68 – 68. CHAPTER 1 (2)
My head hurts.
Mark and the official knights were all apologizing with their heads pressed to the floor.
Heron and Shayden, who should have been present during the trial, were nowhere to be seen in this episode.
Harney, who had little to do with this incident, was also here without any deep connection.
Scenes outside the game flooded in at once, making my head stiffen.
‘What’s going on from the morning, ugh…’
First, I need to get these knights up on their feet.
“Everyone, get up.”
“No, we must receive a greater punishment!”
“We were negligent in managing the subordinates without even considering that such an incident could occur in the presence of the Lord!”
“We had a clouded judgment, fell into prejudice, and held an unjust view towards the Lord!”
“We showed a shameful sight unbecoming of knights!”
They each confessed their sins.
Those were the words Carcine must have been sick of hearing.
As I tried to stop those who were willing to admit their sins and accept punishment,
“Please deliver the punishment!”
The knights shouted loudly once again.
Oh, head.
Let’s start by asking the knight in the front.
“…Hey, where is the captain?”
“If it’s Captain Radiel, we asked him not to attend as there was a possibility of our punishment being reduced!”
“So, that’s why he’s not here?”
“Yes! We must show our determination to accept all the punishment the Lord decrees!”
Damn it. They’re so meticulous about this!
You now realize you were wrong?
So you’re asking for punishment?
I touched my forehead and glanced at the status window that appeared subtly.
“Don’t I get any options here? Like… a thought from Carcine…”
No, there aren’t any. Go back.
The status window remained silent, as if telling me so.
“My Lord, it would be better for you to say a word as the owner in times like this.”
Heron approached me as I hesitated and whispered softly.
“What do you mean by saying something?”
“Since they are knights, it would be best to handle it in a knightly manner. Starting with 100 laps of running or similar punishments.”
“…100 laps?”
Isn’t that just running until you drop dead?
“This is a method actually used by many noble families to punish knights. Of course, as a Viscount of Vagrand, the shame for you and the honor of the knights have doubled, but if you feel it’s insufficient, you can add as much as you like─”
“That’s enough!”
Heron, this old man isn’t a nobleman after all.
From my own experience, it’s a real mess.
Nobility? Prestige? Knight’s honor?
I know nothing about that.
I just do things my own way.
“Today, it starts with running drills! If anyone arrives later than me, they’ll face real consequences!”
After shouting that, I rushed out of the dormitory straight to the training ground.
The knights, who were frozen in confusion by the unusual order, snapped into action.
“Young master! The number of laps! Shouldn’t you tell us how many laps to run?!”
“Who has time for that?! Start running!”
“What are you doing, fools! Run faster!”
In a flurry, they all got up and started running.
Mark, who quickly outpaced me, yelled back at the knights behind him.
“Anyone later than the young master will regret it right there! As the deputy leader, I’ll hold you accountable!”
The training session began as intense as always.
And then.
▶Showing mercy earned trust from the knights of the duke!◀
▶Successfully triggered results beyond the options!◀
▶Rewarding!◀
■Reward
▶Maintained training ground reputation
[ Reputation at the training ground will not drop below a certain rank! ]
[ Reputation Rank B, Value 350 ]
Unexpectedly, a running session was added to the schedule.
It was all because of me.
It seemed like they could run a hundred laps as they ran far ahead of me. Maybe Heron was right.
After roughly running, the knights seemed to have organized themselves.
Some were eager to push themselves further, but when Heron hinted that my fiancée was watching, they all backed off.
Of course, I didn’t run without any thoughts.
While running, I sorted out my cluttered mind and understood why all this was happening.
As I caught my breath on the ground, Heron approached and wiped my sweat with a handkerchief.
“It seems like they’re not bad people, right? They wouldn’t have gone back so easily if they were.”
“Yes. Well…”
But I need to make things clear on this side.
“Heron didn’t need to come even if you called him.”
“Why?”
“It was something I could handle on my own. Or, to be precise, it’s more accurate to say that it wasn’t something for Heron to meddle in.”
Calling Heron here was probably his own decision.
The knights might have been influenced by Mark, but they would have seen it as an opportunity related to my fiancée.
