Chapter 250

Here she goes again, changing outfits like there’s no tomorrow.

Just when she thinks she’s picked something decent, she changes into yet another outfit.

Harnier was made to try on every dress as if she were a doll.

In the end, the attire and makeup prepared for just one day brightly illuminated her appearance.

The merchant guild staff were brimming with energy,

And those who personally chose the clothes seemed to have broadened their shoulders with pride,

Especially Mina, who orchestrated all these instructions, couldn’t be any prouder.

Leaving behind her people, Harnier heads towards the venue of the exchange meeting.

Even though she had experienced this before, it was still exhausting.

She woke up early in the morning and washed herself so thoroughly that she felt like her skin was being rubbed off, pouring expensive oils and herbs.

Then she sat in a chair for hours getting dressed up, and by the time she got into the carriage, her body was aching.

But at the same time, anticipation was building up.

“What would Carsein think…?”

For just one person,

For the man she has her eye on,

As the fiancée cheering for Carsein, who is set to shine in the martial arts tournament.

She wondered what reaction she would get from him as she looked at herself all dressed up, her face blushing slightly.

By the time the carriage arrived at the venue,

Harnier immediately began searching inside for Carsein.

But this was a mistake.

She forgot that too many eyes were already set on her, planning to take advantage of her.

“Oh my! She really went all out for this…”

“Of course, she’s trying to seduce men, right?”

“She even has an engagement, but it doesn’t matter. One’s true nature can’t be hidden.”

“I wonder who she’ll charm next.”

Voices from the noble ladies of the social circle.

They always light up their eyes when someone dresses up like this.

They point fingers and gossip about who the target might be this time.

This was a slip-up for Harnier, who had earned the nasty nickname of ‘Flower Snake’ in the social circle. In doing so, she handed them the ammunition they needed to chew over her.

Harnier finally snapped back to reality and maintained a poker face.

“It’s fine. I’m used to this.”

Hearing the same old words wouldn’t change anything.

…

“Huh. You’re just a bastard born out of wedlock. Even if you put on airs, you probably didn’t get proper treatment from your family, did you? With no talent or accomplishments, you’re just going to be a puppet wife to some commoner from the Bargrand family. Just leave her alone. Hahahaha.”

Even if she tried to ignore it, it didn’t mean she wasn’t hurt.

The harsh reality of being a bastard and the mere fact that she was criticized for nothing but her looks weighed heavily on her.

How much effort did I put in?

And they don’t even know!

Harrier harbored resentment inwardly.

But if she stepped forward now, she knew exactly what would happen.

She had no allies here. Therefore, everything would be exaggerated and twisted into a nasty rumor.

While she could feel wronged about having to listen to such words, swallowing it down silently was the best option. Just like always.

As Harnier turned to walk away, she heard a heavy thud.

Something fell with a thump.

She knew the direction.

It was where she turned her back to.

Where the noble ladies were gossiping about her being a ‘flower snake.’

And where the man who mocked her just moments ago had been standing.

Thump, thump.

“…No way.”

A sudden thought made her heart start racing.

Carefully,

Very carefully, her head turned.

Black hair coming into her field of vision sent her heart racing again.

Thump!

“Eh, eh…! What is this…!”

“Maybe if you had kneeled and apologized from the start, things wouldn’t have gotten so bad. Not you, though. You piece of shit.”

Smack! Thud! Smack!

“Guh, urgh, s-st-stop. S-stop… cough!”

“Don’t talk about your fiancé’s fiancée like that in front of him.”

Never before had anyone stood up for Harrier in her defense.

Those who schemed to look good,

Those who pretended to help but were actually sinister,

Those who manipulated things for their own gain,

There were plenty of them.

But he was different.

At this moment, Carsein was expressing pure anger.

Not for anyone else, but for her.

Even knowing what would happen, he acted for one person.

This scene clearly showed that Harrier had allies here, despite everyone thinking otherwise.

