I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 270

Chapter 270: The Sword that Cut Skin (3)

What did he just say?

‘Forfeit…?’

Arina’s eyes widened in disbelief.

It wasn’t unusual for someone to forfeit a match in the martial arts tournament.

If they weren’t confident in their abilities, or if the event was too difficult, they could simply choose to withdraw.

But this was different.

This was the arena battle, the highlight of the tournament.

The event that drew the largest crowds, the culmination of all the previous events, where only the top-ranked participants earned the right to compete in one-on-one combat.

The martial arts tournament was essentially held for this event.

So, it made no sense.

He had spent so much time preparing, meticulously maintaining and optimizing his equipment.

He had cooperated with his sponsor, carefully managing his points in the previous events.

The complex process of attuning his mana to his equipment.

The countless hours of training.

And the effort it had taken to defeat each opponent.

And yet, he was throwing it all away.

He was one step away.

One step away from victory.

And he was forfeiting?

Arina wasn’t the only one who couldn't understand.

The announcer, too, was bewildered.

“Um… Young Master Carsein, are you certain? You wish to forfeit…?”

“What else would it mean? Does the word ‘forfeit’ have another meaning?”

“Well, no, but…”

That wasn’t the point!

The announcer, at a loss for words, simply stared at Carsein, his expression a mixture of confusion and disapproval. Carsein calmly replied,

“The Bagrand Duchy has already secured victory, since both of us are in the finals, isn’t that right?”

“Well, yes, but…”

“Then there’s no point in continuing. Why bother fighting?”

He had a point.

The Bagrand Duchy had already won.

But even so, stopping the match now was problematic.

“B-but… this is the final match of the tournament. The purpose of the tournament is to determine the winner…”

That’s right. Why have a final match?

To determine the ultimate victor, the strongest of the two finalists.

And with such a highly anticipated match-up, the excitement was undeniable.

It was a Bagrand civil war, a rematch of last year’s final. They couldn’t just cancel it.

But Carsein, showing no intention of drawing his sword, asked,

“Many participants are here to bring honor to their families, and the sponsors are here for the publicity. We’ve already achieved both, so there’s no point in continuing. Are you saying the purpose of the tournament is simply to determine the winner?”

“Well…”

“We can still determine the winner. Since I’ve forfeited, Arina wins.”

He pointed at Arina.

“Besides, it would be a pointless fight. Everyone knows I would lose, anyway.”

All eyes turned to Arina.

It was a reasonable assumption.

‘Well, she has dominated this tournament for years.’

‘It’s not surprising, considering it’s Lady Arina.’

‘Even if Carsein Bagrand has improved, against her…’

‘I can understand why he would forfeit.’

The spectators nodded in agreement.

But there was still one issue.

“However, there’s the matter of the bets placed by the spectators. Since the outcome of the match hasn’t been determined…”

“I’ll compensate them personally.”

“…What?”

“There will be those who suspect foul play. That there was some secret agreement between us, that I forfeited on purpose to manipulate the outcome. So I’ll compensate them myself.”

While the Imperial Family had placed a limit on the amount that could be wagered to prevent the nobles from influencing the outcome, it was still money.

If he returned the money, there wouldn’t be any problems. It was just a small form of entertainment, and the outcome of the match was practically predetermined. Very few people had bet on Carsein reaching the finals in the first place.

This way, there wouldn’t be any issues with ending the arena battle.

The spectators would get their money back.

There were very few who had correctly predicted the finalists, so the outcome of the bets was irrelevant.

And as for determining the winner, he had conceded, giving Arina the victory.

“Then there shouldn’t be any problems, right?”

“Honestly, it’s pointless since both Bagrands are in the finals.”

“And he’s offering to compensate the spectators from his own pocket.”

“Lady Arina is incredibly strong. We can’t force him to fight if he wants to forfeit…”

The murmurs died down.

While it was an anticlimactic ending, the spectators seemed to accept it.

The award ceremony began.

The winner’s trophy and the runner-up’s trophy were presented.

Arina, standing next to Carsein, took the opportunity to ask,

“What are you scheming?”

“Nothing.”

“Are you trying to make up for the stunt you pulled at my birthday party?”

If only she knew. Carsein chuckled inwardly and replied,

“Well, that’s part of it.”

