Chapter 248

-Duke Ptua boasts excellent eyes for people.

-He rose to become a vassal of the House of Bargrand, proving his keen judgment.

-Originally, he was from a fallen noble family.

-Even though his house’s name once spread across the empire, it had long since fallen into obscurity.

-Driven by the desire to return to the noble society, he ventured into business and succeeded.

-His success stemmed from his excellent discernment.

-He cautiously chose which businesses to venture into and quickly made decisions on how to proceed.

-As a result, his ironworks business flourished, bringing the Bargrand family back into the spotlight within the noble circles.

-After inheriting the authority of head of the family from his parents, he excelled at identifying useful and harmful individuals.

-Discernment.

-That was his weapon.

-Yet, there was one person whom even his discernment couldn’t fully grasp.

-“Even so, isn’t young master Carsein too much?”

-“His reputation is too good. He is called the blemish of the Bargrand house… Is that really true?”

-“Dear, I respect your opinion, but this time, I’m not sure.”

-Even his long-time friend who had been with him since the start of the business.

-The family members who supported each other.

-And even his wife, who excellently supported him after their marriage.

-They all doubted his support for Carsein.

-Still, his discernment remained fixed on Carsein.

-No matter how much criticism he faced among the Bargrand retainers.

-No matter how many scandals he was involved in within the noble society.

-Even if he was an adopted child who wasn’t even a legitimate heir and didn’t receive proper treatment.

-He never gave up on supporting Carsein.

-And in the end, the man he supported truly spread his wings.

-Carsein uncovered the plot within the ducal house, cleared his name, and revived the worst territory, Rusmaier.

-At the symposium, he performed exceptionally well, elevating the status of the already prestigious House of Bargrand several notches higher.

-Indeed!

-From the very first moment, he felt something peculiar about him.

-His choice was right.

-When everyone else was eyeing Ariana and Claire as heirs, he voted for Carsein without any regret.

-Duke Ptua sought a way to approach Carsein.

-“Lady Radiel, could you convey my intentions to Prince Carsein?”

-He eagerly awaited a response.

-A few days later.

-On the eve of the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.

“Your Excellency!”

“…”

“A letter… from Prince Carsein…”

-At last. It came.

“Give it to me!”

-Quickly seizing the letter, Duke Ptua swallowed hard and meticulously read its contents.

-“Gulp!”

“It worked…!”

-Once again, his discernment proved correct.

***

-On the surface, Chapter 3 might seem rather straightforward.

-Once you have two territories and the ability to stand on your own, clearing another plan should be enough to gather sufficient funds to leave this house.

-But it won’t be easy.

-If you underestimate this game, you’ll face a bad ending.

-‘In the end, I’ll have to gather more information.’

-Yesterday night, I realized the plot had twisted slightly from the usual course while performing an episode.

-I had encountered sub-episodes aimed at ruining Another Plan before.

-Flora’s study sessions stealing my time, outsiders causing trouble in the territory requiring cleanup, increasing paperwork for the lord to handle, and so on.

-However, what I discovered yesterday was a twist related to the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.

-I’m not sure if this is due to the system’s interference or a sudden change due to the results of Chapter 2, but such variables are not ideal.

-Since it’s a main episode, it requires careful attention.

-Therefore, I had to gather information somehow.

-Even if it meant taking bold actions like joining a family dinner out of nowhere.

“Madam, Young Master Carsein has arrived.”

-As soon as Heron reported inside the restaurant, the sound of dishes clattering echoed, followed by the door opening shortly after.

“Come in, Carsein.”

-Isabella greeted me with a bright smile.

-I replied briefly and glanced around.

-Flora looked unusually sullen.

-Claire seemed more composed than usual.

-Arina was as familiar as ever.

-Aside from Isabella’s attitude.

-I wanted to sit closer to the outside, but that might mean missing out on crucial information.

-So reluctantly, I chose the most comfortable spot.

-I walked over and sat beside Claire, and the sullen child suddenly stood up and shouted.

“Why are you sitting there?!”

“What’s wrong with sitting here?”

“You can sit next to me!”

-If you were me, would you want to?

-I ignored her and asked the maid to bring some dishes.

-There was a brief commotion, but Isabella suggested they sit opposite each other, calming Flora down.

-Dinner resumed, and with another person joining, the topic naturally shifted.

-Isabella whispered to me.

“Carsein, who do you want as your patron?”

“Mother, shouldn’t we explain first?”

“I see. Carsein might not know about this. Where should we start explaining?”

-This must be where it starts.

-The Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.

-One of the major episodes in Chapter 3, and an opportunity for Carsein.

-But this tournament has unique characteristics.

-I decided to pretend ignorance and check if there were any additional rules.

-Arina volunteered to explain.

“The Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament showcases participants’ skills, but it’s more than just that.”

-The first rule of the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.

