[Summoning the novel ?I Seduced Ten Men in the Reverse Harem World?]

Pararalak?.

The pages of the book turn, and there was the sound of flapping wings.

The book rises into the air, and words appear on the gleaming white pages.

“Wow…”

I couldn’t help but be amazed by this fairy-tale-like spectacle.

Whirr, thump.

The book, which had turned to the last page, closed and settled in my hand.

“Has it been summoned?”

As I opened the book’s front page, I saw the densely written characters along with the title.

“It’s written in these characters.”

I wondered if even this kind of thing could be patched.

At least, I didn’t think anyone would suspect me of having a book written in strange characters.

Reading the beginning of the novel felt refreshing.

“Ha… I didn’t expect to summon this novel.”

There are many novels I’d want to summon and read again.

But this novel was definitely not one of them.

Because…

“Seducing ten men and not even kissing anyone! Isn’t this the worst novel ever?”

I immediately decided to dismiss it.

“Even if it’s for all ages, isn’t this too much!”

Did I expect too much?

You can at least have a kiss in a novel targeted for all ages!

“At least I thought there would be a kiss in the last chapter…”

I immediately dropped it because the comments informed me that there was no kiss.

“I didn’t expect this novel to help me now.”

The world is truly full of surprises.

It’s amusing to think about this with regard to a four-year-old’s theme, but I can’t help it.

“I’ve summoned it. Now, how do I acquire the ability?”

As I said that, a window appeared as if it had been waiting.

[Do you want to extract the abilities of the female protagonist from the ?novel?  summoned using ?Rush and Cash??]

“Yes.”

[Extracting abilities.]

[You can extract up to 5 abilities at your current rank.]

From the unfolded book, tiny particles of light began to flow.

These particles of light floated in the air and swirled gently, gradually merging into five light orbs.

Eventually, when all the particles became five lights…

The light faded, revealing something within it.

It was a pink jewel finely cut in a heart shape, with wings attached.

It had the same shape as the emblem on the book’s cover.

The only difference was the color of the jewel.

[You can choose 1 ability from the extracted abilities available at your current rank.]

[Please select one of the extracted abilities.]

‘Oh, right. This is also a lottery.’

Cash, penalties, and abilities, all random.

It was truly a trait filled with gambling elements.

“What if I draw something unexpected? I really need to draw that ability…”

I deliberately summoned the worst novel, one that didn’t even have a single kiss scene.

It is necessary to have the desired ability to make a calculation.¹???? is a Korean proverb that translates to “seeking water from a mountain.” This proverb is often used to describe a futile effort or pursuing something that is impossible or unrealistic. It represents the idea of trying to obtain something that is unattainable or beyond one’s reach.

I believe in my hand!

My intuition, honed through countless romance novels!

It’s time to make up for the 100 cash misfortune!

I reached out towards one of the five gems with determination.

[You have chosen the ability ?It’s Not Fishery Management²???? or the act of engaging in behaviors that lead someone of the opposite sex to believe that they like them, creating an ambiguous human relationship where they hold lingering feelings for oneself! I Can Only See Your Emotions!?]

“..…?”

Wait, why is the ability name like this?

[You have equipped the ability.]

The gem in my hand floated and merged into the emblem on the book’s cover, turning it pink.

At that moment,

[You dropped this novel!]

[You have a low understanding of this novel.]

[The heroine’s ability is reduced.]

What?

Dropped novels reduce abilities…?

‘You should have explained this in advance! You swindling devil!’

I complained, but all that came back was an explanation of the reduced ability.

[Ability ?It’s Not Fishery Management! I Can Only See Your Emotions!?]

— Sympathetic quotes:

“I’m not managing a fishery! I can see the emotions of the male characters, that’s all! I’m just providing emotional support!”

But why does everyone seem to like me? Isn’t it strange?

This is an excerpt from the novel ?I Seduced Ten Men in the Reverse Harem World,? where the female protagonist expressed her thoughts through shouting.

She captivated the ten male protagonists by reading and soothing their emotions.

How this ability is used is entirely up to the reader’s discretion.

— Ability Effect: The emotional state of the designated target will be displayed as messages for three hours.

— Available Uses: 0/5

[As it is a dropped novel, the ability has been downgraded.]

‘… Fortunately, it’s the ability I wanted.’

The female lead of ?Seduced Ten Men? possesses the ability to hear others’ emotions.

In simpler terms, it’s a kind of one-sided love magic.

I planned to use this one-sided love magic to cook up a story featuring Marquis Tarenka.

‘But the emotions are displayed as messages…’

It’s a bit regrettable.

‘But still, it’s manageable.’

I’ve avoided choosing the useless abilities, the worst-case scenario.

I jumped out of bed.

‘First, I need to find out about the mana stone mine and the situation of the marquis.’

