Chapter 83


    Well, what did you say?


    Yerina, taken aback, stuttered in a way that was unlike her.


    Ian felt the same.


    What on earth did I just blurt out?


    It was important to be quick-witted to avoid the imminent danger at hand but to confess to Yerina?


    Even after saying it out loud, he couldnt help but feel embarrassed.


    But.


    It doesnt seem like something I can just brush off.


    In this situation, saying something like, Aha-ha! Just kidding! would probably result in being torn apart at the molecr level, not just into dust.


    Of course, whether its dust or molecules, whats the big difference?


    Either way, its death.


    He didnt want to die.


    Therefore, once spoken, the words he uttered were set in stone. He had to believe that what he said was true and stick to it.


    Yes, I like Yerina. Ive been secretly admiring her.


    Though somewhat stumbling, it actually added sincerity to his confession.


    Yerina was even more bewildered.


    How long had it been since she received such a sincere confession in the backyard? Wait. Had she ever received one?


    It was like something from apletely different world for her, who dealt with frontline matters every day.


    Then, Yerina suddenly realized.


    Youve only seen me for a moment, how did you develop feelings in that short time? It doesnt make any sense.


    In a brief moment, Ians mind raced.


    Then he came up with a usible answer.


    Ive always been interested in those who protect the borders. Among them, after first encountering you in a certain magazine, my admiration grew


    After first encountering me?


    Seeing you today, striding in, I once again realized your strength and promptly rushed out.


    Hmm.


    Yerina sighed heavily.


    Whether it was awkwardness or embarrassment, Yerina was clearly flustered.


    Seeing her like that, Ian suddenly realized.


    This feels like Pongpongs instinct kicking in.


    It was a reckless confession attack that could even work on Named individuals. Pongpongs confession skill level seemed higher than expected.


    As they maintained silence, Ian entertained some trivial thoughts.


    Yerina finally managed to speak, her lips trembling.


    B-But arent you the princesss ything?


    Im a man, not a ything, and even that is not the kind of rtionship we have.


    Hmm.


    Pongpongs instinct was telling him something.


    This person was pushing him away, so he should stick even closer.


    Pongpongs authority in confession attacks was absolute.


    Ian went with the flow.


    My feelings are firm.


    <em>Flinch.</em>


    Yerina, who had never trembled in front of any enemy, lightly trembled with her shoulders.


    Her red eyes narrowed like a cat stalking its prey.


    Then tell me what you like about me.


    Can I be honest?


    Only the truth.


    Its your appearance.


    My appearance?


    I like strong women. To be more honest, its the thickness and whiteness of your thighs


    Stop.


    ?


    Thats enough.


    Yerina sighed and turned away.


    Did I push too hard?


    It seemed like he had pushed too far.


    Ian noticed Yerinas ears starting to turn red as she tensed up.


    After a moment of collecting herself, she muttered quietly in that posture.


    In terms of strength, the Third Princess, with the Empires bloodline, would be stronger than me.


    It was a response squeezed out in preparation for rejection, but it was also a true statement. Even if she wasnt the emperor, the presence of the Estrid bloodline, the princesses, and princes was not something easily surpassed.


    The skirmish was over.


    Ian decided to make his move.


    Thats why I hope Yerina will stand at the top of the family.


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    She turned back with a serious gaze.


    Are you talking about Herman?


    Its not difficult.


    My conflict with Herman is famous. Why bring that up? Your credibility is in question with the things youve said so far.


    Yerinas eyes burned red.


    But Ian remained undaunted.


    My goal isnt Herman.


    Then?


    Im aiming higher.


    Higher?


    Ians lips curled slightly upwards.


    The Duke has to be fed.


    Expression vanished from Yerinas face.


    For a moment.


    <em>Thud!</em>


    The sound of air splitting was heard.


    Blinking, Ian found Yerinas fist halted before him.


    ?


    His hair, lifted by the wind, settled back into ce.


    Ian stared nkly at the fist before him.


    Did this person just throw a punch?


    But there was no sign, no movement at all?


    Wow. Youre quite audacious. Can you read the air to that extent?


    Read what?


    Ian was bewildered.


    Rather than reading the atmosphere, he didnt even know if she was about to punch him.


    While trying not to show surprise, he managed somehow.


    <em>Thud.</em>


    A tree behind Ian fell over.


