The Damn Family Is Back Again

Chapter 193

193 – 193. A Step Away (9)

“Young master, may I speak frankly?”

Camilla opened the conversation gently as I, propping my chin in the carriage, gazed outside.

“What is it?”

“I believe it would be best for you not to attend the upcoming party.”

“…Hmm.”

Camilla was quick-witted.

She occasionally had helpful advice on such matters.

Still, I narrowed my eyes and asked,

“Why do you think so?”

“I suspect there are forces that intend to slander you. Moreover, there might be those who harbor ill will towards you, especially after your commendable two-week performance at the ongoing Eastern Nobility Conference.”

“But you know that’s not possible, right?”

From noble mtl dot come

“If you don’t attend at all, surely the lady and the young misses will be upset. So, how about just making a brief appearance to greet everyone and then slipping away?”

Is that a viable option?

That was actually one of the routes I had used in the game.

I grinned and continued with the suggestion Camilla seemed to want to make.

“Since I’m involved in the Eastern Nobility Conference. I’ll say I’m too busy and can only stop by for a quick greeting. That way, I think I can leave without any major issues, right?”

“…”

Camilla blinked twice at my pointed question.

“It’s not wrong. But if you move like that, the nobles will surely be pleased.”

“Why is that? It’s a matter concerning the Bagrand Duchy.”

“It’s easier to inflate rumors where I’m not present. Want an example? What if they say I left early because I didn’t care about Flora’s birthday?”

“…!”

“I’d be the talk of the town in no time. That’s the blind spot. Even if it’s a baseless rumor, if word gets out that I didn’t want to attend the symposium, it would cause an uproar.”

Karsein is kept in check because he is present, but if he’s not there, it’s easier to control the narrative.

Especially since it’s such a grand event.

It’s even more dangerous because it’s crowded with nobles.

That must be an oversight they didn’t anticipate.

That’s why I actually used this method and ended up with a bad ending.

“…But you’re not saying you won’t go to the party, are you?”

She must know her way around here.

Camilla seemed anxious about the situation.

“Right. I’m not heading to the party just yet.”

“What? But you said you would attend Miss Flora’s birthday party…”

“I can’t just go like this.”

“What do you mean…?”

Camilla tilted her head in confusion again.

“…Even if you say we can’t just go, this is Rusmayer, isn’t it?”

“Yes. That’s why I came here.”

After all, going empty-handed might cause a stir.

▶You have chosen not to go directly to Flora’s party venue but to stop by somewhere else first.◀

▶A second choice is given.◀

The third week’s essential course, Flora’s birthday episode.

This episode was unavoidable, so I hammered the method of clearing it into my head like a manual.

It goes like this:

“Not going directly to the party is correct. However, bringing a gift that Flora likes could quell the rumors among the nobility.”

“Aha. So that’s why you’re heading to Rusmayer…”

“Yes. This place is frequented by many merchants. If I look around, I can find something Flora would like. If I give her a favorite gift, there’s no way rumors that I don’t even care about my sister’s birthday would start.”

“You’ve thought that far ahead. As expected, my thinking was too shallow. To think I almost made such a misguided remark without understanding your intentions…”

“It’s okay. Don’t blame yourself, let’s just go.”

Even so, my knowledge is just from the game, what of it…

Anyway, to summarize, it goes like this.

The first condition is not to go directly to the party leader.

The second condition is to prepare a gift that Flora likes and take it with you.

The reason is obviously to please Flora.

If you don’t prepare a specific gift, your intimacy level drops sharply, and dangerous choices arise, but if you prepare at least one gift, you won’t even be put in that situation.

Moreover, bringing the wrong gift can also be problematic.

In short, it’s essential.

‘Tch. Seeing how picky she is about gifts, she’s just like the third one, that little kid.’

I was inwardly annoyed when the carriage arrived promptly.

“We’ve arrived, Master Karsein!”

“Haah. Let’s get off, Camilla.”

“Yes, Master.”

I sighed deeply and got off the carriage upon hearing the coachman’s announcement that we had arrived at Lusmayer.

“Here.”

“…”

“What are you doing, not holding on.”

I offered my hand to help her down from the carriage, but Camilla stood there without taking it, looking blank.

Then Camilla sighed deeply.

“Master, if you keep doing that, you’ll be punished.”

“What?”

“Not just any punishment, but you might get angry, so be careful with others.”

“…?”

Camilla said that and got off the carriage alone, holding onto her skirt.

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

Occasionally, I receive such sharp remarks.

There used to be no such thing, but recently the frequency has become a bit more intense.

It’s Camilla’s words, so it’s worth listening to, but I can’t quite grasp it.

I’ll have to ask her when I have time later.

“So, Master, what do you plan to purchase?”

“Ah. That thing.”

It’s obvious, isn’t it?

“Just bring a doll, and she’ll be happy.”

That little one loves dolls even here.

She even liked that big bear doll during the Snowflake Festival.

So, this time too, just bringing a doll she would like should do.

***

While Karsein has arrived in Ruthsmire and is looking around the market.

Harnie is staring blankly into space from inside the room.

Under surveillance from the House of Theresia, he cannot move carelessly.

During this time, Harnie must play the role of an incompetent lord.

Sitting quietly in his place, he sneaks a peek at the reactions of the residents. Then, when the watchful eyes are upon him, he must pretend to panic or feign ignorance to deceive them.

