I Maxed Out My Luck Stat-Chapter 33: Mind Games

Red hair.

Crimson eyes.

These were two of the most noticeable traits of the Rouge Noble Family.

Naturally, they had other qualities—one of which was the incredible height that the members inherently possessed.

A ten-year-old Rouge Noble could grow to be as tall as a teenager, and by their early teens, they would already be as tall as most adults. They also had a certain mature quality about them, which made it very difficult to determine their age.

This particular individual, a man who appeared to be an adult, was clearly a Rouge Noble.

However, he could have also been a teenager like them.

Still, the authority which he exuded, as well as the maturity displayed through his deep, albeit amused tone, made that very difficult to discern.

"Need I ask again?" The main raised a brow while looking at the two of them. "What did you just say about wiping out everyone present?"

"U-um... I... It was that guy who said it! I didn’t have anything to do with it!" Arthur quickly pointed at Richard, his nervous stutter nearly impeding the words as they rushed out of his blubbering lips.

Although he made this serious accusation, Richard remained calm.

After all, it was true.

He had uttered those words regarding his aide.

It was a misstep, one which had to be acknowledged and reinforced with a sincere apology.

However, Richard did no such thing.

Instead, he smiled.

’What? He’s smiling?’ The man with red hair was slightly confused by this reaction.

Arthur, on the other hand, was grinning like an idiot.

’Now you’ve done it, Richard! You’ve stirred the hornet’s nest! Insulting a Rouge Noble in their Household is a huge offense. It won’t end with you just disgracing your family. In an extreme case, it could even lead to being imprisoned... or losing your life. Once that happens, you will no longer be eligible for Selica’s hand in marriage, and it’ll be my victory!’

"Who do you think you’re fooling with that act of yours?" Richard suddenly spoke, his gaze narrowed as he stared audaciously at the Rouge Noble member.

"What are you talking about?"

The man became flustered for the first time since the conversation started, but he displayed none of this and remained calm.

"Your disguise... It’s pretty good. But you can’t fool my eyes. I see several inconsistencies. If you wish, I could point them out to you, but then... That would reveal what is actually going on here. Do you want that to happen... especially at this moment?"

’T-this guy—!’

The Rouge Noble suddenly grew stiff.

He realized the situation had already rapidly shifted, and the power balance had tilted from his control. Without making it obvious, he scanned the area and found many people staring in their direction.

Although they were close to the entrance, they had taken up most of the attention.

’If he exposes me now... But hold on... How did he figure it out? Could he simply be bluffing? But do I really want to take the risk and call his bluff?’

A lot of thoughts ran through his mind at once, but he maintained a stoic mask.

"You don’t believe me? Then let’s start with your gender—"

"T-that’s enough!" For the first time, he cracked, showing a deep weakness in his countenance which he had tried to hide for so long.

Panic quickly began to set in.

’This guy isn’t messing around. He definitely knows... But how come? No, the most important thing is figuring out just how much he knows and how he got access to that information. There’s also the danger of his revealing the truth to others. That would be catastrophic. I could kill him now to prevent the truth from leaking out, but what would be the justification? This guy is the only child of a Noble Family. Am I ready to start such a conflict because of this matter? There’s also the matter of that aide next to him. He’s pretty confident that they’re very strong. I’m certain I should be stronger, but... I would have to reveal my true identity to use my true power. In my current state, can I take them down? I’m not sure...’

More thoughts coursed through the head of this Rouge Noble.

They were so abundant that he was completely paralyzed while fighting a great battle in his mind. Arthur and Richard simply watched as his blank expression continued to switch between expressions.

It almost seemed like he was a robot that had short-circuited.

He was seriously tweaking!

"Hmph! If you understand the situation, then do not raise an issue with my previous statement, even if I meant it. I will keep your secret, so let’s simply pretend like this conversation never happened. I’ll ignore you and whatever plans you have here, and you should also do the same to me." Richard’s voice echoed once more, causing the Rouge Noble to fidget slightly.

There was still no response from the man.

At least, not immediately.

Then—

"I... understand."

"Glad we could see eye-to-eye on this matter. I’ll be heading in first, then..."

Just like that, Richard and his aide—who seemed incredibly stunned by this exchange despite their mask pretty much blocking any expression from them—walked away.

The Rouge Noble watched as the two left, unable to say or do anything at all.

He simply remained a statue.

Until—

"S-sir, why would you let them get away like that?" It was Arthur who spoke, his sly grin making his intentions very clear.

He still intended to use Richard’s earlier statement to drive a wedge between the Blanc Family and the Rouge Family. Now that Richard had gone ahead to disrespect this man, the pit he had dug earlier had only gotten deeper.

In addition to that, Richard’s statement implied that his sole aide was superior to the other attendees of this event.

He was not only disrespecting the Rouge Family, but also every other Noble Family present.

Arthur knew he could capitalize on this and turn everyone against Richard.

If he could capitalize on their Noble Pride, they would surely resent him and antagonize him throughout this event and even beyond it.

’That’s right! This is how I’m going to kill you, Richard! I will destroy your social standing and ruin any possibility of support in the Academy. You will be without any allies and support, which would make you an undesirable choice to the Noir Family. They will have no choice but to drop you and choose me.’

Although Arthur knew all of this and was already concocting a plan regarding how to achieve this plan, he still recognized his place.

This was Rouge territory.

He couldn’t go around spreading such rumors and inciting others without some kind of implied consent from the resident Noble Family itself. Also, if he could gain the support of this family, it would lend great credence to his story.

Such a scenario would make it even more damaging for Richard.

Which was why—

"That bastard, Richard... he doesn’t know his place! If you want, Sir, I can reprimand him for you. Why does he think they can treat such a respectable Noble like you like that? Especially in the Crimson City! Such clear disregard for the mighty Rouge Family cannot be overlooked!

—Arthur was going to incite this man against Richard.

Since the latter had just disrespected him, even going as far as walking out on him, he was surely seething with rage. His Noble Pride had surely been hurt for sure.

He would undoubtedly want to have his revenge.

’Hehehe! Perfect! Once I get the support of this man, it’ll be over for you, Richa—!"

"Silence, brat..." The man slowly turned to Arthur and narrowed his gaze. "Who do you think you’re talking to in such a way? When did I permit you to address me?"

"E-eh?"

Arthur was confused. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Didn’t Richard just walk over this man like he was nothing?

Why was he suddenly releasing such a domineering aura, one that reeked of bloodlust?

"But I thought—"

"There you go... still speaking to me without my permission. You need to know your place... and that requires some punishment."

Arthur didn’t even blink when he found himself in a completely different world.

It was a land filled with blood.

An absolute domain of chaos and death!

Standing amidst this deluge of darkness and thick crimson was the Rouge Noble.

He had a cruel expression on his cold face.

"Do well to keep your sanity, you incorrigible fool. I need you broken... not dead."