Surviving the Game As a Barbarian [EN]: Chapter 443

The banquet within the Palace of Glory unfolded in an unusually subdued atmosphere. This was only to be expected. Every attendee was the head of their respective family. They were all mindful of their dignity, and most were quite advanced in age.

‘Most of them are in their fifties, I’d guess…’ I thought, then chuckled to myself. I was supposed to be the guest of honor at this banquet, yet here I was, brooding alone.

Crunch, crunch.

I chewed and swallowed the meat with a hint of irritation. The peculiar atmosphere was giving me flashbacks, like when I had to transfer schools frequently during my childhood. It was a stark reminder that I had entered a new group completely on my own.

“…….”

I felt like a monkey in a zoo.

‘Count Perdehilt, Baron Serpia, Viscount Muhlberg, and oh, there’s Baron Martoang too…’ Among those glancing at me from afar, there were some familiar family heads, but not a single one approached me first. At other banquets, they would have come over to socialize. Count Perdehilt had even tried to get me to marry his daughter.

‘Well, I can understand their position, but…’ This place was a kingdom of animals, except it was ruled by reason, not instinct.

Crunch, crunch.

I pretended not to notice anything and tore into the meat, but I was fully aware of the current situation. This was a form of taming, a silent message that just because I had become one of the noble families of the kingdom, I shouldn’t even think about being on the same level as them, who had thousands of years of history.

However, the solution was simple. As the Duke I met earlier had advised, I just had to go and talk to them first. Then they would smile kindly and treat me well, as if I were their subordinate.

‘Ugh, what a tiresome bunch of bastards.’ By the way, who I talked to first was also important here. If I went to the Duke I had met earlier, the nobles under the Marquis, who was in competition with the Duke, would start treating me like an invisible barbarian. Every action and word I made here would act as a political choice.

Crunch, crunch.

However, I just kept tearing into the meat. There were three reasons. First, I was really hungry. Second, the meat was really, really delicious. And lastly, the third.

‘Finally, they’re here.’ From the start, I had no intention of entering the mainstream.

“No matter how long you wait, it’s no use.” I smiled subtly as I confirmed the woman approaching me. “Because no one will come anyway.”

White hair, white eyes, and white skin. Except for the unique, colorful outfit reminiscent of a Hanbok [traditional Korean dress], everything about the woman was white. Oh, and of course, the rabbit ears that sprouted on her head too.

“Nice to meet you, Baron Yandel. How is the meal? Does it suit your taste?”

“Well, do you want to have some?” After that, I picked up a new piece of meat and offered it to her. The woman stared blankly for a moment, then finally regained her senses and smiled. “No, thank you. I don’t have an appetite.”

How picky, even among members of the same race.

Thud.

It seemed like enough explanation about me, so I put down the meat I was eating to start a conversation. And I sucked and wiped my hands. Then, a thought suddenly occurred to me. ‘If I ask to shake hands… would they accept it?’ I didn’t know, but I had no intention of actually trying it. I was a barbarian with that much manners, at least if it was a situation where it would be beneficial.

“Anyway, nice to meet you. I’m Baron Yandel.” As I revealed my name first, she smiled kindly and replied, “I’m Baron Riribia.”

It was information I already knew, because there was only one noble family from the White Rabbit race. ‘She’s forty-three years old. And she has three children.’

“May I sit for a moment?”

“Of course. I was getting bored anyway.” With my permission, Baron Riribia… or Rabbit Baron, sat in the seat directly in front of me. The eight-seat table that had been empty was now filled for the first time. However, there was no applause to celebrate that monumental moment. Only sharp mockery.

“Tsk, so it ends up like that.”

“If they’re going to stick with their own kind, there’s no reason to stop them.”

It was loud enough for even a barbarian like me to hear, so the rabbit beastkin woman must have heard it too. But she didn’t flinch. She just smiled as if she was used to it and quietly spoke to me.

“The first head of our main family was also a hero like Baron Yandel. During the Iron Wall Rebellion, he achieved the feat of stopping the Duke of Treachery. Have you ever heard of it?”

“No, sorry, but this is the first time I’ve heard of it.”

“Hehe, no need to be sorry. It’s only natural. It’s an old story that only those who have studied history separately know now…” The Baron continued in a somewhat lonely voice. “Two thousand years.”

“…….”

“It’s been a full two thousand years. The time that has passed since the Riribia family’s crest was placed in the Oath Box [a box containing oaths of loyalty]. It was a very long time. Enough for the era of the king, who was considered immortal, to end, and for a new dawn to arrive.”

I was starting to get an idea of what she wanted to say.

“So, Baron Yandel, you should get used to it soon. Because their gazes won’t change even as time passes.”

