I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 134

Chapter 134: Spring Outing (4)

▶ Episode IV. Spring Outing is in progress. ◀

▶ Proceed to the main gate and join your family. ◀

Two days.

I had two days of free time, two days to prepare for the upcoming challenges.

My target was Shatrain.

I donned a simple commoner’s outfit and a dark hood, concealing my identity, and slipped into the territory unnoticed.

But what I found…

Shatrain, once prosperous, was now a shadow of its former self. The devastating crop failure had created an atmosphere of fear and suspicion.

They were hostile towards anyone associated with the name Carsein Bagrand, and even outsiders were met with wary glances, suspected of being spies.

‘This is much worse than I imagined.’

I had underestimated the situation, just like I had with Lusmire.

Back then, I had simply focused on defeating the monsters, believing that my strength alone was enough to protect the villagers.

It wasn't until after equipping them with weapons and armor, after training them to fight alongside me, that I realized true change required more than just brute force.

And Shatrain…

It was clear that the choices presented in the game, those calculated, pre-determined actions, wouldn’t be enough.

I needed a different approach, a more realistic one.

-Rustle.

I pulled out the letters I had received that morning, letters secretly delivered by Camilla.

The first was from Pollux Tutulum, the Marquis of Ipheros.

『 I spoke with Count Lilpet, but… I’m not sure if he’s ready to forgive you. My apologies.

-Pollux Tutulum. 』

“There’s no need to apologize. I should have warned you.”

I had nothing to lose. It was a gamble, a desperate attempt to salvage a broken relationship.

I hadn’t expected it to work anyway.

The second letter was from Tasha, the acting steward of Lusmire.

『 There have been incidents in Lusmire, Young Master. Items have been disappearing. I would explain everything in detail, but it’s a delicate matter, best discussed in person.

-Tasha. 』

“Hmm, so it’s come to this.”

Her words confirmed my suspicions.

There had been discrepancies in the inventory reports, the prices of certain items had been altered.

In short, the revenue I was receiving from Lusmire wasn't adding up. There was a problem, and I needed to address it.

But she wanted to explain it in person.

“Something’s going on.”

I would have to hear her out.

I sent a reply, asking her to keep quiet for now and to prepare two sets of ledgers – one accurate, one with the discrepancies.

And finally, the last letter.

This one was from Harnie.

『 I’m sorry for the sudden message. You know about the party before the symposium, right? We need to prepare for it. Let’s meet, when you have time.

-Harnie Theresia. 』

“I know about the party, but, prepare for it?”

I didn’t understand.

I would have to meet with her and find out what she meant.

I had gathered some information, some clues, but nothing concrete.

It was too early to form a plan, to prepare.

-Knock, knock.

“Young Master, the carriage is ready. Shall we depart?”

“Yes.”

I opened the door, and Heron bowed his head in greeting.

But I was distracted by a faint glow, emanating from behind him.

‘A Memorial? Here?’

This wasn’t a designated “danger zone” within the Duchy, and there were no special items here. It was just a hallway, right outside Carsein’s room.

An odd location.

The Memorial was barely visible, hidden in a narrow gap between the wall and a painting.

If it hadn’t been for the faint glow, I wouldn’t have even noticed it.

‘I can’t quite make it out… What is that?’

A rectangular frame…

“…That’s been there for a while. I’ll take care of it, Young Master.”

Heron, sensing my curiosity, spoke, his tone apologetic.

“The young ladies were quite mischievous, back then. They didn't know any better. But they wouldn't do such a thing now.”

He knew what it was. Which meant I had to see it.

“No, leave it.”

“…Young Master!”

▶ Acquired the Broken Picture Frame Memorial. ◀

The white mist enveloped me, pulling me into the past.

***

In winter, it snowed. In spring, cherry blossom petals fell like rain.

Spring had arrived in all its glory.

The cherry blossoms, bathed in the warm sunlight, their delicate petals fluttering in the gentle breeze, were a sight to behold.

“Spring…”

Isabella, her hand outstretched, caught a falling petal, a soft smile gracing her lips.

“Perhaps we should have a picnic? A family outing?”

Arina, the responsible eldest daughter, would undoubtedly agree, her smile warm and supportive.

Claire, ever the adventurous one, would suggest finding a scenic spot, spreading out a blanket, and enjoying a feast, just like the commoners.

And Flora, who loved playing outdoors, would be thrilled, eager to spend time with her sisters.

And…

He, too…

“Carsein used to enjoy picnics, didn't he?”

Isabella was certain he would be happy.

She had been ill, her mind clouded, and he… he wasn't her Karn.

When she had recovered, she had given him a new name, a name that acknowledged their lack of blood ties.

Carsein.

And he had caused so much trouble since then…

It was headache-inducing just thinking about it, but…

“A change of scenery might do him good.”

He was still her son.

Even if he caused trouble, even if his actions gave her headaches, even if they weren’t related by blood…

He was a part of her family.

And so, the mother of four returned to the Duchy with a proposition.

A family picnic, a chance to enjoy the spring sunshine together.

As expected, her children agreed.

She even suggested hiring a painter to capture this special occasion, to create a new family portrait, and they had all nodded enthusiastically.

Until…

“Mother, I disagree.”

“Me too, Mom.”

Arina and Claire, who had seemed agreeable just moments ago, voiced their objections.

