The Damn Family Is Back Again

261. July 1st (1)

– Tap, tap.

It had already been several hours since I had fallen into deep contemplation, lightly tapping my fingers on the table.

How many hours had I spent staring at that window since it popped up?

The plans I had originally set were now significantly delayed, and the course of the day was about to unfold in a completely different manner.

However, it was a matter worth such concern.

The message about Arina’s intimacy dropping that I saw when I woke up in the morning was enough to shift my priorities, putting everything else aside.

“Surely nothing happened yesterday. There were no signs, no hints at all.”

Just as I said, Arina had smoothly completed the second day of the martial arts tournament.

There hadn’t been any particular conversation between us, and I hadn’t pressed any buttons that would have annoyed her.

Yet, the moment we stepped into the third day, a variable had emerged…

From this point on, it was highly likely that the cause lay with me.

The immutable law of this game: if you follow the exact same route and exhibit completely identical behavior, then the predetermined story continues.

However, if you deviate even slightly from the storyline you had followed in the game, other elements begin to intervene.

In other words, a variable had been introduced through my actions.

The results within the game had led to a different outcome, allowing space for a variable to intrude.

From that, I could make one assumption.

“…The results of the martial arts tournament.”

My current performance and perception were vastly different from the situation in the game.

Chapter 3 had become more flexible due to the existence of another plan, allowing for greater freedom than in previous chapters. If I could raise the achievement rate a bit more here, I would earn Noblesse Points, so I could consider my objective accomplished, but…

—

From a different perspective, one could argue that the deviation from the familiar story within the game led to a distortion of the narrative.

Focusing on this element, I was able to pinpoint the factors that seemed to be the cause.

– Given your outstanding performance in this martial arts tournament, there are rumors circulating that you might become the heir of Bargrand.

“Harni has hit the nail on the head.”

As I spent the second day of the Huanglong Martial Arts Tournament, the rumors subtly surfaced.

Yeah. It’s because of that rumor.

“The rumors that have spread among the nobility will undoubtedly reach the ears of the Bargrand Duke’s family, and if they hear this and think that your closeness has diminished…”

There’s a certain causal relationship at play.

It might seem strange, but the Bargrand Duke’s family is, after all, the lineage that Arina is meant to inherit.

She has always fulfilled her duties as the eldest daughter of the Duke’s family.

When Isabella’s mental illness caused instability in the Duke’s house, she became the pillar that held the family together.

Moreover, she had taken on responsibilities early on to support Isabella, laying the groundwork until her two younger siblings could grow up, and that story had been featured in various newspapers, with past articles confidently predicting Arina as the next head of the family.

“But what happens if it’s suggested that I could take that position?”

It’s obvious.

It would look like a thief snatching it away.

And to make matters worse, I’d have to compete against a child who isn’t even a blood relative, picked up from the slums.

I don’t want to admit it, but if I change my perspective a bit, this is something that would understandably upset Arina.

“Still, the solution might be surprisingly simple.”

In any case, this resolved the hours of contemplation.

So, it really is because of that rumor?

“Camilla.”

“Yes, young master.”

“Prepare the carriage.”

I could just flatly say that I have no interest in being the heir.

Fortunately, the circumstances within this episode are perfectly set for that.

*

“Young master, the carriage is ready.”

“Alright.”

I stepped outside, dressed appropriately, at the sound of Camilla’s voice from outside.

First, I should at least ask.

—

“Did you find out what I ordered?”

“I’m sorry. It seems that, aside from the other maids, even my mother is unaware…”

“I’m not scolding you, so lift your head. I didn’t expect much from the start.”

Well, that makes sense.

Just in case, I had given Camilla a directive.

To check if Arina was feeling upset.

To see if there were any unusual signs from Arina today.

I had asked her to inquire, even if it was about something trivial.

I thought I could gather more information about Arina from Camilla, who was sociable and well-connected, but it seemed that this avenue was a dead end.

‘Well, this damn game wouldn’t crumble so easily over something like that.’

Chapter 3 often presents situations that hinder the player’s objectives based on another plan. I had tried to intervene within the game, but… there was no way to counter with such shallow tactics.

So now, I had only one means left.

-Ding!

▶ A missing story has been discovered. ◀

▶ You must complete the essential main episode! ◀

▶ Modifying the content of the currently ongoing Episode III. ◀

▶ Episode III. Arina’s birthday is in progress. ◀

Confronting the known intervention of Arina’s birthday head-on. If I clear the main episode and restore the intimacy that has decreased, I should be able to overcome this crisis.

The location for Arina’s birthday party was as stated on the invitation.

Before getting into the carriage, I tucked the invitation away and checked my appearance once more.

The outfit was neat and understated.

Even so, it had to align with the status of a noble and the dignity of the Vagrand.

The key was to look the most respectable without appearing extravagant.

It might sound silly, but in the game, this alone could slightly increase Arina’s intimacy.

Along with a pleasing outfit, if my demeanor was also composed, that would be an additional plus.

Having finished my inspection, I boarded the carriage.

At that moment, Camilla cautiously asked me.

“Sir, wouldn’t it be better to go with Lady Harnié?”

“With Harnié?”

“Yes. I can’t help but feel a bit worried.”

—

It’s Arina’s birthday party, attended alongside Harnié. I think I understand what’s on her mind.

‘If I show up in a place packed with nobles, it’s obvious that a scandal will erupt. Having even one ally here would make a significant difference.’

And that ally happens to be my fiancée.

Even if I were to cause trouble, I couldn’t possibly raise my hand in front of her while she’s watching.

Not in the worst of situations. Not in the best of situations.

And generally, it’s unusual for a fiancée to visit.

In any case, it all feels incredibly natural.

In other words, to put it simply, it was insurance.

Camilla’s advice was certainly sound.

But.

“If it’s my fiancée, she must be quite busy right now. I can’t afford to take up her time for that reason.”

This was entirely a situation brought about by me.

I was the cause of the rumors spreading, and I was also the one who hadn’t noticed them.

To create a mess and then ask someone else to be my shield.

Setting aside how embarrassing that would be, I didn’t want to do that to Harnié, especially if she was someone I could easily take advantage of and then discard.

…How could I use someone who has shown nothing but pure goodwill as a shield?

‘Moreover, I’ve roughly figured out a solution to this.’

Instead of calling Harnié, I could just resolve things appropriately and return.

“If there were a compelling reason to take Harnié along, I might consider it, but have you received any other messages?”

“…No. Nothing like that has arrived.”

“Really? Then it doesn’t matter.”

As I showed my intention to decline and stepped into the carriage, Camilla replied briefly.

“Travel safely, young master.”

I nodded lightly and closed the door.

– Ding!

▶ Episode III. Arina’s birthday is in progress. ◀

▶ Moving to Arina’s birthday party. ◀

▶ You will not be able to return to your lodging. Do you wish to proceed? ◀

[ 1. Proceed now. ]

[ 2. Prepare a little longer before proceeding. ]

No need to look further.

Everything is ready, and I’ve figured out what the problem was.

What I need now is to quickly convey my lack of interest in the heir and restore our closeness.

As I waited in silence, option one was automatically selected, and with a brief whinny, the carriage began to move.

“By the way, it’s July 1st.”

What a coincidence this is.

Arina’s birthday was the same day as that of the firstborn.

Suddenly, my mouth felt dry.

That day…

“Tsk. Why am I thinking about this?”

I shook my head, trying to erase those unnecessary old thoughts.

*

“What? They’ve already left?”

Harnie, who had been choosing a dress, abruptly turned her head at the news Mina brought.

“Yes. Just in case, I asked Camilla… and it seems they’ve already set off.”

Harnie grasped the hem of her nightgown with a perplexed expression.

“Tch. That shouldn’t be happening.”

Immediately, Harnie’s lips pouted.

I had already anticipated that there would be an outing schedule for Carsein.

