Ch 199
『Title: Why isn’t the spy-catching Quest at the Starbirth Festival completing?』
Content: I definitely killed the spy?
-: What are you talking about?
You caught the spy, but the Quest isn’t completing?
-『Author』: Yeah.
Could it be that you’re not supposed to kill the spy?
-: You’re supposed to kill the spy, right?
-『Author』: Then why isn’t it completing?
-: What? Is it a Bug?
-: But if something causes discomfort and unpleasantness in this Game,
Isn’t that usually an intended system, not a Bug?
-: True
Even something that’s a real Bug
Could be a mechanism to give unpleasantness as a Bug,
So basically, it’s right to think there are no Bugs in this Game.
-: Wow, lol, God Game without Bugs, lol.
-『Author』: Instead, it seems like the people playing it are getting Bugs in their heads?
-『Author』: No, but am I really experiencing a Bug?
No matter how many spies I kill, the Quest won’t complete?
-: Didn’t that Quest not have a gimmick like that?
-: I think that guy really has a Bug?
-『Author』: The only good thing about this trash Game was that there weren’t any Bugs,
Now even that one advantage has disappeared.
I caught the spy.
I caught Landeia, damn it.
-: ?
-: Why did you catch Landeia?
-『Author』: Why did I catch her? Because she’s a spy, damn it.
-: She’s not a spy?
-『Author』: Why not?
A bright young Brat is stronger than my Character,
-: ?
-: That’s logical, I guess.
-: Wait, I’m having cognitive dissonance because I’m wondering if the meaning of the word spy is what I thought it was.
-『Author』: No, isn’t it that if you’re abnormally strong, you’re a spy?
-: I said there might be a spy among abnormally strong people, yeah;
-: Is this why the warning “Do not microwave this headset” was written on the headset I bought?
-: But that Landeia is really abnormally strong.
-: Was she Rank 6 at age 22?
-: She’s considered top-tier among the Continent’s Divine Power users, yeah.
-: Wasn’t the top-tier Divine Power user the greatest Genius in history who even blasphemes the Creed of the Grey Tower?
-: I think her route is different.
-: But really,
If she wasn’t a spy, Landeia would have definitely won the Starbirth Festival.
-: But who was Landeia again?
-: You know, yeah.
The red-haired Woman that Nobles follow around calling her Older Sister.
-: Ah, that Noble Gathering President.
-『Author』: Then can I just kill the next strongest person after Landeia?
-: Actually, isn’t that guy the spy?
✦✦✦
“…”
“…”
An awkward Aura flowed in the place.
It was a phenomenon that occurred as one side stared intently at the other, and the other side tried to avoid that Gaze at all costs.
“Hey. Mister.”
The one staring intently.
Miss Heynya, the Noble Lady of the Grand Noble Family Mastien, said.
“You said you weren’t going to participate in the Starbirth Festival.”
“That’s…”
The one trying to avoid the Gaze at all costs.
Mister Lisir replied.
“I have circumstances…”
“What circumstances? Did you suddenly want to join in where little Guys are playing and cause a ruckus?”
“Heynya, I’m also affiliated with that category of little Guys━”
Lisir looked at Heynya with an aggrieved Expression.
Compared to the other participants who had made the most of the age limit, he was especially young among those little Guys.
“…”
Heynya still found it hard to accept that fact, and when Lisir brought up the age issue, she had an Expression of Anguish.
“Hoo.”
Soon, she sighed and said.
“Okay. You’re right. It’s not like you broke any Rules, and if you want to participate, you should participate. It’s funny for me to say anything about it. Isn’t it?”
“That’s true.”
“…Here, aren’t you supposed to say, ‘No, I understand Heynya’s Heart’?”
“I was going to, but I stopped because I thought you’d say something again if I gave you an excuse. You have to get out of the pressure when you can.”
“Oh my, how competent…”
Heynya sighed once more, and her body, seated in the chair, melted and fell onto the table in front of her.
She said in a slimy tone.
“It’s all over~ My dreams~ My goals~ My Life~”
“Why are you like this, Heynya? You’re still young to give up on everything.”
“I was going to win this Starbirth Festival and rebuild my trampled Confidence~”
“Are you saying you would have definitely won if I hadn’t participated?”
“Of course~ It’s the Starbirth Festival I’m participating in, who else but me would win~?”
“Is that Confidence really trampled? It seems as stiff as newly drawn paper?”
I don’t know.
I don’t know.
My Life is ruined.
Heynya lamented, rolling her body back and forth.
