Arthas April 11, 2024 No comments
Don't forget to rate and review the novel on Novelupdates
Luna Winfred.
The woman who was once the rising sun of the Winfred family.
Luna was a direct descendant of the Winfred family, and even as a child, she was a talented individual who was highly regarded within the family.
There was indeed a time when she was even mentioned as a candidate to become the head of the family.
'But in the end, it all fell through.'
The reason, as publicly known, was Luna Winfred's voluntary withdrawal.
But the reality was different.
To officially become the successor, she needed the support of the elders; however, the family elders apparently preferred a male heir to succeed as the head of the family.
Not Luna Winfred, the eldest daughter, but her younger brother, Ian Winfred. This sentiment wasn't limited to just the elders; even the influential Winfred Duke held the same opinion.
'No wonder her personality is so unpleasant.'
The relationship between Luna and Kyle was the epitome of discord.
If one were to trace back to the root cause of the deteriorating treatment Kyle received within the mansion, it would invariably lead to Luna's doorstep.
Whether it was merely venting frustration or harboring hidden agendas, I couldn't tell, nor did I care to delve into it. Regardless of the backstory, she was still a mad woman.
Of course, Luna's harassment of Kyle significantly decreased after he started discussing engagement with Isabel, but that does not cleanse her past.
"Long time no see? Things have changed a lot, haven't they?"
I looked at Luna with a sinking gaze.
'Why are you here?'
If it has been so long, she should be enjoying a welcome ceremony in the manor, not in this empty training ground.
And that wriggling corner of her mouth, as if she has come to seek me out...
"I've heard the news. You're about to call off the engagement, aren't you?"
Ah, the broken engagement.
So she has come just to stir up trouble.
Truly an unpleasant woman.
"After all those engagement songs, imagine the disappointment. I was worried you'd go insane."
What a load of crap.
I replied calmly, swallowing my urge to curse, “To hell with your worries.”
"...What?"
Ah, a mistake.
I've blurted out what I was actually thinking instead of holding it in.
Anyway, once I leave the mansion, I won't have to see her again, so is there any reason for me to be humble?
I thought it was a good time to let out all the words I had been holding back, “Can't you just leave? Seeing your face for the first time in a long time makes me sick.”
"Have you lost your mind?"
"Urgh."
".........."
I was not joking, I was genuinely feeling nauseous.
As I demonstrated the retching motion, Luna's expression contorted.
I could have chosen to evade the conversation with some flimsy excuse, but I opted for a head-on collision.
Sparks flew between our locked gazes.
Luna narrowed her eyes and glared at me, then started approaching with a twisted expression.
'Here we go again.'
It's so obvious.
She can’t tolerate being ignored by someone with her temperament, and out of frustration, she'll likely...
"Didn't you know? I didn't realize you had such a way with words."
I blinked my eyes quietly.
Unexpectedly, instead of retaliating with the raised right arm, Luna glanced at Diana blocking her path and let out a slight chuckle.
"Who's this? That country bumpkin."
"Urgh."
"...How lowly. Is that the best you can do?"
"Well, I just have a weak stomach."
"...Kyle Winfred," Luna called my name in a chillingly calm voice; her fierce blue eyes shone with malice. "Don't cross the line. I may treat you as a brother, but there's a limit."
A sharp warning sprang from her parted lips.
At the same time, I caught a glimpse of something. Just for a moment, but Luna's eyes wavered.
'What's her problem now?'
Is she really flustered by such a mild remark?
The Luna Wilfred I knew was a vicious woman.
After Isabel, it seems Luna Winfred was another person who has gone mad.
How tedious.
I muttered in a cold voice.
"Who's your brother?"
"...What?"
Luna's face slowly contorted.
I glanced sidelong at the stiffened Luna, then stared at her firmly and murmured, "Brother, my ass."
"......."
"What are you so surprised about? Have you ever even treated me as a brother?"
Resentment gradually seeped into my piercing tone.
She let out a sigh and with difficulty asked me, "Do you hate it so much? Being called brother?"
A hollow laugh escaped me.
I spoke calmly, devoid of emotion, "Hate? Me?"
I don't hate anything.
That requires even a shred of interest.
"I have no reason to expend emotions on the words of a complete stranger."
