I Became a Fortune Teller in the Game My Little Sister Made – Chapter 106

After the voice was heard, it was too late to move in time.

Upon hearing a noise that shouldn’t have been there, Wang Fei quickly drew the sword from his waist.

Thud.

“AAAAAAAH!!!”

Pain, and fresh blood.

A dagger pierced the shoulder joint, sending Wang Fei shuddering in agony, a sight that would be hard to miss.

To be fair, it was Wang Fei who fared better.

Even though Liu had perfectly ambushed him from behind, he only lost one shoulder. It was clear that his reflexes and physical abilities surpassed Liu’s.

However.

Sadly, Wang Fei was not someone accustomed to pain.

“It hurts, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts!!!!”

If he had only moved calmly, he could have countered Liu behind him, but the sword he wildly swung passed through empty air.

In contrast, although Liu had partially failed in her ambush, she held tightly to Wang Fei’s back as he lashed out, applying more force to the dagger.

If this were an ordinary dagger, it would be correct to pull it out and stab again, but of course, it was not an ordinary one.

Artifact <Crowd Parting>.

The dagger Liu often used during the survival exam.

Its ability forcibly clears the target from the user’s path, serving more to suppress others and create openings than for killing.

Although it was difficult to pierce someone’s shoulder with this ornate dagger unless full power was applied, artifacts often have their abilities flipped depending on how they are used.

Just like right now.

“It hurts, it hurts, it hurts!!!”

“Shut your mouth, you damn brat.”

Activating the dagger embedded in Wang Fei’s shoulder.

Originally a suppression artifact meant to ‘send’ a chosen target aside.

But what if it is used while still embedded in the body?

Crunch, cr-crunch—

“AAAAAAAAAH!!!!”

With the dagger at the center, the left arm and body tried to ‘fly’ in different directions.

The left arm to the left, while the rest of the body went right.

Although Wang Fei, screaming in pain, desperately tried to pull out the dagger—

SNAP!

Only after his left arm was torn away could Wang Fei see Liu.

“………Ah, ah.”

His left arm, terribly severed, broken shoulder bone, gruesome flesh, and a fountain of blood all around.

Helplessly staring at where his left arm had been, she then cried out in a rage.

“I will kill you!!!!”

Face twisted in pain and fury, he swung his sword.

Although his balance was skewed without an arm, the blade was intentionally targeting Liu’s left arm.

“Didn’t I tell you to shut your mouth?”

Artifact <Crowd Parting>.

Crash!

“Guh…ack….”

As expected, he was sent flying against the wall by the dagger.

Although <Crowd Parting> had its many restrictions, it could gain an overwhelming advantage in one-on-one situations without killing the opponent.

That’s why it wasn’t swapped out for <Finding the Crane Among Chickens>. This was the most effective combat artifact Liu possessed.

But it was also true that it paled in comparison to the real offensive artifacts Liu had.

Considering she had altered most of her offensive artifacts to defensive ones at the academy was a misjudgment.

Since she had rushed in without stopping at a base or warehouse, the artifacts she had on hand were her only cards, yet in the end, it didn’t matter.

“………Namgoong Min.”

“…………….”

So now, she had found him.

Liu gazed longingly at Namgoong Min, who was firmly bound by chains.

“………Hah.”

Surely filled with anger and suspicion.

She had avoided him and kept her distance for that very reason, but now, looking at the unconscious fortuneteller… all those actions felt utterly futile.

As the fury faded, only exhaustion remained. Her tense body cried out in pain.

Snap.

“……It’s over now.”

The artifact <Crowd Parting> left by Liu shattered along with <Maiden's Breath>.

A precious item that boosted physical abilities for up to ten minutes, exclusive to pure maidens, now crumbled under excessive use and enhancement.

Well, even so, it allowed her to dash and ambush Wang Fei at high speed.

Thinking back, it was a cheap investment.

‘………Cheap investment? Is that really the case?’

When she had to find Namgoong Min, she had no thoughts in mind, but now that she found him, she began to reflect on herself.

