Chapter 15

00:00

**30 seconds must have passed… No, it feels like it. But surely more than 10 seconds have gone by.**

Yet, their gazes hadn’t left me.

No matter which way I looked, I was at a loss for how to respond.

I reluctantly spoke up.

“I’m sorry. I came as soon as you called, but I feel I might be late.”

Isabella’s slightly open mouth returned to its original position.

“It’s fine, there’s no need to apologize. Sit down first.”

“Yes.”

So, it’s not too late.

At least, the atmosphere isn’t turning hostile because of this.

‘Where should I sit… Ah.’

She didn’t specify exactly where. But judging from the pre-emptively placed chairs, that must be my spot.

‘But why her…’

It had to be next to the pink-haired one who was a bit prickly.

If it were Arina or Flora, they wouldn’t cause trouble, but if something weird happens, it seems like breakfast will be ruined. And sure enough, as soon as I sat down, it started again.

“Now you look like a proper Bargrand.”

Claire’s voice, with her chin resting on her hand, sounded sarcastic.

“Are you satisfied? Threatening maids like that.”

“Looks good. But threatening?”

“If you can bathe yourself, why did you force the maids to do it? Isn’t that threatening? Isn’t it?”

“What are you talking about? It’s natural for maids to serve the master. Today, just put some effort into dressing up, right?”

“When she said maids were a waste.”

“Wow, what a selfish kid? You said you’d stop bringing it up…! You were worried about coming back as a beggar if you didn’t send them!”

“Claire.”

Isabella subtly pointed out Claire’s sarcasm.

Arina also hinted at the same thing.

“Why mom? It’s true though.”

“Even so, calling someone a beggar…”

“Well, if you dressed up properly like this, you wouldn’t look like a beggar. Wouldn’t you?”

Having learned from many experiences, I knew it’s best to ignore these small things, so I stayed silent.

Still, Arina’s casual language got us to the end of our conversation.

During that time, I checked the affinity status of the four characters through a sidelong glance.

[Isabella Bargrand]

[Affinity: 35%]

[Claire Bargrand]

[Affinity: 5%]

[Arina Bargrand]

[Affinity: 2%]

[Flora Bargrand]

[Affinity: 0%]

‘These two, Isabella and Arina, must have increased due to the episodes. Claire must have improved a bit because of yesterday’s events.’

If we include the maids, there might be question marks, but the dark boxes are diminishing, meaning recognition has improved significantly.

Compared to the early game optimization methods, it’s a little lower, but it’s still well-managed.

I didn’t choose wrong options, completed episodes without major issues, and didn’t lose any points from system notifications.

That means, even if not the best, it’s progressing smoothly.

Just then, the main dish was placed on the table. Even the other dishes seemed like main courses, but seeing the centerpiece being revealed confirmed it.

To be honest, if I were to say it, the meals I’ve eaten over the past few days would seem like dog food compared to this feast.

Just smelling the aroma made it hard to resist. The luxurious smell from each plate stimulated my saliva glands.

The glossy meat juices, fresh vegetables, and seafood combination made the eyes enjoy the feast.

It might make me forget about affinity and such.

But I quickly realized:

◀Consuming causes Kelbia Allergy!▶

◀Main Symptoms: Vomiting, dizziness, fever, chills, etc.▶

Even if I was invited as the rightful son of the Duke’s house to a lavish breakfast, these dishes weren’t prepared for me.

“Oh, can Karsein eat this?”

“Don’t worry mom. I asked Sheiden directly. He said he’s recovered enough to eat now.”

“That’s great. Then let’s all dig in.”

“Yeah.”

With Isabella’s statement, the meal began.

I suspected there might be a main instigator here, considering previous cases.

Only one person could handle the food, so I kept an eye on the child cutting bread across from me.

“…”

I clearly caught her reaction.

Flora flinched when she met my eyes and avoided looking at me, as if guilty of something.

But…

“No, this time, she shows no signs of guilt.”

If Flora was the culprit, she would have shown a nasty expression, provoking me to react emotionally and causing a disaster, ruining my reputation in the Duke’s house.

Of course, she might pretend not to notice my gaze, but there’s no mistaking it. After being tricked so many times, I can tell the difference.

It’s obvious.

The answer is painfully clear.

“So, how do I deal with this now?”

Being emotional like Karsein is the last thing to do.

Just ignoring it?

That’s nonsense.

I won’t stay quiet after being tricked twice.

“What’s wrong? Not eating at all? Don’t want to?”

“Chef worked hard on these dishes since the whole family is here. It’s polite to enjoy the meal. Karsein.”

Claire pointed out my lack of eating, and Arina added to it.

Eating is polite.

Yeah, you guys are those people.

Though I said that, I didn’t really care. My only concern was not causing an accident.

And yet, I don’t mind it.

In fact, I feel grateful for it.

“Because you don’t care, I can stay calm.”

From countless trials in the game, I know Karsein gets bullied constantly.

Reacting in any way would only worsen the situation, so staying passive is the right move. But this situation is different.

“Karsein? Why stand up suddenly without eating?”

First, this scene is skipped in the game, so no choices appear.

“Last time wasn’t due to illness. I double-checked with Sheiden. Mom, let’s talk while sitting a bit longer.”

Second, I know who’s behind this mess.

“Ugh!”

Third, this action allows me to pressure them before the predetermined episode starts.

Thus, the best approach is this.

‘-Tup.’

‘This is all your doing.’

From the youngest to the oldest, from those mischievous kids to the uninterested stepmother.