Lisir looked at the Noble Lady and said.
“Still, don’t Worry too much, Heynya. There’s a possibility that I might quit halfway through.”
“Ah, don’t tell me you’re going to forfeit if you meet me!? You don’t have to go that far~”
“Of course, I won’t go that far━”
“Tch.”
“Since participating in the Starbirth Festival is just a means, I think I’ll give up the Competition as soon as the purpose is achieved.”
“The Starbirth Festival is a means? What on earth is that purpose?”
“It’s to expose the spy.”
“A spy? From where?”
“I heard that Demon Worshippers have planted a spy in the Competition.”
“Ah, is that so?”
Demon Worshippers.
The moment that word was mentioned, Heynya paused for a moment and said.
“Then I hope they get caught quickly.”
“Wait━”
At that time.
Miss Charlotte, who had invited a Friend to Teacher Lisir’s Lessons as usual, said.
“Heynya, are you okay…?”
“Well, what can I do? The person in question wants to participate, what Rights do I have to stop them?”
“No, what I mean is━ I heard that a spy from the Demon Worshippers has infiltrated the Competition.”
Charlotte wondered if her head had gone strange as she listened to Heynya’s words.
A spy from the Demon Worshippers has infiltrated the Competition she’s participating in, and that’s her reaction?
“That’s why Lisir is participating, right?”
“…?”
Would it be her imagination if she felt that the context of the story was very unnatural?
Charlotte had so much to say, but her lips only moved silently.
“I, I see…?”
Charlotte felt unfamiliar with herself for vaguely understanding the context of that twisted Conversation.
“Ah.”
At that time.
Charlotte remembered something and said to Lisir.
“Then, is Teacher’s participation in the Starbirth Festival confirmed?”
“For now, yes.”
“Then━ are you perhaps going there too?”
“By ‘there,’ do you mean?”
“This time, Older Sister Landeia said she’s holding a Friendly Gathering for Starbirth Festival participants before the Competition starts.”
“Older Sister Landeia?”
“Oh my, Teacher━ don’t you know Miss Landeia?”
Lisir carefully examined Charlotte’s Expression.
If she was trying to tease or ignore him as usual, he should have heard a ‘pfft’ sound in that Expression, but now Charlotte had a face that seemed genuinely surprised.
“She’s a Miss from the Leloja Family.”
Then, Heynya added an explanation from the side.
“Ah.”
Only then did Lisir nod.
He didn’t know who Miss Landeia was-
But he knew the Grand Noble Family Leloja.
“Seeing Miss Charlotte say that, it seems that that Landeia is quite a celebrity even without the Family name?”
“Do you know about the Coffee Exchange?”
“The Coffee Exchange?”
“It’s the most famous High Society Gathering among Nobles of our age━ and the President of that Gathering is Landeia.”
“Oh…”
Lisir suddenly thought of his Comrade, Rona’s face.
The Young Noble of Bondales High Society.
Rona was wielding Influence within the City that was more than that of an ordinary Noble with just that Position.
‘But, that Landeia is someone who has surpassed local celebrities like Rona and become a Continent celebrity?’
It’s already amazing that she’s a Noble Lady of a Grand Noble Family-
On top of that, she’s a celebrity in High Society that encompasses the entire Continent.
Lisir immediately entered that Landeia’s name into his head.
As a person of interest.
“Is there anything else I should know?”
“Well. That most of the Coffee Exchange members are participating in this Starbirth Festival? And that that Friendly Gathering is━ basically a Gathering prepared by the Coffee Exchange members to show off in a new City?”
Lisir’s eyebrows twitched once.
He felt the thorns hidden in Heynya’s words.
“Heynya. I’m asking just in case━ are you not on good terms with those Coffee Exchange members?”
Phew.
Heynya blew air out of her mouth and waved her hand indifferently.
“Would it be easier to understand if I said they’re the kind of people who only think about and Research how to look good every day, every hour, every moment?”
“Hmm…”
Lisir could roughly understand Heynya’s words.
‘So, it’s an average Gathering of young Nobles.’
He could understand why Heynya was so disgusted.
As far as he knew, there weren’t many Existences as difficult to deal with as young Nobles.
Right now, even Heynya and Charlotte, who have quite unique Personalities, could be described as mature compared to ordinary young Nobles.
The two at least had the Skill and Talent to match their huge Selves.
“Separately, it’s also true that we’re not on good terms.”
“Is that so?”
“Lisir. You know, right? That it hasn’t been long since I started learning Magic.”