I retorted sharply, driving the point home.
Luna clamped her mouth shut at my response; her helpless gaze lost its way in the void.
"Just act like you always do. That's what you are."
With those final words, I turned my back.
Diana followed behind me, glancing back and forth between Luna and me.
Shortly after.
Diana's voice came from behind me.
"...Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
I'm fine.
Because I'm not Kyle Winfred.
* * * * *
After returning to my room, I simply lay down and passed the time.
◆ Penalty
: □□□□□ □□□ □□□ □□□□□
Damn this penalty.
As if Isabel wasn't bad enough, Luna too had completely lost it.
"What the hell is this penalty even about?"
I couldn’t even see the content that's been censored, so it was just frustrating.
"...Are the heroines collectively going insane?" I muttered this nonsensical rambling and let out a sigh.
It was frustrating and infuriating, but what could I do? Getting irritated by this system that censors me at every turn would only hurt me.
"........"
My whole body was feeling lethargic, and my eyelids felt heavy.
Just as I was about to doze off, I suddenly snapped my eyes open; the impending arrival of a guest had struck me like lightning.
That's when it happened.
Knock, Knock—
A few knocks echoed through the air.
Speak of the devil and he shall appear.
I got up from my seat, turned the doorknob, and opened the door.
Creak—
Through the gap, the familiar face of the old butler appeared.
"Young master, a guest has arrived."
"Who is it?"
"He says he is from the Auction Association and is here about the auction item bidding.”
So they've finally arrived.
I nodded lightly, and the butler left with a word that he would bring the guest.
Shortly after, I saw the old butler and a man following behind him in the distance.
"It's an honor to meet you. My name is Rainer Kiran."
I discreetly scanned the man who extended his hand to me; the specialized robe material and the emblem of the Auction Association emblazoned on his right chest - that's enough to confirm his identity.
"Good work, you can go now."
I dismissed the butler after verifying his identity and closed the door behind him.
"You came from the Auction Association?"
"Yes, that's correct, sir." The man cleared his throat lightly before continuing, "The item you registered has been smoothly bid on. It's scheduled to be officially auctioned off."
"What's the schedule?"
"Hold on to this."
The man took out some documents and handed them to me.
I slowly checked the contents written on the papers, "What's this?"
"It's a catalog. It has the list of the auction items that will be on display."
From all kinds of books to precious metals, luxury goods, magical tools, artifacts, and even artifacts.
Given that it was an auction hosted by the Association, the scale was far grander than expected.
'...They have everything, don't they?'
I was flipping through the catalog, mesmerized. It had been a while since I had enjoyed shopping this much, and for a moment I forgot all about the work when, suddenly, my eyes were drawn to an item tucked away in the corner.
'...They have Moonstones here?'
Moonstone.
The only mineral that could hold divine power.
Currently, it was treated as nothing more than a special mineral with a slightly high hardness, but in the near future, the true value of Moonstone would be revealed to the world by a priest.
'I can't let this go.'
Divine power is a fragment of the power that comes from the authority of God. When it is discovered that this supernatural power could be contained in a mineral, the demand for Moonstones would skyrocket from that day on.
With the supply far outstripped by the demand, it was only natural that the price would also skyrocket.
"I'd like to participate in the auction."
"Haha, it seems you've found an item of interest."
"Do I need any special qualifications to participate?"
"Of course. However, those are not conditions that you need to worry about, sir.”
The man pulled out another document from his pocket.
“If you would like to participate, all you need to do is fill out this one form.”
"Give it here."
I quickly filled in the blanks on the form.
Shortly after, the man who received the completed document smiled softly and uttered a confusing statement, "Haha, for the prestigious Winfred family to have not one, but two participants, this auction is set to be quite an event."
Two participants?
Is there someone else from this mansion also participating in the auction besides me?
When I gave him a look that said I needed an explanation, the man scratched the back of his head and added, “Yes, your sister also wanted to participate in the auction.”
You didn't know that until now?
His tone suggested he was questioning my ignorance.
"Is that information reliable?"
"Absolutely."
Luna Winfred was participating in the auction?
What could that crazy woman possibly need?
'The hell?'
Countless question marks flooded my mind.
