Chapter 151
Chapter 151
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 151
Chapter Title: Annoying Attention
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Even after I'd climbed up to the floating island, the Hart Family's carriage was parked neatly in front of the ground warp gate, as if they'd been waiting the whole time.
Standing in front of the carriage in a polite posture was Repelt, staring straight at me.
Sorry about this.
"How long have you been waiting?"
"The academy contacted us about an hour ago."
That was before I even met with Principal Renea.
No matter what happened, they were planning to pick me up.
The staff benefits here are solid.
"Shall we go, then?"
"Yes."
Riding in carriages felt awkward when I first arrived in Elryunar, but now it was second nature.
Humans really are creatures of adaptation.
There was already a passenger inside the carriage—Gold.
Repelt had come with me, but why the hell was this guy here...?
"Come on in, brother. Did you take care of your business?"
"......"
"Hm? What's wrong?"
"No, it's just... why are you sweating so much?"
"Hm? Haha! As if I would!"
"My lord, you are sweating."
"Repelt, are you making fun of me?"
The coachman sitting up front silently handed over a mirror.
Gold looked at it and tilted his head.
"Hm. Why am I sweating like this?"
"You know the reason better than anyone, my lord."
The slightly scolding tone surprised me.
Privately, Repelt and Gold were close, but in official settings, Repelt always observed proper etiquette.
Yet Gold said nothing.
"Anyway, let's go."
At Gold's command, the carriage set off.
It glided smoothly without any jolts.
This comfort had felt off at first, but now I just accepted it. Time really is medicine.
Why get all sentimental about first times?
Because who knows when I'd get another chance to ride one.
Sharl, Gold's little sister, had messed up, but slapping her cheek was going too far.
I probably couldn't stay with the Hart Family anymore.
A bum like me—when would I ride a luxury carriage like this again?
.....
Come to think of it, with endless ways to make money, it'd probably happen eventually.
"Uh, brother."
"Yes?"
"About Sharl..."
"..."
Here it comes.
In situations like this, strike first to win.
Bow my head first.
"I'm sorry."
I bowed deeply, and the previously silent Gold spoke up.
"No, brother, you've done nothing wrong. Raise your head at once."
"No. Still, slapping her cheek was wrong."
"Not at all. It was my fault for spoiling my little sister rotten..."
"So, I suppose I can't stay with the Hart Family anymore."
At those words, not just Gold but Repelt beside him whipped their heads around.
Their shocked expressions made me feel guilty.
"B-bro-brother! You don't mean..."
"My lord, p-please calm do-do-down..."
Both of you, calm down.
What's the big deal about a nobody like me leaving?
Still, deep down, I felt a swell of pride.
[Kuhuhuhu...] What are you laughing at?
You trying to die?
[Kuhuhuhuhu... Ah, y-yes...] Blocked.
"I'll make sure to scold Sharl properly and apologize to you. I'll educate her so this never happens again. This is a good chance to drill some etiquette into her!"
"Exactly, my lord! We've just been watching so far, but honestly, you've been too lenient! You're great in every way, but we've been dissatisfied with how soft you are on Lady Sharl and Lord Topaz!"
Gold gasped at Repelt's words.
"Why didn't you say so earlier?"
"I did, but nothing changed!"
Repelt started venting about all the built-up grievances involving Sharl and Topaz.
So Gold had another sibling named Topaz...
Seeing Gold's troubled face as he listened, I spoke up.
"Soon. Within a month, I'll leave."
"Brother! We're brothers. Why would brothers live apart?"
An uncharacteristically anxious expression from Gold.
"...If it's because of Sharl, I can have her live in the annex. So don't talk about leaving."
"Having her reside somewhere else entirely could work... No, never mind."
Repelt cautiously spoke but then shut his own mouth.
Instead of kicking her out, letting her stay in the annex was just like the magnanimous Gold.
