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I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 248
🕑 Added 2025-01-03 11:03:32 +0000 UTCChapter 248: Sponsor Designation (1):
Count Ptoah prided himself on his ability to judge character.
His current position as a vassal of the Bagrand Duchy was a testament to that very skill.
He had been born into a fallen noble family.
While his family name might have once been renowned throughout the empire, its fall from grace meant it was no longer spoken of.
But driven by a desire to reintegrate into noble society, he had started a business, and through it, found success.
His keen eye had guided him.
He had ventured into uncharted territories, pioneering new industries where others dared not tread. He had made swift decisions, navigating his business toward profitable ventures.
As a result, his ironworks business flourished.
And the name Ptoah was once again spoken of in noble circles.
After inheriting the title of Count from his parents, he continued to rely on his judgment of character, clearly distinguishing between those who would be beneficial and those who would be detrimental.
Discernment.
That was Count Ptoah’s greatest weapon.
Then…
-“An ironworks business, you say? Why not join forces with our house?”
He had secured a vassal position under the Bagrand Duchy, a significant achievement both for the family and for himself.
However, there was one person regarding whom his judgment had been deemed inaccurate.
-“My friend, are you sure about this? Young Master Carsein seems a bit much, doesn’t he?”
-“His reputation is… less than stellar. They call him the Bagrand’s disgrace… Are you certain this is the right choice?”
-“My dear, I respect your opinion, but even I… I’m not so sure about this one.”
His oldest friend, with whom he had started his business.
Other noble houses, with whom he had maintained mutually supportive relationships.
And even his wife, his partner in life and his staunchest supporter.
They had all questioned his decision to support Carsein.
Yet, Ptoah’s judgment remained fixed on Carsein.
No matter how much the other Bagrand vassals criticized him.
No matter how many rumors circulated in noble society, painting Carsein as a troublemaker, a disgrace.
No matter that he was not even a legitimate child of the family, but a foundling, and thus treated accordingly.
He had not wavered in his support.
And finally, the man he had supported had spread his wings.
He had cleared his name by exposing the conspiracy within the Duchy.
He had revived the failing territory of Lusmire.
And during the symposium, he had achieved unprecedented results, elevating the already prestigious Bagrand name even higher.
See!
He had sensed something special about Carsein from the very beginning.
His judgment had not been wrong.
While everyone else had pegged Arina and Claire as the likely successors, he had cast his vote for Carsein without a shred of regret.
Count Ptoah had then sought ways to approach Carsein.
-“Sir Radiel, is there any way you could convey my intentions to Young Master Carsein?”
And he had waited patiently for a reply.
Several days later, the day before the Golden Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.
“Count!”
“…!”
“A… a letter! From Young Master Carsein…!”
It had finally arrived.
“Give it to me!”
Count Ptoah snatched the letter and eagerly read its contents.
And…
-Grip!
“Yes…!”
He knew his judgment had been correct once again.
***
At first glance, Chapter 3 might seem simple.
With two territories under my control, and the resources to prepare for self-sufficiency, clearing the Another Plan and leaving the Duchy seemed within reach.
But that was a naive assumption.
Underestimating this game often led to a bad ending.
‘I’ll need to gather more information.’
Last night, I had deviated slightly from the usual course of events during an episode.
While the sub-episodes that hindered the Another Plan were familiar, I couldn't be sure if the change was a systemic obstacle, or a consequence of the altered outcome of Chapter 2. But, such variables were not favorable.
Especially since it involved the main episode.
So, I needed information.
Even if it meant doing something as drastic as joining the family for a meal.
“My Lady, Young Master Carsein has arrived.”
As soon as Heron announced my presence, I heard the clatter of cutlery from inside the dining room, and the door soon opened.
“Welcome, Carsein.”
Isabella greeted me with a bright smile.
I gave a brief reply and glanced around the room.
Flora seemed sullen.
Claire was unusually quiet.
Arina… well, she looked the same as always.
The only difference was Isabella’s demeanor.
Considering the situation, I would have preferred an outside seat, but… that might prevent me from gathering all the necessary information.
Reluctantly, I chose the most comfortable seat available.
I walked over and sat down next to Claire, and the little brat immediately stood up and protested.
“Wh-why are you sitting there?!”
“Why not?”
“You can sit next to me!”
Seriously. Who would want to sit next to her?
I ignored her and signaled to the maid to bring my cutlery.
There was a brief commotion, but Isabella suggested that it would be better to have people sitting in pairs, and Flora quieted down.
The meal resumed.
With one more person at the table, the conversation naturally turned towards me.
Isabella gently asked,
“Carsein, whom do you have in mind for your sponsor?”
“Mother, shouldn’t you explain first?”
“Ah, you’re right. Carsein might not be familiar with this… Where should I begin…”
So this was the starting point.
The Golden Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.
One of the major episodes of Chapter 3, and a potential opportunity for Carsein.
But this tournament was different.
I decided to feign ignorance, to see if any new information had been added.
Arina offered to explain.
