I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 253

Chapter 253: Golden Dragon Martial Arts Tournament (1)

-Clink

“Mother, what in the world…?”

Arina, flustered, nearly dropped her teacup, spilling a few droplets.

“…Are you serious? Telling me not to interfere with Carsein’s rights at all?”

Isabella calmly replied,

“Yes. After what happened, I’ve made my decision.”

“Mother, even so, that’s preposterous—”

-Thud!

Isabella placed her teacup down firmly, cutting Arina off.

“What’s preposterous is the condition you imposed on Carsein.”

“…!”

“You told him that if he placed below a certain rank, he wouldn’t be allowed to participate in any other family events. And you used the excuse of disgracing the family name.”

“…I didn’t intend to hide it, Mother. It was simply because of what happened last year.”

“I know. You wouldn't dream of hiding something like this.”

Confirming the facts was irrelevant.

However, she couldn’t overlook this.

“But… how could you doubt your own brother? He’s my son, too. He’s your brother, just like Claire and Flora! You could have at least investigated whether his fiancée was truly insulted, or asked him why he resorted to violence. Couldn’t you?”

To Isabella, even though he was adopted, Carsein was her son, officially registered as a member of the Bagrand family. And to Arina, he was her brother.

However, from what she had heard and been told, Arina hadn't shown a shred of doubt, and that was shocking.

“Last year, he came back injured, stabbed with scissors. I heard you didn’t even remember that he came back covered in blood. You remember every other incident, but you don’t even show concern when he’s injured?”

Isabella asked, a note of anguish in her voice.

“Is… is he not your brother, Arina? Just because he’s not related by blood?”

“That’s not true! I simply… had to separate personal feelings from official matters.”

She had been worried that Arina might harbor some resentment towards Carsein. Seeing her flustered reaction, she was relieved to see that wasn't the case.

Having eased her worries, Isabella spoke in a calmer tone.

“Then return Carsein’s privileges, and don’t interfere with him during the martial arts tournament. This is an order, Arina, as head of the Bagrand Duchy.”

“…!”

Arina flinched at the direct order, but she quietly agreed and withdrew.

Once her eldest daughter had left, Isabella picked up her coat.

“…”

-Rustle.

Isabella picked up the report on last year’s incident, compiled by Claire, and reread it.

A fire burned in her blue eyes.

The name of a house was etched in those eyes.

“You harmed my son, and you harmed the Bagrands.”

They would pay dearly for that.

There would be no settlements.

-Ding!

▶ Isabella’s affinity has increased. ◀

[Current level: 80%]

▶ Required affinity level reached. Isabella’s affinity settings have changed. ◀

[ ??? : 80% ]

***

I had gathered a significant amount of information.

I might have even found a clue to returning to my original world.

However.

Despite the information I acquired, my mind was in turmoil.

‘To return to my world… I would have to…’

Harnie.

A single person.

The key to returning to Earth, to Korea, to my own apartment, was tied to a single person.

All I had to do was use her.

If necessary, I could manipulate her.

Create a sense of crisis, pushing her into a corner.

Lay a trap, and wait for her to take the bait.

Gather information, analyze the optimal method, calculate, and execute.

Slowly. Extracting everything I needed.

Use her to achieve my goal, and then return to my world.

But…

Even though I knew what I had to do, I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

“…”

If she were just an NPC, it would be so much easier.

Or if I could extract information from an enemy.

If she were a stranger, I could use her without a shred of guilt, taking everything she had to offer.

Even those wretched family members would be easier to deal with. I could manipulate them to my heart’s content.

Princess Arsienne, Prince Florence… those with power, I could deceive them with promises of cooperation.

Pollux, Talfon… they knew who I was. They might even help me.

The people of my territories? Lusmire, Shatrain… it wouldn’t be any different. They wouldn’t forget what I had done for them. They would support me. And the maids in the Duchy? I could simply pay them off.

After I left, I would never see any of them again. I could carry out my plan without any guilt.

But… there was one exception.

-Clench.

My fists tightened.

‘I don’t… I don’t want to deceive Harnie.’

It was a foolish sentiment, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

She was too kind. She would even go out of her way to help others, even at her own expense.

