I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 86

Chapter 86: Not by Request, But by My Own Hand (2)

A chill coursed through me, an icy wave that numbed me to the bone, rendering the cold night air insignificant. But amidst the icy grip of anger, my mind sharpened, fueled by a renewed sense of vigilance.

The Memorial, a glimpse into Carsein's painful past, served as a stark reminder of my own.

Yes, I had to escape.

Escape from this game.
Escape from this wretched family.

Those two truths, my guiding stars.

Returning to my quarters within the training grounds, I sank into a chair, my gaze falling upon the Shatrain Territory Report Harnie had given me.

“It’s quite detailed. Not only the previous month's figures but also years' worth of data, all condensed and organized.”

The meticulous compilation minimized the margin of error, making it easy to track the declining growth rate and pinpoint the areas within the territory that required immediate attention.

And Harnie had highlighted the key issues:

[ Shatrain Strawberry Production Rate ] [ Shatrain Grape Production Rate ]
[ Shatrain Strawberry Sales Rate ] [ Shatrain Grape Sales Rate ]

Data related to the two crops that had once been the pride of Shatrain, meticulously organized and analyzed.

“Good. This is a good starting point.”

There was no need to delve into the finer details just yet. I’d gather more information once I arrived at the territory.

Progressing through Chapter 2 inevitably led to the main episode involving Shatrain. My arrival at the territory was a crucial plot point.

And I had no intention of avoiding it. The successful completion of this episode promised a significant reward: the financial resources I needed to make my escape.

It might seem simplistic, but it was a crucial step.

Resolving the issues plaguing Shatrain would provide me with a source of income, allowing me to repay the funds I’d received from the Ducal family.

In essence, I’d be severing a key tie, eliminating a potential vulnerability before making my escape.

I set aside the Shatrain report, reaching for a book Heron had gifted me, suggesting it might alleviate my boredom.

It was, however, far from a light read. It was a detailed guide to agricultural practices, a subtle hint, a gesture of support in anticipation of the Eastern Nobles’ Conference.

“But knowing Heron, he wouldn’t have simply given me a book.”

I flipped through the pages, my fingers tracing the edges.

“As expected.”

A small note, tucked between the pages, materialized, hidden within the front cover.

[ According to the official notice issued by Princess Arsienne to each noble house, the heads of families will be barred from participating in the Eastern Nobles’ Conference. Please be careful, Young Master. ]

“Hmm… so that’s how it’s going to be.”

Depending on the choices made, the Eastern Nobles’ Conference unfolded through three distinct routes.

The first route: attending the conference with the head of the family, all members of the Ducal household subjected to the same evaluation.

The second route: attending the conference with the head of the family, receiving guidance but facing individual evaluations.

The third route: attending the conference without the head of the family, facing the evaluation alone.

The first route inevitably led to failure, as Carsein was rendered voiceless, unable to participate. The second route, slightly less disastrous, allowed for Isabella’s guidance, albeit limited.

But based on Heron’s note, it seemed I was on the third route.

Isabella’s presence was prohibited, her guidance unavailable. I’d have to regain the participation rights Arina had so carelessly stripped away, relying solely on my own abilities.

This was typically considered the most difficult route, a trial by fire with no safety net. But to me, it was a blessing in disguise.

“I’m better off handling this alone. I’ve already unlocked the main episode ahead of schedule. If I regain my rights on my own, they won’t be able to say a word.”

Not by request, but by my own hand. That was my motto.

-Knock, knock.

“Young Master, it’s Camilla. May I enter?”
“Come in.”
“Excuse me.”

Camilla curtsied, then lowered her hood, revealing her face.

She had likely come bearing information regarding the Shatrain territory, as I’d requested.

However, considering the comprehensive report I'd received from Harnie, her efforts were sadly redundant.

I’d hear her out, offer my apologies for the wasted effort, and redirect her focus.

But Camilla seemed hesitant.

“Is something wrong?”
“No? Ah… there’s no problem with what you requested, Young Master.”
“Then why are you acting so strangely?”
“Well…”

Her gaze kept darting towards the door, as if sensing a presence behind it.

I followed her gaze, noticing a flash of golden blonde hair through the slightly ajar door.

Flora, it seemed, had followed Camilla, peering through the gap.

‘Makes sense.’

She hadn't been tailing me, but simply unable to let Camilla out of her sight.

Camilla's subtle signals, her pointed glances, were meant to alert me to Flora’s presence. She understood that any information revealed here could reach Arina’s ears.

“Wait outside, Camilla. I’ll handle this.”
“Yes, Young Master.”

I dismissed Camilla, then stepped towards the door, addressing the hidden figure behind it.

“What is it this time?”

The strands of golden hair flinched, betraying her presence.

***

Flora, hesitantly, pushed the door open, revealing herself.

I’d expected her to deny her eavesdropping, to retreat back into the shadows.

But instead, she simply asked:

“…Can I come in?”

To be honest, the sight of this little girl filled me with a sense of weariness.

But I had an idea why she’d sought me out. She'd overheard Arina's declaration.

“Come in.”

I allowed her entry.

I’d already endured a significant drop in affinity due to my encounter with Arina. And besides, I had a few things I wanted to say.

Flora, glancing around nervously, entered my quarters. Unable to find a seat, she fidgeted, then obediently sat on the bed when I gestured towards it.

Asking her about her reason for being here would likely result in a prolonged, emotionally charged conversation. So I cut to the chase.

