Chapter 54: Reunion

There’s no need to waste time explaining how the orc invaders were utterly routed by the Allied Forces of Norsenia—reinforcements came from all corners of the kingdom, including adventurers who came for gold and fame, as well as noble armies who came to protect their territories and families from the orc invasions.

As for Xue La, she counted as both.

The leader of House Linde was Uncle Kargon.

“I’ve come to your rescue too late.”

The old man removed his helmet—the bloodstains on it were still fresh.

“Orcs are a bunch of cowards. They’re fine with bullying my cousin, but the moment they see a real army, they flee at the first sight.”

The blond boy pouted, a long spear slung over his back.

He deliberately half-squatted, even though he wasn’t actually much taller than Xue La.

“Remember me? It’s your good cousin Cassius.”

‘Huh?’

In Xue La’s memory, there was some impression.

In the original setting of the game Epic Fantasy Legend, Xue La’s maternal family, the Lyoncote Family, was prosperous and held considerable status in the Royal Capital—it was through the Lyoncote Family’s connections that her daughter was sent to the royal family as a maid.

But ultimately, it was ruined here.

After all, when the princess threatened her with her own family, could Xue La refuse to obey?

As for Cassius Lyoncote…

The reason Xue La remembered him was that he was something of a comic relief NPC in the early game, a rival and friend of the Brave, Luo Yi.

After all, the human kingdom would soon hold the Brave’s Trial and Examination to deal with the lawless monster invasions. Selecting the Brave was still important, and there were many competitors—the young master of the Lyoncote Family wouldn’t miss the chance.

Back to the lawlessness of monster invasions: Xue La was almost eaten by a Manticore at the start, and when she went to the monastery to study, she had to worry about being taken by orcs as ().

‘I’m too unlucky!’

Xue La thought.

But in this life, there were obviously too many things that were different.

Just as the young master of the Lyoncote Family was laughing and joking, a large hand suddenly emerged from behind and grabbed his clothes.

“Brat! Harassing people again!”

The man was draped in a red robe embroidered with a golden lion, riding a tall horse, his arms extremely powerful.

“Second Uncle, let me go!”

Cassius shouted.

Almost forgot, Cassius came to Maisonlogi Monastery as an “adventurer,” a status that wasn’t recognized by most nobles—first and foremost, the Lyoncote Family didn’t approve.

“My dear niece.”

Cassius’s second uncle, naturally also Xue La’s second uncle, removed his helmet’s visor.

“How are you studying at the monastery? The orcs… those are things we should handle.”

“I haven’t even introduced you to the good brother I met—Xue La, that kid named Luo Yi…”

Cassius wanted to say more, but his second uncle’s merciless hand grabbed him away.

“Young Master, go home quickly. The Old Patriarch misses you!”

“No way, that old man is definitely coming to collect a debt…”

Cassius’s voice grew softer and softer as he was dragged away, far, far away…

Luo Yi… Only Xue La was left standing alone, dazed, thinking about him.

Xue La didn’t know if she still had the right to look into his eyes.

After all, her mother had done something very, very terrible to him.

She falsely accused his grandfather of being a thief and then drove him away.

Originally, if the theft charge was serious enough, he would have been executed.

And to protect Luo Yi, Xue La volunteered to come to Maisonlogi Monastery to receive so-called “Lady’s Education,” waiting for the fate of becoming a maid.

The World Line has converged.

‘Has it?’

But just as she was about to turn around, she discovered—that red-haired, gray-eyed boy was standing beside her, quietly waiting for her.

“I’m back,” Luo Yi said, with a hint of excitement and cunning on his face.

“Cassius is a good person—I think not everyone in House Lyoncote is bad.”

‘Is that so?’

Xue La’s heart relaxed a little.

But she was also curious about how Luo Yi had been doing.

So, Xue La scanned Luo Yi’s panel again.

[Luo Yi Class: Quasi-Hero…]

[Mastered Skills: Military Formation Training (Learning), Darkvision (Passive), Flame Sword…]

‘!?’

Xue La was almost shocked—how had Luo Yi learned so many skills in just a few months? And his equipment, where did he get such good stuff? For example—

“I’ll only tell this secret to you alone…”

Luo Yi never hid anything from Xue La and spoke bluntly.

His gray eyes were like a little wolfdog begging for a reward from its older sister mistress.

“I… I became Bali Saihe’s apprentice.”

Xue La smiled, a shallow smile—she already knew, just didn’t expect it so soon.

‘She’s smiling, she’s encouraging me.’

