I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 263

Chapter 263: July 1st (3)

Under the scorching sun, spectators cheered from the circular stands.

The arena, filled with the heat of battle and roaring cheers, was hosting the main event of the martial arts tournament: the arena battle.

In this place, where participants fought one-on-one with their chosen weapons, there were only victors and losers.

And in that very arena,

Carsein stood.

-Clang!

“Ugh…!”

His opponent, unable to withstand Carsein’s attack, stumbled and fell.

A sword, pointed at the throat.

The match was over.

“Boo.”

“Seriously, how can someone fight so boringly in a martial arts tournament?”

“He needs to be more aggressive! Use his body! That’s what we want to see!”

“Boring!”

Despite his victory, Carsein was met with a chorus of boos.

While they claimed it was because the match was boring, the real reason was obvious.

Perhaps their bets had been wrong.

Perhaps their favorite participant hadn’t won.

Or perhaps…

They simply wanted to see Carsein humiliated and defeated.

“The… winner of this match… is Young Master Carsein.”

“…”

The referee announced the result with a reluctant expression.

The announcer echoed the sentiment, his voice lacking enthusiasm.

And the spectators booed again.

No one in the arena was on Carsein’s side.

-Click.

Carsein sheathed his sword and silently returned to his waiting room, his face devoid of emotion.

He wasn’t happy about his victory.

He had defeated his opponent fairly, and yet he was met with boos. It wasn't just disappointment, it was a sense of injustice.

The referee’s reluctance, the announcer’s lack of enthusiasm, it all made him feel empty.

But it didn’t matter.

He hadn’t participated in this tournament for personal glory.

He had been banned from the training grounds, forbidden from wielding a sword. He had only participated in this tournament because it allowed him to hold a sword again. Nothing more.

Even so, he hadn’t wanted to be outdone in swordsmanship.

The sword he had mastered was his only solace, and he wanted to prove himself, to show Radiel and Mark that he had learned well.

That was the only desire of the boy who had nothing.

“…My left arm is cut.”

Carsein, leaving the arena, finally registered the pain in his left arm.

He couldn't fight properly with an injury.

He needed to get it treated.

As he walked towards the waiting room, he overheard a conversation.

He had initially intended to ignore it…

“I apologize for disturbing you, my lady. I came to inform you that since Young Master Carsein has not been eliminated, there is a possibility that you will face him in the next round.”

“…And?”

“Well, that’s why I’m here.”

It was Arina’s voice.

And they were talking about Carsein.

That much was fine.

But…

“If the talk about Young Master Carsein continues, your position might become… precarious. Even though he’s adopted, he’s still a man.”

“…”

“Perhaps you need to… demonstrate your abilities more clearly.”

At Marquis Magnuel’s words, Carsein couldn't just ignore the conversation any longer.

He chuckled dryly.

‘Honestly, that’s ridiculous. How could I possibly threaten Arina’s position, the position of the next head of the Bagrand Duchy?’

She was the eldest daughter, the legitimate heir, and he was just an adopted son.

Not only was there a difference in their standing within the family, but comparing a potential successor to the Duchy with a commoner, treated as an outsider, was absurd.

So, Arina wouldn’t even consider it.

Arina was more intelligent than that. She was the next head of the Bagrand Duchy. A model noble.

She wouldn't entertain such a ridiculous suggestion.

She would reprimand Marquis Magnuel for his presumptuousness.

‘Right. How… how could I become the next head?’

Carsein swallowed hard, dismissing the Marquis’s words.

But then, why?

Why wasn’t Arina refuting him? She should have reprimanded him, but her silence was unsettling.

‘Don’t tell me…’

…Did she really think…

That he would take her place?

Carsein’s heart pounded with unease as he turned his head.

“Hah… I see. You want me to put on a performance?”

“Yes, precisely.”

“…But if I use too much force, he’ll be seriously injured. Mother would be worried.”

“Of course. I trust you’ll handle it appropriately. My apologies, I’ve taken up too much of your time. Please, continue with your preparations.”

“Very well.”

Their footsteps faded.

Carsein, who had been eavesdropping, slumped to the ground, his legs giving way.

“Ha… haha…”

He laughed dryly.

He hadn’t expected the conversation to end like that.

“Is… is that what you wanted?”

-I don’t care about your ranking. Just try not to cause any trouble during the tournament.

-No one expects anything from you, anyway! So just… don’t bother!

