The Return Of The Genius Ranker Of All Times [EN]: Chapter 149

149.

I lost my mother when I was six years old.

-It’s okay. It’s okay, Jay. Just trust me. I’ll give everything I have to protect you.

To Jay Rudel, his father was everything.

He was a guide in life, wonderfully filling the void left by his mother, and a benevolent ruler respected by the people.

He was more than just a reliable pillar of support. Jay Rudel deeply respected his father.

He always vowed to become a great lord who would not tarnish the Rudel name.

And then he lost that father.

“Ah.”

Jay Rudel’s world collapsed.

All around him were adults who coveted the position of lord’s successor or tried to manipulate the young Jay Rudel.

That’s when Jin Rudel appeared.

-Oh, come on, do you old geezers have to be so petty? How about I shake you guys down a bit? Think you can handle it?

-What kind of wealth and glory are you going to enjoy when you’re about to kick the bucket? Have some shame!

His father’s brother, with whom he had severed ties long ago.

His Uncle Jin, whom he only vaguely knew existed, was a truly righteous and free person, unlike the unscrupulous thief he had heard about.

He didn’t get involved in troublesome power struggles and lived his own life.

His hands were bad, but he only stole when he thought it was right.

-Why do I steal? Well… because they don’t give it to me nicely?

Ah, let me correct that.

To be precise, it wasn’t that he *wanted* to steal, but rather that he didn’t hesitate to steal as a means to achieve what he wanted.

-Adults, you know. They hide a lot of things. And ten out of ten times, it’s all dirty stuff. Think about it. Can you willingly reveal the diarrhea-stained underwear you’ve secretly hidden?

-……Why would I hide diarrhea-stained underwear? I’d just wash it.

-That’s just an analogy!

-……Ew. Weird.

-Yeah, it’s weird how handsome this uncle is. Your dad… no, are your father’s genes different?

-…….

…Although he was a somewhat eccentric uncle.

That eccentricity was enough to heal the depressed Jay Rudel.

Following his uncle always made him laugh, even if it was out of absurdity, and he could somehow free himself from worries.

It was possible because none of the adults who had been caught off guard by his uncle dared to touch him.

-Jay. I won’t be able to come for a while. I still have some things to do.

But the farewell with such an uncle came suddenly.

-……Can you come back soon?

-You little rascal. When have you ever seen me late for a promise?

-What are you talking about? You’re always late, Uncle.

-Ah… Haha… Well, that’s true. I always say it like a habit. What’s the most important thing?

-Freedom… but isn’t being late a bit wrong, Uncle?

-This kid’s head has gotten bigger, and he’s changed these days. Are you going through puberty?

His uncle smiled and stroked his hair before leaving as usual.

-I’ll be back soon. Wait for me.

And that was the last time Jay Rudel saw him.

Spring passed, and outlaws invaded.

Summer came, and many soldiers and knights died.

As autumn passed and winter came, Jay Rudel was also dying from a curse, like falling leaves.

His uncle never appeared.

* * *

“Uncccllleee!!!!”

-Ouch.

That uncle is right in front of him.

Right now, Jay Rudel could only see that fact.

The authority he had to protect as a lord, the respect he had to show to the hero who had protected the city.

Such things did not enter his mind right now.

“Why… Why are you here *now*! You said you’d be back soon…!!!”

-Heh, this kid. I heard you weren’t feeling well, but your voice has gotten louder. You’re still going strong?

“Is that what you’re talking about *now*!?”

Jay Rudel hugged him tightly and burst into tears.

Jin Rudel chuckled and stroked his nephew’s head as he acted spoiled.

They were ghosts, so they couldn’t feel any warmth or sensation, but it didn’t matter.

The warmth of that time was still there.

-I’m sorry. I’m late again.

“…It’s okay that you came now. I heard about you from the hero. What have you been up to?”

-Oh, don’t even get me started. Do you know what I’ve been through this time? You’ll be surprised… That’s why… In the cave… Right then and there, I was like, boom! Grrr…

There was no dying lord here now.

There was only a boy who had not yet come of age and his uncle.

“Lord…”

Was it because he was overwhelmed with emotion at the sight?

The head butler took out a handkerchief and wiped his reddened eyes.

-Liza… Liza…

-Sniff…

-Ahem…

Were they just as sad?

Jihad was openly sobbing, and Charlie turned his head as if he wasn’t, but his eyes were strangely moist.

Especially, Eliza’s reaction was the most intense.

-Liza…

She was more emotional than usual and busy wiping her eyes with her fluffy fur.

Then, Jihad flinched when he made eye contact with Eliza.

-S, sorry. Eliza.

It was instinct.

For some reason, he felt like he would become the worst person in the world if he didn’t apologize.

Perhaps his instinct was right, as Eliza, who had been staring at him, turned her head again.

-Um! Good job.

Charlie patted Jihad on the shoulder, who was relieved, comforting him.

And Eliza, who was busy grieving.

Watching the guys filming the same skit as always, Do-hyun also turned his gaze to Eliza.

‘Come to think of it, Eliza had been waiting for 150 years.’

As such, she probably knows the lord’s feelings better than anyone else right now.

Do-hyun, who felt sorry for her for some reason, stroked Eliza’s head with his finger, and she rubbed her head against him as if she had never been sad.

Seeing this, the dog-like creature was quite simple.

“Hero.”

In the meantime, the touching moment of reunion was over, and Jay Rudel approached.

His face still showed signs of illness, but he seemed much more relaxed.

And so did Jin Rudel.