Thump!

To know that the man she had her eye on was acting for her sake,

That naturally made her heart race.

But then,

Thud! Thud!

With brutal hits, blood started dripping from Young Lord Carsein’s head.

Harrier snapped back to her senses.

“That’s right. I shouldn’t be doing this.”

Such a commotion will bring repercussions.

…

“Y-you…!”

He was already here.

***

“Y-you…!”

“Using fists in a sacred exchange meeting!”

“How long after causing problems in the martial arts tournament are you going to do this…!”

The commotion spread.

Like thick dye spreading in water, it kept expanding.

Of course, there’s room for rebuttal.

Since it’s true that she slandered the fiancée, she could argue that her actions were justified.

If she pointed out that such harsh words were spoken in front of the fiancé, the atmosphere could easily shift.

But,

“My goodness. Look at his condition. He won’t even be able to participate in the tournament.”

“Is he trying to hinder other participants due to lack of skill?”

“That’s so crude! If it’s true, his eligibility should be revoked!”

Exaggerations and fabrications piled on during the process.

The focus shifted away from the cause and the actions taken, thus invalidating any justification.

Moreover, there’s no evidence to be found.

Even if she points out who was slandered, the numbers are against her. If they decide to cover it up, there’s nothing she can do.

So, they laughed.

“Heh. Hehe. You’ve done it now. You’re finished, Carsein.”

“Are you going to say we slandered the fiancée? What are we supposed to do? Almost everyone here is on our side. How will your family react if they find out?”

“We only had a normal conversation.”

Because there was a reason.

Ah, these kinds of people are predictable.

Well, she had experienced similar situations countless times in reality, so this was nothing new. Two experiences wouldn’t change anything.

Swipe.

“Carsein.”

During this, Harrier came over and grabbed my arm.

“I’m fine. This is enough… Let’s go. Okay?”

She suggested leaving, seemingly indifferent to this harassment.

Saying she was okay didn’t seem necessary.

Her face was so familiar. It was like she was used to ignoring the bullying, just like Ji-eun.

…And that’s why she couldn’t leave.

“I have a plan. Can you trust me, Harrier?”

After a brief pause, Harrier replied,

“I trust you. You’d never let me down.”

She quickly opened up.

Yes, this was enough.

***

▶ Disruption occurred in the Exchange Meeting Hall! ◀

▶ A family member will randomly appear upon hearing the disruption. ◀

▶ If the issue isn’t resolved, you’ll have to undertake a sub-episode. ◀

When everyone was pointing fingers, refuting would only make her look guilty.

But if she caused a scene, it would escalate, leading to more penalties from her family.

However, based on my experience, this is a great opportunity to turn the tables.

Not refuting and waiting without saying anything. That was the main reason.

I’m sure.

The method I used back then would work well here too.

Whether it’s systemic or based on my experience, this was the right approach.

So, I waited.

Until the voices of my family members could be heard.

“I feel unjustly accused. We were just having a casual conversation.”

“About that fiancé and fiancée.”

“Trying to pin false accusations on others.”

“Isn’t that going too far?”

Seeing no response, the other side pressed harder.

‘Soon, someone will arrive.’

Enough time had passed for this story to reach someone’s ears.

Just when I thought someone from the Bargrand family would show up,

Finally, someone spoke up.

But, it was different.

The voice wasn’t a scolding one directed at me.

“Don’t lie!”

“What?!”

“You were slandering Harrier, the fiancée of Young Lord Carsein. I heard it all!”

Ding!

▶ An ally has appeared. ◀

▶ From the Rusmaier side! ◀

[Target: Kian, Malik, Tony]

“The words of our lord’s fiancée, how could they not reach your ears?”

“Wh-what…”

“Your words sound strange. Are you trying to protect your lord?”

“Lord and his subjects…! This is outrageous!”

Ding!