They weren’t against the picnic itself.

“I don’t think we need a new family portrait.”

“It’s fine to have a picnic, but I’m not sure about the portrait.”

Their target was the family portrait.

“Hmm, can you tell me why?”

Isabella asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Arina and Claire exchanged glances, unsure how to explain.

And Flora, unable to bear her mother’s obliviousness any longer, burst out,

“I don’t like him! I hate him! He’s not even part of our family, so why would we have a portrait with him?!”

“Flora!”

“M-Mom, Flora didn’t mean it! Just… forget about it.”

Deep down, they agreed with their younger sister.

He wasn't their family. Why would they create a portrait with him?

It felt disrespectful, a betrayal of their father and Karn, who were presumed dead.

But their mother had only recently recovered, and they didn't want to upset her.

They had chosen to stay silent, to keep their true feelings hidden.

But…

As expected…

Flora was reprimanded for her harsh words.

And Isabella, their mother, the one who had been so protective of Carsein just a while ago, was now wielding a cane, her face filled with anger.

They watched, their hearts sinking, as Flora’s hand turned red under the relentless blows.

Carsein, oblivious, didn’t even notice their pain, their resentment.

“Don’t ever say such things again. Do you understand?”

“Sob… Sob…”

“Flora, answer me!”

They tried to comfort their younger sister, to tend to her wounds, but she wouldn't retract her words, her gaze fixed on Carsein with a mixture of anger and hatred.

Heron and Shaiden, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, the dangerous focus of their anger, intervened.

“My Lady, we should depart soon, before the crowds arrive.”

“It’s still a bit chilly, and there’s a significant temperature difference between day and night.”

Their words, their gentle urging, finally snapped Isabella out of her anger.

She agreed, hurriedly boarding the carriage.

And so, their family outing began, delayed by the unexpected confrontation.

But…

The tension within the carriage remained.

Even after arriving at their destination, the mood was somber.

Isabella summoned the painter, but the sisters’ sullen expressions made the portrait session a struggle.

“I’ll stay here and observe. Perhaps I can help.”

“M-Mom!”

“Mother, you don’t need to…”

“We’ll be here all day if this continues. We need to capture this beautiful scenery, don't we?”

Isabella’s departure only worsened the situation.

The portrait, excluding Isabella, was finally completed.

“Such a beautiful portrait. I don’t understand why you were so reluctant.”

“…”

But the smiles in the portrait…

They were all fake, forced. And Carsein… was the only one who wasn’t smiling.

Even that small, barely-there smile had been the result of Isabella’s constant urging, her gentle reminders to “relax your expression” and “look this way.”

“Let’s take a break.”

“Yes, My Lady.”

Isabella declared a break and then, approaching Carsein, she handed him something.

Money.

“Go have some fun. Buy yourself a treat. Enjoy the scenery.”

Money…

He remembered the incident with Flora, the harsh scolding he had received for accepting her money.

He should have refused, but then… he remembered the Snowflake Festival.

‘I can buy a present for Claire!’

He had won several gifts at the festival, but they had been stolen by a group of thugs.

He had only managed to keep one, a hair ribbon for Arina.

But with this money, he could buy a present for Claire.

Should he?

It wasn't far, but he would have to walk a bit. There was a bustling market nearby, a miniature festival filled with vendors and games.

Maybe he could win something special, just like he had at the festival.

And maybe he could get something for his younger sister as well.

“Yes, Mother!”

He took the money with a smile and set off.

He had plenty of time.

Difficult puzzles. Nonsense quizzes. Mana dart throwing. Guess the drink challenge.

He participated in every game, his prizes piling up steadily.

‘This should be enough.’

And then, as he was admiring his collection…

“Well, well, well. Look who’s here. The little noble brat.”

“Hah! If it wasn’t for your clothes, I wouldn’t have even recognized you.”

“You can’t hide your true nature, can you? Someone like you… a noble? That’s absurd. ”

-Crash!

A group of noble children, their expressions filled with disdain, appeared, surrounding him. They snatched his prizes, tossing them to the ground, crushing them under their feet.

“What are you doing?!”

He scrambled to pick them up, but it was too late. They were broken, ruined.

Carsein’s shoulders slumped, his heart sinking.

How could he possibly give these broken, useless things to his family?

The nobles laughed, their voices mocking.

“You little…”

“What? You gonna fight us? Come on, hit me!”

“Think you can beat us this time?”

Carsein, enraged, his gifts destroyed, lashed out.

His fist connected with one of the boys’ faces, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Dust rose, a miniature whirlwind, as he fought back, his anger fueling his every move.

But there was no satisfaction, only a growing sense of despair as his clothes, his new outfit for the spring outing, became stained with dirt and grime.

“Let go of me! I’ll teach you a lesson…!”

“Guys, we need to get out of here! Someone’s coming!”

“What?”

“The lookout said the Duchess and her daughters are on their way back! We’re gonna get in so much trouble!”

“Tsk…!”

The nobles, panicked, retreated, and Carsein, having defended himself against their onslaught, smiled.

He had managed to save one.

“At least… the hairpin for my sister… it’s still intact.”

That was all that mattered.

He clutched the hairpin tightly, his heart aching, and turned to find his family.

But what awaited him wasn’t a warm welcome.

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