt them often in the game since they fetched a good price.

They were also valuable as alchemical ingredients and quite useful.

Considering how famous they were, didn’t Linus know about them?

Well, in the game, I traveled all over, so I knew a lot, but now that it’s reality, I passed over things I didn’t know.

Linus squinted at me, then continued after my explanation.

“Mint Choco.”

This time, I paused.

“Wait a minute.”

What…?

“That’s a real monster…?”

A monster with that kind of name?

I suspected Linus was trying to deceive me, thinking I was ignorant.

Who names monsters like that?

Perhaps my expression revealed my thoughts because Linus, smiling faintly, replied.

“My sister named it.”

“Huh…”

Setting aside Linus using his sister’s monster name for Monster Word Chain, what on earth was his sister doing to name a monster Mint Choco?

I shuddered at the Noistern youngest’s terrifying creativity.

Just in case, I asked again.

“That monster… It’s not edible, is it?”

“Huh? How did you know? It’s an edible monster. They say it tastes refreshing with a hint of sweetness.”

“Eek…!”

It’s really Mint Choco!!!

I cursed the world for why such a monster existed.

“My sister loves it, saying it tastes delicious.”

“….”

I changed Noiseden’s evaluation in response to Linus’s words.

From a fearsome person to a toothpaste killer,

Feeling closer to Linus after his following words, “It’s not my taste,” I chatted with Linus.

-Thud

Oh, my buttocks.

This carriage isn’t all that comfortable; even my buttocks hurt.

Although I thought it was quite soft, my weak buttocks were not protected enough, so I resolved to improve it later.

He’ll probably ask for money and skills from that guy, right?

Thinking of the research slave I would meet someday, I chuckled to myself, but Linus, who had left while I was lost in thought, came in as the carriage door creaked open.

“Are you done already?”

“What? How did you know?”

“Haha, well, you know.”

“It’s amazing…”

Linus looked at me as if genuinely amazed.

Well, from Linus’s perspective, it must be amazing.

It’s strange that she can perceive what she’s doing, when she leaves and comes back in an instant, using the physical abilities I possess, but even more surprising is how she gestures and speaks when leaving and returning.

For me, it was just a matter of course.

After playing games for over 20,000 hours, I knew who she was, even though she entered with a seemingly poor body. Knowing her personality, behavior patterns, skills, and more made it easy for me.

Just by the direction her feet are pointing and the movement of her fingertips, I can roughly guess what she intends to do, right?

Thinking this, I smiled broadly.

Linus looking at me like I’m some strange creature was a bit off.

Anyway, one day as we continued traveling on the road in the carriage.

Linus’s communication device vibrated, and a message came through.

I began to doubt whether it was her expensive communication device that wasn’t malfunctioning.

Did she accidentally break it?

But before I could solve my doubts, a woman who seemed more mature than Linus appeared on the screen with an urgent voice.

-Linus!! Where are you!!

“Uh… South?”

-The chieftain has been attacked in the grasslands!!

Linus’s expression hardened rapidly at the woman’s words.

She continued speaking.

-Ray went alone to the Dulliero family and is facing them! We need to provide support as soon as possible!

Dulliero…

Your younger sibling Ray…

Perhaps the South is becoming dangerous, that’s what she said.

At those words, Linus unknowingly turned to look at me, and I nodded.

What do you think, Geomseong?

Am I right?