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I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 267
🕑 Added 2025-01-16 10:00:34 +0000 UTCChapter 267: Recurring Discomfort (2)
The highlight of the martial arts tournament.
The one-on-one arena battle was fast approaching.
Most participants would be meticulously managing their condition.
Sponsors would be providing their chosen participants with the best possible support.
Of course, there were exceptions.
Like Arina Bagrand, sponsored by Marquis Magnuel.
She had already completed all her preparations.
Her equipment had been meticulously maintained and optimized. Arina’s mana control was unparalleled.
A decline in condition? That was laughable. Such a thing wouldn't even cross her mind.
For the perfect successor candidate, who had been waiting for the arena battle, this time must have felt like an eternity.
In any case, those who weren't exceptions would be busy with their final preparations.
Whether they were pressed for time, troubleshooting issues, or trying to calm their nerves.
They wouldn't have time for anything else.
No, it would be more accurate to say they would be considered foolish.
If anyone was seen wandering around aimlessly at this time, they would be ridiculed and judged.
And yet…
“I’d like to have a word with you, Marquis Magnuel.”
There he was, that fool.
Marquis Magnuel clicked his tongue in disbelief.
‘Seriously? Wandering around with so little time left before the arena battle.’
There were many who treasured every second, pleading for more time.
And yet, he was here, seeking out another participant’s sponsor?
He was utterly hopeless.
‘But I can’t simply dismiss him.’
He was, after all, a legally adopted member of the Bagrand Duchy.
As a vassal serving the Bagrand family, he had to treat him with respect.
Marquis Magnuel gave a formal reply.
“I don’t see what we could possibly have to discuss.”
He shouldn't readily agree to a conversation.
The martial arts tournament was in progress.
And it was just before the arena battle, the highlight of the tournament.
He had come to see him, the sponsor of Arina Bagrand, his rival. Unless he stated his purpose clearly, there was no reason to continue this conversation.
‘Well, if he can’t even grasp that much, then there’s no point in talking anyway.’
His opponent was Carsein, after all.
He didn’t expect him to understand such a simple social cue.
But…
He was wrong.
“I’m not here as a participant seeking a sponsor, Marquis. I’m here as Carsein Bagrand, to speak with Marquis Magnuel, a vassal of the Bagrand Duchy.”
“…!”
“Beating around the bush would only waste time. The arena battle is about to begin. We should keep this brief.”
Contrary to his expectations, Carsein had grasped his intentions immediately, even using the limited time before the arena battle as leverage.
Marquis Magnuel, flustered, swallowed hard.
“…Let’s move.”
They moved to an empty room where they could speak privately.
Just as Marquis Magnuel was about to regain control of the conversation,
Carsein spoke first, seizing the initiative.
“It would be quite convenient for you if Arina Bagrand became the successor, wouldn’t it, Marquis?”
“…I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t play coy. Arina is interested in martial arts, and even participates in monster subjugation, so this tournament isn’t just a game for her. And you, with your access to mines and your ability to quickly produce weapons and equipment, have secured a valuable position as her vassal.”
It was a blunt statement, but…
It was also true.
Marquis Magnuel’s position as a Bagrand vassal was indeed due to his access to those mines.
His lips twitched, and he asked,
“What are you trying to say?”
“I’m telling you not to bother scheming against me.”
“…What?”
“I understand why you would want Arina to be the successor. And I understand why you might see me as a threat, given my recent achievements. But I’m not as ambitious as you think.”
“What are you…?”
Carsein delivered the final blow.
“I have absolutely no interest in the position of successor to the Bagrand Duchy.”
Marquis Magnuel’s eyes widened in surprise.
“That’s… a difficult statement to accept. Are you asking me to believe that? That you don’t want to be the next Duke of Bagrand?”
“That’s right. I don’t need it.”
“What?! You…?”
“If possible, I’d like to have a spell cast on me to completely suppress any such ambition. I wonder why no one has researched such a spell.”
