Surviving the Game as a Barbarian

The Melbes Alliance of Different Races.

Why did they make such a fuss about having the right to attend the royal meeting there?

The reason became clear as soon as the meeting started.

"The first agenda is the invasion of the Noark forces."

That topic had been repeatedly mentioned at the species council, the Melbes assembly, and elsewhere.

But in the calm tone of the marquis, information leaked that nowhere else was known.

"The invasion occurred earlier than predicted, at the beginning of this month."

The royal family already knew about their invasion.

Of course, that doesn't mean they are all-knowing or omnipotent.

"However, as everyone knows, the plan for total annihilation was not carried out due to an unexpected variable."

'As everyone knows'... What do they mean by that? Are Barbarians not even considered people?

"...Annihilation plan?"

I murmured, tilting my head, and the marquis paused his speech as all nobles' eyes turned toward me.

Their gazes were varied.

'The lowest-ranked talking to the marquis mid-meeting?'

Some looked as if they couldn't believe the lowest-ranked member interrupted the marquis.

'Well, if he's an idiot, that's expected.'

Others, like Duke Kealunus and Count Alminus, who had firsthand experience with me, showed indifferent reactions, unsurprised by such behavior.

Including the marquis.

"Now that I think about it, Baron Yandel, this is your first meeting, so you might not know about the annihilation plan?"

The marquis replied casually to my muttering.

One of the gazes aimed at me widened — the very Count Hu-whatever who sneered earlier.

Did he expect the marquis to scold me for this?

Who knows. Not something to worry about.

"The annihilation plan was devised after learning that the Noark forces were targeting Viphron. They intended to trap them there and wipe them out in one strike."

"But it didn't go well, huh?"

"Unfortunately."

The marquis then diverted his gaze from me back to the crowd.

"The variable in this plan was the mysterious mage who appeared among the Noark forces."

Like the first day of school, but this time I was able to follow the story.

'If they say mysterious mage, it must be that person.'

The mage who activated the ancient magic circle in the underground fortress, teleporting tens of thousands at once and opening the portal connecting to the 7th floor outside the fortress walls.

"Besides that he's an old man, no further information on his identity has been obtained... Intelligence suspects he also tampered with the protective magic circle. He seems suspiciously skilled in ancient magic."

In summary, the royal family tried to trap the Noark scum in Viphron and destroy them at once, but the mysterious mage activated the protective magic circle and foiled the plan.

"Currently, they are searching for a way to disable the protective magic circle from outside, but many permissions have been stolen by that mage, so progress is slow."

If this is openly disclosed here, it means there's practically no way to get into Viphron.

'Should I see this as royal incompetence or the other side's prowess...?'

I don't know, but one thing's certain.

The royal family isn't made up of ordinary fools.

"The intelligence department believes the mysterious mage could also activate the dimensional plaza inside the closed Viphron. Therefore..."

The marquis paused and then said.

"Here, I officially propose the closure of the labyrinth."

Labyrinth closure.

Given the structure of this city-state called Lapdonia, this is an incredibly serious topic.

As soon as it was mentioned, Duke Kealunus responded eagerly.

"Indeed... if we close the labyrinth entirely, they will have no countermeasures."

Count Alminus followed.

"They will have to choose either to come out voluntarily or starve inside."

All of it was scripted.

These people probably weren't hearing this for the first time.

Normally, they would have shaped public opinion first, and then pass a nearly unanimous vote to decide on labyrinth closure.

But I'm a barbarian with no tact.

"Marquis, may I ask something?"

"Go ahead."

"Is it absolutely necessary to close the labyrinth itself?"

Count Humersigi, ranked 27th, couldn't hold back and snapped at me.

"Think about it. If there were other options, would the marquis be proposing closure?"

Not wrong, but I wasn't curious about whether other options existed.

I wanted to know why there was only this one way.

"Is that so?"

Ignoring Count Humersigi's words, I asked the marquis, who, though annoyed, kindly answered.

"The dimensional magic of the labyrinth is more complex than you imagine. I will give a brief explanation."

Brief, he said, but the story was long and dull.

But to summarize simply:

The labyrinth is the server.

The portal is the login method.

Here's the problem: if there's only the login method, the royal family has no way to control it...

'So they plan to close the server itself. Even if you have the login, you can't enter when the server is down.'

"Do you understand?"

"Somewhat. Thanks for explaining!"

With my curiosity satisfied, I stepped back and watched the meeting proceed.

They discussed possible backlash from explorers after closure.

What to do with explorers who can't pay taxes this year.

How long the closure would last.

Eventually, the marquis summarized.

"As of today, the labyrinth will be closed. Any reopening will be decided at future meetings. Those in agreement, please flip your coin."

What surprised me was that the voting was conducted publicly.

But it made sense.

There's no culture of anonymity, and secret ballots could easily be tampered with.

One by one, attendees flipped golden coins in front of their seats to show the royal emblem.

Almost unanimous approval.

Again, all eyes turned to me.

I was the only one who voted against.

"Baron Yandel, may I ask why you didn't flip your coin?"

