I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 127

Chapter 127: The Indigo Potion (4)

'Hmm, Lady Flora and Carsein can't be unaware. Claire, who arrived late at the villa, is likely the last one in the loop, judging by the reports.'

Arsienne sighed inwardly as she observed the reactions of the Bagrand Duchy members.

Even she knew about the family dynamics within the Duchy.

The disappearance of the true heir and the arrival of Carsein, a boy found and raised by Isabella who was suffering from a mental illness.

It was easy to predict that Carsein, like most adopted children, would face conflict and prejudice within the family.

He wasn’t blood-related, after all.

He was an outsider, a poor orphan from the slums, brought into the Duchy solely due to Isabella’s compassion.

That was likely the root of their discord.

'But I didn’t expect it to be this bad. This is far more serious than I imagined.’

To think that they were unaware of the blatant hostility directed towards Carsein by the other nobles…

At this rate, he wouldn’t even be able to mention the Bagrand name.

No, he probably wouldn't even dare to.

Every time he had invoked the Duchy's name, those cunning nobles had twisted the situation to their advantage, exploiting his naivety and lack of understanding regarding noble customs. And no one had come to his defense.

Carsein was always the one blamed, the one punished for causing trouble. His legitimate protests, his attempts to defend himself, were drowned out by the whispers and accusations of those around him.

What happens to someone subjected to such treatment, repeatedly and consistently?

They start to believe they are the problem.

Carsein wasn't even allowed to rely on the Duchy's name.

Despite being a member of the Bagrand family.

Understanding the full extent of his predicament, Arsienne’s concern deepened.

And…

She realized how wrong Claire’s actions were.

-We have to discipline him, keep him away from those nobles. He’s always getting hurt! It's for his own good.

This needed to be addressed.

‘Yes, this can’t stay hidden.’

Arsienne decided to reveal the truth, to bring Carsein’s struggles to light.

She steered the conversation away from the food, towards the recent reinforcement of the Western defenses.

Slowly, carefully, she introduced the topic.

They listened intently, unaware of the connection, their faces filled with curiosity.

Except for one.

Carsein remained silent, his gaze fixed on his plate.

Arsienne, with a faint smile, continued her story.

“A new construction method?” Isabella asked, her brow furrowed in thought.

“Yes,” Arsienne replied. “They’ve developed a new technique, a different combination of materials, to reinforce the walls. They’re predicting that the new walls will be significantly stronger and longer-lasting.”

“My, my.”

“…Incredible.”

She mentioned the increased efficiency, the reduced material consumption, and the ripple effect it had on the market, eliciting gasps of admiration.

She glanced at Carsein, but he remained indifferent, unmoved by the news.

He was apathetic, even though this was about his accomplishments.

He should have been excited, eager to share his success with his family.

But he wasn’t.

He was resigned.

It saddened her.

His silence meant he wasn't expecting any praise or recognition.

And so, Arsienne decided to reveal everything, to ensure he received the acknowledgement he deserved.

‘If he’s done something worthy of praise, then he should be praised. He shouldn’t resign himself to criticism and silence.’

That was her motto.

“But… it’s strange. Transport all those building materials to the West in such a short time… it should have taken much longer, shouldn’t it?”

She didn’t need to elaborate. Arina, sensing the inconsistency, voiced the question on everyone’s mind.

“Surely they didn’t build a road… through Mount Waglu?”

Arsienne smiled, nodding.

“That’s exactly what they did. I was quite surprised myself. They carved a tunnel through the mountain, creating a passage to the other side. I thought it was just a cave, but it turned out to be a road. And now, the path to the West is a straight line.”

She pulled out a map, a newly updated one that showed the roads that now cut through Mount Waglu.

“This is the current map. Not only does it connect to the West, but it also creates new routes to other regions. It’s become the largest transportation hub in the Empire.”

“Incredible! To think they carved a tunnel through that solid rock. It’s amazing.”

“Did you oversee this project, Your Highness?” Flora asked, her eyes wide with admiration.

“What? Flora, don’t be ridiculous. I wouldn’t even know where to begin. This was someone else’s idea, someone with a unique perspective.”