“You heard Arina revoked my participation rights for the Eastern Nobles’ Conference, didn’t you?”
“Huh? Y-Yes… T-That’s why I’m here.”

Flora gulped, her voice barely a whisper.

“You’re not really going to skip the conference because of what she said… are you?”
“Who knows.”

Her eyes widened, her voice rising in protest.

“If you’re doing this because I woke up, I’ll tell Arina it was my fault!”

She scrambled off the bed, her voice filled with a desperate urgency.

“I was the one who waited outside, I’m the reason this happened… I’ll tell Arina, and if that doesn’t work, I’ll tell Mother!”

She was implying that her intervention, her plea to their mother, would guarantee the restoration of my participation rights.

Unbelievable.

This girl was a carbon copy of her older sister.

I cut her off, my voice firm.

“Just drop it. You’re only making things worse.”
“What…?”
“I’ve told you this before, haven't I? You’re only getting in the way. Don't you remember?”

I was tempted to remind her of the trial, her disastrous attempt to intervene.

Flora’s face flushed, her memories of that day resurfacing. She puffed out her cheeks, her voice rising in indignation.

“I know! Because of Emma and Theo… You think I’m unreliable. But this time, I won’t lie, and I won’t blame you for everything! This time… this time I’ll really…”

She clutched her skirt, her small hands balled into fists, her eyes pleading for a chance to redeem herself.

“It’s pointless.”

My words, blunt and dismissive, hung in the air.

Flora’s gaze dropped to the floor, her shoulders slumping. Her voice, thick with tears, trembled as she spoke.

“Sniff… Then what are you going to do?! Are you just going to… sniff… stay here and miss the conference?!”
“I never said I wasn’t going.”
“What?”

A single tear, a shimmering silver bead, rolled down her cheek.

“Let me make this clear. I have no intention of relying on your help to regain my participation rights. This is something I’ll handle myself.”
“But…! If I help you, it’ll be easier!”

Flora, a flicker of hope igniting in her eyes, insisted that her assistance would expedite the process.

“I doubt it. In fact, it would only complicate things.”
“What do you mean…?”
“Don’t you think Arina will question my motives? She’ll accuse me of manipulating you, using my sister to regain my rights.”
“...!”
“And then I’ll be labeled a villain once again, a manipulative wretch who uses his own family for personal gain.”

Sometimes, the easy path led to ruin.

If I relied on my family’s intervention, a death flag would appear, my fate sealed.

I’d rather navigate the treacherous, winding road alone.

Flora’s blue eyes, wide and shimmering with unshed tears, searched my face.

I had no idea what thoughts raced through that small head of hers. But I couldn't afford to waste any more time.

“Camilla.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“Please escort Flora back to the manor.”

Flora, her lips trembling, sniffled as Camilla acknowledged my request.

“You’re… you’re really going to the conference, right?”
“Camilla.”
“Milady, it’s time to return.”
“Just answer my question, and I’ll… I’ll be good.”

Tears streamed down her face, her voice a desperate plea for reassurance.

Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to offer a small comfort.

“Yes, I’ll be attending.”
“…Alright.”

She turned away, her shoulders slumped with defeat. Camilla, with a slight bow, followed her, escorting her out of my quarters.

The door closed. The sounds of her distress faded into silence.

***

A short while later, Camilla returned, having completed her task.

“Did you escort Flora safely?”
“Yes, Young Master. The young lady returned without protest. She did, however, have a message for you. May I relay it?”
“Go ahead.”
“She said she’d remain silent, but she begged you to attend the conference. She insisted on emphasizing that point.”
“How pointless.”

It was a game over scenario if I didn't attend. I wasn't about to throw away all my progress.

Well, at least it seemed Flora wouldn't be causing any further trouble. She'd promised to remain silent, and I wasn't about to question her motives. This was a welcome development, as far as I was concerned.

Now, onto the next task:

▶ Episode I: Lusmire’s Isolation is in progress!◀
▶ Influence the situation in Lusmire in any way possible!◀

It was time to address this episode.

“Here you are, Young Master.”

Camilla presented me with a report. It contained her findings regarding the Shatrain territory residents, their reactions to Carsein, and the overall atmosphere. However, her efforts were sadly overshadowed by Harnie's comprehensive report. I'd instructed her to shift her focus midway through her investigation.

This was the Lusmire Territory Report.

‘But why is it…’

The report was surprisingly thick.

Had she managed to gather this much information in such a short time frame? More than her initial investigation into Shatrain?

It was a remarkable amount of detail, considering the sudden change in focus. And from a quick glance, the content seemed thorough and well-organized.

“Just to be clear, I didn’t rush through this investigation. I had access to some pre-existing information.”
“What do you mean?”

Camilla offered a faint smile.

“Lusmire is a place I’m rather familiar with.”
“Familiar?”
“It’s an isolated territory, shunned by the surrounding houses. And yet, they still demand tolls for passage. And now, they’ve resorted to acts of sabotage? Led by that Kiyan fellow.”

I was taken aback.

It was as if she’d been present at the party. Her words, a perfect recount of the events I’d witnessed.

This was information that could only be obtained through direct interaction, through firsthand observation.

“Wait, Lusmire… Camilla, you don’t mean…!”
“As expected, you catch on quickly, Young Master.”

She confirmed my suspicions with a knowing smile.

“Lusmire was once managed by House Deol. I have a wealth of information regarding the territory.”

Unbelievable.

This was a gift, an unexpected shortcut.