The Necromance of Love and Death: Defeated Early in the Game, I Reincarnated as a Tragic Villainous Noble and Rebel Against the Scenario with My Beloved Using My Modern and Game Knowledge - Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8: The Family Meeting

“It’s best to quickly resolve matters that are already decided. Do you understand? Clovis is not suitable to inherit the title as the Count of the Marquess. He is still a child. What he needs is not the title of Marquess but time to live quietly and freely. So, if not Clovis, who is suitable to be the leader? There’s no need to think about it. There’s no I, Alberic, the firstborn of the previous head of the family, am the one who is suitable.”

Without waiting for me to call him, my uncle already spoke up. I think he finds it unpleasant that I did not call him first. Since my uncle and father didn’t get along, he probably disliked me as the child of my father as well.

The feud between my uncle and my father apparently began before my father became the head of the Marquess family.

My uncle and my father were brothers. Normally, the older brother, my uncle, would become the head of the Marquess family. However, my father had a weapon that could break that rule.

That was because of the existence of the dark dragon, Baltzarek.

Even my late grandfather could not ignore Baltzarek’s existence and decided to make my father the next head of the family.

Well, if I had to choose between following tradition or taking the dragon, I would prioritize the dragon too. My grandfather’s decision was not wrong.

I feel sorry for my uncle, but that’s how things are. However, it must have been difficult for him to accept it. As someone who is about to face a similar situation, I can somewhat understand my uncle’s feelings.

Well, I can understand, but I don’t sympathize.

“That’s right. Lord Alberic is the rightful successor.”

“Exactly.”

“Lord Alberic is our leader.”

My uncle must have made prior arrangements. The majority of those present supported my uncle.

Well, this was to be expected.

Then…

“Wait!”

As I was about to finish the discussion, a voice, dry yet powerful, interrupted. It was Oban, the elder of the clan.

“The next head of the family is Lord Clovis! No objections will be accepted!”

“That’s right!”

“No one but Lord Clovis is suitable!”

“Indeed!”

I did not expect that Oban and four others would support me. This was a pleasant surprise. I should cherish them.

“What are you saying… Look at Clovis! With that body, he cannot fulfill the duties as the head of the family!”

“It is our role to support him! Attempting to usurp the position of head of the family is outrageous!”

“If he becomes the head of the Barvastor-Marquess family, it would be a disgrace.”

“How dare you say such a thing!”

“Everything will be decided by Lord Clovis.”

“What can a child like him decide?”

The meeting became chaotic. Seven people supported my uncle, and the remaining four supported me. The two groups were arguing fiercely.

At this rate, we would reach a stalemate.

“May I speak for a moment?”

“Shut up, kid!”

“How dare you speak to Lord Clovis like that!”

“Lord Clovis is about to speak. Everyone, listen carefully!”

“Tsk.”

My uncle’s faction has quite a foul mouth.

Well, it may be inevitable since the difference between becoming the head of the family or just another relative affects one’s status, wealth, and the power that they can wield. Everyone here must understand that this is the critical moment.

“I think it would be fine for my uncle to become the head of the family.”

“Oh?”

My uncle smiled at my words.

“That’s not acceptable, Lord Clovis! You have nothing to be ashamed of!”

“Thank you, Oban. But please leave this to me.”

“Yes…”

Oban lowered his head with a resigned expression.

“So, Clovis? Did you say that you acknowledge me as the head of the family? Since you acknowledge it, there is no need for further discussion. I am the next head of the family!”

Sorry to disappoint him with his bright expression.

“Uncle, I haven’t officially recognized you as the head of the family yet.”

“What do you mean?”

“You will be meeting someone now. If this person approves, I will gladly recognize you as the head of the family.”

“…Oh?”

“Uncle, will you meet them? It is an unavoidable path to becoming the head of the family.”

“Very well. Bring whoever you want.”

“Thank you. Now, everyone, let’s move.”

“Move?”

“Yes. The person is already waiting in the garden.”

I led the family members out of the room and walked down the corridor. The attitudes of the family members were contrasting. My uncle’s group, dreaming of future success, walked cheerfully and energetically.

On the other hand, Oban’s group walked slowly with their backs hunched. Well, it might seem like I have abandoned my claim to the head of the family. However, I have not given up yet. This is a kind of rite of passage.

We went out to the garden and walked to the opposite side of the detached building.

“Hey, this way.”

My uncle seemed to have noticed something and raised his voice.

But it was a bit too late.