I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 368

Chapter 368: Project Yggdrasil (8)

-Tap. Tap.

Arina tapped her fingers on the table in the war room, a strange sound echoing in her ears.

She had been focused on the search for Carsein.

She was scrutinizing every detail, every report, determined to find a clue, to avoid being deceived.

A soldier had finally arrived with a report. She had hoped for news of Carsein’s whereabouts.

But the report was completely unexpected.

“…Aldersia has defected to Claire.”

Aldersia.

The territory she had governed for so long.

A prosperous land, blessed with fertile soil and abundant resources, a territory that had always been loyal.

And now, it had defected.

The citizens were expressing their discontent, demanding a change in leadership.

And they had pledged their loyalty to Claire.

…Normally, she wouldn't have been concerned, but not now.

If there was a hidden motive behind this…

“No, I shouldn’t jump to conclusions.”

She needed to hear the full report before making any judgments.

She leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers on the table, waiting.

“Your Ladyship, we have a report.”

A soldier entered the war room.

He was holding a report.

“It’s about the Aldersia territory, isn’t it?”

“Yes, here…”

-Snatch.

Arina snatched the report from the soldier’s hands before he could finish.

Her blue eyes scanned the document.

Every word, every detail.

The citizens of Aldersia were expressing their discontent. She had to understand why.

Reports like this usually included a list of grievances. That’s what she usually focused on.

But…

This wasn't the time for that.

Arina sighed, her expression grim.

“…I had hoped it wasn’t true.”

Aldersia.

The territory she had governed for so long. A prosperous, loyal land.

She would have gladly given it to Claire if she had asked.

If her younger sister had expressed a desire to govern it, she would have handed it over without hesitation.

But this… this was a deliberate provocation.

“So this is how you’re going to challenge me, Claire.”

Arina frowned, setting down the report.

For a successor to the Duchy, the support of the territories was crucial. The loyalty of the citizens was a necessary condition for becoming the head of the family.

The one who controlled more land, more territories, commanded more loyalty, held the advantage in the succession struggle.

Yes.

This was Claire’s challenge.

Claire, who had shown no interest in the Duchy, was now a contender.

Using her position as acting Duchess as leverage.

And what was her motive?

…It was obvious. She was trying to protect Carsein, to have the warrant for his arrest rescinded.

Claire would use the support of the vassals and the citizens to challenge her authority and overturn her decision.

Arina was furious.

This wasn't something Claire would do on her own.

Someone had orchestrated this.

And the thought of who that someone might be made her blood boil.

It was all because of him.

“He’s truly remarkable. Driving a wedge between our family… ah, so that’s why he was hiding his true colors.”

-Clench.

Arina clenched her fists, her jaw tight.

She couldn't focus on both the Duchy’s affairs and the pursuit of Carsein. But the latter was her priority. If this continued, Claire would eventually catch up.

She was running out of time.

“But he underestimated me. I won’t be defeated so easily, even with Claire’s support.”

Even with Claire’s challenge, the majority of the vassals still supported her.

She had lost Aldersia, but she still controlled vast territories.

She wouldn't be removed from her position. Not now, not ever.

Arina stood up and left the war room.

She mounted her horse.

She would capture Carsein.

***

The first step had been successful.

The vote had been practically unanimous.

None of the vassals had opposed her.

They had cheered, welcoming her as a contender, despite her previous lack of interest in the Duchy.

She had gained their support.

And using her newfound authority as a legitimate successor, she had exposed Arina’s weaknesses.

The neglected proposals, the delayed decisions, the important matters buried under the pursuit of Carsein… things Arina would have never overlooked if she had been in her right mind.

Addressing these issues had earned her the loyalty of the Aldersia territory. And other territories were starting to follow suit, strengthening her position in the succession struggle.

It was only a matter of time.

She was handling the Duchy’s affairs, proving her competence, and the vassals’ support would continue to grow.

The citizens of the other territories, hearing of her efficient management, would likely abandon Arina and pledge their loyalty to her.

With enough time, she could turn the tables.

But…

“No, this isn’t enough… Carsein could be captured at any moment.”

She couldn’t close the gap between her and Arina so easily. She had neglected the Duchy’s affairs for too long, dismissing the possibility of becoming the Duchess.

Arina’s power was still too strong.

She had to reach a level playing field, or even surpass her, to overcome her current image of indifference.

A direct confrontation was impossible. Arina controlled the military. And if Carsein was captured during the struggle, everything would be lost.

Time wasn't on her side.

“There has to be a way to… completely overturn Arina’s advantage.”

As she was leaving the meeting room, lost in thought…

Marquis Magnuel approached her.

