I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 116

Chapter 116: The House of Ipheros (9)

When Carsein stepped out of the carriage, having cautiously gauged Harnie's mood, the scenery had already changed dramatically.

It seemed that during their awkward struggle, the carriage had almost reached the Ipheros Marquisate.

A sense of desolation and silence hung in the air, a heavy, oppressive feeling, almost suffocating in its dryness. It wasn’t just his imagination; a status ailment had been inflicted.

▶ Status Ailment: Depeshan Syndrome ◀

[ This syndrome is exclusive to the Western region. ]

Depeshan Syndrome.

It was a status ailment triggered upon entering the Western region for the first time. It served as a reminder that this place, for someone like Carsein who had lived solely in urban areas, possessed a different energy, a different atmosphere.

This was a land constantly at war with monsters, a place where demonic energy permeated the very air, which, according to the game’s lore, was the cause of this syndrome.

But this game was never that straightforward.

Even a simple status ailment wasn't to be ignored.

The land, corrupted by demonic energy, posed a threat to humans. The severity of the effects varied depending on the level of corruption, but it generally weakened those who weren’t accustomed to it.

Depeshan Syndrome resulted in a permanent loss of strength and a gradual decline in stats. That was the true penalty.

Powerful individuals could withstand the effects, but only those who had lived in the West for a significant period of time were truly immune.

Even Carsein, who had survived the harsh realities of the slums, couldn't withstand the energy that emanated from this land. Even daily training couldn't fully negate its effects.

The longer he stayed, the weaker he would become.

But…

This game, while merciless, didn't simply punish players for exploring new areas.

▶ This area is a Warning Zone!◀

▶ Staying in this area for prolonged periods of time will result in a gradual decrease in all stats!◀

[ Time until next stat decrease: 5 hours ]

The system always provided warnings, indicators of the potential dangers.

This timer meant…

He had five hours.

He had to meet with Marquis Ipheros, secure the trade agreement, and get back to Lusmire before the timer ran out.

It seemed challenging, but it was doable.

‘And there he is.’

[ Pollux Tutulum ]

[ Affinity: 12% ]

His affinity had increased significantly.

Negotiating with that man, standing there with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the distant mountains, wouldn't be difficult.

As Carsein approached, Pollux noticed him and quickly covered his mouth with his hand.

“Ahem.”

He cleared his throat, averting his gaze.

He seemed awkward.

Why?

Carsein tilted his head, confused, and Pollux coughed again.

“Ahem. Sorry to interrupt. You two… you look good together… No, that’s not right. I didn’t mean to… I apologize again.”

“…What are you talking about?”

“Hmm? Ah, right. Haha. I suppose you wouldn’t understand.”

He chuckled awkwardly, patting Carsein’s shoulder.

“Yes, some people are shy, especially when they’re young. I suppose it’s not that strange to hide your relationship. I understand.”

Understand what?

I wished he would just explain…

No, it was better to ask directly.

“Pollux, I have no idea what you’re talking about. Could you please elaborate?”

“W-What?”

“Seriously, I’m completely lost. You keep saying cryptic things, and it’s making me feel out of the loop.”

Yes, that was exactly how he felt.

When people shared inside jokes, it always made those who weren't in the loop feel excluded.

…I was used to being excluded, but that didn’t mean I enjoyed it.

“E-Elaborate…? Hmm. Ahem.”

Pollux coughed again, clearly flustered.

“I can’t possibly… reveal the details of your… private affairs.”

“Private affairs? You mentioned it earlier as well. Are you talking about me and Harnie?”

“Well, that’s… Ahem. I didn’t see anything.”

He was referring to the incident in the carriage, wasn't he?

The moment when I had hit my head, lost a small amount of HP, and fallen unconscious.

The fact that he claimed he “didn’t see anything” meant something must have happened.

“Just tell me, what happened?”

Pollux wiped the sweat from his forehead, his expression pained.

“Haa! I don’t know anything! Your fiancée is right behind you… I can’t possibly… Ahem.”

“Behind me?”

I turned around, and there she was.

Harnie.

…But something about her expression seemed… off.

Camilla was the only person I could ask for advice about these things, and I had once asked her what it meant when someone was smiling, but it felt threatening.

She had tilted her head, confused.

It was a strange question, after all. How could someone look threatening while smiling?

But now…

…I was witnessing it firsthand.

“I specifically asked you not to say anything… And yet you disobeyed me?”

She grabbed my arm, her grip firm.

I felt a surge of panic, a sense of impending doom.

I tried to pull away, but it was too late.

-Slap!

“Ow!”

“Ugh!”

A bright red handprint bloomed on my back.

***

As a wave of heat surged through my back, Pollux excused himself, summoning servants to escort Carsein to the Marquisate.

The greyed-out box displaying the region’s initial affinity, -5%, flashed a notification.

-Ding!

▶ Episode III. Proving Your Worth as a Lord is in progress!◀

▶ Proceed to the Ipheros Marquisate and negotiate a trade agreement with Pollux Tutulum!◀

▶ The amount of funds Lusmire receives will be determined by the success of your negotiations!◀

Nothing had changed.

To revitalize Lusmire, a territory with nothing but a barren mountain, I had to secure this trade agreement.

And I had to do it before the Depeshan Syndrome weakened me.

I was about to suggest discussing the trade agreement when…

‘So this is the place... I see. That's why those people said those things…’

The Marquisate, which I arrived at after being guided there, was utterly moddest.

How I couldn’t bring myself to call it modest.

“Not much of a reaction, huh? I thought you’d be mocking our humble abode.”

“…It’s not exactly a mansion. It’s more of a… fortress. The last line of defense against the monsters.”

“Ha! You didn’t just refrain from insulting us, you recognized its true purpose. Interesting.”

