The Damn Family Is Back Again - Chapter 270



270. The Blade That Split the Skin (3)

What… did I just say?

‘Forfeit…?’

Arina’s expression twisted in disbelief, as if she couldn’t trust her ears.

Declaring a forfeit in a martial arts tournament isn’t entirely strange.

From noble mtl dot com

If it’s a discipline you’re not confident in or one that’s hard to step into, you can choose to forgo it.

But this case is different.

The event currently underway is the arena, the highlight of the martial arts tournament.

As the most eyes gather, all scores are compiled, and only the top contenders get to continue in a one-on-one duel.

Because of that, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the tournament is held for the arena.

That’s why it’s utterly incomprehensible.

They must have spent a long time preparing for the match and fine-tuning their equipment.

Not to mention collaborating with sponsors and managing scores from previous events to prepare for this tournament.

The meticulous optimization to match their unique mana to the equipment.

The training they undertook with such gear.

And on top of that, just the effort it takes to take down each individual opponent must have been immense.

Yet that choice turns all of this into nothing.

Just one step.

Just one more step, and victory is within reach.

And yet, to declare a forfeit here?

Arina wasn’t the only one who couldn’t understand.

The host, too, seemed baffled and asked Karsein.

“What… do you mean? Lord Karsein. A forfeit…”

“What do you mean, what? Is there any other meaning to forfeit?”

“I understand that, but…”

That’s not what we’re talking about right now.

As the host responded with a frown instead of an answer, Karsein replied with an unsettling calmness.

“Isn’t it already confirmed that the Duke of Bagrand’s victory is secured with the two of us reaching the finals?”

“Well, that is true, but…”

“Then it’s meaningless. What’s the point of fighting further?”

It wasn’t an incorrect statement.

The victory of the Duke of Bagrand was indeed confirmed.

However, there were many complications regarding the cessation of this match.

“Still… this is the final endpoint of the competition, isn’t it? The purpose of this tournament converges on holding the finals and proudly declaring a winner…”

Indeed. Why is it called the finals?

It’s the last two standing. A match between the two who have reached the highest point.

Moreover, the anticipation surrounding the two who have made it this far certainly adds to the spectacle.

With the title of the Duke of Bagrand’s internal conflict at stake, how could one dismiss such an anticipated matchup?

Yet, Karsein asked without even a hint of drawing his sword.

“There are many who aim to elevate their family’s name through this tournament following the symposium, and the sponsors are looking for promotional benefits. We’ve shown everything we needed to show, so there’s no meaning in the final match, right? The purpose of the tournament is to declare a winner?”

“That is…”

“Well, it’s possible to declare a winner, isn’t it? Since I’m withdrawing, wouldn’t it just mean giving the victory to Arina?”

He pointed at Arina with his index finger and continued.

“Besides, it’s a fight that holds no meaning. Everyone knows that. I’m going to lose anyway.”

With Karsein’s statement, the gazes of the crowd suddenly converged on Arina.

Anyone looking at her would likely think the same.

‘Well, she has dominated this tournament for years.’

‘If it’s Lady Arina, it’s not surprising.’

‘Karsein Bagrand’s skills have improved, but against someone like her…’

‘It’s understandable to withdraw.’

The audience began to nod in agreement.

But still, a problem remained.

“Still, there’s the betting system in place. With the outcome of the match undecided, this could lead to various issues—”

“I’ll compensate personally.”

“…What?”

“There will be those who are suspicious. They might wonder if there was some secret agreement between the Duke of Bagrand’s internal conflict. They might think I’m withdrawing to manipulate the outcome. Such rumors will arise. In that case, I will compensate that money myself.”

—

After all, the royal side had set a ceiling on the betting amounts to prevent the nobles from placing large wagers, but money is still money.

As long as they return the staked money to avoid losses, there’s no problem at all. It’s merely a trivial entertainment venue, and there’s nothing to predict about the outcome. In the first place, very few had anticipated that Karsein would make it this far.

Thus, there’s no conflict in concluding the betting arena.

Money is returned as it should be.

As for predicting the outcome, hardly anyone had made accurate predictions all the way to the finals, so that can be overlooked.

In terms of determining the winner, I decided to remind Arina of the purpose of the tournament and hand over the victory to her.

“If that’s the case, there shouldn’t be any problem, right?”

“To be honest, since the Duke of Bagrand has taken everything, it’s rather meaningless.”

“What can we do if the compensation is to be covered out of pocket?”

“Princess Arina is inherently strong. Knowing she would lose, she wants to forfeit early, but I can’t dissuade her from that…”

The background noise gradually fades away.

Though it ended on a somewhat sour note, everyone seemed to understand.

The award ceremony begins.

The winners of the martial arts tournament approach in turn.

Seizing the moment, Arina, standing next to Karsein, asked.

“What’s your scheme?”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you trying to smooth over the misdeeds from the birthday party in this way?”

