Chapter 18

I can’t help but feel a chill when I realize that everything “Rio” told me about his background and future plans was completely fabricated. This ship is heading in a completely different direction from the destination he mentioned back then. I think I was right about his age, probably around fourteen or fifteen, but for a kid that age to be able to perfectly play the role of someone else is just astounding.

Riana’s ticket was for a country quite far away. It’s not an isolated nation; it’s one of the advanced countries and has a stable political situation. The cultural differences aren’t too significant, and there are many immigrants in the urban areas, making it a good choice for a new life.

But when I asked if she had any connections in that country, it seemed she had nothing. So, I thought it wouldn’t matter if we changed her destination to a place with similar conditions.

I considered inviting her to the place where I’m based. I’m convinced that if I don’t see Riana become happy with my own eyes, I’ll worry about her for the rest of my life.

She nodded to my proposal, but she didn’t understand the reason behind it.

“Even though you’ve gained so many fans, it might be too late, but let’s get off the ship together at the next port as soon as possible.”

Riana looked at me with a puzzled expression in response to my words. She had no idea how much attention her wonderful performance had drawn. The idea that her performance was so captivating that it could draw a crowd for the price of a skewer of meat was something she couldn’t grasp. It’s no wonder people would make a fuss over such a deal.

From her story, I understood that she had never recognized her own remarkable talents, which had been continuously denied by her family. Despite gaining so many fans on the ship, she didn’t believe it was due to her own abilities, and I found myself smiling wryly at this.

Riana thought that “people were just bored and needed some entertainment,” and that’s why they applauded so enthusiastically. She had no idea that her performance was the reason. It’s deeply rooted in her mind.

According to Riana, “people just needed something to do because they were bored, and my performance happened to be the only entertainment available.” It’s not true, and I feel really frustrated on her behalf, even though it’s not my own situation.

From the way she talks, it seems she believes that anyone else performing on the deck would have had the same reaction. But that’s not true. If it had been a regular musician, the crowd wouldn’t have been so enthusiastic, no matter how bored they were.

Surrounded by fans, she couldn’t even eat her meals in peace, and the commotion went beyond what I had expected. During her performances, the deck was so crowded that people couldn’t even fit. Yet, she concluded that “people were just that bored,” which is a completely wrong interpretation.

Seeing her talent, which she considers insignificant, makes me feel really sad.

“Fred said he helped me for his own convenience, but I think he’s too kind.”

“Eh? Is that so?”

“Because, he’s been with me since we left the ship, even though there’s no benefit for him.”

“That’s a bit exaggerated. I just invited you to come to my hometown if you didn’t have a place to go. Really, I’ve just been with you.”

To maintain the pretense of being cousins, I acted as the older cousin in front of others, paying for things at inns and restaurants. But in private, she always gave me my share, so it really was just being together. I think it helped avoid trouble, as people saw me as a silver-ranked adventurer with a male companion. I hope I was useful in that way.

After we got off the ship, I forbade her from calling herself a musician. Even when we were leaving, first-class passengers were asking her things like, “Which orchestra do you belong to?” and “If you have a concert, please let me know,” and “Do you have a patron yet?”

I think her skills are so impressive that I’d love to hear more, and I even considered asking her to perform every night as a form of payment for being my bodyguard during the journey.

But if I said that, she might misinterpret it as me offering a token payment to make her feel more comfortable. In reality, continuing to perform would be like leaving a trail, which is impossible. People might recognize her talent and realize who she is. So, until we reach the town where I’m based, we’ll stick to the story of being a silver-ranked adventurer and his cousin, and I’ve advised her to change her appearance with makeup to avoid drawing attention.

But I admit, it’s partly for my own satisfaction. Riana might find it suspicious, and I can understand why she might worry that I have some ulterior motive. But I don’t think she’s suspicious of me; she’s a good kid. It’s natural to feel uneasy when the reasons aren’t clear.

“Thinking about it now… When I heard the reason Riana ran away from home, I felt it was similar to my own situation, and I think that’s why I couldn’t help but get involved.”

“…With Fred?”

“I was in the opposite position to Riana… My family had a long and complicated history, and there were issues about who would succeed. I was apparently quite competent, but I was praised far beyond my actual abilities. I don’t think it would have mattered who succeeded; with the capable subordinates we had, things would have run smoothly.”

That’s right. I thought Riana and I were opposites. I was pampered and overpraised, while Riana’s actual abilities were never recognized or praised.

Being a silver-ranked adventurer suits me. I’m just average; I don’t have what it takes to be a gold-ranked adventurer, the epitome of excellence.

I felt a bit uncomfortable and took a sip of water from my canteen, even though I wasn’t thirsty. Riana, who was sitting on the bed across from me, pretending to be my cousin, was out of my sight.

This was the first time we had such a personal conversation. We usually traveled by stagecoach and ate in public, so we hadn’t had a chance to be alone for long periods.

“So, I had a younger brother who was far more competent than me. He was so brilliant, I wondered how he could be the son of the same father. I think he must have taken after our mother.”