“Oh, is that so? That’s strange. To my eyes, you and them don’t look much different.”

Especially in terms of being glib.

“…You’re as interesting as the rumors say.”

Interesting, huh? We haven’t even gotten to the main point yet.

“Anyway, it doesn’t seem like you came just to give me advice, am I right?”

“You’re indeed extraordinary. You’re right.”

“Then tell me.” When I asked directly, the woman paused for a moment. That was the reason why I said earlier that there wasn’t much difference. With ears on her head, this woman, who was attending this event representing her family, was also a proper noble after all. She looked down on situations that deviated from formality.

“…I won’t say I came to help. We don’t want Baron Yandel’s family to fall under another power.”

“Because it’s the first noble family of a different race to be born in 600 years?” At my question, the woman flinched again. However, she seemed to take a deep breath and then changed her voice, looking straight into my eyes.

“…More than anything, you’re a barbarian. And the first one in the history of Lapdonia.” Through that statement, I could tell that the woman’s perception of me, who had perhaps treated me as a simple barbarian even more than those human nobles, had changed.

“Just as our Riribia family receives the full support of the beastkin race, Baron Yandel’s family can bring the barbarian race into politics.”

“Is that all?”

“Of course, it would have been the same even if that wasn’t the case. Because each and every one of us is precious.”

“Hmm, I see…”

“Including the Riribia family, a total of 31 families have gathered their intentions. Of course, even so, we are a minority in politics, but we can at least make our voices heard.” As I continued to rest my chin on my hand with a nonchalant expression even after her explanation, the Rabbit Baron started the negotiation first.

“I won’t suggest that we join forces for the greater good.” Yes, the one who is impatient should make the first move. “If you join forces with us, Baron Yandel’s family will receive massive support in the process of establishing its foundation.”

“I’d like you to be more specific.”

“For example, buying land right away, building a mansion, and securing the numerous personnel needed to maintain the family, the decades it would take to establish a proper family could be shortened to a minimum of a few years.”

Is it because it’s a noble society? It really costs a fortune from the start. Just receiving this would more than make up for choosing the ‘promotion ceremony’ as a reward.

“Of course, this isn’t the end. Because our beginning was to survive.” She then said, “If Baron Yandel joins forces with us, our enemies will become your enemies.”

“…….”

“And your enemies will become our enemies.” That was the reason why I waited for them instead of going to talk to other nobles. Because each and every one of them was precious, and I truly valued each and every one of them.

“So, what do you say?” She then asked for my answer, and I nodded and replied, “Well… it’s not bad.”

“Does that mean—”

“But it’s not enough.”

“……?” Even if she made that face, it couldn’t be helped. It was obvious that there was more to gain, so it was a shame to be satisfied here, right?

***

The Rabbit Baron’s eyes hardened at my answer. However, she quickly returned to her original state and asked politely without giving up, “Baron Yandel, whom I met and felt myself, was a clever person. If there is anything you desire, could you please tell me frankly?” Just from this, I could tell how much this woman… or rather, the ‘Melves,’ a coalition of noble families from different races, wanted me. Of course, I was just as desperate for this group… ‘But they don’t know that.’ If I was going to sell myself, I should get the highest price. That was the spirit of a K-Barbarian [a reference to Korean culture and values].

“I will continue to enter the labyrinth in the future. I would like support for that as well.”

“…Could you give me an example?”

“I want you to sponsor the clan I’m going to create. With things like high-grade essences or rare number items.”

“…That’s not easy. The fact that we don’t get any benefit from it is…”

“Why isn’t there a benefit? You should know too, right? That this country starts and ends with the labyrinth.”

“If you’re talking about influence in the labyrinth, we already have enough other alternatives.”

Tsk, it seems like it won’t be easy. It seems like it’s time to bring out the barbarian again.

“No, why can’t you do it?!!”

“…Excuse me?”

“You said you’d buy me land and build me a house. Isn’t this cheaper than that?!!”

“Um… Baron Yandel? Please lower your voice…”

“Tell me the reason!!” As I said that and stood up abruptly, all the nobles’ gazes turned towards us. And perhaps feeling pressured by that?

“Support for the family and this are different. The fact that Baron Yandel’s family becomes self-reliant is something that will help you when you are active in politics later, but this is not.” The Rabbit Baron explained the reason in a rapid-fire manner. However, perhaps feeling that something was lacking even after spitting it out?

“But who knows… If Baron Yandel becomes an indispensable existence for us… We also wouldn’t hesitate to give you anything.”

“What! Are you saying I’m not needed now?!!”

“No, that’s not what I mean…!”

“Haha! It was a joke, Baron Riribia.”

“…Huh?” As I smiled and sat back down, the Baron stared blankly into the air. Geez, you can’t even joke around.

