The Damn Family Is Back Again chapter 116

116. The Aifelos Family (9)

When Harinee got out of the carriage, looking around, the scenery had already changed significantly.

Perhaps she had been arguing with Carsain, and the carriage had almost reached the Aifelos noble family’s estate by then.

It was a desolate and quiet atmosphere, with a sense of heavy pressure and dryness.

This feeling wasn’t just limited to my mood; it seemed to be affecting everyone.

▶Abnormal State: Despair Syndrome◀

[This abnormal state is exclusive to the western region.]

Despair Syndrome.

It’s an abnormal state that occurs when you first set foot in the western region.

It’s a mechanism to inform those who have only lived in the city, like Karcein, that the atmosphere here is different from what they’re used to.

This place is literally a battleground with demons, and the land is tainted by dark magic, which is why this syndrome occurs.

But how can this game be so lenient?

It’s not something that can be easily overlooked, even if it’s just a setting.

Land tainted by dark magic is harmful to people, and those afflicted with this syndrome will permanently lose their strength.

That’s the real penalty of Despair Syndrome.

If you’re strong enough, you might be able to resist the effects of this penalty, but only those who have lived in the west for a long time have that kind of power.

Even Karcein, who has experienced hardship in the slums, can’t withstand the harsh energy emanating from this land. No matter how hard he trains, it won’t make a significant difference.

That’s why the longer he stays here, the more he’ll lose his stats.

But.

This game may be merciless, but it won’t suddenly reduce his hard-earned stats to zero just because he set foot here.

▶This area is a warning zone!◀

▶The longer you stay, the more your stats will decrease!◀

[Time remaining until next decrease: 5 hours]

It’s displaying the danger level and warning him like this.

In other words, this is the situation.

Before the timer runs out, Karcein needs to meet with Duke Ipelros and conclude a trade agreement, then return to Rusmeier.

It may seem difficult, but it’s doable within the time limit.

“There he is.”

[Polux Tutellum]

[Intimacy: 12%]

His intimacy level is surprisingly high.

It shouldn’t be too difficult to negotiate with that man, who’s gazing at the distant mountain with his back turned.

As Karcein approaches Polux, the latter senses his presence and covers his mouth with his hand.

“Hmm.”

Followed by a forced cough and an evasive gaze.

It’s an awkward atmosphere.

Why is he acting like this?

Karcein tilts his head, and Polux lets out another forced cough.

“Hmm. Sorry for the interruption. It seems like the two of you… no, that’s not it. It wasn’t intentional. I apologize again.”

“…What’s with the sudden nonsense?”

“Uh? Ah, maybe. Haha. Yeah, that’s possible.”

When Karcein asks what he means, Polux looks puzzled and pats him on the shoulder.

“Yeah. Some people are embarrassed about that kind of thing when they’re young. It’s not weird to hide it. I understand.”

What is he supposed to understand?

Why are you doing this? If you could explain, that would be great…

No, it’s better to just ask.

“Polux. I don’t understand what you’re saying right now. Can you please explain it in detail?”

“Uh, what?”

“I’m saying this because I don’t know. We’ve had conversations that only we know about, and it’s possible that the listener might feel bad if they hear it.”

Hmm, that’s true.

When you have conversations that only you know about, it’s natural for outsiders to feel bad.

…I’ve always been excluded, but that’s how it’s been around me.

“Uh, in detail… Hmm, hmm.”

Polux let out a series of awkward coughs, looking troubled.

“How can I bring up the conversation between the two of you with my own mouth? Don’t make me do that.”

“The two of you? Now that you mention it, you did say ‘two people’ earlier. Are you talking about me and Harnee?”

“No, it’s not that… Hmm, I didn’t see it.”

Then it’s natural to talk about what happened in the carriage.

I’m talking about the time when I was knocked out, suffering a small amount of HP loss, and was in a state of confusion.

The fact that he didn’t see it suggests that something must have happened.

“Hey, don’t do that and tell me. What’s going on?”

Then Polux broke out in a cold sweat.

“Huh? I don’t know what you’re talking about. There’s also a fiancée behind me, so how could… Hmm.”

“Behind me?”

I turned my head to see Harnee standing there, having appeared at some point.

…But for some reason, I sense a strange atmosphere from Harnee’s expression.

