Chapter 80
Chapter 80
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 80
Chapter Title: Netori or Die, Pick One Lol
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Sudden development, but I ended up heading to the royal palace.
The moment they heard it involved the royal family, neither Kaitsu nor Kang Geom-il tried to stop me.
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For reference, that damn hero had the gall to bicker with me, then brazenly hopped on the warp gate with me and rode off in a Blija family carriage.
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What a fucking asshole.
Disgusting. Never wanna see him again.
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...Thinking about it, he'll probably come looking for me.
He attacked me demanding I prove I was a prophet, but in the end, he had no choice but to back off. He'll probably think I really can see the future.
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Right now, he's gotta be confused as hell.
Did I actually foresee it—knowing Repelt and Kang Geom-il would show up, and that the hero would stop? Or was it just coincidence?
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Still, the circumstances are pointing straight to me being a prophet.
More precisely, the hero will think that way.
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The human imagination is like poison.
Bad thoughts spread easily, twisting everything negative. Happens all the time.
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Especially since that guy's a regressor.
Most who've regressed a bunch of times get paranoid about unknown events.
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I don't know how many loops Kaitsu has been through, but that cold demeanor screams he's lived through some serious time.
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For all those years, this self-proclaimed prophet never showed, but now he pops up on his side.
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Plus, the guy blocked a dragon and fought him on even terms.
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...Even terms might be my brain's bias, but whatever.
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Anyway, from the hero's perspective, I'm a massive irregularity.
Soon, he'll inflate the image of me in his head like crazy.
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So isn't that bad for me?
Nah.
I can risk a little danger if it means screwing with that unlucky little shit and making him flail around.
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Thinking of that hero agonizing over it is pure entertainment.
Right now, he's probably tearing his hair out wondering what that Asian guy's goal is.
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I was grinning like an idiot when a sweet voice called out.
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"Um, Dre."
"Yes?"
"We're almost there. You should prepare..."
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Repelt's worried face. Cute. Pretty.
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"Got it."
"My brother won't demand perfect etiquette. Just keep a moderate level of tension."
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Gold said with a chuckle from the side.
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Actually, a full day had passed since bickering with the hero.
I was already in a carriage, right on the palace doorstep.
I'd crammed etiquette from late night till dawn, but honestly, no confidence.
Thought about using game-learned manners, but etiquette varies by country—fat chance it'd work across dimensions.
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Just wing it by feel.
Am I going there guilty of something? Nah, they're giving me an award.
They gonna eat me or what?
That said, I'm fucking anxious.
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Of course. It's me, right?
Plots, slanders raining down, world out to get me vibes.
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Original world wasn't happy, but others seem to honey-drip through isekai life, and here I am.
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Beauties I meet are all haters or taken, likable folks are mostly dudes...
And even the guys lately hate and ignore me...
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Fucking hell.
Just go Demon King route?
There is a pretty solid way...
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Of course, just thinking.
Turning massacre Demon King over some bullying? Too inhuman.
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Live nicely, you.
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Even without that, it repulses me.
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Anyway, can't wait to see what spectacular bullshit awaits at the palace.
Got some predictions.
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That "His Majesty" guy.
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The asshole who joked about treason at the checkpoint.
A king messing with a random outsider.
Not just me, but still.
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Anyway, bet His Majesty pulls some shit.
People's attitudes when mentioning him were off.
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El and Gold looked headache-y talking about the king.
Not exactly revered.
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What crap will he pull...?
A plausible hypothesis hit me quick.
My dragon-slaying feat.
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Gold said he reported to the royals it was just a dragon, not Prostia.
But where else?
Dragonslayers are priceless anywhere.
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Heard slaying one here is super special.
Especially now, dragons don't even show their faces.
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Makes sense they'd recommend me for Prynar Academy instructor off that.
Normally, they'd wanna scout hard.
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But since the king hasn't seen the corpse himself, maybe demand proof I'm a dragonslayer?
The top families all vouch unanimously, so he won't truly doubt.
But considering the checkpoint prank, he might fuck around anyway.
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Makes me pissed just thinking.
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Was cackling at Kaitsu that parasite bastard suffering his delusions, but it's not just his story.
Instead of theorizing, ask direct.
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"Gold. What's His Majesty like?"
"...Hm."
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Gold tilted his head awkwardly at my question, then spoke.
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"Ambiguous guy."
"Ambiguous?"
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Unexpected answer.
Expected straight negative.
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"Miser first off."
"Is that so."
"Yeah. Didn't my brother tell you he'd ask the royals to wipe out Sertun County instead of their award?"
"Uh... yeah."
"His Majesty would snap it up."
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Snap it up?
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"Prefers protecting the treasury—royal assets—over some unrelated Sertun Count."
"......"
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King that money-grubbing?
Suddenly anxious.
What shitty "award" they giving?
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And imperial family?
Some backstory?
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"Still, he's competent. Reads situations well, picks feasible policies. People aren't dissatisfied. Satisfaction's meh, but."