“To put it simply, you’re saying I need to prove my worth. Not just with the title of ‘the first barbarian Baron,’ but also in other areas, that I’m useful.”

“Yes… Ah, yes. Is that so…?”

“Then there’s no problem. It’s too easy for me.” At my confident answer, she made another confused expression, and at that moment, the nobles around us started murmuring.

“It seemed like they were having a big fight, but now they’re giggling again?”

“That’s why they’re called mongrels… They’re really like beasts.”

“By the way, what did Baron Riribia say to make that barbarian’s anger subside?”

“Hmm, who knows? From what I’ve heard, that barbarian seems to have a liking for beastkin.”

“Huh? Does that mean…”

“Ahem, it’s not entirely impossible, is it?” Even for a barbarian, it was a very vulgar whisper. It was the first time the Baron’s face had turned red with shame after hearing so many taunts. It was a bit impressive.

“…Baron Yandel.” Even in this situation, she was worried that I might cause trouble.

“Just ignore it. If you want to be active in politics later, you’ll have to hear these words countless times.”

“Why?”

“…Because there’s no other way.” A frank answer filled with the resentment of the weak. But when she said those words with that face, she really looked like a herbivore. I chuckled and asked her, “You said you were used to it earlier, but it seems like you’re not completely unbothered?”

“How could I be completely unbothered? I’m just enduring it while wishing for the day when I won’t have to feel this kind of sorrow.”

“Wishing…” If wishes were achieved just by keeping them, there wouldn’t be any unhappy people in this world. So, that’s why….

“How much do you think it’s worth?”

“…What do you mean?”

“If I can’t fulfill your wish, but at least make those guys who are gossiping behind your backs disappear.” I said, “I was asking how much value you think it would have.”

Fortunately, perhaps because she didn’t fully grasp the situation, the Rabbit Baron answered the question obediently, “Well, if it were up to me, I wouldn’t regret giving a thousand gold coins.”

A very abstract and subjective answer. But that was enough.

“Okay, then the deal is done.”

“…Huh?”

“I’ve actually done some analysis on you guys. The reason you’ve been getting beaten up all this time is because you’ve always been getting beaten up.”

“Wh-what does that mean—” What does it mean? It means that what you need is a charge leader.

Swish.

I stood up from my seat, not allowing any objections. And….

“Behel—raaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!” After clearly drawing aggro with a battle cry.

Thump, thump.

I took large strides. “Hey, Baron Yandel!” I ignored the Rabbit Baron’s flustered shout.

Thump, thump.

I was able to arrive in just a few seconds, in front of the noble who had been talking about my taste in beastkin.

“…What is it? Why are you being so noisy?” Unfortunately, he didn’t seem to have grasped the situation yet. Looking at him raising his eyes without fear.

“Baron Kipriot.” There was no formal introduction, but there was no problem in calling out his name. After deciding to take the noble route, I had memorized the crests of all the noble families. ‘A Baron, with not much backing, a perfect guy to make an example of.’ I said to that guy, “You insulted me.”

“Insult? Are you talking about what I said earlier…? Ha! That’s ridiculous. I doubt you even have the honor to be insulted by me, and even if you did, what are you going to do about it?” Geez, he’s pretending not to be scared. It’s obvious that he’s flustered and his words are getting longer.

“If you can’t control your emotions, submit your opinion to the committee. Ah, I don’t know if you can even write!” As he finished his lines, the guys who seemed to be his friends chuckled. This was worse than a third-rate thug. Which side was truly lowly?

“Well, if you have nothing to say, I’ll be on my way—” Why would I have nothing to say? I interrupted his words and said, “I challenge you to a duel.”

A duel. The only means of dispute that has existed since the ancient noble society of Lapdonia. Of course, the number of times a titled noble has directly engaged in a duel has not even reached 10 times in its long history. That’s why….

“Are you scared? Then a proxy duel is fine too. Ah, of course, I’ll be the one fighting.” “…Are you serious?” “Why, would you prefer it if it was a joke?” “…….” He didn’t answer my question. The psychology was obvious. This abnormal situation itself would feel insulting and frightening. He would be wondering why he had to go through this when he had acted as usual and there were other people around. But. ‘It’s time to know.’ Wasn’t a barbarian noble born? It was time to bring tension to the lax noble society. So, that’s why….

Thump.

I took another step closer, looked down at him, and continued, “Whether it’s a knight, an explorer, or a mage, it doesn’t matter.” It was against the rules to allow mercenaries as duel proxies. “It doesn’t have to be someone from your family.” “…….” “Bring anyone.” “…….” “The strongest guy you can call.” There was no answer. “Why are you not confident?” I am. I was confident that I could kill whoever you brought in this place.