As her eyes met the barbarian’s, Rira tilted her head slightly, casting him a sidelong glance. Her narrowed eyes and faintly upturned lips formed a gentle, almost bashful smile.

That expression is said to be highly appealing and endearing to men.

Her etiquette tutor had drilled this motion into her countless times when she was ten years old, forcing her to practice until it became second nature.

Why do I have to use this on a mere barbarian? she thought, suppressing the surge of distaste threatening to surface.

‘Hmph.’

Her family always claimed that Rira lacked emotional restraint, but she could control herself perfectly well when she wanted to. She simply hadn’t needed to before.

Throwing tantrums and crying had always been the easiest way to get what she wanted. Why would she bother changing that?

‘I’m not a fool, no matter what my brother thinks.’

If her father ever made it clear that he wouldn’t tolerate her antics, Rira knew she could act as demurely as expected. It had been difficult at first, but she adapted quickly.

Once the carriage had passed the barbarian and he was out of sight, her expression immediately soured.

Her mother, seated across from her, noticed and tapped her fan lightly against her palm—a subtle warning to rein herself in.

Their father, gazing out the window, didn’t see the exchange.

Rira took a deep breath and adjusted her expression, schooling it into something more neutral.

For now, I must tread carefully.

If her father brought in a daughter from a branch family to wed the barbarian, Rira would be cast aside.

Whether the threat was genuine or mere posturing, Rira couldn’t risk being sent to a convent. Some convents were inescapable, their doors sealing off the outside world forever.

Rotting away in a convent for life? Unthinkable. Absolutely not.

While her father had always been indulgent, granting her whims, he was a lord who governed a vast domain. If he deemed it necessary, discarding a single daughter would be effortless for him.

If only I’d realized this sooner…

Had she been wiser, her father would have arranged a marriage for her under the best possible terms, ensuring she married into wealth and influence while continuing to support her afterward.

‘I was foolish.’

And so, she now found herself in the degrading position of trying to charm a barbarian.

Haa…

Regret welled up in her, but it was too late. Her destiny had begun its descent from a great height, and she couldn’t afford another misstep.

If she failed to regain her footing, the abyss awaited.

As the barbarian’s face flashed in her mind, Rira’s expression twisted again.

No.

She forced herself to smile.

The carriage stopped, and her father alighted first.

Watching him offer his hand to help her mother down, Rira squared her shoulders.

The prospect of being tied to a barbarian was humiliating, but her brother’s explanation of the man’s worth had been clear.

While his lowly blood couldn’t be washed clean, his potential value was undeniable. A highly skilled mage like him was a treasure.

An uneducated brute like him would be easy to manipulate.

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Her thoughts spiraled, envisioning a scenario where she could control him.

If she could win his favor and make him her pawn, her father and brother would finally acknowledge her capabilities.

Perhaps even other noble mage families would envy her.

Rira’s mood lightened at the thought.

But…

That woman was an obstacle.

The water mage standing so comfortably at the barbarian’s side—her name was Tatiana.

She was, infuriatingly, beautiful.

Even Rira had to admit that Tatiana was far more attractive than she was.

Rira bit her lip in frustration.

She hated the barbarian, but she despised that woman even more.

Rira’s fists clenched. The sheer disparity between their appearances made her bitterness grow with time.

After her mother descended, her brother Paul extended his hand to help Rira. Taking it, she stiffened her resolve.

My weapon is my nobility.

To men, women were both a means to continue their lineage and an accessory to flaunt.

A woman with superior beauty or noble lineage would naturally amplify a man’s pride.

What mattered now was whether Tatiana’s allure could outshine Rira’s noble birth.

A man of lowly blood is drawn to nobility.

She had heard that from a noblewoman who had married a common mage.

Though stripped of her noble status, the woman’s husband was an exceptional mage, ensuring invitations to tea parties and banquets never ceased. She lacked for nothing and seemed content with her life.

The woman hadn’t been particularly beautiful or young, yet her noble roots had elevated her standing in her husband’s eyes.

