I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 68

Chapter 68: CHAPTER 1 (2)

My head throbbed.
Mark and the official knights were all prostrating, apologizing profusely.
Heron and Shaiden, who shouldn't appear until the trial in this episode, were here.
And Harnie, who had no direct involvement in this incident, despite her earlier claims of being busy, was standing right before me.
It was as if every scene was ripped straight from the game and then rewritten, leaving me with a pounding headache.
‘What in the world is going on?’
First things first, I needed to get these knights off the floor.
“Everyone, stand up.”
“We can’t!”
A chorus of resounding refusals met my order.
“We deserve a greater punishment!”
“We failed to properly manage our subordinates and never considered that such a thing could happen to you, Young Master!”
“We allowed our clouded judgment and prejudices to distort our perception of you, Young Master!”
“We have brought shame upon the honorable name of knighthood!”
They confessed their sins one after another, words that Carsein had longed to hear.
However, as I tried to reason with them, urging them to rise, they simply bellowed in unison:
““Please, punish us!””
Oh, my aching head.
I decided to start with the knight closest to me.
“…Hey, where's the Captain?”
“We asked Captain Radiel to excuse herself as her presence might lead to leniency in our punishment!”
“So, she's not here?”
“No! We must all demonstrate our unwavering resolve to accept any punishment you deem fit, Young Master!”
Damn, they were incredibly thorough!
You're just realizing you were wrong? And now you’re begging for punishment?
I rubbed my temples, glancing at the status window that remained frustratingly blank.
‘Shouldn’t there be choices here? Something… anything that aligns with Carsein’s thoughts…?’
Nope. Nothing. Go away.
The status window remained silent, mocking my efforts.
“Young Master, in situations like this, it’s best to assert your authority,” Heron whispered, sensing my distress.
“What do you suggest I do?”
“As knights, they should be disciplined in a manner befitting their profession. A hundred laps around the training grounds should suffice.”
“…A hundred laps?”
Wouldn't they die from that?
“This is a common practice amongst many noble families to discipline their knights. Of course, considering the reputation of the Bagrand Duchy and the honor of our knights, the punishment is doubled in this instance. However, if you deem it insufficient, Young Master, you could always double it again—”
“Enough!”
This old geezer was something else!
Having run those laps myself, I knew it was an outrageous suggestion.
Nobility? Reputation? A knight’s honor?
To hell with all of that.
I would handle this my way.
“We’re starting with laps today! If anyone finishes after me, they’ll face real consequences!”
With that declaration, I bolted out of the dormitory and sprinted towards the training grounds.
The knights, stunned by my unexpected order, scrambled to their feet.
“Young Master! How many laps? You need to tell us how many laps!”
“Now’s not the time for questions! Just run!”
“What are you idiots waiting for?! Move!”
Mark, who quickly overtook me, yelled at the others trailing behind.
And so began another grueling training session.
And then…
▶You have gained the trust of the ducal knights through your act of mercy!◀
▶You have achieved a result beyond the choices provided!◀
▶Reward granted!◀
■Reward
▶Training ground reputation is now fixed.
[ Training ground reputation will not fall below a certain rank! ]
[ Reputation Rank B, Value 350 ]
Unexpected rewards were piling up.

