The Damn Family Is Back Again

238. School Trip (1)

“Huh.”

A laugh escaped her lips at the sight before her—something she had never imagined.

Beneath the blazing sky, sunlight poured down.

That light reflected off the fine, soft white sand.

The sound of waves slicing through the shore with a whoosh.

A salty scent carried in by a gentle breeze.

Yes. This was…

The sea.

‘Why on earth did I come here?’

I stared blankly at the ocean, reflecting on the moments leading up to my arrival here.

.

.

.

“Hey, Karsein.”

“Yes?”

“Take a look at this.”

It was around the time I was about to be discharged from the hospital.

Harnie handed me a notice, and I wondered what it could be.

The content was simple.

“I’ve already received my grades… Hmm? All symposium attendees are required to attend?”

It was an invitation to gather once more at the conference hall where the Eastern Nobility Meeting had taken place.

There would be no exceptions for any nobleman.

“What’s the point of gathering when there’s nothing to discuss? Why is attendance mandatory?”

It felt quite suspicious.

I had already received my grades.

There was no reason for anything else to arrive from the faction overseeing the Eastern Nobility meetings.

At this point, having completed Chapter 2, I was no longer involved with the symposium.

And yet, we were meeting again.

It left me feeling uneasy.

“Did you receive it too?”

“Yes.”

If Harni had received it as well, that meant all the nobles were being summoned.

My gaze instinctively drifted toward the status window.

Chapter 2 had definitely been cleared.

Having completed a hospital visit episode, I was at a point where I’d already cleared an episode in Chapter 3. This meant there would be no extension of Chapter 2 due to some unknown hidden episode.

Moreover, this window appeared:

▶Time until Episode II begins:◀

▶Waiting time: 3 days◀

Episodes that require waiting time like this don’t suddenly change their content. That’s because it indicates essential events are involved; it means these episodes must be pursued without fail.

In short, I found myself somewhat distanced from any risks associated with episodes at this moment.

“Well, even so, I’d rather not have any other incidents interfere with my progress…”

Swish.

“Of all the times to face an opponent who wields a veto.”

The Imperial Palace of the Peselros Empire.

This notice was sent by none other than the royal family, the very organizers of the symposium, leaving me with no choice in the matter.

There’s nothing to be done. Whether it ends well or poorly, I have no option but to go.

“Let’s go together. We can’t refuse anyway.”

Thus, we made our way to the conference hall.

“You’ll need to take this carriage.”

Suddenly confronted by guards instructing us to board a carriage at the venue, I found myself traveling alongside Harnié.

Even then, an unsettling feeling began creeping in.

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in this utterly unexpected place—by the sea.

“The people gathered here… could it be?”

“The symposium participants?”

“It seems our parents and relatives aren’t here…”

With those noble youths whom I thought I’d never encounter again after finishing Chapter 2 now surrounding me,

Amidst their confusion, someone finally spoke up.

“Well, if your parents and relatives were present as well, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy ourselves properly now would we?”

“Is that… Princess Arshien?”

“And Prince Florence is here too!”

“But… their attire…”

Unlike those noble youths dressed in gowns, suits, and uniforms, these two stood out with outfits that seemed distinctly different even in this setting.

Why did they say there would be a game? It seems everything is already prepared over there.

-Bang!

With the sound of fireworks, a banner unfurls.

As I read the words written on it, I can’t help but feel incredulous.

“You are individuals who must learn much and master many skills. However, after reviewing the results of this symposium, we have come to realize that sometimes learning through travel is also necessary. Thus,”

Yes.

That was… a term I was quite familiar with.

“We have decided to implement a system for educational travel—mathematics trips—from this year onward!”

-Ding!

▶ An urgent mission has been activated! ◀

▶ The mathematics trip has begun. Earn more points to aim for prizes or rewards! ◀

Mathematics trip.

An event like this was unfolding in the game.

***

At the mention of “mathematics trip,” attendees at the symposium buzzed with confusion about what it meant.

Some worried if they would have to take a new exam.

Others grumbled about how there could possibly be two exams back-to-back.

There were also those who fretted that their family heads might become even more upset and hoped fervently for everything to resolve well.

But as they listened to the brief speeches following the princess’s and prince’s attire reveal, everyone cast aside their worries one by one.

Yes. This was merely labeled as an avenue for learning; in reality, it felt much closer to just going out for fun.

