Surviving as a Con Artist at the Academy

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108th Chapter. Who Are You?

The mansion was already teeming with numerous nobles. From the yard to the garden, prominent figures nodded to each other.

Just being here proved their status. Whether they had achieved accomplishments or skillfully leveraged connections, they likely believed they had become significant enough to catch the eye of the Royal Family or the Sect.

People tend to crave sugar when they endure hard work. When they feel throat-raspy during a conversation, they want to hear sweet words in exchange for their suffering, like chewing on fruit.

The arrogance that rises is often for that simple reason. Wanting to boast about their struggles is similar.

This place also served as a venue for them to compare and establish ranks among themselves.

Even kids could instinctively sense that this party went beyond mere socializing.

Among them, those who rely solely on handouts couldn’t adapt to such an environment. They might act oblivious, unaware of their inability to fit in.

In places crowded with people, such types inevitably exist. They were precisely that kind.

“I never imagined the achievements left by the Crawlers would benefit us. They are still valuable even in ruin.”

“Though it’s a tad unsatisfactory, without their accumulated status, we wouldn’t even be stepping on this grand land.”

“But now, it’s ours. No matter what anyone says… it’s become something we’ve built as the Layered Family.”

“Of course, Crawlers and Layereds are essentially the same bloodline. Whatever they have becomes ours.”

A man in a white suit with golden trimmings, adorned with rings and high-end brooches, was Ates Layered.

Similarly, a woman dressed in shining silver shoes and a dress, adorned with a golden tiara, was Anila Layered.

Once a branch of the Crawlers, they were now the head of the Layered Family and his wife who had devoured that position.

“Our Layered Family has long been unjustly overlooked under the Crawlers’ frivolous light. Even after unearthing ancient magical tomes or engaging in mining ventures, the Royal Family only had their eyes on the Crawlers.”

The Layereds thought of their lack of accomplishments in this way.

It was all the Crawlers’ fault. They found no simpler and more comfortable way to shift the blame.

On the flip side, thinking deeply about it would only invite devastating headaches. Their sweet delusions, unaware of the reality, grew increasingly severe.

They didn’t just stop at shifting blame; they began to covet the power the Crawlers had.

“Do you remember when those guys got chased out?”

“Of course! Although it was sudden, I was grateful for the major mishaps they created!”

At some point, the Crawlers’ status had plummeted and started heading towards downfall. Many sought to snatch the remaining wealth and power, but none had waited as long and tirelessly as the Layereds.

“We secured it through our strength. Our efforts, always aiming for their weaknesses, have finally paid off.”

“Heh, thanks to that, we’ve not only been recognized by the Royal Family and Chain Silver but my child’s admission to Aligieri next year has been confirmed!”

Anila picked up a glass of wine on the table. The polygon-shaped tower of the golden drink added a sweetness to the taste.

However, her expression soured as she glanced at a couple across the table.

“That…”

“….”

Every time they looked, there were appalling figures.

A couple, presumed to be husband and wife, along with a girl, appeared to enjoy their meal side by side. They seemed just like common party attendees to outsiders, but for the Layereds, they were sensitive presences.

“I heard the rumors, but… I never thought they were actually invited.”

“So they were still clinging to the Chain Silver Family for survival.”

Rotas and Skilla, along with their daughter Amy, were enjoying some kind of food that looked like rice balls.

It was laughable that they would eat such common food at such an elegant event, but rather, there were many oddities because of that food.

“But where did those rice balls even come from?”

“It’s nauseating just to look at, but to lower the dignity of this baptism with trash like that!”

Ates, filled with anger, grabbed a guard who appeared to hold a higher rank among the knights.

“Who made those rice balls over there? I didn’t see any at other tables.”

The guard, standing stiffly like he had just met his lord, answered within his knowledge.

“They were made directly by someone who was also invited like you.”

“What?”

As an invited guest, neither the knights nor the servants could be scolded. They had been educated to a near brainwashed level about that.

They must be a rogue who recklessly abused their invitation and ruined the kitchen. So, the knight was asked for that person’s name.

“Radon Crawler.”

As soon as the name Crawler popped into their minds, the two of them paused in shock. Then, their expressions suddenly broke into wicked smiles.

With the Crawlers gathering, it made them wonder where the eldest son Radon had gone.

“Radon Crawler… Still unruly as ever. That temperament that troubled our son hasn’t changed, has it?”

“This is an opportunity. Who would like someone like that, eating such disgraceful food?”

They were planning to pin all the blame solely on Radon’s mistakes… and concoct another plot to shift responsibilities.

Meanwhile, other nobles were casting sidelong glances at the Crawlers, seeming to question why they were eating such frivolities in a place so important.

If they were to utilize that well, it could lead to enormous embarrassment. At this grand event…

*

My arms felt like they would fall off. After an hour of making rice balls, I could hardly feel my hands.

As in other restaurants, the kitchen was a place filled with heat. Seeing me, dripping with sweat, the chefs approached with overwhelming hospitality.

I told them I was fine and not at all tired, but…

[Decreased Consumption Rate: -10%]

[+1000 Credits]

I couldn’t deceive myself after all.

In the end, I found myself outside in the chilly garden, taking a break. The cool air felt refreshing.

Of course, the cause was Angela, but since my family wanted more, I made an additional batch. I used my mana to enhance agility and reached 50 pieces.

[Culinary Lv4]

‘Wow… I totally forgot this skill existed?’

It had been so long since I last checked my life skills, I couldn’t remember when. At that time, what level was it?

“You’ve worked hard. Here.”

“Thank you.”

The one who handed me a glass while I sat in the cold chair was Jenny. Not only her but I also saw others behind her.