“Thank you so much. Thanks to you, I, as a ghost, even got to talk to this guy. I don’t know how to repay this favor… If I could, I’d get you anything you want, but I’m a ghost, so there’s nothing I can do.”

It was a light tone, typical of Jin Rudel, but his heart was full of sincerity.

[Jin Rudel’s favorability has greatly increased.]

[The effect of the title ‘Favorability Max from the Start?’ is activated. Favorability increases even more.]

[Jin Rudel’s favorability is at its maximum.]

Not just his expression and gestures, but the messages were proving it right away.

But the messages didn’t end there.

[You have cleared the quest ‘Rudel’s Savior’.]

[As a reward, you acquire a high-grade skill draw ticket, the absolute support and favorability of the Rudel family, and Rudel’s belief.]

[You have acquired the title ‘Rudel’s Savior’.]

…….

[Your level has increased.]

[By fulfilling the conditions, the 3rd Trial, ‘Apostle’s Achievement,’ is created.]

[Apostle’s Achievement]

-Grade: 3rd Trial

-Description: One who seeks to graduate from Sargis, the third city of the mainland, must pass the trial of God.

Proving yourself and being recognized as an apostle is important, but all heroes have achievements worthy of the name.

The number of achievements you have made as an apostle is measured numerically, and the rank of the reward is determined accordingly.

-Clear Condition: Reach level 49, Proof as an Apostle

-Reward upon Completion: Differentially paid by rank. (D~S rank)

-Time Limit: None.

[Checking how many achievements you have made as an apostle.]

[Measuring rank.]

‘Nice!’

With this, I reached the graduation level and got the reward I wanted.

[Unbelievable achievement.]

[Measurement time is slightly delayed.]

It was a bit of a flaw that the measurement took time again this time, but rather, the wait felt sweet.

‘I wonder what they’ll give me this time.’

It was after confirming that the rewards obtained with unbelievable achievements were strengthened compared to the existing ones.

I wonder what the S-rank reward of Sargis will be.

Even the wait feels like honey.

While Do-hyun was grinning and his eyes were shining.

“I sincerely thank you. For raising me up when I was giving up, and for saving the city. I will never forget your grace for the rest of my life.”

Jay Rudel, who had approached, bowed deeply.

Talkative Jin Rudel, solemn butler.

And Jihad, Eliza, and Charlie were all looking at him.

Do-hyun, composing his expression, gave a somewhat formal answer.

“I just did what I had to do.”

An answer anyone could give.

It was such a nonchalant attitude that there wasn’t even any emotion, but it seemed that Jay Rudel didn’t accept it that way.

His eyes, looking at him with sparkling eyes, were full of respect.

“No. No one can do it like you, Hero. Who would risk danger and deal with those outlaws, the object of fear! This is not something you can do just because you want to.”

“…….”

“And yet, you are considerate enough not to burden us as if it were nothing… Ah… You are really like a hero in a fairy tale. I think I know why women have fantasies about princes on white horses.”

Rather, he was even moved by the fact that he showed such kindness and was still indifferent as if it were nothing.

-Yeah, that’s right, that’s why all the women were crazy about me. Seeing it like this, I understand it again. Even I, as a man, think I’m going to fall in love with you, Hero.

“…I’ve never heard of that, Uncle.”

-Huh? Look at this guy? Me? When I was young…

Jin Rudel, who still has a lot to say, also has different eyes, even though his expression is clumsy.

‘……Hmm.’

I had to catch it anyway to get the fragment of fate.

I helped him to get more rewards, but I felt embarrassed when he came out like that.

Then Charlie smiled contentedly and said softly.

-Lord. This lowly sword knows. Even if you say that, you really wanted to help. Smiles don’t lie.

…That’s not it.

My eyes went back to the quest reward.

Seeing the respect in Charlie’s eyes, which had deepened even more due to the misunderstanding, I wondered if it was just my imagination that I felt like a bad guy for turning my eyes to the reward for a moment.

‘Well, it’s not bad.’

Still, it wasn’t a bad feeling like Charlie said.

[Jay Rudel’s favorability has greatly increased.]

[The effect of the title ‘Favorability Max from the Start?’ is activated. Favorability increases even more.]

[Jay Rudel’s favorability is at its maximum.]

Is this why people do favorability work [increasing relationship stats with NPCs]?

Looking at these messages and reactions, I knew they were NPCs [Non-Player Characters], but it was true that I felt proud.

Jay Rudel’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Do-hyun, who was slyly raising the corners of his mouth.

“If there’s anything you want, please tell me anything. Anything is fine as long as it’s within my authority.”

This time, Do-hyun’s eyes lit up as he asked as if he was going to give up the lord’s seat if necessary.

This was the moment.

Do-hyun, who had been hesitating about how to say this, did not miss the opportunity and answered.

“Is anything really okay?”

“Yes.”

“Exactly how far is it allowed?”

“At least anything within this castle is fine.”

Then…….

Do-hyun turned his head and asked carefully.

“Is that also possible?”

“You’re talking about the Moon Pendant. It’s a great item because it was made by a very talented blacksmith, but… Is that all you want?”

“No, after that.”

“…After that?”

Jay Rudel, who was staring at where Do-hyun was looking, blinked.

No matter how much I looked, all I could see was the pendant, the old box, and the Moon Bell that looked like a terrace…

“…?”

Jay Rudel, with a look of disbelief, quickly turned his eyes.

Do-hyun, who made eye contact, was nodding as if that was right.

“Give me the Moon Bell.”

“…Yes?”

Jay Rudel doubted his ears.