Today was none other than the birthday of the first daughter of the Bagland Duke’s family. Arina Bagland. Although we weren’t on good terms, it was obvious that someone like her, who disliked unnecessary gossip, would make an appearance on her birthday.

However, the schedule had been moved up too early.

From what I heard yesterday, there were no prepared items, and they were supposed to fit her with clothes that suited her body… but if they left this quickly, I wouldn’t be able to hand them over.

Mina, with a mischievous smile, asked Harnie.

“What should we do? We finally had an excuse to be with the young master.”

“Wha-what are you talking about…!”

“Isn’t it true, Miss? You wanted to show off the dress you designed yourself, dress him up, and have a cozy little date.”

“Ugh…!”

Her face turned red in an instant.

It was as she said.

But it wasn’t just that.

“Mina. Can you help me put on the dress for now?”

“Suddenly?”

“Yeah. We need to go right away.”

To prepare for any unforeseen accidents, I must follow him and stay by his side, even if it’s late.

Just like Harni, Karsein’s family relationships aren’t great either.

I’ve heard that he deliberately avoided being present at Claire’s coming-of-age ceremony. And at Flora’s birthday, he even went so far as to act in a way that would hurt himself.

That’s why I wanted to go with him.

In front of his fiancée, even if problems arise, I can handle it.

For instance, if he were to be falsely accused, having even one ally would provide a strong witness.

If he were to face blame and criticism from his family for causing a scene, I, as his fiancée, could create an escape route from a situation where it would be awkward for them to scold him in front of me.

Moreover, whether he gets hit or suffers invisible wounds, I could be there to directly comfort him.

“Mina. Can you hurry up a little?”

“Wait a moment! I need to adjust this part for the line to look prettier… Ouch!”

“Forget about that and hurry! Huh?!”

“Just a second! I absolutely have to put on this accessory!”

“There’s no time for that!”

I don’t want to see the man I like being eaten away by invisible wounds.

So now, it’s time to protect him as quickly as possible.

*

▶ Episode III. Arina’s birthday is in progress. ◀

▶ We have arrived at Arina’s birthday party venue. ◀

▶ You have entered a restricted field. Please be cautious in your actions. ◀

‘A restricted field.’

Following Claire’s coming-of-age ceremony and Flora’s birthday. And now, Arina’s birthday.

It has already been the third time attending the family’s birthdays.

But today was different from the previous two occasions.

I didn’t have to enter with risks, nor was I short on time or funds.

The solutions were clearly laid out, and there was even some spare time. I had prepared so thoroughly that there wouldn’t be any situation where I could be caught off guard and my closeness would diminish.

“Young master. We have arrived!”

With the driver’s voice, the carriage comes to a stop.

—

Given the timing, I had to manage intimacy thoroughly. I added a little extra for him and moved toward the entrance.

‘This must be the timing.’

As soon as I stepped into the entrance after a brief pause, the status window unfolded immediately.

– Ding!

▶ A conflict with the nobility has arisen! ◀

▶ Please choose an option. ◀

Right. It would be disappointing if something like this didn’t pop up.

Such events had unfolded during the birthdays of other family members, so why would Ariina’s birthday be any different?

Wherever Karsein is, incidents are bound to occur at any time.

With the intertwining of Chapter 3’s Another Plan, the disruptive elements would likely be broader and more threatening.

But as I mentioned earlier, I was already prepared.

“Oh dear…! Please wait just a moment. The wheel came off…!”

“What kind of beggar rides in a carriage like this!? Who is the owner!”

As the shabby carriage blocked the entrance with a wheel that had come off, a nobleman who had disembarked from the back carriage shouted.

“Riding around in a carriage like this. Hmph. It’s probably some lowborn scum from the outskirts!”

Well, that’s quite generous of you.

That was the line I had been waiting for.

Since I didn’t like the options presented, I thought I could twist it a bit.

[ 1. Sorry, but I rode in that carriage. ]☑

“Sorry about that? Just a lowborn scum from the outskirts.”

“W-what…”

First, let’s carefully erase the flag that would lower my intimacy for indulging in luxury.