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I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 246
🕑 Added 2025-01-03 10:59:09 +0000 UTCChapter 246: I Need to Make Money (3)
Several days had passed since the symposium and the subsequent school trip.
Compared to previous trials, this symposium had been significantly more difficult.
Without the support of their family heads and the backing of their houses, the young nobles had faced a challenging test.
Nevertheless, they had all performed admirably.
News from the various territories was filled with praise for the Bagrands.
This had even sparked a discussion among the vassals.
“With all due respect, Duchess Isabella, I believe we need to discuss young master Carsein.”
Count Mendel, one of the Bagrand family's closest confidants, spoke up. Surprisingly, he even addressed Carsein with the respectful title of "young master."
The vassals’ perception of Carsein was generally no different from that of other nobles.
Even those loyal to the Bagrand Duchy had remained silent in the face of Carsein's unrefined and often outrageous behavior.
They had argued that someone like him was unworthy, that he shouldn't even be allowed to participate in the Golden Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.
But now, things were different.
“We need to re-evaluate young master Carsein’s potential.”
“I agree. A reassessment is in order.”
They were reconsidering their opinion of Carsein.
Isabella took a sip of her tea and asked,
“What sort of reassessment?”
“We need to reassess young master Carsein’s suitability as an heir.”
“…As an heir?”
“Yes. He was instrumental in revitalizing not only Lusmire but also Shatrain, two territories on the brink of collapse.”
“While it’s true that Lady Claire and Lady Arina also performed exceptionally well, achieving top marks, such an overwhelming result from young master Carsein can only be attributed to talent.”
“…”
Isabella was well aware of this.
The results spoke for themselves.
The 21st Eastern Nobles’ Conference had been dubbed a trial by fire.
And Carsein had achieved a result that was in a league of its own, creating a new S-rank above A+, shocking the other nobles with his performance.
‘…They’re right.’
To single-handedly identify and solve the problems of two failing territories, without the support of the family head, in such a challenging environment…
It was enough to excite the vassals.
“Wait a moment.”
Just then, someone interjected, striking the table in disagreement.
“I can’t agree with that proposal. There’s still a significant issue, is there not?”
“…”
Isabella looked up and sighed.
“The matter of his lineage. The other ladies are of direct descent, born of the Duchess herself. But that is not the case with young master Carsein.”
“Even the suggestion of elevating a bastard will invite ridicule. No matter what, we can’t place young master Carsein on the same level as the ladies.”
“It would be a disgrace to the Bagrand name. How could we possibly name someone with no blood ties to the family as heir?”
Yes.
That was the problem with Carsein.
Lineage. For the nobles, lineage was one of the most crucial factors in determining the successor to a family's title and estate.
The vassals were divided.
One side argued that ability should take precedence over lineage, especially given Carsein’s exceptional performance.
He possessed the talent and skill to lead the Bagrand Duchy.
The other side maintained that disregarding lineage, no matter how capable Carsein might be, would be a stain on the family’s honor.
Considering the importance of their position in noble society, they believed that only Arina, the eldest daughter, was a suitable heir.
The number of vassals who prioritized ability was far greater. The few who insisted on lineage were being drowned out.
As the debate continued, Isabella sighed and called for a halt.
“That’s enough.”
At her command, the vassals immediately fell silent, their attention fixed on the Duchess, anticipating her decision.
“I understand your points. However, he hasn't even had his coming-of-age ceremony. It's far too early to discuss succession.”
“Hmm…”
“That’s true.”
It was a neutral statement, designed to appease both sides.
But inwardly, her thoughts were elsewhere.
The meeting was adjourned.
As the vassals filed out of the room, Isabella remained, lost in thought.
Heron approached, offering her a freshly brewed cup of tea.
-Clink.
“You seem stressed, my lady. I’ve brought your favorite tea.”
“Thank you, Heron.”
Isabella took the tea, taking a moment to collect herself. Then, a thought occurred to her.
‘I haven’t been able to speak to him.’
With the school trip over, the children had completed most of their official duties.
Isabella, having worried for Carsein during his hospitalization, had wanted to comfort him, to tell him he had done well. She had gone to each of her children, embracing them, offering words of encouragement.
She had even given them an allowance, as a token of her appreciation.
But she hadn’t been able to see one of her children.
She hadn't been able to give him the same attention.
It wasn't fair.
To give her affection to her other children, but not to him.
Just as Heron had pointed out in the past.
‘Shatrain suffered significant damage.’
Perhaps she should give him more.
Enough to help him restore the territory, after the damage caused by the Waglu faction.
“Heron, send a letter to Carsein. Tell him… tell him I want to discuss his participation in the martial arts tournament.”