“Wow…”

“Heehee. He’s quite impressive, isn’t he?”

“Yes!”

They examined the map, marveling at the newly created roads and the intricate network of tunnels. Arsienne smiled, pleased with their reaction.

But the man behind it all, the one with the “unique perspective,” remained indifferent.

And Claire, unlike the others, was silent, her gaze fixed on her plate.

‘It’s time to reveal the truth.’

The final step.

It was time to talk about the mastermind behind it all.

“There’s a theory that the two incidents are connected, that the same person is responsible for both.”

“The same person?”

“Yes. Isn’t it strange? Compare the dates – the day the tunnel was completed, and the day the Ipheros Marquisate received their shipment of building materials. Don’t you sense a connection?”

“Now that you mention it… yes.”

“It would have been impossible to accomplish both tasks simultaneously unless they were planned and executed by the same person.”

“I’m bringing this up because… we believe we know who that person is. And there’s one more coincidence.”

Arsienne picked up a piece of green pepper with her fork, holding it up for them to see.

“Isabella, do you remember how much I disliked green peppers as a child?”

“I do, Your Highness. You and Claire, both of you couldn't stand them.”

“I even asked you to remove them from my meals. Of course, now I know that was wrong. It’s important to eat a balanced diet.”

She reminisced for a moment, and then popped the green pepper into her mouth, swallowing it with a smile.

“But some people have allergies. And for them, there are certain foods they simply can’t eat.”

Flora, as if remembering something, glanced at Carsein. He was eating quietly, seemingly unconcerned by their conversation.

Her eyes widened, a flicker of panic in their depths.

Arsienne, sensing her reaction, continued.

“I can only imagine how frustrating it must be. To have delicious food placed before you, but to be unable to even take a bite. It can’t be pleasant.”

“Hmm, I suppose you’re right. Everyone has different tastes.”

“I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy most foods. I can’t recall ever encountering a dish I truly disliked. But it’s important to be mindful of our guests’ needs, to ensure they are served appropriate meals. Don’t you agree?”

The other family members nodded, agreeing with her statement.

It was common courtesy, a basic rule of hospitality.

A well-prepared meal was essential for a successful gathering.

“However, I recently heard a rather… disturbing story. It seems a certain family, known for their culinary expertise, served a guest a meal that triggered a severe allergic reaction. They were completely unaware of their guest's condition.”

She placed her fork down beside the sliced steak.

“It seems the guest was quite upset. They left the gathering and sought refuge in a territory. The name of that territory was…”

“…Lusmire.”

“That’s right, Claire.”

Claire, her voice barely a whisper, confirmed it, and Arsienne smiled.

And then, all eyes turned towards Carsein, a wave of realization washing over them.

“This is where it gets interesting. The guests at that gathering were all participants of the Eastern Nobles’ Conference. And the guest who was mistreated fled to Lusmire. So, this is just my speculation, but…”

Arsienne clasped her hands together, her gaze fixed on Carsein.

“The Lord of Lusmire, deeply offended by the incident, ordered his people, the sculptors, to carve a tunnel through the mountain. They created a safe and efficient passageway, and then, within a remarkably short timeframe, he provided the Ipheros Marquisate with the building materials they needed, even sharing a new construction method. That’s my theory. What do you think?”

They hadn't connected the dots before, but now, everything was clear.

The events were linked, a chain reaction triggered by a single incident.

And at the center of it all…

“Considering the sequence of events, I believe you are the person I’m looking for. Can you confirm my suspicions?”

…was Carsein.

He sighed, his shoulders slumping, as all eyes turned towards him. He placed his silverware down and said,

“Yes. You’re right.”

He confirmed it.

A profound silence fell over the dining room.

And then…

-Ding!

▶ All penalties have been nullified due to Arsienne’s support! ◀

The reasons for their reprimand vanished into thin air.

***

▶ All penalties removed! ◀

The atmosphere in the dining room shifted dramatically.

With Arsienne’s explanation, the air of judgment and disapproval vanished.

They were probably furious, wondering which family had dared to mistreat him, but with Arsienne as a guest, they held their tongues.

