The Damn Family Is Back Again

228. Source of Contamination (10)

After that, the atmosphere in the conference room seemed likely to remain chilly…

However, around break time, things shifted slightly in tone.

“Providing new toys for the young children in our territory. That alone holds significant meaning. If they enjoyed it enough, it means commercialization is possible from their parents who embrace those children.”

“We’ll use a liquid extracted from purified and harmless poisonous mushrooms as paint. Hmm. So a previously useless resource has found its purpose. This isn’t such a trivial achievement.”

“We’ll set up shelters in key areas to escape the heat. Hmm. In summer, this will definitely increase efficiency. In fact, even in winter it could serve as a resting place for travelers.”

Though modest and somewhat insignificant, there were those who had managed to achieve results of some value, albeit gradually.

The most decisive turning point came from this.

“Rather than making the material of the mining work pants thicker, we increased efficiency by utilizing the fact that snakes dislike the color blue.”

In a territory where mining was the main industry, clothing had posed a problem. However, Harnié keenly observed that colors also affected animals and found ways to drive away snakes through both means and attire.

“There’s a new fabric suitable for clothing discovered in our territory. Previously it didn’t have many uses, but according to their processing methods, it is more appropriate for garments.”

It was Claire who uncovered that this ambiguous local product could indeed serve as material for clothing.

“Excellent.”

Hearing such trivial reports one after another, seeing these two step forward felt like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise bleak future.

Thanks to them, the evaluation panel could at least present a less grim impression than before.

And perhaps it was because these two had bolstered the spirits of those who were feeling overwhelmed with anxiety.

Amongst those few diligent test-takers striving amidst others crumbling under pressure, some began to stand out little by little. Their scores weren’t particularly high; however, they were certainly above average for this examination.

Additionally, those who candidly confessed received fewer penalties or offered feedback on their shortcomings managed to achieve fairly respectable ranks. Some even belatedly realized how inadequate their preliminary investigations had been and acknowledged their lack of information.

And finally,

Just before my turn arrived, Arina’s presentation concluded abruptly.

“Hm… It seems there hasn’t been any dramatic profit.”

“Is it due to the flood damage?”

“Yes.”

Arina nodded with evident disappointment.

“The sudden downpour caused significant damage; we had no choice but to prioritize the safety of our people in the territory.”

“Looking at past reports makes that understandable. That region has always been particularly vulnerable to rain.”

“It seems there was little choice given the difficult circumstances to take appropriate measures.”

Arshien and Florence nodded in agreement, understanding.

The result was a B rank.

There were reasons for that, and it had generated some profit.

Considering the damages incurred, it wasn’t a terrible score. The individual seemed somewhat dissatisfied, though.

In reality, those who achieved scores higher than Arina could be counted on one hand. This symposium had been particularly stringent, leaving very few at the top tier.

And strangely enough…

I needed to score higher than that result.

▶You must achieve a score of B+ or higher in the symposium!◀

Was this intentional? Truly absurd.

“…”

Arina, who had just presented before me, shot me a glare as she passed by.

Let’s see how well you do then.

Her expression seemed to convey such thoughts clearly.

Don’t worry about it.

Even if you’re concerned about such things, I’ll do just fine.

-Ding!

▶The final presentation has begun.◀

▶You can choose options to guide the direction of your presentation.◀

For now, shall we start off lightly?

[ 3. Pointing Out the Farming Methods of the Shatren Territory ]

“The residents of the Shatren territory had their farming methods all wrong. Just as I mentioned in my previous presentation.”

“I remember. It’s about the drawbacks that arise when you increase the number of seeds planted in one spot, isn’t it?”

“They can withstand droughts well, but they are useless in rainy areas. Their roots get tangled, hindering growth or causing issues due to uneven nutrient absorption. That’s how I explained it.”

“Exactly. But if that were all there was to it, the yield in Shatren wouldn’t have dropped so drastically.”

“Then what other problems were there?”

– Dding!

▶ Please select a problem from the options provided.

The territory management UI might have been lacking somewhat, but my actions were still being effectively applied within this game.

[ 5. Soil pH Issues ]☑

“They didn’t manage their soil properly.”

“Soil management?”

