## Chapter 100 – The Plum Blossom Swordsman Reincarnated Into The Baek Family
100. The Plum Blossom Swordsman Reincarnated into the Baek Family
“Yujin. You’ve come to the banquet.”
It was Kyle. Dressed up as much as I was, he approached me with a smile.
“My health has been better lately, so I thought I’d enjoy the banquet. But, Kyle, you don’t really like banquets, do you?”
Kyle wasn’t one to enjoy banquets.
“This banquet is for Father, after all. As his son, I can’t miss it.”
“If you put it that way, what does that make me, who’s skipped banquets until now?”
“Ah. Sorry. You have a heart condition, so it couldn’t be helped. I understand, and so do all the family and retainers.”
Kyle said that while looking around. It seemed like he was looking for someone.
“Yujin. Where’s Yuria? I thought she’d be with you since she’s your exclusive maid….”
“Why are you looking for Yuria? Do you perhaps have feelings for her?”
“No, it’s not that. You have a heart condition, don’t you? I just thought Yuria would be with you.”
Kyle was acting strangely flustered.
Seeing his reaction, I knew that Kyle was concerned about Yuria. I wasn’t sure what kind of feelings they were yet, but I understood.
Currently, Yuria was very popular within the mansion. She received marriage proposals from the butlers, and even nobles who happened to visit the mansion proposed to her, despite having wives. That’s how beautiful Yuria was.
‘Indeed… Yuria is the type Kyle would like.’
Of course, this alone didn’t mean that Kyle had fallen for Yuria.
“Yuria is working in the kitchen. More than half of the dishes being served to the guests today were made by Yuria.”
I had deliberately sent Yuria to the kitchen.
Cooking was one of the reasons. I was going to showcase modern cuisine and emphasize that I had developed it. The moment one of the dishes satisfied their palates and was etched into their minds, they would think of my name. I needed to make my presence known to them, even in this way.
Also, if Yuria was with me, it was obvious that many men would flock to her. It was also a hassle to politely reject them.
And above all.
‘The heir of Helbrit is among the guests today.’
He and Yuria were half-siblings. Yuria’s silver-blue hair and blue eyes were also characteristics of the Helbrit family, so there was a possibility that he would find it strange when he saw Yuria.
“Then, will there be dumplings among the dishes today?”
“You mean that food you taught me? Yes, there is.”
“Really? I should go find them.”
Kyle’s face brightened. The dumplings were a dish I had made after asking Kyle about them. It was a measure to avoid unnecessary suspicion from Kyle.
“Lord Kyle! You were here!”
It was a slightly husky woman’s voice. Kyle’s face rapidly hardened.
A woman with pink lips was approaching us with quick steps. She was a noble lady wearing a light pink dress. Her face was toad-like, and she had pimples on her cheeks. She was on the plump side.
“Oh my. Lord Yujin is here too. It’s been a while.”
I smiled brightly and greeted her.
“Yes. It’s been a while, Lady Berien.”
Berien Flavit.
She was the daughter of the Marquis Flavit. Marquis Flavit was the owner of the Flavit Magic Tower, which produced the kingdom’s best wine. The Flavit family was one of the wealthiest families in the kingdom, ranking within the top ten. In terms of wealth alone, they were above the Prukerus family.
And she was Kyle’s fiancée.
‘Kyle hated her. …Well, maybe “disliked” is more accurate?’
There wasn’t a big reason. Kyle was a man, so he liked women with pretty faces.
In the original story, it was revealed that the Flavit family had made a contract with a demon, and all the direct members of the Flavit family were executed. It was such clear evidence that Kyle couldn’t help them.
‘Couldn’t help them, my ass. He’d help the heroine without looking back when she was in danger….’
Kyle awkwardly dealt with Berien. Berien smiled brightly and actively pursued Kyle. She didn’t hesitate to make physical contact.
I quietly watched their behavior.
Aside from her face, there was nothing wrong with Berien. Rather, she had a good personality, and her family was incredibly powerful. Of course, she was a million light-years away from my type, so there was absolutely no way my dick would get hard. I wouldn’t even touch her if she was given to me.
‘Hehe. It didn’t work out in the original story… I should step in and help this woman.’
In return, I’ll take all of Kyle’s heroines.
“Wait a moment, Lady Flavit.”
“Lord Kyle. You don’t have to be so stiff. We’re engaged, aren’t we? Just call me Berien. Go on.”
“……Berien. I was in the middle of a conversation with Yujin. So, please step aside for now, and later….”
I interrupted them. How dare they use me as an excuse.
“I’m fine. I’m in the mansion, so I can talk to Kyle anytime, even if it’s not today. On the other hand, Lady Berien doesn’t get to see Kyle often, does she? Take this opportunity to talk to him as much as you want.”
“Lord Yujin, you’ve become very mature since the last time I saw you.”
“I can’t stay a child forever. Ah. When are you two getting married?”
“I’m fine with it right now. But there are considerations from both families… so it’s been postponed.”
“…Ha. Haha. We’ll do it when the time comes.”
Kyle laughed awkwardly.
Fortunately for Kyle, the marriage was being postponed for political reasons. To be precise, it was being interfered with. If Prukerus and Flavit were to join forces, both families would be unstoppable.
And the fact that Kyle had no intention of getting married also played a part. Ention was surprisingly open-minded about marriage and dating.
“Then, you two, have a good time.”
I moved away from them. And this time, I went to find Gent.
“Gent, brother!”
“Oh! Yujin! I heard you invented this thing called chocolate? It’s very delicious.”
Gent was my brother, 12 years older than me. Unlike his appearance, he liked sweet desserts.
“Yes. The inquiries about chocolate have been pouring in lately.”
