[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Lucky]

Chapter 171:

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- A talent?

“A talent you’ll be satisfied with.”

- Who are you talking about?

At Kane’s words, Isaac raised an intrigued eyebrow.

Isaac trusted him immensely.

If Kane recommended someone, even if they were slightly underqualified, Isaac would give them an important role.

But the name that came up was far more significant than expected.

“The Barbarian lord wishes to join the Empire.”

- The Barbarian lord!?

Isaac nearly fell back in shock.

- Are you referring to one of the Twelve Star Lords?

“Yes. Their lands are barren and devoid of resources, forcing them to survive by plundering. But now, they seek a peaceful life, not one obtained through fighting.”

- So, they want to become a vassal state of Fresia?

“Not exactly a vassal state—a noble family.”

- What!?

Isaac was shocked once again.

The barbarians of The Barbarian lord were few in number, but each was a warrior capable of facing a hundred men.

Their survival on the borderlands of Fresia and Hatzfeld, despite harsh conditions, was a testament to their strength.

How could he not be astounded that they wished to join Fresia?

“How about granting them the land of Tegelo, which currently lacks a lord?”

- If they pledge loyalty to Fresia, Tegelo is nothing! We can give them even more!

“At the very least, you’d need to bestow a marquessate upon them.”

- That’s no issue. We have the funds, so we’ll also provide significant support for their settlement in Tegelo.”

Isaac was elated.

Having three of the Twelve Star Lords within Fresia alone was monumental.

The current Emperor, the Guardian-Lord, and now The Barbarian lord.

Fresia could no longer be considered a declining empire.

If The Barbarian lord joined, they would reclaim their former glory as a mighty empire in no time.

Isaac felt immense gratitude toward Kane.

- You truly are...

“Since You’ve approved, I’ll end the call here.”

- W-Wait, let me at least say thank—

Click.

The magical communication crystal went silent.

Had the call continued, it would’ve dragged on far longer.

Ending it at the right moment was the wisest choice.

Otherwise, Isaac might have kept him up all night.

Kane rose from his chair.

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

“Do as you please.”

Charlotte responded curtly.

She was never fond of Kane dropping by for matters like this.

Would it hurt him to visit for a different reason?

But she knew better than to expect anything.

Kane harbored no particular feelings toward Charlotte, so once his business was concluded, he left immediately.

“Well, then.”

As Kane exited the dormitory room, Charlotte tried to stop him, but he was already gone.

Charlotte slumped back into her seat.

“So frustrating!”

At that moment, the magical communication crystal activated again.

- My sister, you seem to have taken quite a liking to that fellow, haven’t you?

It was Isaac.

“I want to return to the royal palace.”

- You can’t return until you graduate from the military academy. And don’t even think about coming back until you’ve won Kane’s heart.”

“I’m not interested in that guy!”

- My dear sister, give it your best shot. While other nobles have proposed to you without much effort on your part, Kane is different. If you don’t try, you’ll never win his heart.”

“Who said I’d marry him?”

- I’d like Kane to become my brother-in-law.”

“Stop provoking me and hang up!”

- If Kane isn’t an option, aim for his family. There’s the Guardian Lord and his siblings, right? You’re close to them, aren’t you?

“I don’t care, just hang up already!”

- Haha, pretending to dislike it when you’re actually enjoying this.

At Isaac’s teasing, Charlotte slammed the magical communication crystal down.

Click.

The connection with Isaac was cut off.

She crossed her arms and muttered to herself,

“Let’s see who wins.”

A surge of determination welled up within Charlotte.

If Kane wasn’t interested in her, she resolved to make him pay attention.

“Hmph, once I set my mind on something, I’ve never failed to get it.”

With her resolve firm, she dashed off in the direction Kane had gone.

* * *

Rehinar Military Academy, Training Grounds

The entire student body was listening intently to Kane’s words.

“Train as if it’s real combat. Treat every test as if your life depends on it. If you do, you’ll all become outstanding commanders.”

Kane’s speech was brief.

Give it your all, no matter what.

Knowledge is power.

And that power directly translates to authority.

The more you learn here, the higher your chances of climbing to the top.

“That’s all. If anyone here doesn’t understand that, they’d be better off leaving this academy. Don’t waste your time here.”

Though his words were blunt, they were more than enough to ignite the students’ determination.

Rehinar Military Academy had risen to a prestigious status far beyond the old Imperial Military Academy.

Leaving this institution voluntarily would be madness.

Knowing this, the students resolved to stay, even if it meant enduring grueling hardships.

Kane stepped down from the podium.

“This should be enough. Their eyes are now filled with resolve; things will change significantly from here on out.”

The students’ expressions had transformed entirely, their gazes now sharp and determined.

Chief Instructor Joseph observed them with satisfaction.

“Thank you, Young Master Kane.”

"Continue to work hard for Rehinar."

"Are you planning to leave again?"

Joseph questioned Kane, sensing his words carried the tone of someone about to depart.

"I’m asking for your help, that’s all."

"Of course. I’m a part of Rehinar too, am I not?"

"Then continue to support Rehinar with that pride."

"I will do my best."

"And if you could give the students some free time, I’d like to have a family meal."

"I’ll inform the instructors."

As Kane turned to leave, he glanced back toward the students. Among them were Sara, Sasha, and Rose.

