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I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 228
🕑 Added 2024-12-05 07:34:25 +0000 UTCChapter 228: The Source of the Contamination (10)
While the atmosphere in the conference hall had been tense before…
The recess seemed to have changed things, at least a little.
“Providing new toys to the children of the territory… That’s a commendable effort. Happy children mean happy parents, which translates to increased economic activity.”
“Using detoxified mushrooms as a dye… A creative solution for utilizing a previously useless resource. This is a significant achievement.”
“Installing rest stops throughout the territory to provide shelter from the summer heat… A practical solution that will improve productivity, and it can also be used as a resting place for travelers during the winter.”
Small achievements, perhaps, but still… worthwhile accomplishments.
And two individuals, in particular, stood out.
“Instead of simply increasing the thickness of the miners’ trousers, you utilized the fact that snakes dislike the color blue… An ingenious solution that addressed multiple problems simultaneously.”
Harnie, having carefully observed the impact of color on animals, had found a way to repel snakes and improve the miners’ working conditions.
“A new type of fabric, suitable for clothing, has been discovered in the territory. It wasn't considered a valuable resource before, but your analysis of their processing methods revealed its potential for textile production.”
And Claire had identified a new source of income for her territory, a previously overlooked resource that could be used for clothing production.
“Excellent.”
After a series of lackluster reports, their presentations were a breath of fresh air.
Arsienne and Florence, their initial displeasure fading, seemed impressed.
And perhaps inspired by their example…
A few other nobles, who had clearly put in the effort, managed to present decent reports, achieving above-average scores. Some had honestly admitted their shortcomings and outlined their plans for improvement, while others had identified the flaws in their initial assessments and proposed revised strategies.
And finally…
It was almost my turn. Arina had just finished her presentation.
“Hmm… The revenue increase wasn’t as dramatic as I had hoped.”
“The flooding, I presume?”
“Yes.”
Arina sighed, her voice laced with regret.
“The unexpected heavy rainfall caused significant damage, and we had to prioritize the safety of the villagers.”
“I understand. I’ve reviewed the previous reports, and that territory has always been vulnerable to flooding.”
“And given the terrain, there weren't many options available.”
Arsienne and Florence nodded, their expressions understanding.
She received a B rank.
It wasn't a bad score, considering the circumstances. She had achieved a modest profit, despite the natural disaster. But she still seemed disappointed.
Very few had achieved a higher rank than Arina. This symposium was exceptionally challenging, and high scores were rare.
And strangely…
I had to surpass her score.
▶ Achieve a B+ rank or higher in the symposium! ◀
Was this deliberate?
“…”
Arina, walking past me, glared, her eyes challenging.
Let’s see how you do.
That’s what her expression seemed to say.
Don't worry.
I’ll exceed your expectations.
-Ding!
▶ The final presentation begins. ◀
▶ Choose options to determine the direction of your presentation. ◀
Let's start with something simple.
[ 3. Criticize Shatrain's farming methods. ]
“The Shatrain villagers have been using flawed farming methods. As I explained in my previous report.”
“I recall. You mentioned the disadvantages of planting too many seeds in a single location.”
“It might make them more resistant to drought, but it’s ineffective in areas with ample rainfall. The roots become entangled, hindering their growth, and the uneven distribution of nutrients leads to stunted development. You also mentioned increased vulnerability to pests, diseases, and seasonal changes, resulting in an overgrowth of weeds.”
“That’s correct. However, if that were the only problem, the decline in Shatrain's harvest wouldn't have been so drastic.”
“So, what was the underlying issue?”
-Ding!
▶ Choose the problem from the choices below. ◀
Even though several territory management UI elements were missing, the game system was still responding to my actions.
[ 5. Soil pH issues. ] ☑
“They weren’t managing their soil properly.”
“Soil management?”
“Yes. Proper soil conditions are essential for crop growth. If the soil isn’t suitable, the harvest will suffer, regardless of the farming methods used.”
