The Damn Family Is Back Again

236. Visiting Hours (2)

“Mother. I can’t understand this. Why?”

Arina questioned back incredulously at what seemed incomprehensible.

“If we lift all his restrictions now, he’ll run rampant again. Are you really suggesting we do that despite knowing this?”

“…Yes.”

“Mother!”

Tap tap.

Isabella tapped twice on Carsein’s notification letter with her index finger.

“The thoughts and plans that Carseine harbored during this symposium have become painfully clear. There was no falsehood in the words of that child you stood against time and again.”

“I have no intention of disputing Carseine’s commendable performance at this symposium. However, one success cannot erase everything else.”

Isabella offered a hint, yet Arina steadfastly continued her defense.

“The Eastern Nobles’ Conference has only just concluded. With summer approaching, the martial arts tournament will commence soon. Are we to simply watch as he harms others? What other calamities do you expect?”

Though it may seem somewhat excessive…

Isabella shared the same concern.

“Indeed. The Huanglong Martial Arts Tournament is right around the corner. If another incident occurs here, neither Bagland nor its vassals will show mercy.”

“You know this well enough! Then…!”

“You once claimed all of Carseine’s rights were to be stripped away from him, asserting that you’d return them when he proved worthy. Hasn’t this symposium demonstrated his worthiness?”

“…!”

At the mention of her past words, Arina flinched.

“I believe Carseine has sufficiently proven himself through this event. He is no longer that foolish child we once knew; he has changed significantly.”

Isabella added one more remark.

“This time, you are mistaken, Arina.”

‘Mistaken.’

It was the first time she had ever heard such words from her mother.

As the eldest daughter of House Bagland, Arina had never forgotten her responsibilities.

She began studying early compared to other children in order to be helpful.

Amongst nobles, she sought to excel and uphold her family’s prestige.

From noble mtl dot com

This was not only a duty befitting a noble or an obligation tied to the name of House Bagland but also a way to support her mother.

Since losing Father and Karn, Mother had been so deeply heartbroken that she nearly succumbed to madness. So, in an effort to help her, Arina rolled up her sleeves and set out to learn and master whatever she could, shouldering the weight of the Duchy alone.

No. It shouldn’t have been merely a matter of helping.

There were still much younger siblings under Arina’s care, and to protect them, she needed to become a strong pillar for Bagland.

She had to be perfect.

Capable enough to lead this family.

Because of this burden, Arina took pride in always choosing the right path.

Yet now she found herself hearing words of disapproval from none other than her mother.

Suppressing her anger with great effort, Arina replied,

“Understood. Then let’s limit it first to just the Huanglong Martial Arts Tournament.”

“Arina.”

“Isn’t there more we need to observe? Considering past records?”

The Huanglong Martial Arts Tournament.

Even here in Karsein, there was already a wealth of history associated with it.

“…Do you really have to go that far? That child is your sibling too.”

“Before being my sibling, they are part of Bagland.”

Public matters must be separated from private ones.

Even if this time was right, all that had transpired cannot simply be forgotten.

Thus it must be stricter—more severe.

One more judgment is necessary.

“Sigh. Fine then. Let’s proceed as you wish.”

Isabella sighed and reluctantly accepted the changed terms.

“If that guy proves he has changed in this martial arts tournament, I will acknowledge it completely and return his rights.”

“Alright. Go ahead.”

Arina finished her greeting and turned away.

Even after their conversation had ended, a fierce spark flickered in her eyes.

‘Could it really be something Carsein planned?’

Faulty farming methods.

Problems with the soil.

An internal enemy.

Interference from outside.

Blatant meddling and exposure of a faction, even securing evidence.

Carsein hadn’t overlooked any of it.

He investigated meticulously and calculated every detail without fail.

Neither he nor Claire could have devised such a plan, it seemed unlikely even if they put their heads together.

No. It would be difficult for the two of them to manage that at all.

And yet Carsein accomplished it all alone?

It was hard to believe.

It would be more plausible to think that the fiancée who had significantly elevated the position of the Teresia Marquis family in the past was behind this instead.

‘Enough. I just need to confirm everything at this martial arts tournament.’

Was he truly worthy of bearing the name of the Duke of Bagland?

Was that reckless plan merely a stroke of luck that led to its success?