To the three, he sent a discreet voice transmission.

[Let’s have dinner together tonight. I’ve already informed Sir Joseph.]

The trio’s eyes lit up.

A family meal.

How long had it been since they’d last shared one?

Excitement bubbled within them at the prospect of reuniting for dinner.

Kane let out a small chuckle at their reaction.

"Only at the end do we finally get to share a meal."

The long-awaited final stage was upon him.

But the thought of parting with his family left a pang of regret in his heart.

It had been a brief time, but bonds had formed.

Of course, his heart being intertwined with Rehinar's made these emotions stronger.

Still, the attention and warmth he received here were things he had never experienced as Ray.

It was only natural that parting felt bittersweet.

As these thoughts lingered, he heard their lively voices in his mind.

[Are you cooking, big brother? Make something delicious!]

[I want steak!]

[I’ll eat whatever you cook, big brother.]

Kane shook his head with a faint smile as he exited the military academy.

***

That Evening

The dining hall of the Rehinar family estate was bustling with activity.

At the head of the table, Duke Carl laughed heartily.

"Haha! Thanks to our eldest son, the family is finally gathering for a meal again after so long."

"Living a long life certainly has its perks, my lord Duke."

Daniel Lindemanm chimed in with a smile.

Even his face, often buried in paperwork, now showed a rare expression of warmth.

It was a peaceful dinner.

No worries, no concerns—just a simple gathering to share updates and exchange lighthearted stories.

And Daniel wasn’t the only one present.

The entire family was there: the Guardian Knight Order, Camilla, Mikhail, and even Desdemona.

The lively chatter filled the room as everyone enjoyed the rare moment together.

"I wish every day could be as peaceful as this," Daniel mused, voicing what was in everyone’s hearts.

Duke Carl gestured to Sara, Sasha, and Rose with his eyes, encouraging them to keep eating.

Perhaps it was because it had been so long since their last meal together, but Sara's eyes filled with tears.

She tried her hardest not to disrupt the warm atmosphere.

Kane noticed and gently patted her shoulder.

"Are you going to cry like this every day from now on?"

"Leave me alone…"

"I'll keep an eye on you. Let’s see if you really cry every day."

Kane’s playful teasing made her tears vanish instantly.

The night deepened, but there were no signs of the meal ending.

* * *

The dinner stretched into the early hours of the morning.

Kane eventually stepped outside for a brief walk.

Ahead of him, Ray appeared.

"You seem really attached to this place, don’t you?"

"Unlike you, apparently."

"Not at all. I much prefer the outside world."

"You’re definitely different from me."

"Don’t you have any lingering feelings for the outside world?"

"I must, considering how hard I’m working to clear the game."

"So you’re torn between two worlds?"

"This is my favorite world."

"That checks out for a veteran like you. Oh, by the way, how long did you survive after killing me?"

At Ray’s question, Kane replied.

"About ten years or so?"

"Only ten years, and yet you’re so attached to this place?"

"That’s because my level of immersion is different from yours."

Ray nodded in understanding.

Unlike Kane, he had never truly immersed himself in this world.

From the moment he awakened as Ray, all he had wanted was to escape.

He hadn’t bothered to form deep relationships, with perhaps the only exception being his connections to the Barbarian Lord.

Even now, his thoughts revolved entirely around clearing the final scenario.

This time, it was Kane’s turn to ask a question.

"You must have a lot to do in the outside world."

"I have a lot, and I intend to keep it all."

"That’s the difference between us," Kane said with a faint smile. "I want to leave this world, but I have nothing waiting for me out there. Here, I’ve gained things I couldn’t have in the real world."

Hearing this, Ray nodded in understanding.

They stood on different ground, with different reasons to stay or leave. Neither could claim their perspective was the "right" one. Ray, despite his own desires, tried to empathize with Kane.

"It’s fate that we met here. How did you end up in this game anyway?"

"I cursed out the developers."

"You too?" Ray exclaimed in surprise.

"Yeah. I’m a veteran player, so I can understand why I’d be targeted. But what about you? Why’d you curse them out?"

Kane’s curiosity grew—how exactly had Ray gotten trapped here?

"The worldbuilding was so cult-like, it drove me nuts."

"And?"

"I told them to properly structure the story. Asked who the writer was and whether they were even sane. Next thing I knew, I woke up here."

Kane silently stared at Ray before finally speaking.

"I’d say you have every right to feel wronged."

"Right? When I meet this world’s god, I’m going to ask why the hell they dragged me here."

"Same. I want to know why I was brought here too."

For what reason? With what purpose?

Neither of them had found answers yet.

"We’ll probably figure it out once we reach the final chapter," Kane said, turning to head back to the dining hall.

Ray called out to him.

"Kane."

"What is it?"

"If you ever return to the real world, look for me. I might be able to help."

Kane raised an eyebrow but replied, "Thanks for the offer."

"I’m more remarkable in reality than you’d imagine," Ray said with a grin.

Kane paused. "We’ve only just met. Why would you go out of your way to help me?"

In this world, nothing came for free. Everything had a price. Kane wanted to understand Ray’s motives.

"They say camaraderie blooms on the battlefield. To me, this place is my battlefield, not reality."

"If that’s your reason... I’ll think about it."

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Lucky]