[{"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-444":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},1327514,1764,"Chapter 444: Party (1)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-444",444,"\u003Cp>The banquet held at the Palace of Glory proceeded in an extremely quiet atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the attendees were heads of their respective families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had to be more mindful of their decorum, and most of them were quite old.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The majority seem to be in their fifties…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That thought made me chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was the guest of honor, and yet I was stuck here feeling awkward and out of place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Munch, munch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chewed on the meat, trying to suppress my irritation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a familiar feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was a complete outsider in this new group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I felt like a monkey in a zoo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Count Perdehilt, Baron Serpia, Viscount Mulwark… and even Baron Martoine…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were a few familiar faces among the nobles who were glancing at me from afar, but no one approached me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They used to be so eager to befriend me at other banquets. Count Perdehilt had even suggested that I marry his daughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Well, I can understand their position…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a kingdom of animals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was ruled by reason, not instinct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Munch, munch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pretended to be oblivious, focusing on my food, but I was fully aware of the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a form of hazing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A silent message telling me not to get any ideas about being on the same level as them just because I had become a noble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the solution was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like the Duke had advised me, I could just approach them first. Then they would smile and treat me kindly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if I were their subordinate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Ugh, what a pain.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even choosing who to approach first was a delicate matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I went to the Duke, the nobles from the Marquis’s faction would ignore me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every action, every word I spoke here would be interpreted politically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Munch, munch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I just kept eating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were three reasons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, I was hungry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, the food was delicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And third…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘She’s finally here.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had no intention of joining the mainstream from the beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s no use waiting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smiled inwardly as I saw the woman approaching me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No one’s coming.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>White hair, white eyes, and white skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything about her was white, except for her colorful attire, which reminded me of a hanbok, and her rabbit ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Greetings, Baron Yandel. How’s the food?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Want some?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I offered her a piece of meat, and she stared at it for a moment before smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, thank you. I’m not hungry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geez, she’s picky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’re both demi-humans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I put down my plate and wiped my hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Should I offer to shake her hand?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t know, but I wasn’t going to actually do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was a barbarian with manners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least when it was beneficial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Baron Yandel.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled and introduced herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m Baroness Lirivia.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I already knew her name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was the only noble from the White Rabbit tribe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘She’s 43 years old and has three children.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“May I sit down?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. I was getting bored.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sat down across from me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the first time someone had joined me at the eight-seater table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was no applause, only scornful laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk, look at that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no need to stop them. They’re just associating with their own kind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their voices were loud enough for me to hear, so she must have heard them too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she didn’t react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She just smiled and spoke to me softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The first head of our family was also a hero, just like you, Baron Yandel. He saved the kingdom from the Iron Wall incident. Have you heard of it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I’m afraid I haven’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s okay. It was a long time ago. It’s just an old story now…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was tinged with sadness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Two thousand years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…..”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been two thousand years since the Lirivia family crest was enshrined in the Ark of the Covenant. A long time, indeed. Long enough for the King’s era, once thought to be eternal, to end, and for a new dawn to arrive.” ṚΆℕố𝐛Εṧ\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could sense what she was trying to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ll get used to it, Baron Yandel. Their gazes won’t change, no matter how much time passes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, really? That’s strange. I don’t see much difference between you and them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially their eloquence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You’re an interesting person, as rumored.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interesting?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We haven’t even gotten to the main topic yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, you didn’t come here just for small talk, did you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re perceptive, as expected. You’re right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then tell me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hesitated for a moment at my blunt question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why I said there wasn’t much difference between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was a noble, just like them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She valued decorum and looked down on those who didn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I’m not going to say I’m here to help you. We don’t want the Yandel family to be controlled by another faction.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because you’re the first demi-human noble family in 600 years?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She flinched at my question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she quickly regained her composure and met my gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…And you’re a barbarian. The first one in the history of Lafdonia.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her words told me that her perception of me had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She no longer saw me as just a barbarian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just like the Lirivia family has the full support of the beastmen, the Yandel family can bring the barbarians into the political arena.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that all?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, we would have supported you even if that wasn’t the case. Every demi-human family is precious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, I see…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thirty-one families, including the Lirivia family, are supporting you. We’re a minority, but we have enough influence to make our voices heard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She continued her explanation, but I just leaned back in my chair, my expression indifferent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She must have sensed my lack of interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re not asking you to join us for a noble cause.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, the desperate one always makes the first move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you join us, you’ll receive our full support.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can you be more specific?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For example, we can help you acquire land, build a mansion, and recruit the necessary personnel. We can shorten the decades it would normally take to establish a proper noble family to just a few years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wow, this is a lot of money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This alone would make up for the fact that I chose the ‘promotion’ as my reward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And that’s not all. We’re all in this together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you join us, our enemies will become your enemies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…..”