Luo Yi’s thoughts burst forth instantly.

‘One day, I’ll become the Brave, then return in glory and marry Lady Xue La.’

Although Luo Yi wasn’t very old, at thirteen or fourteen he might have been a month or two younger than Xue La.

If we’re talking about old acquaintances meeting—there might be another pair.

Asuna came rushing over, leaning on an Oak Staff and panting, then saw Luo Yi and Xue La.

Standing very close, very close!

This blue-eyed girl with golden wavy hair suddenly froze.

“This is…”

Her mouth curled downward.

“Is…”

“It’s Xue La, Xue La of House Linde,” Luo Yi said, then explained to Xue La, “This is Asuna, my master Bali Saihe’s granddaughter. I’ve always seen her as a little sister.”

“Not just a little sister!”

Asuna said, her blue eyes as if about to squeeze out water.

‘Uh…’

Xue La didn’t expect the plot to be like this!

‘Luo Yi is the Brave! It would be strange if he didn’t have a harem around him!’

‘So, Brave-sama, could you not neglect Asuna?’

‘As long as you don’t kill me like in the original, everything can be discussed!’

“Asuna, why are you here? Master he…”

“He needs you for something, you playboy!”

Asuna whacked Luo Yi on the head with her staff.

“Bad brother!”

Only then did Asuna explain the matter in detail.

“Bali Saihe is discussing something with Mother Catherine… and needs Luo Yi to be present.”

“They’re in the monastery’s study,” Asuna said.

“Let’s go quickly.”

“Then I’ll lead the way. I’m familiar with Mother’s study,” Xue La volunteered.

She slightly lifted her skirt in a curtsy, then took both their hands and walked with light, quick steps…

‘Yes, yes, that’s right!’

Xue La had it all planned out—her plan was simple: as long as Luo Yi didn’t kill her later, and Luo Yi indeed seemed to have no such intention.

In other words, the current situation was that Xue La must absolutely not provoke Luo Yi’s jealous harem.

If she wasn’t killed by Luo Yi but was killed by Asuna, wouldn’t the outcome be the same?

So, she had to find an opportunity to make the two hold hands.

After all, she was the big sister guiding the two of them.

In her previous life, although she was just a game speedrun player, the reason she was willing to immerse herself in studying speedruns was essentially because she liked the game!

So, she liked Luo Yi, and she also liked Asuna!

Xue La sincerely hoped that the warmth in her palm could penetrate their skin and reach their hearts.

For Luo Yi, that was indeed the case.

“This is Sister Xue La…”

Luo Yi’s heart pounded.

Last time, it was Xue La who personally held him and saved him from the Manticore’s deadly poison.

This time, it was holding hands, while Luo Yi was fully conscious…

He wouldn’t forget this warmth, never!

But Asuna’s thoughts were completely opposite—Sister Xue La was polite, a noble lady…

Asuna’s heart was filled with endless resentment… After Luo Yi finished fighting the Wargs, he followed the main force to deal with the orcs, leaving her and her grandfather behind!

Grandpa Bali Saihe said that Luo Yi definitely had someone in his heart, and as a master, he couldn’t say much.

But wouldn’t Brother Luo Yi even look at his own little sister? He swore to be Asuna’s brother!

Asuna never understood why.

But now she understood a little bit…

Because Xue La was polite, not to mention a noble lady.

And her methods were so wicked!

To prevent her from holding hands with Luo Yi, did she deliberately insert herself in the middle, holding both their hands one on each side?

Such a deep scheming sister… Asuna can’t handle this!

The three children finally arrived at the study door.

“Go on in, I won’t hold up your business,” Xue La said with a smile, let go, and actively made space, then re-joined Luo Yi’s hand with Asuna’s!

She thought she had done a good job as a matchmaker.

But Luo Yi and Asuna’s thoughts were completely opposite.

The warmth was briefly lost, but Luo Yi wouldn’t be discouraged.

‘Sister Xue La is right. As a brother, I really shouldn’t ignore my sister’s feelings,’ Luo Yi thought.

‘Even though she’s my master’s granddaughter, ignoring her is wrong.’

Asuna’s heart was terrified.

‘Does Sister Xue La have Mind Reading?!’

‘How did she know I like Luo Yi, and then at the last moment, she played hard to get and re-joined my hand with Brother Luo Yi’s? Xue La, you really are…’

Asuna’s face was bright red with shame!

‘How did I lose in the first round!’

Xue La saw that blush on the girl’s face.

‘Great. It seems my matchmaking career is going well.’