“Hmm… I understand your argument, but… can you explain it in more detail?”
Florence tilted his head, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. Arsienne, too, seemed intrigued.
That was easy.
“I’ll show you.”
I would simply repeat the demonstration I had given the villagers.
***
Once again, the pH show commenced.
After I explained the concept of pH, Arsienne and Florence seemed relieved.
‘So that’s what he meant by soil management.’
‘Perhaps we should revise the Empire’s farming manuals based on your findings.’
Of course, not everyone understood.
“I still don’t understand how this ‘pH’ is related to crop growth.”
“There’s no evidence to suggest that it affects the harvest.”
Some nobles, still clinging to their doubts, used this as an opportunity to subtly criticize Carsein.
But would such petty attempts at discrediting him work?
Arsienne and Florence didn’t think so. That's why they allowed it to continue.
“Dyke, bring the flowerpots.”
“Yes!”
Dyke and Frikt brought in two flowerpots, and Arsienne and Florence settled in, ready to observe.
“On the left, we have soil with Shatrain’s original pH level. And on the right, soil with an adjusted pH, following my recommendations. I’ve planted Shatrain strawberries in both pots. Can you see the difference?”
“I can’t see anything.”
“There’s no difference.”
“But if we use Pistella's Rapid Growth Elixir, the difference will be obvious.”
“…Carsein, that elixir is quite expensive. Are you sure?”
“It simply means he has enough personal funds to spend on something like this, doesn’t it, Arsienne?”
“Well, I suppose that’s true.”
Pistella's Rapid Growth Elixir.
A magical concoction created through alchemy, providing essential nutrients for rapid plant growth.
It was expensive, 50,000 Pesel per 100ml, but as Florence had pointed out, I had the funds.
I carefully poured an equal amount of the elixir into each flowerpot.
Almost immediately, sprouts emerged from the soil, their tiny stems reaching for the light. Leaves unfurled, and then, small buds appeared.
The buds blossomed into delicate flowers, and soon, vibrant red Shatrain strawberries began to form.
But…
Not in both pots.
“Impressive. A remarkable difference.”
“A significant disparity in growth.”
Arsienne and Florence expressed their admiration.
“N-No way…!”
“How… How is that possible…?”
“They used the same elixir…”
The nobles, their faces etched with shock, fell silent.
Only the right pot, the one with the adjusted soil, showed healthy growth. The left pot, the one with Shatrain’s original soil, had barely grown at all.
This proved one thing.
pH played a crucial role in crop growth.
And Carsein had meticulously eliminated any room for doubt.
-Unfurl.
“I anticipated your skepticism. So I prepared this.”
A Data Scroll.
A chart and graph appeared, displaying the correlation between soil pH and crop growth.
It clearly showed the data, the stark difference between the two samples. It also confirmed that he hadn't used any outside resources or influence, hadn't received any assistance from the Bagrand Duchy. He had achieved these results on his own.
And then…
He gave a signal, and the guards brought in several boxes.
“What’s that…?”
“Shatrain strawberries… and Shatrain grapes?!”
“Those colors… They’re not like the ones we’ve been seeing lately… They’re…”
“They’re like the ones from… before the blight…!”
As the nobles stared at the fruits, mesmerized, Carsein spoke, his voice laced with mock humility.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to achieve my desired results.”
“Not… your desired results?”
“Yes. My goal was grade A+, but I only managed to harvest ten grade A fruits.”
Arsienne and Florence covered their mouths, stifling their laughter.
Preposterous.
To even produce such high-grade fruit in that territory was a miracle.
Shatrain strawberries and Shatrain grapes had become so rare, so expensive, that even nobles had been forced to settle for lower grades.
And yet, he had not only revived those crops…
He had harvested ten grade A fruits.
And the data showed he could consistently produce similar results.
And he called this a failure?
“…”
The nobles who had been criticizing him gritted their teeth, their fists clenching.
