The Damn Family Is Back Again

159 – 159. CHAPTER 2 – EPISODE V (6)

The main episode began with the completion of the hidden episode.

From then on, the game’s progression unfolded as it was.

Arsien explained the revised and added regulations at the 21st Eastern Noble Conference, announcing that the nobles’ performances would be evaluated more strictly and meticulously.

As a result, worried voices began to emerge from the nobles here and there.

“Isn’t it too much, even if we do it like that?”

“It’s not just a simple change. The added regulations and deleted clauses alone make it impossible to use the existing methods.”

“Then… do we have to start from scratch? We can’t even borrow the power of the lord from the beginning of this Eastern Noble Conference.”

“It’s too demanding, even for the imperial family. If we have to produce results like this, it’s too…”

-THUD!

Arsien banged his fist, demanding silence.

“The theme of this conference is to find ways to make the lives of the imperial citizens more affluent and comfortable. However, you are still stuck in the past, choosing failed methods and repeating the same mistakes. Are you trying to ruin the future as well?”

-BOOM!

Arsien slammed his fist again.

At the same time, the magic tool shone brightly, unfolding a map of the empire in mid-air, and the neatly organized data appeared above the conference table.

“What a ridiculous situation. The trade volume increases every year, but the production and supply remain stagnant. We tried to change the system and policies, but they only had a temporary effect. The result is that we’re still stuck in the same place. Are you going to leave the regulations as they are?”

Arsien’s voice grew louder, his criticism becoming more intense.

“The so-called nobles are truly shameless. They eat away at the imperial citizens’ sweat and toil, and now they’re afraid of failing in front of the imperial family?”

The nobles, who had been murmuring in discontent, closed their mouths, and an awkward silence fell.

As expected, the imperial family was the imperial family.

Arsien’s charisma was overwhelming, making every word feel like a heavy blow.

After silencing the nobles, Arsien returned to his usual calm tone.

“What you’ve shown so far is just a facade to maintain your shallow ranks. You haven’t managed your territories at all. The lives of the imperial citizens haven’t improved one bit. So, this time, let’s see if you can really prove yourselves. Are you truly worthy of being called nobles?”

After that, Arsien continued his speech.

From then on, the conference proceeded with explanations of the new system’s key points, deductions, and prohibited items.

I watched, wondering if there was anything different from the game’s situation, but…

There wasn’t anything significantly different.

The point that one person manages one territory, and during that period, they can perform all administrative tasks as a temporary lord. From there, the explanations covered the factors that would lead to deductions during cooperation and the range of valid points.

It was all identical to the game’s text I knew.

“And so, the 21st Eastern Noble Conference comes to a close. Take your time to choose your territory, and think deeply about your strategy.”

Arsien’s speech ended with the sound of a hammer.

The nobles were in a state of confusion, wondering which territory to choose.

For me, it was also a time to choose my territory, but…

-DING!

It was also a signal that the episode’s progress time had arrived.

▶EPISODE V. The irreversible past is unfolding.◀

▶Arina will arrive soon.◀

“I thought we were moving on to the hidden episode. I guess not, huh?”

Well, there’s nothing I can do about it.

Only.

▶Since we cleared the hidden episode, there’s no choice, and we won’t get kicked out of the conference room.◀

Even just looking at the current status window, it’s clear that if we answer incorrectly, we’ll get kicked out, and this sentence is replacing the warning message.

The risk of getting kicked out is zero.

There’s no choice, so we can just pick a decent answer and go with it.

I roughly organized what I wanted to say to Ariana and finished my speech, and Arsiene, who had come down from the podium, approached me and asked.

“Hmm. It seems we didn’t come to an agreement beforehand? Seeing Ariana hurry down like that.”

“Yes. Well, it’s obvious she’s coming to scold us. As expected, she’ll ask how far we plan to drag down the honor of the Bagrande Duchy.”

Arsiene paused for a moment after hearing that.

“I can help you.”

“What?”

“You participated in this symposium as the lord of Rusmaye, not as a member of the Bagrande Duchy. If your intention is related to the Shatren territory, I can testify on your behalf.”

Ah, what did that mean?

Was that what he meant?

“There’s no need for Her Highness the Princess to go to such trouble.”

“…Young Master?”

“It’s true that I participated as the lord of Rusmaye, not as a member of the Bagrande Duchy. And it’s also true that I did it to take care of the Shatren territory. But I don’t need that proof.”

“What do you mean? If things go on like this, it wouldn’t be strange if your older sister gets angry and kicks you out.”

“Whatever. I won’t get kicked out of this conference room, so don’t worry about it.”

There’s no need for proof or anything.

I’m just a burden to that family, anyway.

I just need to claim that I’ve created the best agreement for them.

Before I knew it, the red ponytail was right in front of me.

Although Arsiene couldn’t express his emotions in front of me, I could tell what he was thinking.

“Kalsein.”

“Do you have something to say to me?” Ariana’s gaze seemed to ask.

I responded confidently, without hesitation.

“I didn’t do anything wrong, did I?”

Ariana, who had been frowning, turned to Arsiene first.

