I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 96

Chapter 96: The Crumpled Report Card (1)

Several days had passed since my return from Lusmire.

My unannounced departure, my overnight stay, had triggered Claire’s ire, her anger a brief storm that quickly subsided.

With the Eastern Nobles' Conference looming, everyone, from Claire to Arina to Isabella, was preoccupied with their respective duties, their focus directed towards the upcoming event.

It was a busy time for all of them, their roles as nobles, as members of House Bagrand, demanding their full attention.

But for me, this was a critical juncture, a race against time.

The system, in its typical fashion, had simply declared Lusmire my territory, offering no guidance, no detailed explanation of how to manage this newly acquired responsibility.

In the game, it had been a simple matter of clicking a few buttons, allocating resources with a few mental calculations. A streamlined, simplified version of reality.

But this scene, this challenge, hadn't existed in the game. It was a new experience, a deviation from the pre-determined path, a potential minefield of unforeseen consequences.

“Sigh. I have to handle everything myself, don’t I?”

The stack of reports, the endless stream of data, the weight of responsibility, threatened to overwhelm me.

Episode III: Proving Your Worth as Lord, required the fulfillment of four conditions.

The first two, apprehending the Modric knights and exposing their crimes, then shielding the villagers from further interference by neighboring nobles, had been successfully completed.

But the remaining two…

[ 3. Establish trade routes connecting Lusmire to other territories, ensuring a sufficient flow of goods. ]

Lusmire, isolated, its access to essential resources restricted, needed to establish new trade routes. And the most viable option, the one that bypassed the control of the neighboring nobles, involved crossing Mount Waglu.

This condition, as I recalled from my previous playthroughs, triggered a large-scale construction project, a road carved through treacherous terrain, connecting Lusmire to the outside world.

But unlike the game, where a single click had set the wheels in motion, I was now responsible for overseeing every aspect of this project, its success hinging on my decisions, my leadership.

And then, there was…

[ 4. Revitalize Lusmire, demonstrating your capabilities as lord, before the Eastern Nobles’ Conference. ]

The fourth condition, previously a minor concern, a task easily accomplished through a few strategic choices, now loomed over me, its weight amplified by the absence of a pre-determined path.

[ Progress: 9% ]
[ Villagers’ Efficiency: 67% ]
[ Villagers’ Dissatisfaction: 0% ]
…
…

Data points, a myriad of statistics, filled my status window, a constant reminder of the challenges ahead. And at the very bottom…

[ Overall Completion Rate: 3% ]

The final score, the measure of my success, a single-digit number that mocked my efforts.

To fulfill conditions three and four, I needed to complete the construction project, to breathe life back into Lusmire, a monumental task that rested solely on my shoulders.

It was an impossible mission.

How could Carsein, a boy raised in isolation, denied a proper noble education, be expected to revitalize a struggling territory?

He hadn’t been taught, hadn’t had the opportunity to learn, the intricacies of territorial management.

He’d swung a sword, yes, but his only attempt at governance, the Shatrain incident, had ended in disaster, a shameful chapter in his life, a stain on his family’s honor.

And now, they expected him to succeed? To revitalize Lusmire, of all places? And within such a tight timeframe?

Preposterous.

I couldn’t even fathom how I’d managed to achieve this in the game. The specifics, the sequence of events, remained a blur, a hazy memory of choices made, paths navigated, a victory achieved through trial and error.

But now, armed with my real-world knowledge, my experience, as well as myself, I felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps, just perhaps…

“Young Master Carsein.”

Camilla’s voice, a welcome interruption, broke through my thoughts.

“Come in.”
“Excuse me.”

She was the perfect ally, a trusted confidante who understood Lusmire’s struggles, her knowledge a valuable asset in this endeavor.

And she was also my subordinate, carrying out my orders, her loyalty unwavering.

‘Her expression… it tells me everything I need to know.’

There was no need to ask, to inquire about her progress. My instincts, honed through countless hours of gameplay, told me the truth.

Camilla, having served as Lusmire’s caretaker for years, wouldn’t wear that expression, that mix of relief and astonishment, if my plan had failed.

“As you predicted, Young Master, Mount Waglu is… unique. A single, massive bedrock formation. The beasts’ territory doesn’t extend far beyond the base.”
“As expected.”
“Our investigation revealed that the beasts typically congregate along the periphery, the areas surrounding the village. We believe we can create a safe passage, a road, with… minimal effort. Just a few strategically placed fences should be sufficient.”
“And since you’ve explored the area, you’ve created those blueprints I requested, haven’t you?”
“Indeed. The villagers who conducted the survey were… thorough, to say the least.”

She presented me with three meticulously crafted blueprints.

Each one, a detailed representation of Mount Waglu, its terrain, its structural integrity, viewed from different angles.

And in that moment, as I studied those blueprints, a slow smile spread across my face.

“Camilla, I’ve decided to abandon the road construction project. Inform the villagers. Tell them to halt all progress.”
“W-What?!”