-Why even participate if you’re just going to get injured without even using the equipment we gave you? Are you stupid?

No one had expected anything from him.

None of his family members had even mentioned the possibility of him becoming the successor.

And yet…

The most likely candidate for the position,

Was threatened by him? For such a ridiculous reason?

-Clench.

“…Right. I’m useless, anyway.”

He would lose his next match, pathetically.

That would be what she wanted.

Forgetting even the pain in his injured left arm, Carsein headed towards the arena.

***

Time passed.

It was time for the next match.

The announcer, having confirmed the names of the two participants, introduced them to the audience.

While the outcome was predictable, he thought it would be entertaining to see him lose pathetically.

“Ah, what a cruel twist of fate! A truly unfortunate match-up!”

The announcer’s dramatic tone piqued the audience’s curiosity. What kind of match-up could be so unfortunate? They all eagerly awaited his next words.

“This match is… a civil war! Two individuals with a very close relationship will be facing each other!”

“Oh my, a civil war?”

“Is it a battle between comrades? Or perhaps allied houses?”

The audience was intrigued.

The announcer smiled and announced the name of the first participant.

“Lady Arina of the Bagrand Duchy, who has been on a winning streak since the symposium!”

The audience chuckled.

‘Ah, so that’s what he meant by unfortunate.’

‘Heh heh. That makes sense. He did say it was a civil war.’

‘A civil war, and against the lady? It’s too obvious.’

‘A cruel twist of fate, indeed.’

The nobles cheered, their excitement growing.

The announcer, suppressing a grin, introduced the next participant.

“And her opponent! Ah, what a cruel twist of fate! Young Master Carsein, the only son of the Bagrand Duchy!”

Carsein entered the arena, his demeanor unchanged.

It seemed he hadn’t even bothered to treat the injuries he had sustained in the previous match.

“A tragic civil war, a battle between family members. Who will emerge victorious?! Let the match begin!”

The announcer’s dramatic introduction ended.

The match began with the sound of a horn. Considering his opponent’s style, he should have rushed forward and attacked first, but he simply stood there, his eyes empty.

Arina sighed, looking at him.

“Tsk. That foolish expression… He should be taking the initiative, ending this quickly.”

“…”

“Well, whatever. I’ll handle it.”

-Dash!

Arina closed the distance in an instant and swung her sword. Carsein reflexively blocked the attack.

“Hmm. So you can block at least this much. I was wondering how much I should hold back. This is perfect.”

“…”

“Try to block a few more attacks, Carsein. You’re a Bagrand, too. We can’t embarrass ourselves. And I don’t want to hurt you.”

Arina shifted her stance, twisting her blade.

But her attacks lacked power. She was clearly holding back.

She continued her assault, a series of attacks that seemed deliberately designed to miss. It was a one-sided performance.

She kept attacking, instructing Carsein with each move.

“Left side. Block.”

No, not the side.

He should have raised his elbow and deflected the blow.

-Parry!

“Pesselus Piercing Sword, 23rd Form. Shift your center of gravity to the side. I’m going to kick, so keep your arm close to your thigh.”

Wrong. He should have shifted his weight to his shoulder and counterattacked. He could have easily blocked the kick with his scabbard.

“Hasaldre Lotus Style, 8th Form. A powerful thrust, but it’s infused with mana, so it will be difficult to block. Use both hands.”

Completely wrong. It was a straightforward thrust. He could have easily deflected it and created an opening.

But…

Carsein silently followed Arina’s instructions.

She would attack, then instruct him to make a weak counterattack, creating a semblance of a fight.

Of course, it was all a performance, orchestrated by Arina.

“It’s time to end this charade. You must be tired. I’ll finish this quickly. Go back and rest, Carsein.”

She didn’t tell him what her final attack would be.

But Carsein knew.

A four-hit combo, followed by a spinning slash. Arina’s signature move.

If he took it head-on, he would be eliminated.

Without serious injury, as Arina had promised.

‘…It’s finally over.’

Arina, you wanted a performance, right?

Then this would be better.

Carsein bit his lip and loosened his grip on his sword.

“You…!”

Before Arina could shout, warning him to tighten his grip,

-Clang! The sound of metal clashing echoed through the arena, followed by a spray of crimson.

-Thud.

His sword, flung from his hand, embedded itself in the arena wall.

Carsein’s body, deeply wounded, collapsed onto the sand.