“The Golden Dragon Martial Arts Tournament is not just about the participants showcasing their skills.”
The first rule of the Golden Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.
Participants could designate a sponsor for support.
“The sponsor will support the participant throughout the tournament, and in doing so, their name will become more widely known. They can use this opportunity to advertise their products, promote their brand, or introduce new goods or specialties.”
And the second.
As the tournament involved various events, the sponsor was expected to provide various forms of assistance.
This was what made the tournament unique, highlighting the partnership between participant and sponsor.
“The sponsor’s reputation will naturally be tied to the participant’s ranking. The quality of the equipment they provide, the effectiveness of the supplies… all of it will be under scrutiny.”
The participant’s ranking would obviously affect the sponsor.
Higher rankings meant more exposure, and since the participants weren’t limited to nobles, the effect was amplified.
While there were monetary prizes for the sponsors, they were secondary to the potential for increased revenue from the exposure.
Thus, the tournament was a joint effort between participant and sponsor.
And there was one more thing…
“Finally, spectators can place small bets on the winners. This allows them to demonstrate their ability to analyze the competition, whether it’s predicting the winner or the final score.”
Well, it was a form of entertainment.
The bets were small, so it wasn’t considered gambling.
Anyway.
Arina’s explanation hadn’t deviated from what I already knew.
Everything was as I remembered it.
“You may choose any sponsor you wish. If the vassals of the Bagrand Duchy are not to your liking, I can arrange for a sponsor from another house.”
-Ding!
▶ You may choose a sponsor. Will you choose? ◀
Isabella’s suggestion triggered a system notification.
If I had to choose a sponsor now…
[ 2. I will not choose yet. ]
“I’d like to think about it more.”
It wasn’t time yet.
If the rules of the tournament hadn't changed, then it was more likely that a variable had appeared regarding the sponsors. I needed to be careful.
“Hmm. Yes, it’s best to consider it carefully. There's an event today, why don’t you come along?”
An event…
‘Ah. That route.’
I inwardly groaned.
I must have triggered a different route somehow.
This meant I would be forced to interact with the other nobles.
…And, of course, that meant friction was inevitable.
In that regard, this route carried significant risk.
‘But it’s not necessarily a bad thing.’
Today was the day before the tournament.
Which meant it was the day when the most people would gather at the tournament grounds.
This was an opportunity to meet many people, not just those involved in the tournament.
It also meant that I could move up my timetable for responding to the letter I had received from Count Ptoah.
High risk, high return.
“Then I’ll get ready.”
Meeting people, getting to know them.
I had a plan that I could advance during this gathering.
***
-Ding!
▶ This area has a danger rating. ◀
▶ Please exercise caution. Your actions may affect your Noblesse Points. ◀
As the Bagrand family carriage passed through the gates, a system notification appeared.
Soon after, we arrived at our destination. As I disembarked, I considered my options.
‘It said to be careful, but it didn’t say I had to follow Isabella.’
This meant there might be an opportunity for independent action.
As Isabella was busy talking with her daughters, I took the initiative and said,
“If you’re going to the party hall, then I won’t be joining you.”
With that single statement, the Bagrands turned to look at me.
Arina was the first to speak.
“Carsein, didn't you say you remembered what happened last year?”
-Ding!
▶ Arina has mentioned last year’s martial arts tournament. How will you respond? ◀
And as always, the familiar choices appeared.
This was becoming a routine.
I wished a Memorial would appear, but there was nothing. So, using the information I had, I knew that whatever had happened last year had started here.
The answer was simple.
I had to create a justification.
[ 1. You told me to find a sponsor. ]
“You told me to find a sponsor, didn't you? I'm going to look for one now. Is there a problem?”
“Hah, Carsein. You…”
Arina scoffed and was about to retort.
But Isabella intervened, stopping her.
“Arina.”
“…My apologies, Mother.”
Isabella’s firm tone made Arina back down.
“It’s not a bad idea to find a sponsor yourself. Go ahead.”
In contrast, Isabella readily approved of my independent action.
“Are you going alone again? Can’t we go together?”
“F-Flora. Carsein needs to do this for his sponsor.”
“Can’t we just find one together?”
“No. It’s important to choose these things yourself.”
Flora pouted, and Claire tried to appease her, signaling me to go on my way.
‘It’s strange, seeing her help me like this.’
Arina, on the other hand, glared at me until the end.
As if warning me not to cause trouble.
And. Since she couldn't express it verbally, she mouthed a warning.
‘If you lie about finding a sponsor and cause trouble, I won’t let you get away with it.’
Having secured my opportunity, I offered a brief farewell and left.
I’m sorry, Arina, but that’s not a lie.
I really am looking for a sponsor.
I headed to the appointed location and entered a room with a curtain that was only drawn on one side.
Even before opening the door, I could see a familiar white affinity box.
“I've kept you waiting.”
“Haha, not at all! Young Master Carsein!”
He rose from his seat, a bright smile on his face.
[ Count Ptoah ]
[ Affinity: 21% ]
[ This individual currently trusts you. ]
