I, Who Was Dismissed as Worthless Failure by my Family and Fiancée, Discovered I had Reincarnated as a Game Character I Raised with Great Care and Vowed to Take Control of my Life and Defy Anyone who Opposes Me. - Chapter 28: Laughing Out Loud

Chapter 28: Laughing Out Loud

My father said it with his usual grin while stroking his stubble beard. 

But I couldn’t ignore what he had just said, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at his foolishness.

My father likely expected to see me despair by taking away my only option for buying time, but to his surprise, I began to chuckle instead. His expression, once filled with the pleasure of being in an overwhelmingly advantageous position over me, changed instantly and became angry.

Eventually, I couldn’t contain my amusement and burst out laughing.

“… What’s so funny?” 

My father asked me, trying to suppress his anger. It seemed he had enough intelligence to realize that causing a scene in front of guests would be embarrassing.

“Forgive me, Father. But do you know what ‘sacred sound’ is?”

[TLN: Kotodama.]

[EDN: For more context, the belief that there are mystical powers in words and names.]

“Are you making fun of me? It is a well-known fact that the origin of magic incantations comes from the ‘sacred sound.’ You should have some limits to your mockery.”

“Oh, that line was meant for me. But for now, feel free to make fun of me as much as you want because starting today, you won’t be able to do so anymore. By the way, Father, earlier, you mentioned that you would allow me to take over the Kvist family the moment I won, right? However, traditionally, heirs are supposed to inherit the family after their father retires. It’s amusing that I can now inherit the family without such a hassle, don’t you think?”

“So what if I said that? It’s obvious that the younger son, Douglas, will win this duel. What harm is there in speaking those words? You’re not seriously considering the idea that you, of all people, could beat Douglas, are you? That’s a laughable thought. Plus, just because I said it doesn’t mean we have to make a contract. It’s the same as if I never said it.”

And despite my assertiveness, my father still fails to comprehend or even question my actions, speaking to me in a condescending manner.

A few of the nobles around me have even started to suspect that I’ve been concealing my true abilities all along. 

Perhaps as parties involved, my father and others are unable to perceive the situation objectively, while third parties have a clearer perspective.

“Well, that’s a good point. Let’s proceed with the contract immediately. Oh, and I’ll make sure to incorporate the words you spoke earlier into the agreement.”