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Some unnecessary add-on there?
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"Playful and impulsive, so overshadows his skills sometimes. But as said, great at reading the room."
"Hmm..."
"So no way he'd try anything with my brother. That checkpoint jab was his one and only probe."
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Gold scratching exactly my itch. Reliable.
Ultimately, gotta judge in person.
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"Oh. The palace."
"Whoa..."
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The carriage passed under a semicircular ornament on the massive gate ceiling.
Looking up through the window, a woman radiating brilliant light was engraved on it.
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"From here, it's royal grounds."
"Yeah... so it is."
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I lost words staring ahead far off.
Thought I'd never see architecture like Gold's place, Hart Clan manor, again.
But royals are royals.
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Not as flashy as Hart Castle, but steeped in history yet dignified and pristine—a massive, majestic castle overlooking us.
Mountain-top fortress vibe too.
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Cool.
I was impressed.
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Entry procedures surprisingly simple.
Passed a circular passage, got scanned like at the gate. Done.
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Entered the castle, reached waiting area.
Stepped out, looked around.
This passage lock intruders like the gate?
Then, yawning stretch from behind.
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"Ahhh... So this is the palace."
"......"
"Huh? Why stare like that, bro?"
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Who's bro?
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Kang Geom-il.
The top-tier outsider, fellow Korean.
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This guy's cheekily followed me, stayed in Hart guest room.
Requested 1-on-1 talk, but Harts refused.
Even lodging almost refused, but some news stopped it.
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What news? No clue.
Gald laughed heartily, "good news," let him stay. No idea.
But could guess.
Gald told Gold right after talking with Geom-il.
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'Might head back to Prynar Academy soon.'
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Even tomorrow possible.
Entry ok, but students/faculty schedules mean no classes till original break end.
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Not the point.
Prynar closure seemed Prostia-related; Geom-il probably fixed it.
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Gald's "good news" ties to Prostia.
Gut feeling: Geom-il's chat request links to that dragon too.
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Sounds annoying, so ignore.
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Now worrying about opening ceremony event.
Gold said first impressions set there—not exaggeration.
Hard prep since content changes per event.
Pondering, unfamiliar voice snapped me out.
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"Welcome, Gold. And outsider Dre."
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Uniformed man bowed politely, guided us.
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Palace interior bright-lit, small windows flooding warm sunlight.
Plush red carpet easing foot fatigue.
Paintings, statues, sculptures dotting endless hall, keeping it lively.
Musta cost a fortune. Natural thought.
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Onward, reached audience chamber.
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Kiki-gee-gee.
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Doors opened auto, we entered.
Audience hall school-field sized.
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Light poured center-end, throne gleaming below.
Occupant... this kingdom's king.
Empty hall, but huge fan floated, hiding him.
Walked center, knelt.
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Click! Click!
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Dozens knights drew swords, posed.
Majestic sight.
Honor guard practice intense, huh?
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"Everyone out."
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King making practice pointless.
...But voice weird.
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Knights hesitated, but second urge sent 'em out.
Gold too.
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"Brother. Dunno what's up... but good timing."
"Huh?"
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Gold mumbled cryptic, left.
Alone center hall, dumbfounded.
What now?
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"Come closer."
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Not misheard.
Honorifics not issue.
Clear, gentle voice... definitely woman's.
Kingdom's king a woman? Queen regnant?
No.
Queen consort exists, so her?
Where's the king?
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Step step.
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Approached, knelt one knee short of throne.
Head down. Wait command. Etiquette.
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"Raise your head."
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Did. She peeked through fan.
Plain yet elegant casual clothes.
Not absolute, but no royal garb, so queen consort confirmed.
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King sent her instead, reasons unknown.
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Unexpected: fan aside, face familiar.
Stared.
Didn't recognize at first.
But that noble silver long-hair? Rare.
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"...You..."
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Stopped "are..." just in time.
No fucking around with royalty.
She giggled.
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"Yes. It's me."
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Rose from throne, stepped into light.
Graceful, feminine charm overflowing.
Casual yesterday, Clarit/El-tier pretty; now goddess-like.
That gentle aura unmistakable.
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"The lady from yesterday?"
"Yes. Thanks for yesterday, Dre."
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Indeed.
This woman spent half-day with me and crew yesterday.
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Makes sense Asita/Repelt fidgeted.
Witch's care clear now.
Queen beside, of course respect.
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"Well? Eniris Venus Qurel, queen consort of this land."
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Hearing name, bowed deep.
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"Yesterday, huge breach."
"Ufufu, no? You covered for me."
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Covered? When?
Queen reached, took my hand.
Flustered brief. Then lost in softness.
Fucking silky? Hands this soft allowed?
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"Casual talk?"
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Clapped, table/chairs rose from air.
Magic.
Queen a mage?
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"Sit."
"Yes."
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Pot/cups popped somewhere, floated to her slow.
She set teapot/cups, poured mine herself.
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"Uh..."
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Queen pouring tea herself.
Don't know where to put myself.
