Chapter 74
Chapter 74
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 74
Chapter Title: Netori or Die—Pick One
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A day had passed since my trip to the Floating Island.
Today was the day I was meeting Asita.
Gold had some business to attend to, so I decided to head to the Floating Island alone.
My heart was racing.
Sure, sightseeing with someone else sounded fun, but solo adventures were the best in my book.
I'd memorized every route to all the intriguing spots.
Even back when I played games, I'd never gotten lost—not once.
Thanks to that, I'd barely ever died in horror games.
That said, I still had an escort tagging along.
I wasn't so weak that I needed protection, but it was because of that instructor fellow and my status as an honored guest of the Hart Clan, or so they said.
"And Brother, you've got two appointments lined up."
"Appointments?"
Appointments?
I could guess two possibilities: one related to Prynar Academy, the other to the royal family.
The royals had mentioned giving me some kind of award, right?
I'd only been here a couple of days, but they'd drilled into me that I had to pay my respects to the royals, so I couldn't help feeling a bit tense despite cramming etiquette whenever I could.
"One's the Clan Heads' Conference."
"Uh..."
My guess was off.
The Clan Heads' Conference had to be the gathering of the heads of the Ten Great Clans that Clarit had mentioned.
"The heads of the Ten Great Clans will be asking you all sorts of questions, Brother. Just be yourself."
Gold nodded with a face full of trust, while Kaisir, watching from the side, looked anxious as he chimed in.
"Being himself might be a problem..."
What was there to worry about with me?
I was pretty polite, if I do say so myself...
"Brother holds back just fine normally, so no need to fret."
Even Gold phrased it like he acknowledged my personality was a bit off-kilter, which stung a little.
But I didn't let it show and just nodded.
"I'll answer them with all sincerity to meet their expectations."
"No, Brother, just be you. That way, the clan heads will see how awesome you are."
Awesome, huh.
Hearing that made me a bit bashful.
I scratched the back of my head, and Gold brought up the other matter.
"The royal family's award."
"Got it."
The second one was right on the money.
"I don't know what the award is, but given your tremendous achievements, it'll be something substantial."
"I was planning to ask them to resolve the issue with Count Serton’s family..."
"I already took care of that. It's rare for the royals to hand out awards—don't waste it on something trivial like that, Brother."
Gold had handled it...?
I felt a bit guilty.
I didn't really need anything anyway, so maybe I'd accept something that could help the Hart Clan as thanks.
"Who's escorting you, Brother? Kaisir?"
"I'll be with my lord."
He sounded like he really didn't want to come with me.
Gold seemed pretty pleased with Kaisir's response, though.
"Your loyalty is steadfast."
"Thank you, my lord."
"Lepelt will go with Brother. He volunteered himself."
My jaw dropped at that, and Kaisir's mouth gaped open.
"I... then..."
Wasn't he about to say he'd go with me?
But after seeing how happy Gold was earlier, he couldn't back out now, so Kaisir just hemmed and hawed awkwardly.
I wanted to bring Lena along too, but she was dead set on learning her maid duties today.
Next time, I'd definitely take her.
...So this meant a date with Lepelt, huh.
Asita's business was important, but I'd wrap it up quick and spend the rest of the time... heh heh heh.
We had breakfast at the Hart estate beforehand.
Then, instead of a carriage, we took a coach to the warp gate.
"......"
"......"
Lepelt sat across from me, silent as could be.
Her head was turned toward the window. Things felt awkward.
But I didn't hate the awkwardness—because even though she stared out the window wordlessly, she'd occasionally flick her eyes over to check on me.
Her glances were super quick, like she didn't want to get caught, and I figured she'd die of embarrassment if our eyes met, so I pretended to be drowsy, lowering my head and closing my eyes.
Honestly, I kinda wanted to see her blush if we locked eyes... but this awkward, embarrassing time was pretty nice, so I just stayed still.
Like yesterday, we warped to the Floating Island.
I'd wondered about it on the way back to the Hart Clan before, but that mysterious voice never showed up again.
What the hell was that?
Not a hallucination... for sure.
No, I distinctly remembered hearing it.
Right after arriving in this world, in my dream.
So, a god?
If it was a god, which one?
"Lord Dre, procedures are this way."
"......?"
Lepelt spoke politely, then scurried off.