Paul had claimed that Rira’s nobility wouldn’t interest the barbarian, but Rira disagreed.

Fortunately, Rira’s appearance was passable.

While not as stunning as the water mage, she could still attract a young man’s gaze. Adding her noble heritage to the equation, her chances seemed solid.

No way am I losing to some common girl.

Rira straightened her back, pasted a smile onto her face, and stepped forward with confidence.

***

When the lord arrived, the scattered crowd began to converge near the large tents.

Following the flow, I moved toward the gathering.

The lord’s opening speech was the only reason I needed to be here.

As we approached the nobles’ section, I noticed a shift in the way people looked at me.

In Endes, most people knew me, if not directly, then by reputation.

The townsfolk’s gazes were largely friendly or curious.

But here, near the tents, where nobles and merchants from other cities had gathered, their stares were different—filled with curiosity, disdain, and even a hint of hostility.

Could it be someone here knows my mother?

The thought was unsettling.

Perhaps the time has come when secrecy is no longer possible.

My grandfather in the capital knew about me, so it was only a matter of time before rumors spread.

Tatiana seemed uneasy under the scrutiny, her shoulders drawn in slightly.

“Don’t worry too much,” I said. “Most of those looks are directed at me. Once the speech is over, let’s check out the market.”

Tatiana blinked slowly before flashing me a gentle smile.

“It’s okay. I’m used to people staring.”

Liar.

She always flinched under such gazes.

It was one of the things that made her endearing—her tendency to face discomfort head-on, refusing to rely on others.

Like a small cat puffing up its fur to appear bigger, she was both pitiable and utterly charming.

I couldn’t help but adore her.

Alright, I’ll confess.

Or maybe not… not here, not now. Somewhere private would be better.

What if I need flowers or something?

In my previous life, it had never occurred to me, but shouldn’t I at least hold a bouquet when confessing?

Would wildflowers suffice, or should I look for something more elaborate?

My thoughts were spiraling.

Wait, what’s the custom in this world for proposals?

No, no, not a proposal—a confession.

I was getting ahead of myself, imagining far too much.

By the time I caught myself, the lord, Count Dusty, was already addressing the crowd.

“…And now, let me introduce the man who has saved our town—the Dragon Slayer, Rafa.”

What?!

Suddenly, every gaze turned my way, followed by thunderous applause.

The cheers were particularly loud from the townsfolk.

Even Tatiana joined in, clapping enthusiastically.

You too?!

Mortified, I wished I could disappear.

The count gestured for me to step forward and say something.

Taking a deep breath, I faced the crowd.

“I’m Rafa, an adventurer. I wish Endes endless prosperity.”

Simple enough, yet the crowd erupted as if I’d delivered the speech of a lifetime.

From the corner of my eye, I spotted Paul clapping fervently beside his sister Rira, who gazed at me with shimmering eyes.

What is wrong with her? Did she eat something weird?

The look she gave me was unsettling, almost as if she were infatuated.

But that couldn’t be right.

At least she’s not trying to kill me anymore.

After a few more words from Count Dusty, the speech ended.

As the crowd dispersed, a few nobles approached me, one glaring daggers in my direction.

That man definitely knows my mother.

If looks could kill, he’d have succeeded. But if it came to a fight, I’d be the one walking away.

Turning on my heel, I made a beeline for the market.

“Tatiana, let’s go.”

“Huh? Oh, okay.”

I gently pulled her along, determined to avoid any confrontations.

***

We had barely taken a few steps when Paul’s voice called out behind us.

“Rafa, Tatiana! You’ve met before, but allow me to introduce you to my sister, Rira, properly.”

Rira approached with a graceful curtsy, her smile radiating charm.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you again, Rafa,” she said sweetly.

Her voice was nothing like the last time we spoke.

What happened to her? Did she eat magic berries?

Her transformation was so profound, I found myself thinking, The sun will surely rise in the west tomorrow.

Even so, I was relieved. At least I wouldn’t have to deal with killing her today.

Now, all that’s left is confessing to Tatiana.