Chapter 249

“Finally, why do such boring etiquettes exist… Sigh. Anyway, I’m fine. Young Master.”

Indeed.

His response was different from other nobles.

Waiting for a long time wasn’t a lie. It took considerable time to move from the Duke House of Bargrand to this hall. Due to another sub-episode blocking the way, the arranged meeting with the young master was delayed.

While his achievement level isn’t too low, it’s still unusual for a noble to not react negatively after being kept waiting. However, this person didn’t show any such reaction.

He addressed him as “His Royal Highness,” showing respect. This alone made a huge difference.

Many avoided using respectful titles. Given Carsein’s humble origins, they often used his name instead of “His Royal Highness.” Some even treated him with disrespect, using informal speech and titles like “Sir Carsein.”

Worst case, some didn’t use any respectful language at all.

In contrast, Duke Ptua showed his attitude through words and actions.

Despite being late, he didn’t mind. He recognized Carsein as part of the Duke House of Bargrand, calling him “Young Master.” Even though he was much older, he stood up to welcome Carsein upon arrival.

Either way, there’s zero chance he’d become an enemy.

“Well, you can tell just by looking at the status window.”

Thanks to this, I could respond comfortably as in the game. I asked him to sit and naturally proceeded with the conversation using choices.

[3. What business did you have in wanting to meet me?]

At my question, Duke Ptua swallowed hard.

This must be due to the need for caution.

Duke Ptua is a discerning man who rose from the bottom of noble society to become a vassal of the Duke House of Bargrand. Choosing me as his sponsor means he has certain demands.

With a serious expression, he cleared his throat and replied.

“I wish to become your patron.”

This was somewhat expected.

However,

“Is that all?”

I want more than that.

***

At Duke Ptua’s bewildered look, I wondered if I had done something wrong.

Carsein’s reaction was far different from what was expected. It meant he must have done something wrong…

Duke Ptua reviewed his behavior. He treated Carsein as a senior, using the title “Young Master” and standing up first out of respect for his status over age.

There was nothing wrong with that.

Then, what was the problem?

‘How could there be?’

No matter how he thought about it, he couldn’t find anything wrong.

Then, why?

Why did it feel like he would reject this offer immediately?

“Disappointing. If that’s all, I won’t accept this proposal.”

“Wait, Young Master!”

Panicked, Duke Ptua grabbed Carsein.

“Were you offered sponsorship by another patron? If so…”

“I haven’t been approached by any other patrons. Who would want to sponsor me?”

“If it’s about the contract… We can adjust it! I’ll transfer full control of the contract to you, Young Master. You can adjust it however you like!”

“What good is full control if it doesn’t change anything?”

But Carsein showed no interest.

What was the problem?

Even though he had laid everything on the table, Carsein kept trying to leave.

‘I have to grab him somehow…’

Duke Ptua’s judgment was correct.

This man will surely become a powerful figure in the empire.

But starting off wrong made him feel frustrated.

Just then, Carsein sighed and asked again.

“Again, is that all?”

“…”

He felt like he was back in that hopeless situation.

Suddenly, a doubt crept into Duke Ptua’s mind.

Strange.

No matter what card he played, Carsein didn’t react.

Or rather, did he even care?

He was offering to be a sponsor, but Carsein wasn’t pushing him away despite knowing no one else would approach him.

It was clearly contradictory.

‘Could it be…’

Duke Ptua gulped, guessing Carsein’s intention.

“I’ve invested in magical engineering, artifact, and engraving businesses. I chose iron production amidst these ventures. Thus, I believe I know more about iron production than anyone else in this era.”

He wasn’t sure.

If laying out all his cards didn’t make Carsein interested, his goal must be elsewhere.

Only one hint existed.

“However, I recently acquired new knowledge. Knowledge no one else has noticed.”

If this were true…

This young man was testing him.

“The farming tools in the Shatren Territory were easily destroyed. But since you became the lord, that hasn’t happened.”

So, he decided to take the test.

Even if it wasn’t a test, he traced the faint answer he recalled.

“You revealed the issue with acidic soil. After solving it, you showed data proving the number of broken farming tools decreased. So, did you already know the conditions for corrosion in iron farming tools?”

Still unsure,

But he had a hunch.

