[{"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-474":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},1327694,1764,"Chapter 474: Of Men and Women (1)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-474",474,"\u003Cp>After a moment of awkward silence, the Ancient Dragon burst into hearty laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha! I've been waiting! I was so surprised to hear that you were alive! Do you have any idea how shocked I was?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a greeting I had heard countless times since returning to the city. I was getting tired of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sorry, I should have visited sooner, but I've been busy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems like you've been through a lot. I know some of what happened, so don't worry too much about it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, he knew?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wondered how much he knew...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyway, I'm glad you're safe. My daughter was devastated when she heard you were dead. Ah, should I call her? She'll want to see you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After we're done talking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn't Raviyen tell you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My eldest daughter only said you wanted to meet with me. She said I should summon her after you tore the paper.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't seem to be lying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My trust in Raviyen increased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So she hadn't told him anything?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you didn't come here just to see me... then what is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Before I tell you, I need your promise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A promise?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That you won't tell anyone about what we discuss today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even the King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I added that last part, and the Ancient Dragon's expression hardened slightly. He seemed to understand the gravity of the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he still agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I swear on my soul, which is bound to the name 'Pirsealidormus'.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a necessary precaution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't understand the meaning of his long, complicated name, but Dragonkin valued their oaths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, now tell me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was faster to show him than to explain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took out a box from my subspace pocket and opened it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ancient Dragon's eyes narrowed as he saw the heart. It looked like a bumpy tropical fruit, with strange chain-like marks on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must have recognized it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A Dragonkin's heart. Is it from the one I'm thinking of?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. It's Regal Vagos's heart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...So it's true...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ancient Dragon's eyes trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must have suspected it, but hearing it confirmed was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he quickly regained his composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I'm a little confused, but let me say this first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ancient Dragon bowed his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bjorn, son of Yandel, on behalf of my tribe, and as a father... I thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gesture was sincere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if I hadn't been a Baron or the Barbarian Chieftain, his attitude wouldn't have been different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a good sign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It increased the chances of him agreeing to my request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...So what happened? I haven't heard anything about the Dragonslayer's death. Did you meet him during the expedition?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, I killed him in Ice Rock.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"During the expedition...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How much do you know about the expedition?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only what's been publicly announced. Raviyen told me not to say anything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I'll start from there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I explained what had happened during the expedition. The Ancient Dragon listened intently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when I was done...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You... killed the Rose Knights...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the key point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not the Noark pursuers, not the royal family's betrayal, not even the Dragonslayer's death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the fact that we had killed the Rose Knights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had defied the royal family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now I understand. Why you were so secretive. And why Raviyen couldn't tell me the truth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't blame her. I asked her to keep it a secret. That's why I came to see you directly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I understand. And I'm grateful. But...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I'm also afraid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a wise leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you want?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time for the main event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>___________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I could ask for one thing from the Ancient Dragon, what would it be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer would be different for everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, there were countless possibilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragonkin, with their long lifespans and small population, were a prosperous race. They could provide me with almost anything I wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The unconditional support and cooperation of the Dragonkin tribe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ancient Dragon flinched at my request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's impossible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I didn't ask for money or treasures.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I would have preferred that. What you're asking for... could lead to the destruction of our entire tribe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said his gratitude was genuine, that he would grant me any other request...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So I activated Barbarian Negotiation Mode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do it! You promised you would do anything!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You haven't changed at all, even after becoming a Baron.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do it! Or I won't give you the heart!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I started acting stubborn, and the Ancient Dragon, initially flustered, quickly adapted and changed his tactics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You promised! You said you would do anything!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I never promised you a reward! I gave you the Dragon's Blessing in advance, trusting you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had received the Dragon's Blessing in exchange for the Dragonslayer's sword. And I had promised to bring him the heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...So you're going back on your word? This is the only way to save your daughter!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's why I'm asking you for a different request! I can't grant you this one, so please ask for something else!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I finally gave up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wouldn't change his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'He wouldn't risk his entire tribe for a single request, no matter how grateful he was.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time for a more reasonable approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Laphir.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can't agree to my request because of the royal family, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I won't deny it. You might not understand yet, but the King is a terrifying figure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone kept saying the same thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wanted to meet the King and see for myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then I could argue with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ancient Dragon looked at me and said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...If I limit your request to situations where the King isn't involved... I can agree to that. How does that sound?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a significant concession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It meant he would support me with all his might in any conflict with the Marquis, the Duke, or any other tribe. As long as the King wasn't involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were some conditions regarding military conflict, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you have a legitimate reason, any attack against you will be considered an attack against me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to think about this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Negotiation was a delicate balancing act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'This is probably his final offer.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This negotiation was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had skipped the usual back-and-forth and offered me the best possible terms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't because he didn't know how to negotiate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a gesture of gratitude and goodwill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Let's stop here.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Securing the Dragonkin's support in any conflict that didn't involve the King was already a huge gain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The original reward was just the Dragon's Blessing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I can't go any further—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I cut him off and handed him the box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's enough. Take it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I added,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And thank you. For listening to my unreasonable request.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I didn't expect you to accept so easily.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I had my reasons. But I'll make sure it doesn't cause you any trouble.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry about me. My daughter is involved too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, Raviyen was his daughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's why the offer was so generous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyway, now that that's settled, tell me what you've been up to. Did you really work on secret missions for the Marquis, like they said?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We chatted for a while, catching up on each other's lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after a while...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that you'll be receiving our support, can you do me a favor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A favor...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can you testify on my behalf at the trial with Count Alminus?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Testify... at the trial...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're the Dragonkin Chieftain, aren't you? It would help my case if you testified on my behalf.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...My case?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha! Just kidding!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was teasing me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, I've been enjoying our conversation, but I have to go now. There's an Elder Council meeting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let me know if you're leaving now. I can use Dragon Speech to send you back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, I'll meet with Pen and Raviyen while I'm here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, that's good. She'll be happy to see you. It won't take long. You can have tea with my daughters while you wait.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ancient Dragon gave me directions to Pen and Raviyen's room, and I headed that way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step, step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The marble floor was cold and smooth beneath my feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned around before reaching the corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there something else?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have one more question.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ancient Dragon shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stopped and waited for his question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If... and this is a hypothetical situation...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I maintained a respectful distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you become stronger, and your influence grows...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And if you think you have a chance... of succeeding...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I omitted the subject, but he understood what I was asking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Will you help me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer came after a long pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...If that happens, I'll consider it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned around and continued walking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step, step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was enough for today.\u003C\u002Fp>",1461,"2026-06-05T19:32:49.064Z",1,"novelbin.me","32fe3c669ded2e807585eca08280121fbe4fd90c7ac8ffb337892ef4957e1ced","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-475","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-473",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]