Chapter 145
Chapter 145
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 145
Chapter Title: My Type
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"It's over."
"...With something like this?"
Shahard stared at the robed man who had just poked near his chest with what looked like a wooden stick.
The man's voice was hoarse, perhaps from a sore throat, and even with the hood of his robe pulled low, his lower face blurred whenever he closed his eyes—as if he were casting some kind of spell.
Just like last time, once he left, not only his appearance but even his voice would fade from memory.
To wield an perception-lowering spell of that caliber... well, he'd have to be at least an elven elder.
A high-level spell that affected not just sight but memory itself.
It was beyond what ordinary human mages could achieve.
'Even so.'
Over the past years, no mage or priest—
No one had known about his seal, yet this guy had undone it with...
'A single wooden stick?'
He had to admit the robed man had some impressive skills, but this was different.
"If you're still suspicious, call anyone you want to verify it. Just like back when you learned about the seal."
A hoarse voice laced with a slippery laugh.
The man tucked the stick back into his robe and stepped away, his arrogance peaking. Shahard glared for a moment before clenching his fist into empty air.
"...I don't feel anything right now."
"Of course not. Breaking the seal just releases the Trait—it won't turn you into a muscle-bound hunk overnight."
It depends on you.
Shahard let out a crooked smile at the unspoken follow-up.
"Depends on me?"
"Yeah."
Then he could become stronger than any imperial prince.
"You might not feel it today. But in a week, a month, a year, you'll thank me again."
"...I'll do that anytime. If it really depends on my efforts."
Just like he'd said he didn't care if it was a devil. He could even bow to this arrogant creature.
"Yeah? Good. If you surprise me next time, I'll give you a gift."
Shahard twisted his lips into a smirk at the robed man's words. The man had no idea how vast and deep his own longing was.
"I'll be looking forward to it."
* * *
[Shahard von Teteria—12th Imperial Prince]
Representative Traits: [Frailty (B)] [Sensitive (B)]
Hidden Traits: [Genius (B)] [Martial Prodigy (B)] [Divinity (C)]
Instead of planting a bomb in a monkey's hand that trusted Shahard, I used a standard seal-breaking artifact. Hopefully, he'll grow strong enough to keep Seria in check.
I dangled the gift carrot to spark his motivation, but who knows how effective it'll be.
'His talents are definitely there.'
The Genius, Martial Prodigy, and Divinity—classified as sealed Traits—had moved to Hidden.
Shahard wouldn't feel it yet, but he'd notice clues in a few days.
With Genius unlocked, his mental processing would accelerate, and Martial Prodigy would make his training yield different results.
'Divinity might be trickier to awaken.'
But as an imperial prince, he'd try everything to find his talents anyway.
I'm curious how he'll specialize his Trait tree afterward.
Focusing on Genius would boost his intellect and strategy, Martial Prodigy his physical prowess, and Divinity... maybe a holy knight or priest.
'None of it's bad.'
With Zero's help, I slipped away, changed out of my robe, and spoke up.
"Time?"
"Not late yet, Adelrian."
"Good."
We planned to enjoy ourselves before Kane arrived.
The Teteria Empire—the largest nation on the continent.
Its capital city offered endless sights.
I'd booked a Trait-enhanced play unavailable in smaller cities, but Shahard summoned me right then, so Zero and I lagged behind.
They could wait for me to start, but with dinner plans after, I told them to go ahead.
"Luna?"
"She seemed thrilled to rent out an entire theater."
The discrimination against Ain races ran this deep.
Barred from entering just for not being human.
Money and power silenced them, but only because I was Adelrian.
'The capital's especially bad...'
Even if my high status made me miss minor slights, the capital discriminated more than other cities I'd seen.
"We're here."
"Right."
In the original story, the evil god cult forced a continent-wide war, fostering camaraderie across humans and Ain alike.
'Wonder how it'll play out this time.'
I cut off the deepening thoughts and focused on the present.
Arrogantly, as Adelrian Guardian Krueger should.
Even if it meant dragging an Ain into this historic grand theater—never before allowed—and smearing the faces of nobles and humans alike, the reckless heir of Krueger couldn't be opposed.
I lowered my gaze disdainfully, like viewing vermin, and passed the bowing theater owner.
The more they cursed me behind my back, the less they'd mention Luna.
They'd just think it was one spoiled brat acting out.
"Young master, sit here."
"Come quick! It just started."
—Administrator, Rachel ate all the snacks before the play even began.
"Nice chairs. Good thing we didn't miss the start. Want more cookies or fruit? They've got plenty."
