I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 188

Chapter 188: One Step Away (4)

Time flew by.

Without choices to guide me, my time after obtaining the seeds was filled with experiments.

Following Trisha’s instructions, I planted Shatrain strawberries and Shatrain grapes, and then I began collecting data, testing different methods, different variables.

What factors influenced the growth rate of the crops?

What factors slowed their growth?

What were the obstacles, the challenges, in this environment?

How did different crops react to these variables?

These were just a few of the questions swirling in my mind.

Without the UI and the choices, I had to rely on my own knowledge, my own understanding of this world’s rules and mechanics. I had to consider every possible factor, every variable, even though, in the end, crops were just crops.

A realistic approach, a scientific method, would eventually reveal the answer. And it did.

The time for the Week 2 report arrived.

A new message appeared.

▶ You have entered the Week 2 Report Meeting. ◀

▶ Report choices will appear. ◀

“Next, Carsein of Shatrain.”

Arsienne, sighing, called my name.

The previous presenter had been thoroughly criticized for his nonsensical report and had left the stage with a dejected expression.

Now, it was my turn.

“One moment.”

As I was about to ascend the stage, Arsienne raised her hand, stopping me.

She scanned the documents she had received from the symposium’s knights.

“Hmm. You’re different from the other nobles, aren’t you?”

Arsienne looked at me, a faint smile playing on her lips.

‘This reminds me of the Student Council President.’

I doubted she would be impressed.

I hadn’t surveyed the entire territory, I had only focused on my own fields.

But…

“Be quiet and listen. This man, who bypassed the Defense Time in the first week using the Pesselus Privilege, has something to teach you. Pay attention.”

▶ Arsienne is filled with anticipation. ◀

▶ Affinity may increase depending on the outcome. ◀

[ Current Affinity: 38% ]

High affinity wasn’t a bad thing, but… I couldn’t understand why it was increasing.

…Well, it didn’t matter.

Her expectant gaze, her demeanor… it reminded me of the Student Council President, which made me feel strangely nervous. But I had to focus on my report.

“I will begin my report.”

***

Carsein began his report.

And just like the previous week, he began drawing a map on the board.

As expected, he was different.

The other nobles had all used the magic device, hoping to shorten the presentation, to minimize the time spent on explanations.

And yet, a thorough survey of the territory was a crucial first step, a necessary foundation for any future plans.

‘They’re pathetic. Speed isn’t everything.’

Their attempts to appear knowledgeable, to impress the judges with superficial reports, were meaningless. Their efforts wouldn't change their fate.

To find the true solution, to identify the valuable herbs hidden among the weeds, one had to first examine the weeds, the trees, the entire forest.

That was the difference between Carsein and those arrogant, power-hungry nobles.

He had meticulously examined every detail, from the broad overview to the smallest nuances. His conclusions were logical, consistent, irrefutable.

“I’ve stated that there’s a problem with Shatrain’s farming methods. And this is the proof.”

Carsein presented various crops, arranged in two groups.

“On the left, crops cultivated using Shatrain’s traditional methods. On the right, crops I cultivated myself. The lower quality of the crops on the left proves that their methods are flawed. The villagers believe that planting seeds close together will improve their growth. While this might make them more resistant to drought, their roots become entangled, hindering their development. They don’t grow uniformly, resulting in an unstable yield. And they become more susceptible to pests, diseases, and seasonal changes, allowing weeds to thrive. Furthermore, Shatrain receives ample rainfall, which only exacerbates the problems caused by these flawed methods.”

He had clearly identified the problem, the connection between the insufficient information and the flawed farming techniques.

He had meticulously investigated the situation, revealing the flaws in Shatrain’s traditional farming methods, a system that had been used for generations.

Arsienne, watching him, was momentarily speechless.

‘This is troublesome. He’s left me with no questions to ask.’

She glanced at her brother, Second Prince Florence, hoping he would have something to add. But he simply chuckled and shook his head.

There was nothing to add.

Carsein’s research was impeccable, his analysis thorough, his presentation flawless.

His report was a model answer.

But she had to maintain her neutrality as a judge.

She couldn't appear biased.

“I understand your argument. I never imagined Shatrain’s traditional farming methods, a system used throughout the Empire, would have such flaws. But tell me, have you identified the cause?”

“I haven’t reached a definitive conclusion yet, Your Highness. There are too many variables. I’ll need at least two weeks to gather sufficient data.”

“Is that so?”

It was understandable. Even with such a thorough investigation, a week wasn’t enough time to identify the root cause.

And yet, he had managed to gather this much information in such a short time.

“Your evidence is compelling. But you haven’t explained your future plans.”

That was the only question Arsienne could ask.

The conclusion of his investigation, his analysis of the situation…

He hadn’t revealed his plans for Week 3.

“What are your plans for the next week?”

Carsein’s reply was calm, almost indifferent.

“I intend to isolate Shatrain, cutting off all contact with other territories, except for Lusmire.”

His answer, however, was anything but indifferent.

***

‘What… What did he just say?’

‘Isolate Shatrain? Is he insane?’

‘Ha. Except for Lusmire… He’s out of his mind.’

A stunned silence fell over the hall. His unexpected announcement had shocked everyone.

Even the judges were speechless.

Arsienne let out a soft gasp, and Florence’s jaw dropped slightly.