Pollux chuckled, clearly amused.

-Ding!

▶ Choose a response to address Pollux’s question.

[ 1. It resembles a fortress, designed to defend against external threats. It wasn’t difficult to figure out. But could you elaborate? I’m curious. ]

[ 2. (Examining the surroundings) You managed to secure some building materials? Not enough, it seems. Who did you trade with? ]

[ 3. I know you’ve received some supplies from the Imperial Family. And I know it wasn’t enough. So let’s make a deal. ]

As expected, the choices appeared.

Option 1 was the cautious approach, easing into the conversation.

Option 2 feigned ignorance, inquiring about their dealings with the Imperial Family.

Option 3 was a direct approach, acknowledging their predicament and proposing a trade agreement.

Each choice affected the time limit, affinity management, and regional reputation.

Under normal circumstances, I would have chosen option 1.

Marquis Ipheros was notoriously cautious.

Even with their prior meeting and the boost in affinity, he was still wary of strangers, especially nobles.

And Carsein was a Bagrand, no less.

A direct approach, demanding a trade agreement without establishing a rapport, would result in a significant drop in affinity and complicate negotiations.

I had to be patient, carefully building trust and finding common ground before broaching the subject of trade.

‘And even then, it always ended with a duel.’

But… this time was different.

I had already met Pollux and introduced myself.

I might have been unaware of the Yaricans’ situation, their ostracized status within the Empire, but…

[ Pollux Tutulum ]

[ Affinity: 12% ]

The increased affinity would definitely smooth the negotiation process.

[ 3. I know you’ve received some supplies from the Imperial Family. And I know it wasn’t enough. So let’s make a deal. ]☑

“I know you’ve received some supplies from the Imperial Family. And I know it wasn’t enough.”

“…Go on.”

As I had hoped, Pollux didn't seem alarmed.

Carsein continued, his voice confident.

“So let’s make a deal. As the Lord of Lusmire, I’ll supply you with building materials.”

“Wait. You’re saying… you’ll supply us with building materials from Lusmire?”

“That’s right. Mount Waglu is made of solid rock. Once we reach an agreement, your men can transport the rocks themselves.”

Pollux’s eyes narrowed, a hint of suspicion in his gaze.

“That would be ideal, but… I know where Lusmire is located. It would take a long time to transport the rocks from there.”

He was right.

It wasn't just a long journey, it was a journey to the opposite end of the Empire.

“Think about it. Even if you only transport enough to reinforce the walls once, it would take at least a week, considering the round trip. That would leave this place understaffed. It’s not feasible.”

“Don’t worry about that.”

“…What?”

Carsein grinned, pointing a thumb at himself.

“Why do you think I’m here so soon? I should be busy preparing for the Eastern Nobles’ Conference.”

“…!”

He was right. It was strange.

He had arrived, unannounced, just a few days after their previous encounter.

“We opened a passage through Mount Waglu. The villagers carved a tunnel, so there’s no need to take the long route anymore.”

“A… a tunnel?”

“Lusmire used to be a village of sculptors.”

“Sculptors… I see. If they’re skilled enough to work with stone, I suppose a tunnel isn’t that far-fetched.”

-Ding!

▶ Pollux’s suspicion has been completely dispelled.◀

▶ Completion Rate: 99% ◀

99%? With a completion rate this high, the rest was a formality.

All that remained was signing the contract and finalizing the agreement.

“Here. I drafted a contract in advance. Take your time and read through it.”

The only thing left was managing the penalties.

“Pollux, as you know, I’m on a tight schedule. I need to prepare for the Eastern Nobles’ Conference. I’d like to finalize the agreement today. What do you say?”

“Hmm… I need some time to discuss this with my people. This isn't just my land.”

He gestured towards the men who had escorted Carsein.

Even this fortress-like mansion housed others.

“This might be my responsibility according to Imperial law, but this land… it belongs to the Yaricans. I need to consult with them.”

“Take your time.”

I was prepared to wait.

I would secure this agreement, peacefully and without conflict.

Pollux, after conferring with his people, returned.

“Alright. We’ll accept your offer.”

The dialogue box confirming his acceptance popped up.

But…

The episode completion window didn’t appear.

“However, I have one condition.”

“…A condition?”

The word sparked a sense of unease.

And that unease…

“I want to cross blades with you. With real swords, not wooden ones.”

…led to the one outcome he had hoped to avoid.

-Ding!

▶ Episode III. Proving Your Worth as a Lord is in progress!◀

▶ To finalize the trade agreement, you must spar with Pollux.◀

***

“I believe we’re allies, Pollux. Or is that just my wishful thinking?”

Carsein’s voice was laced with disapproval.

“I have no intention of being your enemy.”

“Then why? Why this sudden demand for a duel?”

“…I can’t tell you. But know this, if you refuse, I’ll withdraw my offer.”

Carsein sighed, frustrated.

“Fine. Let’s spar. But I can’t stay long. I’m suffering from Depeshan Syndrome.”

“That’s not a problem. I have special herbs that can negate its effects.”

“Hey…!”

Pollux smiled inwardly.

‘The Head of the Plesia Trading Company was right.’

-Could you… perhaps… allow Carsein to rest here for a day?

He had initially found her request strange.

But a closer look at Carsein revealed the truth.

He might have seemed fine on the surface, but…

He wanted to test him, to see for himself.

“Don’t take it the wrong way. I simply want to spar with you at your best. Rest for a day, recover your strength. It will be a much more satisfying duel.”

Pollux patted Carsein’s shoulder, his tone friendly.

As he walked away, he sighed, a pang of guilt washing over him.

‘To think I had to lie and threaten to cancel the agreement… I feel bad for him.’

The guilt was accompanied by a sense of relief.

Harnie wouldn't hesitate to force him to rest.