The Damn Family Is Back Again

246. I Need to Earn Money (3)

It has been a few days since the symposium and the math trip ended.

This symposium was clearly more difficult compared to previous exams.

Without the governor’s assistance and barely receiving any support from the family, it was quite a challenging test for the children.

Nevertheless, everyone performed admirably.

From what I’ve heard about the various territories, the feedback regarding Bagrand has been overwhelmingly positive.

Because of this, there has been some chatter among the retainers.

“More importantly, Lady Isabella. I would like to speak about the Duke of Carsein.”

Among the vassals, Count Mendel, who was close to the Duke of Bagland, spoke up. Surprisingly, he even attached the title of “Lord” to his words.

The gazes of the vassals toward Karsein were not much different from those of other nobles.

Even those loyal to the House of Duke Bagland had to remain silent about Karsein’s uncultured and lacking demeanor.

There must have been those who strongly argued that such a person should not even be allowed to participate in the Imperial Dragon Martial Arts Tournament, claiming he had no qualifications whatsoever.

But now, things were different.

“I believe we need to reassess Lord Karsein’s qualities.”

“I agree. It is a matter that requires reevaluation.”

They were beginning to change their perspective on Karsein.

Isabella, who had taken a sip of tea, asked,

“What kind of reevaluation are you talking about?”

“It is necessary to reassess the heir qualifications of Lord Karsein.”

“…Heir qualifications, you say?”

“Yes. Did he not lead the revival of the notorious territories of Shatren after Rusmaier?”

“Princess Claire and Princess Arina certainly rank among the top. However, such overwhelming results can only be attributed to talent.”

“…”

Isabella was aware of that aspect as well.

Given the results, it was inevitable.

The 21st Eastern Nobility Conference, deemed the worst of the worst.

At this conference, Karsein achieved results of an entirely different dimension. He reached a rank that no one else could attain, delivering a fresh shock to the nobles.

Karsein’s performance was so outstanding that it created a new rank beyond A+, an S rank.

‘…That is a valid point.’

In a place that was no different from a trial by fire, to pinpoint and resolve the issues of a territory in the worst condition without even the support of the head of the family—what does that say?

This was enough to excite the vassals.

“Wait a moment.”

Just then.

Someone banged on the table in opposition.

“I cannot agree to that agenda. Is there not a significant issue remaining?”

“…”

Isabella sighed as she looked ahead.

“Is there not a problem regarding the legitimacy of Bagland’s bloodline? In the case of the other princesses, they were born of legitimate blood. But Lord Karsein is not, is he?”

—

“Just the mention of raising a b*stard invites disapproving glances. No matter what, we cannot place Lord Carsein on the same level as the noble ladies.”

“If we make a mistake, the name of Bagrand will become a laughingstock. How can we designate someone with no blood ties as the heir of the family?”

Indeed.

That is precisely the issue with Carsein.

Bloodline. For the nobility, this bloodline is one of the most crucial elements in ensuring the continuation of the family legacy.

From the vassals’ perspective, having an excellent ruler is desirable, but it also becomes the biggest gossip in the empire.

The vassals were divided.

With such evident capabilities, shouldn’t we prioritize ability over bloodline?

Carsein possesses exceptional talent to lead Bagrand.

Yet, no matter how outstanding one’s abilities may be, disregarding bloodline tarnishes the family name.

Considering the position within noble society, only the eldest daughter, Arina, could be deemed suitable.

Thus, the sides were drawn.

The numbers favored those who prioritized ability by a significant margin. A minority of bloodline advocates were raising their voices, so they were already outnumbered.

As the debate continued.

Isabella sighed and called for a halt to the meeting.

“That’s enough.”

At Isabella’s voice, the vassals immediately ceased their quarrel. They turned their attention, wondering if the lady might express an opinion.

“I understand your intentions. However, what succession can we discuss for a child who has yet to undergo their coming-of-age ceremony?”

“Um…”

“That is certainly true.”

She managed to pass it off with as neutral a statement as possible.

But inwardly, she had arrived at a different conclusion than the one deemed premature.

The meeting concluded as it was.

As the vassals began to leave one by one, Isabella remained alone in the conference room, lost in thought.

In the meantime.

Heron approached and handed her a freshly brewed cup of tea.

– Clink.

“I thought you might be feeling a bit stressed, so I brought your favorite tea.”

“Thank you, Heron.”

As Isabella took a sip of the tea Heron had brought, she suddenly found herself pondering such thoughts.

—

‘That child just couldn’t tell me.’

The children who had gone on the school trip had almost processed their schedules.

Isabella, who had been anxious after hearing the news of Carsein’s hospitalization, could finally visit each of her children one by one.

And then, she held them tightly in her arms, comforting them with words of encouragement for their struggles.

She even personally handed out allowances to the three of them, saying they had worked hard.

However, even though she had visited each one, there was one person she could not meet.

This was not fair.

The same affection had not reached everyone.

Just like when Heron had said those words in the past.

‘Shatren had suffered particularly badly.’

In that case, let’s set aside a bit more.

So that the damages incurred from the Wagrul faction could be easily restored.

“Heron. Please send a letter to Carsein. Just write that… yes. Ask about his participation in the martial arts tournament.”