***

The unscheduled running session continued. It was a punishment born from my impulsive actions.
However, determined to prove their remorse, the knights pushed themselves beyond their limits, even after outpacing me. Perhaps they could have actually managed a hundred laps, just like Heron suggested.
After what felt like an eternity, the knights finally began to tire.
A few attempted to resume their self-flagellation, but Heron, reminding them that my fiancée was present, quickly sent them on their way.
Of course, I hadn't run without a plan. It provided a much-needed opportunity to organize my thoughts and make sense of the situation.
As I lay sprawled on the ground, catching my breath, Harnie approached, gently wiping the sweat from my brow with her handkerchief.
“I take it these knights weren’t the culprits? They wouldn’t be so quick to back down if they were,” she remarked.
“Yeah… something like that…”
There were more pressing matters at hand.
“You didn’t have to come all the way here, even if Heron summoned you.”
“And why not?”
“I could’ve handled this myself. No, scratch that. It’s more accurate to say that this isn't something you should be involved in.”
Heron must have acted on his own, summoning Harnie.
He probably thought that having my fiancée present would be advantageous, especially with Theo demanding a trial.
‘And on top of that, Theo chose to make this a life-or-death situation by requesting a trial. Having my fiancée, Harnie, present would undoubtedly work in my favor.’
Age and experience had made the old butler a shrewd strategist.
While Radiel was a direct witness and victim, Heron, who suspected Emma’s involvement, could be considered an indirect witness.
‘Which is why his testimony at the trial is crucial.’
Yet, he never revealed this to Carsein.
The reason was obvious.
‘He probably calculated that he couldn’t expose Emma’s crimes on his own.’
Carsein was the sole victim in this incident, and without concrete evidence, any accusations against Emma could backfire.
While both he and Radiel were unable to act directly, Heron foresaw that his testimony alone wouldn’t be enough.
That’s why he seized this opportunity and summoned Harnie.
Harnie pouted, her cheeks puffing out slightly.
“You promised to tell me if something like this happened, didn't you?”
“…Excuse me?”
“You were the one who said it back at the festival. That we should look out for each other and help each other whenever possible.”
Ah, right. I did say that.
Back then, Harnie was facing quite a bit of pressure from the other noble ladies.
“But now isn’t the time. You don’t even know the whole story, and there’s nothing you can do to help.”
She had already fulfilled her end of the bargain. This was an internal matter within the ducal family, specifically the Knight Squadron. There was no reason for her to get involved.
“Well, I'd say I’m involved now.”
“Excuse me?”
“They used a handkerchief with my family crest. Heron filled me in on the details.”
“You can’t be serious! You’re involving yourself because of that?”
“Of course! It’s the perfect opportunity to reveal that you have a fiancée, wouldn't you say?”
…Well, she did have a point.
I had promised to make a formal announcement when the time was right.
“And it’s not just talk. I can actually be of assistance.”
“Really?”
“Do you even know how nobles behave in court? How they argue and defend themselves?”
“Well…”
“You barely know proper etiquette; how can you possibly navigate the complexities of a noble court? You’ll make a fool of yourself and make things worse.”
Her words struck a nerve.
Carsein had a history of… messing things up.
He was impulsive and lacked the composure expected of a nobleman, often facing criticism for his behavior.
I, too, had experienced this countless times in my 19 years of life.
Ignorance was a surefire path to failure.
“If it goes to trial, it’s best to have someone experienced by your side to guide you.”
“…Alright. I’ll accept your help.”
A triumphant smile blossomed on Harnie’s face.
“Now, get up.”
“B-But I’m… I’m covered in sweat…”
“The longer you stand there, the more it’ll soak through, you know?”
Her words were a gentle nudge.
I couldn’t refuse her helping hand as she pulled me to my feet. My energy was completely depleted after the intense run.
And at that moment, I noticed something peculiar.
[ Heron ]
[ Affinity: 40% ]
[ Shaiden ]
[ Affinity: 40% ]
Heron and Shaiden’s affinity boxes… something I had never seen before during my playthroughs of the game.

