The Damn Family Is Back Again

245. I need to make money (2)

– Ding!

▶Episode II. The one who proves their worth has begun.◀

▶Participation in the Huanglong Martial Arts Tournament has been confirmed.◀

▶Depending on the achievement ranking, the intimacy of those around you may increase.◀

—

Seeing the episode window pop up, it seems to be working properly.

“…Huh.”

In the meantime, without listening, as I completed the signature, Arina let out a sound that seemed deflated.

Well, this is what you wanted anyway, right?

“Carsein. You remember, don’t you? What you did at the Golden Dragon Martial Arts Tournament in the past.”

“I know.”

“And yet, without thinking carefully, you just go ahead and sign right away.”

I know well.

Carsein has caused trouble not just at the symposium but in all sorts of places.

‘The Golden Dragon Martial Arts Tournament was one of the events where Carsein notoriously went wild.’

According to the information I saw in the game’s memorial, he acted very violently. And recklessly. He committed acts that threw etiquette to the dogs.

In events where fighting was the main focus, he would overpower his opponents and then knock them down as if it were an act of revenge.

From my perspective, it was somewhat relieving to see, but in this society, it would never be tolerated.

After all, he was ruining the tournament.

Anyway. The reason Arina is bringing this up is obvious.

Are you going to pull that kind of stunt again? That’s what she’s asking.

– Kim Min-hyuk. If you pull that kind of stunt again, I won’t forgive you.

Just like that woman did.

I’m used to this kind of treatment now.

That’s why I could easily say something like this.

“You said you wouldn’t tarnish the family’s name anymore, didn’t you?”

“…”

I’ll choose all the answers you want.

Whatever you desire, I’ll grant it all.

Just like in the past, until I leave this house.

– Swoosh.

Since I’m being obedient, it’s been a while since I’ve received it normally.

If it were any other time, I would have taken it or at least cursed while doing so.

“By the way. If you have time, help me study Flora a bit. Both Claire and I are busy, and Mother is even busier. You’re the most free, right? Take care of Flora.”

– Click.

—

Arina said that and left my room.

– Ding!

▶ Sub Episode. Flora’s Study IV is in progress. ◀

A notification popped up in the status window indicating that a new sub-episode had begun.

“With this, it’s confirmed that the progression of Chapter 3 hasn’t changed.”

The framework of Chapter 1 revolves around activities within the Duke’s residence.

Most main episodes emerge from within the Duke’s estate, and the way to clear them is straightforward. Thus, the primary setting is within the Bagland Duke’s residence.

As a result, I must lower Emma’s status and prove her innocence amidst the unfolding conspiracies within the Duke’s estate, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the final boss, Theo Ramsteer.

Approaching in the same manner, the framework of Chapter 2 involves external activities and territory management.

With the system’s constraints being lighter and choices increasing, one could say freedom was granted. However, conversely, if one only seeks safety despite this freedom, death is inevitable.

As can be seen from the unlocking of activity maps and the main episodes progressing through sub-episodes, players had to act proactively, even if it meant taking risks.

And then there was the exam known as the Symposium and the strict constraints of territory management. Within that, players encountered the enemy known as territory.

So, what about the progression of Chapter 3?

What kind of enemy awaits this time?

As can be easily anticipated from that sub-episode, it was clear.

Another Plan.

Since the player has set a goal, there are bound to be those who wish to obstruct it.

In Chapter 1, there were Emma and Theo.

In Chapter 2, there was the Waggloo faction.

At times, there were cases that could be seen as part-bosses.

However, this time, the situation is a bit different.

▶ If you give up the sub-episode, the intimacy between the two will decrease. ◀

“This game is quite malicious. It doesn’t mention at all that this intimacy affects the Another Plan.”

Unlike previous chapters where enemy entities appeared to obstruct progress, this time, I had to engage in sub-episodes that would influence the Another Plan.

How exactly, in what way, it would have an impact, I couldn’t figure out.

Decrease in intimacy. Generation of penalties. Increased map danger. Decreased reputation—various methods emerged, making it impossible to establish any clear rules.

The only thing I discovered was that if I cleared the sub-episode by achieving a certain threshold, there would be no issues. That was all.

In other words, Chapter 3 can be seen as the sub-episode itself being an obstructive element for the player.

Recalling that fact, I sighed.

“By the way, I didn’t expect to hear that here too.”

—

– You have plenty of time, Kim Min-hyuk. What’s wrong with teaching your little brother a bit?

Since it’s always been like this, I’m no longer moved by it.

“Sure. It’s not a big deal.”

I didn’t think he would actually listen, but that little brat had already mastered his tricks.

I grabbed a book and some writing tools and headed down to Flora’s room.

***

“…”

Flora came into the room after finishing dinner, her lips pouting.

Her lips were sticking out so much.

Even the maids were glancing over, sensing the tension.

I suggested she might feel better if she had some dessert, but Flora’s anger remained unfazed.

The reason was simple.

“Carsein. You foolish idiot!”

It was because of Carsein.

Even in the hospital after the symposium.

Even at the seaside, the location of the math trip.

She was upset because he was only hanging out with that fiancée of his.

“Geez. I went all the way to the hospital because I was worried about you!”

When Carsein had been seriously injured, she had been terrified and had begged her mother and sisters to let her visit him.