Her surprise was understandable. The Mount Waglu road project, a risky but necessary endeavor, had been discussed solely between us.

Her voice, laced with concern, echoed my own anxieties.

“Young Master, I understand your… concerns. But this project, even with immediate action, will take time… To cancel it now, when time is of the essence…”

She didn't finish her sentence, but her meaning was clear.

“I know you’re worried, Camilla. Abandoning the project now, when Lusmire needs all the help it can get… it seems counterintuitive. But trust me, there’s a reason. I haven't given up on Lusmire, not by a long shot.”
“Then… if I may be so bold, Young Master, what’s your reasoning?”
“We don’t have enough time.”
“Time, sir?”
“My reason for acquiring Lusmire, my primary objective, is to secure my participation rights for the Eastern Nobles' Conference. And that project… it’ll take too long.”

Cancelling the project meant jeopardizing Lusmire’s future, potentially dooming it to the same fate as Shatrain.

And the consequences, the negative repercussions, would fall squarely on my shoulders, my reputation tarnished, my chances of survival dwindling.

But time, that relentless force, was my greatest enemy.

‘If I miss that conference, it’s game over.’

Shatrain, its residents fueled by anger and resentment, a simmering volcano of hatred waiting to erupt.

My life, hanging precariously in the balance, the possibility of a sudden, unexpected death always looming.

In the game, there'd been a bad ending where Carsein, left unguarded, had been murdered by a vengeful villager. A chilling reminder of the dangers I faced.

Time, a precious commodity, needed to be manipulated, stretched, compressed, anything to ensure my survival.

“Well… I wasn’t planning on revealing this just yet, but… I trust you, Camilla.”
“Sir?”

I traced a line across the blueprint, my finger pointing towards a specific point on the map, then handed her a document, its contents a detailed analysis of Lusmire’s resources.

Camilla stared at the blueprint, her eyes widening as she processed the information, a gasp escaping her lips.

“Shh. You understand, don’t you?”

There was no need for further explanation.

***

‘Unbelievable…’

Camilla, emerging from Carsein’s room, her head bowed, felt as if a giant hammer had struck her, her mind reeling from the revelation.

The Mount Waglu road project, a solution tailored to Lusmire’s unique circumstances, a path towards a brighter future, had seemed… audacious, a gamble with high stakes.

It was a decision that could only have been made by someone who truly understood Lusmire, its challenges, its potential, someone who’d meticulously studied its history, its vulnerabilities, its hidden strengths.

But to abandon it, to halt progress at such a critical juncture… it seemed reckless, even dangerous.

Lusmire, its fate hanging precariously in the balance, could easily follow in Shatrain’s footsteps, its downfall a reflection of Carsein’s supposed incompetence.

And yet, he’d made the decision, his resolve unwavering.

He’d presented his rationale, his arguments logical, his vision clear. He’d identified a new path, a solution that defied expectations, a plan that addressed the two remaining conditions, while simultaneously reducing the time required to achieve them.

Camilla, lost in thought, retraced her steps, replaying their conversation, her mind struggling to grasp the sheer brilliance of his strategy.

And then, a sharp clap, a sound that shattered her reverie, jolted her back to reality.

-Clap!

Tasha, her mother, her face etched with concern, stood before her. But in this moment, she wasn’t her mother. She was the head maid, her authority undeniable.

“Camilla, your mind is elsewhere.”
”…!”

Her voice, sharp, laced with a hint of reprimand, demanded her attention.

“I don’t know what you discussed with the young master, but you are his personal maid. You cannot afford to be… distracted, not while on duty.”

Her daughter, yes, but that only strengthened her resolve to maintain discipline, to ensure Carsein’s needs were met, his expectations exceeded.

Camilla, startled, bowed her head, her cheeks flushing with shame.

“I apologize. It won’t happen again.”
“Good. Do not disappoint the young master, Camilla.”
“I won’t, Head Maid.”

Tasha’s words, a sharp reminder of her responsibilities, snapped her out of her daze. She hurried off, eager to carry out Carsein’s instructions.

Tasha, her heart heavy with concern, turned towards Carsein’s room, her footsteps echoing softly in the hallway.

She knocked gently on the door, her voice a quiet murmur.

“Young Master Carsein, I understand you’re busy preparing for the conference, but… you requested my presence.”

***

Shortly after Camilla’s departure, I received a summons from Tasha, the head maid.

I’d been expecting it, anticipating this encounter.

▶ Event Triggered! ◀
▶ “Luxury is a Sin” Event Activated! ◀
▶ Proceed to the designated location and complete the required choices. ◀
[ Designated Location: Arina’s Office ]

The event's title, “Luxury is a Sin,” a blatant clue: this was about money.

Chapter 1, successfully completed, had unlocked a significant financial perk: a monthly allowance for Carsein, a substantial sum deposited directly into his personal account.

However, Chapter 2, its episodes demanding significant financial investment, always triggered this event, a reminder of the system's limitations, a gentle nudge to curb Carsein’s spending habits.