Fidgeting like new hire, reached to pour—stern playful voice.
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"Hey. Stay put."
"Ah. Yes ma'am."
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Pretend scold, face still gentle.
Oddly relaxed before queen.
This inclusiveness, huh.
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"Hope it suits."
"Graciously."
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Insanely comfy vibe.
Prior worries laughable.
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This peaceful? Poison in tea?
Come at me. Enhanced Rynar's Blessing nulls poison.
Still scared, sip once.
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Slurp.
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"......Wow."
"How is it?"
"Delicious."
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Tea noob, but damn good.
Kept sipping unwittingly.
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"Oh my."
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Beamed happily, beauty upped.
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"......"
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Watched me sip, embarrassing.
Set cup down, she said.
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"Now, the reward."
"Yes."
"Sertun Count near-extinction, modest Hart Clan aid—plus one more."
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Exactly what I wanted.
Silent bit, cautious question.
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"Those two impossible?"
"No. Basics granted."
"Huh?"
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Queen smiled.
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"Investigated: Sertun deserved it. Nobles mistreating citizens? Good job, Dre."
"......"
"Hart aid mutual benefit. Oh, too mercenary?"
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Even sheepish laugh pretty.
But why?
I know.
She's saying calculated, but smooth sailing from her goodwill.
Why so nice to me?
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"Why so good to me?"
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Slipped out unconsciously.
Queen tilted head.
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"Am I?"
"Anxiously so."
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Shut up mouth.
But wouldn't stop.
Her warmth melted emotional control.
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Then, grabbed my hand again.
No, this makes me too hap...!!
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"If you think so, you've taken too many wounds."
"......"
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Gag reflex choked.
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"Dre. Dragonslayer. Deserves respect alone, but outsider bias, jealousy over special treatment."
"......"
"Not just them—vicious fools over nothing. Can't accept pure kindness, get anxious."
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Gazed compassionately, stroked hand.
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"Tough, huh?"
"...No, uh."
"Sorry. Acted understanding. Don't know your struggles. But clearly suffered."
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What.
Cried once lifetime, now eyes sting.
Then hand on head, gentle stroke.
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"Yesterday, you tried peaceful resolutions, cared for people."
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Stop please.
Hard.
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"As queen consort, vouch: beyond dragonslayer, good, solid person. Dre."
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Tears welled.
No recognition for good deeds, just assholes—queen treats me like this...
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"Oh my. Yedre. Crybaby?"
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Playful tease, shook head stubbornly.
Obviously investigated me thorough.
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Calculated? Still tugs heart...
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"Thank you."
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Sincere thanks, she smiled.
Pretty.
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"Don't get too moved. Wanna build personal ties with unlimited-potential Dre?"
"Haha..."
"Ahem."
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Hand off head, hands on hips, chest out.
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After, chatted unrelated to reward awhile.
Eventually yesterday came up.
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"Sorry yesterday. Wanted to see who you are myself."
"I see."
"Fufufu. Kid-adult speech."
"......"
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No retort.
She led convo masterfully; I stuck to yes/I see.
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"Um, His Majesty?"
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Cornered into uncurious topic.
But unexpectedly tough; her face darkened brief.
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"Busy state affairs. Left rewards to me. Ask freely."
"Freely."
"Yes, anything reasonable. No king-handover impossible stuff? But titles, lands ok."
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That's huge.
But land/status? No confidence managing/working.
What then.
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Ah.
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Said sudden idea; queen blinked.
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"That... ok?"
"Why not. You worked hard yourself."
"...Ufufufu."
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Covered mouth laughing, said.
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"Fun person indeed. Dre."
"You're kind..."
"Eniris."
"?"
"Hate queen title even privately. Call by name? Dre."
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Huh. Heart thump.
Secret friends vibe?
She means no such, but...
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"Gladly."
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That was my answer.
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About ten days later, Prynar Academy reopened.
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Building near center.
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Official: Hall of Exchange.
Students call it auditorium.
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Teachers sharing aspirations there.
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Pale-skinned heavy-makeup delinquent-fashion girl.
Ice-cold impression girl with student council crest.
Spinning glasses failing to hide beauty girl.
Tiny cute kid-like person.
Yawning laid-back boy.
Determined strict sword-waist girl.
Plus witches, priests, swordsmen, mages, miners, smiths, archers...
Normies and demi-humans aplenty.
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Magic elements fitting diverse students filled room; one man ascended podium.
Seemed shabby vs other instructors.
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Looks, clothes, vibe—all mismatched for Prynar lecturer.
But eyes fierce.
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Savage gaze swept crowd; already quiet students hushed more.
Man spoke.
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"Greetings."
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Surveying faces, leisurely yet oddly arrogant tone, he declared.
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"New instructor taking post at this academy. Yedre."
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Looks at Dre held varied emotions.
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Curiosity.
Hostility.
Disdain.
Gladness.
Probing.
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Amid countless gazes, Dre boomed as if demanding they look well.
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"Please take care of me these next few years."
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