Fantasy Family Simulator (FFS)

Rhett dismissed the simulation screen, his thoughts quickly organizing the events he had just reviewed. This time, he felt more composed. Compared to the previous simulation, the changes in the timeline weren't significant, and everything ultimately went as expected, leading to his promotion to Earl.

However, there were a few interesting deviations.

"Joria's subordinate turned out to be a spy planted by the Kinnons?" Rhett recalled with interest. This hadn't happened in the previous simulation, but after his visit to the Adventurer's Cave, it appeared as a new development.

"Could it be that she started suspecting me and, in the process of her internal investigation, accidentally uncovered a real spy?" The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. It was almost amusing—had he unintentionally helped Joria by indirectly revealing the traitor?

He chuckled to himself, thinking, "Maybe I should do her more favors in the future…"

Beyond this minor event, the simulation confirmed that Carlton, the head of the Dalton Chamber of Commerce, had kept quiet about Rhett's advancement to Archmage.

"Not bad," Rhett mused. "It seems Carlton is a reliable partner. I should strengthen our ties."

His thoughts then shifted to the most significant information from the simulation—the intensification of the Coldstream Frontline conflict. It was all due to a poison that rendered Dragonmen infertile.

Rhett clicked his tongue in astonishment. "Could this be the work of that alchemist master seeking revenge, as Vordell mentioned before? If that's the case, then it seems I've unwittingly contributed to the fight against the orcs from miles away."

The idea filled him with a sense of satisfaction. He recalled Vordell's warning about the poison's potential to threaten Dragonmen. At the time, he had imagined various outcomes, but he never expected that the poison would cause infertility.

On further reflection, Rhett thought, "This might actually be the perfect revenge—a way to fight the orcs while exacting personal vengeance. It may not cause immediate harm, but in the long run, it's the most terrifying threat. No wonder even a Saint-level Dragonman felt compelled to intervene. Preventing a race from reproducing is practically akin to extermination."

Rhett wondered about the efficiency of producing such a poison, hoping it could be done quickly.

That afternoon, Rhett had booked a stay at the largest inn in Twilight City, knowing full well that the Brayn family controlled much of the city's business. He had planned ahead, expecting that Karen would learn of his arrival this way. However, his newfound strength as an Archmage left him feeling confident—he wasn't concerned about her persistence. Better to deal with it sooner than later.

As dusk approached, Rhett remembered that Tadel and Kurs had once expressed their desire to visit a high-end restaurant in Twilight City but were deterred by the steep prices. So that evening, Rhett treated his group to a lavish meal, spending over a hundred gold coins.

By the time they left the restaurant, Tadel and Kurs were noticeably full but thoroughly satisfied.

The sky had darkened, and the stars and moon adorned the night. Rhett, after some thought, found an excuse to send Tuck, Tadel, and Kurs away, allowing himself a leisurely stroll through Twilight City alone.

The city had a different vibe at night. Even in the dead of winter, there were burly knights walking around shirtless, most of them holding bottles of liquor. Rhett observed his surroundings, surprised to find himself in Twilight City's tavern district.

As he glanced around, he noticed that the street was lined with taverns and inns. Men and women wandered in and out of the establishments, and Rhett could hear boisterous laughter and the occasional startled cry from women being harassed.

The atmosphere of indulgence and desire was on full display here, especially at night.

Rhett knew of this place but hadn't expected to find himself here by chance. Shaking his head, he was about to leave when he sensed a familiar presence approaching.

Turning his head casually, he pretended to be surprised. "Miss Karen? I didn't expect to see you here."

Karen was dressed in a black strapless gown that reached down to her ankles but left her shoulders and upper chest bare. The deep neckline highlighted her cleavage, which glimmered faintly under the streetlights. Her lips were painted a bold red, and she walked gracefully toward Rhett, greeting him with a hug.

A strong, almost overpowering scent of perfume surrounded them. Rhett held his breath, his brow furrowing slightly as he lightly patted her shoulder before stepping back.

Karen exhaled softly and said, "I didn't expect to see you here either, Sir Rhett. I visited your estate twice recently. Aren't you curious about the reason?"

"To sleep with me, obviously," Rhett thought but kept to himself. Instead, he politely asked, "What brings you here?"

Karen glanced at a nearby tavern, her chest slightly pushed out as she smiled suggestively. "Since we're here, why don't we go into the tavern for a drink, Sir Rhett?"

Rhett raised an eyebrow. The invitation was blatantly clear. A young, unmarried man might have found it hard to resist. Coupled with her status as the count's eldest daughter, most men would eagerly accept.

Rhett had heard rumors about Karen. She had a penchant for married men, especially handsome nobles. In his previous life, she might have been labeled as a female version of Cao Cao.

Looking into Karen's eyes, Rhett saw a deep, almost demonic desire that seemed intent on devouring him. However, he remained unfazed, his mind flashing back to Nicole's innocent smile and clear eyes. Smiling lightly, he said, "I'm sorry, Miss Karen, but I have other matters to attend to tonight. I won't be able to join you."

Karen's charming smile froze, and a look of surprise flickered in her eyes. She hadn't expected to be rejected, especially not by a middle-aged noble who had been widowed for years.

