Chapter 111

Here’s the English translation in a comedic anime style:

“Karsein held out his hand instead of a fist, puzzling Pollux.

‘An imperial person… extended their hand to me?’

No way.

There’s no imperial person who likes Yarikins.

But this isn’t a fist. It doesn’t even hold anything. It’s not even ready to throw.

It was just a palm calloused and blistered.

‘This looks like it’s from sword training.’

Though not as much as a Yarikin, this level of training can’t be lazy.

But even so, it doesn’t clear the doubt.

“Why are you helping me? You know I’m a Yarikin, right?”

“Beats me. I don’t really know what a Yarikin is.”

“What? Even with those tattoos clearly visible, you don’t know I’m a Yarikin?”

“Yeah.”

Not knowing about Yarikins…

Pollux flinched for a moment.

“You asked why I’m helping? To me, it just looked like a bunch of people bullying one person who wasn’t fighting back. It makes me angry just watching.”

“…What a strange guy.”

“Feel free to think whatever. But.”

*Thud.*

“If I keep lying here, bottles will fly at me.”

Karsein muttered as he easily caught a flying bottle headed towards Pollux.

Angered imperial folks in the tavern shouted at Karsein.

“Why are you helping a Yarikin?! You imperial people should all know who these barbarians are!”

“Why are you defending these parasites living on the edge of the empire when they’re calling for monsters in Peselros Empire?!”

This far enough?

With words like that from imperial folks, this guy should back off.

Pollux ignored the offered hand and said,

“Got it. Go away, imperial person. Helping me just gets you in trouble.”

That’s how it goes.

Yarikins never get good words from imperial folks no matter what they say.

It’s better to take some hits as a punching bag and leave when the time comes.

He finally retracted his hand.

Pollux tried to understand, as this was somewhat expected.

But Karsein didn’t step back.

“It may not be your fault, but getting bullied isn’t always the best thing.”

He grabbed Pollux’s hand and stood up, pushing with his leg.

Caught by Karsein’s hand, Pollux asked dumbfoundedly,

“What do you mean…?”

“Having been through it, I understand. Just remember that and talk outside. Staying here is only bad for you.”

Karsein walked out towards the tavern entrance.

No one dared to attack after he quickly subdued the drunkards.

Even those who wanted to harm Pollux only gave him resentful looks.

Turning back to Karsein, Pollux noticed a woman with purple hair behind him.

Finally understanding the situation.

‘That woman helped the Yarikins…’

Her name is clearly.

Harnier Teresia.

She seemed to genuinely help, not for ulterior motives based on their conversation.

After observing Karsein, Pollux left the tavern after a bit more loitering.

***

A bit overstepping, I think.

Harnier only asked me to help this guy, not to go further.

Like saying it’s not always best to get bullied.

Forcing him up when he sat down to take the drunkards’ attacks.

Both seem close to my opinion.

Seeing the group beating, I acted out of discomfort.

As soon as we exited, Harnier approached me.

She confirmed the situation inside the tavern.

“The commotion inside… is over.”

“Yeah.”

Outside, it had calmed down.

Even with broken bottles and smashed furniture still audible.

Probably due to Harnier’s intervention.

Now’s the time to ask.

“So, who is this guy getting beaten up for?”

Strange guy.

He shows such strength yet stands there and takes it.

Even when other guests threw bottles and cursed, he remained unresponsive.

Refusing help with such a resigned attitude was hard to accept.

But she might know.

She asked me to save this guy.

Harnier twitched her lips and replied with a pitiful look,

“He’s from the House of Aiferos. The one doing the most respected job in the empire.”

“House of Aiferos…? Those are the ones in the west, right?”

“Yes. Pollux is from the west.”

“But those people in the tavern called him a Yarikin, didn’t they?”

“That’s because…”

“They don’t accept us as fellow imperial citizens. They still see us as barbaric tribes.”

Pollux, who came out of the tavern, explained instead of Harnier.

“They don’t accept us as fellow imperial citizens?”

“Exactly. Yarik tribes are treated as barbarians. Even if they have the title of Marquis House of Aiferos, they don’t recognize us as fellow imperial citizens.”

*Plop, thump.*

Fragments of broken glass fell.

Just moments ago, shards of a bottle were embedded in Pollux’s skin.

“Figured you’d be confused why I knocked out imperial folks and reached out to a Yarikin like me… You really didn’t know, did you? Merchant Guild of Plesia.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“…”

Pollux chuckled and asked me,

“Young man, what’s your name?”

“Karsein Bargrand. Son of the Duke House of Bargrand.”

“Son?”

“I briefly mentioned it in the tavern. I’ve been through it too.”

Seeing all his cards, I revealed mine.

Pollux squeezed my hand and chuckled again.