I remember the last time I saw my brother, his sad face. His beautiful golden hair, unlike my black hair, was a sign of his noble birth.

I think he understood what I was thinking. He was so talented that he probably figured it out quite early.

I tried to recall my homeland, but it’s been five years, and the memories are distant.

“My brother was amazing. He excelled in studies, magic, and swordsmanship. He had a charisma that made people follow him… He was a genius. But he was never recognized, thanks to the adults, including my father, who were always trying to please my difficult mother.”

When I found out, I was so uncomfortable.

Even though I knew my brother was more competent and said so, I was still being denied. It was so embarrassing.

I believe this was the best choice for me, and I would do the same even if I could go back in time. I might do it better this time.

From a young age, my mother had instilled in me the idea that I couldn’t lose to my brother. “Frederick is more competent and intelligent. You must never lose to that girl,” she would say. It wasn’t for her, but I felt responsible, so I tried hard. My achievements never pleased her, and my results were often altered. I even took credit for my brother’s work, and people who knew us both could see through it. It was embarrassing.

My father was weak and allowed all of this to happen.

“But eventually, my brother’s abilities couldn’t be hidden, and there were calls for him to be the successor. But some people still favored me as the eldest son. It was a mess, so I decided to pass the responsibility to my brother and run away.”

If it had just been me, I would have been fine. But with such a brilliant option available, I would have supported my brother if I had a choice.

I wanted to avoid conflict and let my competent brother take over, but my mother and those who supported me wouldn’t accept it.

My mother, who came from a merchant family and was a new baroness, had always wanted a male heir. When I didn’t follow through, it caused a big fuss. I know it wasn’t my fault, but I felt guilty.

If things had continued, a succession dispute would have been inevitable. I felt I would be assassinated, so I fled. I acted like a fool to avoid the throne and used the fact that my fiancée, a noble lady, secretly admired someone else.

I wasn’t cut out for it, as evidenced by my decision to give it all up.

I aimed to be exiled without being imprisoned, and it worked. I’m now a free adventurer.

The other side must have understood my intentions and showed me some leniency. They said, “For a son of that woman, you seem to understand your position.”

Ah, I see.

“You remind me of my brother.”

My brother, Clovis, admired me despite everything. He was a righteous and straightforward boy who came to stop me when I started acting foolishly to be exiled. He tried to persuade me, even though I wouldn’t change my mind, and he always looked sad.

If things hadn’t been so complicated, I think we could have worked together as brothers, no matter who became king. That would have been ideal.

I didn’t want to be killed, and the people would suffer if the country fell into chaos over the succession.

“…No, the circumstances are different. I think I was just reminded of my brother. When I heard that you had never been praised by your family, it brought back memories.”

Because of me, my brother was never properly recognized. I couldn’t do anything for him then, so I wanted to help you now.

You’re also a genius who excels in various fields, but Riana would deny that, so I’ll keep it to myself.

“…So, that’s why you helped me so much?”

“Yeah. I just couldn’t leave you alone.”

I tried to act playful to show that I had no ulterior motives, and Riana finally smiled.

“Um… There’s one more thing I’ve been wondering about.”

“Sure, go ahead. Ask anything now.”

Finally able to see Riana’s face, I responded with a genuinely bright voice.

“Why does Fred hide his face in a way that makes it hard to see, even though you’re an adventurer?”

“…What, that now?!”

“Ah, sorry… If you don’t want to talk about it, you don’t have to. But I was just wondering why, since you don’t seem to have any scars or anything.”

“No, no, it’s fine. I usually get asked that right away, so I was surprised you didn’t. It’s just that you’re a good kid, I guess.”

“I did wonder, but I thought it might be rude to ask.”

I see, she’s a well-mannered girl who didn’t want to pry. It’s understandable to be curious when someone hides their face.

“Well, you see, when I show my face, I get so much attention that it’s a problem, so I hide it out of necessity.”

I’m not stubborn about hiding it. I pushed my bangs back to show Riana my face and winked playfully. I thought it was safe with Riana, but it’s true. I’ve always been this way, but it got worse after I became a free adventurer. I’ve even felt fear at times.

At the guild, people would swoon, making it hard to get things done, and I’d be invited out by waitresses during meals. I’d even get into fights with jealous lovers. Hiding my face helps avoid these issues.

Sometimes it’s visible, and I can’t hide it perfectly. But I can’t wear a mask all the time. I’m genuinely troubled by this, but I find it easier to joke about it.

Tonus asked me about it right away and understood immediately, saying, “Being handsome is tough.” Riana, however, looked at me seriously after I pushed my bangs back.

“Indeed, it does seem like you’d get a lot of attention….”

I was about to tease her for staring so intently, but her serious tone made me blush, and I quickly lowered my bangs, fidgeting with them and looking away.

And an announcement!

The manga adaptation of “The Unaware Genius Girl Doesn’t Realize” is in the works!!

✧＼\ ٩( 'ω' )و /／✧

What great news!

I’m so happy to finally share this! I’ll provide more updates as soon as I have more details!