ATHO Chapter 32

Chapter 32 – Real Family?

Chapter 4: Liberation from the Past, Part 1

Novel Title: 嫌われ者の俺はやり直しの世界で義弟達にごまをする (As the Hated One, I Flatter My Stepbrothers in a World Where I Get a Second Chance)

Author：赤牙 (Akakiba)

Art：古澤エノ (Furusawa Eno)

Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)

Protagonists: シャルル (Charles -MC), リエン (Lien -ML1) & ジェイド (Jade -ML2)

*Please read at freenovels.net, the original site of translation. TQ*

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After finishing the inspection without issue and returning to the manor, I headed to my room and collapsed onto the bed.

“What a tiring day…”

The incident in town lingered in my mind, leaving me distracted during the inspection.

The two’s cold expressions and amethyst eyes clouded with hatred reminded me of the first life when I reunited with Jade and Lien.

Lately, I’d been so caught up in happiness that I’d nearly forgotten about the past—the sins I had committed…

I had promised to bring them happiness. But before I knew it, I was the one who had found happiness.

I had grown dependent on their kindness, which accepted me for who I was, no matter my flaws.

But is it really okay for me to stay with them like this? Wouldn’t it be better for both of them, and for the territory, if one of them succeeded as lord instead of me?

They achieve things I could never even imagine.

Maybe everything would be better off without me…

In a few years, I’ll probably become completely useless and repeat the same mistakes.

Those thoughts consumed me with anxiety as I buried my face into the bed.

Yet, when I thought of my beloved younger brothers, I couldn’t bear the thought of being apart from them.

“Why am I so weak…”

Frustrated with myself, I eventually fell into a restless sleep.

The next day, after finishing work, Jade and Lien came to see me.

“Nii-san, good work today.”

“Thanks, Jade. Tomorrow, you two are heading to the Meidel Trading Company, right?”

“Yes, we should be back by the afternoon.”

“Got it. …You’ve been busy lately, huh?”

“Yes. Selecting the next product is taking some time.”

“It’s because Jade and Marianne can’t stop arguing every time they have a disagreement,” Lien said with a laugh. Jade glared lightly at him, sulking.

“I’m only offering a producer’s perspective to balance out her merchant-centric ideas.”

“Sure, sure. But poor Matt always looks so troubled. Maybe you two should try meeting halfway a bit more.”

Since the incident in town, the two hadn’t changed much—if anything, they seemed brighter. Watching them banter lifted my previously sunken spirits a little.

After Jade and Lien left for the day, I was reviewing reports in the study when Father, unusually late, arrived.

“Good morning.”

“Ah, good morning, Charles.”

“Father, are you feeling all right? You don’t look well.”

Noticing his tired voice and pale face, I asked with concern. He gave me a faint smile in reply.

“I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather, but it’s nothing serious. Don’t worry about me.”

“But you have an inspection scheduled today, don’t you? It’d be better to rest. There’s nothing pressing, so I’ll handle it in your place. Please take it easy at the manor.”

“But…”

“Overexerting yourself will only make things worse.”

Despite his initial reluctance, Father finally agreed. I headed to Einther in his place.

When I arrived at the village, I delivered Father’s message to the village chief and did my usual round of inspecting the fields and the state of the village. Matt, it seemed, was visiting the trading company and wasn’t around.

“Matt is doing well, isn’t he?”

“Yes. He seems to have his own goals. And lately, the village has been bustling, especially with the youth group taking the lead,” the village chief said with a smile.

I told the chief not to bother seeing me off and began walking back to the waiting carriage. Seeing the village so much improved from its state during the first round, I felt reassured.

Everyone working together to enrich the domain—that had been my dream, one I couldn’t achieve the first time around.

If things continue this way, that dream might finally come true.

But… when that happens, will I still have a place in this domain? What if I make another mistake…?

As these thoughts churned in my mind, someone called my name.

 “Charles.”

I turned around to find my uncle, Lyle, wearing tattered clothes.

“Uncle…Lyle…”

“Ah… Charles! I’ve been dying to see you… Just to see you!”

Uncle approached with a beaming smile, oblivious to my shock at his changed appearance.

“I’ve been meaning to talk to you. This isn’t the place—let’s go somewhere else.”

He slung an arm around my shoulders, and a chill ran through me. Goosebumps rose as a wave of fear and disgust washed over me. The memories of the first life surged back, freezing me in place.

“What’s wrong, Charles? Come on, let’s go.”

“…Alright.”

No… this is different. This isn’t like the first life…

Even so, my face stiffened, and I forced a smile as I followed him.

Once we reached a deserted spot, Uncle suddenly dropped to his knees, bowing deeply.

“Charles, I beg you! Please help me!”

“Uncle Lyle… what happened?”

“To tell the truth, I’ve gotten myself into debt. Could you shoulder a little of it? Just a little—please!”

“That’s… not possible.”

“Please! If you don’t help me, I’ll be sold into slavery! Charles, you wouldn’t abandon me, would you?”

“Slavery.”

That single word brought back memories of my first life—the crushing weight of debt, the hellish days as a slave, and the cold ground I lay on as death approached.

Uncle clung to my legs, desperately pleading. Seeing him like that, I couldn’t help but see myself in his place. My heart wavered.

If I turn him away, he’ll end up in that horrible place…

Clenching my fists tightly, I forced the words out.

“Just… a little…”

As soon as I spoke, Uncle’s expression lit up, and he pulled a crumpled sheet of paper from his pocket.

“Alright! Then just sign this contract!”

The paper he handed me was a loan guarantee.

A loan guarantee?

Even I could tell that signing this would mean taking on all of Uncle’s debt.

But… could I really abandon him?

“Um, Uncle Lyle… Could you give me a little more time to think about it?”

“…Fine. But please, decide quickly. Don’t let them turn me into a slave, Charles. You’re the only one I can count on.”

With his spirits seemingly restored, Uncle stood, placed a hand on my shoulder, and spoke in a wheedling tone.

“By the way, Charles, you can’t trust those stepbrothers of yours. They’re cunning liars who tricked me into this debt. I bet they’re plotting to steal the position of the next lord. One day, they’ll betray you just like they did me. Cut ties with them before it’s too late. You’ve got me, haven’t you? We’re real family, bound by blood.”

Real family…?

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*Translator’s Note: This uncle is a scum! -K

*GLOSSARY: 

• Nii-san/Nii-sama/Onii-san = (Big/Elder) Brother

☝🏻I’ll be using these throughout my translation. Jade would call Charles ‘Nii-san’ while Lien would call him ‘Nii-sama’.

Next update: 2025.09.25

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