Chapter 64
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 64
‘You were calling me an idiot in your head just now, weren’t you?’
He probably thought I should have made another knight or servant stand there instead of putting myself in danger again. He was undoubtedly mocking me for being unable to see the forest for the trees.
‘But I have to be the one standing in front, you know?’
The only reason Tedric had managed to hit me was because of my Luck Penalty.
If not for that penalty, Tedric would have succeeded in his original plan to simply tease and scare me. It wouldn't have escalated into such a massive incident.
The same logic applied now. No matter how great a marksman Lilius was, he was destined to hit me in the end.
‘Yep. I still haven't raised my Luck stat.’
Now then, shall we move according to plan?
I shifted my gaze toward Lisian, who was standing near Lilius. When our eyes met, Lisian gave me a very faint smile.
Damn. Is this what it feels like to be protected by the Angel of the Moon? Even the burning pain I’d been feeling seemed to subside slightly.
“Uncle Lilius,” I said, speaking up. “I think it would be best to perform one test beforehand.”
* * *
Lilius Frezier could not understand what was happening.
Lisian Frezier—the eldest son of the insufferable Aster Frezier, and a boy rumored to be more brilliant than a hundred Tedrics combined—was walking toward Tulia.
He was holding a single red apple in his hand.
What was he planning to do with that?
His confusion didn't last long. Lisian Frezier placed the small apple right next to Tulia’s foot. Then, he straightened his back.
“M-match this first, U-uncle.”
Lilius Frezier, realizing the insulting implication a beat late, turned beet-red up to his neck and shouted, “Do you dare doubt my skill?!”
But neither Lisian Frezier nor Tulia Frezier showed even a hint of fear. Those arrogant brats didn't flinch.
“Uncle… Lilius.”
Lisian’s eyes, unlike their usual soft look, held a chilling light.
“We are currently… in an E-emergency Council meeting.”
“…”
“We cannot be t-too careful.”
“...!”
Several high-ranking vassals voiced their agreement with Lisian’s words. The mages, in particular, raised their voices passionately.
“He is right! This is a grave matter involving the honor of the Mage Tower and our relationship with the Grand Ducal House!”
“Viscount! It would be best to hit the apple first!”
His plan was falling apart, and he was being humiliated. Lilius’s face contorted into a mess of frustration.
* * *
‘That man really was planning to shoot me.’
I had expected it, but seeing it in person was even more appalling. If he shot me with that massive magic tool on purpose, I’d be crippled at best and dead at worst.
I’m his niece, for heaven’s sake. Isn't this a bit much?
“Let’s wait over there, Lisian.”
“Alright.”
Since I didn't know what kind of tricks my penalty might play, I stood right next to Grand Duke Nigella Frezier. I saw his expression sour, but I ignored it.
My survival comes first. What are you going to do about it?
Lilius’s expression was a sight to behold. To an outsider, he looked like he was worried about making a mistake, but to me, knowing his true intentions, it looked different.
‘You’ve already fallen into the trap.’
If Lilius failed to hit the apple, Lisian would step forward and fire the magic bow himself. And he would hit the apple perfectly. If that happened, it would prove that Lilius had committed perjury to protect Tedric. The mages of the Mage Tower would certainly lodge a formal protest.
But if he did hit the apple…
‘Then it’s an admission that Tedric shot me on purpose.’
His head must be spinning right now, trying to figure out what to do. He’s probably going crazy, running every simulation possible to find a way out.
“Uncle?”
I had no intention of giving him time to think.
“Why aren't you shooting?”
“I-I was just about to.”
Finally, Lilius closed his eyes tight and gritted his teeth.
Thwip!
With a short sound, the apple was literally blown to pieces. After a brief pause, two more arrows were fired in quick succession, pinning the remains to the ground. His archery skills were certainly top-tier.
“Oh!”
“Impressive.”
“To hit such a small apple, as expected.”
The vassals’ admiration was short-lived. Lilius Frezier did not look happy at all. I could tell just by looking at his twitching eyes.
“Seeing your skill, Uncle, there’s no way you’d ever make a mistake.”
I gave him a bright smile, twisting the knife.
“You truly are a legendary marksman.”
“Thank… you, Tulia.”
“Don’t mention it, Uncle.”
I walked back toward the target area, maintaining my facade of kindness. A servant hurried to clear the shattered apple and arrows, replacing them with a fresh apple.
“Now, if you hit this apple properly, Tedric’s innocence will be proven.”
“…”
“Because the target is the apple, not me.”
Standing right next to the mark, I waved the servant away. The mages were clutching their hands together as if praying to a god. I could guess, at least roughly, how much compensation was riding on this single arrow.
10 billion gold? 20 billion?
If they really pushed it… 100 billion gold?
In any case, it would be more advantageous for them to appease Lisian and ask for a reduction in the settlement rather than having the sole heir, Tedric, convicted of attempted murder.
Realizing it was no longer possible to blame the magic tool, Lilius seemed to have quickly calculated that negotiating with Lisian was his best bet. He looked somewhat relieved, yet also deeply regretful that he couldn't kill me. He raised the magic bow.
Swoosh!
The massive arrow flew through the air. Of course, those who had just witnessed Lilius’s incredible skill had no doubt that the apple would explode again.
However—
“Agh!”
I screamed as a suffocating pain tore through me. It felt as if my heart stopped for a moment from the agony of something piercing through my thigh.
“…Tulia!”
Starting with Lisian’s scream, the forest, which had been as silent as if doused in cold water, suddenly erupted.
“My Lady!”
“Oh, heavens!”
“Did you just try to murder the legitimate daughter of the Marquis?!”
“Your own niece?!”
The scene turned into pure chaos in an instant.
“N-no! That’s not it! I clearly aimed correctly…!”
Lilius’s face turned deathly pale as he stumbled back. He looked like he couldn't believe what was happening. Not the blood dripping from the hem of my dress, nor the looks of contempt and loathing from the other nobles.
“Have you lost your mind, Lilius Frezier?!”
Even Grand Duke Nigella Frezier was shouting with a pale face.
“This is a frame-up! A frame-up! I’ve been wronged! The magic tool—the magic tool is malfunctioning! I didn't do this!”
Lilius screamed like a madman, but no one listened. Instead, they shrank away from him as if he were a monster.
Right. Lilius Frezier probably didn't intend to hit me this time. He wasn't that stupid.
But.
[! Warning: Due to the Luck Penalty, all attacks performed by others will hit the target.]
Yep.
I haven't raised my Luck yet, remember?
So no matter where he aimed, I was going to get hit.
‘Actually, I debated it until the very end.’
Should I just take down Tedric, or should I get hurt a bit more and take Lilius down with him? If I took one more arrow and then raised my Luck stat, Lilius would become the ultimate scum who tried to kill his own niece.
‘I hesitated because getting shot hurts like hell, but…’
The moment I read Lilius’s inner thoughts—how he decided to shoot at me without a shred of hesitation—I realized I had no reason to show them any mercy.
So, I took the hit on purpose. And the moment I was struck, I pushed my mental strength to the limit.
‘Status Window!’
When I was hit by Tedric’s arrow, I couldn't keep my senses sharp enough to call up the window. But this time was different.
[System: Status Window]
Tulia Frezier (15 years old)
- Held Coins: 2 (Deposit Coins: 1,000)
- Personality: 1
- Beauty: 8
- Skill: 5
- Wealth: 0
- Luck: -10
Overall Rating: D-
[System] Your deposit has matured. (Maturity time: 3 seconds ago)
[System] Would you like to collect?
‘3 seconds ago?’
Talk about perfect timing.
I immediately clicked ‘YES.’