Their hands trembled, their faces pale with a mixture of shock and humiliation.
It was a blatant provocation.
A deliberate act of one-upmanship.
But…
“Are there any further objections? If not, we’ll move on to the next part of the presentation.”
No one dared to challenge him.
***
He had failed to manage the territory.
He had refused their offer of collaboration, their support.
Carsein, that stubborn fool, had insisted on doing things his own way, disregarding their advice, ignoring his own limitations.
She had given him countless opportunities.
And he had squandered them all.
She had been furious, ready to punish him for his insolence. She had even confronted him after the report meeting, demanding he accept their help, reminding him of the consequences of his actions.
She had warned him.
-Watch closely. And if I fail, just like you predicted… then you can do whatever you want. Lock me up, make me a servant, strip me of the Bagrand name… I don't care.
And so, she had given up.
She had decided to let him fail, to let him suffer the consequences of his arrogance.
He would undoubtedly return with a disastrous report, tarnishing the Bagrand Duchy’s reputation.
And she would use this opportunity to finally teach him a lesson.
To put him back in his place.
To strip him of his privileges, to silence his defiance.
She would confine him, hire tutors to drill proper etiquette into him, make him understand the weight of his actions.
She wouldn't be swayed by their mother’s pleas for leniency. She would punish him, no matter what.
…But.
He was different.
He hadn't failed.
He hadn't returned with a pathetic report, making excuses and blaming others.
He had presented a flawless analysis of the situation, a meticulous explanation of the problems plaguing Shatrain.
He had presented undeniable evidence, proving his claims.
And he had produced high-quality Shatrain strawberries and grapes.
‘Impossible…’
Grade A fruits, harvested from Carsein’s fields.
-Didn’t I tell you? It’s not over yet.
-It’s the final evaluation. And you’re already planning on punishing me? Before I’ve even given my report?
Carsein’s words, echoing in her mind, silenced Arina’s anger.
-Ding!
▶ A death flag related to Arina has been removed. ◀
***
Arsienne observed the nobles with a satisfied smile.
He had only attended four of the weekly report meetings.
He had skipped the midterm evaluation, requesting a Rest Week.
And they had assumed he had postponed his presentation to come up with an excuse, to avoid being penalized.
‘Could they still criticize him now?’
No one here could question his abilities, his qualifications.
Who would dare to bring up his social standing, his background?
Who would question his right to participate in the symposium?
He had revitalized two failing territories.
Who could criticize his achievements?
‘There’s no way the Defense Time will even happen.’
His presentation had been flawless.
He had achieved the ideal outcome, the perfect result for a lord.
Unlike the other participants, unlike the other temporary lords…
Carsein’s accomplishments deserved the highest possible score.
‘The gap between first and second place is significant.’
Even a one-rank difference would have been impressive, but the gap between Carsein and Claire, who was currently in second place, was enormous. He had achieved an overwhelming victory.
There was nothing more to see.
All that remained was the final evaluation, the grand finale.
As Arsienne reached for the gavel, preparing to adjourn the meeting…
“My presentation isn’t over yet.”
“…Hmm?”
“I’m not finished.”
Carsein raised his hand, interrupting her.
“I still have a few questions. I apologize for my inexperience, but… there are a few things I need to clarify.”
More of his playful banter.
She found his antics rather amusing, his deliberate attempts to provoke the other nobles.
“Proceed.”
Florence chuckled, granting him permission, and Arsienne nodded, anticipating his next move.
“Has anyone heard the rumors about the infighting among the Shatrain villagers?”
“…!”
Why would he bring that up?
It was a sensitive topic, a potential weakness that could be exploited by his rivals. It could even trigger a Defense Time.
But…
“Wait. Why are you bringing that up—”
Arsienne, glancing at Carsein’s expression, realized something.
He knew.
He knew that mentioning the rumors would give the other nobles an opening to attack him.
And yet, he had brought it up himself?
‘…Don’t tell me.’
Was his presentation… not over yet?
