Chapter 47: Preview
The world of the game Reincarnated Sword Saint seemed quite fitting for the words World of Chaos.
Though the so-called great nations seemed to maintain a certain level of peace on the continent, in its darker corners, one could be stabbed in the belly, and no one would take responsibility. If you were like Berta and were mistakenly considered a thief, you would be subjected to immediate judgment without a warrant. It was a ruthlessly brutal world.
I have to become stronger.
To protect ones body and honor, one could not cease training. Especially when Shiron had vowed to kill the demon king without a lie to the guardians of Dawn Castle.
Originally, the plan was to hand over the holy sword to Lucia and sit back, but Shiron had to do something now.
I never thought I would use the [Fame] value here.
One of the game systems, [Fame], was kind of like karma. The higher this [Fame] value was, the more likely players were to encounter evil-named beings or apostles. And this [Fame] increased the more heroic deeds you performed.
Whether it was taking the head of an apostle or saving a life. There were various ways to increase it.
However, there were limited ways to reduce [Fame].
Decreasing the affection of NPCs.
This part was a bit complicated.
In the game, one only needed to escalate and resolve events by defeating increasingly stronger enemies, but in reality, there was so much more to consider.
Having already built some affection with Siriel and Hugo, Shiron couldnt waste his previous efforts.
So, Shiron arranged a meeting with Hugo, but
Making a plan and convincing Hugo were two different matters.
I just cant understand.
In front of Shiron, Hugo had a look of utter confusion about what his nephew was blabbering about.
With his rough beard, Hugo scratched his chin several times, then tilted his head in a manner unbefitting his rugged appearance.
If I understand correctly, by scoundrel, you mean someone without dignity, rude, and a scoundrel that causes mischief?
Yes.
Huh
Hugo chuckled as if he was dumbfounded. For a moment, he wondered if his nephew had gone mad.
I have one question.
Yes?
Do you realize that your appearance right now is the exact opposite of a scoundrel?
Its because Im here to ask for a favor.
Shiron responded with a genuine smile. The Shiron that Hugo saw was indeed the polar opposite of a scoundrel.
Dressed in flawless formal attire, hair neatly combed, and even exuding a faint pleasant fragrance. He sat with impeccable manners, his hands resting on his lap, looking at Hugo with keen eyes.
That ironic appearance made Hugos brow furrow.
Did he take a blow from realizing he lacks talent?
A while ago, Hugo heard some good and bad news from a dear subordinate.
One was that Shiron could not harness mana. The other was that Lucia possessed innate talent.
When Johan conveyed this news, Hugo was more concerned for Shiron than happy about Lucia.
Hugo himself had lived in the shadow of his younger brother Glen, constantly being compared to him.
If hes given up, its probably for the best
Clinging to a hopeless goal and struggling endlessly was foolish. Unlike Hugo, who simply lacked talent, Shiron faced a congenital disability.
However, Hugo never expected Shiron to directly ask for permission to become a scoundrel.
I never thought someone would ask for permission to be a scoundrel.
I didnt want to worry you.
Shiron said calmly, his expression unchanged.
Worry?
Hugo was confused, but he soon leaned forward with widened eyes.
You seem to have a reason to act like a scoundrel.
Yes.
Hugo sighed deeply, crossing his arms. He took a moment to think, then finally spoke.
Alright. You have my permission.
Arent you going to ask for the reason?
Whether I know the reason or not, my permission remains unchanged. No, I might even refuse if I hear your circumstances, so I dont want to hear them.
Shiron wiped away the smile at the corner of his mouth. Of course, Hugo wouldnt miss that change. Hugo then said to his nephew, hinting at what he suspected.
You do have the power of prophecy, so you wouldnt act without thinking.
Well thats true.
Shiron chuckled, showing his agreement. He didnt say he was doing it out of sheer necessity to survive. He didnt want guards sticking around because of unnecessary interference. He had to lower his [Fame] level just to move around freely.
