episode_0013

The plan fell apart.

I had intended to corner Yerina and swiftly proceed with the marriage, but things didn’t go as planned.

I wanted to experience love after marriage, but it seems I missed my chance.

However, just because the initial plan failed doesn’t mean everything is over.

It was only the plan for a ‘quick marriage’ that went awry.

Yerina still doesn’t seem to have feelings for me.

Nevertheless, being pressed for time, I must hurry.

“Higher! Lift your feet higher!”

“Ugh, these iron shoes are too heavy.”

“So this is what nobility is like…”

Instead of immediately getting married, I ended up staying in Pallana under the pretext of learning swordsmanship from Yerina.

But this is so intense that it’s driving me crazy.

With the Dakiar style, proficiency improves rapidly with practice.

While the Merida style may pose risks like dislocating joints, it’s not overly difficult except for the precautions needed.

However, the Frost style presents numerous challenges.

“I felt much stronger in our last sparring session. Why do I feel so weak today?”

“Perhaps you were too focused on protecting Sir Hoiwimus’s 10 gold coins… Ugh…”

“What on earth are you talking about?”

The inability to activate the Guardian Knight is the biggest issue.

Since Yerina, who is significantly stronger than me, would never feel protected by me.

Therefore, in the ice cave where Yerina and I train alone, I can only become powerless due to the Guardian Knight penalty.

Meanwhile, having mastered the techniques, wearing iron shoes, wrist guards, and ten rings each, just standing still is exhausting.

“Hehehe. Are you tired already?”

“Yes. It’s quite strenuous. Besides, I’m not royalty, so all these flashy accessories don’t suit me. I wouldn’t wear them regularly; they lack practicality.”

“Then shall we make some improvements for Eugene?”

I removed most of the steel mass covering my body, leaving only a rough and heavy iron ring.

Yerina insisted that this was a token of luck to be given and should never be removed.

It might be slightly uncomfortable, but it’s reasonable to wear at least one ring.

Occasionally, I could block a blade with my fist and strike at an opponent’s vulnerability.

“These are new boots. Mostly leather with thin metal plates wrapped around, making them much lighter.”

Yerina had requested the craftsman to make these new boots.

They look like regular boots and are incredibly lightweight.

Unless one touches the metal plate around the ankle area, they would appear to be ordinary boots.

“Now, shall we test the boots?”

“Hahaha…”

“I’ll go all out today. Try to defend against Frost-style techniques only.”

Rigorous training continued daily, almost like seeking revenge for the humiliation at the banquet.

Despite bruises and blood, I couldn’t stop, thanks to Yerina’s dedicated healers maintaining my condition.

“How come your basics are so solid?”

Yerina asks, seemingly puzzled.

They have to be solid.

When I decide to use a technique, my posture automatically adjusts, and the technique flows out.

“Compared to your basics, your adaptability is severely lacking. You seem to be capable of nothing beyond poking vulnerabilities with your hidden swordsmanship.”

“…”

Piercing to the core.

It hurts deep inside.

Hearing from a transcendent being that you lack talent carries a weight unlike any other.

“In that case, you must perfect even the simple act of poking vulnerabilities. Take up your sword. This time, feel free to use all the techniques you know.”

After repeated training with Yerina, the level of the attribute rose endlessly.

And evenly across all three swordsmanship styles.

[Attribute: Dakiar Style (lv.9)]

[I learn the forgotten ancient one-handed swordsmanship. Understanding of one-handed swords increases.]

[Trait: Merida Style (lv.4)]

[I learn the Elven traditional one-handed swordsmanship, improved by accepting the swordsmanship of the indigenous people. Understanding of one-handed swords increases.]

[Trait: Frost Style (lv.5)]

[I learn the swordsmanship of the Frost royal family. Understanding of two-handed swords increases.]

In just a week, my levels are already 9, 5, and 4 respectively.

Considering that in Hameln, I spent several months alone swinging my sword to raise the Dakiar style to level 4, this growth rate is tremendous.

Of course, I have never defeated Yerina even once.

Since the first duel, I’ve been constantly losing.

Today, I lost to Yerina several times already.

After falling and catching my breath for a while, Yerina approaches me with a mocking smile.

“Hah. I can’t understand losing to this incompetent man at all.”

“Even if you don’t understand, there’s nothing you can do. It’s already happened.”

“That’s right. It has already happened. You losing to me. The rumor spreading that I’ve fallen hard for you.”

“Hahaha.”

“Don’t laugh. It’s quite serious.”

Yerina warns with a stern expression.

But her ears keep twitching sideways, indicating she’s playing around.

Noticing my gaze on her ears, Yerina quickly blushes and covers her ears with her hands.

