I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 71

Chapter 71: CHAPTER 1 (5)

With Emma Urnen out of the picture, Theo Ramstear must have believed that his secret was safe.
Considering Carsein’s tarnished reputation, even if he had attacked Radiel, most would assume it was just another one of his transgressions.
Even if Radiel herself tried to clear his name, the evidence from the previous trial, where everyone pointed fingers at Carsein, still held sway.
Unlike Emma, who tripped over her own web of lies, his accomplices were either safely locked away or had left no trace of their involvement.
No matter how one looked at it, denying the truth wouldn’t raise any eyebrows.
But he had been caught red-handed.
With the Shapel Forest incident resurfacing and Emma, his strongest ally in that case, gone, he was left vulnerable.
He had removed all visible weaknesses, but in doing so, he had lost his support as well.
With no alibi and no one to corroborate his claims, only Radiel's testimony remained.
"N-No! That's not…! Please… summon my comrades who are currently imprisoned!” he pleaded.
“What purpose would that serve?” Princess Arsienne questioned.
“They were there! They can testify and correct this misunderstanding…!”
“That’s absurd. The victim has identified you as the attacker. And weren't those two men already unconscious, incapacitated by Carsein for whatever reason? What could they possibly know?”
“Th-That…”
Theo paled as Princess Arsienne exposed the gaping holes in his argument.
He had run out of excuses.
No matter how hard he tried to twist the narrative, the truth was inescapable.
It was time to drive the final nail into his coffin.
“I present additional evidence.”
It was a stroke of pure luck.
Having finally been recognized as an apprentice knight after the incident at the wash area, I was assigned a new room in the apprentice quarters. I started unpacking immediately, eager to get settled.
But then… something caught my eye. A section of the wall seemed to protrude slightly, out of place.
Curiosity piqued, I reached out, and a faint glow emanated from the spot.
A Memorial.
Something I had never encountered in the game.
It was another glimpse into Carsein’s past, and it provided me with the key to Theo’s downfall.
It seemed Theo hadn't been thorough enough in his attempt to erase all evidence.
“The request Emma sent, forged letters using Radiel’s name—”
Suddenly, Theo slammed his fist on the table.
“…There’s no need to present that evidence. It’s all true.”
“What are you saying?” Princess Arsienne asked, her voice sharp with surprise.
“I accepted Emma’s request; it was a chance to make a lot of money. I persuaded the others to join me… And I thought… I thought we could get rid of Carsein, send him back to the slums where he belonged…”
“Is that so?”
To everyone’s astonishment, Theo confessed.
“You are admitting to your crimes?”
“Yes. Captain Radiel’s account is accurate. After the incident… I was driven by fear… Fear of punishment… Fear of the consequences…”
When questioned about his sudden confession, he lowered his head, his fists clenched.
“…I heard the Thulea Mines have different levels, depending on the severity of the crime. And I… I don’t want to be branded by the Judgment Orb…”
“Hmph. So, it was fear that motivated you.”
Princess Arsienne scoffed, her gaze fixed on the trembling knight.
Theo was afraid.
He had sworn to tell the truth, and the consequences of breaking that oath were terrifying.
The Judgment Orb, wielded by the presiding judge, could inflict a brutal punishment.
According to the game, it could brand the liar, both physically and magically, inflicting excruciating pain.
The mark on the face would fade after 30 days, but the one on the body… That one was permanent, a constant reminder of their crimes, a source of never-ending torment.
It was no wonder he was terrified.
‘But… Did I really clear it this easily?’
Episode VI, the Shapel Forest retrial, was the episode I had retried the least.
It was relatively straightforward, and I had been well-prepared. But…
‘This feels way too easy.’
The completion rate had reached 100% before I even had a chance to present the crucial evidence.
In the game, it would have taken Theo’s complete breakdown, his desperate attempts to defend himself, and finally, the presentation of undeniable proof before reaching 100%.
And even though the outcome was the same, this accelerated progression felt significant.
It was as if the game was choosing the optimal choices for me, even without my input.
It happened when Claire intervened.
It happened when the servants and maids testified.
And it happened with Heron and Shaiden.
My role was reduced to making a few minor choices, calling witnesses at the right time, and presenting evidence.
Episode VI had always felt relatively easy, but never this easy.
‘Hmm… Could it be the affinity levels?’
The white boxes, representing affinity, were all slightly higher than in my previous playthroughs. Perhaps that was the key.
“Take him away. Inform Baron Ramstear that Theo will be held in the ducal prison until his expulsion from the Knight Squadron is finalized. Once confirmed, he will be transported to the Thulea Mines.”
““Yes, Your Highness!””
Theo was escorted out of the courtroom by the guards.
The trial was over.
Princess Arsienne’s verdict was swift and decisive: Carsein was innocent.
The nobles who had hoped to see me humiliated filed out, their faces grim. The witnesses who had spoken in my defense bowed respectfully before departing.
And then…
“Carsein, I wish to speak with you. In private.”
Isabella, her face etched with sorrow, addressed me before exiting the courtroom.
It was time for me to leave as well.
With Emma and Theo, the final bosses of Chapter 1, out of the picture, I could finally rest.
But as I turned to leave…
“Have you finished speaking with Her Highness?”
Even after the trial, there was no respite.
The game, it seemed, was relentless.
“Mother returned to the manor with Claire. She said she wanted to talk later.”
“I see.”
I replied, resignation tinging my voice.
“But why are you here? Displeased with the verdict, perhaps?”
“Carsein.”
“Why else would you be waiting for me?”
Arina’s brow furrowed at my slightly sarcastic tone.
“Hmph. Fine. There’s something I don’t understand. Why did you exclude Flora from the trial?”
So that’s what this was about.
It was a natural decision from my perspective, but something Arina wouldn’t comprehend.
In situations like this, it was best to end the conversation quickly.
“Because Flora might have sided with Theo and Emma.”
“Are you being serious right now? You suspect your own sister of defending those criminals?”
“It’s not unreasonable. She sided with Theo Ramstear during the Shapel Forest trial, and Emma Urnen was her nanny.”
Arina’s expression hardened.
▶Arina’s affinity has decreased!◀
[ Current value: 21% ]
“How could you even think such a thing?! Your own sister, who wanted to help you…!”
Once again, I was the villain, the one at fault.
This was perfect.
By depleting her affinity, I could cut this conversation short.
“I don’t want to be framed again. I’ve had enough of being unjustly accused and suffering because of someone else’s lies.”
“Ha… Carsein, you…”
“I’m leaving. Training was postponed because of the trial; I have to catch up.”
Arina didn’t follow me as I walked away, ending the conversation unilaterally.
This would also prevent any further events involving Isabella and Claire.
Their affinity levels might decrease, but it was a small price to pay for the time I would gain in the next chapter.
-Ding!
The alert sounded.
It was finally over.
Episode VI was over.
Chapter 1 was over.
With an entire chapter cleared, I could finally relax.
Exhaustion weighed heavily on me as I returned to my quarters.
I didn’t even bother washing up; I simply collapsed onto the bed and closed my eyes.

