Surviving the Game as a Barbarian

The moment the explosion burst forth—

"Kyaaaaaaah!"

The crowd's cheers abruptly turned into screams.

"Over there! Magic's flying from that direction!"

"Block all exits! No one leaves!"

Soldiers standing by to prepare for any unforeseen incidents rushed toward the origin of the magic.

"G-Give way...!"

The crowd scrambled to flee the potential terror, plunging the scene into chaos.

"—Marquis! Are you unharmed?"

It was an act of terror.

Bold enough to target the Prime Minister himself amid such a grand event.

"...It's been a long time since I've seen such a situation."

Perhaps surprisingly experienced in such matters?

The Marquis, who seemed momentarily stunned, quickly recovered, brushed his sleeves, and stood up unscathed.

Then he said in a tone far gentler than usual, looking at me:

"I'm fine. More importantly, tend to this friend first."

At his words, a priest attending the event hurried to me and began treatment.

"Please evacuate the area immediately!"

"Just wait a moment."

Despite the knights' urgent pleas, the Marquis insisted on waiting until my wounds partially healed before approaching and saying:

"Thank you for what happened today."

It felt oddly unfamiliar.

Come to think of it, had the Marquis ever thanked me before?

'...I don't think so.'

Maybe if I looked hard enough, I'd find something—but it'd be very different. After all, I'd never done anything truly deserving sincere thanks.

"When this is all settled, I'll summon you separately."

With that, the Marquis left, escorted by knights, and I remained alone, replaying the recent events in my mind.

Even though I hadn't planned on thanking him.

'...Why did I do that?'

Honestly, I regretted it a little.

Why risk my body for the Marquis just because he was pretty?

Especially since the magic that hit me was strong enough to harm even my Dragon Mode form.

If I had done nothing, the Marquis might have died—

'Ah, maybe not?'

When I asked if I could kill the Marquis the other day, Ibaekho answered:

[Uh, that's a bit... That bastard revives at the palace even if killed.]

[...Revives? What's that about?]

[Ah, you don't know? It wasn't in the game, I guess. Anyway, there's a royal treasure that's in the Marquis's hands right now.]

Whether I threw myself or just watched from behind, the Marquis wouldn't have died.

'Hmm, thinking that way, maybe it wasn't so bad?'

Maybe this incident will build some goodwill so I can strike a hard blow to his back later.

It's more painful to be stabbed in the back by someone you trust.

'...Anyway, I should stop rushing headfirst to block attacks.'

Regardless of how the situation turned out, I recognized my bad habit clearly from this incident.

Maybe because in the labyrinth my job was to take hits instead of others?

I seem to have a deep-seated obsession that I must be the first to take a blow no matter what I do...

"T-Thank you."

"...Huh?"

What now?

Suddenly someone spoke to me—it was Count Langston, who had won first place in this competition.

"If you hadn't pushed me out just in time, I would've been caught in that explosion too. Baron Yandel saved my life."

Ah... so that's one way to interpret it.

True, if I hadn't pushed him, he probably would've been badly hurt. That man was right beside the Marquis when the magic flew.

"I'm glad you're safe."

I replied briefly, and Count Langston cautiously asked one thing.

"But... if I may be so bold, why did you save me?"

Coincidentally, it was the same question the Marquis asked.

I smirked and retorted,

"Why shouldn't I have saved you?"

"Well..."

Trailing off, Count Langston spoke candidly.

"I'm your rival. If I weren't here, Baron Yandel could have taken first place."

That was a bit absurd.

Does he think this competition is some battle survival?

'Or maybe it's just his noble mindset.'

"Besides, even if that weren't the case... there's no reason for the Baron to look favorably on me, is there?"

In other words, he meant I treated him badly earlier...

Honestly, I lucked out this time.

Until he came to thank me, I'd forgotten about his existence.

But I didn't need to say that outright.

"I don't care about that. I saved you because I could."

With that, I slapped his shoulder heartily, and he looked up at me with a peculiar gaze.

"Baron Yandel... you truly are as rumored. I sincerely apologize for my previous rudeness."

To hear that from someone who disliked me—

...That's surprisingly satisfying.

「Character's fame increased by +10.」

「Character's fame increased by +10.」

「Character's fame increased by +10······.」

「······.」

「······.」

The construction competition that had drawn so much attention.

And the terrorism that occurred there.

As expected, by the next morning, every media outlet in Raphdonia was abuzz with headlines.

An assassination attempt on the Marquis and the hero who stopped it, Bjorn, son of the giant Yandel.

The headlines varied, but the core was this, and otherwise, it was remarkably quiet.

Rumors about assassins sent by Noark.

Terrorism for political reasons.

Perhaps the son coveted the title and orchestrated it.

Unlike the countless rumors flooding the streets, the media refrained from speculation.

Even the third-rate tabloids who thrive on controversy stayed quiet on this matter.

'The Marquis's power is truly immense.'

It's strange to see media that usually write nonsense about me suddenly act cautiously.

Well, the country's second-in-command was involved, so it's natural to tread carefully.

