[{"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-646":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},1328023,1764,"Chapter 646: Coming Out (4)","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-646",646,"\u003Cp>\"Eyes like polished agate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Skin smooth and white as silk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lips sewn tightly as if with red silk thread.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".......\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".......\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t even a high-quality lifelike doll painstakingly crafted by a master artisan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only thing that marked the doll’s gender as ‘female’ was the ribbon tied to its right temple — just a cheap stuffed doll that children from ordinary families might have played with when they were young.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So... does Baron Yandel feel love toward the doll?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the moment Ragna cautiously asked, a wave of shame flooded me, blood rushing to my head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt as if my hair was falling out in real time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...I want to die.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in the Goblin Forest, even at Ice Rock, no matter what hardships I faced, I had never thought like this before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Y-Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I forced myself to nod in agreement, and another noble muttered in admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder! Despite having so many women around him, there wasn’t much talk about it...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed to sincerely believe that the real reason I wasn’t married yet was because of that doll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well... fortunately(?) such people were in the minority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Be quiet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A noble next to the one who said that, who spoke so naïvely, sharply scolded him to watch his manners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} was why I hadn’t brought a sophisticated doll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I had brought one actually made stitch by stitch by a real artisan, more nobles like that would have appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, of course, the most important was the reaction of the marquis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“.......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Holding the small doll tightly in one hand, I cast my gaze toward the marquis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, like the other nobles, he seemed dazed, but soon he regained his composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To say you love a doll...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The marquis muttered meaningfully, glancing between the doll and me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it’s like you... then it’s fitting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t mean that loving a doll was ‘like me’ in essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He probably meant that coming up with this kind of solution was typical of me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...How will he respond now?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether the marquis believed me or not was irrelevant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, I hadn’t said it expecting him to believe me in the first place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like when Duke Kearlunus and Marquis Terserion exchanged words as if reading from a script.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every statement was followed by political calculation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And my earlier remark was no different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had subtly expressed my determination not to marry anyone in this way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question was whether that effort had worked on the marquis...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waiting silently for his reply, the marquis finally answered, seeming to have finished organizing his thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your confession that you love a doll was quite shocking and embarrassing to me. But I believe there are many ways people express love.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...So?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will respect your choice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first glance, these words sounded very positive, but, unsurprisingly, they were followed by pointed remarks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is a gathering of ministers who illuminate the future of the kingdom. I trust you know the responsibility that follows your words.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simply put, if I don’t keep what I just said, I will be held accountable somehow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, since you showed such sincerity, it is only proper as an adult to support your decision.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the marquis seemed to think it unwise to corner me too much and offered a compromise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But as the kingdom’s chancellor, I ask you to have children when the time comes. Both to continue your family line and because it would be a great loss for this country if someone like you leaves without offspring.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the time comes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It seems there are some fine female warriors, too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would tolerate marriage within our people and having children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I replied to the marquis’s proposal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...I will consider it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though I said that, it basically meant I understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, it would be ridiculous to suddenly say yes here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now then, let’s conclude this discussion here... Everyone has waited long enough. We shall proceed with the ninth agenda.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, it seemed I had gotten through this well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, I had never planned to make such a declaration of lifelong bachelorhood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the choice not to marry anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that choice was not born out of fear of conflict with the marquis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe it was a convenient excuse?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment I finished talking with Uncle Yong, I made up my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What marriage?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It might have been a betrayal of my standing in this city and those who follow me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But so what?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some might say I still have a long way to shed my modern ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to me, marriage was something sacred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could not make a vow to spend life together without even truly knowing my own heart, let alone having children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Especially when I don’t even know when I might die.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, but it wasn’t just emotional reasons behind this decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was focusing on survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps marriage might help along the way, but after much calculation, I concluded:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The drawbacks equal the benefits.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marrying someone politically advantageous may seem good at first glance, but inevitably creates enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I receive help, it means I must also help others in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, with this, I conclude this meeting. Thank you all sincerely for coming.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lost in thought, the ninth agenda finished quickly, and the royal council ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why is the exit order reversed this time?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead of everyone leaving at once, one by one left the hall in order from those closest to the head seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With two-minute intervals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...They really discriminate over the strangest things.