TYHL 90

~Chapter 90~

“Of course… even Lady Rubian of Zebret will compete.”

“Did you hear? That bold statement—like nothing in the world could stop her.”

“As expected of the northern lady…”

Something felt wrong.

I buried my face in my palms.

But… I really did want that herb, so I couldn’t deny it.

‘Memorial Herb… I need it.’

By itself, it was just a rare herb. But—

“If used with mana, it can restore lost memories.”

Ever since the kidnapping incident, I’d had fragmented flashes of the original story while sick with fever. But my memories were still incomplete.

I had even asked Wizeria once, just in case, but she gave me no real answer.

Tired of her selective hints, I decided not to rely only on my own head anymore—this time I’d use outside help.

That Memorial Herb.

‘I’ll win first place and claim it!’

From the moment Asha told me about the added prize, my decision was set.

And yes… I also wanted the Hero Card.

“Dad, I’ll do my best.”

I whispered with determination. Dad only smiled, saying it was fine to take it easy, while ordering one of his men to scout every herb market in the kingdom.

But anyway—

‘I already made my strategy for this!’

I turned to the elite members who would compete with me.

Team Zebret.

Yes—the strongest lineup possible.

“I’ll restore these broken memories… and save Dad!”

Team Zebret.

Naturally, it was Liam, Void, and Khalid.

“Hey, youngest, come quick. We have to register for the events.”

Liam reached out to me. At the registration desk, children were already crowded like bees.

The Verdant Festival competition had four events:

1. Horse Racing

2. Quiz Contest

3. Children’s Sword Tournament

4. Maze Challenge

Each child could enter just one.

‘Winning an event earns a gold badge worth 100 points.’

But winning wasn’t everything.

Outstanding performance could also earn Star Stickers worth 5 points each, given by the judges.

‘I heard years ago a kid actually won first overall with only Star Stickers.’

That child only solved three quiz questions, but each answer was so brilliant they earned 100 stars. A total of 500 points—first place.

Of course, that was rare. Normally, the gold badge winners were the ones who ranked, with stars deciding 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.

‘So if we want a guaranteed win…’

I sharpened my gaze at Liam, Void, and Khalid one by one.

“What are you thinking? Hurry, let’s register for swordsmanship! I’ll even let you win!”

“No, the youngest fairy should join the quiz contest with me. Of course, I won’t lose—but I don’t mind sharing answers.”

“Hmph. You’re all underestimating this festival.”

I wiggled my finger. They tilted their heads in confusion. Borrowing Liam’s glasses, I became “Smart Rubian.”

“Now, listen carefully.”

I squatted on the ground to draw a diagram. The three boys leaned in.

“Verdant Festival competition—what is it really? A battle between noble families.”

“Eh? Isn’t it just for fun?”

“No way. Do you want another family to steal the Hero Card?”

“Never!”

“Then we need a solid strategy.”

“Strategy? Sounds good.”

Liam glanced at a nearby trash bin and nodded like a philosopher. I quickly returned his glasses.

“What I mean is—we mustn’t compete against each other.”

“Meaning…?”

“Each of us should enter a different event.”

“Brilliant.”

Liam grinned and scribbled on the ground:

1. Horse Racing – Khalid

2. Quiz – Me

3. Swordsmanship – Void

4. Maze – ♡♥Rubian♡♥

It felt like my name stood out way too much, but oh well.

“But wait… I didn’t know Khalid could even enter.”

I asked, glancing at his name. Void nodded.

“Actually, even commoner kids can enter. Most don’t, because they don’t want to compete with nobles. Especially not in horse riding or swordsmanship. But him? He doesn’t care.”

“True. He really doesn’t care.”

Khalid just sat on the ground, patting the dirt, listening like it was someone else’s problem.

“…But I prefer this one.”

Khalid pointed at Swordsmanship. Void snorted.

“Pfft. You’re terrible in mock battles. Did you forget? What’ll you do here—stand still again?”

“…Ah.”

Poor Khalid. He still hadn’t shaken off his inexperience. He scowled but didn’t argue.

“Wait a second.”

This time, I objected—because of my assigned event.

“But I want the quiz! Liam, can’t you do the maze instead?”

I wasn’t confident in the others. Only the quiz gave me a real chance—since it was said to include herbalism questions.

Liam chuckled.

“Me, in a maze? I can’t even find the bathroom.”

“…”

…Fair enough.

“Fine. If you insist, I’ll take the maze. But since I’ll probably die in there, let’s say goodbye in advance…”

“Stop talking about next life already!”

I rushed to stop him.

Well, nothing to be done. Liam was smart—he’d probably solve the quiz better than me anyway.

‘And a maze… maybe I can handle that much.’

With the strategy decided, we hurried to register.

“Yes, four members of House Zebret. Registration complete. Here are your schedules.”

The registration desk was packed with competitors.

Strangers everywhere—but the three boys beside me stood out so much that no one dared approach, only sneaking glances.

‘Heh. With this team, one of us will definitely win.’

Even I was objective enough to admit—my chances weren’t high. It wasn’t magic combat, after all.

‘But it doesn’t matter who wins, as long as our family gets the prize!’

Liam and Khalid already promised to hand me theirs, and Void didn’t care about anything but the Hero Card.

Looking around, I spotted Dad, Grandpa, and Mom Rosetta in the stands. All three waved at me with huge smiles.

Wow.

I couldn’t help it—I bounced up and down, waving back.

Parents at a school sports day… this was the best feeling ever!

The first event was horse racing.

As the opening event, the stadium was absolutely packed.

Watching the buzzing crowd, I felt relief—choosing the maze had been 100% the right decision.

Riding a horse in front of this many people?

‘The chance of messing up would be 100%.’

Meanwhile, Khalid lazily stroked his horse’s nose, looking bored as usual.

“Our little ones are all competing this year,” Dad murmured, sitting beside me.

“So being a parent really is the busiest job.”

“Hehe.”

Feeling pleased, I looked down at Khalid’s head.

Most riders were noble children, trained in horsemanship since they were small.

Even among those dazzling peacock-like kids, Khalid didn’t look out of place at all.

No—he was more like a lone swan among them.

‘Heh. He’d hate it if I told him that.’

I’ll tease him later.

People whispered as they glanced our way.

“They say that boy is being raised directly by Duke Zebret’s knights.”

“Look at his eyes… no joke. Even the old Duke is said to be watching him closely.”

In truth, the Zebret knights were always short-handed and welcomed anyone, and Grandpa just liked training kids for fun.

But… not completely untrue either.

It didn’t feel bad, seeing my friend praised like that.

“Do your best, daughter!”

“Young Master Simon, fight on!”

Cheers rose from all around.

It surprised me.

Honestly, I thought nobles would just sit quietly, like in an art gallery—but it was festive and noisy.

‘Or maybe cheering for your child crosses all ranks.’

Of course, there were still nobles like Dad, sitting upright, maintaining dignity.

‘Wait… are those cheering tools?’

Fans and signs appeared in the crowd. This festival was way more serious than I’d thought.

Ah! If I’d known, I would’ve brought my own sketchbook!

“Father! Over here!”

Then, I heard Mom and Grandpa shouting from the far side.

“Move aside, you dust specks! We need to unfold the banner!”

They kicked people away like bulls charging forward.

Then—the biggest banner in the stadium unfurled.

Pride of the Zebret Knights!
Go, Young Khalid!

“….”

Khalid’s face below turned pale with horror.

The poor boy looked utterly destroyed.