ATHO Chapter 16

Chapter 16 – Village Inspection

Chapter 2: The Truth No One Knows, Part 2

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*

֍֍֍

“See you, Matt. I’ll come back for another inspection, so I’m counting on you to guide me again.”

“Yes, Sir Charles! I’ll be waiting for you.”

When I waved to him, he smiled back, flashing his teeth, and waved enthusiastically. After that, I started accompanying my father on regular visits to Einther, and Matt and I grew to have a relationship like that of close friends.

During those inspections, we would chat about our families and various topics, making the time we spent together genuinely enjoyable.

“Will you be taking over for your father as the village elder, Matt?”

“I think that’s likely.”

“I see. You’ll make an excellent elder, I’m sure.”

“Well, my father is always scolding me,” Matt replied with a wry smile.

“And you, Sir Charles, you’ll be taking over as lord, right?”

“Well… yes, I suppose so.”

“If Sir Charles becomes the lord, I’m sure the territory will be in good hands.”

Matt’s words triggered memories of my first life, where I had failed the territory so badly. The echoes of villagers’ scorn rang in my head. I instinctively averted my gaze, looking down.

“…Sir Charles, what’s wrong? Did I say something inappropriate?” Matt asked, concern evident in his voice.

“No… it’s not your fault, Matt. I just… I was wondering if I’ll really be able to handle being the lord…”

As I muttered my true feelings, Matt’s expression turned serious.

“You will absolutely be a great lord, Sir Charles! And even after you become the lord, I’ll be here to support you, so you don’t have to feel anxious.”

Matt’s earnest encouragement struck a chord in my heart. I felt overwhelmed with gratitude.

“Sorry for sounding so weak… I’ll do my best. Thank you for cheering me up, Matt.”

I grasped his hand to express my thanks, and his face turned red.

“S-Sir Charles! I’ll work even harder too!”

“Yeah. Let’s both do our best and make this land flourish.”

“Yes, Sir!”

The responsibilities I failed to fulfill in my first life as lord… This time, in front of the vast wheat fields, Matt and I joined hands and made a promise to build a better future for the territory.

When we returned to the manor after the inspection, Lien and Jade came to greet me.

“Welcome back, Nii-san!”

“I’m home, Lien, Jade.”

“How was today’s inspection?”

“The crops are growing well, and there don’t seem to be any major issues.”

Both Lien and Jade listened to my report with great interest.

“Can I come with you on an inspection someday, Charles Nii-sama?”

“Well, once you’re a bit older, we can go together.”

“Really? I’d love that!” Lien beamed with excitement.

“Lien, inspections aren’t for fun. You can’t cause trouble for Nii-san,” Jade interjected sternly.

“I know that! I’m going to be Charles Nii-sama’s assistant when he becomes the lord, so I’ll go to learn!”

“Lien wants to assist me?” I asked, a bit surprised.

“Of course! That way, I can always be by your side, Nii-sama!”

To hear something like that from an eleven-year-old… I couldn’t help but be a little amazed.

As Lien grinned at me, Jade, looking displeased, cut in, “Lien. Supporting Nii-san will be my job.”

“No way! It’s going to be me!”

“How many years do you think it’ll take you to graduate and start working? Charles Nii-san, you’d prefer me as your assistant, wouldn’t you?”

“Charles Nii-sama, I’ll be the one to help you, right?” Lien turned to me, his eyes pleading.

Watching them argue over who would assist me in the future, I said with a smile, “I’d be happy if both of you stayed by my side.”

Hearing that, Lien and Jade exchanged glances.

“Well, if that’s what Nii-san wants, I suppose I can accept it. But Lien, make sure you study hard now so you don’t trouble Nii-san later.”

“I know that already!” Lien puffed out his cheeks.

Their exchange made me smile warmly. If such a future were to come, it would truly be a blessing.

***

Eventually, the day of my graduation from the academy arrived. That morning, as I prepared for my final trip to school, Jade and Lien, despite their joy, seemed a little sad.

“This will be the last time the three of us get ready together in the morning.”

As I adjusted my uniform and picked up my tie, Jade and Lien approached me.

“Charles Nii-sama, can we tie your tie for you?” Lien asked.

“Hm? You want to do it?”

“Yes. Today’s the last time you’ll wear this uniform…”

“It would mean a lot to us if we could do this for you,” Jade added.

“I see. Then I’ll leave it to you.”

I handed the necktie to Lien, responding to his eager request. Lien smiled happily, took the tie, draped it around my neck, and began tying it skillfully. Watching him, I remembered the day he first went to the academy.

Lien, who used to be so small, has grown almost as tall as I am now. His once childish, adorable face has become much more mature. Yet, his silvery, wavy hair that I love and his friendly smile haven’t changed a bit.

As these thoughts filled my mind, Lien finished and switched places with Jade.  

Jade followed Lien, tying my necktie as well.  

It reminded me of the time I taught him how to tie a necktie. I remembered how I kept tying it for him until he finally got the hang of it.

Jade has also grown a lot. In just the past year, he surpassed me in height. He has the same glossy brown hair as Mother Flor, which he’s started growing out and tying back lately. His appearance and demeanor have become more mature.

As I reflected on their growth, Jade pulled the necktie snug.  

“Congratulations on your graduation, Charles Nii-san.”

“Charles Nii-sama, congratulations!”

“Thank you, Jade, Lien.”

Thanks to my dear brothers celebrating my new beginning, I was able to graduate from the academy in this second life.

***

After graduating from the academy, I began receiving formal training in the duties of a lord. My father’s teaching was thorough, and he answered all my questions promptly. Initially, I was worried I might repeat the mistakes of my first life, but that fear gradually faded.

While I was busy working, Jade and Lien were always thoughtful, looking after my health. Their kindness warmed my heart, so I tried to spend as much time as I could with them on their school breaks.

Today, while practicing swordplay with them in the garden, a carriage stopped in front of the mansion. A man dressed flamboyantly stepped out of the carriage…

The moment I saw him, I couldn’t contain myself and shouted, “Uncle Lyle!”

֍֍֍

*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: 2025.09.09

֍֍֍