I Became a Fortune Teller in the Game My Little Sister Made – Chapter 30

“Of the eight members in the Special Class, five have passed… That’s a far cry from what I expected.”

At the headquarters installed on the sloping plains of the mountain.

Instructor Scarlet Redfield burst into a hearty laugh from that command post.

I had braced myself to roll around in the mountains for about a week, yet here I was just a day later, and not even a full day at that.

It was a clear miscalculation, but it was a delightful miscalculation all the same.

Leaning against the great sword like a staff, Redfield joyfully surveyed the five students standing before him.

“Crown Princess Kim Eun-ha, Lucas Arthur, Rain Arthur, Liu Yan, and finally, Namgoong Min.”

“””””Yes!”””””

“I have many questions to ask, but let’s stick to just one.”

With an expression that was genuinely entertaining and at the same time utterly bewildering,

Redfield turned his gaze towards Liu Yan.

“Liu Yan.”

“Yes?”

“Do you… think it’s reasonable that a jeep was allowed?”

“………”

Really going to go there, huh?

But reflecting on it, isn’t that a normal question? But surely it could be a possibility, right?

“Liu Yan, I believe that jeep over there is an artifact you brought out.”

“……That’s correct.”

“Why didn’t you just pull out a private jet? You could’ve flown right over any obstacles.”

Huh? Good point. I didn’t think of that.

…Hmm, thinking back, if we had flown, we wouldn’t have discovered any hints along the way. The jeep was indeed the right choice.

I glanced at Liu Yan, who stood beside me with a look of approval, but she instantly turned her head away as if taken aback.

Earlier in the car too, it felt like her thoughts were a bit all over the place.

“Um, Namgoong Min?”

“Ah, yes, Instructor.”

“From Liu Yan’s reaction, it seems like the talk of the jeep was yours.”

“That’s correct!”

“……I’ll ask the same thing as before: do you think the jeep was allowed?”

“Of course.”

Isn’t that obvious?

For some reason, Liu, Kim Eun-ha, and the Arthur siblings looked at me as if they were scared. Why the long faces when you all used it just fine?

Upon my confident answer, Instructor Redfield seemed momentarily at a loss for words before regaining his composure and looking at me.

“And your reasoning?”

“There are three reasons.”

“Three… really? Do enlighten me.”

If you insist on an explanation.

“First of all, it was not prohibited.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“You merely said we had to reach the destination, but you didn’t impose any restrictions or limitations on how we got there.”

“That’s true, but isn’t the jeep a bit outside the realm of common sense?”

Well, that’s not an incorrect statement.

It’s pretty funny for the Academy to talk about common sense.

“If you’re going to cite common sense, then surely we wouldn’t have someone like Lily White Rose around.”

“………”

“Wasn’t it also mentioned that this was a team competition, not an individual one?”

“…Oh ho.”

Instructor Redfield, who initially sounded bewildered by my statements, seemed to grow intrigued as I continued.

So, I must be clear to talk further, right?

“I observed various obstacles as we drove up. There were obviously high-level monsters far superior to us, as well as senior students with advanced magical barriers and traps everywhere.”

“Such trials are expected for the Special Class.”

“If their arrangement was reasonable, that would be one thing.”

The artificial monsters that could only be defeated by heroes or princess-level characters were camouflaged by trees and bushes, while the seniors were digging into the ground to hide.

Even if we faced them head-on, our chances of winning were slim. And to make matters worse, we were far outnumbered?

That would make this less of a lesson and more like harassment.

“I counted as we came up. There were 24 artificial monsters, with seniors including Lily White Rose totaling to 7, 31 magical barriers, and 52 traps that we overcame.”

“…You counted every single one of those?”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

Using <Observation> made it considerably easier.

Moreover, the numbers I mentioned were only from the direction we ascended, so the total across the mountain must be at least double that.

“I can assert, without a doubt, that at our current level, we cannot tackle those alone.”

“And how do you claim that?”

“The <Hero> is probably struggling somewhere out there right now.”

The <Hero> is a cheat code strong enough to surpass the typical first-year students and hold their own against many third-years.

If even such a Hero hasn’t arrived yet, then there’s a clear indication that no one can get through alone.

