I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 205

Chapter 205: Those Who Rage (5)

▶ Talfon’s affinity increased. ◀

‘So far, so good.’

Although they were called the Lilpet County, their official designation was the Lilpet Tribe.

They were Westerners with exceptionally sensitive noses, possessing a special power related to their sense of smell.

One might think it was simply a matter of having a keen sense of smell. In reality, the nose is the most sensitive of the human senses and easily becomes fatigued.

But the Lilpet Tribe was different.

Due to their fantastical nature, they could not only smell a person's scent from a great distance, but they could even distinguish individuals based on their unique mana signatures.

Because of this characteristic, the Imperials often called them barbarians, comparing them to wild dogs…

But the true value of the Lilpet Tribe’s olfactory abilities lay in their ability to smell mana.

It might seem strange, but in this world, all living beings possessed mana to some degree. The only difference was whether or not they could actively utilize it.

This meant that, just as every person had a unique DNA, every person also had a unique mana signature, a unique scent.

This principle made the Lilpet Tribe’s sense of smell an incredibly powerful weapon.

There was no better way to identify a culprit.

“Harnie, is that jewel on your choker a continuous-type?”

“Yes. It has a magic circle engraved on it that protects me, so it constantly consumes a small amount of my mana.”

“…”

He had been about to ask if she could deactivate it.

It was a somewhat unreasonable request.

Asking her to disable her only protective device.

But even if he had masked his scent with the mud from the Mud Golem, any mana emanating from her would likely be perceived as a foul odor by the Lilpet Tribe.

‘No… I can’t do that.’

No matter how dangerous it was, he had to bear the risk, not her.

He couldn’t ask her to disable her protection. He had to send her somewhere safe.

“Harnie, I’ll handle things from here on my own. Please stay at the Ipheros Marquisate. It will be more comfortable for you to spend the night there.”

Harnie narrowed her eyes and asked,

“You were about to ask me to turn this off, weren’t you?”

“Uh…”

“Why didn’t you just ask? It’s alright.”

It’s alright…?

It didn’t seem alright at all.

A quick glance around revealed that they were surrounded by the Lilpet Tribe. This wasn't a safe place for her.

“I’m more worried about your safety than mine.”

“Oh.”

-Ssst.

Before he could finish his sentence, the jewel’s light faded. Harnie’s only protection against poisons and other harmful substances was now deactivated.

Harnie, having reabsorbed the mana from the jewel, narrowed her eyes and stepped closer.

“We’re in the West. There aren't any nobles here, so there's nothing to worry about. You think this is dangerous just because of this?”

She had a point. Imperial nobles were relentlessly pursued in the East, but here, they were simply met with suspicion and hostility.

However, she was still an Imperial.

“There are… complications with my family.”

“Your family?”

“The Lilpet Tribe views most nobles with disdain, but they especially despise high-ranking families.”

Carsein’s hostile reception upon entering Lilpet territory was a clear example.

He had been beaten the moment he arrived.

For the same reason, Harnie would also be at risk in Lilpet.

“Even the Theresia Marquisate, known for its disdain for Westerners, wouldn’t be treated well here. Even if they knew you were the head of the Plesia Trading Company, it would still be dangerous.”

Harnie was reluctant to accept his suggestion, and they continued to argue for a bit.

And then, he made a critical mistake that ended the discussion.

“Honestly, what if you collapse again while I'm gone? You’d be all alone, and I wouldn't be able to protect you!”

“…”

Her mention of his previous collapse silenced him.

There was nothing he could say to that.

Damn this game.

“I’ll be watching you closely, so don’t even think about getting me to leave. And besides… i-it’s not good for me to be alone either!”

“What?”

“It’s dangerous, and… a-and you can protect me, can’t you?!”

“Uh…”

“A-Anyway! This is the best option for both of us! So let’s go!”

She pushed him forward, urging him to continue.

It seemed like there was no other way.

“Imperial. State your business.”

▶ The Lilpet tribesmen are blocking your path. Choose an option.

[ 1. Ask one of the tribesmen to inform Talfon of your arrival. ]

[ 2. Intimidate the guards. ]

[ 3. Ignore them and continue. ]

[ 4. Wait for Talfon to appear. ]

He was about to choose option 3—

‘Wait a minute.’

