Chapter 253

-Clank.

“Mother. What on earth…”

Ariana nearly dropped the teacup, spilling a few drops.

“…Are you serious? You’re not going to interfere at all with Carsein’s rights.”

Isabella calmly responded.

“Yes. After seeing this incident, I’ve decided that much.”

“Mother. That’s unreasonable no matter how you look at it—”

Clang!

Placing down the teacup, Isabella firmly cut Ariana off.

“It’s unreasonable because of the conditions you’ve set for Carsein. You said he shouldn’t attend any other events as a family if his ranking falls below a certain point. Even because it would taint the family name.”

“…I didn’t mean to hide it, Mother. It was just because of last year’s issue.”

“I know. Given your personality, you wouldn’t have wanted to hide such things anyway.”

Fact-checking aside,

This matter couldn’t simply be overlooked.

“But… How could you suspect your own brother? He’s also my child. Just like Claire and Flora are to you! You could have investigated whether he really insulted his fiancée or asked why he raised his fist. Couldn’t you?”

To Isabella, even an adopted son is her flesh and blood. To Ariana, he is her brother.

But hearing and receiving reports, it was shockingly surprising that Ariana had not doubted him at all.

“Last year, he came back with cuts from scissors. I don’t even remember seeing him covered in blood. You didn’t even worry when he came back injured while remembering everything else?”

Isabella struck her chest in disappointment and asked.

“In your eyes… Is Carsein not your brother? Not your real brother?”

“No! But… We must separate public and private matters.”

Fearing that Ariana might hate Carsein, she was relieved to see her angrily respond.

Still slightly worried, Isabella spoke again in a calm tone.

“Then, give up all of Carsein’s rights and ignore the martial arts tournament. Ariana, this is an order as the head of the Bargrand family.”

“…”

Realizing the command, Ariana flinched but quietly replied, “Yes,” before retreating.

Afterwards, Isabella immediately picked up her coat.

…

-Flip.

Picking up the report on last year’s incidents arranged by Claire, Isabella read it again.

Her eyes now flickered with a blue flame,

The family name engraved in her blue eyes.

“You touched my children and the Bargrand family.”

This price will be paid very dearly.

No compromise whatsoever.

*Ding!*

[Isabella’s affinity has increased.]

[Current level: 80%]

[Your requested affinity level has been achieved, causing a change in Isabella’s affinity setting.]

[??? : 80%]

***

The information gathered is quite extensive.

Perhaps I’m starting to line up a route back to reality.

However,

Despite gathering all this information, my heart is too complicated.

“To return to my original world… I need Harrier…”

It’s just one person.

The key to returning to Earth, Korea, and my studio room is tied to just one person.

All I need to do is win her over.

Depending on the situation, I might have to argue fiercely, push relentlessly, or wait patiently for her to take the bait.

Gathering information, analyzing thoroughly, and calculating the best approach should solve everything.

Gradually. Extracting everything I need.

Using her to achieve my goal and return.

However,

Even knowing this, my mind can’t easily accept it.

“…”

If only I were dealing with an NPC, it would be so much easier.

I could gather clues from any passing enemy.

Even if they were outsiders, I could use them thoroughly without any problems.

Even those accursed family members would be fine. I could exploit them as much as needed.

Princess Arshien or Prince Florence, who hold power, could be manipulated into cooperation.

Pollux and Talpon, knowing my identity, might even help.

Territorial residents? Whether it’s Shahtren or Rusmaier, they wouldn’t forget my help and would actively assist. For a well-acquainted maid in the Duke’s house, payment would settle the deal.

Since I won’t see these people again after returning, I have no guilt about executing my plan.

But… there’s one exception.

*Crunch.*

My fist clenches.

“I don’t want to deceive Harrier.”

Even though it sounds foolish, I can’t bring myself to make such a suggestion.

She’s too kind, willing to help even at a loss to herself.

She doesn’t get swayed by rumors, holds to common sense, and worries about me despite gaining nothing.