“This is our first lesson. We haven’t received any training on job development in the academy, nor have we heard any hints or strategies. If we were just thrown into this environment without any mention, it would have been reasonable to assume everyone had to cooperate.”

“Hmm.”

“But that was not the case. As a result, Crown Prince Kim Sung-il, the Hero, and the Saint began to act independently. We were moments away from scattering ourselves.”

So, you all shouldn’t be bringing up common sense.

How were we supposed to regroup if we scattered on this mountain? You weren’t planning to keep us here for days on end for this lesson, were you?

Moreover, there’s one more point I need to make.

“Lastly, you mentioned that we would develop our jobs through real experience, did you not?”

“That’s right.”

“<Royalty>, <Warlock>, and <Psychic> are obviously combat jobs that would develop accordingly. Let’s assume my <Fortuneteller> would develop too, but what about <Rich Tycoon>?”

<Rich Tycoon> is purely a job centered around making money. It’s not like I’m running a business or anything; it’s just a matter of spotting expensive goods when I look.

How am I supposed to develop that here? Are hints going to magically appear if I spend money?

“The growth of <Rich Tycoon> through practical experience is extremely limited, and the academy certainly knows that.”

“And?”

“Thus, it stands to reason that they should leverage the unique aspects of being a <Rich Tycoon>. That is, using money and artifacts.”

Playing as a <Rich Tycoon> in the game mandates the use of artifacts.

Due to their low physical abilities, second only to <Fortuneteller>, they relied on artifacts to cover for their poor combat skills.

In fact, throughout my time playing as a <Rich Tycoon>, there were no restrictions on using artifacts during exams or daily life.

…It can’t be that the game doesn’t carry over, can it? I still feel a sense of foreboding from that time when I got dragged into the flowerbed while digging.

“Using artifacts is the path for a <Rich Tycoon> to grow?”

“Artifacts are primarily one-time use, and that jeep is no exception. The more artifacts are used during class, the more money would be needed, right?”

Sound absurd? It is absurd.

But Liu Yan didn’t come to the Romance Academy under ordinary circumstances. She forced her way in through massive donations.

Naturally, the academy wouldn’t have a curriculum tailored for a <Rich Tycoon>, which is why they exceptionally allow the use of artifacts.

Though this would normally be introduced during the first-year finals, having early permission for artifact use wouldn’t raise any issues.

If that were the case, it would also mean Liu could shine during the midterm exams.

“That’s quite an interesting narrative, Namgoong Min.”

“You’re too kind.”

“Regardless, with those three reasons, it seems that using the jeep… or rather, the artifact is not a problem, right?”

“Yes.”

“That’s what I’ve been told, Liu Yan.”

“……Ah, yes?”

Hearing my logical explanation, Instructor Redfield chuckled softly, turning to Liu, who looked dazed.

Following suit, I turned to look at Liu, and…

What can I say?

She had a very complex expression.

“Do you not think that’s a reasonable argument?”

“……”

Instructor Redfield knows about Liu and the academy’s arrangement.

So it makes sense he’s framing my somewhat absurd argument with reason to offer it to Liu.

The unspoken intent to allow artifact usage.

While Liu was probably aware of that…

“……Yes.”

She seemed to be lost in her own thoughts.

It appeared she couldn’t grasp it at all.

Looking at me with sidelong glances.

*

“Good job, Namgoong Min. Let’s take a break today, and… let’s discuss our promise from before.”

“It’s an honor, Your Highness.”

“Seems it concluded quickly. Thanks to you, Fortuneteller.”

“Not at all. If it weren’t for Lucas, we might have been completely stopped by the barriers.”

“That’s flattering… but I don’t want to see that madman again, so I’ll take my leave first.”

“Thank you for your efforts.”

“Namgoong… Min, you’ve worked hard…”

“Haha, Rain, you worked the hardest today. Make sure to rest well.”

Crown Princess Kim Eun-ha, Lucas, and Rain left first.

Instructor Redfield had announced a break until the Hero and Saint, Crown Prince Kim Sung-il passed, so I could rest easy now.

As I waved goodbye to the departing figures, I turned my attention to the presence I felt beside me.

