The Damn Family Is Back Again

260. The Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament (8)

Still, I have my doubts.

I had merely returned what Harnié had done to me; if it was a fair exchange where we both took a little from each other, there shouldn’t be any real problem.

I couldn’t understand why I had been hit with that back spike at all.

Nevertheless, she soon crossed her arms again.

“…?”

It was both perplexing and puzzling.

So I remained silent.

An unexpected question naturally led the conversation to continue.

“Are you… considering taking on the role of successor?”

Successor?

What does that even mean?

Seeing my confused expression, Harnié changed her question.

“I’m just asking in case you don’t know… Karsein. Have you heard the rumors going around about you?”

“Uh…”

“It seems you really don’t know.”

Harnié sighed lightly and continued to explain.

“Your performance in this martial arts tournament has been so outstanding that there are whispers you might become the successor of Bagland.”

“Huh.”

That’s ridiculous.

Successor? Of that damned family?

It’s getting hot.

“Who spread such rumors?”

“…Among the aristocrats.”

“Yes?”

“It’s true, but only for a brief moment during the symposium. But at that time, it was just a casual mention, and this time it’s different. As the head of the family, my qualifications have been properly discussed.”

“…?”

I didn’t expect this. I had only focused on increasing my own benefits.

“Is that a serious expression?”

“No, of course not. You know my goal better than anyone.”

“…Yes, it is.”

My goal is to escape from that family, not to become the head of the household.

Even if it’s the peak of the aristocracy, the Bagrand family, it’s the same.

“I didn’t suspect anything, but I should be careful. Carcin. What does it mean? I understand.”

“Yes, I understand.”

If we just look at it superficially, it seems that Carcin’s positive reputation has been added to the list. However, if the rumors spread and the atmosphere shifts in that direction, it could become a problem.

At that time, it might even hinder my escape plan.

I should have said it clearly.

I don’t care about being the heir of the Bagrand family.

“Ah, so you’re making progress?”

“Yes, everything is going smoothly. I’ve also been accumulating funds.”

“That’s good.”

As we naturally discussed our plans with Harnee, the conversation flowed like a stream.

But then, time passed.

Harnee even brought me to the place where she was staying.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t think I’d bring you this far…”

“It’s okay. I’ll rest tomorrow.”

“Yes? Are you resting tomorrow?”

“I have no schedule prepared. Maybe, the schedule will be arranged for the last day.”

“Hmm. That’s right.”

Well, considering the points I’ve gathered so far, I think I have enough leeway, Harnee nodded her head.

“Be careful on your way back, Karsein.”

“Yes. I hope you sleep well too.”

After exchanging the usual farewells, I turned to leave.

Just then.

“Um, um, Karsein!”

She called out to me once more.

“If everything goes according to your plan… it’s enough if it’s a place out of the Duke’s reach, right?”

I wondered why such a sudden question had come up.

“Yes. That’s correct.”

I did want that.

For now, at least.

Harnie responded with a faint smile, saying she understood. She added that it was quite late, so I should really head back.

How many times did she gesture for me to hurry up while keeping her gaze on me until the very end? As I lingered, Harnie would also urge me to leave with a wave of her hand.

Only after spending a little more time until her figure disappeared from my sight could I finally take my leave.

Thanks to that, I returned to my lodging just before midnight.

“Ugh.”

Once back, I immediately washed up and, unlike usual, lay down on the bed right away.

Having used quite a bit of mana and moved my body around, I felt rather stiff.

Still, I needed to plan for tomorrow.

Episode strategy. Check the Noblesse points. Check intimacy levels.

I needed to review what issues had arisen throughout the day.

“Today… well, nothing in particular. The most I did was participate in the tournament.”

It wasn’t that there were no dead triggers, but since the situation wasn’t that dire, there shouldn’t be any flags arising at this time.

After checking the comfortably filled points once more, I felt relieved.

“There are no events for tomorrow. The points are sufficient. I suppose I just need to firmly state that I don’t need the equipment test from Count Ptoah or the heir position.”

An unexpected new schedule had emerged, but well, I had to endure that to eliminate variables.

And conveniently, tomorrow is Arina’s birthday.

That’s the key point.

If Flora’s birthday had intruded during the symposium, shaking the framework of the main episode, then Arina’s birthday would intrude during the Huanglong Martial Arts Tournament.

If I fail to properly address this and neglect the management of Noblesse points from the beginning, it would greatly upset Arina and create difficulties in executing the Another Plan.

—

But fortunately, my point is.

[ Noblesse Point: -193 ]

From -248 to -193.

A fairly high figure had been restored.

This suggests that Carsein’s reputation is flowing positively within noble society.

If tomorrow’s birthday episode for Arina goes smoothly with a gift that suits her taste, there shouldn’t be any nasty rumors about not celebrating my sister’s birthday.

“In that sense, should I go to bed a bit earlier today?”

The birthday gift is one thing.

And the effect of the vow jewel that Harni had set is another.

The fatigue state is also a state anomaly.

It seems there’s no harm in getting some early sleep.

Turning off the lights, I closed my eyes and fell asleep much faster than usual.

Unaware of what status window might appear the next day.

*

The only ducal family recognized by the illustrious Peselros Imperial family. The Bagrand family has always reigned at the pinnacle of nobility.

It was true in the past, it is true now. It will be true in the future.

