Chapter 17
Chapter 17
It’s the Last Day of the Founding Festival ^^
The final day of the founding festival.
After days of nonstop parties, I woke up late.
“Ugh… I’m dying…”
After putting a bullet through Rau’s head—
everything had actually gone smoother.
Lien handled the aftermath perfectly.
The story that spread was simple.
Rau dragged Lien out and attempted to assault her.
I appeared and stopped him.
Enraged, Rau insulted me and challenged me to a duel.
I accepted—
and killed him cleanly.
That was the version Lien crafted.
“…As expected of the Obury house.”
It was exaggerated—
but people loved it.
Rau already had a bad reputation.
A troublesome heir even within his own house.
So the story became—
a fallen noble’s son defeats a corrupt noble and saves a duchess’ daughter.
Perfect.
“Even adding the duel part…”
But because everything was framed as Rau’s doing—
there were no consequences for me.
I simply accepted the duel.
Even his family couldn’t object.
When I asked Lien if lying like that was fine—
she said it wasn’t a lie.
Just… embellishment.
“…Works for me.”
The result—
was good.
I even gained popularity.
Some noble ladies asked me to dance first.
For once—
I was at the center of the event.
“…But the problem is Lien.”
She knows.
That I’m KimHunter.
Everyone else—
completely fooled.
But her—
no.
And if she speaks—
everything ends.
“…Better post something.”
Just in case.
I opened the Climbers’ Plaza while getting dressed.
[Title: It’s the last day of the founding festival ^^]
Author: KimHunter
Can’t believe the festival is already ending
Let’s enjoy the last day to the fullest!
…
“Is he really here?”
“I still can’t spot him anywhere”
“QueenOfSociety: It’s the last day, I hope we can finally dance, KimHunter^^”
“Still persistent…”
“Maybe he’s trolling us”
“Was KimHunter even real?”
“But he hasn’t climbed during the festival… so maybe he is here…”
…
“Heh.”
The confusion—
perfect.
And today—
I could finally climb again.
“I’ll be heading back by carriage anyway.”
I could clear Floor 6 on the way.
I had considered climbing during the festival—
but drinking every night made that impossible.
Even with a gun—
entering the tower drunk is suicide.
Knock knock.
“Lord Haiger, are you ready?”
“Yes, just finished.”
A few nobles I’d gotten close to invited me to brunch.
“…And they’re still curious.”
“Did you really sleep alone? We all thought you’d be with Lady Obury.”
“…Is that why you came?”
“Of course. Everyone’s wondering.”
They laughed.
Clearly enjoying themselves.
“I’m just from a fallen barony. Why would she be interested?”
“That’s exactly why she would be! Women love that kind of twist!”
“…Unfortunately, nothing like that happened.”
“Shame. You should’ve picked Hard difficulty instead of Normal.”
“…I was scared at the time.”
“Don’t be so stiff with me.”
The one speaking casually was Horia of the Mihabek count family.
Rough—
but a good guy.
He hated Rau.
So he liked me.
“…Not bad.”
Connections.
Useful ones.
No one doubted how I killed Rau.
Thanks to Lien—
and his own reputation.
Everything—
was going well.
“Perfect.”
Just needed to return home safely.
Then—
“Ian!”
Lien approached.
The others immediately backed off, grinning.
“…Of course.”
“Did you sleep well?”
“Yes. It’s the last day.”
“And… I told you to call me Lien.”
“I’ll try.”
She smiled.
Then—
“I wanted to introduce you to someone.”
“…Who?”
“My mother.”
“…What?”
I turned.
The Duchess of Obury was walking toward us.
“…Did she tell her?”
My mind raced.
But—
“Nice to meet you, Lord Haiger.”
“…An honor.”
Polite.
Calm.
Normal.
“I’ve heard you saved Lien.”
“Yes.”
“You’re as impressive as she said. I hope our families can build a good relationship.”
“…Likewise.”
And then—
she left.
“…That’s it?”
Lien smiled.
Then silently mouthed—
“I told you I wouldn’t say anything.”
“…You really didn’t.”
Even to her mother.
“…I don’t understand her.”
But—
this was good.
Very good.
No suspicion.
Even gained a connection.
“…Perfect.”
The festival ended smoothly.
On the way back—
the carriage stopped at a small village.
“Let’s rest here for the night!”
Instead of staying with nobles—
I chose a small inn.
“…Time to climb.”
I entered my room.
Locked the door.
“No interruptions.”
I checked everything again.
Floor 6.
All available information.
Then—
[Challenge Tower Floor 6? (O/X)]
I pressed O.
But—
[Upper layers reconfiguration complete!]
[Hidden conditions added to all floors!]
[Achieve additional hidden objectives for bonus rewards!]
[Tower structure may continue to change based on progress!]
“…What?”
A new system.
Completely new.
“…Now this is interesting.”