"It's not just because of Lady Sharl. I've always thought I'd have to leave the Hart Family eventually."
"...Really?"
"Really. Honestly, staying long-term would just be a burden on the Hart Family."
The lavish meals that could break a table, the clothes, the carriage—none of it came cheap.
It was so luxurious it made me uncomfortable.
Instead of being offended, Gold looked hurt.
"Brother, if anything, you're too frugal. Even if you splurged wildly, do you think the Hart Family couldn't handle one person? No, you're my brother—family. Who would call that waste?"
That's a touchy interpretation, Gold said.
"Thank you. Honestly, the Hart Family has been too good to me. If I stay like this, I'll get complacent, so I need to try living on my own."
I didn't tell Gold, but commuting to school was a pain.
A guy like me, who'd quit society and holed up in his room for years, found early mornings torture.
Living in the academy dorms would solve a lot of that.
If I mentioned dorms, Gold would probably throw money at building a mansion nearby, so I kept quiet.
"Once I get settled, I'll come back."
"...Got it."
Realizing my resolve was firm, Gold crossed his arms and stared out the window.
"Are you sulking, my lord?"
"No bonus this month, Repelt."
"I'm sorry, my lord...!"
Repelt teasing then immediately bowing his head. Cute.
Of course, Gold pretending not to sulk while clearly sulking was cute too.
.....
Just to be clear, I'm normal.
What an amusing lord-vassal relationship.
I wonder if Julius was like this.
.....
...Surprising.
Even after all this time, thinking of Julius still pisses me off.
[Kuhuhuhu.] Ah, voyeur god. You're back.
Blocked.
[You're, spe-cial...] Special my ass.
Resentments aren't meant to be forgotten easily.
"......I need to give her a real scolding. Specifically, no support unless she apologizes to you properly. And if she doesn't reflect, I'll disown her from the family register..."
Gold muttered something, but since he usually spoke boldly and loudly, it sounded a bit scary.
I should cheer him up.
I chatted idly with Gold and Repelt.
We arrived at the palace.
More precisely, a spot where the palace was visible to the naked eye.
No matter how many times I saw it, what an impressive building.
The difference from last time? A massive crowd at the grand gates.
My transcendent body could distinguish distant people not just by colorful blobs, but by clothing details, gender—everything.
Too far for faces, though.
Are they here for me?
With my rising fame, I'd heard people came to see me, so the thought crossed my mind.
I know it's self-centered, but imagination is free.
Then Gold said casually.
"They're all here for you, brother."
"Eh... really?"
"Yes. That group over there is nobles—black-hearted types trying to cozy up. I'll handle them. That okay, brother?"
The tone of his last words felt uneasy.
Like he was trying hard to win me over.
He must think I'm really mad, but I'm not...
Stopping him might backfire, so I just agreed.
"Of course."
"Thanks! I'll do my best!"
Don't act like an enthusiastic employee who just got a big opportunity.
Repelt was the same, which made it burdensome.
Then Gold suddenly furrowed his brow.
"Hm."
"What's up, Gold?"
"The other group is problematic."
"Other group?"
Following Gold's gaze, unlike the noble cluster in formal dress, there was an eclectic bunch.
Not just unusual clothes.
Their appearances were all over the place—like from deserts, forests, cold regions. Even modern-style outfits like from my old world.
Mostly Elryunar locals despite the modern clothes, but some exuded ominous auras.
"They're here to scout you, brother. Didn't expect otherworlders among them."
"Scout?"
"If anything, they're late. The Ten Great Families had an agreement to hide your massive presence, but there must've been a traitor."
"......"
First I'm hearing of this.
"Traitor—probably the Void Family. Always a thorn."
Void?
"Void Family... Do they handle shadows or darkness?"
"Oh? Sharp insight!"
I guessed from the name.
Sounds villainous.
"Looks like a lot of them. Do I have to greet everyone?"
Dozens just for scouting me, not counting the general crowd.
