Chapter 246

The math trip has ended a few days ago, following the symposium.

This symposium was clearly more challenging compared to previous tests.

Without the help of the family head and almost no support from the family’s power, it was quite a difficult test for the children.

Nevertheless, everyone did their part excellently.

Listening to the news from each territory, they all had good things to say about Bargrand.

This led to some whispers among the retainers.

“More importantly, Mrs. Isabella. I wish to speak about Prince Carsein.”

One of the retainers, Baron Mentel who is close to the Bargrand family, opened his mouth. Surprisingly, he even used the term ‘Prince’.

The retainers’ gaze towards Carsein was not much different from that of other nobles.

Even those who were loyal to the Bargrand family had to remain silent about Carsein’s lack of cultivation and poor character.

There were those who argued strongly that he shouldn’t even be allowed to participate in the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament due to his lack of qualification.

But now, it was different.

“We need to reassess Prince Carsein’s talent.”

“I agree. It’s an issue that requires reevaluation.”

They were changing their perspective on Carsein.

Isabella, sipping her tea, asked.

“What kind of reevaluation are you talking about?”

“It’s necessary to reassess Prince Carsein’s qualifications as a successor.”

“…Successor qualifications?”

“Yes. Didn’t he lead the revival of the extremely difficult territories of Rusmaier and Shatren first?”

“Princess Claire and Princess Arina’s grades are also undoubtedly at the top. However, such overwhelming results can only be attributed to talent.”

“…”

Isabella was aware of this part too.

With such results, there was no other way.

The 21st Eastern Nobles’ Meeting, evaluated as the worst surprise test.

In this meeting, Carsein showed a level of performance far beyond others, reaching a rank no one else could reach, giving the nobles a fresh shock.

Carsein’s performance, which was on another level, led to the creation of a new S grade ranking, surpassing the A+.

‘…That’s right.’

In a place that felt like a surprise test, without the support of the family head, solving the problems of the most troubled territory by oneself—what does this mean?

This was enough to excite the retainers.

“Just a moment.”

At that moment.

Someone knocks on the table in opposition.

“I cannot agree with that proposal. There are still major issues unresolved.”

“…”

Isabella sighed while looking ahead.

“The issue of whether he is the legitimate heir of Bargrand, isn’t it? In the case of other princesses, they were born as legitimate heirs to the lady. But Carsein is not, is he?”

“Even the mere mention of putting forward a bastard child would draw negative looks. No matter what, Carsein cannot be placed on the same level as the princesses.”

“If we make a mistake, the name of Bargrand will become a laughingstock. How can we designate someone with no blood relation as the heir to the family?”

Indeed.

This is Carsein’s problem.

Bloodline. For nobles, bloodline is one of the most important factors for continuing the family lineage.

From the retainers’ perspective, having a capable ruler is good, but it would also make them the biggest gossip in the empire.

The retainers were divided into two groups.

If there is such a noticeable difference in capability, shouldn’t ability be prioritized over bloodline?

Carsein possesses outstanding abilities to lead Bargrand.

Even if he has excellent capabilities, disregarding bloodline would tarnish the family name.

Considering the position in the noble society, besides the eldest daughter Arina, no one else is suitable.

So, the division was clear.

The majority favored prioritizing ability over bloodline. The minority advocating for bloodline had fewer voices, thus being outnumbered.

During the discussion,

Isabella sighed and interrupted the meeting.

“That’s enough.”

At Isabella’s voice, the retainers immediately stopped arguing. They looked at her, hoping she might express an opinion.

“I understand your intentions. But, why discuss succession for a child who hasn’t even reached adulthood yet?”

“Hmm…”

“Indeed.”

She tried to stay neutral in her statement.

But internally, she arrived at a different conclusion than the early dismissal.

The meeting concluded,

As the retainers left one by one, Isabella remained alone in the conference hall, deep in thought.

Meanwhile,

Heron approached with a cup of freshly brewed tea.

“Your stress seems to have built up, so I brought your favorite tea.”

“Thank you, Heron.”

While sipping the tea, Isabella took a breath and suddenly thought,

‘I couldn’t tell him that.’

The children who returned from the math trip had gone through most of the schedule.

Unable to express her concern when hearing about Carsein’s hospitalization, Isabella could finally visit her children one by one.

She hugged each of them tightly and comforted them, saying how hard they must have worked.

She gave them pocket money directly, thanking them for their efforts.

However, despite visiting each one, she couldn’t meet one person.

This is unfair.

Their love wasn’t equally received.

Just like when Heron mentioned it in the past,

‘Shatren suffered a lot of damage.’