And then, the nobles erupted.

“Your Highness! We request a Defense Time!”

They had been waiting for this, eager to challenge Carsein, to question his plans.

They couldn’t accept this.

How could he possibly propose such a drastic measure?

They were ready to pounce, to tear him apart.

‘But it seems like he’s prepared.’

Arsienne, smiling faintly, activated the recording device.

“Proceed.”

Normally, she would have sighed, her face etched with weariness. But this time, she was curious. She wanted to hear his explanation.

A young nobleman from a viscount family, seated in the middle tier, stood up, having received the signal.

“Shatrain is currently in a dire situation. And yet, you’re proposing to isolate it, to cut off all contact with other territories? Is that correct?”

“Yes.”

“That’s absurd! Your Week 2 report consisted of nothing but inspecting fields! And now you’re planning on isolating Shatrain and ruining it completely?!”

Some of the nobles smirked, their barely-concealed mockery echoing through the hall.

But Carsein’s response was sharp, cutting through their laughter.

“Are you stupid?”

“W-What?!”

“That’s what it sounds like. You haven’t even considered the reason behind my plan. Or maybe, your head is just empty?”

“How dare you insult me! In this sacred hall—!”

-Bang!

“Continue.”

The viscount’s son, his face red with anger, was about to retaliate, but Arsienne silenced him with a sharp rap of the gavel. He shouted, his voice filled with indignation.

“Explain yourself! Tell us why you’re planning on isolating Shatrain!”

Carsein, his tone dismissive, replied,

“Let me ask you a question. You hosted a party, and you caught a cold. The physician said it was contagious, that someone at the party was already infected. But you weren’t sick yesterday. So, who would you suspect?”

“Well… the people who came today, of course.”

“Why?”

“Because everyone who was there yesterday wasn’t sick… so it has to be someone who came today… Oh!”

The viscount’s son, realizing the analogy, stopped mid-sentence, his eyes widening.

“Shatrain’s farming methods are flawed, yes. But that’s not the only problem. Even after correcting the techniques, the quality and yield of the crops haven’t improved. So, what’s the missing piece?”

Carsein picked up a bag of fertilizer and held it up.

“External factors. It’s a logical conclusion. That’s why I’m isolating Shatrain. It’s like finding the person who’s spreading the cold.”

“…”

-Bang, bang!

“I believe we have our answer. Sit down. Don’t embarrass yourself any further.”

Arsienne, clicking her tongue, silenced the viscount’s son. Carsein continued.

“And since we’re on the subject, let me add this. Shatrain, due to its geographical location, shares borders with several other territories. It’s easy for outsiders to enter and exit. Therefore, it’s highly likely that external interference is the cause of Shatrain’s decline. That’s why I’m planning on closing off all access points to the territory.”

“What?! That’s absurd!”

“Do you even realize how important Shatrain’s location is?!”

“If we can’t use those roads, it will have a huge impact on the symposium…!”

“Silence!”

-Bang!

Arsienne struck the gavel again.

“We already have evidence. During Week 1, a contract was discovered. A contract between a Shatrain villager and a noble from another territory, requesting sabotage. We can’t rule out the possibility of external interference. Unless you’re suggesting we should ignore the presence of an internal enemy and allow our plans to be ruined?”

The nobles fell silent.

“Are there any further questions?”

Normally, they would have continued to protest, to challenge Carsein’s authority. But no one dared to speak.

This wasn’t a Defense Time.

It was a one-sided attack.

***

-Ding!

▶ Week 2 Report concluded. ◀

▶ Suspicious Contract item consumed. ◀

▶ Successfully completed the Defense Time. ◀

▶ Achieved an outcome beyond the given choices! ◀

[ Defense Rank: A ]

[ No penalties will be incurred during Week 3. ]

[ Shatrain Reputation slightly increased. ]

The Week 2 Report was over.

I had been apprehensive at first, but their farming methods were outdated, easily exposed by my modern knowledge.

By focusing on the flaws in their techniques, the report choices hadn't been particularly challenging. And I had anticipated being able to produce higher-quality crops.

I had a new request for the villagers, a way to further improve Shatrain.

And thanks to Trisha, or perhaps because of the data I had accumulated, my Defense Rank was exceptionally high.

I had never seen an A rank before.

And it came with no penalties.

-Ding!

▶ Week 3 has begun. ◀

▶ Penalty Trigger: Hasty Recruitment removed. ◀

▶ Agent ranks will no longer decrease when recruiting new Agents. ◀

“Hmm. Time to start this.”

There was a hidden trigger associated with recruiting the third Agent.

If I recruited all three Agents too quickly, their conflicting opinions and lack of coordination would result in a significant drop in their ranks. A penalty I couldn't ignore.

That’s why I had to wait until the start of Week 3.

▶ Choose your third Agent from the list to reveal their location. ◀

[ 1. Brem ]

[ 2. Trisha ]

[ 3. Eon ]

…

…

I had already made my decision.

[ 6. Count Lilpet ] ☑

Not only had Carsein chosen him in the Memorial, but he was also the most valuable asset for Shatrain.

▶ Proceed to Count Lilpet’s estate in the Western Pesselus Empire. ◀

I wouldn’t go immediately. I had to prepare, to ensure his recruitment.

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