How could I betray and backstab such a person?

She’s the only friend I’ve made in this world.

Fine.

Stubbornly, I can’t treat her lightly.

“…”

What should I do… Even with the keyword “if,” I can’t find a way out.

At that moment, a burly man’s shadow loomed over me, making my body sway left and right.

“Carsein. Snap out of it.”

“…Ah.”

“If you keep spacing out, the next match is about to start. What’s going on?”

Regaining my senses, I realized I was in the arena.

I had forgotten. I’m currently attending the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.

“That’s not like you. Making such a dazed expression here.”

“…”

No longer called the Yarikin, Pollox boldly proclaimed himself as Marquis Aiferos.

He asked curiously,

“Do you have a brain full of answers? Or are you struggling with some tough thoughts?”

“Tough thoughts.”

Indeed. They are so difficult that no answer seems apparent.

“I thought all minor issues were resolved, and we could enjoy the tournament. But maybe I need to pay attention to something over there?”

Pollox pointed towards the audience with his thumb.

There, Harrier sat among the crowd, visibly startled.

“Your fiancée is beautifully dressed, cheering for you. Wouldn’t it be unbecoming to show such a disheveled state? Well, I don’t know what you’re thinking, but there might be other ways to resolve it.”

Pollox patted my shoulder and left.

Other ways.

Alone, I glanced once more towards the audience.

“Keep it up, Carsein.”

First, I need to resolve this episode.

[Episode II: The Qualifier is ongoing.]

[I have attended the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.]

[Aim for a high rank to gain additional benefits.]

***

The tournament events, adjusted to fit the era’s background, felt familiar.

With just a frame change, they could pass as regular sports meets.

Mana Tug-of-War, where you pull a rope balanced by mana to win.

Mana Ball-Burst, where you pop a ball encased in layers of mana as quickly as possible.

Mana Penalty Run, where you navigate obstacles while holding a baton that penalizes you with mana.

And more. Including ball games penalized by mana, it’s akin to a sports meet.

As a result, this happened:

“Oh, how did we end up like this… Princess Arshien must have practiced for this event during her math trip…”

Though labeled as a knight and princess event, it’s essentially a magic attack-permitted headband snatch game.

…I’m familiar with this since I practiced with Ji-eun.

Matching pairs with her at this timing adds confusion.

“Carsein, Carsein?”

“Yes?”

“I’ve been calling you, why aren’t you answering?”

“Sorry. I had some things on my mind… Don’t worry, I’ll focus during the game.”

“Hmm… Okay?”

But, once the game started, I couldn’t concentrate properly.

Due to the unfamiliarity of the altered formats, I didn’t gain much advantage from the start.

I easily eliminated opponents and secured high points. Avoiding attacks with my ingrained instincts wasn’t a problem.

Yet,

“Carsein! Watch out to your left!”

“Ah… Yes!”

“Gyaah!”

“Sorry!”

In another sense, I wasn’t focused.

If I had committed fully to leverage my strengths and secure an advantage, I wouldn’t have faltered or been in such a precarious position.

In an information battle, I could have moved swiftly.

Analyzing and calculating my moves would have led to a decisive victory.

But today, I was preoccupied, leading to occasional mistakes.

Ultimately, I made a big mistake.

“Ugh?!”

“Kyaa?!”

Unnecessary movements disrupted my rhythm with Harrier. Being shaken by an attack I should have defended, she stumbled and fell away from me.

Elimination aside, I finally snapped back to reality.

Although the floor was padded with soft mats to prevent injuries, seeing her fall from the air made adrenaline surge.

*Thump*

Fortunately, I managed to catch her by lowering my stance, asking apologetically.

“Are you okay?”

“Mm… I’m fine. It startled me, but it’s nothing…”

“…”

Damn it.

Where did I lose my concentration?

Thinking about such things while risking injury during the game…

She got a little scraped.

Because I didn’t catch her properly.

“Sorry, Harrier.”

Harrier brushed off her clothes and stood up, smiling nonchalantly.