Frankly speaking, if he were to say, I am the eldest son of the Heros family, please open the door just to get a high-performance shield, he would end up killed by an apostle who would hear the rumors.
Shiron, who couldnt even defeat Berta with his pure skills, wouldnt stand a chance against an apostles assault.
The only problem might be the onslaught of a bad reputation, but Shiron didnt particularly care about that.
Killing the Demon King has nothing to do with [Fame]. If it gets problematic, I can always raise it back up.
He got the permission.
Just as he was about to stand up and finish their conversation, it seemed Hugo still had something to say.
Shiron.
Yes.
A little off-topic, but just before you came, Johan visited here.
You must have heard that I cant wield mana.
Yes.
Hugo hesitated for a moment before continuing.
At present, theres no way to treat your condition.
Its okay. I dont wish to cling to a hopeless treatment. Besides, I am confident I can live well without wielding mana.
Shiron said it firmly. He didnt want Hugo to be overly concerned about his condition.
He didnt want to be dragged around places under the pretext of treatment due to Hugos sympathy. Especially when there was no guaranteed cure, and there was a possibility of assassination threats in the process.
I see. Understood.
Hugo displayed a bitter smile. It seemed like changing his mind was futile, given Shirons unwavering stance. So, he could only provide full support.
Shiron, only take on what you can handle.
Of course. After all, I wont live as a scoundrel my entire life.
Then its settled.
Only after seeing Hugos bitter smile did Shiron manage to stand up and leave the room, smiling.
Did you have a good conversation?
When he returned to the annex, Encia was waiting for him. She had heard a general account from Shiron, so she was curious about the outcome.
Ah, I got the permission. Surprisingly, there were no objections.
Handing over his coat to her, Shiron went inside.
Bringing a damp cloth and cold water, Encia playfully said with a smile,
Its surprising that the stubborn Hugo gave permission. Really unexpected.
You always speak so informally to my uncle. Yet you are always formal with me.
Decades feel like yesterday to us. In my eyes, it still looks like the days when Hugo and the lord were immaturely squabbling, you know?
Encia stared straight ahead with a wistful look in her eyes.
Hugo and the lord were so young and cute back then. Why does time pass so quickly
Shiron shivered as he looked at Encia. Despite appearing like a young girl, she acted and spoke like an old woman.
Encia, when you speak like that, you seem like an old lady. Take care of yourself.
Oh my. Speaking of which, sir, did you know?
Encia covered her mouth with her hand, laughing.
When I went out recently, everyone saw me as a human girl. Can you believe it? Its surprisingly fun. They called me young lady and sister on the streets. Hehe.
Encia hummed a little tune, seemingly in a good mood.
Thats good. As a demon, there shouldnt be any inconvenience. Ill change my clothes, so please prepare the meal.
With that, Shiron went upstairs to the second floor of the annex. As he walked down the corridor, someone was at the door.
A red-haired girl sat there, looking quite pitiable.
What are you doing here?
Squatting down in front of her, Shiron met her eyes. However, Lucia avoided his gaze.
I was waiting for you.
We will eat dinner together later. Why wait?
I might miss dinner.
Lucia said and rubbed her eyes. Then, with slightly reddened eyes, she looked down.
Really, are you okay?
Lucia was asking Shiron if he was alright with his not being able to control mana. He thought she would brush it off with a joke, but maybe it wasnt effective.
Shiron hesitated to sigh, thinking that Lucia might feel even worse if he did.
As I said, I dont mind, okay? Or what? Do you want me to resent you?
No, not that
Lucia denied with a gruff voice. Then, holding Shirons hand, she lowered her head.
Im really sorry for hitting you back then. I wanted to apologize properly, even though its late.
She looked like she was about to cry any moment. However, Shiron did not hand her a handkerchief. After wiping Siriels face and throwing away the handkerchief, he unfortunately did not replenish it.
I get it. First, lets wash our faces, okay?
Instead, he touched her face and wiped it for her.
Your beautiful face is a mess.
Instead of replying, Lucia slowly nodded.
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