“I apologize. Princess Arsiene. Due to a family matter, I need to speak with Kalsein for a moment. Please wait a bit.”

“There’s no need to wait. We can just talk here.”

“…Kalsein!”

“You might think it’s a family matter, but I don’t.”

“Ah, in front of the Princess. Kalsein.”

Ariana gestured, drawing attention to herself.

“Let’s switch places. Come on, quickly.”

“Why? Are you just going to complain about how we’re trampling on the honor of the Bagrande Duchy?”

“…”

In the silence, Ariana’s blue eyes glowed fiercely.

It was a gaze that seemed to say, “Follow me right now.”

I ridiculed Arina and responded.

“I’m the one who ruined the Shatren territory, so I have no reason not to be there, right?”

-Ding!

At that moment, not one, but two alarms rang out.

***

As soon as the Shatren territory was mentioned, Arina’s eyes widened, and she turned her head.

“…What are you talking about right now.”

“The Shatren territory is experiencing its worst harvest. The land that was once so fertile has been ruined since I took over, and there’s no sign of recovery. Then, if we evaluate the performance, I should be at the bottom, right?”

Carsein continued, shrugging his shoulders as if it was no big deal.

“The Bagrand Duchy has been achieving results every year at the symposium. You, Claire, and Flora are always there. But I’m not.”

“…”

“I’m the only one who has achieved the worst performance. It’s not the Bagrand Duchy, but I who have to take responsibility for it. If I don’t want to tarnish the duchy’s name, I have to be there. So, I’m not a part of the Bagrand Duchy, but a lord who owns the land of Rusmayre, sitting at the bottom. I accepted the failure of last year’s performance.”

There was nothing to say.

It was truly a just argument.

“It’s the best compromise, isn’t it? I’m not a part of the Bagrand Duchy, but a lord of Rusmayre, receiving opportunities from the bottom. Then, the Bagrand Duchy’s name won’t be tarnished, and I’ll get to know the world better while struggling. There’s no problem, right?”

At the same time, Carsein confessed to having made a mistake today, and his argument seemed even more convincing.

Yes, it was all true.

Carsein lacked the qualifications for this symposium.

He was so incompetent that it was no surprise he was at the bottom.

If Carsein accepted his performance and only exercised his authority as the lord of Rusmayre, he wouldn’t have any influence on the Bagrand Duchy.

Moreover, Claire wouldn’t have to take care of Carsein’s scores, and the burden on her would disappear. It was a perfect compromise.

However, this unpleasant truth made Arina feel uneasy.

It was too obvious what would happen to Carsein if she accepted his argument.

“Other nobles will definitely keep an eye on you.”

“That’s my fault too. I have to accept it even if they do.”

“The lower ranks will be delayed in choosing their territories. They might even get a territory in poor condition.”

“That’s when I’ll get bonus points, and I’ll have more ways to earn scores than the existing system. It’s balanced, so I don’t think it’s a problem.”

“But if you only have the authority of Rusmayre, you won’t be able to receive the power of the Bagrand Duchy compared to other nobles! You’ll be at a disadvantage from the start in terms of trade, discussion, and compromise!”

“On the contrary, it’s better. Then, I can proceed on my own without harming the Bagrand Duchy.”

Ugh.

How could he be so stubborn and argue back one by one?

Arina’s teeth were grinding in frustration.

“Why do you want to struggle like that? I just wanted to make you realize your shortcomings and correct your mistakes, not tell you to suffer with unnecessary burdens!”

She had hoped he would gradually fill in the gaps in his knowledge, not suffer like this. Absolutely not.

But Carsein didn’t budge from his opinion until the end.

As soon as she heard his words, her whole body was filled with anger.

It was as if her insides were about to turn upside down.

Ariana couldn’t hold back anymore and shouted.

“Do as you please!”

Even though the Arsiene princess was right next to her, witnessing the whole scene, Ariana’s anger was still burning inside.

But.

As she went up the stairs and returned to her place, Ariana glanced back at Karsein.

“…You foolish child!”

– Tingling!

▶Ariana’s intimacy has increased!◀

From noble mtl dot com

[Current score: 45%]

***

Ariana, who didn’t show respect in front of the royal family and turned her back on them, was a rare sight… but that didn’t matter to Arsiene at the moment.

Arsiene let out a deep sigh and asked.

“…Is this the answer you were looking for?”

“Yes. Isn’t it the best answer?”

“You’re unbelievable. How can you make such an ignorant choice? If you do this, you’ll have to take the entire symposium test on your own without anyone’s help.”

“I can pass it fairly and reasonably without bothering anyone else.”

“I’m not doubting your abilities, but Shatren is in a much worse situation than before. Do you know how many people are waiting for you to fall at this symposium? And yet, you think you can restore Shatren without the help of the Bagrande dukedom, and reject the hands of your sisters?”

“It doesn’t matter. I’ve already made up my mind.”

“Hmm. Alright.”

Arsiene shook her head and returned to her place.

Meanwhile.

– Thud.

Clare’s legs weakened as she eavesdropped on Ariana and Karsein’s conversation from behind a corner.

“Karsein… is going to choose Shatren territory?”

What nonsense is that?

Clare’s heart sank.