episode_0246

It’s been a few days since the school trip following the symposium ended.

Compared to previous exams, this symposium was clearly difficult.

It was quite a difficult test for the children as they could not receive help from the head of the family and received almost no power from the family.

Nevertheless, everyone did their part brilliantly.

If you look at the news from each territory, the reviews about Bagland were all positive.

Because of this, there was some talk even among the vassals.

“More than that, Lady Isabella. I would like to tell you about Prince Karssein.”

Among the vassals, Count Mendel, who was close to Bagland, spoke. Surprisingly, they even added the word Confucius.

The vassals’ gaze toward Karssein was generally no different from that of other nobles.

Even those who were loyal to the Bagland duchy had to remain silent about Karssein’s uncultured and low-class eccentricities.

There must have been those who strongly argued that such a person should not even be allowed to attend the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Competition, saying that there was no way he had any qualifications.

But it was different now.

“I think we need to look at Master Karssein’s qualifications again.”

“Agree. This is an issue that requires reevaluation.”

They were changing their perspective on Karssein.

Isabella asked after taking a sip of tea.

“What kind of reevaluation are you talking about?”

“Prince Karssein’s qualifications for succession need to be reevaluated.”

“…successor qualifications?”

“Yes. Following Ruthmire, weren’t you the first to revive the evil domain called Shatrene?”

“Princess Claire and Princess Arina’s grades are clearly in the top tier. However, such overwhelming results can only be seen as talent.”

“…”

Isabella was also aware of that part.

Since the result is the result, it had to be that way.

The 21st Eastern Noble Meeting is considered the worst fire test.

Here, Karssein performed on a completely different level. He reached a rank that no one else had reached and brought a fresh shock to the nobles.

Karssein’s rank, which showed outstanding performance, was enough to go beyond A+ and create a new grade called S grade.

‘…That’s correct.’

What does it mean to pinpoint and solve the problems of a territory that is in the worst situation on its own, without even receiving the power of the head of the family, in a place that is nothing short of a fire test?

This was at a level that made the vassals excited.

“Please wait a moment.”

Right then.

Someone is pounding on the desk in opposition.

“I cannot agree with that agenda. Isn’t there a big problem left?”

“…”

Isabella looked ahead and sighed.

“Isn’t there a problem depending on whether Bagland is a legitimate ancestor? In the case of other princesses, they were born through natural blood to their wives. But isn’t Prince Karssein like that?”

“Just saying that you are raising an illegitimate child is enough to attract negative attention. No matter how much we do, we cannot place Prince Carsein on the same level as the princesses.”

“If you make a mistake, Bagland’s name will become a laughing stock. How can you designate someone who is not related by blood as the successor to your family?”

That’s right.

Carcein has exactly that problem.

lineage. For nobles, this lineage is one of the most important factors as a condition for continuing the family line.

From the vassals’ point of view, it would be nice to have a good ruler, but that would also be the biggest source of gossip in the empire.

The vassals were divided into two.

The ability aspect stands out so much, but shouldn’t ability be prioritized over lineage?

Karssein has the outstanding ability to lead Bagland.

No matter how talented you are, not taking into account your lineage is tarnishing your family’s name.

Considering his position in aristocratic society, no one other than his eldest daughter Arina could be suitable.

So the sides were divided.

There were far more people who prioritized ability in terms of numbers. As a small number of lineage claimants were speaking out, they were losing out in numbers.

While the discussion continues.

Isabella sighs and interrupts the meeting.

“Just get there.”

The vassals immediately stop fighting at the sound of Isabella’s voice. My eyes were focused in that direction, wondering if my wife might express some kind of opinion.

“I understand what you mean. However, what kind of succession can we discuss for a child who has not even had a coming-of-age ceremony yet?”

“Umm…”

“That’s definitely true.”

I tried to pass it off as a neutral statement as much as possible.

But deep down, I was reaching for a different answer than saying it was too early.

The meeting ends like this.

As the vassals leave one by one, Isabella is left alone in the conference hall, lost in worry.

Meanwhile.

Heron came over and handed me some freshly heated tea.

-Dalgak.

“You seem to be a little stressed, so I brought you your favorite tea.”

“Thank you. Heron.”

Isabella took a breather while drinking the tea Heron brought, and a thought suddenly occurred to her.

‘You couldn’t just tell me about that kid.’

The children who went on the school field trip have completed almost all of their schedules.

Isabella, who had been so anxious after hearing the news that Carcein had been admitted to the hospital, could not even tell her that she had worked hard, was finally able to visit each of her children.

He then hugged me tightly and comforted me by saying that he had worked hard.

He personally gave pocket money to the three people for their hard work.

However, even though I visited each person one by one, I was unable to meet just one person.

This isn’t fair.

The same affection was not available.

Just like Heron said in the past.

‘I heard Shatlaine suffered a lot of damage.’

If so, let’s put in some more.

So that the damage suffered from the Waglu faction can be easily recovered.

“Heron. Please send a letter to Karssein. As for the content… Okay. Just write that you are asking about attending a martial arts competition.”