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oddly, after experiencing this discrimination, I felt a strange desire to improve my rank in the royal council.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, maybe it’s a well-made tradition?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If even I have the desire to climb the ranks, imagine how much the power-hungry monsters want it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, everyone had left and the hall was empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling an inexplicable loneliness, I stood and exited the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now I was about to go home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Wait a moment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone called me from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ragna...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, better to keep distance since others might see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haven’t left yet, Lady Peprok.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no one nearby, so you can call me by name as usual.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, better to be cautious about these things, Lady.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“.......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeah, I still call Amelia ‘Emily’ just in case I slip up somewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But so... did you wait for me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, I have something to say.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Something to say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That doll earlier.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ragna mentioned the doll with an unpleasant look but continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, don’t worry, I don’t really believe what I said earlier. At first I almost misunderstood, but... I heard from Father... no, Marquis Terserion. I realize I still have much to learn about politics.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, what do you want to say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Um...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ragna hesitated a long moment, then closed her eyes tightly like when I came out, and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Baron, do you dislike me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m asking if you dislike me so much that you’d reject me despite such a humiliating experience.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uh...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That question caught me a bit off guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to be honest, I answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think you’ve misunderstood. I don’t dislike you at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, if you ask if we are a suitable match for marriage, I can firmly say no.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The main reason I rejected the marquis’s proposal was political.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Political... you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. If we marry, do you think the other nobles will stand idly by?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The marquis faction was already rising alone in Rapdonia’s politics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I join in now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The noble coalition centered on Duke Kearlunus and House Kaislan, plus the neutral-aligned Count Alminous’s faction, wouldn’t just watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would try to protect themselves by forming alliances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We can stop that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That might be true. But I don’t want to get involved in such political headaches in the first place.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see......”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. I understand. You’re saying you had to refuse because of your current status.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uh... that could be interpreted that way?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nuance felt a bit off, but on closer inspection, it wasn’t exactly wrong...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, I’ll be going now. Bjorn Yandel, you must be tired, so please rest soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, it was nice to meet you. See you later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After brief farewells, we parted ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, as I left the palace and headed toward the carriage stand—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly sensing a presence, I glanced toward an alley and saw someone standing silently in the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About 170 cm tall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slender build.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wearing gloves and a thick robe that covered every inch of skin from head to toe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, I thought maybe an assassin was sent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But thinking it through, that made no sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just anywhere, but in Hwangdo Karnon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sane person would send a single assassin to try to deal with me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What is this at this hour?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The figure looked suspicious, but I thought it unrelated and tried to continue walking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mysterious figure stepped forward toward the streetlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at the same time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They threw back the robe covering their face, forcing me to stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A plain black mask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But its shape, curves, and the aura perfectly matched something in my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...Black Mask.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I, Bjorn Yandel, not a community investigator or Lee Hansoo, narrowed my eyes trying to keep a poker face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you want? Assassin?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the briefest moment, that was the most natural reaction I could think of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the masked figure shook their head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, of course not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strangely familiar female voice accompanied the words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mask was removed, revealing the face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black hair and black eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Features and skin close to Asian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Harine Suebui.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, more precisely, the evil spirit that had taken over Harine Suebui’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Korean Kang Hyunbyul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled silently at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chill ran down my spine, but I hid it and asked calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you here? Did Ragna send you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then why...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I told you before. I’m going to do as I please now. So let’s meet outside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, I knew Hyunbyul sent me a note like that before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But out of habit—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What does that mean—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—was about to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, I didn’t expect you to wait this long back then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyunbyul interrupted, shrugging off the thick robe that covered her whole body with a frustrated motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, I’m glad you came.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stepped closer with her long legs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No wonder she seemed taller than before.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bjorn Yandel.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, Hansoo oppa.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How does she even know that?\u003C\u002Fp>",1762,"2026-06-05T19:33:18.084Z",1,"novelbin.me","d694fd9e508659fdd0b08cf9e96f33d59e0856969a573ea4442f29e8e4f7ef1d","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-647","surviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-chapter-645",807,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsurviving-the-game-as-a-barbarian-cover.jpg"]