HSRD 11

Chapter 11

“Plausible Fabrication?”

What is this supposed to be?

I narrowed my eyes slightly and stared at the description window.

It grants a strange persuasiveness?

‘What does that even mean? Persuasiveness? Don’t tell me this lets me scam people or something?’

Just like that “Unbeatable, Ever-Victorious Strategy” from before, why do all the rewards from the Divine Messenger feel like this?

What exactly is the Divine Messenger trying to make me do?

If it’s a main quest reward, shouldn’t it be something amazing?

‘I was at least expecting something like “Evening Glow Nymph’s Secret Art 2.”’

I glared at the ring.

It didn’t look like a diamond. It was a silver ring with a small stone in the center—a strange mix of white and gray.

‘Well, I got it anyway… might as well try wearing it.’

I slipped the ring onto my right index finger.

It fit perfectly, like it had been custom-made.

As I turned my hand around, examining it, I heard a knock.

“Miss Aigle, it’s Nora.”

“Come in.”

At my permission, the maid Nora entered and calmly began tidying my bedding.

“The Count requests that you join him for lunch. Please prepare and come down to the dining room.”

“O-Okay?”

Ah… here it comes.

“Alright. I guess I should get ready right away.”

“Then please get out of bed, miss.”

“Ugh… I don’t want to go.”

Nora skillfully guided me as she helped me get dressed.

‘What kind of excuse am I supposed to give Uncle…?’

I didn’t have a good one.

Frowning, I thought for a moment—then shrugged.

‘Well… I probably won’t get scolded.’

It’s not like I did anything bad, right?

I wasn’t the type to dwell too long on one problem anyway, so I decided to just relax.

‘It’ll work out somehow.’

After finishing my preparations, I headed to the dining room.

My aunt and Lily were already seated.

“You’re here? Sit down.”

“Yes, Aunt. Wow, it’s fish today. It smells amazing!”

Clutching my hungry stomach, I sat down.

Since the day had been repeating, I’d been eating the same meals for days.

I wasn’t picky, but even I got tired of repetition—so seeing something new made me happy.

‘No more broccoli soup and chicken for a while.’

As I sat down, Lily glared at me.

“You’re seriously talking about food right now? Don’t try to dodge the topic like yesterday!”

“Good afternoon, Lily.”

“Is this really the time for greetings?!”

“Lily, don’t raise your voice.”

Just as my aunt tried to calm her, the dining room door opened and my uncle entered.

“You’re all here.”

Without much comment, he took his seat at the head of the table and began eating.

My aunt and Lily straightened up and followed suit.

I casually picked up my fork as well.

Soon, only the sound of utensils filled the room.

Lily, who clearly hated the silence, forced herself to speak.

“Ah—by the way, did you hear? Flora Dress Shop made a new fabric!”

“Oh yes, I heard,” my aunt replied quickly. “Apparently, reservations are already pouring in. I was thinking we might commission outfits there for the next banquet.”

Both of them were trying to ease the awkward atmosphere.

But my uncle remained silent.

I also quietly focused on my food.

‘It’s not like this is the first time Uncle’s made things awkward… those two really suffer every time.’

If they just ignored it like me, it wouldn’t bother them at all.

…Oh. Come to think of it, I’m the one who caused this atmosphere.

Reflecting slightly, I continued eating.

Soon, my uncle finished his meal, set down his utensils, and looked at me.

“So, Aigle.”

At his words, my aunt and Lily both fell silent at the same time.

The room became completely still.

“Yes, Uncle.”

“Yesterday…”

He frowned slightly, as if choosing his words, then let out a sigh.

“What exactly did you do?”

At that question, I slowly set down my utensils.

“Well… about that…”

Alright, time to think, Aigle.

How do I explain this naturally?

As I hesitated, Lily suddenly burst out:

“Big sis—you’re a mage, aren’t you?!”

I blinked at her.

“A mage?”

