ATHO Chapter 25

Plan for the Future

Posted by April Fox, ? Views, Released on September 17, 2025

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Pinterest Telegram

Chapter 25 – Plan for the Future

Chapter 3: People Who Wish for Happiness, Part 5

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*

֍֍֍

At that time, I had stepped out onto the balcony with Jade to practice dancing… and then we kissed… Wait, could Marianne have seen that?

Recalling the memory from two years ago, I become flustered at the thought that she might have witnessed it.

“Ah, u-um… well… uh… I mean…”

“Was the person you were with your lover?”

“No… that’s not it.”

“…Is that so? Then I’m relieved. Truly, they weren’t your lover, right?”

“Y-yes.”

Her pressure is strong. As I nod under her intensity, Marianne breaks into a smile.

After bidding farewell to Marianne, I return to the manor.

“…Welcome back, Nii-san.”

“Nii-sama! Welcome home!”

“I’m back.”

As the carriage pulls up to the manor, the two greet me.

Lien approaches and hugs me as usual.

“Hey, Nii-sama. How was your date?”

“Date? Oh, it wasn’t a date. I just went to meet an important friend.”

“Really!? Oh, phew! Jade Nii-sama said you went on a date, and he looked like he was going to die, so I was worried!”

“Nii-san. It really wasn’t a date, was it?”

“Yeah, it wasn’t.”

As I pat Lien’s head, Jade’s expression softens.

“Then Charles Nii-sama isn’t getting married yet?”

“Marriage? I’m not planning on it yet.”

“Really! That’s great~”

“Haha. It feels strange to be cheered for not getting married.”

When I say I’m not thinking about marriage yet, both Lien and Jade seem oddly happy.

I haven’t made Jade and Lien happy yet. Until I see their happiness through, I can’t think about pursuing my own.

***

Reports detailing the harvest yields from various regions arrive, and my father’s face lights up as he reads them.

“Impressive. Another bountiful harvest this year.”

For several years now, there haven’t been major disasters or bad weather, and agriculture and livestock in the territory have been stable. I’m pleased by the results of everyone’s hard work.

At the same time, though, I feel a sense of unease. If events follow the same path as in my first life, next year will be a year of poor weather and bad harvests. During that famine, I couldn’t do anything to help the suffering villagers. That year marked the beginning of a deep rift between them and me…

While there’s nothing I can do about the weather, I now have Father and Jade on my side.

Recalling my first life, I start considering what I can do now.

“Father, may we increase our grain reserves?”

At my words, my father, Jade, and Lien—who was eagerly observing since he plans to assist with lordly duties starting next year—turn to look at me.

“What’s the matter, Charles?”

“I thought now, while the harvests are stable, would be the perfect time to prepare for emergencies.”

Father listens to my suggestion and ponders. As I think of how to give one final push, Lien speaks up.

“I agree with Charles Nii-sama. The villagers’ lives have been improving these past few years, haven’t they? When times are good like this, families tend to have more children. If disasters or famines strike when there are more pregnant women or small children, the villagers’ anxiety will only increase.”

“I see. Indeed, last year’s birth rate was higher than usual.”

“Yes. Additionally, the number of people moving into our territory from other regions has been steadily increasing each year. I think this is a good opportunity to reevaluate our reserve levels. I also support Charles Nii-san’s suggestion.”

Lien and Jade back me up—or rather, they convince Father with arguments even more persuasive than mine.

“…Alright. Let’s review the reserves. However, if we’re to increase them, we’ll need to secure more grain and storage locations. Let’s discuss this with the regional leaders. If you have suggestions for storage sites, let me know.”

“Understood. Thank you, Father.”

Grateful for Father’s approval, I also thank Jade and Lien.

“Thanks, Jade, Lien.”

“You’re welcome!”

“Don’t mention it, Nii-sama. If not for your proposal, I wouldn’t have thought about the reserves. But it seems we’ll be busy from now on.”

“That’s true. First, we need to secure the grain.”

Jade and I travel to various regions, discussing the reserves with the villagers, who readily agree.

“Today, we’re heading to Einther. It’ll be my first visit to this area.”

“Yes. I’ll also introduce you to a friend of mine in the eastern village. He’s a great guy; I think you’ll like him.”

“Really? I look forward to meeting him.”

After a while on the carriage, we arrive at the village, where the village chief and my friend Matt, the chief’s son, greet us.

“Lord Charles, thank you for coming all this way again.”

“Chief, thank you for always welcoming us. Regarding the matter I mentioned in my letter, I’ve also brought my younger brother, Jade.”

“I’m Jade. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

When Jade greeted them, both the village chief and Matt welcomed him warmly with smiles.

After exchanging pleasantries, Matt approached eagerly, his face lighting up.

“Sir Charles, will you be visiting the fields today?”

“Let’s do that. Once I’m done speaking with the village chief, I’ll come by to take a look.”

“Really? That’s great! I have so many things I want to show you!”

“Haha. I’m looking forward to it, Matt.”

“Yes, sir!”

Over the years, Matt had grown into a fine young man. Now, alongside the village chief, he played a significant role in running the village. His once-childish features had matured, replaced by a sturdy body and strong arms shaped by years of farm work. The only thing unchanged was his radiant, unguarded smile.

After promising to check in with him later, I began discussing the matter of provisions with the village chief.

The chief listened intently to my explanation and readily agreed to contribute to the reserves.

“With so many children being born in the villages lately, this is the perfect time to prepare for emergencies. Lord Charles, you can count on our village’s support.”

“Thank you very much!”

After gaining the chief’s approval, Jade accompanied him on a tour of the village, while I headed over to Matt. When I called out to him, he eagerly led me to the fields.

Seeing the wheat fields bathed in golden sunlight, I couldn’t help but exclaim in amazement, “Wow…”

“It’s incredible. This year looks to be a bumper crop!”

“Yes. I adjusted the fertilizer mix this year, and it seems to have worked out well.”

“Is that so? That’s amazing, Matt.”

“Not at all. It wasn’t just my effort.”

When I complimented him, Matt chuckled shyly, his eyes narrowing with embarrassment.

He went on to share his dreams of making the village even more prosperous in the future. Inspired by his ambition, I vowed in turn to enrich the entire domain. Together, we reaffirmed our mutual aspirations.

Seeing Matt take tangible steps toward realizing his dream reignited my own determination.

“You’re steadily moving forward, Matt.”

“You’re the one who deserves credit, Sir Charles. I’m just trying to keep up with the present, while you’re already thinking about the future. That’s truly admirable.”

For a moment, his words startled me. The truth was, I wasn’t planning ahead so much as drawing on lessons from my past experiences. And even that would only guide me for a few more years.

“I’m not as exceptional as you think,” I said with a wry smile.

Matt shook his head earnestly. “That’s not true! You could have simply ordered the collection of provisions as the lord, yet you came here in person, explained the situation, and sought our consent. Not everyone would go to such lengths. It’s because of who you are that we want to follow you. Please, have more confidence, Sir Charles.”

֍֍֍

*Translator’s Note: Do you guys think Matt has a crush on Charles too? -K

*GLOSSARY: