Chapter 245

– Ding!

▶ Episode II has begun for those who have proven their worth. ◀

▶ Participation in the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament is confirmed. ◀

▶ Affinity with surrounding characters can increase based on achievement rank. ◀

The Episodic window pops up, looks like everything is in order.

“…”

In the meantime, before Arina could even listen, the signing was completed, and she let out a deflated sound like air escaping a balloon.

Well, isn’t this what you wanted anyway?

“Carsein. You remember that, right? What you did at the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament in the past.”

“I do.”

“And yet, you’re still signing without giving it a second thought?”

I know too well.

Carsein had caused accidents everywhere, not just at the symposium.

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

According to the information seen in the game’s memorial, he acted extremely violently and carelessly, disregarding courtesy during the tournament.

There were combat-focused events where he would pin down opponents and seemingly retaliate by beating them senseless.

While it was somewhat satisfying to me, this wouldn’t be tolerated in society.

After all, he ruined the tournament.

Anyway, it’s obvious why Arina brought this up.

She’s asking if he’s going to pull off something like that again.

– Kim Min-hyuk. If you do something like that again, I won’t forgive you.

Firstly, just like that girl.

This kind of treatment is getting familiar.

That’s why I can say this so easily.

“You said you wouldn’t disgrace the family anymore, right?”

“… ”

I’ll answer whatever you want.

I’ll give you everything you ask for.

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

– *rustle*.

Since he’s being obedient, I get treated normally for once.

If it were usual, I’d probably have been beaten or cursed while taking it.

“By the way, when you have time, help Flora with her studies. Both you and Claire are free, and mother is busier than ever. Since you’re the most available, take care of Flora.”

-click.

Arina left after saying that, and then…

– Ding!

▶ Sub Episode. Flora’s Study IV is underway. ◀

A new sub-episode notification pops up in the status window.

“Now we’ve confirmed the progression method for Chapter 3 hasn’t changed.”

Chapter 1 was all about activities within the Duke’s House.

With most main episodes popping up within the household, clearing them was the key. Thus, the primary stage was inside the Bargrand Duke House.

Because of this, the plot unfolded within the Duke House, aiming to lower Emma’s status and prove her innocence, with the final boss, Theo Lamstair, to be eliminated.

Following the same approach, Chapter 2 focused on external activities and territory management.

Given the loose system constraints and increased options, it can be seen as an increase in freedom. However, ironically, pursuing safety alone would lead to certain death.

Even looking at the main episodes progressing through sub-episodes and territory management, players needed to actively move despite the risks.

With the symposium test and strict territory management, players faced the territory itself as an enemy.

What about Chapter 3’s progression method?

Who is waiting as the enemy this time?

It’s easy to guess from this sub-episode.

Another plan.

If there’s a player-defined goal, there will always be people trying to disrupt it.

In Chapter 1, there was Emma and Theo.

In Chapter 2, there was the Waglew Faction.

Occasionally, there were cases that seemed like part-bosses.

However, things are different this time.

▶ If you abandon the sub-episode, the affinity with two characters will decrease. ◀

“This game is such a pain. It doesn’t even mention that affinity affects another plan.”

Unlike previous chapters where enemies appeared and disrupted, this time, you had to progress through a sub-episode that affected the other plan.

How exactly it influences is beyond me.

Affinity drop, penalty generation, increased map threat level, reputation drop – with all these possibilities, it’s hard to establish a pattern.

The only thing I found out is that clearing a sub-episode with a certain achievement level prevents any issues.

So, Chapter 3 can be seen as having sub-episodes as disruptive elements themselves.

As I sighed thinking about it,

“Still, hearing this here too.”

– You have plenty of time, Kim Min-hyuk. Why not teach your younger sister some studying?

It’s become so routine now that it no longer surprises me.

“Sure. It’s not like it’s a big deal.”

Even though she might not listen, I already knew her tricks.

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

***

“…”

After finishing dinner, Flora pouted and walked into her room.

Her lips were so protruding that even the maids noticed.

Maybe someone suggested eating dessert to cheer her up, but Flora’s anger didn’t fade.

The reason was simple.

“Carsein. That dumb idiot!”

It was because of Carsein.

After the symposium, even in the hospital room and the math trip at sea,

he only hung out with his fiancée.

This made her furious.

“Damn it. I worried so much and visited him in the hospital!”

When Carsein got badly injured, she panicked and begged her mother and sisters to go to the hospital.

But when she finally entered the hospital room happily, her mood dropped instantly.