That’s why he wanted to meet Carsein even more.

***

Duke Ptua, holding his breath, awaited his answer.

This statement was only part of why he came to see Carsein.

If it was a test, revealing his purpose wasn’t just about showing his cards.

He assumed an answer would come.

When a drop of cold sweat fell onto the floor of the silent room, he smiled.

“Yes, we solved the issue with corroded farming tools by galvanizing them. Zinc oxide protects the iron, maintaining its durability.”

“That means…”

“You guessed right. I was testing you.”

Duke Ptua’s mouth gaped open.

“Unbelievable…”

The world.

His whole body was covered in goosebumps.

Indeed, it was all a test.

“I have a secret plan. I need you to step up if you’re going to help.”

Now Duke Ptua understood Carsein’s intentions.

“Haha… Not a business, but a plan.”

This man.

From the start, he knew he was extraordinary.

Beyond imagination.

No one could predict how far ahead he could see.

But Duke Ptua wouldn’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“What should I do, Young Master?”

He wasn’t foolish enough to let such an opportunity slip away.

***

Originally, accepting Duke Ptua as a patron was necessary.

Even in such a difficult situation, coming voluntarily meant significant benefits.

But this was only in the game.

I wasn’t satisfied with just that.

A simple sponsorship agreement with the duke wouldn’t suffice.

Using modern information, I needed to break the rules here and turn it into a business.

To earn money faster and advance my escape plan quicker.

And…

I shouldn’t just stick to the choices given.

“I’ll prepare the items to support you, Young Master.”

“Alright.”

*Ding*

▶Duke Ptua designated as a patron!◀

▶Affinity reached a certain level. Additional support available.◀

[Current level: 45%]

With that, the test was over.

As a designated patron, Duke Ptua will send support throughout the tournament.

Since I’m also running a business, to increase sales…

My ranking is the key.

“Though I didn’t expect it to be this tight, getting a higher rank would be better for the plan.”

Now that a patron is designated, I don’t care about this hall anymore.

Participants can have multiple patrons, but increasing the number of people just adds risk.

I might as well go back and warm up.

Just as I turned around,

“What’s that?”

A bright light emanating from a fallen object.

Yes, it was a memorial.

Checking the contents of the memorial wasn’t long.

▶Obtained Memorial for Tailoring Scissors◀

-You were talking trash about me!

-What nonsense are you spouting? Anyone heard this?

During a brief separation from my family, Carsein became a target for some nobles. Afterward, they beat him up.

When the commotion arose, my family rushed over.

Without evidence, they couldn’t pin it on anyone.

Carsein had to bow to his opponent, forced by his family.

This kind of memorial was predictable.

Soon, I would face a similar situation.

But…

“Oh my. To go to such lengths…”

“Probably trying to seduce men, right?”

“She had a fiancé. Of course. One’s true nature can’t be hidden.”

“Who is she trying to charm this time?”

I couldn’t just ignore these irritating remarks.

Actually, I couldn’t ignore them.

Noble ladies crowded around a pillar, gossiping with familiar phrases.

My eyes followed their gaze.

There, dressed up, was my fiancée.

“Hmph. She’s just a bastard daughter at best. Even if she puts on airs, she won’t get proper treatment from her own family.”

A man’s voice cut through the gossip, aggravating me.

“Lacking ability and possessions, she’s clinging to that commoner from the Bargrand House, hoping to be a puppet wife. Just leave her be. Hehehe.”

…I thought only experiences related to me would make me feel disgusted.

But it’s not just that.

-Yeah. Ji-eun is useless. Her own family threw her out. Later, maybe she’ll seduce some man and marry. Like a puppet.

Yeah, I heard her being slandered back then too.

And Ji-eun…

“…”

Like now, I pretended not to hear.

How could situations fit together so perfectly?

Lacking ability? Possessions?

This guy, who doesn’t know how much effort she put in, casually says such things?

I couldn’t just let it slide.

*Ding*

▶Warning! Causing harm to other nobles may result in an incident!◀

“Hey.”

“Huh? What is it, Carsein… Gah?!”

Warning? Incident? Screw that.

Even back then, I acted like this.

For my only friend.

Facing threats and enduring my family’s scolding, I swung my fist.