‘Just as Theo made a life-changing decision and requested a trial. With Heron, the fiancée, involved, it would be more advantageous.’
With experience involved, the calculations were quite meticulous.
If Radiel was a direct witness and victim of the incident, Heron could be considered an indirect witness, vaguely aware of Emma’s actions.
So, if the trial proceeded, he would undoubtedly come out as a witness for Carsein. Yet, Heron didn’t reveal this fact to Carsein until the end.
The reason is obvious.
‘He must have calculated that he can’t pursue Emma’s guilt himself.’
As the sole party involved in the incident is Carsein and without solid evidence, they would rather be pushed to a corner.
While he shared the same stance as Radiel, he had already anticipated that this alone would not be sufficient evidence.
So, he must have called Heron here to seize this opportunity for sure.
Upon realizing this, Heron pursed his lips.
“Wasn’t it agreed that you’d let us know in advance about such matters?”
“…Yes?”
“On the day of the festival, you were the one who spoke first. We agreed to step in if there was something we could help with, knowing the situation.”
Well, she did say something like that.
Harney found herself surrounded by society ladies.
“But that’s not the case now, is it? You don’t know the situation, and there’s nothing to help with.”
She had already made the request. It wasn’t a matter for a duchess, and she didn’t need to come all the way here because of the incident at the banquet.
“Well, now I have a connection.”
“Yes?”
“My handkerchief was used. Heron’s butler informed me of the situation.”
“Wait, are you trying to interfere with that?”
“Yes. It’s a situation where I can help, isn’t it?”
Harney neatly folded the handkerchief I had wiped my sweat with, smiling elegantly.
While I had a rather flustered expression, her face that had been wearing a gentle smile was quickly filled with displeasure.
“What’s with that expression again? You don’t like it?”
“Because you’re getting too involved. This is an issue within the Order of the Knights.”
“Right. That’s all the more reason for me to step in. It’s such a great opportunity to reveal the fact that there’s an engagement partner.”
…That’s a valid point.
I had promised myself not to miss the chance when a significant announcement opportunity came.
“Saying I can help is not just talk.”
“Yes?”
“Do you know how nobles fight in court?”
“Um…”
“If you don’t even know the etiquette of nobles, how would you know about this? Laughing it off could lead to serious trouble.”
It was a difficult argument to counter.
What had Carsane done in the past?
Not being calm was one thing, but not upholding the status of a noble had earned her criticism.
Throughout her 19 years of life, how many times had she not experienced this?
Ignorance inevitably led to defeat.
“If we were to go to trial, it would be best for someone experienced to step forward and offer advice, right?”
“…Understood. Teach me.”
Harney smiled brightly again.
“Come on, get up quickly.”
“Uh, huh? I’m covered in sweat right now…”
“If you keep standing like this, you might get even dirtier?”
It was a push.
I couldn’t stop her as she grabbed my arm and lifted me up. I was completely drained from running with all my might.
And then.
I saw it unexpectedly.
[ Heron ]
[ Intimacy: 40% ]
[ Shaden ]
[ Intimacy: 40% ]
I had never seen the intimacy boxes of Heron and Shaden while playing the game.
***
As I moved with Harney, all eyes were fixed on us.
Well, that makes sense.
They must have been curious when they heard that Carsane had a fiancée. They were knights, but before that, they were individuals who might have wanted to see who their master’s fiancée was.
“Aren’t you all going in?”
As Lady Laadye came out and clapped, some knights seemed reluctant and went inside, seeming disappointed.
I must give them their alone time or whatever.
They kept on talking nonsense, and I wanted to tell them to stop right there, but I couldn’t.
Radiel found a suitable place where no one could overhear us. Harnier got straight to the point.
“The fact that I didn’t know about the existence of an engaged woman, let alone insulting her, seems like a significant advantage. Shall we start sorting it out from here?”
First, he touched upon the items belonging to the fiancée.
Starting from that sentence, he began meticulously organizing elements that could lead to severe punishment in elegant handwriting.
“It’s crucial that we touched upon two lineages at once. Since we should emphasize the noble’s position over the trainee’s status, it would be best to refrain from removing the title Sir Yongsik of Lamstair Viscount. If they attempt to remove it, we should immediately counter─”
He not only summarized the key points I was unaware of but also seemed prepared to make strong arguments in case of any opposition.
