Chapter 74
"Trainee Karis is from Estonia, right? So I thought it would be special if you could send a message in Estonian or English to your parents and friends in your home country or to your overseas fans who are watching the broadcast. I wonder if you are willing to try it at the third ranking announcement."
When I was asked if I would like to express my thoughts in Estonian or English, I was momentarily speechless.
I could feel the crown prince's face, which had always maintained a straight expression, becoming slightly disheveled, but I couldn't do anything about it.
Because I had to think as quickly as possible.
'As soon as I returned to reality, I used the power of the system to create a new identity for myself. In the process, I was able to create a visa and passport, and I also created additional documents to prove that Karis von Walden was a real person born in Estonia....'
Identity and status could be created, but linguistic ability was not something that could be solved by typing words into a system window.
"Trainee Karis?"
When I didn't answer, the writer leaned forward and gave me a worried look.
"Are you okay? Did I touch on a sensitive topic?"
"Oh, it's okay. I'm sorry, I was taking a while to choose my words."
I smiled, trying my best not to show my embarrassment.
"I knew that there were many overseas national managers who supported me. So I always thought that I had to mention them during the ranking announcement ceremony, but I was so nervous that I forgot to mention them."
"Aha."
"If I'm lucky enough to survive the third ranking announcement, I'll definitely say my thoughts in three languages this time. Thank you so much for asking."
First of all, I wanted to thank you for asking.
The rest of the interview went smoothly, with me trying to hide my embarrassment.
"Phew...."
I took a deep breath as I left the interview room.
For now, things have been done.
No, if I had to choose, it was a topic that would come to the surface one day.
Rather, I should think of it as a good opportunity.
* * *
"If we've come to the real world and given me the opportunity to touch the world line, isn't it only natural that you should pay attention to these additional details?"
[I'm sorry, possessor-nim. However, the items that were included in the identity settings were ones that did not have a direct effect on the physical body. That is―.]
"A penalty for failing a hidden quest suddenly appeared. God said he would give me a system to help me, but now we've reached a point where I can't tell if the system is on my side or the enemy's side."
Karis von Walden's voice echoed through the living room.
I crossed my arms solemnly and glared at the system's golden window.
Then the system sent messages sporadically, as if it were hesitating a bit.
[I apologize for not being of any help, possessor-nim. However, the penalty for failing a hidden mission is something that originally existed within the game system, so it cannot be changed in an instant.]
"Then what about language-related matters? I think you can certainly help me now."
[I will look into whether there is anything that can be of direct help to you. Please wait a moment.]
Yes, that's right.
I'm currently threatening the system.
Common sense tells you that you can't learn Estonian at a local level before the third ranking announcement ceremony.
This is impossible, even for a linguistic genius. Aside from simple vocabulary and grammar, it is impossible to perfectly imitate the pronunciation of a local person.
In
However, that was only possible because I possessed the crown prince's body and had that knowledge.
That is to say, instantaneous language translation is not possible here.
So I concluded that I had no choice but to resort to the supernatural powers of the system.
The system, which had been quiet for a long time, finally sent a message.
[Possessor-nim, I have found the best solution regarding language skills. You can create language-related skills as a reward for completing certain quests.]
"Does that mean that if I complete the quest, I can acquire one skill related to language ability as a reward?"
[Yes. Because of the structure of the system, which consists of quests and rewards, I concluded that I cannot control physical changes at will. Therefore, I will give you one skill that greatly increases your language learning ability as a quest reward.]
The system seemed to have done its best.
I nodded.
"What quests do I need to complete? "
Immediately, a golden effect flashed, and a new quest was created.
[A special quest, 'Complete Estonian Grammar Book 3' has been created.]
[Reward: Skill, 'Foreign Language Magician' (B)]
['Foreign Language Magician' (B): You can speak all languages except Korean to a certain level. Of those, one language set by possessor-nim will be raised to the level of a native speaker. The higher the skill level, the more languages you can set.]
'Foreign Language Magician'.
After reading the description, I realized that it was a really useful skill.
Not only can I bring my Estonian language skills up to a native level, but I can also speak other languages to a certain level.
This way, I can easily acquire languages that are commonly used when traveling abroad, such as English, Japanese, and Chinese.
In a word, the blackmail was successful.
I prepared to head to the bookstore, wearing a mask and a hat.
"Just wait. I'll complete the quest right away."
[Possessor-nim, learning a language is not an easy task. I expect that it will take some time to read three grammar books, so take your time―.]
"Let me show you my learning ability."
It's time to brush up on my Estonian grammar book.
* * *
A few days later,.
"Excuse me~."
"Do you do that knowing that no one else but me exists here? "
"It's just a habitual comment."
[What Si-yoon said was a very formal greeting imitating our Mc.]
Kang Si-yoon came into my room carrying a bag full of food.
"It feels like it's been a long time since I've been here. When was the last time? "
"It was when we went together to see the subway advertisement."
"Oh, right. We packed a ton of gift bags here. You have a good memory, Karis."
"It's strange that you don't remember this, Siyoon."
"As expected, you remember the days you spent with me so well! How admirable! How admirable! "
I looked at Kang Si-yoon's face and sighed openly.
There is no way to stop Kang Si-yoon from having fun imitating the way Karis von Walden speaks.
"Hurry up and bring me the bag."
"Wasn't it originally the case that the guest would just sit there and the host would set up the food?"
"Siyoon is not a guest."
