Chapter 78
Chapter 78
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: Netori or Die—Pick One, Get Lost lol
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Finally, our protagonist. Kaits Hiro.
What a ridiculously perfect name...
Absolutely not jealous that he's so damn handsome.
Anyway, he's ridiculously handsome in a way that's super awkward, and ridiculously nice too—a total package.
Getting involved with this guy is way beyond me.
And Clarir.
The bitch who rags on me the second she sees me, and most of what she says is so spot-on it's hard to argue back.
She's got bad chemistry with a guy like me too.
Asita and Repelt seem totally smitten with the hero, so they're not gonna take my side.
Long story short—no one's on my side here.
Fuck.
How the hell did shit turn into this mess?
I was just sightseeing on the floating island and planning to head down...
Clarir approached me and whispered.
"You... there's no way you'd show proper respect to the hero, so we'll let that slide."
"Why assume that?"
I'm pretty polite, aren't I...?
As long as they don't start shit first, I treat 'em great.
"You haven't done anything to harm the hero, right?"
"What, am I some walking poison or something?"
I couldn't harm him even if I wanted to.
The guy's hero and protagonist title ain't bullshit—his specs are clearly above mine.
Feels like a wall bigger than Apiz or that witch I saw earlier.
Even right now, standing here, I can't properly sense his presence...
"?"
But Asita and Repelt, who'd been staring at the hero, were now glaring at me.
More precisely, at Clarir, who'd leaned in close to my ear.
Kaits was watching those two with an unreadable gaze.
More precisely... at Asita?
Damn bastard, eyeing the pretty one...
"......"
"Ahem."
Clarir must've noticed the stares too, because she pulled away, walked over to the hero, elegantly lifted the hem of her skirt, curtsied, and bowed her head.
"Greetings, Hero. I am..."
"How could I not know the lady of the Bliza family? I've seen you from afar once before."
Clarir flashed a radiant smile.
Who knew that girl could smile like that.
Bitch.
"I'm honored you remember me, Hero. Allow me to reintroduce myself: Clarir Rain Bliza."
"Hello. Haha, being called a hero still feels awkward."
He scratched his head with an embarrassed look—infuriating, but even as a fellow guy, I had to admit he was handsome.
"It's been a year since His Majesty bestowed the title, yet you're so humble. I was in awe hearing about your recent feat... taking down one of the Monster Kings."
Hold up, you fucking bitch.
Her attitude toward me is 180 degrees different?
So even you're an easy lay for handsome guys, huh, Clarir.
You two make a perfect couple anyway.
Come to think of it, Clarir's the main heroine, right? And he's the protagonist?
Of course they match...
But wait, there was supposed to be a saintess always stuck to Kaits's side. Where'd she go?
I think she was called a main heroine too.
Whatever, be happy. Clarir. I didn't love you anyway, bitch.
As I sent her off with teary-eyed paternal blessings, she turned and shot me a death glare.
She really seems to read my mind sometimes.
Well, maybe not read it, but she damn well knows I'm thinking bitchy shit.
But then Kaits gave Clarir another one of those subtle, unreadable looks.
Well, yeah, both of 'em are total beauties.
You are a guy after all, Kaits.
"Hero, if I may be so bold... did you come to the floating island alone?"
A brief silence.
The air suddenly felt still all around.
Clarir's got a real talent for killing the vibe instantly.
Well, yeah, it doesn't make sense for a hero to wander around solo.
Now I get it—that bastard caused some trouble, and Clarir rushed here to clean it up.
The hero gave an awkward smile and nodded slightly.
Clarir looked shocked.
"All the way to the floating island without an escort...?"
"I know I've caused trouble for many, but I had no choice."
"May I ask why?"
"It's related to a divine oracle. I can't say more... but now that I've arrived, my objective is nearly complete, so feel free to spread word of my whereabouts."
"...Thank you for your consideration."
Even without permission, Clarir looks like she'd advertise the hero's presence everywhere.
I don't know exactly what a hero does, but he's clearly someone a lady from one of the Ten Great Families needs to care about.
Repelt's even subtly sending reports right now without drawing attention.
Hero, huh...
Makes sense—with a Demon King out there, you'd expect a hero too.
But for such an important role, why wasn't it mentioned in Kaits's profile?
And if you're gonna have a hero, couldn't it be... a female one?
Not that I'd do anything, but we could have fun adventures together, hee-hee haw-haw style.
"We're honored to have you in Entiaer, Hero."
"Haha. I'm the one deeply moved to meet two of the famed Twelve Beauties in person."
"You're too kind."
