The Damn Family Is Back Again

194 – 194. A Step Away (10)

I waited a bit longer, but no options appeared.

Even though Isabella’s line was clearly the starting point.

‘Well, it’s fine. It’s better for me if it doesn’t show up.’

If the options popped up, it would reveal the state of the second week to Isabella, which is better avoided.

That alone would raise my popularity.

“Flora is currently getting ready, so let’s sit down first. I have so much to talk about. I didn’t expect you to bring such high grades. You’ve had good grades for two weeks, haven’t you? Even in the first week, you managed to earn the Pessalos Privilege by surpassing defense time.”

After that, the conversation naturally began.

I had no idea that news like this was being passed around. Isabella seemed to have been consistently informed about my grades at the Eastern Nobility Conference.

Meanwhile, I tilted my gaze to one side.

From noble mtl dot come

‘It’s quiet.’

Claire was silent. Even though she surely had a lot to say.

And the same went for the other side.

It wouldn’t be strange for Arina to pop up an option either, but she too was silent.

…Could it be, I’ve stepped into a development I’m unaware of?

As I worried about this, guests began to arrive one after another.

“Congratulations. It’s enviable that you have not just one, but three daughters who catch everyone’s eye.”

“I celebrate the debutante ball of your youngest daughter. Madam Isabella.”

“Hmm-hmm. This is a gift for the third lady. I hope it pleases you.”

“Since Lady Flora likes sweets, I’ve prepared some special chocolates made in the South. I’ve brought plenty, so why not have the others try some too?”

“I’ve brought a dress crafted with care by a master artisan! With this… Hmm-hmm. I hope to ask for your favor in that business…”

They flattered.

They handed over gifts that were nothing short of bribes, beautifully packaged.

They slyly brought up previous trade proposals under the guise of congratulations.

Their gazes were almost as sharp as those of a lynx.

Even amidst all this, the stares directed at me continued.

From the blatantly displeased ‘Why are you even here?’ to expressions that suddenly stiffened or turned sour, followed by coughs and displeased looks.

There was no avoiding it.

That’s why this window popped up.

-Ding!

▶There are those at this party who harbor discontent with the player’s presence.◀

▶The nobles’ attention level rises.◀

[ Current Value: 53% ]

The attention level gradually increases.

The nobles harbor discontent simply because a commoner named Karsein is involved in the event, causing their attention level to rise.

It’s not an ideal situation, but I’m certain that this hasn’t derailed the plot I’m currently unfolding.

‘It would be wise to step away for a moment.’

I rise from my seat.

“I’ll step out for some fresh air.”

Then, Clare suddenly grabs me. No, it’s not just Clare.

“Hey. Where do you think you’re going? Just stay here.”

“It’s Flora’s birthday party. You’ve barely sat down, and now you’re getting up?”

-Ding!

▶Clare and Arina have grabbed you. How will you respond?

[ 1. (Releasing Clare’s hand) I’m tired too, you know? I’ve come all this way. Can’t I rest for a bit? ]

[ 2. (Looking at Arina) It hasn’t even started yet. I’ll come back when it’s time. ]

[ 3. (Calmly) I’m just going to the restroom. ]

[ 4. If I don’t get ready now, I’ll be late. ]

Yes, this is how it should be.

For Karsein, such options should naturally arise.

Option 4 seems like the correct answer at first glance, but it’s not.

If I connect the conversation to going to the drawing room to prepare Flora’s gift, it will bring back suspicion, “You prepared Flora’s gift?”

Then the conversation would take a strange turn, and the attention level would rise even more.

So, the answer is number 3.

[ 3. (Calmly) I’m just going to the restroom. ]☑

“What’s wrong with going to the restroom?”

“…Karsein. You just said you were going out for some air.”

If the question has come this far, then the suspicion is resolved.

“I might as well get ready while I’m at it.”

“Get ready?”

“I don’t want to be nagged by you guys for not bringing a gift.”

At those words, Arina fell silent, and Claire gently placed her hand.

“Are you doing this to get Flora’s gift now?”

“Yes. This is the time when the nobles are least noticeable.”

“…I was worried and prepared another gift in advance. It seems that was unnecessary.”