After repeating this several times, the tedious time passes, and he must show that he’s using the method Karsein taught him.

This time is bound to be tedious and boring.

But, Harnie’s mind is filled with the events of that day.

Trying to put Karsein to sleep on his lap, he ended up falling asleep himself.

Seeing him like that, Karsein moved him to the bed.

When he briefly woke up from sleep, he was hugging him with an arm as a pillow.

And then, for some reason, he felt a sense of regret…

“Kyaaah…! Why, why did I do that. Why on earth…!”

Harnie covers his flushed face with both hands, unable to understand the actions of his past self.

It’s okay to feel regret looking at the ring that he must someday take off. He doesn’t want to lose Karsein, a capable person. But to go back into his embrace?

It’s not just embarrassing.

It’s so mortifying that he feels a rush of heat just thinking about it.

It’s a good thing he woke up first and wasn’t caught, but if Karsein had woken up and seen him burrowing in…

“Kyaaak…!”

A scream escapes him involuntarily.

“Ugh… Why can’t I forget this.”

Time usually flies by quickly.

Accordingly, memories in his mind also fade quickly. Even the dreadful times he experienced at the House of Theresia are now becoming hazy.

Why does this memory cling so stubbornly in my mind!

“Sigh.”

The past is irreversible, Harunie sighs.

She covers her flushed face, pondering.

How did she come to entertain such thoughts?

It was supposed to be just a contract at first.

A simple relationship formed for mutual goals.

A connection so thin, it could hardly be called a bond—that was the nature of her relationship with him.

Yet, here she is, caught up in thoughts of Karsein. No… perhaps she’s been thinking of Karsein every day.

Especially during dull moments like now, he comes to mind even more.

Is he eating properly?

Staying up all night, overworking himself?

Getting enough rest?

She needs to check on him.

And…

What could he be doing now?

Suddenly, she’s curious.

“I should still look after that. But how?”

Mumbling to herself, Mina bursts through the door.

“Goodness, Miss. Why do you keep screaming?”

“Mi, Mina? You heard that?”

“Of course. You were shouting with such a powerful voice. I thought an assassin had appeared and hurried over.”

“…”

“At least tell me why. There must be a reason, Miss.”

Cold sweat trickles down.

How can she explain this?

No. She can’t explain. She mustn’t!

“Ah, it’s nothing. Just…”

“Just?”

“It’s just… I’m feeling a bit restless! Being a fiancée and all… relying on him so much… it doesn’t sit well with me… and going to see him is a bit awkward… also…”

An excuse that’s not an excuse.

It was a strange answer, but Harunie didn’t notice anything odd about it.

This should be enough.

Anyway, having skirted around it like this, they won’t suspect anything.

That’s what she’s trying to casually dismiss.

Unaware that every time Karsien’s name comes up, her startled jump or the sudden rise in her voice is suspicious.

Watching her like this, a sigh is inevitable.

‘Miss, really. If it’s because of Mr. Karsien, it would be better to honestly accept your feelings. No need for petty excuses, just admit you want to see Mr. Karsien.’

Nowadays, it’s not bad for a woman to take the initiative, but it can’t be helped.

‘Ah well, what can you do. It’s the lady’s first love, after all.’

So, Mina decides to help the shy Miss.

“I get that you’re antsy. But have you checked the invitation?”

“Invitation?”

“Yes. It’s from the Bagrande Ducal House.”

As if assured she hasn’t been caught, Harunie clears her throat and accepts the invitation.

Then her expression brightens instantly.

“Lady Flora’s birthday… Then…”

Harunie’s mind spins quickly.

If it’s related to the youngest’s birthday, it could be a grand event at the Bagrande Ducal House.

Then naturally.

“The youngest’s birthday… So, Karsien will be attending too?”

She asks.

If he will come.

Twirling a strand of her hair as she speaks.

‘Have you dropped the formalities so naturally? You used to call him ‘Lord’ all the time.’

Mina can finally smile.

“Of course.”

Harunie rarely smiles.

She’s always been thought of as beautiful, but her uncontrollable smile with a blush is even more so.

“Are you resting properly? Not skipping meals or sleep! You need to check all of that. Got it?”

“Of course.”

Another day, another feat.

With that thought, Mina wipes the sweat from her forehead.

***

▶You have arrived at Flora’s party hall!◀

▶Choices will now appear, and the nobles’ attention level will be displayed.◀

▶The higher the nobles’ attention level, the more likely it is to cause a disturbance at the birthday party. Be careful! If it reaches 100%, an unexpected choice may occur for the player!◀

[ Current Attention Level: 50% ]

Is it finally starting?

This episode creates outcomes based on whether you cause a disturbance or not, indicated by the attention level.

With every action of Karsein, the attention level fluctuates, and with choices lurking at every turn, one must move in a way that least affects this birthday party.

‘The method is well known, of course.’

But first, the gift can wait. Greetings come first.

“Welcome, Karsein.”

Isabella greeted me with a bright smile.

Not only that, but the first and second ones who must be seen at the birthday party were also here.

“I’ve just arrived.”

“You didn’t rush here, did you?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“That’s good. You arrived well.”

After a light greeting, Isabella smiled contentedly.

“Just as you arrived, I was saying, you did quite well in your grades, didn’t you?”

“Yes, well.”