Chapter 260

Posted by Kuze, ? Views, Released on January 31, 2025

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Still, I wonder.

Why did I get hit by that unexpected spike?

It was just returning what Harnier did, so if it was fair and we both lost a little, there shouldn’t be any problem, right?

I couldn’t understand why she suddenly asked me.

I was confused and speechless.

But then, our conversation flowed naturally due to an unexpected question.

“Are you thinking about taking over as the successor?”

Successor?

What does she mean by that?

Seeing my puzzled face, Harnier changed her question.

“Just in case, Carsein. Do you know about the rumors going around about you?”

“Um…”

“It seems you really don’t know.”

Sighing softly, Harnier continued explaining.

“Because of your outstanding performance in the martial arts tournament, people are saying you might become the next head of the Bargrand family.”

“What!”

That’s absurd!

The successor? Of that damn family?

I was stunned.

“Who started these rumors?”

“…Among the nobles.”

“What?”

“At the symposium, it came up briefly too. But back then, it was just talk. This time is different. Seeing your well-rounded abilities… they’re discussing your suitability as the head of the family.”

“…”

This was something I hadn’t expected. I had only considered how to increase my own benefits.

“So, you weren’t aiming for this?”

“Of course not. You know my goal better than anyone.”

“Yes. That’s right.”

My goal is to escape from that family, not to become the head of that household.

Even if it meant the Bargrand family, the peak of nobility.

“But even though I didn’t suspect anything, you should still be careful, Carsein. Understand?”

“Yes, I understand.”

While it might seem like a positive rumor has been added, if it turns into a trend, it could become a problem.

If that happens, it might affect my escape plan.

I should make it clear when I get back.

“I don’t care about being the successor of the Bargrand family.”

“By the way, how is everything going for you?”

“I’m doing fine. The funds are accumulating steadily.”

“That’s good news.”

As Harnier and I talked about our plans, the conversation flowed naturally.

Before long, time passed.

We reached the place where Harnier was staying.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to bring you this far…”

“It’s okay. I’m resting tomorrow.”

“What? Resting tomorrow?”

“I haven’t prepared any events. Maybe there will be something on the last day.”

“Hmm. I see.”

Harriet nodded, saying she had enough time considering the points she had collected so far.

“Be careful on your way back, Carsein.”

“Yes. You too, take care.”

After our usual goodbye, I turned around.

Just then.

“Wait, Carsein!”

She called out to me again.

“If things go according to your plan… as long as you stay out of reach of the Bargrand family, that’s enough, right?”

“Why is she asking such a random question now?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

That’s what I want, at least.

Harriet smiled faintly and said she understood. She also reminded me it was getting late and to head back.

She kept gesturing for me to hurry inside, and Harriet followed suit.

Only after watching her disappear from sight did I finally start walking.

When I returned to my lodgings, it was almost midnight.

“Ahh.”

I immediately took a bath and went straight to bed, unlike usual.

I used quite a bit of mana and my body felt sore from moving around.

Still, I needed to plan for tomorrow.

Episode攻略. Check Noblesse Points. Check affinity.

I need to review what happened today.

“Nothing much happened today. Just the tournament, really.”

There’s no Dead Trigger, but with the situation not being too crowded, there shouldn’t be any flags appearing now.

Checking my points made me feel relieved.

“There’s nothing scheduled for tomorrow. My points are sufficient. I just need to firmly say I don’t need the position of successor or Ptua’s equipment test.”

An unexpected new plan arose, but it’s a variable I have to accept.

Tomorrow is Arina’s birthday.

This is the key point.

While the symposium disrupted the main episode with Flora’s birthday, the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament disrupts it with Arina’s birthday.

If I fail to handle this properly and neglect managing my Noblesse Points early on, it could seriously upset Arina and create obstacles for my other plans.

But fortunately, my points are…

[Noblesse Points: -193]

From -248 to -193, a significant recovery.

This means Carsein’s reputation is improving in noble society.

If I can smoothly handle Arina’s birthday and give her a suitable gift, there won’t be any bad rumors about me not caring about my sister’s birthday.

“So, maybe I should sleep earlier tonight.”

The birthday gift and the effect of the Oath Gem from Harriet…

And the status ailment…

Early sleep wouldn’t be bad.

