I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 208

Chapter 208: Those Who Rage (8)

Worry gnawed at her.

He was going to face the Scorpion King alone, without the aid of any magic tools or artifacts, relying solely on his own strength.

Even if it was a test, it was hard to comprehend such recklessness.

But he was a planner, a strategist. Even his most dangerous actions were backed by careful calculations and meticulous reasoning.

There had to be a reason for this as well.

She had stepped back and allowed him to proceed because she believed in his judgment.

But Carsein, despite being injured during his solo fight with the Scorpion King, hadn't used the artifact she had given him.

Fear gripped her heart.

It was clear he was pushing himself too hard.

This wasn't just a matter of getting hurt; his life was on the line.

And yet, he hadn't used the artifact. The thought made her heart clench with worry.

She rushed down the hill.

She didn't care what happened to her, as long as she could prevent him from dying.

And thankfully…

At the last possible moment, Carsein awakened his mana and defeated the Scorpion King.

It was truly fortunate.

“…”

As Carsein lay sleeping in bed, Harnie placed a hand on her racing heart, trying to calm her breathing.

It had been a terrifying experience.

She desperately hoped it would never happen again.

-Gently.

“Please… don’t get hurt.”

Her voice, filled with a mixture of anger and concern, softened as she gently held his hand.

This feeling wasn’t just regret at the thought of losing such a capable man.

It was something else.

A different kind of emotion.

***

-Trudge, trudge.

The nobles entered the conference hall, their faces stiff with tension.

Every report day, they wore the same grim expressions.

What would Arsienne criticize them for today?

What alternatives could they offer for their failed plans?

What excuses could they make for their lack of progress?

These worries plagued them every week.

But today, the tension and apprehension were even more pronounced. There was barely any small talk.

After the initial reports in Week 1, and the subsequent reports in Weeks 2 and 3, they had arrived at Week 4, the midterm evaluation.

Four weeks had passed. It was time to show some results.

That’s why the scoring would be stricter than usual, and all the family heads would be present to observe the proceedings.

Not only that, but important guests would also be in attendance.

Family members, relatives, fiancés… The number of observers would be several times higher than usual.

And if they were reprimanded or penalized by Arsienne in front of such a large audience…?

It would be a disaster.

They could afford to fail on other days.

But not today.

They had to do everything in their power to avoid humiliation, to present some semblance of progress.

If their incompetence was exposed, their reputation in noble society would be ruined.

“You’re here early, Claire.”

“Sister.”

“Sister! Heehee.”

“Oh, you’re being clingy again?”

Claire smiled, stroking her younger sister’s hair as Flora snuggled against her.

Arina chuckled, watching the two sisters.

“You seem quite relaxed for someone about to give a report. You must have made good progress.”

“…Well, it’s not bad. But I’m not entirely satisfied.”

Arina hadn’t achieved the results she had hoped for.

Because of the new rules prohibiting assistance from family heads, her progress had been slower than anticipated.

It wasn’t a complete disaster, but she knew she hadn't performed as well as she could have.

“What about you? You seem rather cheerful. Did you make good progress?”

“Um… A little.”

“What happened?”

“Well, it’s related to my boutique. There’s a possibility of sourcing a new fabric from my territory. It would be a new source of income for them, and it would be beneficial for my business as well.”

“That’s something to be proud of. Why are you being so modest?”

“It was just luck.”

The three Bagrand sisters chatted amongst themselves, their voices a welcome contrast to the silent tension that filled the conference hall.

But the Bagrand family wasn’t complete yet.

“Claire, have you heard from Carsein?”

“No. He hasn’t contacted me.”

“…Sigh. That idiot. Causing trouble again. On midterm evaluation day, no less…”

Arina clicked her tongue, checking the time.

She had been so engrossed in her conversation with her sisters that she hadn’t noticed how much time had passed. There were less than ten minutes left before the start of the report meeting. Her eyes narrowed.

Today wasn’t just any report day.

Nobles from all over the Empire, along with their families and acquaintances, would be present as observers. They had to be extra careful.

‘If he’s late…’

It would be a disgrace.

A stain on the Bagrand Duchy’s reputation.

And their mother would be witnessing it firsthand.

“Sister, relax. We still have some time.”

“…Claire, even so, he should be here by now.”

“Everyone’s busy today. We arrived early, but Carsein might be running late.”

“Sigh.”

“He’s not officially late yet, so let’s wait a bit longer.”

Claire was right. They still had some time.

He might not have arrived early, but he wasn't late yet.

Arina crossed her arms and waited, clinging to a sliver of hope.

But Carsein didn’t appear, even after the observers and the judges, Arsienne and Florence, had entered the hall.