And also, how others’ emotions are displayed.

I pulled the rope quickly.

It’s time to move fast to clear the quest.

* * *

At the Tarenka Marquisate, reception room.

“Let’s not waste any more time with this useless talk.”

“Duke Phaeraton never invested!”

“If you don’t return the investment immediately, we will take it to court.”

A sharp voice pressured Marquis Tarenka.

Marquis Tarenka raised his head and looked at the other party.

Duke Delvatren, Duke Iskamil, and Marquis Sherdel.

All three of them were heavy investors in the mana stone mining business.

“That’s incorrect information. Look at this cheque.”

Marquis Tarenka handed over the cheque.

The three fell silent, looking at the clear stamp of the Duke of Phaeraton.

“You know better than I do that this is not a forgery.”

“Hmm.”

“But not one of Duke Phaeraton’s vassals has directly invested in you. Why is that?”

In response to Duke Iskamil’s question, Marquis Tarenka smiled knowingly.

He came up with a prepared excuse.

“Of course, it’s only natural. What happens when there are more investors from an investor’s perspective?”

“…You have to share the profits.”

“That’s right!”

Marquis Tarenka exclaimed as if his answer was correct.

“Then, are you saying that the Duke Phaeraton intentionally spread false information to monopolize the profits?” 

Marquis Tarenka took a step back in response to Marquis Sherdel’s question.

“I didn’t say it quite like that.”

But there was no one here who could not understand the meaning.

“Heh, what’s the point of such a lie when it will be revealed as soon as mana stones are mined?”

“Duke Phaeraton doesn’t seem likely to tell such an easily exposed lie.”

I didn’t think they’d believe it right away.

Marquis Tarenka calmly continued his speech.

“Even if I tell you that a huge profit is made in Phaaraton at this time, would you believe it?”

“Hmm…”

“If you complain that you didn’t receive any profits from the mine because you didn’t invest in it, that’s the end of it.”

That made sense.

“Would Duke Phaeraton be so petty?”

“Do you know how arrogant, selfish, and wicked the Phaeraton family is?”

Marquis Tarenka’s words silenced the three.

Each had a different evaluation of the Duke Phaeraton.

However, it couldn’t be denied that Duke Phaeraton’s notoriety matched their reputation.

“Well then, show us the contract stating that Duke Phaeraton invested in your mana stone mining business.”

Marquis Tarenka felt a bit uneasy.

Since he hadn’t invested, there couldn’t be a contract.

He opened his mouth nonchalantly.

“Are you suggesting that I should show the investment contract to you, third parties, as I please?”

“……”

“Indeed, in that case, can you trust me and invest? I can show the investment contract I made with all of you to someone else as well.”

“That’s not entirely untrue.”

“But if you had thought that way, you should have kept Duke Phaeraton’s investment a secret from the beginning.”

“It’s not a problem to talk about the fact of the investment itself. There was no separate confidentiality clause. But showing the contract is a completely different matter.”

Reading the concurring atmosphere, Marquis Tarenka smiled knowingly.

“I’ll ask this time. Does theDuke of Phaeraton have concepts like justice, morality, ethics, and righteousness?”

The three fell silent.

“Actions speak louder than a hundred words.”

Thump.

Marquis Tarenka confidently placed the cheque on the table.

“The judgment is up to all of you.”

All three pairs of eyes turned to the cheque, or more precisely, the seal of the Duke of Phaeraton imprinted on it.

A heavy silence settled in the reception room.

They had previously informed Marquis Tarenka of their request to return the investment funds. But Marquis Tarenka had requested a meeting instead, and today’s gathering was the result of that.

They had agreed to Marquis Tarenka’s request in order to urge the return of the investment funds.

But now, with the conversation taking an entirely different direction, they couldn’t make an immediate decision.

In the end, it was Marquis Iskamil who spoke up.

“…Give us some time to think.”

“For today’s meeting, I’ve prepared the 781-year-old Aindelf wine. Please enjoy it slowly.”

At these words, a maid who had been waiting poured the wine.

Marquis Tarenka smiled and stood up.

‘Hmm, these old folks sure have a lot on their minds.’

But as he left the room, his face was filled with irritation.

‘But it’s all over now. I presented the evidence, after all. It’s just a matter of time.’

Even if the evidence was fake.

Of course, the cheque was real.

It was not an investment but a cheque for child support.

“Ha, my brain is indeed too sharp.”

At first, he was perplexed when they cut off transactions here and there and tried to recover the investments from the big shots for the mana stone mining business.

But when he thought about it carefully, he saw a way out.

If he were to disclose that there was no investment from Phaeraton, they would have one question.

Why did he issue the cheque?

Would he mention it was a child support cheque from Duke Phaeraton?

‘No.’

As soon as he reveal that fact, people’s attention would shift to the Princess of Phaeraton, who had been entrusted to Marquis Tarenka.