Why was there a choice missing?

There should be five choices at this point, after encountering the Mud Golem.

He looked at the choice window again, and noticed something even more surprising. There wasn’t a single death flag.

Not just a missing choice, but a missing death flag?

What was going on…?

“Hey, let them through.”

“Hmm?”

“The Chief said to let them in. He knew they were coming.”

“If the Chief said so… Go ahead. Enter.”

This was a series of surprises.

What?

They were just letting him in?

▶ Choices automatically deactivated. ◀

▶ You have met the conditions to bypass the guards. ◀

‘…This isn’t how it’s supposed to go. What’s happening?’

There shouldn't be any events before meeting Talfon…

“Why are you just standing there, Carsein?”

“Oh, right. Let’s go.”

My mind was filled with questions, but I had to keep moving.

As we made our way to Talfon’s room, a status window appeared, and I finally understood.

▶ Claire’s presence has lowered the Lilpet Tribe’s hostility. ◀

▶ Isabella’s presence has slightly improved your reputation within Lilpet. ◀

▶ Due to their influence, Talfon’s affinity has increased. ◀

[ Talfon ]

[ Affinity: -11% ]

…Huh.

***

It was absurd, but I decided to let it go.

The story was progressing as expected. Apart from the surprisingly smooth entry, nothing had gone wrong.

My purpose here was to persuade Talfon.

“You’ve arrived.”

-Ding!

▶ You have encountered Talfon. ◀

▶ The episode to recruit Talfon as the third Agent has begun. ◀

As soon as I opened the door, Talfon's voice and the system message greeted me. This was the beginning.

“Introductions are unnecessary. Have a seat.”

I quickly scanned the choice window and made my selection.

[ 2. Not quite. ] ☑

“Not quite. Formal introductions are necessary.”

“I already know who you are.”

“But I don’t know who you are.”

It might seem like meaningless small talk, but from Carsein’s perspective, he hadn’t even learned Talfon’s name properly.

Using my knowledge from the game to feign a casual investigation would have led to a bad ending.

And there was another reason for this seemingly pointless exchange.

It was a way to establish my identity.

“You’re meticulous, I’ll give you that. Go ahead.”

-Ding!

“I am Carsein, Lord of Lusmire and temporary lord of Shatrain, participating in the 21st Eastern Nobles’ Conference.”

Talfon, as if expecting this, simply nodded.

“…Is that all?”

He asked, as if something was missing.

Of course, he would be curious. I hadn’t mentioned the Bagrand Duchy.

But this was a deliberate choice.

-Ding!

[ 1. Do you require a more detailed introduction? ]

[ 2. That’s all. ]

[ 3. Are you wondering why I didn't mention the Bagrand Duchy? ]

[ 4. I’m not here as a representative of that family. ] ☑

“I’m not here as a representative of that family.”

This choice allowed Carsein to distance himself from the Bagrand Duchy.

It emphasized that he wasn't visiting as a noble, which was crucial considering Talfon's deep-seated animosity towards Imperial nobles.

And this choice naturally led to an increase in affinity.

“…I see. So that’s why you wanted a formal introduction.”

▶ Talfon’s affinity increased. ◀

[ Current Affinity: -9% ]

A little more justification would be helpful.

It was someone else this time, not Tasha…

“This is Harnie. She’s also participating in the 21st Eastern Nobles’ Conference. She’s my fiancée, and we’re helping each other.”

This explanation made it clear that they weren't visiting as representatives of the nobility.

Talfon glanced at Harnie, who offered a Western-style greeting, and seemed satisfied. He crossed his arms and introduced himself briefly.

“Enough with the pleasantries. State your business.”

-Ding!

▶ You must respond to Talfon’s request. ◀

We were getting to the main point.

I had to raise his affinity to at least 19% from here.

Because of the high degree of randomness in his responses, memorizing the choices in the game hadn’t been much help.

This was a stage where I had to rely on my own analytical skills and judgment.

But…

‘There are no choices this time either.’

Even the game system couldn't help me in this situation.

Even so, I was confident.

“Do you remember the proposal I sent you?”

