I had no choice but to follow this scenario. I asked Envi through my mind, but he didn't know what the notification was. He said that the notification was from the Goddess of Benevolence. I thought maybe this was the goddess' way of helping me.
Now I have to observe the surroundings first.
Beside the Patriarch, there was a woman around 40 years old with brown hair and dark eyes. Despite her age, she looked remarkably young. Seated on either side of her were a young man, probably in his twenties, and a girl who seemed around 18 years old. Both had similar features to the woman.
"You can see their general information using my power," Envi suddenly spoke, surprising me.
"Okay let's see their information then," I relented, asking Envi internally to display their details.
A status screen popped up, showing the general information of everyone in the room:
-Tetsu von Blackmore (Patriarch, Hero) | Age: 50 | Level: 100
-Lilia von Blackmore (Second Wife of the Patriarch, your Step-Mother) | Age: 40 | Level: 5 (Non-combatant)
-Mark von Blackmore (Son of Lilia, your Half-Brother) | Age: 20 | Level: 30
-Milly von Blackmore (Second Daughter of Lilia, your Half-Sister) | Age: 18 | Level: 15
From this information, I could gauge just how powerful the Patriarch was. Just look at him—he's already reached level 100 at the age of 50, while here I am, only level 25 even though I'm already 25 years old. The gap between us was painfully obvious.
And then, there was Mark, always so noisy. He's already surpassed my level at only 20! Seriously, Naoki, you're being left in the dust.
On top of that, if you consider Milly's current status, it's pretty much certain that she'll surpass me as well! I can't afford to underestimate either of them.
Suddenly I realized that the Patriarch had two wives, and I was the firstborn of the first wife. But where was Naoki's mother?
Did something happen to her?
"...." Envi remained silent.
"Why are you just standing there? Sit beside me!" the Patriarch suddenly ordered, his voice stern.
"Y-Yes, sir," I replied, my voice shaking slightly.
I took the seat to the left of the Patriarch. I could feel the cold, disdainful stares from my stepmother and half-siblings.
"Naoki, are your wounds healed?" the Patriarch asked, his tone more neutral.
"Y-Yes, father—" I started, but Mark cut me off sharply.
"How dare you address the Patriarch as 'father'! Where are your manners?" he shouted.
I was confused—what had I done wrong? Was it considered rude to address him as 'father' even in a family gathering like this?
"It's fine, Mark. Haha, it's rare for you to call me 'father.' Next time, just address me more respectfully," the Patriarch said, easing the tension. I noticed a faint smile tug at his lips.
"O-Of course, Patriarch," I responded, feeling the pressure rise. Come on, I just want to eat! I thought, frustration building up.
"I heard from the maids that you've lost your memory. Is that true?" the Patriarch asked, glaring at me.
"Y-yes, Patriarch. My memories have faded, and I can't really remember anything that happened before I woke up," I replied, feeling the pressure weigh on me.
"WHAT?! How disgraceful. I didn't think the injury could affect your brain like this." The Patriarch's voice dripped with disappointment.
"HAHAHA! Look at this! He was supposed to be a hero, and now he's just a failure with no memory. HILARIOUS!" Mark jeered, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
"It seems the future of this family is in jeopardy…" Lila remarked coldly, her expression unchanging.
"How unfortunate…" Milly added flatly, showing little emotion.
"Enough of that. After lunch, I have an important announcement to make. So, just wait," the Patriarch declared with a confident finality.
We all began eating. I was baffled to find no rice on the table—all the dishes were European-style. I ate in silent misery, mourning the absence of my beloved rice, T_T
...
...
"Alright, listen up. The important announcement is... I've decided to appoint Mark as the heir and the Hero Candidate of the Blackmore family, replacing Naoki," the Patriarch stated firmly.
I was stunned, a whirl of emotions flooding my heart. I glanced at my stepmother and half-siblings—they wore faint smiles, their eyes mocking me.
"!!!!" Even Envi seemed taken aback.
"Hey, Nao, you can't accept this decision, no matter what! You have to become the Blackmore family's Hero—that's the only way you'll be able to fight against the Demon King," Envi urged.
"But... How am I supposed to do that? Are you crazy?! I don't want any part of this," I protested weakly to Envi.