I followed silently behind.
Then she stopped, hurried back to me, and whispered softly.
"It's because we're on duty... I-I don't hate you, Lord Dre..."
"......"
She must've gotten anxious since I didn't say anything.
I couldn't respond either.
Why? Because she was so damn cute it made my heart skip.
Any inns around here?
I wanted to have a nice, calm conversation with her body.
Last time was too rushed and rough—I wanted to take it slow this time, make her feel every bit of pleasure.
Until she was drooling from ecstasy, then lick it all up.
.....
Too pervy?
All guys are perverts deep down.
But I don't have trash tastes like NTR, netori, futa, or yaoi...!
I happily trailed after the fleeing Lepelt.
Just watching her back lifted my spirits.
Her hair swaying like a ponytail... that faint scent...
"What are you doing?"
The voice sounded cold at first glance, and both Lepelt and I froze.
While we'd been playing tag, we'd arrived at the procedures desk.
Asita was waiting in front of it...
"Wow..."
"......"
Lepelt and I let out exclamations.
And rightly so... damn, she was stunning.
She wasn't wearing her round glasses for one, and her outfit was different from usual.
Normally, she looked kinda thrown-together, but today? She clearly put in effort.
Just my opinion, but if Asita had five levels of prettiness, this was a solid level three.
And even at level three, Asita was breathtaking.
A girl who made my heart race anew every time I saw her.
Good thing it was a quiet spot—no crowds around, or everyone would've been staring, blocking the path.
Why'd she dress up like this? Hoping for a date with me?
Then I felt eyes on me.
Glancing sideways, Lepelt was staring blankly before jolting her gaze away.
She looked a bit insecure, then lowered her eyes when she saw Asita.
......So damn cute.
I couldn't help but reach out and grab Lepelt's arm.
"Eek?!"
Louder than expected.
A cute squeal that contrasted with her usual sturdy self.
I whispered softly into her ear.
"Asita looks pretty, right?"
"...Ugh!!"
She squeezed her eyes shut, pouting adorably like "That's all you had to say after scaring me?" But in Korean, you gotta hear the end.
"In my eyes, you're prettier, Lepelt."
"......"
Lepelt froze.
Looking closer, her face was beet red, like an active volcano.
The corners of her mouth twitched, holding back a smile.
Good.
Objectively, Asita wins on raw beauty, but overall, Lepelt takes it for me.
Asita wasn't even mine, and she had a boyfriend—naturally, I'd favor the one I've got a thing with.
And Lepelt was a total knockout, just a step behind Asita.
Enough that a guy like me felt unworthy holding her.
Zing.
Felt a stare, turned my head.
Asita was glaring at me with goggling eyes.
"You two seem reaaally close~."
"Do we?"
But Asita, didn't you used to talk without dragging out your words like that...?
Anyway, this concept queen...
"You look pretty today."
"I'm always pretty~."
Asita huffed and turned her head.
Well, it was a universally acknowledged fact. Confidence was a good look.
"And it's not because of you that I dressed up~."
"Dr-Dre?"
Lepelt murmured softly, then pondered something deeply.
"Haha. That nickname's kinda bothering me."
Like dumping cold water on the mood, a guy's voice cut in.
I'd sensed someone approaching, of course.
I figured it was just some dude hitting on Asita because of her looks, but her panicked expression said otherwise.
A handsome guy with a sleazy vibe.
For some reason, seeing him soured my mood instantly.
"Who are you?"
"Hahaha. Hello. Name's Medeus Planeboy."
The handsome guy offered a handshake.
I eyed his hand for a moment before grabbing it.
Zing—like static shock.
I'd sensed the electricity in his hand from the start.
As I stared silently without reacting, Medeus broke into a sweat, face saying "Uh, this isn't right?"
"Uh, um, doesn't it sting?"
"Bit much for a prank on a first meeting, no?"
I growled, and he frantically shook his head.
"No! Sorry! I just wanted to get friendly with a little joke...!"
Scrambling for excuses, he glanced at Asita and said,
"I-I'm Asita's lover. You heard?"
"...Yeah. Heard about it."
So that's why she dressed up—not for me.
Figured as much...
"Think before you act next time."
He flashed an annoyed look at my words, but wilted under my glare and nodded with a "Hahaha."
"Of course! Thanks for forgiving my rudeness!"