Forget the coming-of-age ceremony; just eat this.

‘Swish.’

‘Splat! Crunch!’

I tore apart the main dish, the turkey, holding it like a handle. The juicy meat fell apart.

The meat juice and flesh scattered onto other dishes, ruining the visually pleasing meal.

This table turned into chaos.

But what does it matter if it’s chaos?

My only response is:

“Let’s eat.”

Meal.

You invited me to eat together, as a family.

***

“Eat, chew, swallow.”

“The meat is delicious. Just disappears after a few bites.”

He continued to tear into the meat with his hands, acting like a primitive man despite having utensils.

Everyone at the table stiffened at this absurd behavior.

The noble of nobles.

No one could have imagined such a scene happening in the Duke’s house under the Peselros Empire.

Etiquette. Dignity.

All signs of being a noble vanished. Karsein’s actions were purely driven by appetite.

Seeing this, the two sisters couldn’t hold back.

“This brat…! Thought he’d behave!”

“What are you doing, Karsein?!”

“Just eating breakfast.”

He replied, tearing into the meat again, making the sisters’ faces twist further.

“Answer me! How is this acceptable behavior? Showing such ugliness in front of your mother?!”

“Ah, well, yeah. Everyone’s eating from the same plate, so it’s a bit off-putting. Sorry, sorry. That’s fine, right?”

“Narrow-minded. Finally showing some sense. Still unchanged. Anyone outside?”

Arina tried to call someone outside, seemingly giving up on dealing with him. Isabella already had her forehead in her hand, trying to avoid the situation.

Only Claire couldn’t take it anymore and slapped my cheek.

“Smack!”

Heat rose from the slapped cheek.

“Ouch. Why hit me? Hurting during dinner.”

“This brat…! Want another slap?! Apologize properly if you did something wrong…!”

Claire raised her hand again to slap, but seemed to hesitate, thinking of the youngest watching and glancing at Isabella.

Meanwhile, blood trickled down my cheek from the scratch. It felt like something was flowing, so I touched it, revealing a visible amount of blood.

“Wow, so unfair. I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Huh. Still not fully awake? Think you deserve to talk back after stuffing your face?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“…”

Claire’s eyes filled with fury. Another word and her hand would go up again.

Before she could strike again, I turned to the dining room door.

“You kids! Go get Sheiden!”

“How outrageous. Causing such a commotion and still act innocent, asking for medical treatment?”

Arina clicked her tongue and ordered the maids again.

“Enough! Go back to your places. There’s no point listening to this trash.”

The maids who never intended to move remained standing.

Well, not everyone stood still. That means the truth will soon come out.

“You brought this upon yourself. Karsein. Admit you’re wrong now.”

In just a few words, I became the scapegoat of the dinner.

Indeed, with such prejudice, it’s hard to turn public opinion around.

The biggest supporters are these four.

They must be Karsein’s family.

“Quickly apologize. I’ll overlook it if you do.”

The pink-haired one joined in. She seemed ready to forgive if I begged.

But why should I?

I asked for Sheiden a few minutes ago. He should be arriving soon.

So, I don’t back down.

“It’s so unfair. I just ate when told, why am I getting hit like this?”

“…”

“Rather than this, I’d prefer having a cold and lying in bed. Not getting hit and eating proper meals. Don’t you think so, Claire?”

Emphasizing ‘proper’, I gave another hint, and someone else’s hair trembled in fear.

“You…!”

Just as Claire raised her hand again,

“I heard you called,” Sheiden, the Duke’s physician, arrived.

Facing Claire, I continued without backing down.

“Sheiden. As a doctor, you thoroughly examined me when I collapsed, right?”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“And you carefully checked what I ate and what ingredients were in the food.”

“Of course.”

“Then explain why I can’t eat these foods. If I’m wrong, I’ll be confined for a month.”

At this, Claire’s eyes widened.

The others were the same. Claire, Arina, Isabella, and Flora.

Sorry, but I didn’t ask Sheiden to come because I thought I was right.

***

After calling Sheiden, Karsein planned to leave the dining room.

“Sheiden will investigate, so there’s no need for me to stay. I’m leaving.”

“Maybe cool off first. It won’t ease the punishment.”

“Do as you wish.”

Karsein’s attitude was so defiant that it seemed he didn’t care at all. Without wavering, Karsein left the dining room.

Claire didn’t take her eyes off the table. Arina remained the same, and Flora hid behind her. Isabella couldn’t bear to watch and turned away.

Arriving at the dining room, Karsein was surprised to be asked about why he couldn’t eat certain foods. But Sheiden, despite rushing, didn’t forget the diagnosis.

The diagnosis detailing Karsein’s condition contained clues to solve the case.

Sheiden carefully cut pieces of food and began investigating. Soon, he dropped a few medicines and gasped.

“Who requested this meal?”

“I did, Sheiden.”

Isabella spoke softly, still not looking at the table. Her attitude suggested she already knew the outcome.

“Did Lady Claire request this meal?”

“No, I prepared it myself. I gave the list to the chef separately.”

“Did Miss Claire know about the overall use of Kelbia fruit in the menu?”

“Kelbia fruit? I didn’t know much. I just listed the types of food and asked for them to be prepared. I didn’t specifically ask to add anything.”

“Ah… So it was someone else who used the Kelbia fruit.”

Sheiden sighed deeply.

And the truth was revealed.

“Young Master is correct. These dishes are absolutely not to be consumed.”

“What…?”