***

As I followed Harnie, a wave of stares washed over me.
It was understandable.
Rumors of Carsein having a fiancée had spread, and curiosity was natural.
“What are you all staring at? Get to work!”
Radiel’s voice boomed across the training grounds, sending the gawking knights scurrying like startled rabbits.
It was as if she was trying to give us some privacy.
I wanted to retort, to tell her she was making a bigger deal out of it, but I held my tongue.
Radiel led us to a secluded spot, away from prying eyes.
Harnie wasted no time in getting down to business.
“The fact that no one knew about your engagement and that they dared to insult both you and your fiancée by handling her belongings… Well, that works to our advantage, wouldn’t you say? Let's start with that, shall we?”
They had touched my fiancée’s belongings.
Taking that as a starting point, Harnie began listing potential aggravating factors that would warrant a harsher punishment, her elegant script flowing effortlessly across the parchment.
“The key here is to emphasize that they insulted two noble families. In court, you need to prioritize your standing as a noble, not a mere trainee. It's crucial to avoid referring to them as the ‘Ramstear Viscounts,’ do you understand? If they try to downplay your position, immediately correct them—”
She highlighted crucial points that I was completely oblivious to and even prepared counter arguments to refute any potential objections.
Her competence was impressive. I felt a surge of confidence, knowing that with her by my side, I wouldn't be easily defeated in court.
Then, Harnie hesitated, her expression turning serious.
“The problem is… I can only testify about the handkerchief incident. I need to hear more about the other events.”
Her testimony was just that - a testimony.
But understanding the context of the entire situation would put us in a more advantageous position.
“Of course, if you don't want to talk about it… if it brings back unpleasant memories… you can always refuse.”
She had no obligation to involve herself in Carsein’s past. She was simply being considerate of his feelings.
This level of kindness felt foreign to me.
However…
“No. It’s better if you know everything.”
I replied without hesitation.
I needed her feedback, her insights into navigating the trial and gaining an upper hand.
And so, I recounted the events that led to my false accusations.
Harnie tried her best to maintain her composure, but her clenched fists and the slight tremor in her eyes betrayed her anger.
Fueled by a righteous fury, she doubled down on her preparations, meticulously dissecting every detail, anticipating every possible argument the opposition might raise, and crafting rebuttals with razor-sharp precision.
Hours melted away as we worked.
“If we prepare like this, I believe our chances of winning are quite high. However…”
Harnie’s brow furrowed with concern.
Before I could ask, she spoke, her voice soft with worry.
“Are… Are you alright? After everything they did to you…”
Well, if you asked me if I was okay… I wouldn't know what to say.
Carsein wouldn't be okay, not after everything he’d been through. But… I wasn’t him.
And so, I struggled to answer.
“I’m sorry, that was a silly question…”
“Don't apologize. You’re helping me; I should be thanking you.”
“…”
“Don’t worry. These things don’t bother me.”
“Really?”
The worry lines on Harnie’s face seemed to ease slightly.
“Then… when can we meet again?”
“Are the nobles suspicious of something?”
“Huh? Oh, right…! Well… it’s just that… we haven’t seen each other in a while…”
She seemed flustered.
“A-Anyway… if you have any questions, contact me before the trial. I should be going; it’s getting late!”
With that, she hurriedly excused herself.
She wasn’t usually like this.
‘She’s definitely hiding something…’
Despite her odd behavior, she had been a great help. Her guidance alone would prove invaluable during the trial, and with the evidence I had gathered, I was confident that I could put both Emma and Theo in their place.
Even if the choices thrown my way tried to hinder me.
Clutching the documents Harnie had prepared, I left the meeting room.
As I stepped out, a familiar flash of golden hair caught my eye.
‘Right on time.’
It would have been strange if this choice hadn't presented itself.
Flora flinched as our eyes met, her body trembling slightly.
-Ding!
[ 1. What are you doing here? Why don't you go and demand the release of your precious knight? ]
[ 2. Are you here to apologize? Go ahead, say what you want. It’ll all come out at the trial anyway. ]
[ 3. (Ignore and walk past.) ]
[ 4. (Summon the knights) Remove Flora Bagrand from the premises immediately. She's a possible accomplice. ]
[ 5. (Sigh deeply) What do you want? ]
Despite the shock therapy session I had just orchestrated, I had zero interest in engaging with her.
I walked past, ignoring her completely.
“W-Wait…!”
The little brat grabbed my sleeve, her small hand clutching the damp fabric.
“I heard… I heard about the trial…”
Her voice was barely a whisper.
I continued walking, refusing to meet her gaze.
“I… I came to help…”
A second wave of choices appeared.
Any of them would do.
I brushed her hand off and continued walking.
“I-I can help you! Emma… Theo… They told me things… things they wouldn’t tell anyone else…!”
This time, she grabbed my arm with both hands, her grip surprisingly strong.
“So… I…”
-Thwack!
Her grip loosened as I abruptly shrugged her off.
“I’m… I’m serious! I want to help! I know what Emma and Theo have been doing! I can help you expose them…!”
“I don’t need your help.”
“What…?”
This was a choice I wouldn’t normally pick.
But today, I would make an exception.
[ 5. I don’t need your help. ]
“I don’t need your help.”
I’d rather face them alone than rely on this troublesome child.