Mod7 Translations

I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 128

Added 2024-09-23 07:17:58 +0000 UTC

Chapter 128: The Indigo Potion (5)

‘He deserves to be praised, to be acknowledged by his family. And yet… he’s hiding it?’

It was absurd.

It defied logic.

The entire Empire would celebrate his accomplishments, and yet he couldn’t even share them with his own family?

But Carsein’s tone was serious.

“I know it sounds unbelievable, but it’s true.”

He pulled out a faded letter.

“The recipient… is Count Lilpet?”

“I visited the West before. But the outcome was the opposite of what happened with Marquis Ipheros.”

“The opposite?”

Carsein chuckled bitterly.

“It was during the Eastern Nobles' Conference. I was managing Shatrain, and I had found a solution to a problem, but the key to that solution was in Count Lilpet’s possession. So I went to the West, to acquire Lohea seeds. Of course, I was beaten up the moment I arrived.”

She could understand why.

Count Lilpet’s tribe, like the Ipheros Marquisate, was ostracized by the Empire.

They were still struggling to overcome the prejudice and discrimination they faced. And Carsein, a noble, a Bagrand no less, would have been a target for their anger and resentment.

“I didn’t care about the beating. I just wanted to secure the trade agreement. That’s all that mattered.”

The terms of the agreement were simple.

Deliver the Lohea seeds to the Duchy, and in return, he would help improve their standing within the Empire.

It was a request the Yaricans, who had been protecting the Western borders for generations, had been making for years. It wasn’t an easy task, but.

“And, what happened?”

“As you can see, the agreement fell through.”

“What?”

“Count Lilpet sent me rotten Lohea seeds as a warning. Do you understand what that means?”

“…A broken promise. A shattered trust.”

“Yes. That’s what this letter represents.”

Arsienne examined the letter once more.

Count Lilpet’s words were harsh, accusing Carsein of being no different from the other Imperials. The rotten seeds were a clear indication of their broken relationship.

But…

Something didn’t add up.

He had journeyed to the West, seeking a solution to revitalize Shatrain. That was similar to his current situation, his deal with the Ipheros Marquisate.

But the outcomes were completely different.

His agreement with Count Lilpet had failed, while his negotiations with Marquis Ipheros had been a resounding success.

Arsienne swallowed, her heart pounding.

Carsein’s words, his explanation, finally made sense.

“Are you saying… the reason for the different outcomes, is because you tried to hide it the first time?”

No, that couldn’t be it.

It was absurd.

He couldn’t possibly be prioritizing punishment over praise, choosing to be criticized and condemned instead of sharing his accomplishments with his family.

She couldn’t accept it.

But…

“Yes.”

Carsein didn’t deny it.

His expression remained unchanged, his voice flat, as he delivered this bombshell.

“To be precise, it was Claire. She saw my injuries, the ones I received from the nobles. She took me to Shaiden for treatment, and when he discovered I had been to the West, well, she went to Count Lilpet and threatened him.”

And that’s when he received the letter and the rotten seeds.

“Do you understand now? Why I said it was better to be scolded?”

“…”

She had assumed Carsein’s silence, his inability to share his accomplishments, was due to his background, his insecurities.

The nobles’ relentless attacks might have left him traumatized, and his family’s indifference had probably deepened his despair.

In a situation like that, it was understandable for him to lose his desire for recognition.

She had wanted to help, to share his story, to ensure he received the praise he deserved.

She had thought that by speaking on his behalf, she could bring light to his struggles, repair the broken relationship within the Bagrand family.

But…

There was a hidden obstacle she hadn’t anticipated.

The difference between being “caught and punished” and “confessing and being punished.”

It was a subtle difference, but the implications were significant.

Arsienne’s eyes widened, her heart sinking.

She couldn’t deny it. She had doubts. She wasn't sure if her decision to reveal his actions had been the right one.

But…

“No, it was just bad luck. Your actions deserve to be praised.”

“And you can say that with certainty, knowing what happened?”

“Yes.”

She had to.

She couldn't let doubt cloud her judgment.

The difference between the two incidents was due to one person.

