Chapter 71


    In the world of Fanta X Aca, various interactions existed between elements.


    Damage and effects varied greatly depending on the reactions between elements.


    For yers who had reached a certain level, delving into interactions was a natural progression.


    Of course, among them, there were interactions considered trash.


    One such example was the interaction of Earth + Grass known as <sprouting>.</sprouting>


    The only effect of germination was the effect of sprouts appearing on the screen.


    As one could predict from the name, the nickname for thisbination became Cancer, firmly established.


    Thebination of Earth and Grass was infamous for being a practically useless interaction.


    Until a yer discovered a unique effect.


    If you use Sprouting on a shield, cracks appear.


    It turned out that Sprouting was an interaction that could break through most shields.


    The discovery of this effect urred after Fanta X Aca had already be a dead game


    Zzzzzap!


    Ian was the discoverer of the effect of Sprouting.


    Uh, huh. Why is this breaking?!


    Yurrans pupils expanded in an instant.


    M-myplete immunity!!!


    His shield providedplete immunity to physical, magical, and divine attacks.


    Yurrans role was significant, even rising to the upper ranks of the Bloodstone Cult.


    Anywhere, anytime, Yurran could perform the highest-level technique of the Bloodstone Cult, the Vampirism.


    While Vampirism hadplex procedures and many constraintspared to other life-absorption methods, it had the advantage of absorbing the maximum vitality and abilities of the opponent.


    I cant break off contact here.


    During the execution of Vampirism, under no circumstances should contact be severed.


    If Vampirism, carried out with trust in the barrier, was forcibly stopped, significant injuries were inevitable.


    Yurrans eyes trembled intensely from side to side as he sucked away the princesss vitality.


    Ahaha. Ian, lets have a little chat, shall we?


    Of course, Ian casually ignored Yurrans words.


    Kwaanng!


    Ians fist struck the rift where the sprouts had emerged.


    Yurrans shield crumbled like ss made of sugar, scattering into powder.


    Absurdity, injustice, anger.


    Ian grinned as he looked at Yurrans face, where the perfect smile had vanished.


    I told you, youre screwed.


    Yurran fled with significant injuries.


    Ian didnt bother to chase.


    Even if he had suffered injuries, Yurran was a character with numerous variables, making it difficult to predict his full power.


    Instead.


    The fleeing Yurran Alteach would face charges of regicide, attempted murder of royalty, and various other crimes.


    Even if he overcame the injuries he suffered, there would be significant constraints on his future activities.


    The next day.


    Reception room of the princesss residence.


    The awakened princess immediately summoned Ian.


    When Ian arrived, Asteria, who had been sitting somewhat disheveled, stood up abruptly.


    Thanks to your actions, Im alive.


    I just did what needed to be done.


    Originally, ording to the story, Lina and Sharon were supposed to solve the festival incident. Sharon Pierce returned to her family, and Lina was in a state that was difficult to determine if she was sane or not.


    However, it was not a situation where the central characters of Act 2 could be left to die.


    It was simply something that had to be done.


    And it also garnered attention from her.


    I sincerely want to express my gratitude. Thank you, Ian ckangers.


    Asteria bowed her head.


    Even with a face that seemed so pale that it was worrisome, there was no disarray in her posture.


    Perhaps it was due to exhaustion from using all her energy? Asteria, with her spunky side gone, looked rather elegant.


    Meanwhile, Asterias ck short-haired escort, Karen.


    She was restless next to the princess.


    Because she failed to properly protect, it was her fault that the princess had to bow to someone else.


    Im sorry, Your Highness. I didnt perform my escort duty properly


    Karen. I told you. Its not your fault. Wouldnt you like to stop making that expression now?


    As per the princesss words, Karen, who looked out of ce with her sharp eyes, was shedding tears that didnt match her sharp demeanor.


    But, Your Highness Its because I didnt understand those traps that you ended up like this


    Phew. Its more burdensome for me to see you crying like that. Look at that. Ian is also looking at you.


    Ian was in a dilemma.


    He hadnt noticed Karens expression, and he was pondering if she looked simr to someone else.


    Ian, say a word or two.


    Me?


    Yes.


    A spark of unexpected fire.


    After a brief moment of contemtion, Ian spoke up.


    You were too ipetent to be an escort. You need to work harder.


    Guh!


    A single tear rolled down her eyes.


    Karen rushed out of the reception room.


    Asteria awkwardly watched Karens retreating figure.


    Ian, youre not ordinary either.


    ?


    I think its the first time Ive seen Karen so emotionally charged. Shes usually a quiet and brief person.


    There are times when you need to scold.


    Ian remembered someone who had clung to him, begging to be scolded not long ago.


    Hmm?


    Of course, Asteria wouldnt miss such a sensational topic.


    The corners of her eyes were bent into a half-moon shape.


    Surprisingly strict, huh?


    Yes?


    Even at night, youre this strict?


    Ian, who had been worried about the recently weakened Asteria, lost that concern when he saw her twisted expression.


    As expected, royalty is not easy to deal with.


