I Maxed Out My Luck Stat-Chapter 35: Not So Friendly Competition

"I would like to apologize for my affront earlier."

The Rouge Impostor smiled courteously at the well-dressed and calm-looking Richard. "I would also like to have my seat here for a moment if you don’t mind."

"Don’t you have your own seat among the Rouge Family? Or does your present circumstance prevent you from doing that?" Richard responded with an apprehensive tone.

"You catch on quick. You’re right... But don’t worry. I don’t plan to take much of your time."

"Alright then..."

"Thank you." The Rouge Noble sat next to Richard, but not without glancing at the masked aide and nodding in silent recognition.

The aide nodded back.

During this period, the Head of the Rouge Family popped up alongside his wife, and they held their baby while giving a speech. It was a boring speech, but it was per the noble custom. What was going on at Richard’s table was far more interesting.

"It would appear that the Bleu Family’s boy is after you. But you don’t have to worry, since I disrupted his scheme. He won’t be causing you any trouble in this event."

"I already knew that, but thanks... I guess."

"Haha... Well, you are welcome."

"I already told you that I won’t say anything about your disguise. Why are you still bothering me? Do you plan to drag the Blanc Family into whatever you have planned? If that is the case, then—"

"You don’t have to worry... You have my word." The man smiled, even laughing lightly.

"Your word means nothing to me."

For a moment, the Rouge Impostor froze in place.

Then, he casually grinned.

"You sound so sure."

"That’s because I am aware of your true nature..."

"So you know me that well, huh?"

"You sound surprised."

"Hehe... I suppose so. No one has ever seen through me so easily." He sighed before slowly rising to his feet. "One last thing... consider it a favor from me, an expression of my goodwill."

"... Go on."

"The other families are planning something. I reckon it will occur during the Friendly Games, which will occur right after this Formal Ceremony. You should be wary of their moves..."

"I see. Well, thanks for the information."

"It was nothing. Besides..." The Rouge Imposter glanced at the aide for a moment and let out a knowing grin.

"... I’m sure you already made preparations for such a scenario.

Silence existed between them for some time.

Then—

"I’ll be off then. I hope you have a pleasant day and enjoy the hospitality of the Rouge Family."

—He left.

Not long after, the Head of the Rouge Family concluded his speech, and everyone had to rise to their feet to make a standing ovation.

Naturally, this included Richard and Neia.

Still, the strange interaction couldn’t escape Richard’s mind.

He was wrestling with many possibilities, especially the hint he just received from the stranger.

’So they plan to make a move against me in the Friendly Games? Fair enough.’

He stared at Neia, and the two nodded knowingly.

It was a good thing they had chosen to take a few precautions after realizing that the other Family representatives held some interest in Richard.

’But the Friendly Games... huh...’

After the Official Ceremony, there was an Informal Gathering exclusive to the Noble Families and a select few guests. In this event, there was a common ritual among the Nobles, where the Noble Families would send their respective aides to fight one another in a sort of mini-battle for each Noble Family’s supremacy.

It was also possible for the Noble representatives themselves to enter the ring and participate directly, but this was rarely seen.

After all, even if a representative lost this friendly spar, the shame on the family would be minimized. However, if a direct descendant of the family fought and lost, it would reflect badly on the family.

Thus, not many resorted to this method.

In fact, it was hardly implemented, and some Nobles didn’t even know such a thing existed.

One could only wonder what the Noble Families had planned.

**********

The courtyard was the perfect venue for this Informal Ceremony.

Not only was it extremely spacious, but it also had a relaxing atmosphere that seemed to contrast the strict air that filled the grand hall.

The representatives of the Noble Families and their aides were present, as well as a few spectators—mostly people from the Holy Order and High-Rank Faction Leaders. One or two Prominent Adventurers and Explorers were also present.

This was a most prestigious event meant only for the inner circle of high society.

In the entire Vampire State, only about a hundred people would be able to qualify for such an esteemed position, which meant Richard was actually amidst some really powerful people.

Unfortunately for him, it could not end there.

"It is now time for the Friendly Games between the Noble Families. Since we spent so much time during the Naming Ceremony already, and many of you would prefer a rather quick, why don’t we make it a battle royale instead of one-on-one spars?" The overseer of this event was someone from the Holy Order.

Since the Holy Order was close to the Vert and Jaune Families, it was clear where this bias came from. If the Friendly Games became a battle royale, then the two families could work together to crush any opposition.

However, due to the status of the Holy Order, as well as the reasonable nature of the excuse, not many people argued against it.

Thus, it was accepted.

"Why don’t we add a new rule? Instead of our aides fighting, why don’t the representatives step into the ring instead?" Liliana Winifred Vi Jaune raised her hand and said this with a smirk on her face.

"Oh? Sounds interesting. I agree!" Jason Todod Von Vert proclaimed loudly.

At this point, it was becoming clear what they were aiming for.

"Interesting..." Mira Uriel Vi Noir chuckled in amusement. "Count me in, I guess."

Although she held a different disposition from the two, and her gaze reeked of some kind of hidden scheme, she still went along with their own plan.

Arthur Netora Re Von Bleu was still in shock from his experience, so he didn’t object, nor did he agree. He was just as blank as an empty sheet of paper. Since the Rouge Family was the host, they weren’t going to participate in the event.

This left the Blanc Family as the only factor left.

However, since the votes were already three to one in favor of Noble Representatives participating, there really wasn’t anything the Blanc Family could do in this matter.

Even if Richard Blanc refused, he was outnumbered.

"Oh? So that’s how it is..." Richard smiled while shrugging casually. "Bring it on. I agree with your proposition!"

Everyone gasped in surprise.

Many had expected him to desperately refuse this condition with all his might.

Even if struggling would do him no good, it would still be the natural thing to do. Plus, it would further emphasize how pathetic he was.

However, he didn’t act according to expectation.

In fact, he seemed confident.

"But... Isn’t he worried he’s going to lose?" Someone among the crowd let out an audible whisper, which represented what everyone who had picked up on this scheme had in their minds.

In response, Richard simply smiled proudly.

"Nah, I’d win."

[A/N: A lot of things are uncertain at the moment, but this is a rather interesting situation. I understand that a few of you have likely picked up on certain hints, but I hope you enjoy the following Chapter regardless]