Ch.188Succession War for the Family Headship (3)

Eidel flipped to the next slide. An image showing captures of two academic papers appeared.

“These are the two main papers I’ve written.”

First, the Feynman-Rheinland Model, which provided the theoretical foundation for rebuilding the Aether Belt.

Second, the Quantum Gravity Resonator, which saved over 300 lives.

These two research achievements were what Eidel had accomplished over the past two years. While the number might not seem impressive, their quality was unmatched by his brothers.

“Though the young master is not a doctor, he has saved lives. He rescued people suffering from alien attacks and contributed significantly to ending the Southern Great War.”

Sonia stated these facts calmly. The Council of Elders began to stir noisily.

“Did that son really accomplish this?”

“I find it hard to believe.”

“Two first-author papers in ‘Universe’? From this wet-behind-the-ears kid?”

“If you’re going to lie, at least make it believable, tsk tsk.”

Among the Council of Elders was a faction supporting Brian. They behaved like hired critics, busy belittling Eidel’s achievements. On the other hand, there were those favorable to Eidel.

“Do you think only doctors can save lives?”

“As one of the top ten families, the succession of the family head should be handled flexibly.”

“They say geniuses face jealousy and envy during their lifetime.”

“A young man with a promising future.”

The Council’s opinions failed to converge. While they were bickering, Eidel moved to the next slide.

[10 Ways to Torment Aliens]

This was the main topic of today’s presentation.

“Ten ways to torment aliens. Two of which Sonia has already introduced: the Aether Belt reconstruction and the resonator research. With just these, our galaxy has become safer than others.”

Eidel continued calmly.

“But this is not enough. Look.”

[03. Creating a Darwin’s Legion alien containment device through crystalline research]

[04. Development of reverse light wind technology]

[05. Improvement of Plasma-Aether Sword]

[06. Neutral effect]

[07. Pron Tank]

[08. Using the enemy against themselves]

[09. Development of a 1 light-year linear particle accelerator]

[10. Graviton bomb]

“Eight more methods like these remain. If we calmly implement them, humanity will surely win the war against the aliens.”

“That’s absurd.”

“Yes. In the current situation, it’s just an absurd story.”

Eidel stepped down from the podium. He made eye contact with each member of the Council of Elders in turn. It was a technique commonly used in public speaking.

“Because there’s no money.”

“If funds are insufficient, you should talk to the government. If you’re capable enough to conduct such research, surely the country would provide whatever you need?”

“They don’t give as much as you might think. It seems I’ll have to use my personal funds for research.”

Cartrick burst into laughter. That fool is finally digging his own grave. At that moment, Brian nudged Cartrick.

Brian whispered something to Cartrick. Soon after, Cartrick nodded, then snickered as he folded his arms and remained silent.

“The reason I want to become the family head is to save as many people as possible. I ask for your understanding in advance that family assets will be used for this purpose. Thank you.”

Eidel’s presentation ended. Now was the opportunity.

Cartrick pretended to be chatting with an elder of the Council and casually dropped a comment.

“I’m worried about the third son.”

“Why?”

“Eidel used to be addicted to gambling. He once lost a lot of family money and was severely scolded by father. Seeing how he keeps mentioning family assets, I wonder if he might mismanage things if he becomes the head…”

“Hey, you! Are you slandering your brother right now?”

“Great-uncle, no! I’m just stating facts!”

Cartrick desperately waved his hands and put on a sad face. However, the response he received was ice-cold.

“Don’t try to bring others down. Just focus on doing well yourself.”

“…I understand.”

Cartrick bowed his head and turned around. Standing right behind him was the eldest, Brian, looking composed. He sighed lightly and patted Cartrick’s shoulder.

“Don’t be too discouraged about being scolded. It seems Great-uncle is on Eidel’s side.”

“I understand, brother.”

“Since things are like this, let’s just do our best. Today’s presentation doesn’t determine the succession anyway.”

The two followed the adults to the dining hall. Androids were busily serving food. Brian sat with Cartrick at the front table.

At a table slightly apart, Eidel and Seti were already seated. Naturally, Cartrick overheard their conversation.

“Brother, you’re really crazy. Why mention family assets there? Don’t you want to become the head?”

“Whether I do or not. It would be nice if I did.”

“You should have at least mentioned your fiancée. That would have given you a fifty percent advantage.”

“I’d be lucky not to be criticized for borrowing Adelbein’s reputation.”

Strange. Were those two always this close?

While Cartrick was eavesdropping on their conversation, Brian was organizing his thoughts while fiddling with his glass. He was reviewing the presentation he had just given.

