[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian":3,"chapter-surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-443":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Surviving the Game as a Barbarian",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1327513,1764,"Chapter 443: Giant Step (5)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-443",443,"\u003Cp>The next morning, I woke up with a hangover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I reached for the water bottle on the nightstand without even opening my eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then I took a big gulp…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It tasted strangely sweet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if someone had added honey to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Ugh, at least it’s refreshing.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I snuggled deeper into the blanket and then reluctantly got out of bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first thing I saw was a letter folded neatly on the nightstand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I’m heading to the sanctuary, so I’ll be out for a while. Don’t worry too much, it seems like the resignation issue will be resolved smoothly. Ah, and… please tell me if you’re having a hard time! Okay?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[P.S.2. Ah, and it’s today, right? Be careful!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Your first companion, Erwen.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Erwen went to the sanctuary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We could have talked if she had come back earlier yesterday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it, why did I drink so much?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sat there for a while, trying to sober up, and then I tried to remember what had happened after I left the bar with Bear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I remembered coming home and being greeted by Erwen and Amelia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And I think they helped me up to the 2nd floor…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe it was because I was exhausted and drunk?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I vaguely remembered having a conversation with them, but I couldn’t remember the details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, I must not have done anything stupid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I would have remembered if I had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re awake.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, just now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get up and wash up. We’re going to the Imperial City today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m leaving now, so take care of things here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Okay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I heard Amelia going downstairs, and I went to the bathroom to wash up and get ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to dress formally for today’s quest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Tsk, I knew it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I finished showering and was putting on my suit when Amelia appeared out of nowhere and helped me get dressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was a bit surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you so good at this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Who do you think bought you this suit?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah… right, you bought it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like she had learned how to dress me properly while shopping for the suit. Amelia was surprisingly meticulous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re all set. Now hurry up and go. The carriage is here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll be going then. See you later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Take care.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I left the house and boarded the carriage that was waiting for me. It took me to the military transfer station, and then I was teleported to the Imperial City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is so convenient… except for the slight motion sickness.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, another carriage was waiting for me at the station, and I boarded it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It soon arrived at my destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This place isn’t even exciting anymore.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace of Glory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small ceremony would be held here today, and my quest was related to that ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Greetings, Viscount Yandel. I am Mia Arvelto, the Head Butler. Welcome to the palace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I followed the guide inside, and we entered a grand hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same hall where I had made my return speech.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s empty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The ceremony hasn’t started yet. The nobles will be arriving soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, it wouldn’t take long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they all came, it would only fill the front rows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…This way, please.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was escorted to a room and briefed on the ceremony procedures by the Head Butler.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after a while…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knock, knock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone knocked on the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an old man I had never met before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the guide recognized him and looked surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Greetings, Duke. What brings you here…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just wanted to have a word with the guest of honor. If you’re not busy, can you excuse us for a moment?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I’ll be waiting outside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guide bowed respectfully and left the room, and then the old man and I were finally alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Duke Keallunus.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it was him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m Bjorn, son of Yandel.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I introduced myself formally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s wrong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I frowned, and he chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re Bjorn Yandel, not Bjorn, son of Yandel. You’re a member of our family now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know your casual tone was officially approved by the previous King, but you should start acting like a proper noble now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Remember, you’re not just someone’s son. You’re not just a barbarian. You’re Viscount Bjorn Yandel of Lafdonia.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, should I call you Baron now? And your posture is terrible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He patted my shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I felt a bit offended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that I’m shorter, even old men are patting my shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you for the advice. But you didn’t come here just to greet me, did you…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I got straight to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he seemed surprised by my bluntness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What? Haha, hahahaha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahem… Don’t misunderstand. I wasn’t trying to insult you. I was just surprised.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nobles love their formalities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He probably wasn’t used to people getting straight to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway… to answer your question, you’re right. I didn’t come here just to greet you. I have a few questions for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ugh, he’s doing it again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could have just said, “I have a question.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Are you hard of hearing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked cautiously, and he seemed to snap out of his daze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My apologies. I was lost in thought. Or rather… I honestly didn’t realize you were done talking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, I see. So what’s your question?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He finally got to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like he had finally learned how to communicate with me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll be brief. You’re not the type to be interested in a noble’s life. Then why did you choose to be promoted?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t brief at all, but it was the question I had been waiting for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…The royal family offered Bjorn Yandel a promotion in exchange for completing the mission.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stag Antlers had revealed that information at the Round Table, but the ‘promotion’ wasn’t the only reward the royal family had offered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A large sum of money, enough to build a mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two 3rd-grade essences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And a Double Numbered Item.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had been given four options, and I had chosen the ‘promotion’ after careful consideration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could obtain the other three with my own power…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the promotion was much more useful for my survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I want to hear your true intentions. Why did you choose to be promoted?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a strange old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s asking about my ‘true intentions’ after just meeting me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chuckled and answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because more wives are always better!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I deliberately raised my voice, but he just frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wives…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is he really hard of hearing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, wives! A Baron can have three wives!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes narrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is he serious?