Damn Family

Now, what was that all about?

‘Forfeit… Did he say forfeit?’

It seemed Arina couldn’t believe her ears as she stared in disbelief.

It’s not uncommon for someone to forfeit in a martial arts tournament, especially if they’re unsure or facing a tough opponent.

But this case was different.

The current event is the arena where the most eyes gather and the top scorers advance to the final round of one-on-one matches.

In fact, you could say the tournament exists mainly for the arena.

So it’s hard to understand why.

They must have spent a long time preparing and tweaking their equipment.

Not to mention, they collaborated with sponsors and managed their scores through each episode.

There was the meticulous optimization of unique mana to match their equipment.

And after all that effort, they trained rigorously.

Even considering the hardship of bringing down each person one by one.

But this choice would nullify all of that.

Just one more step.

One more step and they would be the winner.

Yet, to forfeit here?

Arina wasn’t the only one who found this incomprehensible.

The announcer also seemed puzzled, asking Carsein:

“What do you mean by forfeiting? What’s the meaning of this?”

“Isn’t it obvious? What else could ‘forfeit’ mean?”

“But don’t you understand—”

The announcer hesitated, and Carsein responded coolly:

“Didn’t we secure our victory when we both made it to the finals of the Bargrand House?”

“That’s true, but—”

“Then what’s the point? Why bother fighting further?”

He had a point. With them both in the finals, the victory for the Bargrand House was practically sealed.

But there were many difficulties in stopping the match now.

“The final destination of the tournament is to reach the finals. To have a fair winner decided through a match…”

True. Why are the finals called finals?

It’s the last two. The clash of the highest-ranked competitors.

Moreover, with such high expectations, the match would surely draw a lot of attention.

With a title like “Bargrand House’s internal war,” how exciting wouldn’t that be? It would be a waste to throw that away.

But Carsein, without even drawing his sword, questioned:

“The symposium and the tournament are aimed at boosting the family name. Sponsors want publicity. We’ve shown enough. What’s the point of the final match if the goal is just to find a winner?”

“That’s—”

“Well, it’s possible to declare a winner. Just let Arina win since I’m forfeiting.”

He pointed at Arina and continued:

“Besides, it doesn’t matter who wins. Everyone knows I’ll lose anyway.”

Suddenly, all eyes turned to Arina.

Anyone would think the same, given her record.

‘She has won this tournament for years.’

‘It’s no surprise for Princess Arina.’

‘Even if Carsein’s skills have improved, with an opponent like this—’

‘This forfeit makes sense.’

The audience started nodding.

But there was still an issue.

“There’s still the betting system. If the outcome isn’t determined, it creates various problems—”

“I’ll compensate directly.”

“…What?”

“If suspicious people start saying the Bargrand House’s internal conflict involved some secret agreement to fix the match by forfeiting, I’ll cover the costs.”

After all, the royal family put a cap on bets to prevent noble interference, but money is still money.

Returning the bet money solves any problem. It’s just a minor distraction, and predicting the outcome is pointless anyway. Few expected Carsein to reach this far.

This way, there’s no conflict in wrapping up the arena.

Money returned, and predictions overlooked.

Regarding declaring a winner, they reminded themselves of the tournament’s purpose and decided to let Arina take the victory.

“Isn’t that fine then?”

“To be honest, with the Bargrand House sweeping the top spots, it’s meaningless.”

“But if I have to use my own money for compensation, what can I do?”

“Princess Arina is strong. If she’s going to lose anyway, there’s no point in forcing her to fight.”

The noise faded away.

Though it ended somewhat awkwardly, everyone seemed to accept it.

The awards ceremony began.

The winners of the first and second place in the martial arts tournament approached.

Next to Carsein, Arina took the chance to ask:

“What’s your game?”

“What do you mean?”

“Trying to smooth things over from the mischief at the birthday party this way?”

Carsein chuckled inwardly and replied:

“Sure, that’s it.”

“You’re up to no good.”