And she could also use the opportunity to discuss the matter of succession.
About an hour later, someone knocked on the door of Isabella’s study.
“It’s Carsein. You summoned me.”
“Come in.”
Isabella welcomed him with a warm smile.
But…
The ensuing conversation would not be as warm.
***
Isabella was surprised to see Carsein arrive in less than an hour, when she had expected it to take at least two.
But there was no time for surprise.
-Clink.
“Please, have some tea. And some refreshments.”
Isabella, not bothering to tidy up her desk, moved with uncharacteristic haste.
Her actions were a stark contrast to her usual composed demeanor when he would come to greet her in the mornings.
Perhaps sensing her unease, Carsein spoke first.
“I’m fine. You can tell the servants not to bring anything. You’re busy, aren’t you?”
“It’s no trouble. I have time for a short conversation with—”
“I don’t want to intrude. I told you before, didn’t I? I don’t want to waste your time by coming to greet you every morning.”
She had hoped for a relaxed conversation over tea and snacks. But Carsein’s blunt refusal to prolong the discussion made Isabella’s heart sink.
“…Alright. Then, about the martial arts tournament, are you planning to participate?”
“Arina and I have already discussed it.”
“What?”
“I’ll be participating. I signed the contract she presented. She said that if I place below a certain rank and disgrace the family, I can forget about participating in any future events.”
“What…?”
Isabella murmured in confusion, then fell silent.
She hadn’t imposed such a condition.
She had only intended to observe him.
While Carsein had performed well in the 21st Eastern Nobles’ Conference, he had a history of causing trouble at the Golden Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.
His violent and inappropriate behavior had damaged the reputation of the tournament. That was why she had wanted to confirm his intentions regarding his participation before restoring his privileges.
But to hear this from Carsein?
If he was lying, that was a problem in itself, but he didn’t seem to be.
Which meant…
‘…Did you do this on your own, Arina?’
Isabella clenched her fist.
She would have to speak with Arina about this.
But for now, she needed to talk to Carsein.
-Slide.
Isabella stood up.
“I have already said this to the other children, but I hadn’t had the chance to say it to you. I wanted to tell you now, since you’re here.”
She took Carsein’s hand in hers, and gently stroked his shoulder with her other hand.
She spoke the words she had been longing to say.
“You did well, Carsein. And congratulations.”
After congratulating him, Isabella returned to her desk, retrieved an envelope, and returned to the sofa, handing it to him with a satisfied smile.
“I heard that Shatrain suffered significant damage because of the Waglu faction. I’ve included some funds to help with the restoration. And a generous allowance for you, to spend as you wish.”
The financial aid for Shatrain had, until now, been deducted from Carsein's allowance. This envelope was thicker than what she had given to her other children.
However…
-Slide.
Carsein pushed the envelope away.
He replied, his expression unchanging,
“I don’t need it.”
A heavy feeling settled in Isabella’s chest.
***
Isabella stared at Carsein, bewildered.
“You don’t need it? The cost of repairing the damage alone will be substantial…”
“I’ll take care of it myself.”
“What…?”
“That territory is now under my direct management. The Imperial Family has officially recognized it as such. Therefore, any problems that arise are my responsibility to resolve.”
His desire to handle things independently was admirable.
Even commendable.
But to refuse her help altogether?
That was simply foolish.
“Take care of it yourself… But your allowance has been going entirely to Shatrain, hasn’t it?”
“Well, I’ll have to manage that on my own, too. I can’t rely on the Duchy’s support forever.”
“…”
Carsein refuted each of her points, leaving her in a difficult position. He was essentially rejecting her offer of help.
Still, Isabella tried one more time.
“Please, take it. I haven’t been able to give you a proper gift for winning the symposium. Consider this a small token of my appreciation.”
“I don’t need it.”
“Carsein…”
Carsein pushed the envelope away and stood up.
“If that’s all, may I leave? I don’t want to take up any more of your time.”
“…”
Isabella sighed, deflated.
“…Very well. But don’t take Arina’s words to heart. I’ll speak with her and soften her stance.”
“You don’t need to do that.”
“What?”
“She’s right. What guarantee is there that a troublemaker like me, with my past, won’t cause trouble again? It’s best to be prepared.”
“Carsein, I don’t think you’re a troublemaker. Do you really have to be so…”
“I don’t want to be a bother, so I’ll take my leave.”
Isabella tried to call him back, her voice weak, but he had already left the room.
“Hah… If that’s what you want, I won’t stop you…”
Isabella murmured, unable to understand his behavior.
Heron, watching her with a sympathetic gaze, closed his eyes.
‘My lady, the young master is already…’
It was already too late.
Before she could even reach out.
-Ding!