Anyway.

On the third day after the incident.

"Wow... the culprit still hasn't been caught..."

As I was opening the newspaper to check the news today, Misha suddenly peeked her face over my shoulder.

"Bjorn, where do you think it is? Noark? The silence? Or that annoying son?"

"Well, I think Noark's the most likely. But maybe you should calm down a bit?"

"Why? Because he's too close to be a companion?"

"..."

Lately, I've noticed Misha's mood has been unusually high.

Maybe something good happened?

Since we were alone for a while, I asked about how she's been, and her expression quickly brightened.

"Huh? Not doing anything special... just exercising with Ainard during the day... and after dinner's done, I've been doing some painting..."

"Painting?"

"Ah, I started as a hobby recently. I went to a gallery with Reigns and got a bit interested... Ah! Don't ask me to show you though—I absolutely won't!"

Since she even went to the gallery with Amelia, it seemed the awkward phase was completely over.

And it seemed her old personality was returning.

'Being all shriveled up was kind of cute too...'

Talking more, it seemed relations had improved not just with Ainard and Amelia, but generally.

"Gowland's not close with me yet, but he doesn't seem bad... Elwen? I don't know. Looking back, I think I was more at fault, and I apologized recently, but she avoided me..."

"I see."

"But I got really close with Emur. She was really curious about Rotmiller. Oh, two days ago, I even met with Hikurod and Rotmiller all together."

"What? Why didn't you come with me then?"

"Hmm, you were out busy that day."

That was two days ago when I had to visit the royal intelligence after being told there were questions about the terror.

Ah... If I'd known about that appointment, I'd have postponed.

"So... what are you doing today?"

"Today?"

"Yeah. If you're free, wanna go to Kummelby later? I saw my sword handle is worn out and want to replace it..."

"Ah... I can't come back with you, is that okay?"

"Huh? Why?"

"I'm meeting the Marquis tonight. Probably after Kummelby, I'll head straight to Carnon. Um, maybe—"

"No, it's okay! Don't worry! I'm just leaving the sword and coming back! I'll get ready now!"

Saying that, Misha disappeared and quickly returned, ready like lightning.

After that, I left the sacred place and headed to Kummelby.

After leaving the sword at the forge, we had a simple meal nearby, and since we were already there, we stopped by the market to check prices.

"Whoa! Why did everything get so cheap? If I had lots of money, I'd buy everything!"

"Probably because the labyrinth closed, no one's buying right now. Wait a bit longer. Explorer gear prices will keep falling."

"Hmm... still, it was fun."

"Me too. It's been a while since I enjoyed myself. I wish I could stay longer..."

"Gotta go?"

"Have to, since I promised the Marquis."

"Okay, take care..."

After parting with Misha, I went straight to Carnon.

Because it was an appointment, I got a free pass at the gate with no hassle.

"Welcome, Baron Yandel. The Marquis awaits. Please come in."

Starting with the butler waiting for me at the expected time, servants lined the garden and greeted me in formation.

'...Noble families really are different.'

I wondered how long it would take before even servants naturally give such dignified greetings.

Still having no mansion of my own, I couldn't imagine.

Swoosh.

Guided by the butler, a door smoothly opened, revealing a guest room with a magnificent yet dignified atmosphere.

'...How many guest rooms does the Marquis family have?'

Come to think of it, it's always a different guest room when I visit.

It seems they have multiple guest rooms to suit various visitors...

'This one looks the best of all I've seen.'

Just a glance sufficed to feel the strong hospitality.

"Welcome."

The Marquis even rose to greet me as I entered the room.

It felt nostalgic.

Back then, I sometimes talked through the crystal ball instead of visiting in person.

"Sit down, your legs might hurt."

"Haha, /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ you first. You're the guest."

"Very well then..."

After I sat first, the Marquis sat facing me, and the conversation flowed naturally.

"Lately, everyone's been talking about it. Have you found out who the culprit was?"

"Not yet. The deeper we dig, the more we realize they prepared thoroughly. If it hadn't been you, we would've been in serious trouble."

"Anyone could've done it."

Serious trouble...

So I guess he has no intention to reveal the resurrection item to me either?

I don't know, but the praise kept coming.

"Anyone could've done it... Sure, there were many nobles and knights, but when trouble came, you were the only one who risked yourself for me."

"I just got lucky, Marquis."

"I heard about your conversation with Count Langston through the news. You said you saved him just because you could? Is that true?"

"Well... it's true..."

I'm not fond of being openly flattered, so I quickly changed the subject.

"So why did you call me today?"

"First, I thought it proper to inform you of the progress regarding the incident. Also, the rebuilding of District 7 has been entrusted to the Yandel Barony. You'll probably get contacted soon."

"Oh, that's a relief—"

"But that's not the main point, so let's move on quickly."

"...Huh?"

If that's not the main point, then what is?

I tilted my head, curious.

"Since I know your character, I'll be frank."

The Marquis wiped away his gentle smile and called me by name with a cold voice.

"Bjorn, son of Yandel."

"...?"

"I think you're a demon."