“Oh, Liu Yan. Great job!”

“……Hey, Fortuneteller.”

“What is it?”

“Why did you do that?”

“Are you talking about the artifact usage?”

“Yeah, you jerk.”

With her being so direct, it makes it a bit embarrassing to answer…

But I guess I should say something, right?

“Liu Yan, if things keep going like this, you’ll surely end up at the bottom of the Special Class. Are you okay with that?”

“What?”

“Well, it’s like I said. If it goes on like this, there’s no one Liu Yan could physically defeat, and as I mentioned before, it’s tough to gauge the job growth for <Rich Tycoon>. So you might end up practically at the bottom in midterms or finals.”

“………”

In that instant, Liu’s expression turned sour.

Right, her goal isn’t simply to attend the academy, but to avoid being at the bottom, and that would naturally irk her.

Especially for someone as competitive as Liu.

“So, you got the permission for artifact usage. It was for your sake, Liu Yan.”

“For me…?”

For my sake.

Liu seemed to be shocked by those words.

Almost disturbingly so.

“Hey, Fortuneteller.”

“Yes?”

“Do you have any idea what that malicious girl calls me?”

Liu remarked, somewhat emotionally, as if revealing something deeply ingrained.

“It’s that paranoid girl, she always says that… don’t you know?”

“I know it well.”

“Then you know I researched you, pretended to be friendly and approached you, and that I seized the chance to interrogate you in the car?”

“That’s of course understandable.”

“Then why do you do it? Why?”

Doubt.

Being on the receiving end of it is never a pleasant feeling.

No one wants to befriend someone who scrutinizes their every word and action.

It’s a kind of defense mechanism, holding others back from approaching while keeping themselves distant.

That’s Liu’s mental illness and underlying psychology.

“Jerk, be honest. What do you want? Money? Or information? Or my life? I’ve never met anyone like you who digs and doubts so much. Just shut up and say it.”

“Liu Yan.”

“Which side are you on? The Lion’s Club? The Red Society? Or is it that girl’s puppet you’re working for?”

“Liu Yan.”

“Speak!”

“Liu Yan.”

“Say it already!!!”

Gasping for breath.

Spitting out words without pausing, Liu’s fierce gaze was directed at me.

…Finally, I think I understand what Liu Yan feels about me.

She was exhausted.

No matter how much she investigated, nothing came from me. To a continuously abrasive and overly approachable Namgoong Min.

She was simply exhausted from doubting.

“Liu Yan.”

“What the hell do you want!? Why are you approaching me! Just say it, and I’ll listen! I wish I could stop──”

──wishing to stop doubting.

That unspoken plea from Liu felt almost tangible.

And why am I approaching Liu, you ask?

Well…

“Because it’s obvious.”

“What?”

“Liu Yan, after this class ends… we had promised to share secrets, did we not?”

I stepped closer to her.

One step, another.

She almost instinctively took a step back but then looked at me with an expression that said, “Of course.”

You too think that… you must feel the same way.

With every implication of doubt she cast, her expressions twisted into a forced smile.

To her, I whisper quietly.

“The truth is… I’ve never had a friend before.”

“What…?”

“So, Liu Yan, you’re my first friend.”

“What do you mean──”

“──Hey! You two over there!”

Before Liu could respond to my secret confession.

A voice that sounded familiar came from behind me, making me turn.

“Ah? Is that you, Senior?”

“Yeah, you jerk. I’m the one who got crushed under the wheels of that car. That girl behind you, the one who drove that godforsaken vehicle, right?”

A male student appeared, with a somewhat lazy posture and voice, and a bandage on his nose.

The senior who got crushed by the jeep glared at Liu before reaching for his sheath.

“I think it’s time for a bit of discipline for the junior.”

…Wait, is this some kind of delinquent appearing at a time like this?

From what I can tell, it seems this guy has taken a bit of a grudge against Liu for only seeing her in the driver’s seat.

But we were here having our own conversation first.

“Uh, Senior? Have you been sleeping poorly lately?”

“…What? How do you know that?”

How do I know? With those dark circles under your eyes, are you saying you’re not a fool?

