Salvation Through Delusion C92

Chapter 92

Hoiga’s appearance must have been shocking.

With a soft laugh, his eldest sister gently rubbed his arm, a comforting gesture that sounded like: Everything will be alright.

And it wasn’t just her — his other siblings, even his parents, surrounded him protectively.

This family had always been this way. Even knowing how flighty and frivolous Hoiga could be, they embraced him as he was and supported him without hesitation.

Don’t worry, Hoiga. Your family will protect you.

The Ma Family had always been close-knit, but after Hoiga narrowly escaped death and survived, they clung to him even more.

When he first woke up in this unfamiliar world, in an unfamiliar body, everything had terrified him.

But because of their unwavering support, he managed to adapt to Tuvine.

They treated him so well that sometimes guilt gnawed at him.

Maybe that was why — the more sincerely they treated him as the real Ma Hoiga, the deeper his sense of debt became.

I need to give something back. I want to make them happy, too.

That became the first reason he decided to use his abilities for Tuvine.

Of course, somewhere in his heart lingered the purpose he originally came here with — a memory that made breathing ache when he allowed himself to think about it.

But now, a second reason to live for Tuvine existed.

“Is Duke Tyroc of Koon attending today?”

A voice from behind snapped him back to the present.

Koon Tyroc — that name cut through any noise and buried itself directly into his awareness. Even now, when everything was tense and uncertain, his heart reacted instantly.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Without meaning to, Hoiga looked back.

The voice belonged to his father, and one of his older brothers nodded.

“Yes. Duke Montaine will not attend, but the heads of both Koon and Sarné will be present.”

“Well, of course. They’re the ones with the most to lose. Funny how the supposed star of the show decided not to appear.”

“They say Duchess Montaine rushed to Borhumi to assist with the monster infestation. Perhaps the situation there is worse than expected?”

“That may be part of it — but I suspect it’s more about showing the people she ‘prioritises Tuvine over politics.’”

His father’s sigh held irritation.

Duchess Montaine was known — notoriously — for avoiding direct involvement with monster hunting, unlike Borhumi’s former duke.

She only appeared when something benefited her.

To commoners, the Montaine Household was famous as nobles who served nobles only.

And now, with the imperial throne almost within reach, she clearly planned to win public favour through strategic displays of heroism.

Then his brother spoke quietly:

“Still… it’s fortunate Duchess Montaine chose our family.”

Hoiga’s chest tightened.

For the Ma Family, their trading company was nearly as important as blood. Five years ago, Adeye rose above them, taking the title of Tuvine’s most powerful merchant house — and ever since, the family had worked tirelessly to rise again.

Hoiga knew how many sacrifices, frustrations and failed attempts they endured along the way.

He helped where he could — dropping hints from memories of the future — and that alone had raised him from an average son to the family’s golden hope.

If we form a political marriage with House Montaine, we can reclaim our place.

You did it, Hoiga. You’re making history.

A political match with the family destined to rule Tuvine — nothing could elevate the Ma Family more.

But Hoiga…

He couldn’t bring himself to say aloud:

I don’t want Montaine Killu.

I want Tyroc.

He didn’t want to break his family’s hopes.

But he also didn’t want to marry Montaine Killu…

Stuck between duty and desire, his indecision disgusted him.

What am I supposed to do?

No matter how long he thought about it — clarity never came.

There was only one thread of hope:

He had spoken to Tyroc yesterday.

Maybe — just maybe — Tyroc would act today.

Tyroc cared most about breaking the curse binding the Koon bloodline.

And only Hoiga knew how.

The records belonged to Sarné, but Hoiga was a special case — someone who had personally studied them.

Sarné would never willingly share such information with another Divine Beast household.

So for Tyroc…

Hoiga was the only key.

That thought reignited fragile, trembling hope — but fear still won.

What if he refuses me?

What if ‘saving the world’ matters less to him than pushing me away?

If only Tyroc were as calculating as Montaine — this would be simple.

But Tyroc wasn’t.

And that was exactly why Hoiga loved him.

He wasn’t truly the world’s ‘Savior’, but he wanted, more than anything…

to be Tyroc’s.

“We’re almost there. Hoiga — are you alright?”

His sister squeezed his arm again.

He nodded and inhaled deeply as they reached the massive doors of the meeting hall.

As tension eased, he heard the whispers.

“Ma Hoiga? That’s him?”

“He looks like that now?”

Only now did he realize how many people were staring at him.

But compared to what would come next — stares meant nothing.

He turned away casually…

And froze.

Someone from afar was staring directly at him — as if ready to kill.

Why does he look at me like that?

His sister followed his gaze.

“Oh my—Adeye Rue is here? Why?”

“Witness to the Borhumi incident,” Hoiga murmured.

His sister let out a faint snort.

“Judging from his face, your new look must be threatening his fragile little ego. He’s seething.”

Ah… that would explain it.

Adeye Rue had always looked relieved whenever Hoiga dressed ridiculously.

But now?

That expression was something else entirely.

Annoyance simmered… but there was no time to worry about him.

His moment had come.

The moment he would reveal his ability — not to the world — but to one man.

Tyroc will reach for me today.

He believed that—

until someone from Montaine quietly approached.

“Hoiga-nim.”

A whisper reached his ear — and the tension he was beginning to release wound tight again.

‘A message from Duke Killu: The High Priest Chegi is in our custody. You need not worry.’

A chill crawled down his spine.

They… took High Priest Chegi hostage?

————————————

 

Hoiga: “I will be elegant, mysterious, composed.”

Adeye Rue from across the room: 👁👄👁 “fight me.”

Killu: “I’m going to propose.”

Hoiga: “I’d rather lick a doorknob.”

Solongo: “We’re here for political strategy.”

Rue: internally chanting murder suspects like a true crime host.

Tyroc: emotionally unavailable alpha energy

Hoiga: “yes hi hello I’ll ruin my life for you.”