After a brief pause, Karen's gaze shifted, and she offered a new suggestion, "If you're not fond of taverns, why not visit my home? My father is away and won't return for a few days."

Rhett shook his head, his expression indifferent. "That's not necessary, Miss Karen. It could easily lead to misunderstandings."

At that moment, Karen's demeanor changed. Her brow furrowed, and she abruptly asked, "Sir Rhett, I heard you visited the Adventurer's Cave today?"

"That's right."

"And you met with Joria?" Karen stared at Rhett, her tone casual but her gaze piercing. "Did she happen to mention me?"

Rhett was puzzled by the shift in conversation but decided to answer truthfully after a moment of thought. "She didn't. I just opened a few chests and left."

Karen narrowed her eyes slightly, noting his brief hesitation before responding. She took a deep breath and said, "I see."

With that, she turned and walked away, her departure watched by the many men who had been ogling her. A sharp glare from her sent them scattering like startled birds.

Rhett didn't try to stop her. As he headed in the opposite direction, he wondered, "Why didn't things go as they did in the simulation? Karen mentioned Joria and then left without further confrontation…"

He suspected it had something to do with internal matters within the Brayn family and decided not to dwell on it.

Later that night, Rhett sat alone in his room, surrounded by bottles of Aurora Potion. He opened his system panel, his excitement building.

If it were just the destiny points, even with twenty-three bottles of Aurora Potion, he wouldn't be confident in reaching the peak of tier-four Archmage. But with the Blood Source Pearl, he felt certain that tonight, he would achieve that pinnacle.

And so, he began without delay.

As the surrounding space rippled, Rhett consumed bottle after bottle of Aurora Potion. When he had finished all twenty-three bottles, he retrieved the Blood Source Pearl, his gaze complex, before decisively swallowing it.

Time passed.

In his 172nd simulation, Rhett, now visibly older, exhaled slowly. Feeling his mental power reach its limit, he murmured, "I've finally reached the peak of tier-four Archmage…"

With a thought, he ended the simulation and chose the third option without hesitation.

The next morning, Rhett was deep in meditation, chipping away at the bottleneck to tier-five Archmage. This process was far more challenging than any previous breakthroughs. As a mage's mental power transformed in quality, the bottleneck became much more difficult to break through.

Rhett felt that if he relied on time alone, the breakthrough would be far off.

Sighing inwardly, he suddenly sensed something unusual.

Knock, knock, knock.

A knock on the door was followed by a voice, "Sir, we've prepared a sumptuous breakfast for you. Please open the door."

Outside the door stood a man in a brown cloak, his hood pulled low. After knocking, he carefully listened for any movement inside the room.

A moment later, a voice from within replied, "No need for breakfast. Just bring me a hot cup of milk."

"Very well, please wait a moment." The cloaked man turned to go downstairs for the milk.

However, just as he turned, the door suddenly swung open, and a large hand clapped him on the shoulder. Laughter echoed down the hallway.

"Haha, McCoffe, did you really think I wouldn't recognize your voice after all these years?" Rhett patted the man on the shoulder and pulled back the hood, revealing light brown hair.

"Oh no, Rhett, you should've played along and let me bring in breakfast. I wanted to surprise you!" McCoffe turned, his tone disappointed. "You've completely ruined the fun!"

Rhett shrugged, smiling without a word.

Then, both men fell silent.

McCoffe stared at Rhett for a few seconds before letting out a long breath. "It's been a long time, Rhett. You've matured since then. The fires of war have tempered you into solid steel."

Rhett hesitated before replying, his gaze falling on the faint wrinkles on McCoffe's forehead. "You… you've grown older. But congratulations on becoming a tier-three mage!"

McCoffe chuckled, shaking his head. "Nothing compared to you. When we last parted, our futures were uncertain. Now, you've not only become a tier-three mage but also a viscount."

"Haha, just luck!" Rhett laughed, then asked, "Where have you been all these years? I searched for you when I returned from the frontlines, but it was as if you'd disappeared without a trace."

"Heh, I've been to many places. Let's talk about it over time…"

And so, the two old friends spent the entire morning in the room, catching up on their lives. Though it wasn't enough time to cover all the years they had been apart, Rhett learned that after their parting, McCoffe had traveled widely and eventually settled in the icy city of Wodan for several years. He had worked as a mercenary and adventurer, gaining plenty of experience.

By noon, Rhett glanced out the window at the bright sun before turning back to McCoffe. Pouring them both more tea, he asked, "You spent several years in Ice City, McCoffe. Did you ever hear of the Flame Lion Mercenary Group?"

"Huh?" McCoffe blinked in surprise. "There is a Flame Lion Mercenary Group in Ice City, but how do you know about them? Their fame and strength aren't significant enough to reach this far south…"

Rhett smiled and briefly recounted his encounter with the group during his hunt in the Darkwing Eagle territory, omitting the details about his breakthrough to Archmage and the Bloodline Potion.

McCoffe listened, blinking in amazement before sighing. "You've changed so much over the years, Rhett. It's almost as if the goddess of luck has taken a liking to you."

True friends are genuinely happy to see each other thrive. Despite Rhett's rapid progress, McCoffe didn't dwell on it or envy him. Their friendship was what he valued most.