Liu was now in a sorry state. All the earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and jewels she usually wore were gone.

Even if it was inside the Romance Academy, she was still a <Rich Tycoon>. Many people were aiming for her life like Wang Fei.

Had I been too excited?

‘If added together, it could be compared to the budget of a small nation.’

What a waste, was that truly the case?

Liu questioned herself.

“That’s… not it.”

She answered herself.

If she really felt wasteful, she shouldn’t have this feeling at all. She wouldn’t have acted this way had the artifacts worth hundreds of billions compared to Namgoong Min not given her an edge.

So then, what was it? Why was she thinking like this?

Surely not…….

‘Am I trying to doubt again?’

Hah.

Liu let out a hollow laugh. It was such a ridiculous assumption, yet she couldn’t deny it, which made it even more amusing.

Yes, Liu Yan was still at this point doubting Namgoong Min.

Was it a self-imposed scheme to use all the artifacts and kill me at this moment?

She felt sick to her stomach.

Now she was purely angry.

“Why am I……….”

The madness of suspicion had long since been a great help to Liu. Without that doubt, she wouldn’t have been able to overcome the evils that approached her in her childhood. That she knew.

But now, things were different.

The weak, tearful ten-year-old Liu was gone. Standing here was a <Rich Tycoon> in her twenties, who was well-established.

Even the Arthur Family ruling Europe, America, still a strong nation despite its decline, and the so-called unified Daehan Empire wouldn’t dare to offend her as a wealthy investor.

So why must she still suffer from pathological doubt?

“………I’m tired, really….”

She was exhausted.

Exhausted from suspicion and from her own nature.

Liu understood. Her suspicions had transcended mere madness and firmly rooted themselves in her instincts. They served as the tough shell of her self-protection.

But she felt like she would choke to death within that damned shell.

Should she even doubt the only person who reached out to break through that shell?

“……….”

Because of that, even though Liu unfastened Namgoong Min’s chains, she could not approach him. If she got any closer, suspicion would likely swell uncontrollably, despite her will.

Thus, Liu failed to notice.

That she was too focused solely on Namgoong Min.

Thud.

“……!!”

Suddenly, she realized that the sound from behind came from Wang Fei.

But as Wang Fei’s response was slow after the ambush earlier,

Liu was just as late.

“I will kill you!!!!”

Despite the pain, desperate to silence her, Wang Fei threw his sword.

Was the desire for revenge against Liu, the hatred, stronger than his arrogant pride?

Believing in Wang Fei to the bitter end, she found the perfect timing and moved.

The blade came flying.

As Liu hastily turned around, she saw the scene clearly, but there was nothing she could do.

Unlike the non-combat class of <Rich Tycoon>, though his skills were clumsy, the sword from the combat class of <Swordsman> flew without any wavering.

Just like in slow motion, she merely watched the sword come towards her heart.

‘Is this what they call a kaleidoscope moment?’

In an instant, her life flashed before her eyes.

Her childhood, though poor, was happy.

The toad decoration gifted by her parents and younger sister.

A tragedy she wished she never had to think about.

A life left alone.

Through the <Rich Tycoon> she had kept hidden, earning money.

Suspecting others.

Doubting other companies.

Suspecting the government.

Doubting colleagues.

Suspicion of subordinates.

Doubting people.

Looking at it this way, it became so clear the trajectory of Liu Yan’s life.

A life woven from suspicion, suspicion, and more suspicion.

In the end, she finally held ‘trust’ for the first time but lost even that due to foolish doubts.

And now.

……The sword flew right to her face.

‘If I had known this would happen……’

I should have at least talked to Namgoong Min.

That thought should have been her last—

Thud.

“……Huh?”

──But it wasn’t meant to end there.

Liu couldn’t grasp the situation for a moment.

Hot blood, the sword piercing her abdomen, her collapsing body.

Everything became vividly clear.

……As Namgoong Min fell, taking the hit for Liu.

