The Sponsored Heroines Are Coming for Me

Chapter 72

[Numbers] is Fanta X Acas item ranking system.

In addition to the common item system that distinguishes between Normal Advanced Rare Legendary, unique and highly valuable items are assigned numbers.

Similar to how valuable national treasures are numbered like National Treasure No. 12, these items are assigned identification numbers.

Number 100 not bad at all.

The value of items tends to increase exponentially around that range.

Ian couldnt help but smile at the princesss proposal.

Originally, the rewards were just a few gold coins and items crafted by artisans.

Compared to the original rewards of Act 2, it had been significantly upgraded.

How about it? The princesss proposal?

The princess extended her hand, and Ian shook it satisfactorily.

Great.

The more I see you, the more peculiar you seem.

In what way?

At times, you seem indifferent and indifferent, as if you dont care about anything. At other times, you exude confidence and have excellent drive.

I see.

Yeah. Its like you see through everything, whats important to you, and whats unnecessary, as if you know it all.

Ian felt a bit embarrassed.

Have I been too efficient so far?

He focused on what was necessary based on the information he knew about the scenario and boldly ignored the rest.

Asteria must have noticed his attitude.

A man who has no interest in a princesss body is beyond belief. Haha.

Although she said it like a joke, she must be well aware that she only emphasized the fact that she was not an ordinary woman.

She had a subtle smile in her eyes.

If Asteria in Fool Mode were to laugh seemingly innocent yet alluring, her current laughter was both intellectual and overflowing with grace. Even though it may contain a hint of sarcasm and self-mockery.

I dont know how to accept compliments.

If you mock me, youll be in trouble, even if youre you.

Sorry.

With a grin that seemed to suggest it was just a joke, Asteria soon crossed her legs and asked seriously.

Im not ignoring you, but do you understand the meaning of the mission I gave you?

Gather evidence to prove that the head of the Pierce family is involved in the Bloodstone Cult. Just like that, isnt it?

Do you know who the head of the Pierce family is?

Richard von Pierce. The Grand Duke of the North.

Hmph!

The one who sighed in admiration was not the princess but someone else.

The heads of Asteria and Ian turned to the side.

Karen was staring at Ian with a completely dumbfounded expression.

She bowed her head.

Sorry. Its just surprising that theres someone who talks about the Duke of the North so casually.

Its fine. I was surprised too.

Richard Pierce, Grand Duke of the North.

How many people in the world wouldnt be afraid of his formidable name?

As the princess, still feeling the aftermath of surprise, looked at Karen, she spoke.

Ian, you probably already know, but I cant accompany you. Instead, this girl will be with you on your journey.

I want to issue the commands.

Do as you please.

Karen was astonished at the princesss immediate response.

Your Highness!

Karen. Im not ignoring you. I know very well about the reputation of your family and your contributions so far. But just this once, can you trust my judgment?

Tingling.

Karen glared at Ian instead of the princess.

Ian, quiet and shrugging his shoulders.

Karen, exhaling a small sigh, bowed her head to the princess.

Yes. Of course.

Good. Um. By the way, Ian. Are you planning to bring your cat along? She seemed to get along well with you.

It was about team composition.

Ian hesitated for a moment.

Danya would undoubtedly be helpful.

Yes.

I dont mind. Considering the location of the Pierce family in the North, it might be good to have a team member with a fire element as well.

Due to the frozen terrain in the North, the Pierce family had many individuals who manipulated the frost element.

When dealing with frost-based adversaries, a member with fire abilities was essential. Moreover, the difference between having and not having fire abilities could be significant in unexpected disaster situations.

Therefore, including a fire element ability user in any combination was considered a standard strategy when heading towards the North.

If you dont know anyone, feel free to hire someone.

No need. I know someone.

Ian knew of a fire element user.

Whats the point of going through the main scenario without a heroine?

However, there was one thing that had not been clearly concluded with her yet.

There was a clear difference between a probability of 0.001% and a probability of 0%.

It might be worth checking it out properly.

He didnt want to take unnecessary risks.

While Ian was making a decision, the princess came out wearing a hat and sunglasses.

With the sunglasses covering her face, she spoke to Ian.

Ill take care of the miscellaneous preparations, so focus on team composition and planning. And

Asterias hair turned white in an instant.

This is what my disguise looks like, so keep it in your memory.

That form, which Karen had been silently observing, made her sigh softly as if she had resigned herself.

I find it difficult to understand why you trust him so much to disguise yourself like this.