“Oh, geez. Then say that from the beginning! Why make me misunderstand…”

What misunderstanding? I just didn’t want to see Flora leave her seat on her birthday, so I tried to hold her back by force.

Enough. Let them grumble on their own. I need to fetch the doll.

“Come back as soon as possible.”

“Why? You think I might run away?”

“…Karsein.”

“You worry too much. I’m not running away, am I?”

Arina’s eyebrows shot up in annoyance.

“Punishments must be clearly defined. I’m discussing this with you to decide on a fair reward. That’s why I asked, not for any other reason.”

Ha. Reward.

Just like you or that eldest one, there’s no difference.

-If there’s something you want to buy now, I’ll buy it for you. Don’t you want anything?

That’s exactly it.

The same old response that came in as if bored, suggesting to buy something to cheer up.

I don’t need such things.

“Did something happen with your sister?”

“Well. I just didn’t want to tarnish the family name, so I refused the collaboration agreement.”

“What?”

“Karsein, you…”

This time, Arina couldn’t hide her real irritation and glared fiercely.

I slyly fanned the flames for Arina.

“Just blame me, okay? Call me a fool for rejecting such a great offer if it makes you feel better.”

“People’s kindness… to be treated like that again…!”

“The punishment will be decided after the symposium at the duke’s house. You don’t want Flora’s birthday to be spoiled, do you?”

By handling it this way, the intimacy will probably decrease by then.

I left the fiery-eyed redhead and the still puzzled pink-haired girl behind as I rose from my seat.

As Claire followed me into the hallway, she grabbed my hand.

“Hey. That…”

“What now.”

“…Well, you know.”

-Blink. Blink.

What is it. What’s going on.

Why is she hesitating again?

“Ugh!”

Why is she messing with her hair again…? Has she lost it? What’s with her today?

“Later. Let’s talk separately later, okay?”

“Why not just talk now.”

“No, not now! Later. Just the two of us.”

What’s this about…?

-Ding!

▶You have made a choice.◀

▶Rise from your seat and move to the drawing room.◀

‘Right. For now, it’s best to just leave.’

If I stay put, the attention will only increase, and then I’ll waste the precious free time I’ve managed to find.

I gave a noncommittal answer and left the gathering place of the Vagrant dukes, heading towards the drawing room.

“The seal on the package is intact, so there should be no problem. This means the contents haven’t changed.”

Sometimes that happens. In the game, there were moments when investigating the gifts prepared by Karsein would trigger a message saying the box had changed.

If the wrapping appears slightly altered here, I must act quickly to switch the gift.

If left unchecked, Flora would open the gift and find a box full of bugs inside.

Bugs, worms, insects—Flora’s most hated creatures. And if it’s discovered that I gave them as a gift… Yep. That would be a fantastically bad ending.

That’s why this choice is crucial.

▶You can check the status of Flora’s birthday gift box.

“Let’s see. It hasn’t been tampered with by the nobles… So, I just need to move it to the right spot and place another box there.”

[ 2. Place a new box in the same location and move the real birthday gift box to a different place. ]☑

Done. Even if the nobles try to meddle with the birthday gift I’ve prepared, there won’t be any major issues. At worst, they’ll just think an extra empty box was a mistake.

From here on out… it’s all about choosing options that delay time and prevent the nobles from raising any disputes.

It seems better to confront it head-on, unavoidably.

Let’s get out of here first.

If we linger too long, we might be suspected of switching the boxes.

“Hmm?”

Just as I was about to leave,

I spotted a faint light seeping out from below.

This is, undoubtedly.

-Click.

“…Right. A memorial.”

Even in the game, a memorial appears around this time.

However, it’s found in the corridor, not this parlor, offering clues to counter the nobles’ contentious choices.

That means, this memorial likely harbors another piece of Karsein’s past.

But then.

“Ah, it’s frustratingly obvious.”

Gazing at the brightly shining memorial, I could vaguely guess the intention behind its concealment here.

“Such an item isn’t meant to be tucked away in a wardrobe.”

That implies it was deliberately placed.

With the intention to hide or discard it.

And then left neglected, as always.

From the past, until now. As it has always been.

The person concerned must be completely unaware of this fact.

“…What a fool.”

With a bitter smile, I reached out for the memorial.