"Closing the labyrinth will surely cause hardship. We are well off, so we won't starve no matter how long it's closed!"

"Hmm... So you oppose for the sake of the subjects?"

"In a way, yes."

Whether out of genuine curiosity or not, the marquis nodded coolly after hearing my answer.

"Then we'll move on to the second agenda."

The dull meeting resumed.

The meeting that began in the morning continued non-stop until evening.

There were breaks, but...

'What is this hardcore schedule?'

They only give time to do business, no separate meal times.

Is this the tradition of royal meetings?

"Haha, so everyone eats well before coming to these meetings."

"Why did such a tradition arise?"

"People who attend these meetings must be extremely busy. Since it's hard to gather, they try to minimize wasted time even if uncomfortable."

Hmm... If so, wouldn't it be more efficient to just say that plainly without beating around the bush?

Honestly, if barbarians held a royal meeting, it could be over by noon and they'd go have lunch.

"Eh, looks like the meeting is restarting. I'll go in."

Count Alminus, who chatted with me outside, left, and I hurriedly stuffed jerky in my mouth and entered.

The resumed meeting.

'Second agenda was about reconstruction in Districts 7 and 13; third about taxes; fourth about evil spirit incorporation...'

Oh, the evil spirit incorporation was mentioned then rejected after many votes—

"Now, the ninth agenda."

The marquis who led the meeting looked around and stopped his gaze on me.

Glancing sideways, I saw Ragna looking somewhat embarrassed, avoiding eye contact.

I immediately knew.

'Here it comes.'

The ninth agenda was the marriage proposal.

Specifically, mine and Ragna's.

"But before bringing up the ninth agenda, I ask your understanding. Some of the following may be personal matters."

"Hmm, personal matters?"

"If you want to differentiate, yes. But this is also a serious matter for the Kingdom of Lapdonia."

"Well, then we must hear it."

Duke Kealunus nodded after hearing the marquis, and no one dared to oppose.

'I bet these old guys already know what's coming and are just acting.'

Duke Kealunus and Marquis Terserion.

Their relationship is interesting.

Though rivals, when cooperation is needed, they have good back-and-forth.

"Baron Yandel, what are you thinking?"

"Nothing."

"Then I hope you listen carefully. Because you are the subject of the following discussion."

"Huh? Me?"

Feigning ignorance, I tilted my head, and the marquis gave a meaningful look and began his noble speech.

"Baron Yandel, everyone here recognizes how hard you work and how much you have achieved."

"......"

"But for the great Lapdonia royal family, it is a great loss for such a talent and family head to remain single."

"...So what is your point?"

"Isn't it time to find a partner and settle down? If you don't mind, we want to promote a marriage between you and Viscountess Peprok."

The moment those words came out, the room's atmosphere grew uneasy.

"...Huh!"

"Baron Yandel and Viscountess Peprok...?"

Apparently, many nobles were unaware of this marriage proposal.

"Viscount Peprok's family situation isn't much different from Yandel's. Legally the two families cannot become one, but marriage would bring great fortune to both you and the kingdom."

"......"

"That's my opinion, but how about you?"

Pressure weighed heavily in that short question.

The fact that the proposal was brought up here, not privately, was itself a form of pressure.

Anyway.

YES or NO.

As always, just two options.

If I accept, I come under the marquis's control and lose some autonomy.

If I refuse, I'll face countless obstacles.

But...

"Of course, I'm not asking for an immediate decision. When you've thought it through—"

There was no changing the decision I had already made.

Even thinking again, it was a dreadful decision...

'Damn it.'

But it had to be done.

"No!"

"...Huh?"

"I will not marry."

The moment I boldly rejected.

"Hmm..."

The marquis narrowed his eyes slightly.

His gaze looked like he was already scheming how to torment me.

So I quickly spoke.

"I will not marry anyone. Not Viscountess Peprok nor anyone else."

This was my final answer.

What the marquis feared was that the Yandel family would aggressively use marriage as a means for rapid growth.

I decided to counter with a vow of lifelong bachelorhood.

"I don't understand at all. So you intend to stay single forever?"

But the marquis didn't seem to believe me.

Not surprising.

Such declarations can be changed anytime according to my will...

'Do I really have to do this...?'

More definite action was necessary.

And I had prepared that action in advance.

But the thought alone was exhausting...

'Alright, let's do it.'

Steeling myself, I closed my eyes tightly.

And...

"Marquis!"

I shouted with ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) all my might.

"Sorry, but I have no interest in women!"

For some reason.

No, I do have reasons, but whatever.

When I reluctantly opened my unwilling eyes slowly.

"......?"

"......?"

The room fell into a heavy silence as if time had stopped.

Time started flowing again, and shocked gazes and words were directed at me.

"No interest in women...?"

"Wait, do you mean...?"

"Disgusting."

Some didn't even hide their disgust.

I understood.

In this world, homosexuality is considered a sin.

Yeah... so...

"I don't like men!"

To clear the misunderstanding, I pulled out the doll I had prepared in the pocket dimension and showed it to everyone.

"I love this doll!"

"...Huh?"

"I'm even going to marry this doll!"

"...What?"

It had to be done.