I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 157

Chapter 157: CHAPTER 2 - EPISODE V (4)

Mother's worries had escalated when the new rules were announced, the restrictions imposed on family heads during the symposium.

They weren't allowed to offer any assistance, direct or indirect, to prevent cheating and ensure a fair assessment of the young nobles' abilities.

So, Claire and I had devised a plan, a strategy to alleviate her concerns. We had presented it to her after exiting the carriage, and she had readily agreed.

Everything had been explained.

‘Except to him.’

Carsein was the only one left in the dark.

He had been asked to wait in the carriage while they had their private discussion, so it wouldn't be strange for him to ask what they had talked about.

Even with Flora as a distraction, he might be suspicious.

It would be best to prepare a plausible excuse.

But…

“So, is your meeting over?”

As I opened the carriage door, Carsein, as if oblivious to their conversation, simply smiled.

No suspicion, no resentment.

He would have protested in the past, demanding to know what they had discussed.

His silence was strange.

‘…Could he have overheard us?’

As Arina pondered the possibility, Isabella, with a gentle smile, approached Carsein.

“We were about to tell you, but it seems Flora asked you to help her with a problem.”

“I was getting bored, so I helped her with her studies.”

“Heehee. Is that so? Your writing tools seem a bit worn. Would you like a new set?”

“I’m fine.”

She played along, just as Isabella had instructed.

It was the perfect distraction.

Arina, sensing her mother’s approval, relaxed, her suspicions fading away.

‘Of course, he couldn't have heard us.’

Overhearing their conversation and pretending not to know, that was too far-fetched.

He might have heard snippets of their conversation when they were close to the carriage, but it would have been just Isabella's voice, nothing more. To hear the actual conversation, he would have had to be closer to that pillar…

And how far had they walked? It was impossible for him to overhear them with his normal hearing.

Unless…

He had used mana.

‘But if he had amplified his hearing with mana, Claire or I would have sensed it. It’s impossible.’

Had Carsein secretly mastered mana manipulation? And to such a degree that he could amplify his senses without them noticing?

It was absurd.

He had grown, both physically and mentally. His health had improved, he had gained muscle, and he was even receiving invitations from young ladies, a testament to his dedication to self-improvement. But mana… mana was a different beast.

It was more likely that he had simply matured, that his patience and self-control had improved.

As Isabella’s efforts to distract Carsein seemed to be working, Arina spoke, her voice calm and composed.

“Mother, we should head inside.”

“Hmm, is it that late already?”

“We still have some time, but it would be best to settle in early.”

They were a single family, but once the symposium began, they would be separated, judged individually.

It was better to stay together, to strategize, to prepare for the challenges ahead.

And then…

“Yes, you’re right—”

“I apologize, but I need to stop by another location first.”

Carsein, raising his hand, interrupted Isabella.

They had all agreed to enter the conference hall together, but he was the exception.

His sudden announcement was a potential problem.

“Carsein, Mother will have to see us off twice. Just come with us now,” Arina said, her voice laced with annoyance.

“Arina.”

Isabella, her tone a gentle reprimand, shook her head.

“But, Mother.”

She shook her head again, silencing her daughter.

“We can simply have them reserve a seat for him. Inform the other nobles.”

“…Yes, Mother.”

“Alright, Carsein. Go ahead. I’ll wait for you here.”

Even though it meant seeing them off twice, Isabella didn't seem to mind.

Carsein, with a brief promise to return on time, left the carriage.

‘Who would fall for such a simple trick?’

▶ Will you proceed to the conference hall with your family?

[ 1. Yes. ]

[ 2. No. ] ☑

***

▶ Emergency Mission cleared. ◀

▶ Completion Rate: 53% ◀

My initial focus had been on mastering mana manipulation, on improving my control and understanding of this new power.

Sense amplification was considered the most difficult aspect of mana manipulation, even in the game, and amplifying my hearing wasn't easy. It required intense focus and concentration.

But my focus had been shattered.

That 53% completion rate, that mediocre score, meant I hadn't managed to hear the entire conversation.

And how could I?

My concentration had faltered, my mind reeling from what I had heard.

I knew about the age-related penalties for collaboration during the symposium. I had accepted it as a rule, a part of the game's mechanics.

