Chapter 193

“Master. May I speak frankly?”

Camila gently initiated the conversation as I sat on the carriage looking outside.

“What is it?”

“I think it would be best if you didn’t attend this party.”

“Hmm.”

Camila was quick-witted. She often offered helpful advice in situations like these.

Still, narrowing my eyes, I asked, “Why do you think so?”

“There are certainly forces trying to slander you. Moreover, with the ongoing Eastern Nobles’ Meeting, there could be people with ill intentions approaching you after two weeks of outstanding performance.”

“But you know it’s impossible, right?”

“If you don’t attend at all, Mother and the young ladies will surely get angry. So, why not just say your regards and slip away?”

Smart move.

This was actually one of the routes I had used in the game before.

I smirked and continued with what Camila seemed to be hinting at.

“You’re saying we’re busy with the Eastern Nobles’ Meeting, so just send our regards and leave? You think that’ll get us out of trouble?”

“…”

Camila blinked her eyes at my precise questioning.

“Not wrong, but moving like that might make the nobles even happier.”

“Why? It’s about the Bargrand family.”

“It’s easier to spread rumors about something that doesn’t exist in places where you’re not present. For example, if they say you left quickly because you didn’t care about Flora’s birthday, it’ll cause quite a stir.”

Being cautious of Carsein, they become more cautious when he’s absent.

Because of such large events, especially with nobles gathered, it’s even more dangerous.

I hadn’t noticed this flaw before.

That’s why I ended up using this method and met with a bad ending.

“Even so, you’re not going to the party?”

As expected, she knew this route well.

It seems Camila was anxious about the situation.

“Yes, I’m not heading to the party.”

“Huh? But didn’t you say you’d attend Flora’s birthday party?”

“Just going wouldn’t do.”

“Huh…?”

Camila tilted her head, seemingly unsure of what I meant.

“…Just going won’t work, you see. We’re in Rusmaier.”

“Yeah, that’s why we came here.”

After all, going empty-handed might lead to trouble.

▶ Chose to visit somewhere else before heading to Flora’s party. ◀

▶ A second choice is given. ◀

The third week’s essential episode, Flora’s birthday episode.

This episode was unavoidable, so I memorized the clear methods like a manual.

The content goes as follows:

“Not going directly to the party is correct. However, by preparing a gift Flora likes, we can suppress rumors from nobles.”

“Oh, so that’s why you came to Rusmaier…”

“Yeah, coincidentally, many merchants pass through here. We can find something Flora would like. Even if we bring a gift, false rumors about neglecting her birthday won’t spread.”

“That’s thorough thinking. I was short-sighted, not understanding your intentions and giving poor advice…”

“It’s fine. Stop blaming yourself and let’s go.”

After all, it’s knowledge I gained from the game.

In summary:

First condition: Not going directly to the party.

Second condition: Prepare a gift Flora likes.

The reason is obvious; to keep Flora happy.

If no specific gift is prepared, affinity drops rapidly, leading to dangerous choices. But if a gift is prepared, such a predicament is avoided.

Moreover, bringing the wrong gift also causes problems.

In short, this is essential.

‘Tsk. Just like the youngest sibling, being so picky about gifts.’

As I grumbled internally, the carriage arrived quickly.

“We’re here, Carsein.”

“Ah. Let’s get off, Camila.”

“Yes, Master.”

I sighed deeply and got off the carriage upon hearing the coachman’s words.

“Come on.”

“…”

“What are you waiting for? Hurry up.”

I offered my hand to help her down, but Camila stood there blankly, not grabbing it.

She sighed deeply.

“Master, if you keep doing that, you’ll get into trouble.”

“Huh?”

“Not just trouble, but you might also upset others. Be careful around others.”

“…”

Camila said this and then got off the carriage alone, tugging at her dress.

‘I wonder what that means.’

Sometimes, I receive such rebukes.

There were times when I didn’t, but recently, this happens more often.

While I should listen to Camila, it’s hard to understand.

I’ll ask later when I have time.

“So, what are you planning to buy, Master?”

“Oh, that.”

Of course.

“Just give her a doll, and she’ll love it.”

That little one really loves dolls.

Even during the Snow Festival, she loved the big bear doll.

So, getting her a doll she’ll like should work this time too.

***

Meanwhile, Carsein arrived in Rusmaier and went shopping.

Harnei stayed in the room, staring blankly into space.

Under surveillance from the Marquis House of Teresia, she couldn’t move freely.

During this time, Harnei had to act like an incompetent lord.

Sitting quietly, she would observe the residents’ reactions. When under surveillance, she would pretend to be flustered or act clueless to fool them.