‘Yes, this is Claire’s fault, not Carsein’s.’

He deserved praise, not criticism.

And…

It was Claire who needed to change, not Carsein.

-Ding!

▶ Hidden Episode: The One Who Needs to Change activated. ◀

***

Shatrain and Lusmire.

Lilpet and Ipheros.

Past and present.

He had revealed the differences, highlighted the discrepancies, but Arsienne had denied it, refusing to acknowledge the truth.

But their conversation didn’t dwell on the past.

“I visited the Bagrand Duchy because many nobles questioned your qualifications for the Eastern Nobles’ Conference. I intend to silence those doubts by revealing your accomplishments as the Lord of Lusmire.”

The conversation returned to familiar territory, to the expected script.

The choices had disappeared.

“I don’t mind. Do as you please.”

“You could become a target, drawing unwanted attention. Are you sure you’re not concerned?”

“Yes.”

“You don’t seem afraid. Or is this the level of courage required to disrupt the Empire’s market?”

She handed him the participation certificate for the Eastern Nobles’ Conference.

He took it without hesitation, his expression unchanged.

He couldn't escape his fate.

He was destined to become a target.

But the accelerated timeline presented an opportunity.

“…Did you do this on purpose?”

“It’s the only way to make them understand.”

“Hmm. Well, I suppose that makes sense.”

Arsienne, her eyes flitting between Carsein and the document, offered a piece of advice.

“Don’t be so quick to accept blame, Carsein. You’ve done something remarkable. Something worthy of praise.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

-Click, click.

Arsienne’s footsteps echoed through the hallway as she walked away.

She hadn't noticed, had she?

[ Participant: Carsein Bagrand ]

[ Qualification: Lord of Lusmire ]

The foundation for his return to Shatrain was in place.

‘…Wait, what’s this?’

Something had changed, something I couldn’t quite grasp.

[ Arsienne Riheren Pesselus ]

[ Affinity: 12% → 28% ]

She had visited the Duchy to quell the nobles’ dissatisfaction, to deliver the news of his accomplishments, and to secure his participation in the Conference.

So why had her affinity increased so significantly?

‘…Maybe it’s because of the choices?’

That was the most logical explanation.

-Ding!

▶ Choose your lodgings for the night.

[ 1. Carsein’s room at the Bagrand Duchy. ]

[ 2. Lusmire Territory. ]

[ 3. Inn outside the Duchy. ]

[ 4. Training Grounds. ]

[ 5. Ipheros Marquisate. ]

The choice of lodgings wouldn’t affect the storyline or affinity levels.

Staying at the Duchy would allow me to recover HP and stamina quickly. Returning to Lusmire would increase affinity with the villagers and allow me to monitor the progress of the tunnel.

Staying at an inn would eliminate any interaction with my family. Choosing the training grounds would allow me to focus on raising my stats. The Ipheros Marquisate offered the same benefits, but it would deplete my stamina.

I decided to visit the training grounds.

The confrontation with Arina had been averted, thanks to Arsienne’s intervention, and I had some time to train, to hone my skills before the next episode.

My duel with Pollux had taught me that stats alone weren’t enough.

I needed to improve my own abilities, to refine my swordsmanship.

***

Meanwhile, at the Duchy, the three sisters and Isabella gathered in the dining room, finally able to discuss the topic they had avoided earlier.

With Arsienne gone, they could speak freely.

The Kelbia fruit.

Carsein’s allergy.

The incident at the tea party.

Everything was revealed.

“So, which family dared to serve him food laced with Kelbia Fruit?”

“The Gelgenton family, Mother.”

“The Gelgentons… I see.”

Isabella’s eyes narrowed, a rare display of anger.

“I don’t believe a family known for their culinary expertise would make such a mistake, Arina.”

“I agree. They must have done it intentionally.”

“How dare they! How dare they do such a thing to my son!”

Enraged, Isabella summoned Heron.

“Sever all ties with the Gelgenton family. They are now considered enemies of the Bagrand Duchy, and anyone who associates with them will be monitored as well. Bring me all the relevant documents!”

