Chapter 84


    A warehouse located deep within the mansion.


    Sharon opened one eye.


    <em> ng ng</em>


    The chains around her wrists and ankles rattled.


    She blinked again.


    One eye wouldnt open.


    Must be the area where Herman hit her.


    Tsk.


    A trickle of blood came out of her mouth.


    Everything seemed normal.


    Thank goodness


    Even with healing magic, it takes time for wounds to heal. Unlike other bones that may break or be damaged, they have to grow back entirely. This kind of injury greatly hinders training. It would be more efficient and convenient to injure a different part.


    <em> ng</em>


    Theyll probably release her in an hour or two.


    Considering how yesterdays banquet was ruined, Herman was likely to be angry. He always got rough when he was in a bad mood like this.


    Nevertheless, Sharon had never been broken even once.


    Sheplied with the family. She didnt resent anyone. She just took it upon herself to be stronger. She thought that was the rational and right path.


    Or so she thought.


    Am I really overthinking this?


    Why does Ian ckangers namee to mind even in a situation like this?


    Thanks to the anger that erupted whenever she thought of him, she was certain of one thing.


    That this anger wasnt solely directed at him.


    It seems the participants in this tournament are of a high caliber.


    Surely its because Lord Herman himself is personally hosting it, haha.


    Herman Pierce, seated in the VIP box, with nobles on either side, was busy receiving praise for the tournament. Since yesterdays banquet was practically ruined because of Yerina, it was an attempt to lift Hermans spirits.


    Oh. Some rare talents indeed have shown up.


    Of course, it was true that the participants were of a high standard.


    Nobles from across the continenting here beyond the north, it was to assess promising talents in advance. It wasntmon to have an opportunity to see young promising individuals from various families at once.


    By the way, Lord Herman, who from the Pierce family will be participating this time?


    Starting from the quarter-finals of the tournament, a member of the Pierce family would participate. It was called the Northern Dukes teachings. One young noble nearby spoke without reserve.


    Surely its Lady Sharon Pierce?


    Hey. Miss Sharon is that


    An elderly noble whispered to him.


    Sharon is the only exceptional child among the four children of the Northern Duke. Her mother was practically amoner and is rumored to be dead. Hermanughed at the gradually pale face of the young noble.


    Dont worry too much. Even if her background is different, shes still my sister.


    Yes, indeed, Lord Hermans heart is truly generous.


    No, its just natural. But anyway.


    ?


    I will be participating in this tournament personally.


    !


    The fact that Herman himself would participate.


    Of course, he couldnt participate in the final of the tournament, which is primarily a ce for the teachings of the Pierce family, but still.


    As this is the first event hosted by the sponsor, I should pay a little more attention


    While Herman was exining.


    <em> Whoaaaa!</em>


    A cry erupted from the unarmed section, interrupting his words.


    Among the participants being announced, it seemed Ian ckangers name was called.


    Herman, whose speech was cut off, furrowed his brows.


    The oily noble sitting beside him didnt miss a beat and waved his hand, followed by the others.


    Dont worry too much. Such a clown-like person, the children of the Limmksh family will neatly bend their knees.


    If its Limmksh, you can trust them. The Lady of Something or Other? Those parasites are liked by the journalists, arent they?


    Thats right. If they make a fuss, the masses will gather around.


    Meanwhile.


    Journalist Schwab of the Imperial Gazette, who was listening to their conversation from the front row of the audience seats, smiled.


    How clueless these people are. Even I was invited by the Northern Duke himself. They have no eye for talent. Ian, that guy, has talents to the point where he can pull that heavy iron train with just magic. Their faces will be quite a sightter.


    The tournament was about to begin.


    Schwab stopped eavesdropping and raised his camera.


    He captured Ian standing alone far away, expressionless, through his magical lens.


    Well captured.


    Excitement welled up inside him.


    What kind of performance will Ian show this time?


    And not just today, but in the days toe as well.


    <em> Kwang!</em>


    Wooohoo!


    The victorious participant brandished his sword and cheered.


    His gaze turned towards the dignitaries watching from the stands.


    Hahaha! As expected of the Anior family, the swordsmanship runs deep.


    -Oh, no, no. The Gram familys participant was also remarkable.


    As the situation was wrapping up, the momentum of those sitting mainly around Herman was high.


    It seems almost like a nobles yground.


    Ian nodded, realizing the situation was winding down.


    While some participants hade with the goal of genuine growth through the tournament, there were also those who had participated to uphold their familys prestige.