Since there’s no one around me who can answer this kind of question, I once asked Camilla about it.

If someone is smiling but gives you a scary feeling, what kind of signal is that?

Camilla shook her head, saying she had no idea.

That’s right. It’s only natural to think it’s weird.

How can someone who’s smiling give you a scary feeling?

But…

It’s right in front of me.

“Did I not clearly tell you not to say anything… and you ignored it?”

Thud.

Uh…? My arm was grabbed.

As my arm was grabbed, a sense of crisis began to rise.

Today, I had a sense of certainty that I couldn’t escape.

I tried to pull my foot back, but…

-Zhajak!

“Yes!”

“Aah!”

A bright red handprint had already appeared on my back.

As the heat emanating from his backside subsided, Polux, who had been putting on airs, called over his servants, claiming he would introduce them to the Iferos Marquisate.

A box with a greyish hue displayed the region’s basic affinity, -5%, along with an alarm on the status window.

-Ding!

▶Episode III. The Proof of Being a Lord is in Progress!◀

▶Move to the Iferos Marquisate and proceed with the trade with Polux Tutulorum!◀

▶The amount of Rusmayeur’s funds will be determined by the degree of the trade!◀

It’s not much different, after all.

To revitalize the desolate Rusmayeur, which was nothing but a barren mountain, he had to make this trade a success.

Before the Defection Syndrome kicked in, that is.

He had intended to propose the trade to the Iferos Marquisate, but…

“This is… exactly what I thought. That’s why I said that.”

The marquisate, which he arrived at with the guide, was utterly disappointing.

However, he couldn’t bring himself to say it was disappointing.

“What a bland response. I expected to hear ‘Is this a mansion?'”

“…It’s definitely not a mansion. This is the last stronghold to fight against the demons.”

“Huh. You didn’t even react like other nobles, and you immediately realized this was a stronghold?”

Polux let out a faint laugh, seemingly amused.

-Ding!

▶Choose an option to resolve Polux’s curiosity.

[1. It’s got the form of a stronghold that blocks from the inside out, so I could sense it. I can explain it a bit more, if you’d like.]

[2. (Looking around the situation) It seems like you have some resources. Though it looks a bit lacking. Who did you trade with?]

[3. I already know you received resources from the imperial family. And I know the amount is quite small. So, let’s trade.]

The options appeared at the expected timing.

The first option was to carefully approach the main topic and proceed.

The second option was to pretend not to know and ask about the connection with the imperial family, slowly approaching the topic.

The third option was to bluntly state the facts about the Iferos Marquisate’s situation and immediately proceed to the trade.

Each option would affect the time reduction, affinity management, and regional recognition scores.

Originally, he would have chosen the first option.

By nature, the Iferos Marquis was cautious.

Having met Polux beforehand, he expected this level of reaction. In the game, he was even more cautious.

It’s only natural, given that a stranger suddenly appeared.

Moreover, the target was a noble. None other than Carsein, the Duke of Bagrand.

In this situation, if he were to suddenly propose a trade without being cautious, the affinity would take a huge hit, and the trade with the marquis would become even more difficult.

So, he had to approach slowly.

In the process, he had to carefully reveal what he knew, recover the affinity, and eventually get to the trade talk.

“Of course, the end goal was to cross swords, but…”

However, that wasn’t necessary now.

He had already made contact with Polux and introduced himself.

Although he belatedly realized that the Yalikin were being ostracized by the empire…

[Polux Tutulorum]

[ Intimacy: 12% ]

From noble mtl dot com

I had already raised my intimacy level to a considerable extent, making it highly likely that I would take a smooth path.

[ 3. I already knew that I had received resources from the Imperial Family, and I was also aware that the amount was minimal. ]☑

“I already knew that I had received resources from the Imperial Family, and I was also aware that the amount was minimal.”

“…Continue talking.”

As expected, Polux didn’t show any signs of caution.

I felt relieved and continued to speak until the end.

“So, let’s make a deal. As the Lord of Rusmaier, I’ll support you in obtaining the ore.”

“Wait, you mean you’re the Lord of Rusmaier? Are you saying you’ll support us in obtaining the ore in the Rusmaier territory?”

“That’s right. The Wagleu Mountain is a barren mountain, after all. After the deal, the Yarik people can directly load the ore onto their carriages and take it away.”