“As you wish, My Lady.”

“I’ll handle the retaliation. Don’t worry, Mother.”

“Haa. Very well.”

Isabella, her voice trembling, placed a hand on her forehead. A wave of dizziness washed over her.

“Mother, perhaps it’s time to reveal Carsein’s Kelbia allergy.”

“That would only make him a target, Arina. It's best kept a secret. It's a weakness that could be exploited.”

“That’s precisely why we need to reveal it. It will make it easier to identify anyone who attempts to harm him.”

“That’s a valid point. Then…”

A lengthy discussion ensued between the Duchess and her eldest daughter.

They strategized, plotting their revenge against the Gelgentons while devising a plan to protect Carsein.

And as they spoke.

Pink hair drooped, a shadow falling over Claire’s face.

Under normal circumstances, she would have joined the conversation.

She would have condemned the Gelgentons for their actions, declared her intention to make them suffer, to ensure they paid the price for their cruelty.

She would have been relieved that Carsein wasn’t being punished, that he had escaped their wrath.

But today, she was quiet.

Unusually quiet.

“Sister Claire, are you alright? Are you feeling sick?”

Flora, sensing her sister’s distress, reached for her hand.

“Hmm? No, I’m fine. Why would I be sick?”

“But… you seem…”

“I… I’m just tired. I rushed back from Lusmire, remember? I just need to rest.”

She forced a smile, stroking Flora’s hair gently.

Her stomach churned with guilt, a heavy weight settling in her chest.

The cold sweat had subsided, but the feeling of unease lingered.

And the guilt…

She couldn’t bear to listen to their conversation.

It was too painful.

And then...

The door opened, and the silver-haired princess from earlier appeared.

“Princess Arsienne?”

Arsienne, having finished her conversation with Carsein, scanned the room before sighing.

“Did your conversation with Carsein not go well?” Arina asked, her voice laced with concern.

“Not at all,” Arsienne replied, shaking her head.

“My apologies for interrupting your family meeting, but I’d like to speak with Claire for a moment.”

…Me?

Claire looked up, pointing a finger at herself, her expression a mixture of confusion and apprehension.

“Well, I don’t mind, but…”

“Go ahead, it’s been a while since you two last met.”

“We’ll finalize this plan while you’re gone. Don’t worry.”

“My apologies for stealing her away, but let’s go, Claire.”

“…Alright, I’ll be back soon.”

They left the dining room, and Arsienne, her expression serious, turned to Claire.

“What did you say to Carsein when you arrived in Lusmire?”

“Well, I…”

-Finally awake, you stubborn idiot?

The words she had been about to speak died on her lips.

She had been shocked, furious even, to find him collapsed on the floor.

And her words, her tone, had been harsh.

“I bet you yelled at him. That’s what you always do,” Arsienne said, her voice flat.

“….”

Claire couldn’t deny it.

She might have been concerned, but her words had been laced with anger.

But she scoffed, defending herself.

“He deserved it! He can’t even take care of himself. I told him to be more careful, to think before he acts! He slept for three days straight, and then he has the audacity to complain about being tired!”

And that wasn’t all.

“Shaiden told me he even went to the West and got himself infected with Depeshan Syndrome! Seriously, he went there on his own a few years ago and came back bruised and beaten! Why does he keep doing these stupid things?”

She added that he was partially to blame for his own predicament.

Arsienne closed her eyes, her jaw clenching.

This was why things never changed. He was stuck in this cycle of punishment and blame.

She took a deep breath and said, her voice firm,

“You could have simply asked if he was okay.”

“…What?”

“You could have asked him how he ended up collapsing on the floor, how he was feeling. ”

Claire’s pink hair drooped, a shadow falling over her face.

Guilt, heavy and suffocating, tightened its grip on her heart.

“You could have asked how he was doing, why he went to the West, how he got infected with the Depeshan Syndrome. Couldn’t you?”

The guilt rose in her throat, a bitter taste filling her mouth.

“You had plenty of opportunities. Or rather, he gave you plenty of opportunities. If you had just softened your tone, if you had just… listened…”