It would be good to inquire about the succession as well.

About an hour must have passed.

While Isabella was working in her office, someone knocked.

“It’s Carsein. I came because you called for me.”

“Come in.”

Isabella welcomed Carsein with a bright face.

However.

What would happen next was not so bright.

***

She had expected it to take at least two to two and a half hours, but Carsein arrived in less than an hour, which left Isabella a bit flustered.

Of course, there was no time to be flustered.

– Clink.

“Quickly bring the tea. And some snacks that are worth eating.”

Isabella, who had greeted Carsein warmly, was now busily moving about without organizing any documents, unlike before.

It was a stark contrast to how she had been when he came to greet her in the morning.

Perhaps discontented with that appearance, Carsein immediately broke the silence.

“It’s fine. You don’t need to bring in tea or snacks, so just tell them not to. After all, aren’t you busy?”

“Not that much. I have time to chat with you—”

“I don’t want to be a bother. I told you back then, didn’t I? I don’t want to take up your busy time by coming all the way here just for a morning greeting.”

I had hoped we could leisurely enjoy some snacks and have a cozy chat. However, with Karsein’s firm attitude to get straight to the point, Isabella continued the conversation with a hint of disappointment.

“…Alright. I understand. What are your plans for the martial arts tournament?”

“I’ve already discussed that with Arina.”

“What?”

“I’ve decided to participate. It’s been a while since I signed what Arina presented. As a condition, if I fall below a certain rank and tarnish the family name, I was told not to think about participating in any future events.”

“What does that mean…?”

Isabella muttered in confusion before closing her mouth.

She had never set such conditions.

The original condition was simply to observe.

Karsein had performed well at the 21st Eastern Nobility Conference, but he had a history of causing a major incident at the Huanglong Martial Arts Tournament.

Given his past of ruining the tournament with a one-sided assault that diminished his dignity and prestige, they had decided to confirm whether he would return all authority this time.

But for such words to come from Karsein’s mouth?

If Karsein were lying about this, it would be a problem in itself, but he didn’t seem to be lying.

That means…

‘…It’s your unilateral decision, isn’t it, Arina?’

Isabella clenched her fist tightly.

This needed to be firmly communicated to Arina.

But for now, the conversation with Karsein took precedence.

-Swish.

Isabella rose from her seat.

“I told the other kids the same thing after the symposium, but I couldn’t say it to you. It’s late, but I want to say it now.”

She took Karsein’s hand with one hand.

With the other, she gently patted his shoulder.

Isabella finally expressed what she had wanted to say all along.

“You’ve worked hard, Karsein. And congratulations.”

After offering her congratulations, Isabella returned to the table where she had been working, soon pulling out an envelope. With a satisfied expression, she returned to the sofa and handed it to Karsein.

“I heard that Shatren suffered considerable damage due to the Waglou faction. So, I’ve put in some funds to help with the recovery. And I’ve included a generous allowance, so feel free to spend it wherever you like.”

The funding from Shatren has all been spent from Carsein’s allowance, making it a bit thicker than that of the other sisters.

However.

-Swish.

Carsein pushed away all of Isabella’s hands.

And without a change in expression, he replied.

“I don’t need it.”

At those words, a suffocating air filled Isabella’s chest.

***

Isabella stared at Carsein with a flustered expression.

“What do you mean you don’t need it? The cost of damage recovery must be quite substantial…”

“That’s something I have to handle myself.”

“What… do you mean?”

“That territory is now under my direct management. The imperial side has also issued an official document, so all issues must be resolved by me personally.”

The desire to resolve it himself is commendable.

No, one could even say it’s admirable.

But no matter how admirable it is, to say he would handle it alone?

That’s nonsense.

“Handle it yourself… But because of that, your allowance is all going to Shatren right now, isn’t it?”

“Well, I’ll have to resolve that on my own. I can’t stay in the shadow of the duke’s family forever.”

“…”

Carsein, denying every point as if he were not wrong at all.

With each denial, he finds himself in a more disadvantageous position, kicking away the helping hand that had come to him.

Isabella still tries once more.

“Still, please take it. I couldn’t even give you a proper gift for the symposium. This much should be fine, right?”

“Not at all.”

“Carsein…”

Carsein pushed the envelope away and stood up.

“If you’ve said everything you need to, may I take my leave now? I don’t want to waste any more of your time.”

“…”

With a troubled expression, Isabella sighed.

“…So be it. Just don’t pay any mind to Arina’s words. I can manage to soften her stubbornness a bit.”

“You really don’t need to get involved.”

“What?”

“That’s a perfectly valid point. What guarantee is there that a problem child who caused trouble in the past won’t do it again? It’s only right to be prepared for anything.”

“Karsein. I don’t think you’ve done anything that wrong. Must you insist on this?”

“I don’t want to be a bother any longer, so I’ll take my leave.”

Isabella called out to Karsein in a weary tone, but he had already left the room.

“Sigh. If that’s what you want, I won’t stop you, but…”

Isabella muttered to herself, as if she couldn’t comprehend.

Heron looked at Isabella with a pitying gaze and then closed his eyes tightly.

‘My lady. The young master has already…’

It was too late.

Before any action could be taken.

– Ding!