In the familiar routine of daily life, within the aristocratic society, it was merely a journey where one could break free from the shackles of exams, sweating under the sun while running and playing.

After that, everyone returned to their reserved hotels nearby, and before long, they had changed into outfits that suited the beach quite well.

…Of course, I was no exception.

“Seriously. I always wondered why swimsuits were an item in games. Was it meant for moments like this?”

I had finally grasped the true purpose of this seemingly useless item I had seen in games. It was absurd.

“Well… honestly, the most ridiculous part is this situation.”

– Bang!

“This is my spike!”

“Not a chance! That won’t work on me!”

“Then take this!”

On one side, they were playing beach volleyball.

– Splash!

“Phew! Wow, this is really hard.”

“It must be tough if you want to play well.”

Meanwhile, towards the sea, someone was riding a surfboard over the waves.

– Splash! Splash!

“Huff huff…! Did I go far enough?”

“Hey. You’ve only gone 10 meters!”

Someone else was leisurely swimming in the ocean.

“aaah!”

“One left!”

“Go ahead, take your shot!”

Elsewhere, teams were divided and a game of dodgeball continued.

In addition to that, people were scattered around various spots enjoying water play.

To me, this whole scene felt utterly nonsensical.

‘What kind of game is this supposed to be?’

Ah. It’s probably better not to think about it at all.

It seemed strange that we had even come out for a math trip, but if I started questioning everything down to that detail, the only thing that would hurt would be my head.

I nodded and shifted my gaze to the status window.

▶An emergency mission has been triggered!◀

▶The math trip has begun. Earn more points to aim for prizes or rewards.◀

“Anyway, since the episode isn’t even in progress and looking at the emergency mission rewards makes it seem unnecessary to clear it?”

If that’s the case, then I really don’t have any reason to stick around here.

Math trip.

While nobles here struggled with accepting it amidst their confusion, perhaps I was the one who adapted most quickly and easily.

In a way completely similar—no, identical—to modern times. This journey shared both name and purpose with what I knew well; it felt quite familiar indeed.

Yet I did not enjoy this trip at all.

“Are you already thinking of going back?”

As I stood up from where I’d been sitting quietly in the shade and prepared to leave, the princess approached me and asked that question.

“Hmm. Is my planned journey so dull for you?”

“That’s not it.”

“Isn’t it? The other nobles seem to be shedding their stress, quickly changing into new clothes and enjoying themselves. Yet you alone seem reluctant to return. If it’s not because you’re bored, then what is it?”

Arsien asks with a hint of confusion.

“Could it be that my intentions were misguided? I initiated this plan because I thought we needed some entertainment without worrying about the elders.”

“I don’t think your intentions or plans are wrong at all.”

In fact, one could argue that organizing such a trip in this era is quite an admirable idea.

“Isn’t that right? Since we’ve come all the way to the sea, let’s enjoy ourselves a bit more. Aren’t you curious about what we’ll give to the person who wins first place?”

…How bothersome.

Even the student council president was like this.

No matter how much I want to leave, it’s impossible under these circumstances.

There’s no choice but to speak rather bluntly.

“It seems Your Highness has forgotten my origins.”

Arsien’s expression suddenly hardened as if cold water had been splashed on her face.

“Why does that topic come up so suddenly?”

“You know well enough, Your Highness. The reason no one has spoken to me until now.”

It’s painfully obvious.

Just like during our school trip in reality.

Karsein is alone here.

“No one would want to associate with someone of low birth like me. They would detest even being near me or speaking with me. That’s why there’s such emptiness around me, isn’t there?”

I felt the same way too.

Although I had been admitted to a prestigious school, everyone knew that I was just an adopted child, and because of that, a wall had been erected as if to establish some sort of status.

So,

“This was never a place I was meant to be. Yet, the reason I came here is that I did not want to defy the imperial decree.”

As long as that wall remained intact, all I needed to do was step aside.

That would be the future most beneficial for both me and those nobles.

Having roughly finished my explanation, there was no longer any reason for me to stay here.

However, once again my path was blocked.

“It’s absurd for those who are scraping the bottom academically to enjoy leisure while you—the star of this symposium—should be the first one to leave.”

It was Princess Arshien who said this.

“Was my explanation insufficient? Your Highness. You know very well that’s not what I meant.”

“I do know. To summarize: you’re saying there isn’t a single person here who would want you around, so you intend to leave?”

She smiled slyly.

“Let’s make a wager.”

“A wager?”