“There’s nothing to apologize for. It happens. It’s not a serious injury.”

“Nothing to apologize for. It happens. It’s not a serious injury.”

“…”

“Come on, get up. Let’s win next time! There’s a resurrection round!”

Her gesture overlapped perfectly with someone else’s image.

Only then did I realize how foolish my thoughts were.

“Right. Why was I even thinking about this.”

Putting her on the same level as others was a mistake.

I don’t need to deceive her.

I don’t need to exploit her.

As long as I don’t hurt her while achieving my goal.

Why couldn’t I grasp such a simple idea?

Holding Harrier’s hand, I stood up and dusted off the dirt.

“From now on, let’s enjoy it properly.”

“Carsein?”

“I’ve calculated everything. I won’t lose a single match from now on. You need to keep up.”

“That’s what I wanted!”

Harrier smiled brightly and took my hand.

No complex thoughts needed.

The main episode still awaits, and ignoring this chapter’s influence to return isn’t an option.

So, I just need to stay with Harrier until I leave the Bargrand family.

Even after leaving the Bargrand family, I can stay with her.

There’s no need to force her away.

There’s no need to break our current relationship unnecessarily.

There’s no reason to seek contracts or other conditions.

Simply. Just spend time with Harrier as we always have.

Later,

“The winner of the Mana Tug-of-War is His Royal Highness Carsein of the Bargrand family!”

“Aa-! This decides the match! His Royal Highness Carsein of the Bargrand family has won the Mana Ball-Burst!”

“Doesn’t it seem like the movement is different? It looks significantly different compared to other participants!”

We won several matches in a row.

Our rhythm was perfect.

She understood what I wanted, and I understood what she wanted.

Moving in sync, avoiding disruptions, we began enjoying the tournament together.

Time passed,

By the time we secured our spot in the rankings after dominating the early rounds, the first day was over.

“Ugh-!”

Harrier stretched comfortably.

“Seems like you enjoyed it.”

“Of course. So did you?”

Absolutely.

After shaking off my worries, I was only happy.

Not just us, but the crowd seemed to enjoy it too.

They cheered enthusiastically, and even though the match was over, they still looked disappointed.

Perhaps, from now on, martial arts tournaments disguised as sports meets will be held regularly.

“But, have you done this often?”

“What do you mean?”

“You seem so familiar with it. Unlike others who fumble around, you handled it almost naturally.”

“Uh… Really?”

Well, it’s obvious.

We practiced together during sports meets…

“Surely you practiced with another girl?! That’s why you’re so familiar?”

“No, no. It’s not like that. You’re the first. It’s just because of the math trip. Yes…”

“Guess so. Hmm.”

Phew, I survived.

Narrowing my eyes, I reflexively answered her question.

“Tomorrow, archery, right?”

“Yeah. They start with two types of archery, followed by the usual tournament events.”

“So…”

She muttered something, suddenly biting her lip.

“I need to prepare something for tomorrow, so I’ll go a bit earlier.”

“Alright. Shall I drop you off?”

“No, no! That’s not allowed!”

“…You’re refusing, not saying it’s not allowed?”

“Promise me. Absolutely, absolutely, don’t come to where I’m staying today.”

“Huh… Alright.”

I wonder why, but there must be a reason.

But, I need to say this too.

“Harrier.”

“Yes?”

Before parting ways after today, there was one thing I wanted to say.

Right. It was also a promise to clear today’s pointless worries.

“The first meeting was a contract for our goals, but I want to remain in good terms with you.”

She’s a special person.

One of the few friends I have.

So, I will maintain a good relationship.

Even if I leave this place.

“What, what, what are you saying…! Stupid Carsein!”

Harrier suddenly looked flustered and rushed off.

Stopping briefly, she turned back to me.

“I feel the same way too…!”

Leaving those words behind, she ran again.

Feeling the same.

Thankfully.

But, there was also a slightly different feeling.

Somewhere along the way, I started to adapt to her kindness.