“The magic circle at the banquet! And I heard you caught a cheating gambler at the casino too!”

My aunt gasped.

“My goodness, Aigle. Is that true? You went to a casino?”

“Ah… well…”

“That place is dangerous. Even if you’re an adult now, how could you go without telling us?”

‘There were circumstances…’

My aunt, being conservative, really disliked casinos.

But I couldn’t explain my situation, so I just laughed awkwardly.

Lily continued, as if exposing me:

“They said she guessed every card the dealer gave! If that’s not magic, what is?!”

“That’s not it. Magic use is illegal in casinos.”

“Then how did someone like you guess the cards?”

“…Observation?”

A lie.

Lily snorted.

“Observation? From someone as clueless as you? Just admit you secretly used magic—that makes more sense!”

She kept going nonstop, just like last night.

Watching this, my uncle spoke in a slightly stern voice:

“Lily Atlas.”

She flinched immediately and straightened up.

Satisfied, my uncle turned back to me.

“Is it true? Can you use magic?”

My aunt tilted her head.

“Come to think of it, your mother was a mage. When did you learn?”

Lily added confidently:

“How could you hide something like that? You’re so sneaky!”

At this point, I had to think carefully.

‘Originally, I was going to say I used an ancient artifact from Mom to catch the assassin…’

But maybe saying I’m a mage is easier.

The quest wasn’t even fully over yet. Who knows what might happen again?

I couldn’t keep using the same excuse.

And it’s not like being a mage requires certification.

‘Besides… I am a nymph. I can use mana.’

So technically, it’s not wrong.

Even if the only magic I can use is changing my hair and eye color…

Still, it counts!

‘And I even learned a new nymph technique from the quest reward!’

Having decided, I spoke calmly:

“Yes. I can use magic. I only realized it recently, though.”

My uncle’s eyes widened slightly.

“You learned on your own?”

“Why didn’t you tell us?”

They began firing questions.

I hesitated, thinking of excuses.

“Well… I was surprised too, so I wanted to be sure first… and self-study… haha… it just kind of happened!”

They both looked at me skeptically.

Maintaining a smile, I added:

“My mother was a great mage, so maybe I inherited her talent? Though I’m not very skilled yet.”

“The Duke of Lafmen?”

“I met him at a banquet recently. He asked for my help catching the assassin targeting Lady Ijansel Lafmen.”

“What banquet was that? The Duke rarely attends.”

“And he asked you for help? When you just awakened your magic?”

“Maybe… I seemed trustworthy? Hahaha!”

Even I knew that sounded ridiculous.

They clearly didn’t believe me.

Lily shouted:

“Does that make any sense?!”

‘Well… no.’

But I couldn’t tell them the truth.

I gave an awkward smile.

My uncle held his head.

“Aigle, stop dodging and tell us honestly. As your guardian, I need to know everything.”

Unfortunately, I couldn’t focus on him.

A notification window suddenly appeared.

<Plausible Fabrication> effect activated!
Your words are granted a strange persuasiveness!
The persuasiveness remains even after the time limit!
First use: Effect is tripled, extending duration!

Time Remaining: 6:00:00

At the same time, the ring on my hand flashed.

And instantly—

The suspicious looks from my family changed completely.

“I see.”

“That makes sense.”

“When has she not caused trouble anyway?”

“…Huh?”

While I stood there confused, they began whispering among themselves.

“Normally, self-taught magic would be impossible—but if she inherited talent from a great mage mother, it’s plausible.”

“Exactly. And the Duke just came of age—maybe he would ask a newly awakened noble girl for help.”

“And catching a cheating gambler on your first casino visit… not impossible.”

“Right, right.”

They nodded as if they’d reached a perfect conclusion.

“Um…”

“Thank you for telling us, Aigle.”

“Oh dear, the food is getting cold. Let’s finish lunch and discuss what to do next.”

“Tch. Why can only you use magic? I don’t like it.”

At their sudden change in attitude, I tilted my head in confusion.