Who do you think I am? Hmm.

With a twirl, Asteria lowered her sunglasses towards Ian.

Who is it? He is an advisor to the next Empress.

Frown.

Asteria blinked with one eye.

That sight was somewhat burdensome to Ian.

The next day.

Be careful.

Ian went to Silvias office to receive the items he had asked for.

Buried under piles of documents, Silvia, upon seeing Ian, stood up, smiling broadly, and turned her face away with a playful Ahem! clearing her throat.

Hmm? What should I be careful of?

The princess. The Third Princess. Asteria.

Silvia, who had risen from her seat, approached, raising her index finger.

Last time, after the disciplinary committee was over, we had a conversation. Shes definitely not an ordinary person. It felt like she was acting, walking around as if she were a p*ostitute. Shes not just a foolish person, so dont be tempted easily.

Oh Yeah.

Was it a somewhat lukewarm response?

Silvia immediately looked sulky.

As expected, you knew. Now, when will I repay the debt

Ian, realizing his mistake, hastily waved his hand.

No, thanks to you, I feel more alert now. I appreciate it.

No need for such cheap comfort!

Heung! Even while snorting, Silvias expression softened.

After a moment of pursing her lips, she spoke.

Too bad. I also wanted to go to the Northern Territory when I had the chance.

Come to think of it, the situation seemed unusual.

Many residents had left for vacation due to the Saint Gregory Rest Week.

Yet, with so many documents piled up the reason was obvious.

Are Raymond making moves?

Yes. Especially the movements of that fox, Emilia, seem suspicious.

Silvia slightly furrowed her brow.

Emilia, that fox-like woman, was annoying at times, and at the same time, there was something more she wanted to say to Ian, but it didnt come to mind.

Oh, right.

?

There are rumors that the condition of the Saintess candidate, Aria, is very bad.

How bad is it?

Turned into a vegetable or, well

?

Seems like shes drugged. Its not just a baseless rumor; its information obtained from a somewhat reliable source.

In an abnormal state.

Ian thought for a moment.

Aria Lumines Bell.

Her mental state was usually far from normal.

In such a state, with suspicions of her relic being used for forgery

In Pongpongs [Strategy Guide], the section about Aria was unusually long.

Most of the content was about how to take care of Arias mental state.

In a way, its natural.

Ian, who knew about Pongpong and Arias past, nodded silently.

Can you keep an eye on those two for me?

Of course. They are people Ive been observing carefully anyway.

Thanks.

This much is nothing. Oh, right.

Silvia took out a small box from a drawer.

Boldly offering the box, Silvia stammered a bit.

This is, um, the requested cough, cough. Its a unicorn string. I dont know why you need something like this, but its performance is guaranteed.

Oh. Thanks.

Ian checked the item Silvia handed him.

It was a string with a circumference that could accommodate a thick stick.

[Unicorn String]

Originally an item in the game setting, there was no doubt about its performance.

Uh there.

Silvia, whose earlobes were red, hesitated.

What?

The size No, not this. W-who are you going to use it on?

Hmm.

Ian thought for a moment.

Should he tell her this?

Ah, no! Its private, so what am I saying? But Ian, sir.

?

If youre confused about whether someone is a v*rgin or not, theyre probably not a v*rgin already.

Once again, Silvia threw a fastball full of insight.

Ian nodded in agreement.

I guess so. Thanks, Silvia.

Yes! Cough!

However, Ian couldnt fully understand why Silvia was so self-assured and confident.

Having left Laurents upper floor, Ian boarded the tram heading towards the Academys north gate.

Due to the students leaving, the tram was spacious.

He sat in an empty seat and took out the Kirtos terminal.

As the departure date was tomorrow, there was no time to delay.

[Ian] Lina, do you have a moment?

If it were the original Lina, she would have gone down to her hometown to take care of her siblings. However, in her current situation where her scholarship was cut, she couldnt afford the portal transfer fee, one of the scholarship benefits.

She must be in Lichten.

Given her extroverted personality, she would probably be hanging out with friends somewhere.

However

[Lina] Yes!

Was he just staring at Kirtos terminal this whole time?

A surprisingly quick reply arrived.

[Ian] Lets meet at this cafe in an hour.

[Lina] Yes! Ill be right there!

The location sent to Lina was a room-type cafe.

Ian played with the unicorn string.

It wouldnt be too much to check simply, right?

Ian came to a rather simple and reasonable conclusion regarding the events that would unfold in the future.