Am I truly maturing, as my mother said?

I suppose I can confirm everything in due time.

***

On the first day of my hospitalization, I found myself forcibly confined to the hospital room.

Well, there was no helping it.

With Harni keeping the lights on, any chance for outside activity was out of the question.

However…

“Surely you’re not thinking about going outside?”

“Oh, no… It’s just that my body feels so stiff.”

Even stretching occasionally while claiming stiffness drew subtle warnings from her.

“Time for bed. Open your mouth.”

“But… my hands aren’t injured or anything?”

“Nope, absolute rest. Your doctor specifically told you that.”

Though I could eat by myself, she insisted on feeding me directly.

“This is as far as we go with paperwork. Don’t read any more; just sleep now. I’ll take care of the rest for you.”

Whenever I tried to do a bit of work related to the estate, within less than two hours she would swoop in and handle it all instead of me.

I appreciated her help immensely…

– Hey! Why are you already trying to pick up extra work? Just lie down in bed already! You’ll reopen your wounds at this rate!

– Sleep now! Ugh.

“Even if it’s exam season, you’re still a patient. I’ll summarize everything for you, so just take it easy.”

Strangely, I couldn’t help but think of Ji-eun, who had visited me when I was hospitalized.

“Ah. Even this is the same.”

I chuckled softly as I watched her.

“Umm…”

She had been tending to me all day and was now dozing off.

After yawning repeatedly for a while, her eyes were now completely closed, and her head was bobbing.

If I woke her up and told her to go back, it was clear she wouldn’t leave at all.

It couldn’t be helped.

“Okay. Careful now.”

Just like when Ji-eun did the same for me.

I gently lifted Harni’s body to avoid waking her up.

Slowly raising the surprisingly light form of Harni, I laid her down on the bed and tucked the blanket around her carefully.

“Mmm…”

“Yeah. That should do it.”

After some restless shifting, Harni soon settled into a comfortable position and fell asleep.

The soft sound of her breathing indicated that she must have been quite exhausted.

As I watched over her for a moment longer, I took a seat on the edge of the bed to check on things that had gone unnoticed until now.

First and foremost was my status window:

▶You have acquired the Shatren territory. From this point onward, you may exercise your rights as its lord; any issues that arise will affect your reputation.◀

“This is just like the game.”

After completing the symposium, the player would definitively acquire the territory they governed.

Previously, only one territory slot had been unlocked, preventing them from ruling over any other lands. However, now that Chapter 2 had been cleared, they could freely utilize the unlocked slots.

And then.

This next part might be a problem.

▶CHAPTER 3 has not yet begun.◀

▶From this chapter onward, the ＜Another Plan＞ system will be in effect.◀

Chapter 3 was identical to the game as well.

Generally speaking, one might view progressing to the next chapter as a matter of choosing branching paths based on player actions; however, it was not so simple.

While Chapter 2 employed a method of advancing through main episodes via sub-episodes, Chapter 3 offered no sub-episodes from the outset.

The player must determine their own path and set their own goals. Only by establishing their objectives before engaging with any sub-episode could they proceed to the next episode.

This was precisely what was referred to as ＜Another Plan＞, a system designed to create Carseine’s objectives.

‘These goals aren’t even presented as options. Whatever is needed must be decided by the player.’

If Carseine wished to become a master of swords, they simply needed to steadily increase their gauge until reaching that target level for becoming a Swordmaster.

If Carseine wanted to shed all false accusations and restore their reputation in order to be acclaimed once more, they would need to raise their reputation gauge until achieving that goal too.

Cooking. Academia. Health. Profession.

Regardless of which direction one chose for their goal—simply increase that corresponding gauge steadily until it reached its target level.

Yet when I first laid eyes on this window, only one thought came rushing back to me:

The feeling I had sensed from the very beginning.

I had set just one objective infused with my deepest wishes.

▶You have set the objective for ＜Another Plan＞.◀

▶Will you confirm this decision?◀

[ 1. Yes. ]☑

[ 2. No. ]

I stretched the money gauge to its limit.

Then, by pressing to detach from the Duke’s estate, just as I had in the game, I was able to set my objective.