‘A lot of people have seen the princess at my house. They thought she was an orphaned maid.’

Would the Duke of Phaeraton actually admit that the rough maid was his daughter?

The answer is obvious.

There’s no way he would attach such a label to the Princess of Phaeraton, whether he loves her or not.

If he loves her, he should protect her.

Even if he doesn’t love her, the Duke of Phaeraton won’t allow her to bear such a stigma.

‘Of course for the Duke, its definitely the latter.’

How could a nobleman love a child born from an affair outside of his marriage?

‘Duke Phaeraton will never reveal why the cheque was issued.’

That’s why Marquis Tarenka boldly presented it as an investment.

Anyway, if those three manage to recover their investment funds, they’ll be in deep trouble.

Since he had nothing to lose, he became even bolder.

“Master.”

At that moment, a butler approached, choosing his words carefully.

“Guests have arrived.”

“Guests?”

“Well, it’s the Princess of Phaeraton.”

“…..Ha.”

Would that audacious little maid dare to come here on her own?

He vividly remembered the scene of Clatie, who had gone to the Duke of Phaeraton’s estate, returning in tears.

‘How could that ignorant girl dare to…!’

Marquis Tarenka ground his teeth in annoyance.

“Did the Duke of Phaeraton come with her?”

“The Duke did not come; only the vassals have come with.”

‘Of course, the Duke wouldn’t come when she’s not even his daughter.’

Tsk, he let out a sarcastic laugh and asked the butler, 

“Where is she now? Is she with Tie?”

“Uh, well, actually, she came to see you, Master, not the lady.”

“Me?”

“Yes.”

Marquis Tarenka furrowed his brow.

What on earth could she want with him?

‘Well, there’s no need to worry about it.’

What kind of nonsense could that foolish girl have gotten herself into?

She probably couldn’t bear being ridiculed in the Phaeraton duchy anymore.

Would the Duke of Phaeraton treat her well when she’s his wife’s illegitimate child?

It’s fortunate enough if he doesn’t kill her.

‘Tie said the same thing.’

“My uncle never cared about that child! He only took care of that idiot to establish the family’s reputation!”

“For the Duke’s honor… Ah, purposely insulting me, favoring that brat, and making me… Ugh! Dad, I’m so upset…”

“They must have mistreated her, and when I showed up, they definitely tried to blame me…! Lien said the same!”

Compared to the mistreatment at the Duchy of Phaeraton’s, what had happened here was nothing.

‘She must have realized how merciful I was.’

“It’s better this way.”

Using that inadequate girl, I can squeeze even more money out of Phaeraton.

Then, when those old folks hear the news that the mansion is recovering the investment funds, I can tell them that the Duke of Phaeraton has increased the investment.

Good, good.

I’m indeed clever.

“Escort the Princess to the glass garden.”

“The glass garden, sir?”

The butler asked with a somewhat surprised expression.

“Yes, tell her that her uncle wants to see her, comfort her a bit. And tell the vassals that she came as well.”

“Understood.”

“When those old men have made their mind, inform me.”

“Yes, sir.”

Marquis Tarenka walked slowly towards the glass garden.

That wretched child needed enough time to admire the glass garden.

When she was here, she couldn’t even take a step inside it.

The Marquis smoked a cigarette and returned to stand at the door of the glass garden.

‘Well, this should be enough.’

He imagined a pitiful child who couldn’t help but admire the beauty of the glass garden.

Marquis Tarenka opened the door slowly.

Despite it being winter, the air inside was warm and cozy.

The intoxicating scent of flowers in full bloom.

And an unexpected sight that didn’t match this place at all.

‘Huh?’

Marquis Tarenka’s mouth hung open in astonishment.

Standing among the blossoming flowers was a child with flowing, glistening hair.

Despite it being winter, she was in the middle of taking off her earmuffs.

The earmuffs were made of silk, adorned with jewels, and the lining was soft, fluffy fur. They seemed to be part of a set with the fur muff the princess was wearing, made of silver fox fur.

‘Why?’

The child exuded elegance, even at a glance.

While her clothing was certainly luxurious, it was the unique grace of a child who had received plenty of love that stood out.

Sensing a presence, the child turned to look at the Marquis.

Rosy, plump cheeks.

Sparkling eyes.

With that radiant smile, the child spoke.

“I’ve come to collect my money, Marquis.”

• 1
  ???? is a Korean proverb that translates to “seeking water from a mountain.” This proverb is often used to describe a futile effort or pursuing something that is impossible or unrealistic. It represents the idea of trying to obtain something that is unattainable or beyond one’s reach.
• 2
  ???? or the act of engaging in behaviors that lead someone of the opposite sex to believe that they like them, creating an ambiguous human relationship where they hold lingering feelings for oneself