“Yes. For crops to grow, appropriate soil conditions must be met above all else. If those conditions aren’t satisfied, no matter what kind of farming is done, yields will suffer.”

“Hm… I understand your argument, but can you explain that further?”

Florence tilted her head and asked curiously. Arshien seemed to share her thoughts as he cast a silent look of agreement.

That’s not difficult at all.

“I’ll show you directly.”

I just need to demonstrate again what I had shown to the residents before.

***

Once more into the pH demonstration.

As the concept of pH was explained, Arshien and Florence finally smiled, as if relieved.

“I was wondering what you meant; so this is what soil management entails.”

“At this rate, we might have to change the entire agricultural practices of the Empire according to your instructions.”

Of course, they couldn’t grasp everything.

“I don’t quite understand. How does this pH relate to crops?”

“It seems there’s no proof that it directly affects yield.”

And so there were those who asked such questions while subtly trying to keep Karsein in check.

But would such trivial inquiries truly serve as a restraint on Karsein?

The two judges were certain it wouldn’t. That’s why they let it be.

“Dike. The pots.”

“Yes!”

As the guard Dike and Frict brought over a pot each, Arshien and Florence prepared themselves for a comfortable observation.

“On the left is soil that retains the pH of the past, from the Chatrain territory. And on the right is soil where I’ve improved issues to raise its pH. In both pots, I’ve planted Chatrain strawberries. Can you see any difference between them?”

“I’m not sure.”

“I can’t even tell them apart.”

“But if you use Pisterra’s growth solution, I think you’ll notice a bit—no, quite a lot—of difference.”

“…Karsein. Isn’t that an extremely expensive item?”

“You do have some personal funds for that kind of expense, don’t you? Arshien.”

“Well, I suppose that’s true.”

Pisterra’s growth solution.

One of the crystallizations of alchemy that magically produces the nutrients necessary for growing crops.

It boasts a rather exorbitant price of 50,000 Pesel per 100ml, but as Florence had said, I had that much money on hand anyway.

As he evenly distributed the pre-prepared solution into each pot, sprouts began to emerge from two of them.

Soon enough, stems appeared and blossomed into flowers.

After blooming, fresh fruits—several bright red strawberries—began to form.

However,

Not both pots exhibited such results.

“Oh. What a tremendous difference we see.”

“It’s quite a significant gap.”

Arsien and Florence chimed in together.

“Oh no…!”

“Is it really possible?”

“We used the same growth solution…”

The nobles were left aghast, their mouths clamped shut in disbelief.

Only the pot on the right showed proper growth. The left pot—the one belonging to the residents of Shatren territory—had failed to thrive at all.

This led to one clear conclusion:

pH is an incredibly influential factor in crop growth.

And Karsein had thoroughly sealed off any escape routes they might have hoped for.

-Swoosh!

“You might have thought I could intervene? Yes. That’s why I was prepared.”

Data Scroll.

Within the scroll lies a graph that intuitively and clearly summarizes the pH of the soil and the growth rates of crops.

Moreover, it was evident that a quarantine had been imposed within the Shatren territory, no external goods had been brought in, and even the influence of the Duke of Bagrand had not been felt.

Then,

As he signaled, the guards brought over a box and began to reveal its contents.

“That is…!”

“Shatren strawberries… and are those not Shatren grapes?!”

“Those colors are unlike anything we’ve seen recently… That is…”

“Yes. From a time long past, during its prime…!”

While the nobles stood transfixed by those two fruits,

Karsein interjected nonchalantly.

“I apologize for my lack of ability; I could not reach that level.”

“Lack…?”

“Indeed. My goal was an A+ grade, but I only managed to harvest up to an A grade. And there were only ten pieces.”

Upon hearing this, Arshien and Florence covered their mouths as they struggled to suppress their laughter.

It was absurd.

The mere fact that such grades could be produced again in that territory was nothing short of miraculous.

Even with crops from failing Shatren, after some time passed they seemed unfit for consumption despite being sold at exorbitant prices.

Yet here he was, reviving them,

And managing to yield ten harvests worthy of an A grade.

The previous highest rank now yields data that can be harvested like a daily routine.

Was it insufficient?

“…”

The noble scions, who had been keeping their guard up until now, bit their lips tightly and clenched their fists.

