I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 159

Chapter 159: CHAPTER 2 - EPISODE V (6)

The main episode, triggered by the completion of the Hidden Episode, began.

The game's script resumed, its predetermined path unfolding before me.

Arsienne, addressing the assembled nobles, announced the changes and additions to the rules of the 21st Eastern Nobles' Conference, emphasizing the stricter standards and the more detailed evaluation process.

Her words sparked a wave of anxiety and discontent.

“Are they seriously changing this much?”

“It’s not just the changes. The new regulations and the removed clauses render our existing methods useless.”

“So, we have to start from scratch? And we can’t even rely on our family heads this time?”

“This is ridiculous! How are we supposed to achieve anything with these limitations? The Imperial Family is being unreasonable.”

-Bang!

Arsienne, silencing them with a sharp rap of her gavel, fixed her gaze upon them, her expression stern.

“The purpose of this conference is to find ways to improve the lives of our citizens, to create a prosperous and equitable Empire. And yet, you cling to outdated methods, to failed strategies, condemning our citizens to a future no different from the past! You are stagnant, your progress nonexistent!”

-Bang!

She slammed her fist on the podium, her voice echoing through the silent hall.

A magical device activated, projecting a map of the Empire onto the ceiling. Rows of data, meticulously compiled, appeared, filling the air with a soft, blue glow.

“Look around you! Trade is flourishing, the economy is growing, but production and supply remain stagnant! You’ve implemented policies, introduced reforms, but they’ve had no lasting impact! You’ve focused solely on appearances, on manipulating the system to achieve high scores on the Imperial tests, and this is the result! And yet, you want to maintain the status quo? To cling to these outdated rules?!”

Her voice rose, her words a scathing indictment of their complacency, their failures.

“Shame on you, nobles! You feast on the sweat and blood of our citizens, and yet you cower before the Imperial Family, afraid of revealing your incompetence!”

The nobles, who had been murmuring their discontent, fell silent, their faces pale, their gazes averted.

She was, after all, a princess.

Her charisma, her authority, were undeniable.

The silence stretched, and then, Arsienne’s voice softened, regaining its usual composure.

“Your accomplishments were nothing but illusions, a desperate attempt to maintain your meaningless rankings. You haven’t truly governed, you’ve simply created a facade of progress. The lives of our citizens haven’t improved. So prove yourselves! Show me that you are worthy of the title of noble!”

She continued her speech, her words a call to action, a challenge to rise above their mediocrity and embrace true change.

And then, she shifted gears, explaining the details of the new system, the guidelines, the penalties, the restrictions.

I listened intently, making sure nothing had changed from the game.

One territory per participant, full authority as temporary lord during the management period, the age-related penalties for collaboration, the scoring system…

Everything was identical to the game’s script.

“That concludes the introduction to the 21st Eastern Nobles’ Conference. You will now have time to choose your territories. Examine the data carefully, analyze the situation, and devise your strategies.”

A bang of her gavel marked the end of her speech.

The nobles, their faces a mixture of confusion and anxiety, scrambled to analyze the data, to strategize, to choose their territories.

I, too, had to make a choice.

But…

-Ding!

It was time for the episode to resume.

▶ Episode V. The Unrepeatable Past in progress. ◀

▶ Arina is approaching. ◀

‘I thought it would transition to a Hidden Episode… I guess not.’

It couldn’t be helped.

But…

▶ Due to the completion of the Hidden Episode, choices will not appear, and you will not be expelled from the conference hall. ◀

This message, a reassuring statement, replaced the usual warning about potential expulsion.

I was safe.

There wouldn't be any choices, no traps. I could simply respond to Arina’s questions, choosing the most appropriate, the least offensive, phrases.

I was formulating my response when Arsienne, descending the stage, approached me, a thoughtful expression on her face.

“Hmm, it seems this wasn’t a coordinated effort. Lady Arina seems quite upset, judging by her expression.”

“Yes, she’s probably here to reprimand me. She’ll ask me how I could possibly disgrace the Bagrand Duchy.”

Arsienne paused, her brow furrowing.

“I can help you, you know.”

“What?”

“You’re participating in this symposium as the Lord of Lusmire, not as a member of the Bagrand Duchy. And if your reason for choosing Lusmire is to regain control of Shatrain… I can be a witness. I can vouch for your intentions.”

Ah, so that was what she meant.

“There’s no need to trouble yourself, Your Highness.”

“…Carsein?”

“It’s true, I’m participating as the Lord of Lusmire, not as a Bagrand. And yes, my goal is to reclaim Shatrain. But I don’t need your help.”

“What are you talking about? Your sister is probably furious! She might even try to remove you from the symposium!”

“Don’t worry, that won’t happen.”

I didn’t need proof, not anymore.

To them, I was nothing more than a burden.

All I had to do was convince them that this was the best possible outcome.

And then, she arrived.

“Carsein.”

Her gaze, cold and sharp, told me everything.

