I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 217

Chapter 217: Turning Point (4)

-Ding!

▶ You can now begin the Sub-Episode: Shatrain’s Truth. ◀

▶ Accept the Sub-Episode by switching places with Brem and continuing the conversation. ◀

▶ Will you proceed?

[ 1. Yes. ]

[ 2. No. ]

A choice appeared, along with Brem’s offer.

It was asking whether or not I wanted to accept the Sub-Episode.

‘Another variable.’

A choice, in a scene with no prior information?

Normally, I wouldn't accept.

Based on the characteristics of Chapter 2, Sub-Episodes were usually a prerequisite for progressing the Main Episode.

Accepting a Sub-Episode with no prior information could alter the Main Episode’s storyline, potentially leading to unforeseen complications.

But…

“Let’s proceed.”

Compared to the original game, too much had already changed.

▶ Sub-Episode: Shatrain’s Truth initiated. ◀

***

Brem took a deep breath as we moved to the central hall.

As expected.

He had called the wooden piece the remains of a “mutated crop,” but he hadn't said it definitively. He had said it was known as the remains of a mutated crop.

Which meant… this information wasn’t supposed to be shared with the other villagers.

‘I was right.’

This game never ceased to amaze me.

Sub-Episodes sometimes offered hints through these seemingly insignificant conversations, but frustratingly, those hints would disappear if you didn’t catch them. It was a cruel mechanic.

I would have missed valuable information if I hadn't noticed his subtle wording.

“Let me be blunt. That’s not from a mutated crop.”

“It’s not?”

“No. It’s not common knowledge, but… something that drops those wooden pieces…”

“Yes. It’s definitely not a normal plant.”

Indeed.

“It’s… a monster, isn’t it?”

“…Yes. That’s right.”

After a moment of surprise, Brem nodded somberly.

The status window had clearly identified it as an enemy unit, displaying its names: Red Mandragora and Purple Mandragora. It was an undeniable truth.

It wasn’t a mutated crop. It was a monster that attacked people.

“Why?”

“Shatrain’s soil is rich in mana. That’s why you can cultivate Shatrain strawberries and grapes here. Those crops… they absorb mana to grow.”

“Which means, they’re monsters created from excess mana absorption. And the seeds… they’re actually monster seeds.”

“…That’s correct.”

The pieces were finally falling into place.

That’s why they had been hiding it.

“But Shatrain strawberries and Shatrain grapes are symbolic of our territory. These crops have a long history here, they’re our lifeline.”

“You didn’t want that information to be revealed to the public.”

“That’s right. We agreed to keep it a secret. We’ve been secretly disposing of the monsters, hiding the wooden pieces, refusing to allow the guards to patrol inside the village, and keeping this information from you, the lord. All for the same reason.”

So that’s why he had wanted to speak privately.

The villagers would have vehemently opposed revealing this information to the lord.

“…But, Young Master…”

-Click.

“Brem?”

“It’s… my fault… that this wasn’t brought to your attention sooner. I should have told you. I wanted to tell you about the fertilizer, but… after Map and the others seized control, I couldn’t do anything.”

Brem stood up and prostrated himself before Carsein.

“I apologize, Young Master. I failed you. I should have told you sooner. You were trying so hard to help us, but… I… we… we were too foolish…”

Brem continued, his voice filled with self-reproach.

“I investigated Map, and it seems he’s been accepting bribes from nobles in other territories for a long time, in exchange for information about Shatrain’s secret. And just a few days ago, he said that the secret is already spreading.”

“…!”

He could already see what would happen.

The image was clear.

People recoiling in disgust. Accusations of deception, of selling monster-infested crops. Nobles demanding refunds, threatening to sever all ties with Shatrain.

If the rumor spread that their prized specialties were actually mana-absorbing monsters, no one would want anything to do with them.

“I tried to stop Map… but I failed. If I had been wiser, more resourceful… I would have told you sooner. You were desperately trying to help us, but… I… this foolish old man…!”

Brem’s voice cracked with emotion, his anger turning into a desperate plea.

“Please… Punish me.”

-Ding!

▶ You have discovered the truth about the Shatrain strawberries and Shatrain grapes. ◀

▶ Sub-Episode: Shatrain’s Truth completed. ◀

▶ Due to Map’s actions, the truth about Shatrain is spreading. ◀

▶ Episode branching path altered. ◀

▶ The clear conditions for Main Episode X have been significantly changed. ◀

▶ Public opinion about Shatrain will now determine your Completion Rate. ◀

[ Completion Rate: -25% ]

▶ Warning! If your Completion Rate does not reach 70% or higher, your symposium score will plummet. ◀

So that’s what this Sub-Episode was about.

It revealed Brem’s backstory, his powerlessness despite his position as Village Head.

But the rumors about Shatrain were bound to surface eventually. I had encountered a similar situation in the game, so it was fortunate that I had discovered the truth now.

“Get up, Brem. It’s not too late.”

“Young Master… if you punish me, there might still be a chance…”

“Brem.”

“If I take all the blame, you won't be accused!”