It would be okay if you ask at the same time.

Also regarding succession.

Was it when about an hour had passed?

As Isabella was working in her office, someone knocked.

“Carcein. I came because you called me.”

“Come in.”

Isabella called Carcein over with a bright face.

however.

What happened next wasn’t very bright.

***

She thought it would take two to two and a half hours at best, but Isabella was a little embarrassed because Carcein arrived in less than an hour.

Of course, there was no time to panic.

-Jallang.

“Hurry and bring the car. There are also some snacks to eat.”

Isabella welcomed Carcein gently and, unlike before, busily moved around without even organizing the documents.

It was a stark contrast to when he came to greet me in the morning.

Perhaps because he didn’t like the sight at all, Carcein immediately gave up.

“It is done. Tell them not to bring tea or refreshments as they are not needed. Aren’t you busy anyway?”

“Not to that extent. Time to chat with you─”

“I don’t want to disturb you. I told you back then. I don’t want to waste your busy time by coming to see you in the morning.”

I was wondering if it would be nice to have some refreshments and chat more leisurely. Isabella continues the conversation with regret at Carcein’s attitude of resolutely getting to the point.

“…Okay. I get it. What are your plans for the martial arts competition?”

“I’ve already finished that conversation with Arina.”

“What?”

“I decided to attend. It’s been a while since I signed what Arina showed me. The condition was that if I fall below a certain rank and bring disgrace to the family, I will not have any intention of participating in other events in the future.”

“What is that…”

Isabella muttered in confusion and then closed her mouth.

No such conditions have ever been imposed.

The original condition is to observe.

Karssein had a good performance at the 21st Eastern Noble Conference, but had a history of serious accidents at the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.

Since there was a past where the competition was ruined by a one-sided assault that lowered dignity and prestige, it was decided to check this time to see if all rights would be returned.

But those words came out of Karssein’s mouth?

It would be a problem if Karssein was lying in this situation, but it is not his attitude to lie.

That’s right.

‘…Are you being dogmatic? ‘Arina?’

Isabella clenched her fists.

I think I need to tell Arina this clearly.

But now, the conversation with Karssein comes first.

-Sure.

Isabella stood up.

“After the symposium, I said the same thing to all the other children, but I couldn’t say it to you. It’s late, but I wanted to tell you this even now.”

Holding Carcein’s hand with one hand.

With the other hand, he stroked Carcein’s shoulder.

It was Isabella who said what she had been wanting to say for a while.

“I had a hard time. Karsein. And congratulations.”

After giving her congratulatory words, Isabella returned to the table where she was working and immediately took out an envelope. With a satisfied expression on her face, she returned to the sofa and handed it to Carcein.

“I heard that Shatrene suffered considerable damage thanks to the Waglu faction. So, I put in some money for recovery. And since I have plenty of pocket money, I guess I can spend it where I want.”

All of Shatrene’s support money has been paid out of Karssein’s pocket money, so the envelope is a little thicker than that of the other sisters.

however.

-Sure.

Carcein pushed Isabella’s hand away.

And then he answers without any change in his expression.

“No need.”

At those words, a stuffy air filled Isabella’s chest.

***

Isabella stared at Carcein with a puzzled expression.

“There is no need? The cost of repairing the damage alone must have been a significant amount of money…”

“That’s something I have to take care of myself.”

“What…?”

“The territory is now managed directly by me. The imperial family has also officially issued an official letter, so all problems must be resolved directly by me.”

The desire to solve the problem yourself is imaginary.

No, you could even say I was proud of it.

But no matter how bad it is, I will solve it on my own.

This is nonsense.

“You know… Because of that, all of your pocket money is going into the chatelaine right now, right?”

“Well, I have to solve that on my own. Because we can’t stay in the shadow of the dukedom forever.”

“…”

Karsein denies everything, saying there is nothing wrong.

Every time you deny that statement, you are put in a disadvantageous position and you miss out on the help that came your way.

Isabella still recommends it one more time.

“Still, I want to take it. I couldn’t even give the symposium senior a proper gift. This is okay.”

“Not okay at all.”

“Carsein…”

Karssein pushes the envelope away and stands up.

“If you have finished everything you wanted to say, can I go back now? I don’t want to take up any more time.”

“…”

Isabella sighed, feeling confused.

“…I guess so. However, don’t pay attention to what Arina says. It’s okay if I tell you appropriately and break your stubbornness.”

“You don’t have to come forward for that either.”

“What?”

“Extremely correct. What guarantee is there that a problem child who has had an accident in the past will not do so again? It is right to be fully prepared.”

“Carsein. I don’t think you did that much wrong. Do you really have to do that?”

“I don’t want to disturb you any further, so I’ll just leave.”

Isabella called out to Carcein in a desperate voice, but he had already left.

“Ha. If you want to do that, I won’t stop you…”

Isabella mutters to herself as if she doesn’t understand.

Heron looked at Isabella with sad eyes and closed his eyes.

‘lady. Master, you have already…’

It was late.

Before I even put my hands to it.

-Tiring!