Arthas April 11, 2024 No comments
Don't forget to rate and review the novel on Novelupdates
Luna Winfred.
The woman who was once the rising sun of the Winfred family.
Luna was a direct descendant of the Winfred family, and even as a child, she was a talented individual who was highly regarded within the family.
There was indeed a time when she was even mentioned as a candidate to become the head of the family.
'But in the end, it all fell through.'
The reason, as publicly known, was Luna Winfred's voluntary withdrawal.
But the reality was different.
To officially become the successor, she needed the support of the elders; however, the family elders apparently preferred a male heir to succeed as the head of the family.
Not Luna Winfred, the eldest daughter, but her younger brother, Ian Winfred. This sentiment wasn't limited to just the elders; even the influential Winfred Duke held the same opinion.
'No wonder her personality is so unpleasant.'
The relationship between Luna and Kyle was the epitome of discord.
If one were to trace back to the root cause of the deteriorating treatment Kyle received within the mansion, it would invariably lead to Luna's doorstep.
Whether it was merely venting frustration or harboring hidden agendas, I couldn't tell, nor did I care to delve into it. Regardless of the backstory, she was still a mad woman.
Of course, Luna's harassment of Kyle significantly decreased after he started discussing engagement with Isabel, but that does not cleanse her past.
"Long time no see? Things have changed a lot, haven't they?"
I looked at Luna with a sinking gaze.
'Why are you here?'
If it has been so long, she should be enjoying a welcome ceremony in the manor, not in this empty training ground.
And that wriggling corner of her mouth, as if she has come to seek me out...
"I've heard the news. You're about to call off the engagement, aren't you?"
Ah, the broken engagement.
So she has come just to stir up trouble.
Truly an unpleasant woman.
"After all those engagement songs, imagine the disappointment. I was worried you'd go insane."
What a load of crap.
I replied calmly, swallowing my urge to curse, “To hell with your worries.”
"...What?"
Ah, a mistake.
I've blurted out what I was actually thinking instead of holding it in.
Anyway, once I leave the mansion, I won't have to see her again, so is there any reason for me to be humble?
I thought it was a good time to let out all the words I had been holding back, “Can't you just leave? Seeing your face for the first time in a long time makes me sick.”
"Have you lost your mind?"
"Urgh."
".........."
I was not joking, I was genuinely feeling nauseous.
As I demonstrated the retching motion, Luna's expression contorted.
I could have chosen to evade the conversation with some flimsy excuse, but I opted for a head-on collision.
Sparks flew between our locked gazes.
Luna narrowed her eyes and glared at me, then started approaching with a twisted expression.
'Here we go again.'
It's so obvious.
She can’t tolerate being ignored by someone with her temperament, and out of frustration, she'll likely...
"Didn't you know? I didn't realize you had such a way with words."
I blinked my eyes quietly.
Unexpectedly, instead of retaliating with the raised right arm, Luna glanced at Diana blocking her path and let out a slight chuckle.
"Who's this? That country bumpkin."
"Urgh."
"...How lowly. Is that the best you can do?"
"Well, I just have a weak stomach."
"...Kyle Winfred," Luna called my name in a chillingly calm voice; her fierce blue eyes shone with malice. "Don't cross the line. I may treat you as a brother, but there's a limit."
A sharp warning sprang from her parted lips.
At the same time, I caught a glimpse of something. Just for a moment, but Luna's eyes wavered.
'What's her problem now?'
Is she really flustered by such a mild remark?
The Luna Wilfred I knew was a vicious woman.
After Isabel, it seems Luna Winfred was another person who has gone mad.
How tedious.
I muttered in a cold voice.
"Who's your brother?"
"...What?"
Luna's face slowly contorted.
I glanced sidelong at the stiffened Luna, then stared at her firmly and murmured, "Brother, my ass."
"......."
"What are you so surprised about? Have you ever even treated me as a brother?"
Resentment gradually seeped into my piercing tone.
She let out a sigh and with difficulty asked me, "Do you hate it so much? Being called brother?"
A hollow laugh escaped me.
I spoke calmly, devoid of emotion, "Hate? Me?"
I don't hate anything.
That requires even a shred of interest.
"I have no reason to expend emotions on the words of a complete stranger."