    Youre an amusing one. Ill give you that much.


    But sweetheart, theres a gap between us. I dont see a reason why I should have this kind of conversation with you. Come back when youre older.


    Yerina judged her opponent with force.


    The condition for her to converse with him was a minimum of mid 4-Star. Ian was far from that level.


    Perhaps I could have taken advantage of the confusion from the confession attack and slipped in a question.


    As expected, tricks didnt work on someone like Yerina.


    Of course, there was another way.


    Even if the rank isnt mid 4-Star, proving my abilities should be enough.


    He was confident.


    The tournament starting tomorrow would be the perfect opportunity.


    If I were to win first ce in the tournament?


    First ce?


    Yes. Ill aim to win in a ce where the highest-ranking figures from the northern region and the entire continent are participating.


    You dont seem to be at that level.


    I will prove it. Then, please acknowledge my feelings at that time.


    Yerina looked at Ian with a troubled expression.


    I may not acknowledge your feelings, but Ill listen to your story.


    The confession attack was a sess.


    The next day dawned.


    Walking towards the unarmedbat area with Danya, Ian reminisced about his encounter with Yerina.


    The confession attack worked better than I thought.


    It was a way to catch the opponent off guard and achieve what he wanted in the meantime.


    Moreover, with Pongpongs experience ingrained in his body, he could naturally make the opponent feel burdened.


    Using it on Named in the future wouldnt be a bad idea.


    They arrived at the unarmedbat area.


    Ian nced around.


    In this world, women were everywhere.


    This also meant that there were always half of the targets to which confession attacks could be applied.


    Hehe


    A smile formed on its own.


    Walking beside him, Danya asked with a worried expression.


    Ian.


    Yeah?


    You havent reverted back to your old self, have you?


    Old self?


    Never mind. Anyway, hang in there. Stay strong.


    <em>Pat, pat.</em>


    Danya lifted her tiptoes and patted him on the shoulder before heading towards the outskirts of the unarmedbat area.


    Nobles began to take their seats in the prepared chairs.


    <em>Murmur.</em>


    Many nobles gathered.


    The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as many nobles gathered for the uing tournament.


    The Grand Tournament was a gathering where promising nobles from the northern region, along with invited nobles from various parts of the continent, came together to engage in unarmedbat.


    While many participated directly in the duels, there were also quite a few spectators who came to watch.


    There are many faces from the banquet yesterday.


    Considering the chaos caused by Yerina at the banquet, they were indeed bold nobles.


    After all, they are nobles from the North.


    They werent the type to be scared off by a death threat.


    Instead


    Hey, I really enjoyed watching you and Sharon dance yesterday. How do you dance so passionately?


    Thank you.


    So, can you hug me like that once too?


    Of course.


    Kyaaa!


    Some of thedies who seemed to be enjoying themselves asked for an ending pose together.


    It was a bit overwhelming, but it was also an opportunity to solidify the image of being the princesss man.


    Oh my, look at these biceps. Youve been hiding this well. Can I touch them?


    Sure.


    Hmm. But why did he feel some sharp gazes from afar?


    Of course, there were those who red at Danya in a different way.


    Especially the men dressed in te armor.


    The envious nces from those who seemed to be knights were quite intense.


    The princesss man? Tsk tsk. What do these girls see in parasites like him?


    If he shows up at the tournament, Ill make sure to crush him if we meet.


    Haha, whats up Lord Jade, look at those skinny legs, could you break them with one low kick?


    Ian was somewhat puzzled.


    Seeing them dressed in te armor for a banquet extension like this only added to his confusion.


    At best, they probably wouldnt even make decent knights.


    Considering that theyre usually around 3-Star beginners or intermediate level to be honest, it seems rather pathetic.


    Of course, Ian ignored them.


    There was no reason for him to engage in such fights.


    He just smiled nonchntly.


    He yed the role of the princesss man for a while.


    Someone muttered nearby.


    I-it looks like its about to begin. Look, theres Hermaning.


    Herman Pierce, looking somewhat flustered, stood on the tform. He must have had quite a headache dealing with yesterdays events.


    However, his demeanor was as dignified as ever.


    After ncing around, he nodded solemnly.


    Then, in a deep voice that reflected his status, he shouted loudly.


    Let the Martial Exchange begin!


    The atmosphere around became fervent.