“That’s right?”
“In other words, until recently, I was an Outsider who didn’t even know how to handle Mana, let alone Magic? Do you know how the Coffee Exchange Guys I occasionally ran into treated me at this time?”
“Ah.”
Lisir unknowingly let out a Chuckle.
“Don’t tell me. They ignored Heynya? Subtly and insidiously?”
“You know it well.”
Heynya shuddered, saying that she felt disgusted just imagining it.
“If you’re going to ignore me, just ignore me outright. They want to ignore me━ but they can’t openly ignore me because they’re afraid of my Family’s name. How petty and insidious. There’s no need to mix words. Just being in the same space makes me feel disgusted! Disgusted! It fills me up!”
Lisir chuckled at Heynya’s appearance, who was expressing her Disgust with Gestures.
“I know. What that feels like. In that respect, I had quite a good Impression when I first saw Heynya.”
“Oh. Really?”
“Seeing you openly ignore the other person with overflowing Confidence like Heynya━ I couldn’t have found it more pleasing.”
“…Is that Praise?”
“Then━”
At that time.
Charlotte glanced at Heynya and said cautiously.
“Heynya. Are you not thinking of attending the Friendly Gathering that Older Sister Landeia is holding this time?”
“Why would I go there?”
“Older Sister Landeia invited you. You’re probably the only one Older Sister Landeia has directly invited?”
“Ugh. Should I be honored and moved? In the first place, why would she invite me? She’s probably trying to show off and boast about trampling on me in front of other people. Those pathetic Servants will see that Woman’s appearance and think they’re something and act cocky in front of me again.”
“…Is it that bad? You’re not deliberately exaggerating because you’re annoyed that I’m taking you?”
“If you really want it, I can take you. It’s also to correct your mistaken fantasies.”
Good heavens.
Lisir, who was watching the two’s Conversation from the side, unknowingly let out a Chuckle.
“What on earth happened with those Guys that━”
“Curious? There’s no reason not to tell you. It’s a story from when I first started learning Magic.”
“The time when Heynya was learning Magic Self-taught━ and at an incredible speed?”
“That’s right! How great is that!”
“Pardon?”
“Look at what you just said! You focused on the fact that I learned Magic Self-taught and at an incredible speed, right?”
“That’s right…?”
“But those bastards━ they subtly ignored me based only on my Magic Realm at the time!? If you’re Self-taught, you wouldn’t understand this~? If you’re Self-taught, you still can’t handle this~? They said.”
“Hehe… That’s how Nobles of our age are.”
“That’s why I’m not going to this Friendly Gathering. It’s obvious even if I go, right? They’ll find my flaws with some ridiculous excuse again, and they’ll cling to it tenaciously. To deal with those things alone━”
Heynya’s words were cut off there.
Her olivine Eyes were fixed on Lisir.
“…”
Soon, a meaningful Smile appeared on the corner of her lips.
“Lisir. Are you perhaps Interested in that Friendly Gathering?”
“Pardon?”
✦✦✦
Lisir decided to attend the Friendly Gathering with Heynya.
It was with the Expectation that he might be able to contact the spy there.
And so, the moment they arrived at the Banquet Hall where the Friendly Gathering was taking place.
‘Ah. So that’s why.’
He immediately realized why Heynya was so disgusted.
It was what happened not long after Heynya entered the Banquet Hall.
“Heynya. What’s going on? I didn’t think you’d really respond to the invitation.”
A certain red-haired Woman appeared in front of Heynya-
And the crowd she brought along like a Tail quickly surrounded Heynya.
‘Are those people the Coffee Exchange or something?’
That Gaze. That Atmosphere.
At first glance, it seemed like they were treating Heynya, the Noble Lady of a Grand Noble Family, with Respect-
But at its base, there was a subtle and insidious Emotion.
You could call it the Nunchi unique to Nobles.
‘Oh, by the way, this person-‘
At that time, Lisir looked at the red-haired Woman facing Heynya.
Her face looked familiar-
She was the Woman he had run into in front of Charlotte’s room when he was leaving earlier.
“It’s not that, I just wanted to introduce you to someone.”
“You’re introducing someone? That Heynya?”
It was an Attitude as if she was happy with her immature younger sibling’s growth.
That alone was enough to make Heynya disgusted, and even that Expression was mixed with subtle Ignoring.
“I’m curious. What kind of person could it be?”
And so, the Gaze of the Noble group, including Landeia, turned to Lisir.