With a friendly smile, I shifted the delinquent senior’s focus onto me.

“I’m a <Fortuneteller>.”

“<Fortuneteller>…? Oh, the one from the first year?”

“That’s correct. It’s an honor that you know about me, Senior.”

“Well, I’ll let this slide for now. But first, I need to deal with that girl…”

“Senior, haven’t you had any grade issues lately?”

“What? How do you know that!?”

What do you mean how do I know? Is there even a student who doesn’t have grade issues?

Drawing the delinquent senior’s attention by talking about grades, I naturally hid Liu behind me.

Of course, I didn’t stop talking while shifting.

“In fact, I can read fortunes a bit… and to be honest, your fortune is pretty intense.”

“Intense? Intense how?”

“Looking at your entire face, there’s the fortune to receive all kinds of luck and wealth—quite large, indicating good fortune. Your cheekbones are prominent, suggesting a solid path into the future, and a long philtrum indicates you’ll live a long life!”

“Uh-huh. Is that so?”

There are plenty of people who scoff at the idea of fortune telling.

But who could possibly scold someone claiming to have a good fortune?

This senior, particularly, seems a bit easy to influence.

“Moreover, your eyes are asymmetrical, so at least two women… maybe up to three will become involved with you. Your forehead is wide enough that your current worries will be passed without a hitch!”

“Haha, this junior is pretty clever, huh? Ha ha.”

Fortune telling isn’t hard. Just throw in some vague positives about someone’s face, and people will be thrilled ten out of ten times.

This senior looks particularly gullible, so it’s working like a charm.

“Wow, I’ve seen fortunes for thousands of people, but yours is the most exceptional I’ve ever seen! Truly blessed fortune you have.”

“Hmm, is that so? Well, I guess that’s that, haha! By the way, I’m Drucas Abel, a second-year Swordsman. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask, Junior.”

“An honor to meet a solid senior like you from my first day! My skills are lacking, but if you need any fortune reading, feel free to call upon me!”

“Wow, you speak so kindly, Junior. Oh, but I think I was about to say something before… “

“Ah, Senior? Lily White Rose-senpai is around here, is it okay for you to be here?”

“W-What?! I need to stay clear of that crazy girl! Junior, take care of yourself!”

Ah, that really works wonders against Lily White Rose.

Glancing back to see if I might be spotted, I saw the senior dart away without looking back and turned once more to Liu.

Having dismissed the delinquent, now it’s time for a serious conversation with Liu again…

“…Pfft.”

“Uh? Liu Yan?”

“Kek, kahahaha! What were you saying? Saying my face is big, cheeks are wide, and my philtrum’s long with asymmetrical eyes? Isn’t that just saying I’m ugly?!”

“Fortune telling isn’t about judging looks.”

“Pwahaha! Oh, haha. I really had a good laugh.”

Seemingly genuinely amused, Liu laughed heartily and then looked up at me, still smiling.

Though we had been sitting on opposite sides, this time was different.

I wondered if she was once more wavering in her thoughts.

So I took the initiative and spoke to Liu first.

“Shall we forget?”

“Forget what?”

“What you said earlier… should it be forgotten?”

If she’s going to keep harping on about it later, it’d be better to forget about it myself.

But Liu…

She merely gave a hollow chuckle at my comment.

“Yeah, if you say you’ll forget, then I guess you will…”

“Liu Yan?”

“Forget it. It’s okay if I don’t.”

With those words mixed with a hint of laughter,

Liu walked away first.

“See you, servant.”

In that brief moment, I wondered what conclusion Liu had drawn.

I couldn’t be sure of anything, but… one thing was clear.

Liu would still be doubtful. That’s a kind of illness she couldn’t help but live with. I’d continue to be doubted moving forward.

But still.

“See you again, Liu Yan.”

There’d never be a time when I would drift away from Liu.

Initially, it was for the ending, then it was for money.

But now I think of her as a friend.

And that reason alone is enough.

*

“…Well, um, so…”

“Keep talking.”

“You want me to read your fortune…?”

“That’s right.”

“And, uh, your love fortune…? For the Crown Prince?”

“…Yes.”

“……….”

Wait, what the heck?