From their trembling hands, despair seeped through.

It was an obvious provocation.

A blatant deception too transparent to ignore.

Yet,

“Is there anyone else who wishes to refute? If not, let’s move on to the next explanation.”

In the face of such confidence, no one could muster a counterargument anymore.

***

Holding onto a crumbling territory with his own hands,

He extended a helping hand through a cooperation agreement but was met with rejection instead.

Carsein had only clung stubbornly to his own whims, completely oblivious to his situation.

Watching him refuse even after being given every opportunity made anger boil within. He was repeating the same mistakes as before.

He had even arrogantly uttered words like these:

– Watch closely until the end. And if I fail spectacularly as you say I will, then do whatever you want. Stuff me in solitary confinement, make me do only what you desire in your mansion—cut off my ties to the duke’s family; I won’t care at all.

Thus, he completely let go of any involvement.

Let’s see just how well he does.

It was clear he would return utterly defeated.

While tarnishing the name of the ducal family, I would repeat the same actions as before.

Yet, Arina had left Karsein alone because she felt that this time, she truly needed to fix that insolent attitude of his.

To return to the past.

To strip him of all rights just like back then.

I would discipline him so that no arrogant words would ever escape his lips again.

Solitary confinement? I could easily throw him in there whenever I wanted.

I would summon a proper tutor to teach him at the mansion.

He would pay dearly for constantly bringing up whether he should be expelled from the ducal house or not.

Even if my mother came personally to dissuade me, I wouldn’t show any mercy.

…But then again.

It was different.

Unlike before.

Pointing out nonsensical issues and framing Shatren once more; I thought he could only lie here.

But it wasn’t a frame-up.

And it certainly wasn’t a lie either.

That concept and theory called pH.

The data from meticulously calculated data scrolls.

And then—

‘Nonsense…’

Grade A grapes and strawberries were being produced by Karsein’s hands.

“Didn’t I tell you it’s not over yet?”

“You’re already thinking of punishing me before the presentation has even started, aren’t you?”

At the sound of Karsein’s voice echoing from somewhere, Arina had to clamp her mouth shut.

*Ding!*

▶ The dead flag related to Arina in this episode has disappeared. ◀

***

Arshien cast a sidelong glance at the faces of the nobles, satisfaction evident on his features.

Only four weekly report meetings attended?

Had he fled to avoid the midterm evaluation?

Had he postponed his report just to make excuses on the final presentation date?

‘Can he really say that?’

No one here could challenge Karsein right now.

Who would dare speak of status and rank?

Who would mention issues of capability and question attendance eligibility?

Who could possibly open their mouth against someone who had revived two of the worst territories?

‘Defense time? That wouldn’t even be possible.’

His presentation was perfection itself.

He was someone who produced results most ideal for a lord.

Unlike other presenters, unlike other temporary lords.

The achievements Karsein had made deserved nothing less than top marks.

“The difference between first and second place this year… is two steps.”

Even if I had only taken one step, there would have been a significant gap. Yet, due to the overwhelming lead of Karsein, the distance between him and Claire in second place was almost unfathomable.

There was no need to look further.

With a grand finale, it would be enough to conclude the symposium.

As Arsien thought this and lifted his hammer—

“Ah. My presentation isn’t over yet.”

“…Huh?”

“I still have a bit left.”

Karsein raised his hand to signal that he had not finished speaking.

“It seems I’m somewhat inexperienced, so I feel compelled to ask this question.”

Such shameless words again.

Still, I found it quite satisfying how he kept the nobles on their toes.

“Speak up.”

Florence chuckled softly and granted permission, while Arsien nodded in acknowledgment.

“Hasn’t everyone heard rumors about the residents of Chatrain fighting amongst themselves?”

“…!”

Why is this coming up here?

To directly mention something detrimental to his own standing…

At this rate, we might just open up a defense time.

But.

“Wait. Why is that coming up—”

Suddenly, Arshien realized something upon seeing Karsein’s expression.

There was no way the person involved could be unaware of it.

The fact that those words would allow the nobles to infiltrate and tear into him.

And yet, he had brought it up himself?

‘…No way.’

Does this mean the announcement isn’t over yet?