She didn’t succumb to malicious rumors. Unlike those easily swayed by gossip, she adhered to common sense and logic. She even worried about me, despite gaining nothing in return.

How could I betray someone like that?

Especially since she was the only friend I had made in this world.

Yes.

Foolishly, I couldn't bring myself to treat her as a means to an end.

“…”

What should I do? I couldn’t find an answer, no matter how much I thought about it.

Just then, a large, imposing figure approached, and I felt myself being shaken.

“Carsein, snap out of it.”

“…Ah.”

“Your next match is about to begin. What’s wrong with you?”

I looked around and realized I was in the arena.

…I had forgotten. I was participating in the Golden Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.

“This isn’t like you. That vacant expression…”

“…”

Pollux, who no longer called himself Yarik, but proudly used the title of Marquis of Ipheros, looked at me with a puzzled expression.

“That brilliant mind of yours usually has an answer for everything. What’s troubling you?”

…Troubling me?

Indeed. It was a problem that seemed to have no solution.

“I thought you would be enjoying the tournament now that most of the issues have been resolved, but it seems I was mistaken. However, you should probably pay attention to that.”

“…”

Pollux gestured towards the spectator stands with his thumb.

There, among the crowd, was Harnie, watching me with a worried expression.

“Your fiancée has dressed up so beautifully to cheer you on. Don’t disappoint her. Whatever you’re struggling with, I’m sure you’ll find a way.”

Pollux patted me on the shoulder and left.

A way…

I glanced at the spectator stands again.

“…”

“Do your best, Carsein.”

…First, I had to deal with the episode.

▶ Episode II: The One Who Proves Their Worth is in progress. ◀

▶ Participating in the Golden Dragon Martial Arts Tournament. ◀

▶ Achieve a high ranking for additional benefits. ◀

***

The events of the martial arts tournament, unfolding as they had in the game, felt strangely familiar.

These events, adapted to fit the setting and environment of this world, were essentially just like the sports festivals I was used to.

Mana Tug-of-War, where you had to pull a mana-infused rope to win.

Mana Orb Burst, where you had to quickly pop a mana-infused orb.

Mana Penalty Race, where you had to navigate an obstacle course while carrying a mana-infused baton that inflicted penalties.

And many others. Including the ball games with mana penalties, it was exactly like a sports festival.

And this is how it turned out:

“So here I am again… Princess Arsienne must have designed that school trip specifically to prepare us for this event…”

It was called “Knight and Princess,” but it was essentially just a headband-snatching game where magic attacks were allowed, played in male-female pairs.

…This was something I had done with Jieun, so it was familiar…

But being paired with Harnie in this situation made my heart race.

“Carsein? Carsein?”

“Ah, yes.”

“I’ve been calling you. Why weren’t you responding?”

“I apologize. I was lost in thought… Don’t worry, I’ll focus during the match.”

“Hmm… Are you sure?”

As it turned out, I wasn’t able to focus during the match.

Since the events were essentially just modified versions of the games I was used to in my world, I had a significant advantage.

I easily eliminated my opponents, achieving high scores. Dodging attacks with my ingrained reflexes was also not an issue.

However…

“C-Carsein! To your left!”

“Ah… Yes!”

“Kyaa!”

“S-sorry.”

I was distracted. For a different reason.

If I had properly used my advantages, this wouldn't have happened. I wouldn't have been so flustered, wouldn't have been put in such a precarious position.

I could have anticipated their moves, acted swiftly, just like I usually did.

If I had analyzed and calculated, as I always did, I could have dominated the competition.

But today, my mind was preoccupied, leading to several mistakes.

And eventually, I made a major one.

“Ugh?!”

“Kyaa?!”

An unnecessary movement disrupted our coordination, and Harnie, thrown off balance by an incoming attack, fell.

Elimination aside, it shocked me back to reality.

While the floor was covered in soft mats to prevent injuries, the sight of her falling sent a jolt of adrenaline through me.

-Catch!

Fortunately, I managed to lower my stance and catch her. Filled with guilt, I asked,

“Are you alright?”

“Yes… I’m fine. Just a little surprised. It’s nothing.”

“…”

Damn it.

What was I thinking?

Getting distracted during a match. What if she had been injured?