“Hey, hey… wake up.”

“………Liu, you….”

“What are you doing? Wake up. Wake up. What kind of joke is this? I… I’m scared.”

“Liu, look at that crystal orb….”

“Don’t, don’t say anything. There’s so much blood, wait, why isn’t it stopping?”

“Anti…Artifact… if you look….”

“It’s okay. It’s okay. It’s okay. It’s fine. There are plenty of artifacts for emergency treatment….”

……That didn’t exist.

No, there weren’t any.

“………Oh.”

Nothing.

Blood gushed out uncontrollably from Namgoong Min’s abdomen as she tried to block it with her small, white hands.

But all she could see was those hands stained red.

There was no stopping Namgoong Min from growing pale.

As soon as she realized that,

“What is this….”

It felt as if she was struck with a hammer. Not an exaggeration.

It felt like the walls that composed Liu Yan were crumbling.

She had seen death numerous times. She had watched her family’s death.

But now, as Namgoong Min was dying,

He was gripping her heart.

“I… I….”

Instinct or self-protection, even the doubts she spoke of crumbled.

Only then did Liu Yan realize her feelings.

This isn’t about desire, friendship, familiarity, or suspicion.

Realizing this simple truth only made her feel regretful over her own stupidity and ignorance, but the blood wouldn’t stop.

Even as she tore and bound her clothes to staunch the wounds, blood continued to flow.

“Please… please…!”

Now that she understood her genuine feelings, she finally knew what she wanted to say to him.

She couldn’t lose him like this.

A maddening obsession overcame Liu. In a moment, she turned her gaze to <Crowd Parting>.

If too much blood was the problem.

‘My blood can be used, right?’

It was a desperate thought that lacked logic, reason, or common sense, yet Liu reached for the dagger.

She wanted it so desperately, so urgently.

Just before Liu’s hand touched the dagger.

Thump.

“Ah….”

Someone kicked the dagger away.

Looking down at the dazed Liu.

“It’s been a while, unbeliever.”

“You, you….”

“I have much to say and much that needs to be said…but there’s no need to do that now, is there?”

Right. For a moment, Liu blinked, then quickly narrowed her eyes.

There was only one thing she could do.

“Please, save Namgoong Min….”

“I’ll do it without you having to say it. But….”

Liu didn’t care how this blonde fighter had arrived here.

What mattered was the fortuneteller dying in her arms.

With Liu’s desperate plea, Eileen nodded and knelt, placing her hands over Namgoong Min’s wound.

Her hands, stained red with fresh blood, but Eileen only looked at the weeping Liu.

“What you saw today is a secret.”

“Anything is fine, just please…!”

At that moment.

From Eileen’s back, white wings fluttered.

At the same time, Liu’s expression stiffened as she noticed the halo floating behind her head.

That was a skill Liu recognized.

“You, do….”

“Keep it a secret. Unbeliever.”

Common skill <Holy Radiance>.

And then.

The wings enveloped Namgoong Min.

*

“Your Highness, the connection with <Anti-Artifact> has been severed. It seems it was due to the skill.”

“……It doesn’t matter. I’ve seen everything I needed to see.”

“What should we do now?”

“Prepare the edited video to send to His Majesty. I’ll step out for a moment.”

“Yes.”

Creeeak, bang.

Once the man who had bowed respectfully left,

The woman called Crown Princess── Kim Ha-neul let out a derisive laugh.

It went far better than she had imagined.

“When you told me to hand over the imperial treasures to that mutt, I honestly thought to myself, ‘Is this really right?’ ….”

The imperial treasure, dubbed <Anti-Artifact>.

An item meant solely for the emperor of the Unified Daehan Empire, it effectively blocked all forms of external tracking, eavesdropping, surveillance, and attacks within a radius of one room.

A precious item hand-delivered by His Majesty as a reminder to her about the importance of her work.

When she first received it, her hands trembled, but the next order from the emperor had left her pondering.

“To specifically instruct to hand it over to Wang Fei.”