After hearing he had woken up, she rushed over quickly.

Considering the symposium was over, she tried to prepare herself and brought a gift she made recently, worrying that her past actions might affect him.

– Ah. No need for a guardian. As you can see, his fiancée is doing a great job helping him.

Hearing that, a tiny spark of irritation flared up in her little heart.

Though it might be reasonable to tell him to leave if he had no reason to come, it was annoying that a complete stranger was doing such a good job.

Feeling a strange unease, Flora let out a frustrated “pfft” sound.

“Carsein is part of the Bargrand Duke House!”

“Yes, yes?”

“Our family!”

She ended up venting her frustration at the young lady who was practically a stranger, except for her engagement to Carsein.

She remained upset since the symposium ended.

Even during the math trip to the sea after being discharged, her lips naturally pouted.

Carsein was always paired with his fiancée.

They were always together, excelling in every event and winning first place.

It might have been acceptable, but there was more to it that bothered her.

Even after small competitions ended, she spent time with Harnier, her fiancée, and never showed up at the Bargrand Duke House camp.

“Bargrand Duke House and our family, yet he’s only with that person… damn it.”

To make matters worse, she even refused the family dinner prepared by mom today.

This was the reason for her current pout.

As her lips continued to protrude,

someone knocked lightly on her door.

*Tap tap*.

“Who is it!”

Naturally, an annoyed voice escaped her mouth as she wasn’t in the best mood.

If it were a servant, they might offer condolences to the person knocking.

But.

“It’s me, brat.”

“Huh…?”

Seeing it was Carsein, her pout softened slightly.

Flora quickly ran to open the door.

“What is it?”

“For what else? To teach you some studying.”

Seeing the writing tools in his hand, he truly looked the part.

‘Studying…’

Right, that was the plan.

At his words, her pouting lips retracted.

Carsein is older. Flora is his younger sister.

It’s natural for a younger sibling to learn from an older one.

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

Just moments ago, Flora felt like her family was being taken away by Harnier, which made her angry.

Now, her expression brightened.

– Ding!

▶ Flora’s affinity has increased. ◀

[ Please ■■■ ■, oh■■■ : 92% ]

***

One day. Two days. And a week passed.

Time flowed endlessly.

While teaching Flora, I also made the most of my remaining time, and today I was inspecting the territory.

“Hmm. By routing through Rusmaier and conducting double inspections, we can save on carriage costs.”

“Is that possible?”

Currently, I own two territories.

These territories are expected to bring in profits continuously, but nothing comes for free in this game.

Therefore, thorough investigation and planning were necessary. The territory management UI didn’t show up for this either.

Brem groaned and replied.

“I’ll send a letter to Barak first. I think it will work, but please give some time to prevent the residents from panicking.”

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

“Yes, Young Master.”

Yes, this way, we can reduce transportation costs and save money.

This means.

▶ Sub Episode. Transport Cost Reduction III has been cleared. ◀

▶ Reduced planned expenses have updated your available funds. ◀

[ Current funds : 102,817 Pesel ]

▶ Having 100,000 Pesel satisfies the first condition. ◀

‘Of course.’

There’s no other way.

Since the money won’t be spent, it gets added to your available funds immediately.

This seems to be the first step.

But this process needs to be repeated several times. This means the road ahead is still long.

▶ Second condition: Possess 300,000 Pesel. ◀

‘Wow. Just increasing the level by one makes the requirement triple?’

The huge demand makes me involuntarily sigh.

This likely means there’s a considerable amount of debt to pay back to the Duke House.

Still, it’s significant that I managed to save money myself.

I did the same when saving up from my part-time job.

I’ll save money desperately, waiting for the day I can leave this house.

I’ve succeeded once before.

As I made another vow, Camila came looking for me.

“Young Master. A letter arrived from the Duke House.”

Does interference start right as the second phase begins?

No choice.

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

“It’s from Lady Isabella. She mentioned the martial arts tournament, but also seems eager to discuss more.”

A letter from Isabella.

The most ambiguous of them all.

If it were Arina, it might be easily resolved; for Claire, I prepared a contingency plan for a guaranteed sub-episode. Flora, well, she’s the easiest, just a few consolations.

But with the most unpredictable Isabella reaching out,

of course, it wouldn’t be easy.

– Ding!

▶ Sub Episode. Isabella’s Call is in progress. ◀

▶ Please specify the timing to return to the Duke House. ◀

“I’m going back now.”

Whatever happens, it doesn’t matter.

Like last time with Arina, it’s just a matter of saying a few words she wants to hear.