I’d appreciate it if you thought of it that way. Karsein chuckled inwardly and replied.

“Well, sort of.”

“You’re doing something utterly ridiculous.”

“That’s not all there is to it. How could I possibly beat you? Logically. It’s obvious I’d break, so how could I act recklessly without knowing my place?”

“…”

“Don’t look at me like that. I’m reflecting on it, you know?”

Arina let out a deep sigh.

While he still had a knack for being annoyingly cheeky with such remarks, what could be done about someone like him?

“I’ll let it slide this time.”

I had to take note of the fact that he recognized his mistake and was reflecting on it.

Thus, the award ceremony concluded with applause.

Standing on the highest podium, Arina delivered a satisfying speech to wrap up the tournament.

—

Karsein chuckles at the sight.

“I’m sorry, but you’re not even worth fighting.”

So, he gives her everything she desires.

He simply needs to descend to the ground and ensure she feels no inferiority.

The real reason for the withdrawal in the finals was on this side.

-Ding!

▶The character’s emotions are changing.◀

[Arina Bagrand]

[Inferiority Complex: 58%]

*

After the martial arts tournament.

With the names of the Bagrand Duke family attached to the highest two positions of champion and runner-up, there was no dispute over which family was the most outstanding.

Indeed, Bagrand is Bagrand.

In the audience, such remarks were being made with considerable frequency.

“Indeed, the princess’s skills are remarkable.”

“You dominate every martial arts tournament. Hahaha!”

“A legitimate heir must surely look like this.”

Of course, those were praises laced with a different kind of meaning.

Though not clearly visible, Arina’s inferiority complex was diminishing.

Ironically, she felt reassured and satisfied by those few words.

“It’s okay. I’m actually the most satisfied with this situation.”

Let them chatter about the heirship and all that.

In cases where there were remarks meant to belittle me, I had the option to refute, but I chose not to.

Before long, I followed Arina down from the platform.

“You both did well.”

Waiting below the platform were family members, including Isabella.

As I stepped down the stairs following Arina, the status window unfolded before me.

-Ding!

▶Episode IV. You have completed the qualification of the one who proves themselves.◀

▶Your ranking in the Huanglong Martial Arts Tournament is 2nd place.◀

▶No penalties were imposed due to sufficient ranking.◀

▶Compensation will be provided.◀

“Big sister, you’re amazing!”

“You worked hard.”

“No, I didn’t.”

While they exchanged trivial conversations, I focused on the status window.

‘The rise in Noblesse Points. This isn’t bad. It’s a bit disappointing that the bad rumors have disappeared.’

With the rumors gone, it would be easier to avoid the need to prove my lack of heir potential.

Well, that’s settled.

If the opportunity arises someday, I can let my reputation drop a bit more.

In the meantime.

As I was looking at the status window, Claire approached me.

“Mom seems really happy right now. She wants us to enjoy a cozy tea time together as a family and have a nice chat. Are you going?”

-Ding!

▶A main episode branching point has occurred.◀

▶You can follow Isabella during the quest and enjoy tea time with your family.◀

▶Will you proceed with the quest?◀

[ 1. Yes. ]

[ 2. No. ]

An episode branching point has occurred.

I remember that it was better to go if possible.

But, I don’t want to go.

“…”

With the episode branching, Isabella looks at me.

Though I had mentioned it to Claire, it seems she wants me to follow along.

That gaze reminds me so much of a memory from reality.

‘Ha.’

That look in her eyes.

I’ve seen it before.

When the sports festival ended.

—

Yeah. It’s that time.

—Mom is asking if we should go eat some meat together. Are you going to join?

Right after the sports festival ended, my younger sibling suggested going out for meat, and I followed along.

That was the trap.

While we were eating, other families started to leave one by one, until only one adult remained across from us, grilling the meat.

I still remember the words I heard then.

Cold blood begins to circulate through my body.

What a ridiculous thing to say.

“No. I don’t plan on going.”

“What?”

“I just finished a martial arts tournament, so I’m really tired. I was thinking of resting a bit.”

“Uh, uh? Hey. Karsein!”

Because of the filthy memories surfacing, I quickly realized that leaving this place was the only answer.

I need to gather some money quickly.

To leave this house.

“Karsein!”

As I tried to head toward the exit of the arena, Harnié was coming down from the stands. But…

—Ding!

▶ Additional rewards will be revealed! ◀

■Reward

[ Detects danger once. ]

A delayed reward window popped up before my eyes…

And my gaze sharpened at the series of red danger warning windows that followed.

No. Even without that, it’s clearly visible.

Behind Harnié, who was descending with a bright smile, the building was cracking and beginning to collapse.

My body reacts instinctively.

“Harnié!”

“Karsein? Why are you coming this way…?”

“Get down!”

—Crash, Kwooosh──!!

—

▶Danger detected!◀

▶The wall descending from the audience area has collapsed significantly. Move quickly!◀