“If even one person wishes for your presence here, then you may stay. Conversely, if no one does… then feel free to go.”

What kind of ridiculous proposal is this?

But this time it seemed like there might be some clarity in it.

“If it’s based on academic merit alone that justifies staying or leaving, then I’ll refuse. You are well aware there is no one below me in grades.”

“Ahaha. Unfortunately for you, that’s not quite what I’m implying. Confucius.”

Arshien cast her gaze over the nobles enjoying themselves at the beach.

But she quickly adds, as if they were not the subject at all.

“Right. As long as we don’t flaunt being the top of the symposium, isn’t that enough?”

Then surely, there would be nothing but people wishing I weren’t here?

From noble mtl dot com

Just as that thought crossed my mind.

Suddenly, Arshien raised her voice.

“I hear Prince Karsein is planning to leave this place. He hasn’t even played for long! Is there no one to stop him?”

The nobles frolicking on the sandy beach glanced around nervously.

Yet no one dared to speak up.

With their silence came a heavy stillness.

‘Well, of course.’

I had tensed up thinking maybe they had some trick up their sleeves, but it seems that’s not the case after all.

I felt relieved.

With this, surely no one would try to keep me from leaving.

“There’s nothing more to see. Then I’ll just head back—”

“No way! You’ve barely been here and you’re already leaving?”

…Huh?

Startled, I turned my head only to find a pink-haired lunatic shouting like that.

“Hey! You didn’t even get your feet wet. Are you scared I’ll make you fall in or something?”

Then a little kid with tiny footprints in the sand peeked over at us and chimed in,

“They’re pretending they don’t want to fall in! Hehe!”

Claire peered back at me, her head barely poking out as she made incomprehensible sounds.

Damn it. I was trying to be quiet, but what are they doing?

I thought they’d just tell me to get lost, so why are they holding me back?

As I stood there bewildered by the absurdity of the situation, Arshien let out a soft chuckle.

“Heh. So your family is like that?”

“I can’t accept that.”

“Even with two people stepping in?”

“Yes.”

Those people dislike me just as much as any other noble would.

There must be another reason they’re keeping me here.

“Those two are clearly trying to hold me here for different reasons. The first condition from Her Highness is really about whether anyone shows goodwill towards you, isn’t it?”

“Hmm. It’s true that I meant it in that way.”

“In which case, there’s no one else left. So doesn’t that mean I can leave?”

Their gaze toward Carseil remained anything but kind.

Thus, it could still be said that no one was holding onto me.

“Well… It seems there might still be someone showing goodwill after all.”

“Excuse me?”

Who on earth could that be?

Where is such a person?

—Tatata-tat.

The sound of footsteps approaches this way.

Could it be that person?

“Ugh, ugh…! You’re going back? Al-ready?”

“…!”

“C-Can’t you stay a little longer? I just got here…”

Oh no, damn it.

Was this their plan all along?

“Hehe. Is that so? It seems your fiancée is inclined to raise my hand in this wager.”

“…”

“What do you mean by that? A wager?”

Turning around with a look of confusion, Harnié glanced at Arshien, who spoke confidently.

“Stay and enjoy yourself a bit longer. Young master. Got it?”

“…Hah.”

“There’s no turning back now, so keep that in mind. Hehehe.”

Arshien turned away with a satisfied expression.

I’ve been thoroughly outplayed.

I should have checked more carefully.

I hastily judged there wouldn’t be anyone willing to show me kindness.

‘…No. How could the same thing happen twice?’

Back then too, the student council president had caught me with such a wager.

It comes to mind faintly. It was not much different from that time when we went on a school trip.

And…

“Uh, um… so, Min-hyuk? You’re not going back, right? Right?”

“Uh, um… so, Karsein? You’re not going back, are you?”

The outcome of the bet oddly overlapped.

Thanks to the timely appearance of Harnié, just like Ji-eun’s presence before, I found myself unable to escape this trip.

“…Yes. I’m not going back. No, to be precise, it’s more accurate to say I can’t go back.”

“What do you mean by that? What kind of bet did you make?”

Harnié insisted it was fine and took my arm as we walked away.

I suppose she didn’t want to raise suspicions by pretending we were lovers here as well.

I see.

If that’s the reason behind it all, then it seems I shouldn’t go back after all.

‘…Somehow ended up wandering together again like with Ji-eun.’

It feels like these situations keep happening somehow.

Is it just my imagination?