“…”

“…”

Claire and Flora exchanged glances, nervously watching Arina’s reaction.

“Sigh. I shouldn’t have expected anything from him.”

Arina clicked her tongue.

“I let it slide at the birthday party, because he had his reasons. But this is different. Especially with Mother here…”

Arina gritted her teeth, muttering that she would have to teach Carsein a lesson after the report meeting.

And then…

Arsienne stepped up to the podium.

“There has been a request for a Rest Week for today's midterm evaluation.”

The nobles murmured among themselves, wondering who would be foolish enough to request a Rest Week on such an important day.

‘Don’t tell me…’

Arina had a bad feeling.

She suspected that the name about to be announced… was Carsein’s.

And she was right. Arsienne clearly stated Carsein's name.

“That idiot… He’s trying to skip the midterm evaluation? How pathetic.”

It couldn't be because of illness, and she hadn’t received any reports of family emergencies.

“He keeps causing trouble, and now he’s trying to avoid the consequences? He’s a disgrace to the Bagrand Duchy!”

As Arina voiced her displeasure, Claire spoke up.

“Maybe there’s a legitimate reason. Something important that he couldn't postpone.”

“What?”

“He’s not sick, and there aren't any family emergencies. Maybe he discovered a crucial clue in Shatrain.”

Claire suggested that they should consider the possibility of Carsein having a valid reason.

“That’s not entirely impossible, but…”

Arina sighed.

“You’re being too optimistic. Considering Carsein’s track record, it’s more likely that he’s trying to come up with an excuse, not a solution.”

Arina listed Carsein's past mistakes, and Claire couldn't argue.

He lacked the skills, the competence, the judgment.

He had everything he needed, and yet, he couldn't shake off his commoner habits. He hadn't fulfilled a single duty of a noble.

So, the conclusion was clear.

“That foolish, incompetent boy couldn’t possibly have come up with a decent plan.”

***

-Swish!

Monster blood splattered as another creature fell.

He had already slain dozens of them.

-Ding!

▶ Enemy defeated. ◀

▶ EXP increased by 250! ◀

-Ding!

▶ Enemy defeated. ◀

▶ EXP increased by 316! ◀

-Ding!

▶ Enemy defeated. ◀

▶ EXP increased by 477! ◀

Lv. 60

▶ Available SP has been automatically allocated to the ??? stat! ◀

▶ Strength: 6.10

▶ Agility: 7.38

▶ Endurance: 7.51

▶ Stamina: 5.59

▶ Immunity: 1.55

▶ ???: 60%

Carsein’s level had already surpassed 60.

“…Haa…”

Having cleared the nearby area of monsters, Carsein wiped the sweat from his brow.

He had been consistently hunting monsters in the West for the past few days, and he was finally getting used to manipulating mana.

He could now see the faint shimmer, the thin threads of mana flowing through the air. He understood how mana was consumed when casting spells and how to activate the Wederos Kingdom Swordsmanship skill.

He had also learned how to manage his mana consumption, optimizing his recovery rate and minimizing the negative side effects of overuse.

It was almost time to face Talfon.

***

‘…He’s coming.’

He could smell him from afar.

Carsein.

It had only been a few days since he had slain the Scorpion King and received the key to his lodgings.

He had been prepared to face Carsein at any moment.

But this was sooner than expected.

‘I thought he would at least attend the Eastern Nobles' Conference…’

He had assumed Carsein would have to give a report, and that he wouldn’t be available until next week, at the earliest.

And yet, here he was, just a few days later, ready for their duel.

Had he been diligently hunting monsters in Lilpet?

‘It doesn’t matter. I only have one thing to do.’

He would fight him with all his might, observe the flow of his mana, and learn everything about him.

What kind of life had he lived?

Was he truly worthy of Lilpet’s allegiance, as a survivor of the Wederos Kingdom?

And… what kind of man was Carsein Bagrand?

He would find out.

-Thud.

As Carsein stopped before him, Talfon turned around and asked,

“Are you ready?”

“I am.”

His calm affirmation was accompanied by the scent of countless hours of training and battle.

“Harnie, please step aside.”

“What?”

“It’s about to begin.”

“Oh.”

Had she sensed it?

He had noticed that Carsein's presence had grown stronger, but he hadn’t expected her to be this perceptive.

As Harnie, her face etched with worry, moved away, Talfon raised his weapon.

“I can sense your anticipation, so there’s no need for lengthy explanations. But there’s one thing I want to make clear.”

“What is it?”

-Swish.

“Fight me with the intention to kill. Or you will die.”

With those words, Talfon lunged, his first strike splitting the earth with a deafening roar.

Next Chapter

Index

Previous Chapter