▶You have acquired the trampled teddy bear memorial.◀

-Whoosh!

***

The time had passed not only the Snowflake Festival but also the spring outings.

It was spring as usual.

With the warm spring sun, the cherry blossoms fluttered, and the scattering petals bloomed splendidly, filling the empire’s land without exception.

Then, one day.

I happened to overhear a conversation among the nobles.

“Don’t forget this week because it’s urgent, okay?”

“Of course. I’m going with my parents.”

“Giggle. That’s right. You wouldn’t forget Lady Flora’s birthday, would you?”

“Anyway, aren’t you heading the same way as me? Shall we go together?”

“That sounds fine.”

It was Flora’s birthday.

I remembered it clearly.

Last year around this time, it was Flora’s birthday, and there were times when we had to let family birthdays pass without doing anything.

All I could do was watch. I only saw with my eyes those harmonious scenes of celebrating the birthdays of the parties involved and handing over gifts.

Every time, Carstein felt deeply uncomfortable.

It was so powerless not to be able to give even a single gift despite being family.

That’s why this time, he clenched his fist and made a promise.

‘I really want to prepare a birthday gift this time.’

Carstein immediately returned to the Duke’s house.

A birthday gift for his sister Flora.

To take care of that, he first needed money.

-Thunk.

“…”

Opening the drawer revealed a few coins.

Those were the coins left over after spending for his first and second sisters.

That wasn’t enough to buy anything.

Because Flora was a noble.

The gift for her had to be luxurious and rare.

“If that’s the case… there’s no helping it.”

Carstein sighed and glanced towards the door.

He moved as carefully and silently as possible, since Emma or another maid could suddenly enter and see this scene, which could lead to bigger problems.

-Swish.

Under the bed.

A hidden box emerged.

Karsein smiled faintly as he looked at the box.

Inside, as before, it was filled with coins, but the amount was markedly different. The box, so full that the coins could barely move, clinked loudly with every jostle.

The money here wasn’t all earned from the Duke’s estate; it was mostly from Karsein’s own ventures, selling items he had acquired whenever he ventured out.

The box’s contents, never discovered by Emma or the maids, were substantial. “With this much, I could buy a noble’s treasure,” Karsein thought, carefully securing the box.

Next was what to buy for Flora’s birthday…

He had heard something.

“Miel’s magic doll, wasn’t it?”

Rumors had it that there was a doll that, once infused with a magic stone, would warmly embrace its owner and wrap them in comfort, aiding their sleep. This was the famed creation of Miel, the master dollmaker, known as Miel’s magic doll.

Flora had once deeply envied another young lady’s magic doll. Seeing her eyes dripping with curiosity, Karsein knew it would be the perfect birthday gift.

So, he scraped together every last coin from the box and sneaked out with it.

The maids were busy preparing for Flora’s birthday, making it not too difficult for Karsein to slip out of the Duke’s manor.

But then, a problem arose.

“I’m sorry, but you can’t purchase this with the amount you have.”

No matter how full the box was, they were just coins.

Even when all the coins were counted, it wasn’t enough for the expensive doll.

“…Then, how much more do I need?”

“About 1500 pessels, I suppose.”

The shop clerk answered, lifting his glasses with a finger, as if the question was trivial.

So much? The thought crossed his mind…

1500 pessels.

Maybe that would be enough to make the purchase.

The second box he had left just in case.

That too contained items that could be sold for money.

“I’ll be back in a moment. Until then…”

“I’m sorry, but this is the last doll.”

“…What?”

“Our store’s magic dolls are restocked as the magic depletes. They’re especially popular among noble young ladies, so someone else might buy it first.”

From noble mtl dot come

At those words, Karsein grew anxious.

“If you’re going to buy it, you should hurry back. We can’t hold it for you.”

“…Got it!”

To purchase Mielle’s magical doll, Karsein hurried back to the duke’s residence.

Upon returning to his room, Karsein immediately started rummaging under the bed.

However.

The box was empty.

Nothing was inside.

“Why, why is it empty…?”

Karsein, with a look of utter dismay, faced the hollow box.

Towards him, someone peering through the crack of the door was smiling.

‘Hehe. Did you think I wouldn’t find it if you hid it there?’

Golden ringlets shimmered.