“How presumptuous.”

“That’s not all. How could I possibly win against you? It would be a guaranteed loss. Why would I bother fighting a losing battle?”

“…”

“Don’t look at me like that. I’m reflecting on my actions.”

Arina sighed.

While his flippant attitude hadn't changed, what could she do?

“I’ll let it slide, just this once.”

She had to acknowledge that he was at least admitting his fault.

The award ceremony concluded with applause.

Arina, standing on the highest podium, delivered a victory speech, marking the end of the tournament.

Carsein, watching her, smiled faintly.

‘I’m sorry, but you’re not even worth fighting.’

So he would give her what she wanted.

He would willingly step down, ensuring she wouldn’t feel threatened.

That was the true reason for his forfeit.

-Ding!

▶ A character’s feelings have changed. ◀

[Arina Bagrand]

[Inferiority Complex: 58%]

***

The martial arts tournament had concluded.

With the Bagrand Duchy claiming both the winner and runner-up positions, there was no doubt about their superiority.

The Bagrands were still the Bagrands.

That sentiment echoed throughout the spectator stands.

“As expected, the Lady’s skill is unmatched.”

“She dominates the martial arts tournament every year. Hahahaha!”

“This is what a legitimate successor should be like.”

Of course, those were all thinly veiled, backhanded compliments.

Arina’s inferiority complex, though not visible to others, was decreasing.

Ironically, those few words were enough to reassure and satisfy her.

‘It’s fine. I’m satisfied with this outcome as well.’

Let them talk about the successor position all they want.

While there were choices available to refute the criticisms directed at me, I didn't bother.

I followed Arina down from the podium.

“You both did well.”

Isabella and the rest of the family were waiting.

As I reached the bottom of the stairs, a status window appeared.

-Ding!

▶ Episode IV: The One Who Proves Their Worth completed. ◀

▶ Your final ranking in the Golden Dragon Martial Arts Tournament is 2nd place. ◀

▶ No penalties applied due to satisfactory ranking. ◀

▶ Reward granted. ◀

“Big sister, you were amazing!”

“You did well.”

“Thank you.”

While they exchanged meaningless pleasantries, I focused on the status window.

‘An increase in Noblesse Points. Not bad. It’s a shame the rumors have disappeared, though.’

If the rumors had persisted, it would have further solidified my disqualification as a successor candidate, making things easier.

Oh well.

I could always damage my reputation later.

Meanwhile,

Claire approached me.

“Mother’s in a good mood. She wants to have a family tea party. You’ll come, right?”

-Ding!

▶ Main episode branch point reached. ◀

▶ You can join Isabella for a family tea party. ◀

▶ Will you accept? ◀

[ 1. Yes ]

[ 2. No ]

A branch point.

If I remember correctly, it was best to accept.

But I didn’t want to go.

“…”

Isabella looked at me expectantly.

While she had asked Claire to invite me, it was clear she wanted me to accept.

Her expression reminded me of something.

‘Hah.’

That look.

I had seen it before.

After the sports festival.

Right. That’s when it was.

-Mom wants us to go out for barbecue. You’ll come, right?

After the sports festival, my second sister had invited me to a barbecue dinner.

It had been a trap.

During the meal, the other family members had left one by one, until only one person remained, sitting across from me, grilling the meat.

I still remembered the words I had heard that day.

My blood ran cold.

A tea party? Seriously?

“No, I’m not going.”

“What?”

“I’m tired after the tournament. I need to rest.”

“Wh-what?! Hey, Carsein!”

The unpleasant memories resurfaced, and I knew I had to leave.

I needed to make money.

So I could leave this house.

“Carsein!”

As I headed towards the exit, Harnie came running down from the spectator stands. But…

-Ding!

▶ Additional reward revealed! ◀

■ Reward

[ Detect danger once. ]

A belated reward notification appeared…

And then, a series of red warning messages flashed before my eyes.

No, even without the notifications, I could see it clearly.

Behind Harnie, who was running towards me with a bright smile, a section of the stands was collapsing.

My body moved on its own.

“Harnie!”

“Carsein? Why are you…?”

“Get down!”

-Crack, Crash!!!

▶ Danger detected! ◀

▶ A section of the stands is collapsing. Move quickly! ◀

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