-Participants can designate a sponsor to provide support.

-“The sponsor supports the participant until the end of the tournament, and their name becomes known. They can advertise their products or brands through this exposure, and even showcase new items or specialties.”

-Secondly,

-With various events, sponsors must assist participants in multiple ways.

-This makes the tournament stand out as one where participants choose their sponsors.

“Sponsors will gain recognition based on the participants’ rankings. Whether they provided excellent equipment or helpful items will be revealed.”

-Participants’ rankings impact sponsors as well.

-Better rankings lead to increased attention from people, amplifying the effect since it’s not just nobles participating.

-Though there is prize money for sponsors, the primary benefit is the substantial income from increased exposure.

-Thus, the tournament is a collaboration between participants and sponsors.

-One more thing to mention.

“Lastly, spectators can bet on the winner. This shows how analytical they are. Through predictions of outcomes or scores.”

-It’s a form of entertainment.

-Since bets are small, the gambling aspect isn’t significant.

-In any case,

-Listening to Arina’s explanation, nothing seemed different.

-All information I already knew.

“You can choose any sponsor you wish. If the Bargrand retainers aren’t suitable, we can seek help from another house.”

-“Ding!”

▶You can now designate a sponsor. Do you wish to do so?◀

-Along with Isabella’s suggestion, a system message appeared.

-If I had to choose immediately, I would.

[ 2. Do not designate a sponsor. ]☑

“I need more time to think about it.”

-Not yet.

-Without any changes to the tournament rules, the chance of a variable occurring on the sponsor side is high. This needs careful consideration.

“Hmm. That’s right. We should take our time. And today’s schedule is free, so why don’t you join me?”

-Today’s schedule…

‘Oh, so that’s the route.’

-I sighed inwardly.

-It felt like the plot was slightly off.

-Whatever the issue, taking this route means I’ll have to interact with nobles.

-Of course, friction is inevitable in this process.

-This route comes with significant risks.

-‘But it’s not entirely negative.’

-Today is the day before the tournament begins.

-When people are most concentrated at the venue.

-This is when interactions between families are most active. It’s not just about the tournament; it’s also a chance to meet many people.

-This means I could respond to the letter I received from Duke Ptua earlier.

-There are risks, but there are rewards too.

-Let’s go for high risk, high reward.

“Then, I’ll prepare first.”

-The time spent meeting someone for the first time and interacting.

-I plan to accelerate my plans during this networking event.

***

-“Ding!”

▶This field is restricted and carries a certain level of danger. Please act with caution. Your Noblesse Points may fluctuate based on your actions.◀

-As the Bargrand carriage passed through the city gates, a system message popped up immediately.

-Soon arriving at my destination, I stepped out of the carriage and pondered.

-‘Act with caution, but doesn’t mean follow Isabella?’

-This means I might find the hidden free action time.

-Just as I got off the carriage and approached Isabella, who was chatting with my daughters, I blurted out.

“I decline to enter the party hall.”

-All eyes turned to me.

-Arina was the first to speak.

“Carsein, didn’t you remember last year’s incident?”

-“Ding!”

▶Arina mentioned the previous year’s martial arts tournament. How will you respond?◀

-As always, the choices appeared.

-I wish there was a memory prompt, but there wasn’t. Based on the given information, it seems the incident from the past started at this point.

-So, the answer is simple.

-Justifying my stance would be enough.

[ 1. Didn’t you say we should look for a sponsor?]☑

“Didn’t you say we should look for a sponsor? We’re going to look for one now. Is there a problem?”

“Ha, Carsein, you—”

-Arina tried to rebut, but her words were cut short by Isabella’s hand gesture.

“Arina.”

“…I apologize, Mother.”

-Arina reluctantly backed down under Isabella’s firm reprimand.

“Looking for a sponsor yourself isn’t a bad idea. Go ahead.”

-Contrarily, Isabella readily allowed my solo action.

“Are you going alone again? Why not go together?”

“Flora, Carsein is doing this because of the sponsor.”

“Can’t we just find one together?”

“No, it’s better to pick one ourselves.”

-Flora complained about going alone, but Claire calmed her down and signaled me to hurry.

‘It’s surprising. She’s helping me out.’

-Arna, however, kept glaring at me.

-Ready to pounce if anything goes wrong.

-And she mouthed a warning.

-‘If you cause trouble after lying about looking for a sponsor, I won’t let you off.’

-Taking the opportunity, I bowed politely and left.

-But sorry, Arina, this isn’t a lie.

-I am genuinely looking for a sponsor.

-I headed to the agreed location and entered a room with curtains askew.

-Before even touching the doorknob, a familiarity box appeared.

-Not gray, but white.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting.”

“Haha, no, not at all! Young Master Carsein!”

-He sprang up and smiled brightly.

[ Duke Ptua ]

[ Affinity: 21% ]

[ This person trusts you. ]