Repeating this cycle, she would eventually show the method Carsein taught her.

This period would be boring and tedious.

However, Harnei’s mind was preoccupied with that day’s events.

Trying to put Carsein to sleep on her lap, she ended up falling asleep herself.

Seeing this, Carsein moved her to the bed.

Awakening momentarily, she found herself hugging him with her arm.

And inexplicably, she felt a sense of longing…

“Gahh! Why did I do that? Why…!”

Covering her blushing face with both hands, Harnei couldn’t understand her past actions.

It’s fine to feel regret over losing a capable person like Carsein, but returning to his embrace?

This was beyond embarrassing.

Even thinking about it made her face flush.

Thankfully, she woke up first and avoided being caught in the act.

If Carsein had woken up and seen her like that…

“Ahh!”

A scream involuntarily escaped.

“Why can’t I forget this?”

Time passes quickly.

Memories fade fast too. Those terrible moments in the Marquis House are now hazy.

Why can’t this memory leave her mind!

“Sigh.”

Unable to change the past, Harnei sighed.

She tried to hide her flushed face while pondering.

Why was she thinking about this?

Initially, it was just a contract.

A simple relationship formed for mutual goals.

Their relationship was thin and fragile, like a casual acquaintance.

But now, she finds herself thinking about Carsein constantly. Maybe she thinks about him every day.

When bored, she thinks about him even more.

Does he eat properly? Stay up late? Get enough rest?

She needs to check.

And…

What is he doing now?

Suddenly curious.

“That needs checking. How can I manage?”

Mumbling to herself, Mina burst into the room.

“Ugh, Miss. Why do you keep screaming?”

“Mina? Did you hear everything?”

“Of course. With that tremendous voice. I even thought an assassin appeared and rushed over at first.”

“…”

“Tell me why. There must be a reason, Miss.”

Cold sweat trickled down.

How could she explain this?

No, she shouldn’t explain! Explaining would be a mistake!

“Ah, nothing. Just…”

“Just?”

“This is uncomfortable! As an engaged woman, being so dependent isn’t pleasant… It’s awkward to visit… Also…”

A lame excuse.

Strange as it was, Harnei didn’t notice anything odd.

This should be enough.

By dodging the topic, she hoped not to raise suspicion.

Unaware, her startled reactions and sudden changes in tone made her look suspicious.

Watching this, a sigh escaped.

‘Miss, if it’s about Carsein, it’s better to openly admit your feelings. An honest desire to visit Carsein is sufficient.’

While proactive women aren’t bad, she couldn’t help it.

‘Sigh. What can I do? She’s experiencing her first love.’

Reluctantly, Mina decided to help the shy Miss.

“I understand it’s uncomfortable. You should check the invitation.”

“Invitation?”

“Yes, from the Bargrand family.”

Confident she wasn’t caught, Harnei cleared her throat and took the invitation.

Her expression brightened immediately.

“Flora’s birthday… Then…”

Quickly processing the information, Harnei’s brain spun.

If related to the youngest sibling’s birthday, it could be a major event for the Bargrand family.

Naturally,

“Since it’s the youngest sibling’s birthday… Carsein will attend, right?”

She asked, holding her hair.

‘Already using natural terms? Calling him ‘His Royal Highness’ all the time.’

Mina finally smiled.

“Of course.”

Harnei rarely smiled, but when she did, it was beautiful.

“Make sure he’s resting properly. Eating regularly. Getting enough sleep! Check everything. Got it?”

“Of course.”

Another task completed today.

Thinking this, Mina wiped the sweat from her forehead.

***

▶ Arrived at Flora’s party! ◀

▶ Choices will appear now, and the nobles’ attention will be displayed. ◀

▶ The higher the attention level, the more chaos at the birthday party. Be careful! If it reaches 100%, an unexpected choice may occur for the player! ◀

[Current Attention Level: 50%]

Finally starting.

This episode uses a value called attention level to determine if there’s chaos or not.

Carsein’s every action changes the attention level, and choices lie ahead. Therefore, I need to act in a way that minimizes impact on the birthday party.

‘Methods are known, but…’

For now, gifts come later. Greetings are first.

“Welcome, Carsein.”

Isabella greeted me warmly, smiling brightly.

Not only that, the eldest and second siblings, who were supposed to be present at the birthday party, were here too.

“Just arrived.”

“Didn’t rush, did you?”

“No.”

“Good. Glad you’re here.”

With a light greeting, Isabella smiled contentedly.

“Now that you’re here, I heard your grades were great this time?”

“Yes, something like that.”

Then comes the timing for choices.

But…

“…”

“…”

Why so quiet?

Usually, this is when complaints start flying.