▶ An ally has appeared. ◀

▶ From the Shatren side! ◶

[Target: Daike, Frict]

“Are we supposed to believe our ears are wrong when we hear the truth?”

“Insulting the fiancée is insulting the lord. Are you saying our ears are all wrong?”

“These commoners are…!”

“Don’t lie! These commoners aren’t listening to nonsense!”

“The ears of commoners must hear different voices.”

“Ah, commoner’s ears. So our ears must be correct.”

Ding!

▶ An ally has appeared. ◀

▶ From the Western side! ◀

[Target: Marquis Aiferos, Count Rilfetten]

“What? You barbarians…”

“To be precise, we are nobles with titles from the Empire. We are not just descendants like you.”

“What did you say about commoners’ ears earlier? They only hear different voices? Are you saying our noble ears are also wrong?”

▶ The appearance of allies is shaking public opinion! ◀

“Looks like they really did slander her.”

“Yes. Insulting the fiancée in front of her face. It doesn’t seem like a lie at all.”

“I agree. I’ve heard that Prince Carsein cares deeply for his fiancée.”

“It seems likely. Especially considering they were never apart during the math trip…”

…This was completely unexpected.

A few people were defending me,

And their support was starting to shake the solid public opinion.

This must be due to the characteristics of the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.

Not only nobles, but commoners who want to prove their strength also attend. That’s why this situation arose.

“But, this could backfire if not handled properly.”

Fortunately, they appeared just in time.

“What’s going on?”

…But, they said it was random.

Three people showing up at once?

▶ Family members have randomly appeared upon hearing the disruption! ◀

[Appeared family members: Arina, Claire, Flora]

Well, it doesn’t matter.

Regardless of how many, I only have one option.

Arina is already frowning, but let her think whatever she wants.

I seized the moment.

In both situations, they tried to frame me.

So, my options became easier.

“I lost control and reacted. I’m sorry.”

“What?”

“I’m sorry. I was wrong.”

The other party looked bewildered.

“…So, you admit your mistake and apologize.”

Arina moved as I hoped.

Only then did the other party respond.

Despite trying to frame me by beating me up, this apology nullified everything.

My family only saw me apologizing after causing trouble.

Even if I caused a problem, admitting fault would make it seem normal.

Even if they realized my apology was insincere, what could they do?

I apologized, and there’s no proof it wasn’t sincere.

Not accepting the apology would make it seem like they were truly trying to frame me.

In short, I was caught between a rock and a hard place.

With just one fake apology,

I was sure to be scolded. But at least I wouldn’t get beaten up and framed properly.

“So, what are you going to do now?”

What can you do?

Other than quietly accept the apology and leave, what else can you do?

The opponent gritted their teeth in frustration, but showed no other reaction.

“F*ck. Get out of the way, I need to get treated!”

Their frustrated departure made it clear who won and who lost.

“You have something to discuss with me, Carsein?”

Yes… I need to clean this up.

I’ll endure the nagging, but I can handle it. I did apologize, after all.

As I was about to follow him into the interrogation room, Harrier grabbed my hand.

“Thank you. For getting angry for me.”

“Thanks. For getting angry because of me.”

Well, the outcome was the same as before.

So, I answered the same way.

“If something like this happens again, tell me, okay?”

Harrier hesitated for a moment before replying softly,

“Yes.”

It wasn’t a bad feeling.

***

For Harrier, the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament held no good memories.

Every time she heard whispers that she was trying to seduce someone,

Or whenever someone supported her, she was met with suspicion.

Thus, she could do nothing. Unlike other noble ladies, she could only show a dull reaction.

She couldn’t even benefit from it. This was a missed opportunity.

It was nothing but a bad memory, and the tournament was always forgotten in her mind.

But today was different.

“…”

Even though it was just a door separating them,

Thinking of Carsein fiercely punishing the man who slandered her made her face flush.

This memory…

Wouldn’t be forgotten.

Ding!

▶ ??? has increased.