“It’s not just that. How could I beat you? It’s obvious I’d break. Don’t you know what would happen if you run around recklessly without knowing your place?”

“…”

“Don’t look at me like that. I’m already reflecting on it.”

Arina sighed deeply.

Though he was still being cheeky, there was nothing she could do about it.

“This time, I’ll let it slide.”

She had to appreciate his acknowledgment of his mistake.

The awards ceremony ended amidst applause.

Standing at the highest podium, Arina delivered a satisfying speech to conclude the tournament.

Carsein smiled as he watched her.

‘Sorry, but you’re not worth fighting against.’

So, he decided to give her everything she wanted.

Letting her win would remove any feelings of inferiority.

The real reason for the forfeit in the final round was something else.

-Ding!

▶Character emotions have changed.◀

[ Arina Bargrand ]

[ Inferiority: 58% ]

***

After the tournament ended.

With the Bargrand House taking the top two spots, there was no doubt which house was the best.

Indeed, the Bargrand House is the Bargrand House.

Audience members often commented on this.

“Truly, the princess’s skill is remarkable.”

“She always wins the tournament. Haha!”

“A proper successor should show this kind of strength.”

Of course, these praises came with hidden meanings.

Although it wasn’t obvious, Arina’s inferiority score was dropping.

Ironically, she felt satisfied with just a few words.

‘It’s okay. I feel most satisfied with this situation.’

Let them talk about the heir position all they want.

She could counter negative comments, but she chose not to.

Soon, I followed Arina down from the podium.

“You both worked hard.”

Below the stage, Isabel and the rest of the family were waiting.

As I moved with Arina, stepping down the stairs, my status window opened.

-Ding!

▶Episode IV: Prove Your Worth is completed.◀

▶Your ranking in the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament is 2nd.◀

▶No penalties apply due to your high ranking.◀

▶Rewards are granted.◀

“Big sister is amazing!”

“You worked hard.”

“Not at all.”

While they chatted, I focused on my status window.

‘A rise in Noblesse Points. Not bad. It’s a shame the bad rumors didn’t disappear.’

Rumors lingering might make others think less of her as a successor.

But that’s fine.

I can lower her reputation later if needed.

Meanwhile.

Claire approached me while I was looking at the status window.

“Mom is really happy right now. She wants us to have a cozy tea time together. Should we go?”

-Ding!

▶A main episode branch point has occurred.◀

▶If you choose to follow Isabel, you can enjoy a tea time with the family.◀

▶Proceed? [1. Yes.] [2. No.]◀

An episode branch point occurred.

I remember it being better to go along with it.

But I don’t want to.

“…”

With the episode branching, Isabel looked at me.

Claire had mentioned it, but she seemed to want me to follow her.

Her gaze felt like recalling reality.

‘Huh.’

Those eyes.

I’ve seen them before.

When the sports meet ended.

Yes, that time.

“Mom suggested eating meat together. You coming?”

Right after the sports meet, my second sister came and suggested we eat meat together.

It was a trap.

As we ate meat, other family members gradually left until only one adult was left cooking meat on the opposite side.

The words I heard back then still echo in my mind.

A cold chill runs through my body.

Tea time, my foot.

“No, I don’t want to go.”

“What?”

“I’m pretty tired from finishing the tournament just now. I need to rest.”

“Huh? Oh. Carsein!”

Realizing it was better to leave quickly due to the unpleasant memories, I decided to collect money.

I need to save up to leave this house.

“Carsein!”

As I headed towards the exit of the arena, Harnier descended from the audience seats. But…

-Ding!

▶Additional rewards are revealed!◀

■Reward

[ Detect danger once.]

A delayed reward window appeared before my eyes…

My eyes widened as a series of red warning windows popped up.

No, even without those, it was clear.

Harnier, smiling brightly, was descending, but behind her, the building was crumbling.

My body reacted instinctively.

“Harnier!”

“Carsein? Why are you over here?”

“Duck!”

-Crash, boom──!!

▶Danger detected!◀

▶The wall above the audience seats is collapsing. Move swiftly!◀

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