Chapter 102

The carriage was filled with a calm silence.

Flora tried to start conversations every now and then, but they were always cut short by Carsein’s monosyllabic responses.

It seemed like he would respond if there was something to talk about, but he never did, which made Flora want to scream at him to answer properly. But she knew better now.

So the silence kept falling over them again and again.

As the silence dominated the carriage, time passed and the carriage finally stopped. They had arrived at the mansion.

In other words, the two hadn’t spoken a word until they reached the mansion of the House of Gelgetten.

When the two got out, the knights bowed their heads.

Who would question the arrival of the House of Bargrand’s carriage? It wasn’t necessary.

But Carsein stared right back at their eyes.

‘Of course.’

He expected this. Even in such a small gathering, the way they treated him and Flora was different.

And their eyes were focused on one person, completely ignoring her.

How could he not know what those knights’ eyes meant? How full of dissatisfaction they were.

Knowing all this, Carsein remained silent on purpose.

“Go up to the room on the left side of the second floor.”

A knight explained with proper posture. The explanation was clear enough for anyone to understand.

Flora nodded lightly and headed towards the mansion, grateful for their kindness in showing her the way to the tea party hall.

However, she had to stop soon after.

“This tea party has many people who passed the test from the Eastern Nobles’ Meeting, so… wait, what?”

Looking into the mirror in the lobby, she saw only her own reflection. Carsein was nowhere to be seen.

“Where are you? What happened?”

She turned her head around but couldn’t find Carsein anywhere.

Then she suddenly looked behind and spotted his black hair.

From what she could see, he hadn’t moved an inch since getting off the carriage. He was leaning against the wall, writing something in his notebook. She couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

Flora ran over and asked.

“What are you doing here? Didn’t you hear that the tea party is on the second floor? Are you playing around?”

“No. I heard it clearly.”

“Then why are you still here? Are you planning to leave me here and go back?”

Upon being urged, Carsein closed his notebook and replied.

“I’m just here as your guard. Why should I go in there?”

“…What?”

Flora’s eyes widened.

“Didn’t you come armed with a sword for this? As a guard, wouldn’t you be needed if you’re accompanying the host?”

“I never said I was coming as your guard! I just…”

Before Flora could deny it,

Carsein abruptly asked the knight on duty.

“Hey. Did the organizer allow someone who wasn’t invited to enter inside?”

“Huh? That, um…”

“Or is there some dangerous situation going on inside that requires guarding?”

“…”

The knights looked bewildered and couldn’t readily answer Carsein’s questions.

Originally, their answer would have been a denial of Carsein’s position. They didn’t want to see a commoner like Carsein attending a tea party hosted by a baronial house.

But now, with Flora standing right in front of them,

how could they say such things when she was glaring at them with both eyes wide open?

If they said no entry, they’d be admitting that Carsein was Flora’s companion, putting them in a bind.

Thus, the knights couldn’t answer.

And Flora got angry.

“Nobody told you not to go in, so why are you acting like this!”

Flora raised her voice as if it was absolutely unacceptable.

There was no other option. If Carsein really left for the House of Bargrand, it would be disastrous.

Even if he admitted to being a guard, he had to be allowed inside the mansion.

“I have an invitation card. I’m her companion. There’s no reason for them to object, right?!”

“Yes, yes. You can go in…!”

The knight swallowed hard and answered.

“What about the rule against bringing guards?!”

“Miss Pitea only said to bring a companion. She didn’t specify the limit.”

“Alright? There’s no law saying a guard can’t enter!”

Facing Carsein squarely, Flora shouted once more.

“Just take me as your guard and follow me until the end! You’re not an uninvited guest!”

At this, Carsein smirked.

Though he might not have noticed, the nobles who gathered started watching him closely, each trying to figure out how to handle him.

Those who just got off the carriage.

Those who were curiously looking from the balcony.

Those who smiled slightly through the window.

Not everyone, but those nearby were all watching him.

‘I can guess. Why did they invite me here.’

Judging from the situation, it was likely Flora who insisted on bringing Carsein along.

But it was undoubtedly these nobles who orchestrated the situation to bring Carsein here.

Regardless of what happened in the previous tea party, this was too obvious.

Of course, from Carsein’s perspective, there was nothing to fear. It was already a given.

He calmly replied to the enraged Flora.

“You clearly told me to just follow you?”

“Huh?”

Carsein walked straight into the mansion.

“Come, let’s go!”

Flora followed him, fearing he might stop or turn back. Once she confirmed he wasn’t, she relaxed.

But…

Carsein didn’t miss this opportunity.

No, he wouldn’t let it slip away.

***

Once inside the mansion, nobody pointed fingers anymore.

Before the tea party began, guests exchanged greetings while companions stayed in separate rooms.

“Wait here. When I call you, open the door and come out.”

Flora went to her designated spot.

Her position during the tea party was right next to the organizer, clearly showing the power of the House of Bargrand.

I also need to prepare accordingly.

▶Episode III: The Remnants of Evil is in Progress!◀

This episode, being a main episode, presented choices at the entrance of the mansion.

The choices were simply about responding to the discriminatory treatment by the knights.

They were kind to Flora but cold to Emma and me, not even calling my name properly.

One of the options was,

[1. Hey you, why don’t you call my name properly while you’re calling Flora’s name correctly?]

This was a direct response to the issue.

Naturally, it was a trap.

Sure, they might recognize me, but by pointing this out, I’d be opening a floodgate of problems.

Complaining about not having names called properly isn’t unusual, but this is a place where nobles gather. In other words, it’s surrounded by enemies.

Here, Carsein is alone.

Didn’t you feel the same at the duke’s place? When faced with a group, public opinion battles make it impossible to use any power.

If the nobles form a favorable public opinion and turn against him, it could become dangerous.

Strictly speaking, the knights only intended to let the invited guests through. They didn’t commit any major wrongdoing. They didn’t cause trouble either.

It was merely a slight disregard. If I tried to hide it, I’d be the only one hurt. Like Flora, the knights could play the victim and turn me into the perpetrator.

Frankly, Carsein’s outdoor activities aren’t very frequent. If he said he wasn’t recognized due to his attire, it would be easy enough to believe. My outfit isn’t recognizable either.

Moreover, no one had specified who should be the companion for the tea party. They could also ask if that person is really Carsein.

In summary, it’s a situation where pointing it out would be problematic even if I knew.

‘Well, with Carsein, anything could happen. I expected this much.’

Ultimately, he resolved it by pretending to be a guard, but I don’t think this will be the end of it.

‘So, I’ll have to search around a bit more.’

▶This Area is Restricted!◀

[If you stay too long, penalties may apply.]

[Would you like to proceed?]

Naturally, I had to proceed.

[Time Limit: 10 minutes]

Without hesitation, I stepped in, and the timer started ticking.

It’s a new episode.

With no clues whatsoever.

The more uncertain it gets, the more I need to return to the basics.

‘There was one clue. They didn’t recognize Carsein immediately.’

I knew this because I observed their gazes. They hesitated for a moment, wondering who I was. After a brief pause, they realized it was Carsein. This short gap couldn’t be overlooked.

Why didn’t they recognize Carsein immediately?

The answer must lie somewhere here.

Since choices are influenced by the episode, there must be a clue hidden within this mansion.

Though I couldn’t just slide things aside, searching drawers and checking gaps in furniture, I did find something.

“…There it is.”

▶An item was found in the discarded trash can!◀