That fact has not changed. As this martial arts tournament proves, the Duke of Bagrand occupies the upper ranks.

However, this martial arts tournament had a significant difference.

Due to that difference, just a few hours ago, Bagrand’s vassals had gathered in one place for a meeting.

“Is everyone here?”

As Marquis Magnuell, standing at the center of the meeting room, looked around and asked, everyone either cleared their throats or glanced nervously.

While it might be different on the other side, it was clear to anyone that not everyone from Marquis Magnuell’s side was present.

The number of empty seats alone was enough to provide an answer.

The number of those who shared the same intent had decreased.

Marquis Magnuell clenched his teeth and brought up the topic.

“I believe everyone is aware of the rumors circulating in society.”

“Of course!”

“How could that be…!”

One topic emerged amidst the silence.

At the mention of societal rumors, the vassals began to react in unison.

—

“You all must be out of your minds. Karsein as the heir to Bagrand? Is that even a reasonable thought?”

“I agree. I can’t understand why a boy who’s perfect gossip material is being granted the position of heir.”

“His symposium results were impressive? So what? It’s just a symposium, and he performed well in the martial arts tournament? It’s still just a martial arts tournament!”

“To have another bloodline enter the only ducal family of the illustrious Peselros Empire is a severe blow to our legitimacy!”

Complaints poured out one after another.

As rumors spread following the symposium and the martial arts tournament, his exceptional abilities began to gain recognition.

From their perspective, claiming legitimacy while allowing someone with no blood ties to ascend to the position of heir was utterly absurd.

But they were merely a minority.

“Isn’t the young master officially recognized as a legitimate member of Bagrand? Why speak as if he lacks qualifications?”

“I’ll admit it’s gossip. However, if that gossip is buried under his abilities, it will soon be forgotten.”

“The symposium showcases the abilities of civil officials. The Huanglong Martial Arts Tournament displays the skills of military officials. For the children of nobility, it’s the greatest proof of possessing both civil and martial prowess!”

“Considering the abilities he demonstrated in that proving ground, I believe we can overlook some aspects of legitimacy for the future, for Bagrand. Don’t you think?”

The number of those mentioning Karsein as a potential heir had grown tremendously.

Exceptional abilities.

What the Bagrand ducal family needed was that very foundation of talent.

In the end, the meeting dragged on for a long time, but the will of Marquis Magnuell remained unfulfilled.

‘At this rate… the position of heir will be handed to Karsein.’

With a clear bloodline flowing through the family, to have to accept a commoner who rolled in from outside?

That was simply unacceptable.

Late into the night.

Marquis Magnuell moved forward.

– Whoosh! Whoosh!

Even at this hour, he approached a woman with a ponytail, gripping a sword.

‘Yes. When it comes to ability, this side has already proven itself more.’

The eldest daughter of the Bagrand family. Arina Bagrand.

Her abilities were enough to fill the void left by Isabella, who had been unable to fulfill her duties due to mental illness.

Symposium? Huanglong Martial Arts Tournament?

Her results were incomparable.

Everything comes down to real-world experience.

“What brings you here, Marquis Magnuell?”

As Marquis Magnuell approached, Arina, who had paused her practice, wiped a bead of sweat with a towel and asked.

Marquis Magnuell spoke directly.

“I believe you are aware of the rumors, Your Highness. The rumors that Prince Carsein is being mentioned as the next Duke of the Bagrand family.”

“…”

At those words, Arina’s eyes flickered for a brief moment.

Marquis Magnuell did not miss that movement.

“However, those rumors are blasphemous. To leave behind a pillar of Bagrand like you, Princess Arina, and to elevate a mere boy, adopted from outside, over a legitimate heir with both bloodline and legitimacy!?”

“Marquis.”

“Since the past, Bagrand has faced all kinds of scrutiny, standing at the pinnacle. Slander, defamation, conspiracies! Malicious individuals have tried to drag it down by any means necessary. What if that adopted boy is here to ruin the ducal family?”

“Marquis!”

As if to say that was enough, Arina raised her voice.

Yet, in her eyes, blue flames were sparking.

The Marquis’s intentions had struck home.

“So, what is it you want to say, Marquis?”

Finally, the Marquis, who had been waiting in a crouched position, opened his mouth.

“There are two days left in the martial arts tournament, Princess Arina. So!”

He lowered his head.

“Show us what true Bagrand is. Show us what it means to be superior!”

The power embedded in the emotion of anger.

It provokes Arina, drawing out that strength.

And that strength will naturally manifest in the tournament.

That will be enough.

To ensure that the impurity of Carsein Bagrand never casts its gaze upon the throne of Bagrand again, it can simply be crushed by force.

*

“Damn…!”

I clearly confirmed that there were no issues yesterday.

No. In fact, I felt no such signs at all.

-Ding!

▶ The schedule for Day 3 of the Hwangryong Martial Arts Tournament is about to begin. ◀

The tournament continues.

Noblesse Point is Noblesse Point.

I had never acted in a way that could negatively impact Karsein in any external matters.

But then.

▶ Arina’s intimacy has decreased! ◀

[ Current Value: 10% ]

▶ Warning! ◀

▶ Arina’s intimacy is too low; the option avoidance effect during the tournament will be deactivated. ◀

The intimacy of the character I absolutely could not afford to let drop in this episode was falling.

What on earth happened?

What variable has emerged?