I turned off the lights and fell asleep much faster than usual.

***

The Peselros Empire, recognized as the sole surviving Duke’s House with its high status, always reigns at the top of the nobility.

In the past, now, and in the future, this fact remains unchanged. The Bargrand family continues to dominate the upper echelons, as proven by this martial arts tournament.

However, this tournament had a significant difference.

Due to this difference, just a few hours ago, the Bargrand retainers gathered for a meeting.

“All here?”

Looking around, Marquis Magnuel asked, and everyone coughed or glanced nervously.

It was obvious that not everyone was present.

The number of empty seats answered his question.

Fewer allies.

Magnuel clenched his teeth and brought up the topic.

“As you all know, there are rumors circulating.”

“Indeed!”

“How can they…!”

A topic emerged from the silence.

At the mention of rumors, the retainers reacted instantly.

“You must be out of your minds. Carsein as the successor of the Bargrand family? What nonsense is this?”

“I agree. Why would they give the successor position to those who are mere gossip material?”

“Scores in the symposium were good? So what? Showing prowess in the martial arts tournament? Again, so what!”

“Having another bloodline join the ancient Peselros Empire’s sole Duke’s House would greatly undermine its legitimacy!”

A cascade of complaints.

As the rumors spread from the symposium to the martial arts tournament, his exceptional abilities became widely known.

To those who uphold tradition, having someone with no blood ties rise to the position of successor was unthinkable.

But they were a minority.

“The young master is an official member of the Bargrand family, yet you speak as if he doesn’t qualify?”

“I acknowledge it’s gossip-worthy. But if he proves himself with ability, it’ll soon be buried.”

“The symposium showcases a scholar’s abilities; the martial arts tournament displays a warrior’s. For nobility, these are the biggest tests proving one’s dual competence!”

“Considering his demonstrated abilities in proving grounds, for the future of the Bargrand family, some flexibility in legitimacy might be acceptable. Isn’t that so?”

The number of people suggesting Carsein as the successor grew immensely.

Superior ability.

They argued that the Bargrand family needs this ability as its foundation.

Ultimately, despite the prolonged discussion, Marquis Magnuel’s intent was not accepted.

“If this continues… Carsein will be placed as the successor.”

How can we follow an external commoner when there’s a clear lineage flowing through the family?

This couldn’t happen.

Late at night, Marquis Magnuel moved.

“Swish! Swish!”

He approached a ponytailed woman holding a sword.

“Indeed, in terms of ability, I’ve already proven myself.”

The eldest daughter of the Bargrand family, Arina Bargrand.

Her abilities could fill the void left by Isabella, who was unable to properly perform her duties due to mental illness.

Symposium? Martial Arts Tournament?

Her results in those were incomparable.

Everything comes down to practical experience.

“What brings you here, Marquis Magnuel?”

Stopping her practice, Arina wiped the sweat from her brow and asked.

Marquis Magnuel spoke directly.

“I believe you’ve heard the rumors, Princess Arina. About Carsein being considered as the next Duke of the Bargrand family.”

“…”

Arina’s eyes twitched slightly at his words.

Magnuel noticed her reaction.

“However, these are impious rumors. Leaving aside Princess Arina, who is the pillar of the Bargrand family, and the legitimate heir with both bloodline and tradition, they want to elevate an adopted boy to the position of head of the family?”

“Marquis.”

“Since the Bargrand family has been at the pinnacle, it has faced all kinds of opposition. Slander, mockery, conspiracies! Some even tried to pull us down. If this adopted boy is here to ruin the family, what can we do?”

“Marquis!”

As if telling him to stop, Arina raised her voice.

Yet, her eyes blazed with blue flames.

The marquis’ intention hit its mark.

“So, what are you trying to say, Marquis?”

Finally, the marquis, who had been waiting, spoke.

“There are two more days until the martial arts tournament. Princess Arina. Show them what a true Bargrand is. Show them what superiority means!”

The power imbued with anger.

He stirred Arina to unleash that power.

And that power would naturally show itself during the tournament.

That’s enough.

To ensure Carsein Bargrand, this impurity, never again looks at the throne of the Bargrand family, it’s enough to crush him with force.