Chapter 83

Well, what did you say?

Yerina, taken aback, stuttered in a way that was unlike her.

Ian felt the same.

What on earth did I just blurt out?

It was important to be quick-witted to avoid the imminent danger at hand but to confess to Yerina?

Even after saying it out loud, he couldnt help but feel embarrassed.

But.

It doesnt seem like something I can just brush off.

In this situation, saying something like, Aha-ha! Just kidding! would probably result in being torn apart at the molecular level, not just into dust.

Of course, whether its dust or molecules, whats the big difference?

Either way, its death.

He didnt want to die.

Therefore, once spoken, the words he uttered were set in stone. He had to believe that what he said was true and stick to it.

Yes, I like Yerina. Ive been secretly admiring her.

Though somewhat stumbling, it actually added sincerity to his confession.

Yerina was even more bewildered.

How long had it been since she received such a sincere confession in the backyard? Wait. Had she ever received one?

It was like something from a completely different world for her, who dealt with frontline matters every day.

Then, Yerina suddenly realized.

Youve only seen me for a moment, how did you develop feelings in that short time? It doesnt make any sense.

In a brief moment, Ians mind raced.

Then he came up with a plausible answer.

Ive always been interested in those who protect the borders. Among them, after first encountering you in a certain magazine, my admiration grew

After first encountering me?

Seeing you today, striding in, I once again realized your strength and promptly rushed out.

Hmm.

Yerina sighed heavily.

Whether it was awkwardness or embarrassment, Yerina was clearly flustered.

Seeing her like that, Ian suddenly realized.

This feels like Pongpongs instinct kicking in.

It was a reckless confession attack that could even work on Named individuals. Pongpongs confession skill level seemed higher than expected.

As they maintained silence, Ian entertained some trivial thoughts.

Yerina finally managed to speak, her lips trembling.

B-But arent you the princesss plaything?

Im a man, not a plaything, and even that is not the kind of relationship we have.

Hmm.

Pongpongs instinct was telling him something.

This person was pushing him away, so he should stick even closer.

Pongpongs authority in confession attacks was absolute.

Ian went with the flow.

My feelings are firm.

Flinch.

Yerina, who had never trembled in front of any enemy, lightly trembled with her shoulders.

Her red eyes narrowed like a cat stalking its prey.

Then tell me what you like about me.

Can I be honest?

Only the truth.

Its your appearance.

My appearance?

I like strong women. To be more honest, its the thickness and whiteness of your thighs

Stop.

?

Thats enough.

Yerina sighed and turned away.

Did I push too hard?

It seemed like he had pushed too far.

Ian noticed Yerinas ears starting to turn red as she tensed up.

After a moment of collecting herself, she muttered quietly in that posture.

Moreover, with Pongpongs experience ingrained in his body, he could naturally make the opponent feel burdened.

Using it on Named in the future wouldnt be a bad idea.

They arrived at the unarmed combat area.

Ian glanced around.

In this world, women were everywhere.

This also meant that there were always half of the targets to which confession attacks could be applied.

Hehe

A smile formed on its own.

Walking beside him, Danya asked with a worried expression.

Ian.

Yeah?

You havent reverted back to your old self, have you?

Old self?

Never mind. Anyway, hang in there. Stay strong.

Pat, pat.

Danya lifted her tiptoes and patted him on the shoulder before heading towards the outskirts of the unarmed combat area.

Nobles began to take their seats in the prepared chairs.

Murmur.

Many nobles gathered.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as many nobles gathered for the upcoming tournament.

The Grand Tournament was a gathering where promising nobles from the northern region, along with invited nobles from various parts of the continent, came together to engage in unarmed combat.

While many participated directly in the duels, there were also quite a few spectators who came to watch.

There are many faces from the banquet yesterday.

Considering the chaos caused by Yerina at the banquet, they were indeed bold nobles.

After all, they are nobles from the North.

They werent the type to be scared off by a death threat.

Instead

Hey, I really enjoyed watching you and Sharon dance yesterday. How do you dance so passionately?

Thank you.

So, can you hug me like that once too?

Of course.

Kyaaa!

Some of the ladies who seemed to be enjoying themselves asked for an ending pose together.

It was a bit overwhelming, but it was also an opportunity to solidify the image of being the princesss man.

Oh my, look at these biceps. Youve been hiding this well. Can I touch them?

Sure.

Hmm. But why did he feel some sharp gazes from afar?

Of course, there were those who glared at Danya in a different way.

Especially the men dressed in plate armor.

The envious glances from those who seemed to be knights were quite intense.

The princesss man? Tsk tsk. What do these girls see in parasites like him?

If he shows up at the tournament, Ill make sure to crush him if we meet.

Haha, whats up Lord Jade, look at those skinny legs, could you break them with one low kick?

Ian was somewhat puzzled.

Seeing them dressed in plate armor for a banquet extension like this only added to his confusion.

At best, they probably wouldnt even make decent knights.

Considering that theyre usually around 3-Star beginners or intermediate level to be honest, it seems rather pathetic.

Of course, Ian ignored them.

There was no reason for him to engage in such fights.

He just smiled nonchalantly.

He played the role of the princesss man for a while.

Someone muttered nearby.

I-it looks like its about to begin. Look, theres Herman coming.

Herman Pierce, looking somewhat flustered, stood on the platform. He must have had quite a headache dealing with yesterdays events.

However, his demeanor was as dignified as ever.

After glancing around, he nodded solemnly.

Then, in a deep voice that reflected his status, he shouted loudly.

Let the Martial Exchange begin!

The atmosphere around became fervent.