Kim Ha-neul had many ‘dogs’ she kept, mobilizing most of them.

Each one consisted of nothing more than societal trash, only attached by a ‘leash’, but how could the Emperor know the name of each dog?

Besides, did he foresee that this would be the outcome? Ultimately, the order to entrust a treasure to a dog that didn’t even understand its essence yielded the best results.

‘The fortuneteller junior will have to step off the stage for a while, and that rich tycoon surely received a warning. Furthermore, the existence of a saint?’

This was, at the very least, more than she had anticipated.

The concerned fortuneteller was gravely injured, meaning he couldn’t partake in any ‘great endeavors’, and the rich tycoon couldn’t move carelessly after this situation either.

The existence of the saint was an unexpected bonus. If she shared this with the church, it would be a considerable profit.

‘I’ve heard rumors that His Majesty can see the future, but is that really true?’

For a moment, a whimsical doubt crossed her mind, but she quickly dispelled it with a smile.

“……Let’s not worry about it.”

After all, when it came to the matters pertaining to the emperor, merely having doubts was a suicidal act.

It was an honor that he chose her as a useful pawn, so a pawn should simply fulfill its role.

In return, she would receive what she had long wished for.

“By the way, that rich tycoon is quite something. How many trillions did they burn to breach <Anti-Artifact>?”

Although the performance had dropped slightly due to the addition of eavesdropping and surveillance functions by the Emperor’s order, it was still one of the five treasures of the imperial palace.

Did they really breach it simply by spending money on it?

Even those trying to assassinate His Majesty wouldn’t resort to such tactics.

As Kim Ha-neul laughed at Liu for a moment, she reached for the wine prepared on the table.

Since everything was perfectly done, it was time to enjoy a toast—

Bang!

“Y-Your Highness! Regardless of the fact that you are a prince, entering the royal quarters so carelessly is….”

“──You’re talking too much. It’s annoying.”

“………Yes.”

“……Crown Prince Your Highness?”

“Kim Ha-neul, it’s been a while.”

Suddenly barging in, Crown Prince Kim Sung-il appeared as he flung the door open.

Despite the unexpected visit, Kim Ha-neul maintained her composure and stood up to greet him courteously.

“Crown Prince Your Highness, what brings you to this humble place of mine….”

“This.”

Clink.

What the Crown Prince casually tossed in her direction was a small USB containing the video and audio transmitted by <Anti-Artifact>.

“I have a feeling there’s a lot I want to hear from you.”

“……You will regret it.”

“Regret? Ha! At the very least, it’s not something I want to hear from you.”

Crack.

As he approached, the Crown Prince stomped on <Anti-Artifact>, shattering it and whispering to Kim Ha-neul.

“Tell that person behind you. Let’s not play trivial games between us.”

“………….”

“Do you think this is just a ‘simple warning’? No matter how I look at it, this is a declaration of a challenge.”

“……….”

“This is all likely to be a scheme orchestrated by my father, so as a dutiful son, it is only natural I respond.”

His father, the most noble blood of the Unified Daehan Empire—

“Speaking of which, I believe the holiday is approaching? The royal family must be busy preparing.”

“………Yes.”

“If my father is busy, shouldn’t his children have a rest?”

That was the end of it.

The Crown Prince left Kim Ha-neul bowed in submission behind him, and for a long moment she remained motionless.

Only after considerable time passed could she slowly raise her head.

“……What about the video?”

“Everything… flew away. The backup I prepared got smashed along with the computer….”

“All evidence has vanished.”

Anyway, reporting the results to His Majesty was the same, but informing the church about the existence of the saint had become impossible.

The sense that things had gone wrong made Kim Ha-neul grit her teeth.

“The Crown Prince….”

Why were the rich tycoon and Kim Eun-ha all so insufferable?

Yet even so, she was in no position to retort.

Soon, the situation would change.

“I will definitely.”

I’ll make them kneel before me.

Kim Ha-neul’s eyes glinted ominously.