I met her gaze, my voice steady, my expression unchanged.

“I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Arina frowned, her disapproval evident, and then, turning to Arsienne, she spoke, her voice laced with a forced politeness.

“Apologies, Your Highness, but this is a family matter. Could we… postpone this conversation?”

“There’s no need to postpone anything. We can talk right here.”

“…Carsein!”

“This might be a family matter to you, but it’s not to me.”

“Haa… Carsein, control yourself. We have a guest.”

Arina massaged her temples, her frustration evident.

“Come with me. We need to talk. Now.”

“Why? You’re just going to lecture me about disgracing the Bagrand Duchy.”

“….”

Her eyes, a cold, piercing blue, glared at me.

She was ordering me to follow her.

I scoffed.

“Isn't this where I belong? The one who ruined Shatrain?”

-Ding!

Two notifications, not one, flashed before my eyes.

***

Arina’s head snapped up, her gaze fixed on him.

“…What are you talking about?”

“Shatrain… it’s facing a devastating crop failure. That once prosperous land… it’s been ruined, thanks to me. Shouldn’t I be on the lowest tier?”

He shrugged, his voice casual, his expression nonchalant.

“The Bagrand Duchy has always achieved high scores at the symposium. You, Claire, and Flora… you all deserve to be up there. But me? I’m not like you.”

“….”

“I’m the only one who failed. It’s my responsibility, not the Duchy’s. I should be down here, to avoid tarnishing the Bagrand name. That’s why I’m here as the Lord of Lusmire, not as a Bagrand. I’m accepting the consequences of my actions.”

She was speechless.

His words were irrefutable.

“It’s the perfect solution, isn’t it? I’m not representing the Bagrand Duchy. I’m here as the Lord of Lusmire, given a chance to redeem myself. The Bagrand name won’t be tarnished, and I can learn from my mistakes. There’s no problem, is there?”

And then, he confessed to the incident at the party, further strengthening his argument.

Yes, he was right.

Carsein’s abilities, his qualifications as a lord, were lacking.

He was known as the Disgrace of Shatrain. His place was on the lowest tier.

And if he accepted his fate, if he chose to represent Lusmire instead of the Duchy…

It would shield the Bagrands from any negative repercussions.

And Claire, who had planned on working with him, accepting the penalties for collaboration, wouldn't have to. It would ease her burden, remove the pressure she was facing.

It was the perfect solution, a way to protect the Duchy, but there was something about his words, his calm, resigned tone, that made her uneasy.

“The other nobles will target you.”

“It’s my fault. I have to accept the consequences.”

“You’ll be the last to choose your territory, and you might end up with the worst one.”

“That’s fine. The scoring system has been adjusted, there are more opportunities to earn points. It’s balanced.”

“As the Lord of Lusmire, you won’t have access to the Bagrand Duchy’s resources! You’ll be at a disadvantage, unable to negotiate or form alliances!”

“That’s even better. I won’t be able to tarnish the Duchy’s reputation if I’m working alone.”

He had an answer for everything, a counterargument for every concern.

Arina gritted her teeth, her frustration mounting.

“Why are you doing this? I wanted you to learn from your mistakes, to reflect on your actions, not to punish yourself!”

Her voice rose, her words a mixture of anger and concern. She hadn't intended for him to suffer like this.

But he wouldn't budge.

“It’s not a punishment. It’s my responsibility.”

His words, his unwavering resolve, made her blood boil.

She couldn't take it anymore.

“Fine! Do whatever you want!”

She snapped, her voice echoing through the hall, forgetting the presence of Princess Arsienne, who was standing nearby, observing the scene with a thoughtful expression.

But…

As she stormed off, her footsteps carrying her back to their seats, she couldn’t help but glance at him, her heart clenching.

“…You fool!”

-Ding!

▶ Arina’s Affinity increased! ◀

[ Current Affinity: 45% ]

***

Arina’s abrupt departure, her lack of decorum in front of royalty, would have normally caused a stir, but Arsienne wasn't concerned.

She sighed, her gaze fixed on Carsein.

“…Is this the outcome you desired?”

“Yes. Isn’t it the best solution?”

“You’re unbelievable! Such a foolish, reckless choice! You’ll have to navigate this symposium, this test, without any help. Alone.”

“I’ll pass. Fairly and honestly. Without relying on anyone.”

“I’m not doubting your abilities, but Shatrain is in worse shape than ever. Do you have any idea how many people are waiting for you to fail? Do you really think you can restore that territory without the Bagrand Duchy’s support? Without your sisters’ help?”

“It doesn't matter. I’m prepared.”

“Haa… Very well.”

Arsienne shook her head, her expression a mixture of disappointment and admiration, and returned to her seat.

And then…

-Thud.

Claire, who had been hiding behind a pillar, eavesdropping on their conversation, slumped to the floor, her legs giving way.

“Carsein… he’s choosing Shatrain?”

Why? Why would he do that?

Her heart sank, a wave of dread washing over her.

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