    Watching the nobles who were ttering Herman, a knight next to him struck up a conversation.


    Are you also participating in the tournament?


    Yes.


    It must be exciting topete against the Princesss man. From what I see, you dont seem like someone who has lived just to show off.


    Ian nced at him briefly.


    He was in histe twenties to early thirties.


    He could still be considered promising at his age, but at the same time, he showed a seasoned experience.


    Thank you for your kind words.


    Thank meter. Youre too modest.


    Who is this guy?


    A tone of voice that makes it seem as if he can see through your skills.


    Ian casually checked the tournament bracket.


    Well, unfortunately, if I want to meet you, itll have to be in the finals.


    Are you worried?


    Haha. No need to worry about you. I just have to deal with the Pierce family in the semifinals. I wonder who wille out. Tsk.


    With a sarcastic tongue, the knight swaggered off to the opposite side of the arena.


    Hes an interesting one.


    It wasnt clear whether he was just ying the role or if he had a talent for seeing through others abilities. Ian would have to keep an eye on him.


    As he was thinking this.


    Youre not even funny. Do parasites like you even know your ce?


    Men dressed in finery approached.


    Before the start of the tournament, he remembered them mocking him, saying they could easily break his leg with a low kick.


    Ian wasnt one to forget a slight easily.


    Hey, parasite. Isnt it too early to think about going to the finals already? With a weakling like you, it looks like itll be over in three seconds.


    If anyone thinks theyve got the victory secured, its me.


    Youll need a few low kicks toe to your senses.


    They kept babbling one after another.


    Ian nced at the stands.


    The noble sitting next to Herman was gesturing towards him, whispering something to Herman.


    Those guys seem to be the instigators.


    He could roughly understand why they appeared like this.


    Ians lips curled up slightly.


    Are you so envious of me talking to thedies?


    What?


    Whenever I talk to thedies, you keep ncing at them.


    What are you implying!


    If your stomach hurts so much, can I at least introduce you to someone? It looks like youre very lonely. But, if youre a man, just try to get in touch with him. That way hes more popr.


    you-!


    If your stomach hurts so much, shall I introduce you to someone? Seems like youre quite lonely. But, if youre a man, just make a move. Thats more popr. Even though youre a knight, you only have eyes for your sword, huh? Yeah. If youre still lonely, I can give you some tips. I recently developed a method called the confession attack


    Ians cheerful response caused the faces of the three to contort in anger.


    Hey, you b*stard!


    How dare you insult our honor!


    Themotion drew attention.


    Among them, the eyes of the female participants were also drawn.


    Their shoulders twitched simultaneously.


    You, you dare to challenge us!


    They spewed out clichd lines and backed away.


    Ian chuckled as he watched their retreating figures.


    That guy isnt scared of me. It seems like a g for something interesting.


    A tempting breadcrumb in a favorable direction, after a long time.


    It was a satisfying moment.


    The next match, representing the Third Princess, Ian ckangers. His opponent, a knight from the Limmksh family


    Whoaaaaa!


    The enthusiastic cheers of the audience erupted immediately.


    Somehow, the screams of women seemed to stand out more, was it just an illusion?


    Ian ascended the stairs of the arena.


    In the meantime, an announcement was heard.


    [Now that everyones attention is focused, lets explore the interior of the mansion.]


    <em>Click.</em>


    Ian, with a slight clench of his fist, stepped onto the arena.


    Now youre finally feeling nervous, huh? Parasite.


    A man wearing te with a sneering face, one of the knights who had been provoking.


    Not your typical viin with a low kick.


    Instead, hes a three-second viin whod be beaten in three seconds.


    Ian picked up the sword ced in the corner of the arena.


    Its quite amusing to see you holding a sword. Knight of the Limmksh family, Krimhild Reeshich


    Just a moment.


    Interrupting his self-introduction, Ian raised his hand towards the judge.


    Whats the matter?


    The judge asked.


    Is it allowed to wear tes while fighting with a sword? Isnt that cheating?


    Its fine. As long as you dont harm your opponents life, equipment is free. Holding a wooden sword instead of a weapon is just symbolic.


    Then, is magic allowed as well?


    Of course. Consider the sword just symbolic.


    Ian nodded towards the judge and turned to Krimhild.


    Sorry. I thought it was cheating again.


    Grinning, Ians lips curled upwards.


    Krimhilds eyes rolled.


    I wont go easy on you!


    As you wish.


    The judges shout signaled the start.


    And at the same time.


    <em>Shaa!</em>


    Ian disappeared from Krimhilds sight.