I Maxed Out My Luck Stat

Thanks to Neia’s story, Richard didn’t have a very good impression of the Bleu Family.

He had also met Arthur Netora Re Von Bleu, who was a huge jerk.

These elements made him avoidant of that Noble Family in general. So, when he was told about the engagement to the Bleu Household, he had a natural aversion to it.

’I can understand the Noir Family’s intentions. I can also accept responsibility for the Jaune girl, since it was my subordinate who went too far by humiliating her. But... the Bleu Family’s engagement isn’t something I want to accept.’

"Do I have a choice in the matter?" Richard sighed after his parents explained the whole arrangement to him and how they were considering those offers.

"Hm? Is there anyone in particular that you do not desire?"

"Yes..." Richard nodded a little hesitantly. "I don’t want to be engaged to the Bleu Family’s girl."

"I see. What are your reasons?"

Richard exhaled.

He didn’t want to pull this card, but he felt it was his best move in the current situation.

"Because their youngest disrespected the Blanc Family during the Rouge Naming Ceremony. I don’t believe they think very highly of our family. They must have nefarious intentions, and I don’t want them to succeed. If you still wish to choose one more person as my ’Reserve’, then you may choose from the other offers that are most acceptable. Just not the Bleu Family..."

Richard had exaggerated the matter, but he hoped this would trigger his parents’ noble pride somehow and cause them to rule in his favor.

He was right!

"Oh? Is that so? Their boy actually did that..." Karl frowned mildly, although his golden gaze showed bottled-up fury.

As for Melissa, Richard’s mother, she had been silent thus far. However, even she showed signs of suppressed rage. It seemed the Bleu Family truly didn’t have the best place in their heart, so it didn’t take long for them to turn against them.

Why else would they believe Richard’s words so easily?

’This is good. That family made Neia suffer a lot, and I know it’ll hurt her if I were to be close to anyone who bullied her in the past. Also, being close to the Bleu Family could lead to a risky situation where they discover her identity. I have to prevent that...’ Richard’s distaste for the Bleu Family was only secondary in this matter.

His first priority was Neia, his only friend in this bizarre new world.

Richard, for some reason, also imagined this Bleu woman to have the same physique as Arthur and it turned him off. Since Arthur was a disgusting fatso who was too brazen and crude, it had damaged his view of the other members of the Bleu Family.

He essentially saw them as monsters.

The only one he didn’t consider one was Neia, and the reason for that was obvious.

"Well... since it is like that, we’ll have to refuse their offer. Let us set that matter aside and move on to the next topic of discussion."

Lord Karl Ernix Von Blanc cleared his throat mildly before proceeding.

"You gathered a lot of attention in the Naming Ceremony, but it was the good kind, so I won’t reprimand you. Since you were born without talent, and your Principal Disposition is of the Low Rank, we simply felt it would be best for you to stay out of the spotlight, but it seems your physical capabilities and noble sensibilities aren’t bad at all. You managed to turn things to our benefit in that event, and for that... you have my praise."

Richard didn’t understand why his heart jumped slightly when his father uttered those last words. He didn’t care about these people, yet their recognition moved his heart.

Why?

He didn’t want to answer it.

He simply did his best to remain stoic while nodding.

"The Rouge Family has also taken a special interest in you. So much so that they’ve specifically invited you and any additional person of your choice to the Expedition that they are conducting on the Mountain Range outskirts."

"D-did you just say... Mountain Range?"

Richard was stunned to hear those words again after three years.

The Mountain Range was where he performed his "Nuke" experiment. He hadn’t ventured there ever since, so he didn’t know what happened afterward.

He didn’t know about the Special Investigators and their interest in it.

And now there was an Expedition?

’Don’t tell me... Is it related to the Nuke? Are they going to be investigating me?!’

Richard couldn’t help but be worried.

"The Mountain Range was recently opened after three years of investigation. The authorities couldn’t find the cause of that large blast, so they’ve determined it safe for exploration. The Rouge Family won the bid for first contact and exploitation..." Although he tried his best to be composed, Karl sounded a little bitter when uttering the last statement.

Richard didn’t know why, though.

The truth was that the Blanc Family, just like other Noble Families, made the same bid.

In fact, since this was an Outskirt closest to the City of Brilliance, the Blanc Family had a special interest in it and felt entitled to the land.

However, they couldn’t complete with the Rouge Family’s wealth and connections.

They ultimately lost the bid.

This was why Karl was so upset, but he couldn’t let out his frustrations.

Unlike the cities, which each Noble Family rules, the Outskirts were completely different territories that belonged to no one. Even if the Mountain Range was closest to the City of Brilliance, the Blanc Family had no legitimate right to claim it.

It was simply a superficial attachment.

"The Expedition will consist of an unprecedented alliance between the Explorers Association and the Adventurers Guild. I heard a few Noble Families will also be allowed one representative to attend the Expedition. Because of your exceptional display, the Rouge Family has given you the special option of bringing an additional person."

Richard was stunned.

He knew Neia had truly made an impression on everyone present, but he didn’t think he would be given so much special treatment.

’An additional person, huh? I’m definitely taking Neia along!’