There was a small scrape on her arm.

Because I hadn't caught her properly.

“I’m sorry, Harnie.”

Harnie brushed off her clothes and stood up, smiling as if nothing had happened.

“Don’t worry about it. It happens. It’s just a small scrape, it’s not a big deal.”

-Don't worry about it. It happens. It's not like you're seriously injured.

“…”

“Come on, let’s get up. We’ll win the next round. There’s a loser’s bracket, anyway!”

The way she smiled and offered her hand…

It was exactly like…

I realized how foolish I had been.

‘…Why was I even worried?’

It was a mistake to treat her like everyone else.

I didn't have to deceive her.

I didn't have to use her.

I could achieve my goals without hurting her.

Why hadn't I realized that sooner?

I took Harnie’s hand and stood up, brushing off the dust.

“Let’s have some fun.”

“Carsein?”

“I’ve done the calculations. We’re not going to lose another round. Can you keep up?”

“You bet!”

Harnie smiled brightly and squeezed my hand.

There was no need for complicated thoughts.

I still had the main episode to deal with, and it was unlikely I could just ignore this chapter’s events and leave.

So, until I left the Bagrand Duchy, I would be with Harnie.

And even after I left, it would be fine to stay with her.

I didn’t have to push her away.

I didn’t need to sever our ties.

There was no reason to look for other contracts or conditions.

Simply, I would continue spending time with Harnie, just like we had been doing.

After that…

“The winner of the Mana Tug-of-War is Young Master Carsein of the Bagrand Duchy!”

“And the winner of the Mana Orb Burst is… Young Master Carsein Bagrand!”

“Can he even feel the mana penalties?! His movements are different. He’s far more agile than the other participants!”

We were on a winning streak.

Our teamwork was perfect.

I knew what she wanted, and she knew what I wanted.

We moved as if we were one, our thoughts synchronized.

The distractions disappeared, and we started to enjoy the tournament.

Time flew by.

We dominated the early rounds, securing our place at the top of the rankings, and before we knew it, the first day was over.

“Ahh—!”

Harnie stretched, a satisfied sigh escaping her lips.

“You seem to be enjoying yourself.”

“Of course. You too, right?”

Yes, very much so.

After putting my worries aside, I had enjoyed it immensely.

And it wasn't just us.

The spectators cheered and roared their approval, expressing their disappointment that the day was already over.

I wouldn’t be surprised if these sports festival-style events became a regular occurrence.

“By the way, have you done this before?” she asked.

“What do you mean?”

“You seem so… familiar with these games. Like… everyone else was fumbling around, but you weren't.”

“Uh… Is… is that so?”

Well, that was only natural.

I had done all of this with Jieun during our school’s sports festivals…

“Did… did you practice with another woman?! Is that why you’re so good?!”

“N-no, of course not. You’re the first. I’m just… I’m used to it because of the school trip. Yes…”

“Right… Of course…”

I barely managed to avoid suspicion. I answered reflexively to her question.

“Tomorrow’s events are archery, right?”

“That’s right. Two types of archery, followed by the traditional martial arts tournament events.”

“Then…”

She murmured something, then bit her lip.

“I have something to prepare for tomorrow, so I’ll be going now.”

“Is that so? Shall I walk you back?”

“N-no! That’s not allowed!”

…Not just declining, but “not allowed?”

“Promise me. You absolutely cannot come to my lodgings today. Okay?”

“Uh… alright.”

I didn’t understand why, but she must have had a reason.

But there was something I had to say.

“Harnie.”

“Yes?”

Just as we were about to part ways, there was something I wanted to say.

It was a promise to myself, a way to dispel the foolish worries that had plagued me earlier.

“Our first meeting was a contract, based on mutual benefit. But I want to maintain a good relationship with you, always.”

She was special.

One of the few people I could call a friend in this world.

So, I would maintain our friendship.

Even after I left this place.

“Wh-what are you talking about?! Carsein, you idiot!”

Harnie’s face flushed crimson, and she turned and ran.

Then she stopped and looked back at me.

“I-I feel the same way…!”

And with that, she ran off again.

She felt the same way.

That was a relief.

But at the same time, I felt a strange sense of something.

I was starting to get used to her kindness.

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