They all seemed heavy hitters—hard to ignore.
"No need. Royal command comes first. Meet them after receiving the king's reward. They'll assume that."
"I see."
"Even otherworlders should have that much sense... I hope. With big shots among them for the same purpose, they'll behave."
Big shots.
As Gold said, I sensed several restrained auras.
Far more chilling than flashy power—honed blades ready to strike.
And. I drew my sword.
"Brother?"
Gold's eyes widened at the sudden move.
"Who are you?"
As soon as I spoke, the scenery outside warped.
Appearing was a woman riding a bizarre beast.
Her attire was flashy like a general's coat adorned with ornaments, red hair making her stand out. Eye patch on one eye, blouse and vest underneath—simple contrast to the coat, but her beauty made it cohesive.
Extraordinary from the start.
The beast's aura was unique, but she rode casually without swaying.
Post-Almiraz battle, my senses were sharp, yet hard to gauge her level.
Tremendous powerhouse.
In raw mana, ki, Ryunar totals—I wouldn't stand a chance.
This spine-chilling spec gap, only Proastia had given me before.
The beauty grinned ferociously and spoke.
"Hello, Dre."
"Who are you?"
"Hm? You don't know me?"
"?"
Do I need to?
"...I knew you don't check the community, but this stings, newbie."
"Should I know who you are?"
I tried to hold back, but she's being cheeky.
"Haha. Cocky."
"Cocky? Do you know whose carriage you're blocking?"
Gold's icy tone was intimidating even to me.
He treats me gently, but angry Gold is terrifying.
"Blocking? I'm just running alongside."
"You're within the forbidden distance per kingdom law."
"Nitpicky."
"Don't mess around, otherworlder."
Gold's eyes narrowed.
"You could die."
Oof... scary.
"Your brother next to you is an otherworlder too. Hypocrite, Hart Family young master."
"......"
A lightning spear blazed blindingly beside Gold's face... then vanished in green smoke.
The woman shrugged at wide-eyed Gold: It's dangerous.
"...Sorry for the rudeness. We'll talk properly soon anyway. Right, Dre?"
"......"
"Name's Poiz. Nice to meet you."
Immediately, vines sprouted from the running beast, launching it skyward and away.
Gone from sight—probably hovering above.
Even knowing that, maxed senses couldn't catch her presence.
Not spec gap.
My senses had surpassed that level.
Something else. Skill or her unique technique.
"Couldn't sense her at all. As rumored, a troublesome power."
"Who is she?"
"One of the Otherworld Transcendents—the top otherworlders. Third strongest: Poiz of the Poison Forest."
Otherworld Transcendents.
Elryunar folk's term for user rankers.
Poiz—I'd heard it before.
Vail freaked out about her behind me.
Here for her subordinate?
Her attitude was mild for that.
Couldn't read her intent.
I sheathed my sword and sat.
Gold rarely sounded irritated.
"Hoo. Otherworlders besides you are so rude, brother. Picking a fight with the Hart Family and sworn brother in broad daylight?"
"Exactly!"
Repelt chimed in.
I thought she was rude too, but no need to trash myself.
"Approaching on the road instead of palace. They knew we were coming."
"...Ah."
They knew we were coming.
Meaning they tracked my location.
Was that gaze from the floating island her?
"And 'as rumored.' What does she do?"
"Details hidden, but underworld heavyweight. Hides presence, poison expert."
"......"
Poison.
Annoying just hearing it.
Fun when I use it, irritating when they do.
I enjoyed the thrill, though.
"Forget it for now, brother. Enjoy this first......"
"Pardon?"
Enjoy what?
The mystery cleared quickly.
As we reached the palace gates, elements burst like a welcome, forming a dragon silhouette.
Incredibly spectacular—ooh escaped me.
Paper flowers like in a parade rained down, fireworks boomed.
"Feels like welcoming a war hero's triumph."