“How dare you…!”
The Marquis was aghast.
In contrast, Carsein calmly continued,
“You’re probably going to bring up my commoner origins and the importance of legitimacy for the Bagrand Duchy, right? Let me add a few more points to your argument. The financial damage I’ve caused the family, and my lack of social skills. If I don’t have the support of noble society, it would be difficult for me to conduct negotiations or participate in discussions, wouldn’t it?”
He had a point.
It was true.
Reputation was crucial in noble society.
Even with factions, influence, and vassals, a noble needed to be able to cooperate with other houses when necessary.
And yet…
He was admitting his own weaknesses?
The Marquis, having calmed down, asked,
“Are you truly saying that you have absolutely no interest in becoming the next Duke?”
Carsein’s reply was immediate.
“Yes. I’m supposed to be leaving the Duchy, anyway.”
“…!”
The Bagrand Duchy.
The most prestigious family in the Empire, second only to the Imperial Family itself.
To become its head…
To claim a piece of the Empire’s power…
It was a position any noble would covet.
And yet, he was saying he would willingly give it up.
‘…He’s serious. I don’t understand why, but…’
There was no reason to stop him. A potential rival, eliminating himself.
But just then,
The door burst open.
“Hey! Leaving the Duchy? What are you talking about?!”
***
“L-Lady Claire…”
Marquis Magnuel, startled by Claire’s sudden entrance, bowed his head.
But Claire didn't care about the Marquis, or what he had to say.
Leaving?
Saying he was supposed to leave the Duchy?
Her blood boiled.
“Explain yourself. What are you talking about, Carsein? Did that old man say you weren't fit for the Duchy? Or did he threaten you?”
It wouldn't be surprising, given Carsein's past.
He had been ostracized, not just within the Duchy, but throughout noble society. And the vassals had always viewed him unfavorably.
Marquis Magnuel, a powerful figure among them, could have easily pressured Carsein.
She didn't know what they had been discussing, but she could easily punish the Marquis if Carsein confirmed her suspicions. Claire desperately wanted to hear the truth from Carsein.
But all he did was sigh.
“Hah. You’re so dramatic. Is it really that strange that I would leave the Duchy?”
“Of course it is! You’re family! My brother! Why would you leave the Bagrand Duchy?!”
Carsein sighed again at Claire’s outburst.
“Jumping to conclusions, making wild accusations… You’re always like this, aren’t you?”
“…What?”
“Once Arina becomes the head of the family, I’ll naturally have to leave and live on my own. You want me to stay in the Duchy forever? Are you serious?”
Carsein ran his hand through his hair, a look of disbelief on his face.
“And even if I did stay… what about my fiancée? What about Harnie? Should I bring her to live in the Duchy as well?”
“…”
Claire was speechless.
“That’s what I was discussing with the Marquis. I told him I wasn’t interested in becoming the successor, so he shouldn’t bother scheming against me.”
Claire turned to the Marquis, silently asking for confirmation.
“I-it’s true. Young Master Carsein came to see me about this matter.”
With the Marquis confirming Carsein’s words, Claire couldn’t press him further.
“Are you satisfied now? Honestly…”
“Hey! Carsein!”
Carsein, as if deeming the conversation over, turned and left.
“I-I’ll be taking my leave as well, Lady Claire.”
The Marquis coughed and excused himself, leaving Claire alone in the room.
“Damn it, I jumped to conclusions again…” she muttered, scratching her head.
If she had listened to the rest of their conversation, this wouldn’t have happened.
She had overheard him saying he was leaving the Duchy, and she had lost her temper, almost making another mistake.
But…
“Why do I feel so uneasy?”
A lingering sense of discomfort wouldn’t go away.
-Ding!
▶ Conditions met. Claire’s Hidden Episode: <Recurring Discomfort II> will begin. ◀
▶ Synchronizing affinity… ◀
[ ??? : 93% ]