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s what his eyes were saying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he couldn’t refute me because he wasn’t sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Burp—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I burped in his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>______________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, sorry. I ate too much this morning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I quickly apologized, but he didn’t seem to care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He just mumbled, as if he understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right… you do have a lot of women around you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be precise, female companions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were countless rumors and scandals circulating in the city, probably because we were living together…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, is your curiosity satisfied?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Halfway there. I have one more question.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ask away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did he enjoy my barbarian communication style?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked bluntly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you on the Marquis’s side?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a short question, but an important one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So I had to confirm something first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re talking about the Prime Minister, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. You spent a lot of time with him while you were missing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That’s true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a loaded question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The official story was that Bjorn Yandel, who was presumed dead, had been working on various secret missions for the Marquis for the past two years and six months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why they had announced that he was an evil spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I didn’t know the Duke was also in the dark…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I felt a strange sense of unease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve read all the documents about your missions. You’ve done a lot. And the information is accurate. At first, I thought there might be some kind of deal, but it seems like the missions themselves were real…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They even fabricated the documents?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With such meticulous detail?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He told me it would take two months to prepare the documents…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is that even possible?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had a new question, but I focused on the conversation with the Duke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to answer this question first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not his subordinate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Then what’s your relationship with him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re friends. We help each other out when we’re in trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Duke’s expression softened, as if he had been hoping for that answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Friends… That’s an interesting word. You’re smarter than I thought. And you have good instincts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So… does that mean we can be friends too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He extended his hand, not even waiting for my answer. I wiped my sweaty palms on my thighs and shook his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. The more friends, the better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, real friends don’t shake hands, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>______________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke Keallunus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was practically the third most powerful person in the kingdom, after the King and the Marquis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t hold a position of authority like the Marquis, but his family’s influence was immense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They sponsored dozens of clans, including several large ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And one of his sons was a Mage Tower Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Friends with the Duke…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an unexpected situation, but not a bad one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We weren’t really friends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had only offered me his friendship to prevent me from siding with the Marquis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I would maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least until I didn’t need it anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s almost time. I’ll be going now. See you later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Okay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Duke chatted with me until the ceremony began and then left. Most of it was just small talk, but there was one interesting topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said that the expedition force had probably survived because of a conflict between the Rose Knights and Noark’s forces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I wonder if he was testing me…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t tell what his true intentions were, but one thing was certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The royal family’s Intelligence Department was interpreting the situation as I had hoped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What about the Marquis…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hadn’t seen him since the victory parade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This would be our first meeting since then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Viscount Yandel.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, it’s showtime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stood in front of the door, waiting for my cue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then the doors opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step, step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace of Glory, which had been empty two hours ago, was now filled with people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, the first two rows, at least.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step, step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was different from the victory parade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall wasn’t filled to capacity, there was no majestic music, and no soldiers marching behind me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a much smaller event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step, step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be wrong to call it ‘small’.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone here was a noble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been a while since we last gathered like this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was surprised to receive the summons. To think Viscount Bjorn Yandel would be promoted…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, this is actually my first time receiving a summons for a promotion ceremony.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, you haven’t been a noble for long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been a while… but yes, promotion ceremonies are rare.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nobles whispered as I walked past them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some seemed to be enjoying the rare event, but others weren’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…A mere barbarian.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some looked down on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s just lucky.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were envious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can’t wait for this to be over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were indifferent, attending out of obligation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step, step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I reached the empty throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquis was standing there, as expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it, I was hoping to see the King’s face this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been a while.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He greeted me softly, and then he raised his voice and gave a lengthy speech before handing me an empty box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Place your family crest in this box.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a ritual performed only when a Viscount was promoted to a Baron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viscount and Baron were two completely different ranks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a historic moment, a new family being added to the thousand noble families that supported the kingdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I carefully placed the cloth I had prepared into the box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then a majestic voice echoed through the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The eternal oath is now sealed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquis personally sealed the box and handed it to a member of the Royal Guard, who then left the Palace of Glory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The box would be stored in the Palace of Immortality, under heavy guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until the kingdom was destroyed by fire…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or until I committed treason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Baron Bjorn Yandel, rise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let us celebrate the rise of a new pillar of the royal family!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I received a round of applause, devoid of cheers or whistles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That concludes the promotion ceremony!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The banquet began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Okay, so I’ve taken a big step forward.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time for the next step.\u003C\u002Fp>",2146,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","e0d044fb7d39e7d171255c32b52201e8f824a661c558df7096685850472e373f","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-444","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-442",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]