“Oh, that person━”
At that time, a Voice was heard from among the group.
“Isn’t that, that person?”
“You know━ the one who asked if it was possible to enter both Swordsmanship and Magic events at the Starbirth Festival-…”
Hehehe.
A subtle laughter was mixed in with the murmuring.
Landeia watched the appearance of such a Party for a moment.
After giving Lisir a meaningful Smile, she looked at Heynya and said.
“It seems that the new Friend you made is quite famous? Even our Children already know him.”
Heynya clicked her tongue inwardly.
She could feel that Landeia was already ignoring Lisir, and herself for bringing someone like that to introduce.
On top of that, the Noble group who can’t do anything alone but empathize with Landeia and send insidious Gazes together.
Heynya thought.
This is it.
This is why she didn’t like this and avoided contact with Landeia as much as possible.
It was truly an unpleasant Experience.
“…”
But why is that?
A very pleasant Smile was on the lips of Heynya, who was experiencing that unpleasantness.
“You’re saying that people’s reactions make it seem like they know Lisir well? Well? I think it’s the opposite?”
“Hmm?”
Heynya looked at Landeia and instead gave her an insidious Smile.
“People’s reactions make it seem like they don’t know Lisir well?”
“…”
The Gazes of the two people smiling at each other strongly crossed in the air.
How long had that state lasted?
“Anyway━ Heynya. And, was it Lisir?”
Landeia looked at the two and smiled brightly.
“You two. You came at the right time. We were having a really fun game.”
Landeia Gestured to the two, and the crowd immediately split in two, creating a path.
At the end of the path that was opened was a table-
A sword was placed on it.
“Heynya, are you perhaps Interested in Spirit Magic?”
“Spirit Magic?”
Landeia approached the table and picked up the sword.
“It’s a trend that’s spreading among our Coffee Exchange━ you could say? There’s Spirit Energy contained in this sword, and it’s said that only those who handle Spirit Magic can fully draw out the power of this sword? You’re a Wizard in name, so you can handle Spirit Magic, right?”
“…”
Heynya frowned at Landeia’s tone.
Not all Wizards can handle Spirit Magic.
Yet, Landeia was speaking as if it was natural for Heynya to be able to handle Spirit Magic.
If she can handle Spirit Magic, she’ll take it for granted-
Conversely, if she can’t handle Spirit Magic, it’s to humiliate her.
“Well, there’s no need to ask Heynya━ how about you?”
Next, Landeia’s Gaze turned to Lisir.
“You’re versatile enough to apply for both Swordsmanship and Magic events at the Starbirth Festival, so you can naturally handle Spirit Magic, right?”
“I can do it to some extent.”
“Oh, really? Then would you like to try?”
Landeia readily recommended it to him.
She gave him the sword in his hand so that he couldn’t escape.
“Go ahead.”
And urging.
“…”
Lisir reluctantly went along with the flow.
He hesitated as he looked at the sword and said.
“Are you there?”
“…”
Watching that appearance, Landeia tried hard to swallow her laughter.
However, despite her Efforts, a laughter of ‘Pfft!’ was heard from among the group.
Because Lisir’s appearance of suddenly calling a Spirit didn’t even feel like the basics of Spirit Magic.
‘There’?
If he had the basics of Spirit Magic, he would have started with something like ‘Great Spirit dwelling in the sword’.
Because Spirits tended to regard Humans as below themselves.
Above all, what he was doing now was not Spirit Magic.
In Spirit Magic, the Voice is only a medium for conveying Energy and Magical Power.
There was no Energy or Magical Power contained in his Voice now.
For example, he was just talking to himself while looking at the sword.
“Are you always like that?”
“Pardon?”
“When communicating with Spirits, I mean.”
“Ah, well. The things I’ve Experienced are mostly special cases, so━”
Watching Lisir trail off, Landeia was convinced.
His words that he could handle Spirit Magic were a bluff.
And so, it was the moment when Landeia was about to put on a subtle sneer as she looked at the two.
-That’s not it!!!
-My name is Weslen of the passing Wind! Call my name properly!
Her slowly rising lip corners froze.
The arrogant and picky Spirit, who had never told anyone their True Name, suddenly revealed their name.
“Hmm.”
Lisir nodded and looked at Landeia.
-About this much?
An Expression that seemed to be saying that Voice was coming from the sword.
Landeia felt Confusion at that confident Attitude.
He was talking to himself at the sword, but the Spirit answered on their own.
Is it okay to call that Spirit Magic?
✦✦✦
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