—Waaaaah!!!

The audience roared its approval, cheering the dramatic finish.

But in that moment,

Arina’s blue eyes widened in shock.

“M-medic! Call a medic!”

She saw the hair tie.

The one Carsein had given her as a gift.

But the hair tie, which had shimmered in the sunlight, was now stained with blood, its light extinguished.

***

▶ Bloodstained Hair Tie Memorial has ended. ◀

▶ Time will resume in 20 seconds. ◀

“Heh. Heh heh. Hahahaha!”

I couldn’t help but laugh, having witnessed the Memorial.

“Hah… So that’s what it was.”

A cold chill ran through me.

“I was wondering why this Memorial existed. As expected. I was being naive.”

I had thought they were changing, becoming more accepting.

What a foolish delusion.

They disliked him simply because he was adopted.

Because he was an outsider, brought into the family.

Because of their mother’s illness, they had been forced to accept a stranger as family.

And because of that stranger, because of him, they had been subjected to ridicule and criticism.

That’s why I thought they hated him.

But the real reason wasn't that.

Come to think of it, there had been times when I had felt a sense of unease. When I had helped with a project at the company, my name had been mentioned during a meeting.

-He seems quite intelligent. His grades are impressive.

-He's a good tutor, too. His explanations are clear and concise.

-With his intelligence, perhaps we should consider giving him more responsibility early on.

I had dismissed it as nonsense at the time.

But then I had heard my older sister’s voice.

-Do you really think this kind of project would work for our company?

Why had she reacted so strongly?

She knew I would never be accepted as a full-time employee.

I had wondered about it back then.

Now, seeing this Memorial, I finally understood.

After that day, whenever she had to deal with company matters, she would often give me pointed looks.

“Right. It wasn’t because I did something wrong, or because you disliked me.”

It was because she was afraid I would take her place.

Because my presence, as a man, threatened her position.

That's why she hated me, wasn't it?

I understood now.

I knew what I had to do.

▶ Timer ending. ◀

“Ah, right. I apologize for the pointless talk. But I’m taking this.”

-Rip!

I tore the hair tie from her wrist, ripping out a few strands of her red hair.

“Ugh! What are you…!”

“This gift… it’s too shabby. I’ll give you a new one today.”

I’ll do as you wish.

I’ll erase all traces of myself and leave.

From this wretched family.

***

As I left Arina’s preparation room, Claire was waiting, her arms crossed.

“What took you so long?”

It didn’t matter.

I only had one thing to say.

“Isn’t it about to start?”

“Well, yes, but…”

“Then let’s go. I’ve cleared things up with Arina.”

“Really? Well, that’s good…”

Claire looked slightly bewildered as she followed me to the main hall.

It was true. Things had been cleared up.

Or rather, they would be soon.

Time passed.

The guests began to arrive.

“Greetings, Duchess.”

“Welcome, Lady Harnie.”

“…”

“Flora, you should greet her properly. She’s Carsein’s fiancée.”

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Harnie whispered in my ear,

“Why didn’t you ask me to come with you, you idiot? It would have been safer.”

“It wasn’t that dangerous. And… this is better.”

“What?”

“You’ll see.”

Arina, the birthday girl, finally made her appearance.

“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen.”

As expected of the eldest daughter of the Bagrand Duchy, her speech was flawless.

Applause erupted at the beginning and end of her speech.

Now, it was time for the family’s greetings.

“My big sister is the best! Amazing!”

Well, that was typical Flora.

And that ridiculously large gift box, what did she even put in there?

“Happy birthday, sister.”

Claire offered a simple, formal greeting and handed Arina her gift. It seemed to be one of her highly anticipated new products.

“I’m so happy to have such a wonderful daughter.”

Isabella, too, offered her congratulations and a gift, something related to the Bagrand Duchy.

‘And now it’s my turn. Perfect.’

Arina glared at me, as if she hadn’t forgotten the incident earlier.

Don’t worry.

You wouldn’t have to glare, even if I hadn't prepared the gift you want.

“Ah, I made a mistake. I accidentally broke the gift I brought for you.”

“Broke it? What are you…”

-Clatter.

The hair tie, its ornament broken, fell to the floor.

The string was severed, beyond repair.

The atmosphere in the room instantly turned cold.

Everyone knew that the hair tie was Arina’s favorite accessory.

“You…!”

Arina gritted her teeth.

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