“It’s natural, with how outstanding the taste is. You’re a great blessing to the Prukerus family, little brother. Help this brother later. With your and my power, we can bring the Prukerus family to its greatest golden age.”
“If there’s anything I can do… I’ll do my best to help you, brother.”
It was just lip service. As soon as Gent became unnecessary, I would assassinate him and get rid of him. This guy doesn’t have the pushover tendencies that Kyle has.
“Hahaha. Just hearing that makes me feel reassured.”
Gent patted my shoulder.
Gent was showing me favor. The reason was that I had no talent for swordsmanship, was his biological brother from the same mother, and had a congenital heart condition. From his perspective, I wasn’t a rival.
“I saw you talking to Kyle earlier. What did you talk about?”
He recognized Kyle as a rival.
“It wasn’t a big deal. Just that the dishes I developed would be appearing today.”
“I’ve also tried the dishes you developed. They were delicious. Especially that dish called Galbijjim was outstanding.”
Gent looked at one side of the banquet hall. There were tables and chairs set up there. You could enjoy a meal there. Especially the dishes that were known to have been developed by me were quite popular, as if word had spread.
“Lady Flavit seems to like Kyle quite a bit.”
“She’s Kyle’s fiancée, after all.”
“Tsk. Yujin. Just because you’re engaged doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get married.”
Gent clicked his tongue and said. He was the one who had married his fiancée. He simply didn’t like that Kyle’s fiancée was Flavit. If the Flavit family gave Kyle power, it would be disadvantageous in the heir competition.
“Wouldn’t it be better for Kyle to get married soon?”
“Yujin. Getting married early isn’t always a good thing. Remember that.”
“Yes. I’ll keep that in mind. But if Kyle gets married, doesn’t that mean he’ll become the heir of Flavit?”
“There’s a legitimate eldest son in the Flavit family, so that won’t happen.”
“Hmm. I see.”
Fortunately for Kyle, Gent was against Kyle and Berien’s marriage.
‘Well, that can be done later. For now… should I try to sow discord? Hehe.’
Gent wasn’t as open-minded as Kyle. Kyle could let it slide even if someone insulted him, but Gent would punish or retaliate against anyone who insulted him.
“Gent, brother. I think Kyle is about to reach the Aura Expert level… are you aware of that?”
“What?! Kyle is already reaching the Expert level?!”
Unlike his surprised tone, his voice was very small. He was conscious of his surroundings. If this fact became known, Kyle’s reputation would immediately rise.
“There’s nothing certain. It’s just something I thought while watching Kyle lately.”
“……Yujin. You shouldn’t say such things carelessly. And it’s something you shouldn’t spread around. Have you told anyone else?”
“You’re the first, Gent, brother. I’m sorry. I won’t tell anyone else.”
“…….”
“…….”
When I closed my mouth, Gent frowned.
“……Yujin. Tell me only. What do you mean by Kyle reaching the Aura Expert level?”
“I’ve been getting close to the Plun Knights lately.”
“The Plun Knights…? Ah. That knight order of commoners.”
“Yes. They’re knights with outstanding skills.”
“Outstanding skills? Ha. ……No, continue.”
“I’m also a member of the Prukerus family, so I’m training in swordsmanship. I have no talent at all, though. But even if I’m like this, I have an eye for it. There’s a knight who just became an Aura Expert… and the aura he gives off is similar to Kyle’s.”
“Haha. Is that all it was?”
“I’ve even asked Kyle directly. He said confidently that he thought he’d be able to break through the wall soon.”
Gent’s face hardened at my words. He asked me in a small voice.
“……Did Kyle really say that?”
Gent was also a brother. He knew that Kyle wasn’t the type to say things without reason. If Kyle said he was about to break through the wall, it meant he really was about to break through the wall.
“Yes. That’s what he said.”
I said with a smile. In fact, Kyle had said this when I asked him last time. Even if it was a complete lie, Gent’s personality wouldn’t allow him to ask Kyle to confirm it.
“……Was Kyle 17 years old this year?”
“Yes. If Kyle becomes an Aura Expert, he’ll be the youngest Aura Expert in the kingdom. It’ll probably be an unprecedented record, right?”
Well, that’s assuming there’s no record of Yuria.
“…….”
Gent’s face had become serious.
People in this world liked heroes. You could often hear legends and stories of heroes. People wanted and admired heroes.
A genius who reached the Aura Expert level at the age of 17. That was the beginning of a heroic tale.
If this fact became known, there would be more retainers who would support Kyle. That was what happened in the original story.
“Ah. That’s right. Kyle doesn’t like banquets, but do you know why he participated in this banquet?”
“……What is it?”
“It’s for Father. He said he couldn’t miss it as his son.”
“……Is that so.”
If you heard it normally, Kyle was a very filial son. But Gent could interpret it differently. For example, he might be subtly showing off his skills to Ention on this occasion.
‘People are self-centered, so they can’t see the good in someone they don’t like.’
Even if a bastard does something good, it only looks like he did it with some ulterior motive. It’s a kind of prejudice.
‘And they say that a bastard only sees other bastards.’
I didn’t think Gent would do anything with just this. However, he would be more wary of Kyle and prepare thoroughly to bring him down. And the more he did that, the more intense their fight would become.
Tap tap.
Footsteps were heard. Someone was approaching us. Gent and I turned our heads towards the sound of the footsteps.
There were four men. The man in the center was a very handsome man with silver-blue hair. His eyes were blue.
“Lord Gent. It’s been a while. Lord Gent’s achievements in Utren Castle have been reported to the royal palace.”
“Lord Halios. You’re as elegant as ever. Ah, this is my younger brother, Yujin.”
He turned his head and looked at me.
“It’s nice to meet you, Lord Yujin. I am Halios Helbrit, the son of Duke Makellos Helbrit.”