…Damn it.

This is why I hate being in a position of authority.

That old worker, the “Chief,” had taken all the blame and been fired. I still remember his desolate figure walking away.

I wouldn't let the same thing happen again.

“It doesn’t matter if the truth is revealed. As long as I can prove it, there won't be any problems.”

“…What?”

He looked at me, his face etched with disbelief.

We’ll see about that.

“Talfon. You heard everything, didn't you?”

“I did.”

Talfon entered the hall, and Brem's eyes widened.

“I was wondering why this village reeked of monsters. So that’s why.”

“…”

“But it’s not necessarily a bad thing, Village Head.”

No, it wasn't.

“What… do you mean?”

“It proves that we’re not a threat.”

Talfon pointed at himself. Brem still looked confused.

“I apologize, but I don’t understand.”

“It’s fine. Just keep your eyes open tomorrow.”

Humans weren't that fragile.

He could easily dispel these rumors.

***

The next day arrived.

It was a chaotic morning.

“Open this gate! Now!”

“We demand an explanation from the lord!”

“We want double, no, triple the compensation!”

A large crowd, a mix of nobles and wealthy commoners, had gathered outside Shatrain, their anger palpable.

If it weren’t for the lockdown, they would have already stormed the village and ransacked the fields.

But they were being held back by Talfon and the Lilpet Tribe, their imposing figures a formidable deterrent.

“Carsein…”

Harnie, her face etched with worry, clutched his sleeve.

“It’s alright. Everything will be fine.”

“…Let me know if you need help.”

“What?”

“You didn’t use the artifact last time, remember?”

Oh… so she was still thinking about that.

“Don’t worry. This is different. I have a plan.”

I gently removed her hand from my sleeve.

-Ding!

▶ Dissatisfaction levels have skyrocketed due to the rumors spread by Map! ◀

▶ Failure to address the situation may result in decreased development progress. ◀

▶ You must persuade the angry outsiders. ◀

The status window appeared. There were still no choices for territory management.

It was time for me to make my move.

“Hey! Look!”

“It’s Shatrain’s lord!”

“Disguising monsters as fruit…! Ugh… Just the thought…”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to pretend nothing’s wrong!”

“Who knows what would have happened if we had eaten those things! You have to compensate us!”

So that’s why the development progress would decrease.

They wanted compensation.

This was easy.

All I had to do was convince these idiots.

I had nothing to hide.

“I’ve already explained the situation, but you still don’t understand. I’ll ask you one last time. Are you sure you want to do this?”

“What?!”

“You’re accusing Shatrain without any proof, and you think you can get away with it?”

One of the nobles, a young man, raised his hand.

“What do you mean by ‘get away with it’?”

“It’s simple. You’ll be blacklisted.”

“…What?!”

“I’ve already informed the villagers and the guards that there’s nothing wrong with Shatrain’s products. So, if you’re still making these accusations, you’ll have to face the consequences. You’ll never be able to buy Shatrain strawberries or grapes again. How does that sound?”

I unfurled a large scroll and placed it before them.

“You can still sign this and demand compensation. But be warned. You’re insulting Shatrain, which is a direct challenge to me, its lord. I won’t let this go unpunished.”

-Ding!

▶ The outsiders are hesitant. ◀

▶ Completion Rate increased. ◀

[ Current Completion Rate: -20% ]

My forceful approach seemed to be working. They were clearly intimidated.

“Wait… What if… what if there’s nothing wrong with the fruit…?”

“I don’t think he would be this confident if he wasn’t telling the truth… And the rumors… they could be false.”

“I agree. I’m not even sure why I came… I just heard the rumors…”

As expected, a strong stance was the best approach.

They didn’t have any concrete proof either. If I showed them I could defend myself, they would quickly change their minds.

But it wouldn’t work on everyone.

“Hmph! You think we’re scared?”

“Don’t make me laugh. I’ll sign it!”

“We’ll demand ten times the compensation! You’d better be prepared!”

There were always those who refused to back down, no matter what.

After a while, the signatures were collected.

The number of people demanding compensation had decreased significantly.

So they were scared of being blacklisted.

‘The ones who left are mostly commoners.’

Just like Brem had said.

The commoners were the ones who truly appreciated Shatrain strawberries and grapes, not the nobles who could afford to buy them at any price.

‘This is good.’

The fact that most of the remaining complainants were nobles was actually an advantage. They would be potential customers.

“Talfon.”

“Hmm. Should I make my move?”

“Yes.”

Show these idiots what happens when they underestimate Shatrain.

I whispered, and Talfon smirked, walking towards a barbecue pit where meat was being roasted over an open fire.

He tore off a large chunk of the juicy meat and devoured it in a single bite.

Gulp.

The onlookers practically drooled.

“What… What is he doing?”

“Isn’t this supposed to be about proving Shatrain’s innocence?!”

“Why are we watching him eat meat?”

“This is part of the proof.”

Talfon turned to them and replied,

“I just ate a Wild Boar, a monster found only in the West.”

“Wh-What?!”

The group erupted in chaos.

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