“Lady Claire, there you are.”

“Marquis Magnuel? I thought you left. Why are you…”

“Ah, it’s about the attire. There’s been a problem with the uniforms for the next event.”

“…What?”

Clothes? Why was he talking about clothes?

“His Highness Albert was supposed to attend, but due to his busy schedule, His Highness Florence will be attending in his stead. However, my son… he accidentally ruined the uniforms… tsk. Your boutique, Lady Claire, it’s renowned for its quality. We need appropriate attire for such an occasion, so I was hoping to commission a custom order. And… I would appreciate it if you could… cater to my… pride.”

Claire tilted her head, confused, then her eyes widened as she noticed Marquis Magnuel subtly trying to close the distance between them.

‘Lady Claire, act natural.’

He lowered his voice, his words barely audible, his back turned to the other vassals.

‘There might be eyes and ears everywhere. So, I’ll keep it brief.’

She had to respond.

But… she was facing the other vassals.

So…

“You want to use my boutique to satisfy your pride?”

“We must maintain appearances, especially when dealing with the Imperial Family. I can’t afford to embarrass the Bagrands, so… I need your expertise.”

She kept the conversation going, giving him another opportunity to speak.

As he moved closer, his back turned to the others, they could finally speak freely.

‘…Baron Efferon. You remember him, don’t you?'

‘He was at the meeting today, wasn’t he?'

‘Yes. But… we found this in the Aldersia territory.’

Marquis Magnuel discreetly handed her a small box.

Inside, nestled among a decaying hand bone, was a ring bearing the Efferon family crest.

The Baron’s signet ring.

‘How did you find this? I just gained control of Aldersia.’

‘…It wasn’t me.’

‘What do you mean?'

‘It was Young Master Carsein who gave it to me.’

‘…!*’

Claire’s body stiffened.

Her carefully maintained composure wavered, replaced by a surge of anxiety.

Carsein was here?

Where was he?

Was he safe?

If he was alright, she wanted him by her side.

She wanted to ask him, right now.

But…

‘…She’s holding back well.’

Just as Marquis Magnuel had instructed, she didn't act impulsively.

‘Continue. Tell me everything.’

‘…I’m not sure, but it seems he was targeting you. He also gave me this.’

‘This is…’

‘Have you seen it before?'

A piece of wood, radiating an unsettling aura.

Claire maintained her composure and nodded.

‘It’s a monster.’

‘…What?'

‘A monster disguised as a human.’

‘A monster… disguised as a human? How is that…’

‘It’s true. I almost died because of it. It seems… there’s a hidden faction at work.’

‘…!*’

There was a spy among the vassals, a monster disguised as Baron Efferon.

And that monster had been trying to transmit information, but Carsein had stopped him.

She used her near-death experience with Map as an example, and the Marquis’s confusion grew.

‘Turning humans into monsters… there’s no way for us to detect that.’

‘…I know. But Carsein is trying to tell us something. They have a motive.’

‘A motive?'

‘Why would they interfere now? They don’t want Arina’s regime to collapse. They even planted a spy to report on my actions.’

‘That makes sense… then their next target… could it be… Duchess Isabella?!’

‘Yes. She’s the biggest threat. She’s the only one who can stop Arina, even if she’s ill. And… it seems that’s not all.’

Sensing a strange magical aura emanating from the piece of wood, Claire infused it with her mana, revealing a hidden message.

‘Tell everyone that Mother is critically ill and that we’re summoning renowned physicians. Spread the word.’

‘Understood.’

Carsein’s message had been delivered.

***

-Crack.

Yggdrasil’s roots emerged from the ground.

“…A report.”

Arkshus deciphered the message, using the Theresia Marquisate’s secret code.

“Hmm. Isabella is critically ill. That’s why they’re gathering. They’re summoning physicians.”

A simple piece of information.

But a valuable one.

This could accelerate their plans.

Arkshus hurried to inform Belian.

He found him nearby.

“…Sigh.”

“Arkshus? What’s with the sigh?”

“I’d be more surprised if I wasn’t sighing.”

He gestured towards his surroundings.

“Because of that?”

“It’s not just that. You’re in the Duke of Bagrand’s private chambers. Sitting in his chair. What if you’re discovered?”

Yes, they were within the Bagrand manor.

In the Duke's private chambers.

And Belian was sitting in the Duke’s chair.

As if he was the Duke himself.

“I’ll be sitting here soon enough. What’s wrong with a little preview?”

“…”

“Besides, I’ve already calculated the risks. There are a few variables, but…”

Belian smiled, a chilling glint in his eyes.

“Carsein is probably gone. Just like Veneris.”

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