He possessed remarkable skills.
His confidence in not falling behind even if we continued like this was evident.
Harnier cautiously asked me afterwards.
“I can testify up to this point, but I’d like to hear more about the rest of the incident.”
A testimony is just a testimony.
But understanding the context of the incident could put us in a more advantageous position.
“Of course, if you do not wish to recall it or bring up unpleasant memories, it’s okay to refuse.”
It had nothing to do with Carsein’s past.
Therefore, he was careful not to upset the other party.
Such kindness felt awkward.
However.
“No, I think it’s better to tell.”
I responded sharply.
If we wanted to be cautious in court or gain an advantage, we needed feedback.
And then the story of the false accusation would be revealed.
Harnier tried hard not to show it, but her pupils trembled, and her fists seemed to shake with anger.
Perhaps that’s why she prepared even more thoroughly.
She organized more meticulously. She delved deeper and anticipated the opponent’s arguments.
She even prepared arguments to refute any objections, and several hours had swiftly passed.
“If we continue like this, I believe our chances of winning are quite high. However…”
Suddenly, Harnier’s expression darkened.
Before I could ask why, she inquired.
From Noble mtl dot com
“Are… you okay? After experiencing such a thing.”
Well, I’m not sure how it would be to ask if I’m okay.
If it were Carsein, of course, he wouldn’t be okay. But I’m not him, am I?
So, it was difficult for me to respond casually.
“I’m sorry. For asking such a pointless question…”
“Why are you apologizing? I should be grateful for your help.”
“…”
“Don’t worry. I won’t be hurt by such things.”
“Is that so?”
Harnier’s once darkened face slightly brightened.
“Then, when do you think we can meet again?”
“Do nobles have suspicions?”
“What? Oh, yes…! It’s just that we haven’t seen each other for so long…”
What’s this? She seems a bit flustered.
“Oh, anyway, please contact me before the trial if you have more questions. It’s getting late, so I’ll head back first!”
Without further ado, Harnier hastily left.
She’s not usually like that.
“Definitely hiding something, I’d say.”
Still, I received a lot of help today.
Just by preparing like this, I could greatly expand my rhetoric. If I supplement it with evidence, we can surely lead both of them to ruin.
Even if the choices hinder me, I must say.
Gathering the writings neatly arranged by Harney, I stepped out of the dressing room.
Outside, the familiar blonde hair was swaying.
“Well, it was about time for you to come.”
It’s strange not to show up at the timing of the choice.
Flora, who met my eyes, trembled in surprise.
-Ding!
[1. What face do you have here? Why, this time, are you telling me to take out the knight you so protect with my own hands?]
[2. Are you going to say it’s my fault? Speak as you please. Everything will be revealed in the trial.]
[3. (Ignore and pass by.)]
[4. (After calling the knights) Immediately drag Flora Bagrand out of here. There is a possibility that this child has collaborated with the suspect.]
[5. (Taking a deep breath) If you have something to say, say it.]
Despite carrying out the shock therapy, I didn’t want to say a word.
I ignored Flora and passed by.
“Um, excuse me…!”
Then this little one grabbed my sleeve first. The damp sleeve, soaked with sweat, was unpleasant, but she didn’t let go.
“The trial… is about to begin…”
A timid voice.
Without meeting her eyes, Flora continued speaking.
“I, I came to help too…”
A second choice appeared.
It doesn’t matter which one I choose.
So, I shook off Flora’s grip on my sleeve and continued walking.
“I, I can help! Emma, Theo, they all said things to me…!”
Thud.
Flora, who had been following with hesitant steps, this time firmly grabbed my arm with both hands.
“So, I…”
-Thud!
With rough arms dropping, Flora looked at me with surprised eyes.
“I, I really came to help! I know what Emma and Theo have been up to, so I came to help you…!”
“Not needed.”
“What…?”
Usually, it’s better not to choose.
But now, I will choose.
[5. Your help is not needed.]
“Your help is not needed.”
Rather than receiving help from this little one, I would rather handle it on my own.