"Isn't it?"
"Huh?"
"You saved the floating island after battle. A hero, right?"
...Am I?
Cheers erupted.
I'd thought dragon territory meant no people—wrong.
All neatly dressed nobles or wealthy folk, fervently welcoming me.
Wow.
I figured just meet king and Queen Eniris, get reward, leave.
This was full-on ceremony?
The unexpected fervor soothed my irritated heart to peace.
Everyone loves recognition. Me too.
Resisted waving—too showy. Smiled and enjoyed the cheers.
After the procession, inspected inside like before, entered palace.
Guided by maid and noble-looking man down red carpet.
"Modest compared to yours, brother, but I have a small reward too."
"Oh."
"Just subdued dozens of Murderers. Embarrassing, honestly."
"......"
Isn't that amazing...?
Way stronger than before, Gold?
"They decided on a reward for me too?"
After all that discussion? Just vague praise?
"If they're rewarding trash like me, would they punish you?"
I glanced at our guide while listening to Gold—no emotion, ramrod straight.
Elite, working under king in capital's heart.
Thus, we entered the throne room.
Knights like before, but way more nobles/ministers.
Most eyed me curiously.
And... a man on the throne.
Handsome guy with crown, bored chin-rest.
That's Entiaer's king.
Damn.
He's hot.
Makes sense—prince I'd seen was handsome too.
Bloodlines. Looks just like that jerk.
Wondered how that punk came from Queen Eniris—strong genes.
"Gold Viscount of Hart Family, show respect before His Majesty!"
Gold knelt at the mustached man's words beside king.
"I pay respects to Your exalted Majesty."
"Oh... Gold Viscount. Long time. You're thriving."
"Grateful for your undeserved words."
Second being Gold uses formal speech with.
Formal, but his confident posture made him seem higher.
Official setting—privately, probably banters with king too.
"No need for Hart Family, but I grant gold and land."
"Undeserved honor. I accept gratefully."
"Good. Rise."
Gold stood briskly, backed to my side head-bowed, then lifted it.
Impeccable etiquette, yet majestic. Damn cool.
I should be half as good.
"Otherworlder Dre, come kneel!"
Mustache guy's words.
Why kneel like a criminal?
Just say step forward—why so rude?
Grumbled inwardly but complied.
Then the king spoke.
"Criminal. Prepared for punishment?"
"......"
The lively atmosphere flipped instantly.
Hushed like cold water doused.
Me? Unfazed.
Just par for the course now.
Still, ask.
"A joke, Your Majesty?"
"Insolent wretch! How dare you wag your tongue before His Majesty?!"
Mustache guy, shut up.
What is this?
Reason for this treatment...
...Ah. Right.
Onist's reward.
No spec boost, but system upgrades strong.
Wonder if that can strengthen too.
Tested it.
Silence for about ten seconds.
Reached conclusion.
"Wretch. What are you—? Bow your lowly head at once... Eup!"
Formless pressure crushed mustache guy.
He gagged, king's face changed.
"What are you doing?"
"You know who did it."
Defiantly, I stood.
Stared straight at king.
"Your Majesty."
"......"
"The otherworlder who made me do this farce—is he from the 'main store'?"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "He went to receive the reward..."
Meiyal stared blankly at the sky from the classroom.
No classes yet—classroom just a chat spot.
Royal reward.
Last for Love Yarte Family was ten years ago?
"......"
For some reason, it felt lonely.
Declining family, but mostly friend Dre drifting away.
Overhearing Dre talk nearby, Meiyal listened.
"Yeah. Instructor Dre will get a huge reward. Maybe a title, so no need for noble backing?"
Raies's voice.
Lately, she mentioned Dre more.
Others oblivious, but people-sensitive Meiyal caught the nuance.
What did Dre do to win her favor?
And, inexplicably.
'...Why does it annoy me?'
Raies showing interest in Dre irked her strangely.