    Seeing Asteria regain that mysterious smile so quickly, Ian sighed softly.


    Asteria, with her mouths corners raised, patted the space next to her.


    Stop standing there with a scary expression ande sit here.


    Excuse me.


    The sofa was spacious enough to lie downfortably.


    Ian intentionally left a space between him and the princess and sat down.


    Although there was no significance in Asteria moving one space closer, she did so anyway.


    Theres something I want to ask you.


    Feel free.


    Do you really not feel anything even after seeing my body?


    It was a provocative question that sneaked in while she nonchntly touched her chest, but Ian remainedposed.


    No.


    Really? Even when I look this pitifully weak? Its rare for a man not to give a single nce when a woman looks like this.


    Ian knew Asterias original personality.


    Therefore, seeing her act like this was somewhat annoying.


    It seems Im an unusual man.


    A firm response left Asteria slightly dumbfounded.


    In truth, Asteria had half-yfully teased him because she wanted to be closer to Ian.


    Is my charm not working on him?


    That he was not affected at all was a different story.


    That means that a man named Ian is one of the two.


    He is either a sage with deep experience and wisdom enough not to fall for temptation.


    Or


    Are you by any chance impotent?


    Ian momentarily put down the teacup that he had been holding.


    No, its not that. Rather, you should cover up a bit.


    Why? I, as a princess, am perfectly fine like this.


    Without a word, Ian pointed towards her chest.


    Asterias delicate indoor clothes were soaked with sweat, revealing what was underneath.


    She hastily covered the slightly protruding parts with both hands.


    I-its not like this should be exposed, right?


    Theposed expression she had just a moment ago disappeared, reced by a blushing Asteria.


    I know.


    Asteria quickly wrapped her upper body with a nket.


    Turning his gaze into the distance, Ian spoke.


    Im actually more interested in something other than the Princesss body.


    What is it?


    A request.


    The princesss hand, which was fastening her buttons, stopped.


    She murmured quietly.


    How much do you know?


    Enough to know that you want to cut off the hands and feet of the Crown Prince.


    Gulp


    Feeling the chilling sensation on his neck, Ian lowered his head.


    Karens sword was delicately carving a thin crimson line on Ians neck.


    Shes truly skilled.


    Nothing could be felt as she approached.


    Nothing could be felt as she approached. Recognizing that precise movement, the name of the prestigious assassination family, ck Cat, came to mind.


    Shall I ring?


    Its okay Karen. I think youre overreacting.


    Its a confidential matter that shouldnt leak out.


    Asteria nodded her head.


    Thats correct. But he is my benefactor. Put away the sword, Karen.


    The chilling sensation that touched his neck disappeared.


    It stings a bit.


    Ian grinned.


    Now that it seemed they could finally get to the main point, the serious look in Asterias eyes was evidence enough.


    Can you exin how you knew, Ian?


    The voice that used to be infinitely yful was now much deeper and more serious.


    Finally, the serious princess has emerged.


    Ian spoke up.


    The princess is notorious for being a fool and a nymphomaniac.


    True.


    I made a hypothesis here. What if the Third Princess is acting? She has a weaker foundationpared to the Crown Prince and Princess, so she would hide behind the shadows and seize opportunities. Such a person wouldnt hesitate toe to a remote ce like the Academy.


    Continue.


    Since she doesnt have any pawns to use quietly, she must have been thinking of seducing a few innocent students here and using them. Hide and gain strength. Its a good ce for that, with many uncut gems lying around.


    Are you insulting the princess?


    Karen, sharply using, Ian shook his head.


    Its not an insult; its cold judgment. Even I would have thought the same. The Third Princesss ultimate goal is to seed or  take the throne. Not to mention, she is likely more interested in thetter.


    Asteria stared at Ian without expression.


    She initially thought of him as a talented mage.


    But she didnt expect him to be so wise.


    It feels simr to when I was dealing with a great sage.


    Being wise means seeing through the essence of a person, her mentor used to say.


    This time, she nned to send others and observe, but the princess changed her ns.


    The target is the head of the Pierce family. Hes collecting evidence of being a Bloodstone Cultist.


    While Karen was taken aback by the princesss mouth opening out of nowhere.


    Asteria and Ian exchanged opinions quickly as if they were continuing a conversation they had been talking about for a long time.


    How certain are you?


    100 percent.


    If sessful, whats the reward?


    Do you want gold coins?


    Not bad, but I prefer something more valuable.


    In that case Ill give you one of the treasures I possess.


    Karen, who was barely keeping up with the conversation, widened her eyes.


    If it was a treasure, it must have been something collected by the Empire from the continent.


    An item that even those not of royal blood cannot casually touch.


    Well, considering she saved our lives, its the least we can do as long as its not one of those Numbers.


    Among them, the value of the numbered items called Numbers is at a level that cannot be measured even in gold coins.


    While Karen barely caught up with the conversation, the princess spoke.


    Choose one from the range of numbers 100 to 110.


    P-Princess!


    Karen, who was shocked, tried to stop her.


    If its Number 100 Im fine with it.


    Ian grinned and shook hands with the princess.