Only I Am A Reader

"Haaa…"

With the passing of another week, the group ended up setting foot into Swordkeep after speeding back, allowing the stern-faced group leader to finally let out the sigh he kept inside for long.

"Just wait for me here to finish my report and then we can disband."

As much as he wanted to get away from this group as soon as possible, the stern-faced man still had the rest of the group wait in the Association building's hall before taking the tied traitor inside.

On the other hand, wanting to strike the iron while it's hot, Leo wanted to pay a visit to the 'bank' situated in the same street as the Association's building, but a sudden 'message' made him pause his steps.

[ Unique event occurrence detected. Plot change confirmed. ]

[ Side-Character 'Jared' has managed to survive his determined death event under the Reader's influence. ]

[ Calculating the value of the plot change according to its impact… ]

[ Calculating the Reader's contribution to the plot change… ]

[ Calculation complete. You have received 31 Reading Points! ]

'Eh?'

It wasn't like he didn't expect an 'event occurrence' after all of what he had done. Initially, however, Leo believed that the 'Hidden Event' might have had a masking effect since he hadn't heard anything till now, but that was just the beginning of his surprise!

[ As the event occurrence had triggered a Discarded Plot Reveal, a bonus will be given. ]

[ Bonus randomization in progress… ]

[ Your reading of 'Basic Close Quarter Combat' has deepened as a bonus! ]

'Discarded Plot Reveal?'

It was a surprise, but Leo didn't take long to process the new messages. He had just been considering this, and if his guess wasn't wrong, then this was really something planned by the author before being discarded for some sort of reason. In Leo's imagination, it was likely that the author had just been too lazy to explain the whole situation and ended up scratching it off.

'It's a pity that it isn't the same as the first time…'

As Leo 'ingested' his new experience of 'Close Quarter Combat', he was slightly disappointed that he didn't receive a 'Swordsmanship' bonus this time. 'Close Quarter Combat' wasn't bad, but he hoped he would be able to break off the stagnation of his sword skill…

However, something else occupied Leo's mind as he exited the Association's building other than regret. It was just a matter of consideration till now, but having received assurance of the existence of 'Discarded Plot', Leo couldn't help but wonder how far such a loophole could go… Would his plans be ruined by the author's omitted machinations? Or would it be the opposite?

"Here you go."

Despite his wealth going back to slightly over a hundred gold coins, Leo was finally able to settle the account with both Jared and the guild member. Starting now, the magnificent Sword Breaker was officially his!

"This does console me a bit, perhaps I will be able to buy something I want if I save some more. Speaking of which…"

Jared didn't actually seem to be concerned with money as much as he acted in order not to reveal his identity. He was simply disappointed that his 'shortcoming' had even followed him all the way to the expedition.

"What do you say about getting together with my little sister, brother Leo? I think you will really make a great match!"

However, the long ride seemed to have healed his depression as he smilingly threw out a bomb, startling Leo who had been carefully inspecting his new 'equipment'...

'Where the heck did this come from?'

Staring at Jared with his eyes wide-opened, Leo almost had a mental error. He had just showcased his strength to get involved in the young grand duke's matchmaking!

"Ahem… I will have to respectfully decline. My current focus is on pursuing the sword path…"

Not to mention her relationship with his 'brother', Jade wasn't exactly housewife material. Besides, Leo really had no time for anything other than getting ready for the Epilogue to get back to his world!

"Hahaha… I was just joking to be honest, but why do you seem to know something about…"

Hiding his expression from the strangely perceptive Jared, Leo quickly purged the topic from his mind, it seemed that the Arthur in him was getting restless for some reason.

"Everything is settled. I can't talk about the details, but it seems like this traitor stole the notebook from someone and was too scared to do anything with it. So, when he learned of that place's change he ended up joining to take advantage of the situation…"

Thankfully for Leo, the stern-faced group leader went back to the hall before the conversation could proceed any longer, saving his hidden identity from the threat of discovery!

"Additionally, as the branch leader believes that the Endless Sword's prompt action is worthy of praise, he wants you to have this. It isn't much, but you can exchange it for a 'favor' from our branch if you ever have something that's troubling you…"

After giving a brief explanation, the stern-faced man handed Leo a simple metal card that had the Association's notable 'Gigantic Sword' inscribed on it. It was an unexpected surprise, but it was more than welcome for Leo, it seemed like he had less trouble to worry about.

"Well then, I would have liked to continue our discussion, but I will leave it at that. I will look forward to seeing you again, brother Leo."

At the group's dismissal, Jared simply shrugged his shoulders before bidding farewell to Leo, his expression made it obvious that he was wanted to know more, but he decided not to dig too deep. After all, it was more interesting to find out by himself!

"Anytime."

Watching the rest of the group leave the hall, Leo turned back to the counter to stand before his usual receptionist. He was almost done dealing with everything to get some free time, but one last thing was left to do.

"Sir Leo. I was just about to walk up to you. I know that you just came back from a tiresome expedition, but do you plan to sign up for the Sword Garden Trial?"

Hearing Paven's words, Leo's eyes lit up as he brought out the metal card that he had just put away, a faint smile forming on his face as he nodded.

"About this favor…"

It was time to get back home!