Karl broke into a cold sweat the moment he heard how Mia addressed him.

Standing nearby, Jason paused for a beat upon catching those three words—then smoothly replied,

"Miss Mia, did you really think such a petty trick would fool me into believing your heart belongs to another? Pity. My eyes are lamps in the dark—crystal clear. I see right through your little game of playing hard to get!"

Mia was left utterly speechless by Jason.

*Good heavens… where did this narcissist even crawl out from??*

*Can you just get lost already?!*

Karl, meanwhile, felt a sharp headache coming on.

*Damn it… this guy’s practically signing his own death warrant!!*

Just as Karl scrambled for a reply, a crisp, clear voice rang through the hall:

"Everyone, quiet please. I’m about to announce the theme for this poetry gathering."

The murmurs in the main hall instantly hushed. All eyes turned to the young woman, waiting.

Jason then bowed with exaggerated courtesy.

"Sir, if you truly wish to compete with me for Mia’s regard—let poetry be our sword. Defeat me here."

Karl shot him a deadpan look.

*Didn’t you just say you wouldn’t bully me? Now it’s ‘poetry as a sword’?*

*Hypocrite. Stepping on me to climb higher while clinging to a saintly image.*

Since he was already disrespected this deeply, Karl didn’t back down.

"Fine. I’ll take up poetry as my sword—and duel you."

Jason’s lips curled into a smirk.

"Now *that’s* manly! Though I’ll say plainly—you’ve already lost."

He held not a shred of doubt in his own talent.

The announcer dipped her hand into a large square box, fumbled briefly, then pulled out a slip.

"The theme for this gathering… is *Life*."

A ripple of murmurs spread.

"*Life*? Composing on *Life*? That’s tough."

"True. Life’s mundane yet heavy—needs depth to resonate. Only skilled poets pull it off."

"Exactly! That’s what makes it exciting! Can’t wait to see what emerges!"

Glances subtly shifted toward Jason. All anticipation rested on him.

Hearing the theme, Jason stopped pestering Mia and furrowed his brow in thought. Most poets in the hall did the same.

Mia leaned close to Karl’s ear, whispering:

"Brother-in-law~ For me, you *have* to win~~~~ Don’t you dare lose."

Karl sighed in exasperation. "I don’t even write poetry. How am I supposed to beat him?"

"I don’t care! Write one! Or I’ll tell Sister you hid in my quilt rubbing against my thigh!"

"…………………………"

*Young lady, don’t slander me!!! When did that even happen?!*

*…Wait. Okay, maybe once.*

*…Never mind.*

"You can’t force the impossible! Poetry’s like math—if it’s not in you, panic won’t help."

Mia pouted. "Your stories drip with poetry! You *can* do it! Refuse, and I’ll expose our ‘secret’—none of us gets peace."

"………………………………"

*Damn… I’m defenseless! I’m innocent with my sister-in-law—how’d it become an ‘illicit affair’ in her mouth?!*

But Mia’s words sparked an idea.

*Can’t write? No problem. Just… borrow. Like I did with Earth stories.*

Reborn, Karl’s Earth memories were etched into his mind. Every book, every line—he could recite and translate flawlessly. That’s why his tales sounded poetic: they *were* the originals.

*Earth’s poets… any single piece would crush this room.*

*Hmmmmmm…*

*Plagiarist mode: activated.*

*A tiny guilt? It’s another world. Sorry, Earth poets—I, Karl, apologize!*

*Wait!*

*Just credit the author after. No one knows them—they’ll think it’s my pen name.*

*Heh. Guilt level: down to a speck.*

*…Though ancient Chinese poetry’s too dense. Won’t translate well.*

*Foreign poems it is.*

Karl had already picked one. But he wouldn’t go first. Wait for Jason’s piece. Build the contrast. *If you’re gonna flex, flex right.*

Just then—Jason stepped forward and recited:

"Life flows like a rushing river—unpredictable, yet hopeful.

Earth’s most beautiful gift, teaching us life’s meaning.

Life spins like a lantern—chaotic, yet wondrous.

Time’s dearest treasure, urging us to cherish each second.

Life gleams like starlight—mysterious, yet radiant.

The world’s sweetest miracle… for leading me to *you*."

He smiled softly at Mia.

Mia shuddered. *Disgusting.*

Silence. Then one clap. Two. Soon, thunderous applause.

"Brilliant! Simple words, deep resonance—like life itself!"

"Capital’s prodigy indeed! His name will spread again!"

Jason bowed repeatedly, smugness glowing on his face. As applause faded, he approached Karl with a grin.

"No shame in conceding. Knowing your limits is virtue."

His eyes held three parts disdain, three mockery, three triumph, one tease.

Karl remained calm. "I haven’t recited mine. How do you know I’ll fail?"

"Oh? Then I’m *very* curious."

Karl cleared his throat. "Ahem! Listen closely."

The hall fell silent. Respectful. Waiting.

Karl spoke the first line:

"If by life you were deceived,"