“Stop eavesdropping on others’ emotions with your ears…”

“I’m not eavesdropping. It’s out in the open.”

“I don’t know. It’s annoying.”

Sighing, Yerina pouts and lies down next to me.

Every time I try to turn my head, she grabs my chin and directs my gaze towards the ceiling.

I’ve seen this ceiling countless times after falling from defeat against Yerina.

Yet, the way the ice stalactites descend, emitting various colors of light, remains beautiful no matter how many times I see it.

Receiving the falling water on my face makes me chuckle for no reason.

“This is a space I cherish.”

“It’s worth cherishing. It’s incredibly beautiful.”

“It’s beautiful, but it’s also where my memories lie. This place. Where I first defied my father. That day, it was decided that I would succeed to the throne.”

“The cave that led to your succession to the throne. Meaningful. And now, it’s also the cave that brought a potential marriage partner…”

“Oh, shut up!”

Snap.

Yerina quickly covers my mouth.

But something fills my mouth.

Surprised, I realize it’s cold ice, tasting sweet.

“Hehe. Sweet, isn’t it?”

“It is…”

She seems to want me to keep my mouth shut like that.

Yerina stands up abruptly, hiding her ears with a hat, carrying her belongings, and slowly walks through the ice cave.

With her ears covered, I have no idea what she’s thinking.

“Eujin… You’re leaving soon, aren’t you…?”

Yerina’s voice trembles.

How did she know?

The time to leave is approaching.

My swordsmanship level is hardly increasing now.

My relationship with Yerina has reached its limit.

Now, it seems much more efficient to go to Jill or Yulia.

“Yes. I’ve learned a lot. Thank you very much.”

“Eujin, I don’t see you as a stronger person than myself.”

“I know.”

“And you are sly, despicable, and opportunistic.”

“I won’t deny that.”

“You use our race’s ears to play mean tricks, you sneaky race.”

“Well, that doesn’t seem to be my fault.”

“And I still believe that marriage should come after a long courtship.”

Yerina continues, shoulders trembling.

It’s not difficult to predict what will follow.

Indeed, marriage with you is impractical.

You were a good friend and a good student.

Farewell.

Something along those lines.

“Would you please enter into a contract with me?”

“Yes?”

But at the words that came from Yerina as she turned around, my body stiffens.

She doesn’t try to hide her flushed face, nor does she relax her tensed, pointed ears.

Instead, Yerina gathers both hands and meets my eyes without hesitation.

“I’ll give you time. Until you become stronger than me…”

“No matter how much time you give me, I won’t be able to become stronger than Yerina.”

“Oh! Be quiet! I want to get married, but doing it right away would tarnish my image as a lord, so let’s have some time for romance! I don’t want other women to interfere, so I’ve decided to bind us in a contract! Do you understand now, you blockhead?”

“To be honest, I knew it all along.”

Laughter escapes involuntarily.

Yerina seems to have judged that it’s impossible to hide her emotions from me now and speaks honestly.

But her demeanor is so cute that I can’t help but burst into laughter continuously.

Excitedly, Yerina extends her hand towards me.

Just as I am about to take her hand and stand up…

“Alright. A contract…”

“Yujin.”

The voice of the steward echoes from the cave entrance.

It’s a rather serious tone.

However, what’s strange is that he called me, not Yerina.

I take Yerina’s hand, stand up, and approach the steward waiting at the cave entrance.

“The messenger has arrived.”

“Did they come to see me?”

“Yes. The address was the Palace of Palana, but the recipient was said to be Yujin.”

“…I see.”

They have arrived.

No one knows I’m here.

Amidst this, who could accurately write my name and send a letter?

The answer is clear.

Someone desperately searching for me.

Time travel has failed.

I close my eyes tightly, swallowing bitterness along with the ice in my mouth.

“Who is the sender?”

“The sender is Jill Diner, the saint of the Southern Continent.”

“Yujin, what is going on?”

Do you know the key to our harem game strategy?

One crucial rule.

Never let Yerina know about the other heroines.

If the jealousy meter for Jill is 3 and for Yulia is 5, Yerina’s would be around 10.

While dealing with Jill and Yulia knowing about each other might still lead to a successful outcome, it’s not the case with Yerina.

If Yerina finds out, consider the harem strategy completely ruined.

“Just asking. I’m genuinely curious. I won’t get mad.”

“You’re already mad.”

“No, I’m not. Tell me. You said it was a coincidence, but why did the saint send you a letter all the way here?”

Yerina’s ears are standing stiffly as she speaks like that.

Her tail is the same.

Despite her trying to look cool, her ears and tail clearly show her anger.

Episode 1.

No matter how much I think about it, it’s fucked up.