***

-Ding!
▶The player has skipped a major event within the episode!◀
▶The narrative will deviate, using a branching path that allows for the skipped event!◀
Theo Ramstear, shoved back into his cell by the guards, sat hunched on the floor.
He would spend another day here, and then, at daybreak, he and Emma Urnen would be branded as criminals and transported away.
However, the system had other plans.
A knight entered the dimly lit cell block.
Theo recognized him instantly and called out.
“Ruhn! Over here!”
It was one of his subordinates who had been transferred to the Second Knight Squadron. Thanks to Claire, his involvement in the plot had been exposed, and he was now under suspicion.
But Ruhn ignored Theo, walking past his cell and unlocking the one next to it.
Emma, pale and trembling, sat huddled in the corner.
“You pathetic fool. Is this the best you could do?”
“I-I’m s-sorry… Ugh!”
He tightened his grip on her throat, choking her.
“Emma, I believe I provided you with ample funds… And sufficient information about the Duchy… Or am I mistaken?”
“Y-Yes… You d-did… G-Gah!”
“Then explain this situation. You held the position of Head Maid, a position of power that allowed you to manipulate those beneath you. Yet… you failed to eliminate a mere commoner and ended up imprisoned. Explain yourself.”
“I-I… I’m s-sorry… G-Gah…!”
“You should have thought of that before acting so carelessly. The task entrusted to you… It wasn't meant to be handled so clumsily. Or perhaps… Did you underestimate him? Did you think he was weak, that you could easily manipulate him? After all, you held the esteemed position of Head Maid, and you had access to his funds…”
A terrified Emma and a menacing knight, their words laced with hidden meanings.
Theo’s instincts flared. This… This could be his chance.
“I have a solution!”
-Thud.
The pressure on Emma’s throat lessened.
Ruhn released her, his gaze shifting towards Theo.
“You?”
He had to be careful. This man… This was not the Ruhn he knew.
He had to make his move carefully, decisively.
“That fool, Emma, she’s been branded by the Judgment Orb. But I haven’t. If I can get out of here… I can make things right.”
“Is that so?”
“Ultimately, all that matters is eliminating Carsein, isn’t it? I know a way to lure him out. He might have manipulated her out of attending the trial, but I still have an ally: Lady Flora. We can stage a fake hostage situation, lure him out, and finish him off. The young lady is completely infatuated with me.”
Ruhn chuckled, seeing through Theo’s scheme.
“Indeed. I am aware of your… relationship with the Duke’s youngest daughter. Using her to frame Carsein wouldn’t be too difficult. However, he might see through your plan and refuse to come.”
“We plant undeniable evidence. We make it look like Flora was kidnapped, and we leave behind a message, blaming Carsein. The ducal family will turn on him without a second thought.”
“So, you’re counting on their negative perception of Carsein to cloud their judgment, leading them to believe that their precious daughter’s kidnapping was his fault?”
“Exactly. And if we drop a few hints, suggesting that there was something going on between me and Carsein… It’ll be the perfect trap.”
A checkmate.
If Carsein chose to stay away, the ducal family would see the fabricated evidence and unleash their fury upon him. His only option would be to rescue his kidnapped sister.
Theo revealed his final card.
“As long as I can get my revenge, I don’t care what happens to me. The Ramstear Barony? It’s a sinking ship; I have no interest in clinging to it. You’re offering me a chance to swim in bigger waters, aren’t you? I don’t care if it means fleeing the country; as long as I can get my revenge…”
“Hmm…”
His words hinted at someone pulling the strings, someone with far greater influence than the Ramstear Barony. Even the Imperial Family wouldn’t dare orchestrate something like this.
Which meant… foreign powers were involved.
“Continue.”
His gamble had paid off. Now, it was time to secure his position.
“That fool will be thrown into the Imperial dungeons. It’s best to eliminate her now, before she can reveal anything. Consider it… a replacement. You gain a new subordinate, and I get rid of a liability.”
“What?! Theo, you…!
“Her pathetic whimpering is useless. My plan is far more valuable, wouldn’t you agree?”
Ruhn stroked his chin thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on Theo. He nodded slowly and walked towards Theo’s cell.
“W-Wait! Don’t tell me…!”
-Clank!
The cell door swung open.
“You have a cunning mind. I like that. Now, shall we test your resolve?”
“I am at your command.”
Ruhn tossed him a sword.
Emma, sensing her impending doom, struggled against her restraints.
The cell door stood open, a sword arced through the air, a crimson spray painted a gruesome tableau on the cold stone floor.
And a woman’s life was extinguished.
“Your loyalty is commendable. However, I have two more conditions.”
“Name them.”
“We have guests. Guests who require interrogation. Persuasion. I trust you will… handle them. It would make my departure much smoother.”
He was asking Theo to silence anyone who could potentially expose them. To prove his worth.
It was a daunting task, but Theo had no choice. He had to do this.
“And the second condition?”
“ …Actually, that won’t be necessary. Consider it… a bonus. Tell me what you need. I will provide it.”
“I understand.”
Ruhn hadn’t expected much, but Theo, oblivious to the underlying implications, smiled, a hint of malice playing on his lips.
-Ding!
▶A solution to the current obstacle has been identified!◀