Suddenly, a notification appeared. And sure enough, it was a Goddess Main Quest notification:
-----------------------------------
[!!!NOTIFICATION!!!]
Goddess Main Quest:
1. Defeat Mark on Duel for Hero Candidate and Blackmore's Heir
2. Complete The Blackmore Family Quest for Hero Candidate.
Reward: Goddess Wish & 50 Goddess Points.
Failure Penalty: Your mother, Takahiro Ayase, will die of cancer at the hospital."
-----------------------------------
...
...
"....!!!!" I was utterly devastated upon reading it.
My beloved mother will die?
How could this be?
Has she been hiding her cancer from me all this time???
...
...
No way!!!!
I won't just sit around and let this happen!!!
"Envi... I take back what I said. Let's defeat that bastard Mark and save my mother!!!" I declared with unwavering resolve.
"Roger that!" Envi replied confidently.
"Patriarch, may I ask why you've made this decision?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
"How dare a failed and amnesia Hero like you question the Patriarch's decision?! You came back half-dead after failing the Hero Candidate mission, and now you want to oppose the Patriarch?!" Mark yelled angrily.
"Calm down, Mark. As he said, Naoki, you're not strong enough to be the family's heir or Hero. I've given you the chance because you're the firstborn, but you've shown nothing but failure! The best option is to have Mark replace you, as he's stronger," the Patriarch asserted.
"Patriarch, with all due respect... If I can prove that I'm stronger than Mark and beat him in duel, would you be willing to restore my title as the family heir and Hero?" I proposed, trying to negotiate.
"What nonsense is that? You, a weakling, want to challenge me? HAH! One hit, and you'll be down for the count. Don't act tough!" Mark snarled, his face contorted with anger.
The Patriarch remained silent for a moment. A small smile appeared on his face.
"Very well! Prove your words. In one month, you'll duel Mark for the right to the title and the position of the Blackmore family's Hero."
"B-But darling! Isn't it already decided that Mark would replace Naoki?" Lilia protested, looking shocked.
"Y-Yeah, Patriarch, isn't Big Brother Mark much stronger than Brother Naoki?" Milly added, supporting Mark.
"Patriarch, why question the outcome when it's already obvious?" Mark chimed in.
"Enough, all of you! My decision is final! Naoki, Mark—prepare yourselves for the duel," the Patriarch ordered firmly. With that, he stood up and left for his work.
"Just wait, you failed Hero! I'm going to humiliate you in front of the Patriarch and everyone else!" Mark taunted, glaring at me.
I picked up my fork and pointed it at his face. "Go ahead and try, you pampered little throne-chaser. I'll kick your ass so hard!" I sneered, a condescending smile tugging at my lips.
"W-What?! How dare you... Hey, get back here!" Mark screamed.
"Why don't you just shut that big mouth of yours? I wonder… if you end up losing, will you still have so much to say, or will you go silent for once? I'm honestly looking forward to it… M.A.R.K." Somehow, I found myself sneering those words at him, my lips curling into a sly smile, my gaze icy and unrelenting.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Mark's face turned as red as a ripe cherry, veins bulging in his neck. "Forget next month! I'll crush you right here, right now!"
"Enough!" Lilia's voice cut through the tension, sharp and commanding.
"Mark, follow the Patriarch's orders. You'll wait until next month." She placed a firm hand on Mark's shoulder, trying to rein in his fury.
"Tch… fine!" Mark spat, still bristling with anger.
"And as for you, Naoki. That insolent attitude of yours hasn't changed, has it? I'll give you credit for your confidence, but don't think you stand a chance against Mark. I'll make sure of it," Lilia glared at me, her disdain palpable.
"Thanks for the compliment, Lilia," I replied, my tone calm but defiant. "I'm nice to the people I care about. But to my enemies… well, I think you've just seen how I treat them. Keep that in mind."
While Mark and Lilia simmered with hostility, I glanced over at Milly. She sat silently at the dining table, lost in thought. It seemed she didn't care for all this conflict.
Now, it was time to prepare myself for the showdown with Mark. I strode out of the dining hall and into the corridor, my mind already focused on the battle ahead.
"Envi, we need to train and raise our skills and level. I have to defeat Mark and become the family's Hero," I declared with determination.
"Leave it to me," Envi replied, his tone filled with enthusiasm...
...
---To be continued in the next chapter---