I retorted sharply, driving the point home.
Luna clamped her mouth shut at my response; her helpless gaze lost its way in the void.
"Just act like you always do. That's what you are."
With those final words, I turned my back.
Diana followed behind me, glancing back and forth between Luna and me.
Shortly after.
Diana's voice came from behind me.
"...Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
I'm fine.
Because I'm not Kyle Winfred.
* * * * *
After returning to my room, I simply lay down and passed the time.
◆ Penalty
: □□□□□ □□□ □□□ □□□□□
Damn this penalty.
As if Isabel wasn't bad enough, Luna too had completely lost it.
"What the hell is this penalty even about?"
I couldn’t even see the content that's been censored, so it was just frustrating.
"...Are the heroines collectively going insane?" I muttered this nonsensical rambling and let out a sigh.
It was frustrating and infuriating, but what could I do? Getting irritated by this system that censors me at every turn would only hurt me.
"........"
My whole body was feeling lethargic, and my eyelids felt heavy.
Just as I was about to doze off, I suddenly snapped my eyes open; the impending arrival of a guest had struck me like lightning.
That's when it happened.
Knock, Knock—
A few knocks echoed through the air.
Speak of the devil and he shall appear.
I got up from my seat, turned the doorknob, and opened the door.
Creak—
Through the gap, the familiar face of the old butler appeared.
"Young master, a guest has arrived."
"Who is it?"
"He says he is from the Auction Association and is here about the auction item bidding.”
So they've finally arrived.
I nodded lightly, and the butler left with a word that he would bring the guest.
Shortly after, I saw the old butler and a man following behind him in the distance.
"It's an honor to meet you. My name is Rainer Kiran."
I discreetly scanned the man who extended his hand to me; the specialized robe material and the emblem of the Auction Association emblazoned on his right chest - that's enough to confirm his identity.
"Good work, you can go now."
I dismissed the butler after verifying his identity and closed the door behind him.
"You came from the Auction Association?"
"Yes, that's correct, sir." The man cleared his throat lightly before continuing, "The item you registered has been smoothly bid on. It's scheduled to be officially auctioned off."
"What's the schedule?"
"Hold on to this."
The man took out some documents and handed them to me.
I slowly checked the contents written on the papers, "What's this?"
"It's a catalog. It has the list of the auction items that will be on display."
From all kinds of books to precious metals, luxury goods, magical tools, artifacts, and even artifacts.
Given that it was an auction hosted by the Association, the scale was far grander than expected.
'...They have everything, don't they?'
I was flipping through the catalog, mesmerized. It had been a while since I had enjoyed shopping this much, and for a moment I forgot all about the work when, suddenly, my eyes were drawn to an item tucked away in the corner.
'...They have Moonstones here?'
Moonstone.
The only mineral that could hold divine power.
Currently, it was treated as nothing more than a special mineral with a slightly high hardness, but in the near future, the true value of Moonstone would be revealed to the world by a priest.
'I can't let this go.'
Divine power is a fragment of the power that comes from the authority of God. When it is discovered that this supernatural power could be contained in a mineral, the demand for Moonstones would skyrocket from that day on.
With the supply far outstripped by the demand, it was only natural that the price would also skyrocket.
"I'd like to participate in the auction."
"Haha, it seems you've found an item of interest."
"Do I need any special qualifications to participate?"
"Of course. However, those are not conditions that you need to worry about, sir.”
The man pulled out another document from his pocket.
“If you would like to participate, all you need to do is fill out this one form.”
"Give it here."
I quickly filled in the blanks on the form.
Shortly after, the man who received the completed document smiled softly and uttered a confusing statement, "Haha, for the prestigious Winfred family to have not one, but two participants, this auction is set to be quite an event."
Two participants?
Is there someone else from this mansion also participating in the auction besides me?
When I gave him a look that said I needed an explanation, the man scratched the back of his head and added, “Yes, your sister also wanted to participate in the auction.”
You didn't know that until now?
His tone suggested he was questioning my ignorance.
"Is that information reliable?"
"Absolutely."
Luna Winfred was participating in the auction?
What could that crazy woman possibly need?
'The hell?'
Countless question marks flooded my mind.