But…

To think they were planning to use it to help me? To sacrifice their own scores, to ensure I passed the test?

“That’s absurd.”

I had almost laughed out loud, the absurdity of the situation catching me off guard.

I had to suppress the urge to laugh, to avoid being discovered by Flora.

Passing the test was one thing.

But…

They were going to help me? To use their connections, their influence, to ensure my success? To treat me as a member of the Bagrand Duchy?

“Absolutely not.”

I wouldn’t accept their help, not their charity, not their pity.

They were a reminder of my past, of my family, and I wouldn’t let them control my life, not this time.

I would walk through fire, crawl through thorns, to achieve my goals without their help.

So, what should I do?

I had to destroy it.

Arina’s plan.

I glanced at the status window.

▶ You must enter the Eastern Nobles’ Conference hall before the time limit! ◀

▶ Timer: 35 minutes, 41 seconds. ◀

“Thirty-five minutes… Not bad.”

It was enough time.

I didn't have any reputation bonuses, so I couldn't rely on the system’s assistance, but the conference hall’s Danger Zone level was relatively low, and the other nobles, preoccupied with their own anxieties and preparations, wouldn't pay much attention to me.

This was the perfect opportunity for some unscripted actions.

“There are plenty of ways to disrupt their plan.”

Even among the nobles, who were usually calm and collected, there were a few exceptions.

Those who had gathered at that spring outing, for example, weren’t taking this symposium seriously.

They were ripe for manipulation, ready to be exploited.

And I knew just the trigger.

There was a specific location within this building, a room that, if entered by Carsein, would trigger a conflict with a certain noble.

I had stumbled into that room once, lured by a hidden item, and it had resulted in a significant drop in both Arina and Claire’s affinity.

But now, a drop in affinity…

It would be a blessing. It would create distance, separation.

There would be a choice, and if I chose the wrong option, Arina would abandon her plan to intervene in my test.

Claire would still be there, but I could handle her.

“Yes, all I have to do is act like I’m not a part of the Bagrand Duchy.”

I had earned my place at this symposium. I didn’t need their help.

It was time for some payback.

▶ This area is a Restricted Zone. ◀

[ Time Limit: 10 minutes ]

***

The conference hall, mostly empty just moments ago, was slowly filling up as the young nobles took their seats.

The Bagrand family had arrived first, their seats reserved, but now, with the symposium’s opening ceremony about to begin, every seat was occupied.

“Tsk! Where is he? Why is he always late?”

Arina, glancing at the clock, clicked her tongue in annoyance.

They had three minutes left, and Carsein should have been here by now.

But there was no sign of him, no indication that he intended to join them at the table reserved for the Bagrand family.

“Ahem, excuse me, is this seat taken?”

“…”

“Is something wrong, Lady Arina?”

“…Nothing.”

And then, someone took his seat.

The fool.

He had wasted their time, their efforts, to reserve a seat for him, and he didn’t even show up.

Arina sighed, her annoyance growing.

“I should have dragged him here by the scruff of his neck.”

“Don’t worry, Sister. I’ll handle it. I’ll tell him everything once I’ve registered as his partner.”

“…He’s making you do all the work, isn’t he?”

“It’s not a big deal.”

“Big Sister and Sister Claire are here too! And I can help too!”

“She’s right.”

“Haa, fine.”

Her younger sisters’ reassurances didn't ease her frustration.

He had been more responsible lately, more mature.

He had even suggested having their portraits painted during the spring outing, a gesture that had eased their mother’s worries. It had been a sign of growth.

And his success with Lusmire… His ability to analyze the situation, to see the bigger picture, meant that he had learned from his mistakes in Shatrain.

She had truly believed he had changed.

She had believed he was worthy of the Bagrand name, that he deserved their support, that he could stand tall alongside them as a member of their family.

‘But… he’s back to his old tricks.’

Her opinion of him had changed once again.

Let him suffer.

This year's symposium was different, more challenging. The Imperial Family had implemented new rules, new challenges, and without proper preparation, without careful strategizing, even the Bagrands could fall behind.

She wouldn’t tolerate his carelessness, his lack of respect for their family’s honor.

And then…

He appeared.

“W-Why is he… over there?”

“That little…!”

Arina’s eyes widened in disbelief.

He wasn’t sitting with them.

He was on the other side of the room.

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