"If Life Deceives You"

When Karl recited the poem’s opening line, everyone present froze for a moment, utterly baffled by its meaning.

*How could life possibly deceive you??? What kind of assumption was this???*

Ignoring the crowd’s confusion, Karl continued:

"Do not grieve, do not hurry."

"In days of doubt, stay calm;"

"Believe—joyful days will come!"

"The heart forever reaches for tomorrow; today, it hesitates."

"All is fleeting, all shall pass."

"And what has passed becomes a cherished memory."

As Karl finished the last line, he gave a slight bow.

Silence.

Absolute silence—you could hear a pin drop.

Every soul in the hall lingered on each word, each image, savoring the poem’s quiet depth.

After a long pause, Lucina—Karl’s mother-in-law—was the first to clap.

The sound jolted the crowd awake. Thunderous applause erupted, shaking the main hall.

Eyes turned to Karl, filled with admiration and awe.

Meanwhile, Jason—moments ago smug and certain of victory—stood frozen like he’d been struck by lightning.

"This… this… how could anyone compose such profound verse?! Impossible… impossible…"

He knew instantly: he’d lost. Utterly. In wording, wisdom, spirit—there was no contest.

Whispers rippled through the crowd:

"Simple words, yet endlessly resonant."

"In just a few lines, it speaks to every hardship we face—and urges us to meet them with hope. Rare. Truly rare."

Praised as a once-in-a-century masterpiece, the poem stirred especially those weathering life’s storms.

*Suddenly, their struggles felt less like burdens, more like precious lessons.*

Just as the poem promised: *"All is fleeting, all shall pass; and what has passed becomes a cherished memory."*

"Brother-in-law!! You’re amazing!!!"

Mia launched herself into Karl’s arms, nuzzling her cheek against his chest.

Karl gently pushed her away. "Scram! Scram! Your mom’s watching!"

Pouting, Mia muttered, "So what? You’re my brother-in-law! A hug’s harmless. Maybe Mom’ll be so pleased she gives me to you too."

"Go on! Kids shouldn’t talk like that—I don’t wanna be chopped by your sister!"

Mia rolled her eyes and whispered, "No cuddles now? Fine. Save it for later… in bed."

"PLEASE STOP TALKING!!!"

Karl could already feel Freya’s cleaver practically vibrating with bloodlust!!!

Luckily, Lucina hadn’t noticed—freshly surrounded by noble ladies after applauding.

"Lucina! That’s your son-in-law, right?! Such talent!!"

"I thought you were boasting earlier… Now I see—he’s truly brilliant!!!"

Lucina beamed. "Oh, just a little talent. Nothing noteworthy, nothing noteworthy."

Lady Rosalie, the city lord’s wife, laughed warmly: "Don’t be modest! This poem will make *me* famous too. People will remember *my* poetry gathering for generations!" Her face glowed with pride.

Clearing his throat, Karl addressed the crowd:

"When sharing this poem, please credit ‘Pushkin’."

Someone chuckled knowingly: "Got it! Got it! Pen names—writers love those."

Karl nodded. Exactly the effect he wanted.

Overnight, Jason’s poem vanished from memory. No one dared compose another—why invite ridicule after *this* masterpiece?

Just as the hall basked in poetic afterglow, Jason cleared his throat sharply.

"Everyone! I’ve spotted a serious issue!"

All eyes snapped to him. He shot Karl a sly, venomous glance.

"This poem, *'If Life Deceives You,'* is undeniably skilled… but upon reflection, it slanders the Church. It’s subversive."

A sharp pang shot through Karl’s head—visions not his own flashed:

*[Dragged before the Church. Tortured. Breathing his last alone in a cold basement.]*

*If I don’t refute this… I’m dead.*

Karl’s expression darkened slightly. Then—light sparked in his eyes. A brilliant counterstrike formed.

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

"How is that subversive?!"

"Where’s the slander?! Explain!" cried girls already devoted to Karl.

Jason remained calm, voice dripping with false reason:

"Our blessed life is granted by the Goddess of Light. To say 'if life deceives you' implies *She* deceives us! The Church deceives us! And since the Goddess blesses us through the Royal Family… are you accusing *them* of deception too?!"

A heavy hush fell. Everyone saw the forced accusation—but who dared object?

Cross the Church? The Crown? No one risked it. One misstep, and all who defended Karl would share his fate.

Mia gritted her teeth, lunging to slap Jason—

Karl yanked her back just in time.

Then, Karl stepped forward with a warm, unwavering smile.

"Regrettably, Mr. Jason, that’s a wild misreading. I assure you—no one here is more loyal to the Royal Family. No one here reveres the Goddess of Light more deeply than I am."

Jason smirked, eyebrows lifting.

"Then… how will you *prove* that loyalty?"