‘How ironic. Being a noble should grant you a certain degree of financial freedom, but even that… it’s restricted.’

Well, no use complaining. I had to attend to this matter.

Ignoring this event wasn’t an option, and I needed to assess the threshold for triggering the penalty, the point at which my spending would be deemed “excessive.”

I dressed and exited my room, finding Tasha waiting patiently, her demeanor respectful.

“Young Master? Where are you going?”
“Didn’t Arina summon me?”
“That’s not correct, Young Master. It wasn't Lady Arina who called for you, but Madam.”
“...Mother?”

I tilted my head, my brow furrowing with confusion.

The usual progression involved a summons from Arina, not Isabella.

Arina, having taken control of the family’s finances, would naturally be aware of my recent expenditures. And the game, its narrative designed to highlight Carsein’s flaws, would typically use this event to trigger a confrontation, a series of choices filled with accusations of extravagance.

But a summons from Isabella… This was unexpected.

‘Well, I’ll deal with it later. First, I need to clear this event.’

“Lead the way, then.”
“The Lady is waiting for you in the conservatory. Shall I bring any servants?”
“No. Dismiss them all.”

If news of my spending habits reached the other family members, it would likely be met with disapproval, their perception of me further tarnished.

Tasha, a known ally, understood the importance of discretion.

She dismissed the other servants, and I made my way towards the conservatory, my footsteps echoing softly in the empty hallway.

And then, a familiar glow, a shimmering light, drew my attention.

“A Memorial, here…?”

I didn’t recognize this newly discovered artifact, but I knew its significance. It held a piece of the puzzle, a clue, a memory, a glimpse into the past.

-Ding!

▶ “The Crumpled Report Card” Memorial acquired! ◀

My vision blurred, the world around me fading, then solidifying, the scene before me shifting, the familiar surroundings of the conservatory replaced by a vision from the past.

A woman, her movements graceful, her hair pulled back in a neat bun, tended to a collection of plants, a fine mist spraying from a silver watering can.

Isabella. Younger, her face softer, her eyes filled with a gentle warmth.

“Mommy!”

A little girl, her blonde hair bouncing with each step, ran towards her mother, her arms outstretched.

“Flora, darling, be careful! You’ll hurt yourself if you keep running around like that.”
“Heehee! I’m fine!”

Isabella, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips, her eyebrows arched playfully, ruffled her youngest daughter’s hair. Flora, giggling, stepped back, her small hand clutching a piece of paper.

“Mommy, look! Look how many I got right!”
“My, my, you’ve been studying hard, haven’t you?”
“Uh-huh! I wanted to show you!”

Her words, slightly slurred, a few baby teeth still missing, her excitement bubbling over, a precious display of childhood innocence.

Isabella, her smile widening, leaned down, planting a soft kiss on her daughter’s forehead.

“Keep up the good work, darling.”
“Okay! Heehee.”

And then, her two older daughters, their faces still retaining a hint of youthful roundness, approached, their movements mirroring their mother’s grace.

“Oh my, our little Flora. Seems she prefers showing off to Mommy instead of her sisters.”
“Claire, you could have shown us your report card as well.”
“W-What?! ”

-Rustle.

“Gah! Sister!”
“Claire has been diligently attending Lady Dorothy’s lessons. And look at these results.”
“Impressive, Claire. Lady Dorothy’s classes are… quite challenging.”
“Oh, honestly, that’s not why I brought it…”

Claire, her cheeks flushed, crossed her arms, her gaze darting away, a typical display of teenage awkwardness. Arina and Isabella, watching her, exchanged knowing smiles.

“Arina, how did you do?”
“Hm?”
“You’ve been studying just as hard as your sisters. You deserve to be praised as well.”

Arina, her expression a mix of pride and reluctance, presented her report card, her scores nearly perfect, a testament to her diligence.

“Big Sister hardly made any mistakes!”
“Wow, you sly fox. You hid your report card from me? Honestly, Sister…”
“No, Claire. You should be aiming for a perfect score now. There’s always room for improvement.”
“Humility is a virtue, Arina, but you deserve to be recognized for your efforts.”
“Yes, Mother. I’ll continue to strive for excellence.”

Arina, her voice soft, acknowledged her mother’s praise.

The atmosphere, warm and inviting, filled the conservatory with a cheerful energy. The family, gathered together, sharing their accomplishments, their pride evident in their smiles, their bond unbreakable.

Sunlight streamed through the glass panels, bathing the room in a golden glow, a perfect reflection of the happiness that radiated from their hearts.

But light, its brilliance a constant, always cast shadows.

And in a darkened corner, away from the warmth, the joy, the shared celebration, a young boy, his presence unnoticed, slipped away, his footsteps silent, his heart heavy.

He reached a secluded spot, hidden from view, and began to dig, his small hands scraping at the soft earth, creating a shallow hole.

And then, releasing his grip, he let it fall, a single sheet of paper, fluttering gently to the bottom of the hole, its significance unknown, its fate mirroring his own.

It was a report card, just like the ones his sisters had so proudly displayed.