“I don’t usually remember proposals from Imperials, especially after they’ve been rejected.”

So he did remember. He was just playing it cool.

Then I would give him a reminder.

“I asked you to help change the perception of Lilpet. You might not remember, but I do.”

“…And what do you want?”

So he was asking why I brought it up.

“I’m here to offer you another chance to improve Lilpet’s reputation.”

“Hmph. Don’t tell me you want those Lohea seeds again.”

He seemed displeased, but he didn’t outright reject my offer.

That was a good sign.

“I hear Lilpet has suffered heavy casualties on the western front. It would be difficult to rebuild your forces right now. Why not use that time to work with me?”

Talfon narrowed his eyes.

“…How do you know that?”

“It would be strange if I didn’t know.”

I was about to offer a plausible explanation when Harnie spoke up.

“I’m the head of the Plesia Trading Company… Word travels fast.”

“Not just a merchant, but someone who can freely travel to the West. Both of us.”

“…Both of you?”

“The Ipheros Marquisate has a close relationship with us. Whether it’s the Plesia Trading Company, or the Lusmire territory.”

This situation… wasn’t bad at all.

If I had answered alone, I wouldn't have been able to dispel his suspicions completely. I needed a witness.

But Harnie, who knew the West better than I did, had stepped in.

That added weight to my words.

As Harnie smoothly explained the situation, a system message appeared.

▶ Talfon’s suspicion is decreasing. ◀

“Tsk. I hadn’t considered that.”

Harnie gave me a sly wink.

I was grateful for her intervention. It had helped me navigate a potentially tricky question.

This made it easier to bring up the main point.

“I need one thing from Lilpet. Manpower.”

“Manpower?”

“That’s right. The Shatrain villagers refuse to follow my orders. So, I need outside help, and that’s why I came to you.”

And now, the conclusion.

“If you help Shatrain and improve Lilpet’s reputation, you’ll be recognized as the first Western territory to establish diplomatic relations with the Empire. And with our support, you’ll be able to reclaim your ancestral lands. What do you say?”

“…!”

“I’m not forcing you. The choice is yours.”

Would he reject my offer and lose this opportunity?

Or would he seize this chance to reclaim his lost lands?

Talfon thought for a moment, then stood up and said,

“Three conditions.”

Three?

Not two. That made me slightly nervous.

“What are they?”

“First, I’ll add a clause to your symposium inscription stone.”

“So you can influence my contract with Shatrain. Fine. What’s next?”

Talfon slammed his weapon into the ground and said,

“There’s a place called the Urome region. I want you to kill the Scorpion King there.”

I knew about this.

The Scorpion King was a powerful monster that periodically attacked the Lilpet Tribe.

This condition was the reason why I had been focusing on raising my stats.

“I’ll do it. And the last condition?”

“The last condition…”

-Swish.

“Fight me. With all your strength.”

…What?

“What are you talking about? Why would you want to fight Carsein…?”

“He has a strange scent.”

“A scent?”

“He doesn’t smell like a Pesselus Imperial… No, he smells like something that shouldn’t exist in the Empire. So I have my doubts.”

“…”

“I’ll assess your swordsmanship, your mana, everything about you. And if I deem you worthy, I’ll accept your proposal. But if you refuse this final condition, I’ll reject your offer as well.”

This was completely unexpected.

I knew they were sensitive to scents, but… a test?

‘There’s no other way.’

-Ding!

▶ Add Talfon’s Agent recruitment episode as a Sub-Episode? ◀

[ 1. Give him the inscription stone and entrust him with the contract and inscription. ]

[ 2. Slay the Scorpion King in the Urome region. (0/1) ]

[ 3. Achieve 80% or higher Completion Rate in a duel with Talfon. ]

“Alright. I accept.”

I didn't understand why there were so many conditions, but…

I had to accept.

▶ Agent-specific Sub-Episode added! ◀

***

-Click.

As Carsein and Harnie left, Talfon sat back down and fiddled with the inscription stone.

“Every human has a unique scent… but this is suspicious.”

He couldn't forget that scent.

“You smell like the Wederos Kingdom. If you’re truly a survivor… you’ll have to prove it to me. Carsein.”

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