“So that’s it. You’ve received a lot of hate too.”

“Well, yes. Meeting you, Harnier, was also due to that reason.”

Though everyone’s situation is different, I couldn’t help but frown.

Even being a noble, he’s not recognized as a noble. He’s not even recognized as a fellow imperial citizen.

Worse, he’s facing ostracism here. They acted violently towards him just for ordering drinks.

Pollux accepted this as normal, though he didn’t like it.

“Karsein Bargrand. Remember that. But I have a question. Can you answer?”

“What is it?”

“…Karsein, you said you’re the son of Bargrand.”

“Yes.”

Not voluntarily, but it’s true.

“Then you must be from the Kingdom of Wederos, right?”

“What?”

“You can’t wear this ring unless you’re from the Kingdom of Wederos. Yet you’re wearing it perfectly, with no side effects.”

I heard this before.

From an old man in Rusmaier…

‘I can’t answer confidently.’

Even before entering the game, I tried to gather information about Karsein.

But I couldn’t find any clues about his origin.

The best I could find was that he came from a slum.

No choice.

It’s best to bluff in situations like this.

But before I could speak, Harnier answered first.

“I know what you’re thinking, Pollux. But you’re mistaken.”

“Why? Harnier, you know the legends of the Kingdom of Wederos well, don’t you?”

“Yes. That’s why I’m sure it’s a fake.”

“A fake?”

Harnier sighed lightly as Pollux tilted his head.

“This ring is just something I won as a prize during the Snow Festival. It can’t be real.”

“…Is that so? Well, it wouldn’t be common for a merchant to have such a ring.”

“Not just that. It seems to react to my fiancé. If this were real, it would react to me too. Where’s my ring?”

“It’s not reacting. It’s empty.”

“Exactly.”

Pollux’s serious eyes now filled with boredom, like it was just child’s play.

“Sigh. Legends are just legends. I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up.”

“Hahaha…”

“Are you two going to whisper secrets?”

Feeling like I’m just getting question marks, I decided to ask directly.

“Don’t you need to give some context to judge? Isn’t this the truth?”

Pollux then spoke.

“Hmm. I made a big mistake. Ruining a couple’s moment like this.”

“What? What are you talking about…”

“Given your reaction, you must be a perfect match… And you both have a similar vibe. I interrupted a young couple’s date. I was too insensitive. Sorry.”

“Po-Pollux!”

Harnier said the one thing she hated the most.

…If you don’t want to hear it, just pretend you didn’t.

***

After finishing with Pollux, Harnier went to ride the horses with Karsein.

For some reason, the thought of riding together kept popping up, making it hard to speak to Karsein.

*Sigh. I made a big mistake. Ruining a couple’s moment like this.*

Though I met Pollux and the Merchant Guild of Plesia before, we never discussed our engagement.

So a huge misunderstanding occurred.

*I think they make a great pair. Perfect match! Haha!*

Holding up his thumb in support, Pollux’s words made the awkwardness impossible to shake.

“Harnier.”

“Yes?!”

“Shouldn’t we get on the horse?”

“Oh…”

The awkwardness was so deep, I didn’t even realize we arrived.

“Sorry. I got lost in thought…”

Harnier climbed onto the saddle, holding Karsein’s hand.

Riding might ease this feeling.

But.

Karsein climbed up with her.

“What? Why are you…?”

“Thought we’d ride together, right?”

“What?! No, I…”

I planned to ride separately.

But Karsein had a logical argument.

“One horse is wasted. Plus, how can you ride in that dress?”

“…Ah.”

Of course, she was in a dress.

Given as a new fiancé by the Marquis, the dress wasn’t suitable for riding.

“Understood it’s uncomfortable, but please bear with it. It’s hard to get another horse at this hour.”

I understood.

But my heart raced too much.

Despite calming down, my heartbeat wouldn’t stop.

“Seems like you’ve relaxed. Ready?”

“Yes?! Yes, yes!”

“Then, lean a little towards me.”

No choice.

Even though Karsein felt awkward, I had to stay in his arms for now.

*Whinny!*

My heart raced wildly. Harnier had to fan herself constantly to cool her face.

‘Why did he have to say that!’

‘It’s a good man. Should definitely hold on.’

Thanks to Pollux’s comment, the misunderstanding escalated.

Peeking at Karsein’s expression.

His face was stiff.

This awkwardness seemed to continue.

Harnier had to awkwardly lean against Karsein, averting her gaze.

This is all Pollux’s fault.

I wished my racing heart would calm down soon.

—

Happy April Fool’s Day!

I guess I’m not very funny.

I tried to make a playful cover like other authors…

But it ended up looking cheap…

After leaving it for five minutes, I realized it wasn’t working, so I switched back to the original cover.

Sorry for missing April Fool’s Day.

—