IRON MAN: BROTHER DON'T CAUSE TROUBLE

A month had passed, and everything continued according to the novel's storyline. John didn't try to interfere, especially after the headache Alsie had already given him. Even a single change had caused ripples, and he wasn't willing to test the consequences further.

During this time, Duke and his friends had grown much closer, bonding over their shared passion for inventing new dishes. However, since someone had to deliver them, the task often fell on Touya and his Gate ability. Of course, Touya wasn't the only one who could use it anymore.

John had successfully inscribed numerous null magic runes, including Gate, Long Sense, Modeling, Multiple, Speed, memory read and many more. Additionally, he had mastered a variety of light and darkness-related runes, including Summoning, thanks to the elemental rune he had obtained before arriving in this world. However, he had yet to test summoning a beast—nor did he intend to, at least not in this world.

Despite his progress, there were still many runes John hadn't inscribed due to time constraints. However, that didn't concern him. He had an entire book filled with runes, and with it, his journey in this world was nearing its end. Before leaving, though, he had one last thing to do — investigate the crystal demon and the floating island.

But there was a problem. How would he break this news to the others, especially Alsie? He had no idea what to do with her.

"Maybe I should just tell her the truth — that I'm from another world. That way, she'll stop looking for me once I leave. Yes, that's what I'll do."

With his mind made up, John got up from his bed and headed downstairs to find Alsie.

However, before he could take another step, he ran into Touya, who looked utterly exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes.

John raised an eyebrow, suppressing a chuckle. "What the hell happened to you?"

"Please, you have to help me!" Touya pleaded, trying to maintain a serious expression but failing miserably.

John crossed his arms. "Alright, what do you need?"

"Can you deliver something to the capital?" Touya asked desperately, looking as if John was his last hope.

John immediately shook his head. "No. You know why. I told you not to teach Duke how to play chess, but you didn't listen."

"Please, John! For the sake of our friendship, help me out! I didn't think they'd play like their lives depended on it! I haven't slept in two days!" Touya groaned, pointing at his exhausted face. "And I know you can use Gate."

John's expression stiffened slightly. "How do you know that? I didn't tell anyone."

Touya smirked. "I felt a spatial fluctuation in your room a week ago and figured it out. You didn't tell us for a reason, and I respect that. Everyone has secrets, after all."

After a brief pause, John sighed. "Alright, I'll do it—but just this once."

"Great! Thanks a lot, man!" Touya said, relieved.

John waved a hand dismissively. "Don't mention it."

With that, he took the item he needed to deliver and used Gate to teleport to Duke's estate. The guards, though surprised by his sudden appearance, didn't stop him since they already knew him.

Just as he was about to step inside, a carriage rushed out of the gate but came to an abrupt halt.

"John? Perfect timing! Please, get in!" Duke called, opening the carriage door.

John frowned as he climbed in. "What's going on?"

Duke looked relieved. "I never imagined you'd be here at this moment… It's like the gods themselves sent you. My elder brother has been poisoned!"

John was momentarily stunned. "What did you just say?" The timing was completely off. According to the novel, this was supposed to happen a month later.

'This isn't good. The butterfly effect is already in motion. I need to leave this world as soon as possible,' John thought.

Duke quickly explained his suspicions about the assassination attempt, and by the time they arrived at the castle, John's mind was racing. They were led directly to a grand chamber.

Inside, the king lay weakly on his bed, surrounded by his grieving wife, daughter, and trusted advisors. The royal mage had exhausted all possible remedies, but the poison remained a mystery. The king, barely conscious, pleaded for his family's safety and the kingdom's alliance with Misumido before falling silent.

John stepped forward without hesitation and cast Recovery. A soft golden light enveloped the king, and moments later, his breathing stabilized. His complexion returned to normal, and he suddenly sat up, completely healed.

The room erupted in relief. The queen and princess clung to the king, while the royal mage gaped in disbelief. The bearded general pounded John's back in gratitude, much to his discomfort. The king, still bewildered by his sudden recovery, turned to John and formally expressed his gratitude.

"You have my deepest thanks... John, was it?" the king said, his voice still weak but steady.

"Yes, Your Majesty," John replied, offering a respectful bow.

"Please, tell me... What kind of magic was that? Even my court mage couldn't cure me."

John hesitated for a moment before answering, "It's called Recovery. It's a special magic."

The king's eyes widened. "Incredible... If not for you, I might not have survived. If there's anything you desire, consider it granted."

John shook his head. "There's no need, Your Majesty. I was just doing what anyone would do."

The king chuckled weakly. "Such humility… The kingdom is fortunate to have someone like you." He paused, then added, "Please, if you ever require aid, my doors will always be open to you."

Before the matter could settle, the conversation shifted to the captured Misumido ambassador, who had been accused of the assassination attempt. The evidence pointed toward them, but John suspected foul play. Someone was trying to sabotage the alliance between the two nations. The king agreed to investigate further before passing judgment, ordering General Leon to bring the ambassador in for questioning.

As discussions continued, John noticed Princess Yumina staring at him intently. She was around 12 or 13, with blonde hair and striking heterochromatic eyes—one blue, one green.

"Thank you for saving my father," she said, bowing politely.

John smiled. "It's only natural to help when I can."

But she continued staring at him, making him slightly uncomfortable.

"Is something wrong?" he asked.

After a brief hesitation, she blushed and softly asked, "Do you dislike younger girls?"

John blinked in confusion. "What?"

But understood immediately,'Shit, it happened again…' John knew where this was going. Without hesitation, he started ignoring Yumina straight away. He didn't want another headache.

But one thing John didn't know — he wouldn't be escaping from this headache anymore.