"?"
Twelve Beauties? What's that?
I almost blurted it out.
"Yah-hoo!"
Suddenly, a woman popped out from behind Clarir and draped herself over her shoulders.
Unlike Clarir's modest attire, this one radiated energy, wearing revealing clothes that boldly exposed her shoulders.
Looking closer, her face was identical to Clarir's.
The only difference was hair length.
Clarir had long hair with braids in the middle, while this woman had straight bobbed hair.
A beauty mark near her mouth added to her allure.
Clarir always looked cold due to her blank expression, but this one smiled brightly, making her vibe totally different.
The atmospheres were so distinct I didn't even notice the identical faces at first.
This must be...
"Kallarir?"
The moment I said her name, Clarir looked at me in surprise.
"You know my sister?"
"Heard it by chance."
"Whoa, honored~?"
Kallarir giggled and approached me, extending her hand.
"Hi there? Kallarir Snow Bliza."
"......Hello."
I greeted her but didn't shake her hand.
Something felt off.
Her profile was vague even in the setting book.
...Honestly, it just rubbed me the wrong way.
This woman had a certain vibe.
A vibe I knew all too well and despised.
That scent unique to those who lord over others and trample the weak as if it's natural. Just like that guy back then.
"Huh~?"
When I didn't take her hand, Kallarir tilted her head with an awkward smile.
At that moment, the handsome guy strode forward and took her hand instead.
"Hello. Kaits Hiro."
"Oh, Hero. Long time no see?"
Acquaintances?
But Kaits tilted his head.
"Was it?"
"Or not~."
.....
I got a hunch.
I have a killer nose for liars.
Verdict: both Kaits and Kallarir are full of shit.
Kallarir flashed a playful smile and looked back at me.
"Honored to meet the Outsider who slayed a dragon."
"Yeah."
At my vague response, she blinked again.
But then she beamed and turned to the hero.
"Hero~ If it's okay, why not stay at our Bliza estate tonight?"
"Ah, would that be alright?"
Huh, not refusing?
You bastard, you thinking of banging both the sisters—Clarir and her hotter, more mature sis?
Imagining those super beauties falling for this super hunk...
Surprisingly, no emotions stirred.
Confirmed once more: I truly feel nothing for Clarir.
And that black-hearted bitch? Not even worth considering.
"Perfect timing—I had something to discuss with Lord Bliza anyway."
"Great! Hey, Anna. Escort the Hero?"
The woman called Anna was someone I'd seen before.
She looked to Clarir for approval.
Only after Clarir nodded did she trot over to the hero.
"Sheesh, so rigid."
Kallarir chuckled, gazing at Anna's back like she was adorable.
That look was familiar too.
Like everyone was beneath her feet... toys to play with.
Oh shit.
The more I see, the more my blood boils.
Even my maxed-out patience feels like it's turning into hot-tempered me.
Live nicely, you.
If not for that, I'd have bolted right then.
Bear it.
Yelling would just hurt me.
I need to stay as my usual self.
I took deep breaths to calm my boiling gut.
"Hero, it's an infinite honor to escort you. Please follow me."
"Gladly."
He followed so obediently it was shocking.
Thought he was some runaway kid, but nope.
Didn't even glance back at us.
Cold handsome guy's back view... total heartthrob material.
Hack, ptooey.
That's when Kallarir spoke to me.
"Dre, wanna come along?"
"Nah, I'm good..."
"Aww~ Come on. We'll see each other at the academy all the time, but if the instructor's only close to my little sis, I get jealous~."
She hugged Clarir.
"Right, Clarit?"
"Sis..."
Clarir tried shoving her off with an elbow like it was annoying, but she just grinned and wouldn't budge.
Thick-skinned.
But her charisma was even thicker.
Seemed flighty at a glance, but she'd secured all the gains.
Even now, snatching her sister's potential connection—the hero—and trying to snag me too, who might already be one.
I glanced at Asita and Repelt.
Repelt looked uneasy; Asita glared at Kallarir with disdain.
Asita, who'd even pitied that Sor bastard.
Charisma, huh...
I pulled up the setting book again.
I'd tried reading it last night but dozed off midway from exhaustion.
Skimmed it, but the gist was in my head.
Found it. Right there on the list.
[Kallarir Snow Bliza. Clarir's older sister and one of the Bliza successors. Overwhelming talent in many fields; dominates those around her. Acts ambiguously affectionate or bullying toward Clarir. This applies to everyone she's interested in. Often schemes from the shadows. A dangerous woman in many ways. Avoid making her an enemy if possible.]