But when Flora stepped into the hospital with a joyful heart, her mood quickly soured.

She had rushed over as soon as she heard he had woken up from a long sleep.

Then, prioritizing the fact that the symposium was over, she had brought a new gift, worried that remnants of her past self would reach him again.

– Ah. There’s really no need for a guardian. As you can see, the fiancée is helping quite well.

Hearing that, a small spark ignited in her little heart.

It was one thing to say there was no reason for him to come, but it was quite another to say that a complete stranger was helping him just fine, aside from their engagement.

With an inexplicable feeling of discomfort, Flora let out a shriek like she used to.

“Carsein is from the Duke of Bagland!”

“Y-yes?”

“He’s part of our family!”

In the end, she ended up venting her anger on that lady, who was a complete stranger, if not for the engagement.

—

After the symposium ended, I was still feeling quite sulky.

Even when I went on a school trip to the sea after being discharged, my lips naturally pouted.

Karsein was always on the same team as that fiancée of his.

As a team, they stuck together and excelled in every event, ultimately securing first place.

That might have been fine up to that point, but my dissatisfaction didn’t end there.

Even after all the small competitions were over, he spent time with his fiancée, Harniere, and never once showed his face at this camp where the Duke of Bagrand’s family gathered.

“A Duke of Bagrand, and yet part of our family. And he’s only with that person… Ugh.”

Moreover, today, I even rejected the family dinner that Mom had prepared after begging her.

That was why Flora had been sulking all this time.

As I kept pouting with a sullen expression, someone knocked lightly on Flora’s door.

— Knock, knock.

“Who is it?”

In a mood that was already sour, I couldn’t believe someone was trying to come in. The owner’s annoyed voice slipped out from inside the room.

If it were one of the servants, I might have sent my condolences to whoever knocked.

But.

“It’s me, you little brat.”

“Uh…?”

As soon as I recognized the guest was Karsein, my previously sulky expression slightly faded.

Flora dashed over to open the door.

“What’s up?”

“What do you think? I came to teach you some studying.”

Seeing the writing tools he held in one hand, it really did look that way.

‘Studying…’

Right. That was a thing.

At that word, even my pouting lips retreated.

After all, Karsein was the elder. Flora was the younger sister.

It was perfectly natural to learn from an older sibling.

“Come in quickly! There’s so much I don’t know!”

Just a moment ago, Flora had felt like her family was being taken away by Harniere, and she was sulking, but her expression brightened in an instant.

– Ding!

▶ Flora’s intimacy level has increased. ◀

[ Please ■■■ ■, O■■■: 92% ]

***

One day. Two days. And then a week.

Time flowed endlessly.

While teaching Flora, I made the most of the remaining time, and today I had come to inspect the territory in person.

“Hm. So you’re suggesting we double-check the carriage by routing through Rusmaier?”

“Does it seem feasible?”

Currently, I had two territories.

These two territories were expected to continuously bring me profit, but according to the rules of this game, there was no way they would be given to me for free.

So I had to conduct thorough investigations and devise plans. The territory management UI hadn’t appeared in this regard either.

Brem, who was deep in thought, let out a groan and replied.

“First, I will send a letter to Barak. I believe it will work, but please give me some time so the residents don’t get agitated.”

“Do that. Come back when it’s time to report.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Right. This way, the transportation costs would be slightly reduced, allowing me to save some money.

That means…

▶ Sub-episode. Transportation Cost Reduction III has been cleared. ◀

▶ The planned expenditure has decreased, and the available funds have been updated. ◀

[ Current available funds: 102,817 Pesel ]

▶ You have satisfied the first stage condition by holding 100,000 Pesel. ◀

‘As expected.’

There was no way around it.

Since the funds that would have been spent were no longer leaving, this would be directly included in the available funds.

With this, the first stage is a success.

However, this process would have to be repeated several times. That means there’s still a long way to go.

▶ Stage 2 condition. You must possess 300,000 Pesel. ◀

‘Wow. Just one stage up, and the requirement has tripled?’

The enormous demands made me involuntarily click my tongue.

Perhaps it means that there is quite a bit of debt to repay to the Duke’s family.

Still, I take pride in having saved money on my own.

I felt the same way when I was steadily accumulating my part-time wages.

I will cling to the hope of escaping this damned household and save every penny with determination.

I have already succeeded once before.

As I resolutely lifted the documents again, Camilla came to find me.

“Sir, a letter has arrived from the Duke’s family.”

Is the interference coming right as the second phase begins?

It can’t be helped.

“Whose letter is it? What does it say?”

“It’s a letter from the lady. The content is… related to the martial arts tournament, but she also seems to want to discuss other matters.”

So it’s a letter from Isabella.

It’s come from the most ambiguous direction.

In this situation, if it were Arina, she could easily brush it off, and with Claire, I had already prepared a countermeasure since it would trigger a definite sub-episode. As for Flora, well, she’s the easiest to deal with; a few dismissive comments would suffice.

Yet, amidst all this, Isabella, the one with the most variables, reaches out.

As expected, nothing ever goes smoothly.

– Ding!

▶ Sub-episode. Isabella’s call is in progress. ◀

▶ Please set the time to return to the Duke’s family. ◀

“I’ll return now.”

I don’t care what happens.

Just like with Arina, all I need are a few words I want to hear.