▶Your goal is to gather a specified amount of money and repay your debt to the Duke’s family before leaving.◀

▶Good luck.◀

To accumulate enough money, repay the debts incurred in this house, and finally escape as a free person.

Just like my wish, Karsein hoped for that outcome too.

‘I did set the amount a bit high, but it shouldn’t be a major issue.’

In fact, having that much money would be necessary to settle my debts with the Duke’s family.

This marks step two.

If step one was about acquiring territory and securing my rights, then the next phase involves gathering funds on my own to repay them.

From now on, I will meticulously manage these two territories while accumulating resources as justification for leaving this house.

Fortunately, I’ve attempted this route multiple times in the game before; there’s really nothing I’m particularly worried about.

The only point of caution is that any issues with these territories could directly impact Karsein’s reputation…

‘In reality too, there were always some setbacks.’

That’s why I’ve never been caught even once.

▶You have chosen ＜Territory＞ as your method of acquiring funds for ＜Another Plan＞.◀

▶Step 1 Condition: You must possess 100,000 Pesel.◀

[Warning! The funds must be ‘pure Karsein,’ not the money of the Bagrand family.]

[Warning! If issues arise within the territory, your available funds may decrease.]

With this, my goal has aligned perfectly with reality.

My manner of action and future ahead will be no different.

Just as I did in reality, I will leave this house.

To do that…

-Ding!

▶CHAPTER 3 – Episode I. The family’s hospital visit is underway.◀

▶You must meet all members of the Bagrand family.◀

[Isabella Bagrand 0/1]

[Arina Bagrand 0/1]

[Claire Bagrand 0/1]

[Flora Bagrand 0/1]

I suppose I need to tackle these episodes one step at a time.

There’s much to do.

But…

“Hmm… Karsein… I really need to rest properly…”

Perhaps it’s best if I take a moment away to close my eyes now.

Otherwise, it feels like I’ll get an earful tomorrow.

The next day.

News of my rising from bed spread throughout the hospital room.

Harnie expressed her concerns, but there was no choice if I wanted to clear this episode. When I asked her to spread the word, it wasn’t long before visitors began to arrive.

The first guest was Pollux, who had been closest by.

“Hmm. I heard you were injured, but it seems it’s worse than imagined.”

Isn’t that right?

“See? Harnie. I told you I’m fine—”

“For now, don’t push yourself; if you do, I’ll make sure to stop you by force. Right now, that guy can’t use his mana, so even with your strength as the leader of Plesia’s guild, you’ll be able to win.”

“Uh…?”

“That’s what Pollux says.”

Harnie flexed her nonexistent muscles as if pleased.

Oh dear.

…This isn’t how it’s supposed to be.

It was the same when the next person arrived.

“This is sheer madness. As for Plesia’s guild leader, if Carseine pushes himself for a while longer—”

It was the same when another member from House Aiferos came by too.

After Lilphetan shook his head in disapproval, Talphon repeated those very words with a frown as well.

Even Camilla and Tasha started off with similar sentiments; then Heron and Shaden chimed in too. The Duke of Bagrand’s Mark and Radiel joined in along with Sir Carlton—all echoing the same refrain until even the First Knight Order did so too.

“Hmm. It looks like your fiancée will have to endure quite a bit.”

“Ha ha. Make sure to tie him up tight. He won’t be allowed to stir until he’s fully recovered.”

With Arshien and Florence coming by to hammer that point home, there was simply no room for argument.

Just when I thought I might be succumbing to a creeping anxiety over the same nagging concern…

– Knock, knock.

“Um, um… Karsein.”

Finally, someone had come after hearing news from the Duke of Bagrand’s household.

‘So they’ve arrived.’

The first among my family to visit was that little one.

▶Flora Bagrand has arrived.◀

▶Please conclude your conversation with her.◀

I imagined the content of our discussion would likely mirror what had been said before.

Once Karsein was hospitalized after the commotion in Chapter 2, it would probably unfold just like that time.

It was clear what options would present themselves next; I nodded at Harnié and Camila, signaling them to let Flora in.

As soon as the door opened, Flora flinched slightly and froze in place.

What on earth is she doing there?

“Aren’t you here because you have something to say?”

At my urging, Flora swallowed hard and stepped inside.

“…Are you feeling any better?”

– Ding!

▶Flora’s intimacy level has increased.◀