Even reading the description, no real weaknesses.
But it drilled home what kind of person she is.
"Aww, what's wrong, Clarit? Introduce me to your sis's friend? Pretty please~?"
"No..."
"Dre here would fall for you in a snap if you charmed him, y'know? Right~?"
"Sis..."
"Or... do you hate it?"
Sweet tone.
Sounded caring on the surface, casual even, but Clarir paled slightly.
She looked at her sister, then me, closed her eyes, sighed, and...
"Um, Dre..."
"I'm not going."
"Ehh? Why nooot~?"
Her drawn-out whine was honestly kinda cute.
Wonder if Clarir acting cute would feel like this.
Clarir's iciness pushes people away, but this woman pulls them in.
Ultimate social butterfly.
Not just top dog in her class—famous across schools.
Yet a straight-A student loved by friends and adults alike, master of hearts and minds, exuding charisma while ruling over everyone.
Thought Liyet was a queen a while back.
Compared to this woman, Liyet's just a queen of a backwater nation. That's how it felt.
This one's fit to rule a kingdom outright, not just as a consort.
I knew her type.
Knew it so well it made me wanna puke. Knew it inside out.
That damn bitch's cutesy act triggered memories.
My thread of patience snapped.
"Got business? Then... I'll pass."
"You're annoying as fuck, that's why I'm not going."
"...?"
I grinned at her; she blinked wide like she'd misheard.
So I repeated it.
"Said you're annoying as fuck, so I'm not going."
".......Wha"
The mood froze solid.
Total abrupt acceleration.
Anyone watching would think I was a psycho road-rager.
But whatever?
I know her type.
Bitches like this cling if you don't snap hard.
Stay quiet, and I'd be pissed off nonstop ahead. Fuck that noise.
"Uh, hey... what'd I do wrong?"
Kept grinding my nerves and now plays innocent?
Tried holding back, but no dice.
That shit keeps overlapping; can't control myself.
"Your attitude's fucking trash."
"......"
"Acting all high and mighty like you can toy with everyone—get beat a few times, that'll fix it. Interested?"
"......"
Kallarir blankly shook her head.
Couldn't help but laugh.
"Then quit the games. Let's just ignore each other and live in peace, Kallarir. 'Kay?"
"Uh.... Um..."
Clarir stared at me in horror.
No way she'd see this favorably—going off on her sister outta nowhere.
But I was done talking to her.
Whatever her intentions, she's dangerous, and I had zero intention of bending to danger.
"Catch you later, Asita."
"Huh? Y-yeah."
Boom!
Didn't even check Asita's face—kicked off the ground and soared into the sky.
Just wanted distance from that woman.
Or I'd beat her ass senseless.
Hopping rooftops, I stopped only when I figured I'd put enough space between us.
Excitement still hadn't faded.
Then self-loathing hit.
That crap back then was nothing, I thought—unfinished business, that guy popping up shouldn't rile me this much.
So I didn't notice.
Someone tailing me close.
"!"
Shing.
I drew my sword as my neck was grabbed and dragged into an alley.
...What the?
Bliza family goon?
Gonna teach me manners for mouthing off to Kallarir?
...Nah.
Kallarir's smart; wouldn't keep impulsive underlings for rash shit like this.
She wouldn't order an attack on Prynar Academy's new instructor in broad daylight.
Calmly braced so he couldn't strike again—when he stepped back to the ground, I shook off the hand on my throat.
Shook so hard I rebounded off the wall, used the momentum to thrust my sword.
Clang!
Swords clashed.
And I was the one pushed back.
What the fuck. He's insanely strong?
The one who came to mind—and now stood before me—was the liar from earlier.
The hero who'd faked ignorance without hesitation at Kallarir's probe.
Figures. It's him.
"What's up, Hero?"
The hero, Kaits, had his sword locked with mine.
Unlike before, his eyes were ice cold.
Looked like a personality switch; I chuckled.
What, mad 'cause I dissed the main heroine's sister—your other conquest target?
But no.
"What are you?"
"......?"
"You didn't exist. What are you?"
Different speech.
Cold expression.
Like a whole other person.
Nah, this must be his real face.
Cold, ruthless, brooding...
But this fucker suddenly goes "what are you?" out of nowhere.
"...Ha."
I grinned back.
I knew one of Kaits's secrets.
So I said:
"Can you swear the future you went through covers every possibility?"
"......"
Kaits's eyes widened just a fraction.
No outward panic, but I could tell—he was shocked.
At the same time, I was certain.
This protagonist, Kaits Hiro.
He's a regressor.