The presentation itself wasn’t bad. At the very least, he wouldn’t have lost points.

But it was still uncertain. He swallowed as he tapped the tablecloth-covered table with a tok, tok sound. It was then that Arnold took the microphone.

“I apologize for interrupting your conversations. I have news to share with the Rheinland family.”

What is it?

Brian and Cartrick turned their heads. Arnold continued.

“At the end of this month, my third son Eidel and the only daughter of the direct line of the Adelbein family will hold their engagement ceremony. The date and venue have been confirmed, and I hope that those of you gathered here who are able to attend will grace the occasion with your presence.”

“Ah, that’s right, I remember now.”

“If it’s the only daughter of the Adelbein family, is he referring to that girl who attends Stellarium Medical School?”

Brian secretly sighed. It was a sigh mixed with equal parts relief and anxiety. His sharp mind was working rapidly.

Clack.

Brian put down his fork before even half of the course meal had been served.

“I’m done eating.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Even now, in frontier planets, most people are surviving by making soup with mallow. Yet here we are, supposedly scions of a noble family, enjoying a luxurious meal. I simply can’t swallow the food.”

“……”

Cartrick became solemn upon hearing those words.

It wasn’t because of his brother’s humility. It was because two elders from the Council at the same table were looking at Brian with sympathetic eyes.

“Not only intelligent but humble as well.”

“He’ll certainly take better care of the family assets than that third son over there.”

Clatter.

Only then did Cartrick put down his utensils. He had been careless. Absorbed in the food before him, he had completely forgotten that even this occasion was an extension of the competition for family headship.

Rising from his seat, Cartrick glanced at the adjacent table.

“Ah! If only the money for this meal could be added to the research funds!”

“This idiot is starting again.”

“Seti, you don’t need to censor your insults. Why not call me a bastard like you usually do?”

“…Do you really not want to become the family head?”

“Anyway, if eating this gives me energy for research, it’s worth the money. I really need to work my ass off.”

“I get it, so put that tablet away and eat first!”

Despite being in front of the elders, Eidel was eating while distracted. He looked urgent, like someone pressed for time. He was continuously writing equations on his tablet PC.

It’s an act.

Surely it’s an act to deceive the Council of Elders, as he probably doesn’t even understand what he’s doing. The idea of Eidel developing an interest in studying was less believable than the universe ending.

Interesting. Let’s see how long he can keep this up.

Cartrick left the dining hall with an internal sneer.

“Looking at him again, he’s no ordinary person.”

And so he couldn’t hear the conversation of the adults who sat at Eidel’s table after he left.

They were blankly watching as Eidel fluently wrote down equations.

***

The competition for family headship would take place over the next two months. The test was relative evaluation and simpler than expected.

“The family will provide a certain level of support, so each of you should achieve something that aligns with your ambitions.”

Kaitel von Rheinland, the head of the Council of Elders, explained broadly.

“Of course, you can’t accomplish much in just two months. What we’re looking for is sincerity and future potential. So don’t feel pressured and complete a small project within your capabilities.”

“When you say a small project, specifically how small are you referring to?”

“That depends on your own capacity.”

Cartrick scratched his head.

“The head of the Rheinland family has always been upright and firm in conviction. Only then can they develop the family without being swayed by anyone, whether spouse or collateral relatives.”

The message was clear: don’t ask such questions and think for yourself.

“It would be good to set a problem and seek ways to solve it. The difficulty level should be slightly harder than what you can handle. And I hope you’ll observe the deadline well.”

“Of course, you might not be able to solve it within the limited time. That’s fine too. I hope each of you will try to solve a task that aligns with your life goals.”

“All your actions over these two months will be recorded through dedicated androids. Always be mindful of your behavior and do your best as a member of the Rheinland family. That’s all!”

Cartrick pondered. So did Brian and Seti.

But Brian and Seti’s deliberations weren’t long. They knew exactly what they needed to do.

“Erica, let’s go to the Ultron planetary system.”

“This humble servant will follow the young master anywhere.”

Brian planned a project to improve the medical situation in one of the impoverished frontier planetary systems.

“Secretary Bella?”

“Yes, Chairwoman! Exciting things are about to happen!”

Seti planned a project to completely dominate the medical transportation network in the southern and western regions with ‘Meidak’.

And.

Eidel.

“Sonia.”

“Young master.”

“Sonia.”

“Young master.”

Sonia shook her head.

“It’s not right, young master. The others would be too pitiful.”

“What’s the big deal about four papers?”