"Ha?"
Kang Si-yoon opened his mouth as if he couldn't believe it.
"Then what am I?"
"You are an intruder in my free time."
"You little brat, you should stop joking! You were the one who suggested that we watch the show together, so how can you call me an intruder!"
"It's a joke; don't get excited."
"Wow, this is ridiculous."
I opened the bag that Kang Si-yoon brought with a light laugh.
Inside, it was filled with pasta ingredients for dinner tonight and various snacks.
"When did you learn how to cook, Siyoon?"
"I used to cook at home sometimes. My parents would often come home late, so I started teaching myself how to cook by researching various things when I was in high school."
Kang Si-yoon got up from the sofa and strode into the kitchen.
Then he immediately took out the pot and started filling it with water.
"It's an order from the chef. Please wait in the living room far away, as standing next to me will disturb me."
"Is it okay if I don't help you?"
"Yeah, yeah."
"Then I will rest well without hesitation."
"Hey, it's fun to bounce it at least once. Are you going to be so cold-hearted? "
I sat down on the sofa without being shaken by Kang Si-yoon's pitiful words.
Right next to where I was sitting, there was an English conversation book lying around, just like I had seen before.
'Thank goodness I have all my books about Estonia hidden in my bedroom.'
The quest to complete all three Estonian grammar books wasn't that difficult.
I was able to save a lot of time thanks to beginner grammar books that were written in a way that students could easily understand.
In fact, aside from grammar, the parts that contained miscellaneous knowledge related to Estonia were the most difficult to memorize.
However, as if hard work pays off, I successfully acquired the 'Foreign Language Magician' skill.
'I'll try it while I'm at it.'
I looked at Kang Si-yoon, who was diligently boiling noodles.
"Siyoon."
"Oh?"
"You've never heard me speak my native language, have you? "
"Of course not. From the beginning, you only spoke Korean and never mentioned Estonian. That's why I kept saying things like, Aren't you actually a South Korean citizen? "
"If I survive the third ranking announcement ceremony, I plan to mix in a foreign language in my comments this time."
When I said that I was going to speak a foreign language, Kang Si-yoon quickly turned his head.
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Tell me, I was wondering what Estonian sounds like."
I brought it up just to test it out, but Kang Si-yoon looked even more excited.
I cleared my throat and spoke in simple Estonian.
"Tere õhtust. This means good evening."
"Tere ohuuktut? Man, that's really hard to pronounce."
"Tervist. This means hello. Head aega. This means goodbye."
"Hey, this is the first time I've heard Estonian in my life. The pronunciation is so unique. Tell me more, more! "
I almost said that it was my first time speaking Estonian, but I held back.
I will just say a few simple sentences. Kang Si-yoon, who had been listening intently, suddenly opened his eyes slightly.
"But Karis."
"Hmm?"
"You weren't deliberately swearing in Estonian because I couldn't understand, were you?"
"What kind of shameless person do you think I am!"
"Oh, isn't that a good thing? I should learn some Estonian swear words and use them on Yu-bin."
It seemed that only Heo Yu-bin, who could not come because of a family dinner, would be pitiful.
After testing whether my 'Foreign Language Magician' skills were working properly, we eagerly ate the piping hot pasta.
I was a little surprised because the taste was almost identical to that sold in stores.
"It's really delicious."
"Of course, who did it? Even so, I've heard a lot of compliments on how amazing my creamy pasta is."
Kang Si-yoon was someone who had an unexpected talent for cooking.
I was just about to finish off the cream pasta and was killing time while eating dessert.
"Oh, the main broadcast will start soon."
The time has come for the 9th episode of
We turned to the TV and waited with reverent hearts for the intro to begin.
"Will I appear right away in episode 9?"
"Wouldn't it be better if we came out right away? Since the fancams are released first, we can get everyone's attention first."
"That's true, but I feel like it's a bit disappointing when I come out too quickly."
Kang Si-yoon chewed on the crunchy peanut snack with a faint smile.
The brisk intro ended, and a black screen appeared.
And the trailer started with a very dark BGM.
[....]
[....]
[Ha....]
[Who wouldn't want to be the center?]
I heard a familiar line.
I opened my eyes wide and looked at the view of the practice room that appeared on the screen.
Kwon Dae-hyun sighed as if he were feeling frustrated.
On the other side, Chae Eun-gyu lowered his head without saying anything.
Karis von Walden, who looked slightly angry, continued to stare at the practice room door.
Yoo Minha and Baek Sihwa looked down at the floor without saying anything.
The screen turned black again.
[If there is a member who ruins teamwork because of personal greed, it will only be a nuisance to everyone.]
The words I said to Chae Eun-gyu flowed out very gently.
"... ?"
"Hey, hey. That's your group. What's going on here?"
Kang Si-yoon's question didn't even reach my ears.
I just continued to stare blankly at the TV screen.
[Stop. There's a mistake in the choreography.]
[Wait, wait. You got that wrong again.]
[Expression! Refreshing!]
During the practice, there was also a scene where Cha Eun-gyu bit his lip as if he were feeling empty.
Following that, the faces of the remaining team members were cross-edited one by one.
Some people were confused.
Some people had a look on their faces as if they were upset that the practice wasn't going well.
[Honestly, I think it's a matter of mindset.]
[This... needs to be fixed.]
[EP 09: What is a Team]
And the trailer ended with a meaningful title, as if marking the end of a dragon's descent.
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