Then, she should put in a little more.

To recover the damage Shatren suffered from the Waglew faction quickly.

“Heron, write a letter to Carsein. Ask about his participation in the martial arts tournament.”

She should casually ask about succession too.

After about an hour,

When Isabella was in her office handling work, someone knocked on the door.

“Carsein here. You called for me?”

“Come in.”

Isabella welcomed Carsein with a bright face.

However,

What would follow was not so bright.

***

She expected it would take two to two and a half hours, but Carsein arrived within an hour, leaving Isabella slightly flustered.

Of course, there was no time to be flustered.

“Bring tea quickly. And some snacks.”

Welcoming Carsein warmly, Isabella moved busily, unlike before when she didn’t organize documents.

Her demeanor was starkly different from when she greeted him in the morning.

Carsein, apparently displeased with her behavior, spoke up immediately.

“Enough. Don’t bring any tea or snacks. You’re busy, right?”

“Not really. We can spend some time chatting.”

“I don’t want to disturb you. As I said before, I don’t want to waste your busy time unnecessarily.”

She thought they could chat more leisurely over some snacks, but Carsein’s firm attitude forced her to get straight to the point.

“Alright. I understand. What about the martial arts tournament? Any plans?”

“I already settled that with Arina.”

“What?”

“I’m going to attend. I signed Arina’s document a while back. If I fall below a certain rank and tarnish the family’s reputation, I won’t participate in any future events.”

“What do you mean…”

Isabella muttered, puzzled, then fell silent.

No such conditions were ever set.

The original condition was simply to observe.

Carsein performed well in the 21st Eastern Nobles’ Meeting but had a major incident at the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.

Due to his unilateral bullying that ruined the tournament and damaged dignity, they decided to confirm whether to return all authority this time.

But for Carsein to say something like this?

If he’s lying, it’s a problem, but his attitude doesn’t seem to be lying.

This means…

‘…Is it your own decision, Arina?’

Isabella clenched her fist.

She needs to talk to Arina firmly about this.

But for now, she needed to address Carsein.

“Since the symposium, I told all the other children the same thing, but I couldn’t tell you. Though late, I wanted to tell you now.”

Holding Carsein’s hand with one hand and patting his shoulder with the other, Isabella spoke the words she had long wanted to say.

“You’ve worked hard, Carsein. And congratulations.”

Handing him a satisfactory envelope with a smile, Isabella returned to the sofa and handed it to Carsein.

“I heard that Shatren suffered significant damage from the Waglew faction. So, I included some recovery funds. Also, I added extra pocket money for you to use as you wish.”

Shatren’s support fund was entirely spent from Carsein’s pocket money, making it thicker than the others.

But,

Carsein pushed away Isabella’s hand completely.

And replied without changing his expression.

“I don’t need it.”

A heavy feeling filled Isabella’s chest.

***

Isabella stared at Carsein in confusion.

“Needless? Recovery funds alone would be a considerable amount…”

“I need to handle this myself.”

“What…?”

“I am now directly managing that territory. The royal family officially issued a formal notice, so all issues need to be resolved by me.”

It’s commendable that he wants to handle it himself.

In fact, it’s admirable.

But no matter what, claiming he can handle it alone is absurd.

“But… That’s why your pocket money is currently all going to Shatren, isn’t it?”

“Well, I need to solve this on my own. I can’t hide under the shadow of the Duke’s house forever.”

“…”

Each time Carsein denied, it put him in a disadvantageous position and rejected the offered help.

Isabella tried once more.

“Take it. Even the gift for being the top student at the symposium wasn’t given properly. This is fine, isn’t it?”

“This is not fine at all.”

“Carsein…”

Carsein stood up, pushing away the envelope.

“If you have nothing else to say, may I leave? I don’t want to waste any more of your time.”

“…”

Isabella sighed, feeling helpless.

“Alright. Just ignore what Arina says. I’ll talk to her and soften her stance.”

“There’s no need for that.”

“What?”

“That’s a very reasonable statement. There’s no guarantee that a troublemaker who caused accidents twice won’t do it again. It’s appropriate to prepare thoroughly.”

“Carsein, I don’t think you’re that bad. Do you really have to do this?”

“I don’t want to cause any more trouble. I’ll go now.”

Isabella called after Carsein, who left the room.

“Haah. If that’s what you want, I won’t stop you…”

Isabella murmured to herself, unable to understand.

Heron watched Isabella with a sorrowful look and closed his eyes.

‘Madam, Young Master is already…’

It was too late.

Before she could do anything.

– Ding!