"......"
"Ack...!"
I gave his hand one last hard squeeze before letting go. Petty revenge.
Next time he picks a fight, boyfriend or not, I'll wreck him.
"Dre, that..."
Asita reached out like she wanted to say something, but dropped her hand when Medeus stared.
"Hahaha. Looks like Asita's pretty fond of Lord Dre. A nickname, even... She only ever used one for Lady Clarit. Hahaha."
"Is that so."
"Totally. Won't even give me one. Kinda jealous. Hahaha."
Hahaha at the end of every damn sentence.
"Oh? And this lovely knight? Have we met?"
Medeus lit up seeing Lepelt.
What was this guy's deal?
His pretty girlfriend was right there, and he's leering at another woman?
I might be a social dud, but isn't that a no-go from her perspective?
"I..."
Lepelt looked troubled.
Honestly, even to me, Medeus was ridiculously handsome.
Gold-tier.
They said Lepelt was indifferent to guys, but that was probably because she was surrounded by muscleheads like Kaisir... A guy like that shows interest, it'd feel good.
Still. She might like it, but it pissed me off.
Daring to eye my woman?! I couldn't say that out loud without overstepping, but irritation boiled up.
I stepped between Medeus and Lepelt.
No idea what she'd think of me behind her, but I couldn't help it—this was the only way to vent.
"She's my escort. A knight of the Hart Clan."
"Ah, the Hart Clan..."
He smacked his lips like he was disappointed. What the hell was this guy?
......No.
Why was I playing nice?
This fucker was pissing me off big time.
Time to smash him.
"Hey."
"Y-Yes?"
Medeus panicked at my sudden casual tone.
And right then, a new guy showed up.
"What's going on, Medeus..."
"Ah!"
Medeus perked up at the arrival. I turned—another handsome bastard.
Silver hair that gleamed.
Reminded me of Yulis and soured my mood, but unlike her, this one had a noble air.
"Your Highness!"
Highness...? That guy was the prince?
The prince gestured at Medeus.
"Don't fool around in a place like this. You have places to be."
"Hahaha. Right you are."
"Not bringing your lover?"
The prince glanced at Asita.
Expectancy on his face.
"Sorry, Your Highness. I promised to guide this person with the procedures today~..."
He frowned slightly at her evasive refusal, clearly displeased.
"Hmph."
The prince shot me a displeased look.
What the fuck, asshole. Wanna die?
Know how many enemy princes like you I killed for fun in games?
Hell, I'd smack allies too if they annoyed me.
"Hmph."
A snort.
He acted like I wasn't worth his time, told Medeus to come on, and walked off.
Medeus yelled "Yes, Your Highness!" like he was bragging about their friendship, then turned to Asita.
"Come back quick as you can, Asita."
She stayed silent a beat, then replied reluctantly.
"...Sure."
Medeus followed the prince away.
What the fuck.
Something about it was seriously irritating.
Part of me wanted to chase them down and beat both senseless, but a shred of reason held me back.
Then, a tug at my back.
Turning, Lepelt was blushing, eyes upturned.
...Damn, heart skip.
"Um, Lord Dre. Th-Thank you..."
Right then, another tug on my arm—Asita.
"Sorry~ Dre... But really, really, I didn't set this up on purpose... How'd Medeus even know to come here..."
Looking up at me anxiously, my anger melted away like snow.
Two beauties pulling aegyo on me? Swoon city.
This is why looks matter!
I patted Asita's head wordlessly, and she blanked out a sec before yelping.
"M-Men are the problem! They pat heads whenever they think you're cute! That's so cringey~!"
"Pat..."
Lepelt tugged my clothes from behind, sounding miffed.
Aw, yeah.
We stayed like that for minutes, and I felt like I owned the world.
So this was what it felt like to be popular.
Anyway, the irritation was mostly gone.
"Um..."
"?"
Someone else called out.
Why were all these new faces bugging me today?
Did I have "talk to me" written on my face?
Though for that, I'd never been hit on once.
The speaker was a woman.
Wearing a bonnet and glasses, hair color similar to that annoying prince.
For some reason, Asita and Lepelt startled.
"Sorry, but could you help me out?"
"Hm..."
And most importantly.
A total knockout, Clarit-class beauty.
...Wonder if her personality's decent...