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And your enemies will become our enemies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the reason I had waited for them instead of approaching the other nobles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were precious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, what do you say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She asked, and I nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s… not bad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mean—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But it’s not enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She shouldn’t be surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could tell there was more to offer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be a shame to settle for this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>______________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The White Rabbit Baroness’s eyes widened in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she quickly recovered and asked politely,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re a clever man, Baron Yandel. Can you tell me what you want?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her words showed me how much they wanted me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Melbeth, the alliance of demi-human noble families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, I needed them too…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But they don’t know that.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I’m going to sell something, I’m going to sell it at the highest price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s the K-Barbarian spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll continue exploring the labyrinth. I’ll need your support.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Can you give me an example?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I want you to sponsor my clan. Provide us with high-grade essences, rare Numbered Items, that sort of thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That’s difficult. We wouldn’t gain anything from that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean you wouldn’t gain anything? You know this country revolves around the labyrinth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We already have enough influence in the labyrinth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn, she’s not going to give in easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s time to bring out the barbarian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why not?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You said you would buy me land and build me a mansion! This is much cheaper!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Um… Baron Yandel? Your voice…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Give me a reason!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stood up abruptly, and all eyes turned towards us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She must have felt pressured by the attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Supporting your family and supporting your clan are two different things. The former will help you establish your political career, while the latter won’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She quickly explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she must have felt like it wasn’t enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But who knows… If you become indispensable to us… we’ll be willing to give you anything you want.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?! You’re saying I’m useless right now?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, that’s not what I meant…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha! I was just kidding, Baroness Lirivia.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sat back down, and she stared at me, dumbfounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geez, I can’t even joke around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re telling me to prove my worth. That I’m useful for something other than being the ‘first barbarian Baron’.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Y-yes… ah, yes, that’s right…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then there’s no problem. It’s easy for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked confused again, and then I heard the nobles whispering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I thought they were fighting, but now they’re laughing together?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Those half-breeds… they’re just like animals.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wonder what she said to calm him down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, who knows? I heard he has a thing for beastwomen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? You mean…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahem, it’s not impossible, is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their vulgar whispers made the Baroness blush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was impressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Baron Yandel.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was worried about me causing a scene, even in this situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just ignore them. You’ll hear a lot worse if you want to enter politics.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Because there’s no other way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her honest answer, filled with the frustration of the oppressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She really does look like a herbivore with that expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chuckled and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You said you were used to it. You don’t seem angry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How can I not be angry? I just endure it, hoping for the day when I won’t have to feel this way anymore.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hope…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If hope alone could change things, there would be no unhappy people in this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How much do you think it’s worth?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I can make those bastards shut up, even if I can’t fulfill your wish…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How much would it be worth to you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thankfully, she didn’t seem to understand the situation and answered my question honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, I would gladly pay a fortune.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an abstract and subjective answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, then the deal is done.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve been analyzing you. The reason you’ve been getting pushed around is because you’re always getting pushed around.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-what do you—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What do I mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You need a leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stood up, cutting her off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I attracted their attention with a war cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step, step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I marched forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, Baron Yandel!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I ignored the Baroness’s surprised shout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step, step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t take long to reach my destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The noble who had been badmouthing me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What’s going on? You’re being disruptive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t seem to understand the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even dared to look me in the eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Baron Kipriot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hadn’t been formally introduced, but I knew his name. I had memorized the crests of all the noble families after deciding to join the political arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s a Baron, his backer isn’t that strong, and he’s the perfect target for an example.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You insulted me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Insulted? You mean what I said earlier…? Hah! That’s ridiculous. I doubt you even have the honor to be insulted, and even if you did, what are you going to do about it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was trying to act tough, but his rambling betrayed his nervousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you can’t control your emotions, submit a formal complaint to the council. Ah, I doubt you can even write, though!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His friends chuckled as he finished his sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’re like third-rate thugs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They don’t even know what’s truly vulgar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, if you have nothing else to say, I’ll—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I cut him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I challenge you to a duel.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A duel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only way to resolve disputes in Lafdonia’s ancient noble society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there had been less than ten duels between titled nobles in the entire history of the kingdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you scared? You can choose a representative. Ah, but I’m fighting myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Are you serious?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why? Do you want me to be joking?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could understand how he felt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This situation was humiliating and terrifying. He must be wondering why he was being targeted, when he had just been doing what everyone else was doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s time for him to learn.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A barbarian noble had been born.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time to shake things up in the complacent noble society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a step closer and looked down at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Knight, explorer, mage… it doesn’t matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was against the rules to hire mercenaries as duel representatives, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It doesn’t have to be someone from your family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bring anyone you want.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The strongest one you can find.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why? Are you scared?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m confident I can kill anyone he brings.\u003C\u002Fp>",2165,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","58afb4056590bcad8961e1be2f091652297ef430d763f9aee83e3e10524fed44","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-445","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-443",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]