But Arsienne, her smile unwavering, continued to sing his praises.

“Truly remarkable. Lusmire was a territory all nobles avoided. To think you not only revitalized it, but you also utilized the sculptors’ skills to create a valuable transportation route…”

“…”

“The princess is right, Carsein.”

“There’s no need for modesty. Be proud of your accomplishments.”

“Y-Yes! I was wondering why you weren't bragging about it earlier.”

Her intentions were clear.

She was revealing everything they had been unaware of, shedding light on the hidden side of Carsein, the side he had tried to keep hidden, the side he didn't want to acknowledge.

She was highlighting his strengths while obscuring his supposed flaws.

She was creating the perfect scenario for him.

Arina, who would have normally been furious, simply nodded, accepting the explanation.

Isabella, who would have scolded him for his unannounced absence, asked if he was injured.

Claire, who would have chastised him for his recklessness, was speechless, adding that Shaiden had already examined him and confirmed he was fine.

And Flora, instead of mocking him, remained silent, her gaze fixed on her plate.

Everything was different.

Thanks to Arsienne.

My plans, while disrupted, were still intact.

As they continued their meal, Isabella spoke, her voice gentle.

“Carsein, could you stay behind after Her Highness leaves? We need to have a family meeting.”

Arina nodded, agreeing with their mother.

But…

I didn’t need a family meeting.

“I’m afraid I can’t. I have another appointment after this.”

“Just… make some time for us, Carsein.”

“It’s an urgent matter.”

“Carsein.”

I flatly refused, ignoring Isabella’s plea. Even though she hadn't raised her voice, I could sense Arina’s disapproval.

So what?

“I believe Princess Arsienne came here to see me.”

“….”

“Isn’t that right?”

Even though the timeline had been altered, Arsienne was here because of me.

And now, they wanted me to prioritize a family meeting over an audience with the princess?

‘That’s’ unacceptable.

“You truly are…”

Arsienne, sensing the tension, sighed.

It was you who initiated this confrontation.

“My apologies, it seems I’ve interrupted your family time.”

“It’s not really an interruption. I’m just a disobedient child who stayed out without permission.”

“…Carsein, watch your tone. We have a guest.”

“What? Am I wrong?”

My defiant response made her flinch.

“Don’t make a scene, Carsein.”

Good. That's what I wanted.

Even if my actions were being glossed over for now, it was only temporary.

The meal ended abruptly.

Arsienne, perhaps sensing my desire to escape the inevitable confrontation, escorted me away from the dining room.

“The atmosphere was quite pleasant, wasn't it? Why did you have to make things so difficult? Your little stunt could have been swept under the rug if you had just played along."

-Ding!

[ 1. (Tilting my head) Oh, really?! ]

[ 2. (Feigning ignorance) Come on, you really think Arina would let this go? Absolutely not! ]

[ 3. (Making a joke) Claire would have definitely chewed me out! ]

[ 4. (Furious) Do you think I’d be in this mess if I had done that?! Don’t be ridiculous! ]

…

…

‘As expected.’

I had been wondering why Arsienne had come to the Duchy, but the choices confirmed my suspicions.

She was originally scheduled to visit after I had revitalized Lusmire.

The problem was that even though she had provided the Ipheros Marquisate with funds and resources, the nobles who controlled the market still looked down on the Yaricans. And I had disrupted their carefully constructed system, earning her attention.

‘Her arrival coincides with Carsein’s return to the Duchy.’

And with the successful completion of the trade agreement, Carsein would be able to participate in the Eastern Nobles’ Conference without any obstacles.

That’s why she was considered a helper in this episode.

‘The choices are different, but it doesn't change the outcome.’

I would follow the path outlined in the Memorial.

[ 6. It’s better to be scolded than to risk making things worse. ] ☑

“It’s better to be scolded than to risk making things worse.”

“…What do you mean?”

-Ding!

Arsienne’s eyes narrowed, and the second choice appeared.

[ 2. I made that mistake once, and it only made things worse. I was caught by a member of my own family. ]

“I made that mistake once, and it only made things worse. I was caught by a member of my own family.”

“…!”

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