The theater was empty except for us anyway.
After responding to the kids' greetings, I flopped onto the plush sofa that gaped open like a clam.
Lying in the best seat, watching a play alone with my party—no one else around. Pretty nice. I could even nap midway...
Leaning back, I gazed at Luna sparkling her star shower with wide eyes, Zero, Leaf, and Rachel.
'I need to reflect.'
Culture was important too—I'd overlooked it.
"We can't!"
"What do you mean, my love!"
The everyday speech differed from stage dialogue here.
It was a straightforward romance. Love transcending class and borders—that message.
So cliché that I, soaked in Earth's movies and media, expected boredom.
'Surprisingly...'
Using Traits cleverly made fiery birds soar realistically, and stage actors pulled off stunt-level moves. It was fun.
I started lounging but ended up sitting properly.
"Still, happy they ended up together."
"Yeah."
"Love transcends all, it seems."
—Emotions are mysterious. Administrator.
I tugged Luna's soft ear—her already pink eyes deepened from tears—as everyone basked in the afterglow. Then Rachel draped her arm over my shoulder.
"Humans love romance too much. But gorgeous actors playing ordinary folks? Kinda funny, right?"
True, it was a bit off. But "plain" without glasses? Earth had plenty like that.
I nodded in vague agreement, and Rachel stared before grinning mischievously.
"Speaking of which, no favorites in this beauty-packed party of yours, Adelrian?"
What came over her?
As we headed out post-play, her arm slung over mine, I shrugged it off casually.
"No nonsense after good food."
"Aw, why not? Who's your type here? Huh? Huh? All top-tier looks, and you've never thought about it? Liar!"
Luna fixed her deep pink eyes on me as Rachel teased.
—Administrator. Requesting data for collection purposes.
Data? What data?
Leaf stared piercingly with yellow eyes too.
"No weird talk—let's eat... Huh?"
"Where you going?"
I shook my head, face saying the question was ridiculous, but Rachel pinned me to the wall.
Rachel in front, Luna right, Leaf left.
They closed in slightly. I shot a pleading look past Rachel's shoulder to Zero.
"What, Zero? Who you looking at? Huh?"
"What bullshit!"
Before Zero could respond to my SOS, Rachel cut the lifeline.
Zero averted his eyes—did he just ditch me?
"Be honest. Ask when Kane's not around, right?"
"Gotta exclude the league-above one first."
—Agreed.
Who cares if he's here or not, you guys!
The play's romance turned into prime teasing ammo for my party.
In 300 characters or less: They seize the chance to mess with Adelrian.
My head throbbed; I groaned.
"What? Me?"
"How'd my groan sound like Rachel? Your ears okay?"
Overwhelming. Rachel taller, she's right up close—awkward eye placement.
Straight ahead felt weird, down hurt pride, up met her smirking face—infuriating.
Turn away? Luna expectant on right, Leaf demanding data on left.
Pick one, and they'd tease like kids playing eeny-meeny.
"Uh... so, like."
Might as well answer vaguely and end it.
As Kang Suho, Rachel was my fave. Brightest energy in bleak Kane's party.
'But that energy overflows.'
Luna barely spoke in original or Innocent Saga. Minimal lines, game default "......"
In battle, Berserk Trait made her rampage solo.
'Sorry, Luna.'
But now I know how cute she is—forgive me.
Leaf: loyal to end despite ruin in original, sturdy tank in game—lots of affection.
But in person, clumsily curious.
Arms crossed, I declared confidently.
"My type is."
Noting even Zero glancing up, I grinned.
"Me."
Hand on chest, question marks popped over their heads.
Long time no hook collection.
"Huh?"
"What?"
—Administrator?
I beamed triumphantly.
No way I'd give the answer you want.
Plus, Adelrian was my crowdfunded creation—top perk.
Custom looks, hair, eyes, even some settings from my input.
Truth Eye from Rachel? Wouldn't flag as lie.
Back then, I requested non-plot-breaking appearances; devs made early-game major villain.
'Now that I think, trap card?'
I glared at Rachel; she stared back baffled.
"...Let's eat."
"Yeah, restaurant's close—under your name, young master."
—I'll eat a lot today.
The human wall parted; they ditched me and went ahead.
"Huh?"
"Adelrian. I respect your choice."
"Huh?"
Wait, how'd you interpret that? Wait?
Too late—joking now wouldn't land. Never planned to pick, but didn't expect this.
I laughed it off and followed, when a voice stabbed my mind.
[Adelrian.]
Kane?