Jenny, in a blue dress that appeared to ripple, had one side of her hair tied with a floral ribbon.

Mary, in a silky white dress adorned with a silver tiara, looked like a princess with her petite figure.

And then there was Crona, wearing a red dress and a lily headpiece.

Among them, another girl seemed to feel shy and turned her waist, hiding behind the others.

“Luška, what are you doing? Hurry and come out.”

“Why are you hiding after dressing up so prettily, friend?”

“D-Don’t push me!”

Luška was pushed forward by her friends, and now I understood why she wanted to hide.

Her usual ponytail was undone, revealing her flowing black hair, and her black dress sparkled like it was embedded with diamonds.

Her once sharp red eyes now looked innocent and bashful, making her appear like a beautiful angel with black wings, combined with the black dress.

“This is my first time wearing something like this…”

Once she stepped into this realm, it was destiny that she would have to wear such a thing at least once. I managed to get through school uniforms somehow, but that was within the boundaries for commoners. However, dresses as extravagant as this felt quite foreign.

“How do I look…?”

Luška asked with a small voice, trying to keep it modest. With her vague question, I asked back.

“What do you mean?”

“How do I look?!”

Luška raised her voice as if she was trapped. Her reaction sprang forth more from frustration than confidence.

“You look like a vampire.”

“….”

[Decreased Consumption Rate: -30%]

[+3000 Credits]

“Stop joking and answer properly!”

“Okay, just don’t get mad.”

Luška, intent on teasing me again, was suddenly radiating an intimidating aura that sent chills down my spine.

But what should I say? If I called her a fallen angel, she’d likely react similarly. If I said angel, it would disappoint her by not matching the image; if I said demon… she might really become one.

Then I suddenly recognized who Luška was among.

“You look like a noble.”

“…Really?”

Luška’s cheeks turned pink.

“Now that you mention it! Even among us, you fit in perfectly!”

Jenny fanned the flames, encouraging Luška further. But it wasn’t in a bad way, and I found myself enjoying the obedient Luška.

“I think she appears to be the offspring of a renowned noble house. But that’s not necessarily a good thing. Especially in a place like this banquet, there are those who go beyond mere socializing to make advances.”

Crona said as if she had experienced it herself. I could feel the gaze of men starting to follow us in this place.

I had forgotten that you shouldn’t stand in one place for too long at a banquet. However, just as a majestic procession appeared, those eyes vanished.

There appeared a white girl with beast ears and a tail, protected by numerous Paladins and Clerics.

“There you are.”

Angela approached, munching on a rice ball. Her presence instantly lowered the volume of the formerly raucous crowd.

“How’s everyone been doing?”

Everyone answered her without hesitation. I said I had been well too.

It had been a long time since I saw them after summer vacation. It felt as if we were distant relatives whose paths only crossed during holidays.

“And Radon, your rice ball skills have improved, haven’t they? Munch munch…”

“Thanks to you, I’m exhausted, you jerk.”

The Saint savored the rice balls I made, not holding back her praise.

Making festive food felt like a holiday spirit. I could now understand what it feels like for those who cook relentlessly on the living room floor with burners during Chuseok or Seollal.

“Can I stop now?”

“YES, you’ve made enough, so you deserve a good rest.”

“Thank you.”

“Anyway, you’ll be an incoming student soon. Hehehe.”

Her meaningful laughter left me in shock.

What the hell! It was clear she meant I would be utilized as a rice ball shuttle the moment I stepped in as a freshman.

There was no way to escape this or complain about it; it was completely a trap.

And someday I would hear her say,
‘Big brother Radon always made us food.’

Damn it. Just imagining it made me furious.

“I’d love to chat more, but it’s time now.”

“Is it finally time for the baptism? Let’s head over.”

Still, considering that once school started, we could meet whenever, I decided to endure today.

The baptism would be held on the platform within the banquet hall.

“I’ll join you later.”

“Got it! Radon, you have to come without being late.”

As they moved towards the banquet hall, I remained in the garden, feeling overwhelmed from everything I had just made, worrying that as an incoming student, I’d be hurriedly exploited.

“There’s no way they’d cross that line, right?” I thought, but at that moment, worries seeped in.

“Hey, long time no see. Radon Crawler.”

A young man approached me, giving a crooked gaze as he looked down on me.

Seeing he knew my name felt unusual, but I cocked my head in confusion, not knowing who he was.

“How many years has it been since we last met?”

No, I’ve never met you before.

When a stranger keeps talking to you, the answer is always ‘that skill.’

– Malice Lv2

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[Markray Layert]

Race: Human

Job: —

Level: 2-Star

Mana: 15/15

Disposition: Arrogance / Opportunism

Emotion Towards User: Malicious (Max)

~~~~~~~

Thanks to a skill that served like an encyclopedia, I recognized who this guy was.

At least I figured out that the name ‘Layered’ explained why he was coming at me like this.

“Hey, Radon. Why are you silent? You didn’t forget me, did you?”

The way he stretched his neck like a turtle and lowered his head was incredibly presumptuous.

“I heard that you forgot all the stuff you did to me and shamelessly clung onto Duke Chain Silver, but seeing it’s true, aren’t you embarrassed?”

I could tell his intentions to provoke me, but I wasn’t particularly surprised. I didn’t know enough about him. How could I have emotions towards someone when I couldn’t grasp the situation?

“Who are you?”

So, I said it, making a blank expression as if I were a fool.

[Decreased Consumption Rate: -90%]

[+9000 Credits]

It was decreasing because I was blatantly lying. But surprisingly, it had an immense effect.

The reason became clear through the distorted expression on his face.