***

The garden was eerily quiet.
Not long ago, it had been filled with laughter and chatter, servants bustling about, tending to the flowers. But now… silence reigned.
Only the sound of footsteps.
Light footsteps echoing through the empty garden.
But despite their lightness, each step weighed heavily on Flora’s heart.
A suffocating feeling constricted her chest as she walked, tears drying on her cheeks, her eyes dull and lifeless.
“….”
-I apologize, Lady Flora, but you are not permitted to enter.
Those words, spoken at the courtroom doors, had built a wall between her and Carsein.
She couldn’t even enter.
Even though she held evidence that could clear Emma’s name, evidence that could help Carsein.
The playful glint in her eyes was gone, replaced by a hollow emptiness.
The vibrant spark that had once illuminated her gaze had flickered and died.
-Thud.
Flora, lost in her thoughts, tripped over a loose stone, falling to her knees.
She stared at her scraped knees, but the pain barely registered.
In her upside-down view, the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, while a sliver of the moon peeked through the clouds.
The emerging moon mirrored her hidden past, the darkness she had tried to conceal.
No matter how hard one tried to hide it, the moon always existed.
Hidden behind the sun, it lurked in the shadows, waiting for its time to shine.
Her actions, the way she had tormented Carsein… They were like that moon.
No matter how hard she tried to bury them, to deny them, they wouldn’t disappear.
They would linger in Carsein’s memories, a constant reminder of her cruelty.
She slowly rose to her feet, her gaze fixed on the moon, now fully visible in the night sky.
Camilla’s words echoed in her mind, her voice trembling as she whispered:
“But… what am I supposed to do…?
-Those sins cannot be washed away. You will carry that burden for the rest of your life.
“Unforgivable sins… That’s… That’s too cruel…”
-The young master has already shown you mercy countless times.
“I don’t know… I’ve never lived outside these walls. I’ve never had anything taken from me… I don’t know anything…”
Tears welled up in her eyes once more.
And then…
“Hmph?!”
A hand clamped over her mouth, silencing her.
But she recognized the touch.
A familiar touch she should have resisted.
“Mmm!”
But it was too late.
She had already inhaled the sweet, intoxicating scent.
Her body weakened, her struggles fading.
‘I… I can’t…’
Her legs gave way, and darkness consumed her.
-Ding!
▶Hidden episode initiated!◀