Polux smiled suspiciously after hearing my words.

“If we can obtain ore from the barren mountain, that would be perfect… but I also know where Rusmaier is located. It’ll take a long time to reach this place, won’t it?”

That’s true.

It’s not just a short distance, but we have to travel all the way to the west, which is extremely far.

“Let’s assume it takes at least a week to transport the minimum amount of ore needed to repair the city walls and return. Considering the return trip, it’ll take at least a week. That would leave too few people to defend this place, which is unreasonable.”

“You don’t have to worry about that.”

“…What?”

I confidently pointed to myself.

“Why did I, who’s busy preparing for the Eastern Nobles’ Assembly, arrive here so quickly?”

“!…”

Yes. It’s clear that’s suspicious.

Although it’s an empty carriage, it’s only been a few days since we met.

Yet, I’m visiting this place so suddenly.

“There’s a passage through the Wagleu Mountain. The residents created it themselves, so we don’t have to go around the mountain anymore.”

“You… opened a passage.”

“Rusmaier was originally a village of sculptors, after all.”

“Sculptors… I see. If they’re skilled enough to work on not only decorations but also buildings, it’s possible for them to create a passage through the barren mountain.”

– Ding!

▶Polux’s suspicions completely disappear.◀

▶Achievement rate: 99%◀

99%? With an achievement rate like this, the rest is as good as done.

From now on, we’ll just need to finalize the contract and complete the transaction.

“Take it. I’ve already prepared the contract, so please read it carefully.”

The only thing left is to manage the penalties.

“Polux, as you know, I’m busy with the Eastern Nobles’ Assembly. So, I’d like to finalize the contract today. What do you think?”

“Hmm… I need some time to discuss it with my people. This isn’t my land alone, after all.”

He gestured to the people who were following him.

There were people living in this mansion, which was like a fortress.

“This place was entrusted to me by the Empire, but it originally belonged to the Yarik people. So, I need to discuss it with the Yarik people and come back to you.”

“Feel free to do so.”

“I’ll give you enough time to think.”

“No matter how long it takes, I’ll complete this deal perfectly without a single hitch.”

Polojuk, who had said he would consult with the Yarikin and come back, soon appeared before me.

“Good. Let’s make a deal.”

The phrase “I’ll accept the deal” also came out.

But.

No matter how long I waited, the episode completion window didn’t appear.

“There’s one condition I want to add, though.”

“…Condition?”

The word “condition” suddenly gave me a sense of unease.

And that unease was…

“I want to have a sword fight with you, not with a mock sword, but with a real one.”

It was heading in a direction I had been certain wouldn’t happen.

-Ding!

▶Episode III. The Proof of Being a Lord is in Progress!◀

▶The final condition to complete the deal is a duel with Polojuk.◀

***

“Do you think we’re not enemies, Polojuk? Is that just my thought?”

Karsein asked, seemingly dissatisfied with the final condition.

“I don’t think of you as an enemy either.”

“Then why? Why do you want to have a sword fight with me?”

“…I can’t say it straightforwardly. But if I don’t have this fight, I won’t make a deal with you either.”

Karsein looked frustrated, wiping his face with his hand.

“Alright. Let’s have the duel then. I have a condition called ‘Diffusion Syndrome’, so I can’t stay here for long.”

“Hmm. That’s not a problem. Here, I can take a special medicine that will solve the Diffusion Syndrome.”

“What…!”

Polojuk swallowed his words, thinking “As expected, the words of the Plezia upper class are true.”

-Can I… keep Karsein here for a day to rest?

At first, I thought it was a strange request.

But if you look at Karsein’s condition, you can understand.

On the surface, he looks fine, but… who knows what’s inside.

The reason I want to have a duel with Karsein is to figure this out.

“Don’t think too badly of me. I want to have a proper fight with you. But if your condition is bad, what’s the point? Take a day off and rest. That way, you’ll be in top shape.”

Polojuk patted Karsein’s shoulder lightly and said so.

As Polojuk walked past Karsein, he let out a small sigh, thinking about the lie he had told him.

“I have to tell lies to make this deal happen… Ugh, it’s annoying.”

A small sense of guilt arose from the lie, but a small sense of relief followed.

At this rate, Haruni would strongly recommend that he take a day off.