Chapter 197

“Everything’s set, Young Lady.”

“Isn’t she too beautiful?”

“Every time I do this, I can’t help but feel… It’s so rewarding to see her like this.”

The maids wiped their sweat and were satisfied.

But their faces didn’t look too happy.

‘Could it be… She doesn’t like it?’

‘Again?! Even though I worked so hard… Even this isn’t enough for her satisfaction?’

‘That can’t be! This time, it’s perfect!’

‘What’s wrong? What’s not to her liking?!’

‘Should we start all over again? Is it the accessory on her head? Or does the necklace not match the dress?’

Today was a very special day for the youngest young lady, her birthday.

Not only that, it was also the debut dance, an even more special day for a young noblewoman.

So, they put in extra effort to make her look even more beautiful than usual. The maids focused intently, pouring their hearts into it.

But the one being adorned remained silent.

Was she unsatisfied?

Was she displeased?

Was there something else bothering her?

It would be a relief if I could guess at least one thing, but Flora remains completely unresponsive.

This silence led the maids to another great misunderstanding.

With tears welling up inside, the maids exchanged glances and concluded again that it was a bust.

‘Guys, this really isn’t right!’

‘W-We should get something else. Quickly! Before Young Lady cries out!’

“Yes!”

The same situation repeated itself.

If they made their master unhappy on such an important day, they’d be in big trouble.

The maids were sweating bullets as they prepared for their next move.

“…”

Unaware of the maids’ inner turmoil, Flora remained silent, lowering her head.

She was fixated on one word.

‘Birthday…’

Flora was fixated on the word ‘birthday.’ It was a day deeply connected to today, and every year, she looked forward to it the most.

There was a reason why the word ‘birthday’ stuck with her.

“Hey, you guys.”

“Hik!”

“Yes, Miss!”

“Did you call us?!”

Suddenly, Flora whispered softly, and each maid reacted differently.

They thought this time was truly the end, closing their eyes tightly.

“Um… Didn’t Karlsein say he would come today? Is he here now?”

“What?”

The maids looked puzzled at this sudden question about Karlsein.

Of course, he would be here on his younger sister’s birthday, wouldn’t he?

Shaking their heads, unsure, the maids wondered what this had to do with anything. But without saying a word, Flora had made them all anxious.

“Lord Karlsein is already here, isn’t he? Do you want me to call him?”

“He’s not the only one who has arrived. Everyone is here. Do you want to show them your appearance first?”

“You look beautiful enough! Show it off to your family. If you’re not satisfied, we can change it immediately!”

Flora flinched and waved her hand.

“No! I don’t want you to call Karlsein!”

“R-Really?”

“Anyway… He’s here. Then…”

Flora raised her head and asked the maids.

“Can you prepare just one gift box for me?”

***

Flora’s birthdays were always luxurious, abundant, and splendid.

Even compared to her two older sisters, Flora’s birthday parties were the most splendid. Her mother, needless to say, loved her even more because she was the youngest. Flora’s birthday was the largest in scale among the Duke’s House.

She sent out countless invitation cards to noble families.

It was routine to become the center of attention at the birthday party amidst the bustling guests.

But today’s birthday was different.

It wasn’t just about announcing her debut dance.

She realized that while she had such a joyful birthday, someone else might have had a birthday unnoticed by anyone.

In the past, she might have taken it for granted…

But now, she knew.

She shouldn’t let someone else’s birthday, which only brings pain, go unnoticed while she enjoys such a luxurious birthday.

‘My birthday, but… It’s okay to give Karlsein’s birthday present here, right? Right?’

There’s no rule against celebrating together.

She wanted to wish him a happy birthday, even now, in front of everyone.

This time, she could share both of their birthdays.

*Knock knock.*

“I’ve brought the items you requested, Young Lady Flora.”

Here it is.

“Come in!”

With a slightly hopeful gaze, she called in the attendants.

The attendants entered one by one, bringing various items into Flora’s dressing room.

Seeing them in person made her anticipation grow even more.

A curious servant asked Flora.

“Excuse me, Young Lady.”

“Hmm?”

“What are you going to use all these things for? They don’t seem like items you would use.”

It was a valid question, as all these items had something in common.

“They’re usually used by men, you know.”

As the attendant said, everything placed here seemed to be items meant for men, not women.

“It’s… I want to give them as gifts.”

“What?”

“My birthday, but I’m preparing these for someone who missed their birthday.”

“Ohh…”

“Shh! Don’t say it out loud, or we’ll get caught!”

Flora warned the attendants, raising a finger to hush them as they expressed amazement.

“Nobody must know. This is a secret, right?”

“Of course, Young Lady!”

“It’s an order from Young Lady Flora. Isn’t it obvious?”

“The person receiving the gift will surely be very happy, won’t they?”

The attendants smiled contentedly and left the dressing room.

Now, the question was what to choose.

But Flora was once again in a dilemma.

“…What does Karlsein like?”

She didn’t know.

She didn’t know what Karlsein liked or disliked.

She had no information whatsoever.

***

▶ Episode VII. Flora’s birthday is ongoing. ◀

▶ We’ve reached the midpoint of the birthday party. ◀

▶ Current attention level is 41%. ◀

Since leaving that room, a few events occurred when encountering nobles, but they were easily dismissed.

The correct answer to pass through the choice options was already obtained through sufficient information gathering, so there was no significant change. Moreover, since Flora’s birthday was fixed, there was no variation in the branching points either.

Thanks to this, after shaking off the nobles, the attention level steadily decreased.

Afterward, time passed uneventfully.

Waiting for the birthday party, meeting with nobles and the Duke’s House members.

From the first encounter with retainers to the acquaintances of Claire and Arina.

Including conversations with peers and family speeches, it felt like a long time had passed.

And then.

My turn came.

“Karlsein, won’t you say something too?”

*Ding!*

▶ It’s time for family speeches. ◀

▶ From now on, both attention level and achievement level will be displayed simultaneously. ◀

▶ As the achievement level increases, the completion time for the episode will decrease. ◀

*Objective gauge double display*

[ When there is only one objective gauge, managing that gauge is sufficient. ]

[ However, when multiple gauges are displayed, it’s necessary to manage them as they influence each other. ]

[ In this episode, increasing the achievement level significantly raises the attention level. ]

[ Through interactions, sub-episodes, specific events, urgent missions, and puzzle-solving, the attention level and achievement level can be adjusted. ]

[ Adjust the objective gauges to determine the penalty scale and completion time, and clear the episode. ]

[ Good luck. ]

▶ Will you participate in the speech?

[ 1. Yes. ]

<Increase attention level by 15%, increase achievement level by 5%>

[ 2. No. ]

<Decrease attention level by 2%, no change in achievement level>

‘This is where the fork in the road begins.’

The system roughly knows.

The fact that this episode needs to be cleared hasn’t changed.

However, Flora’s birthday episode is clearly designed.

Even if it suddenly interrupts the main episode of territory management, it’s essentially a useless interference episode.

It’s like a lecture schedule created solely to consume the player’s time during the 21st Eastern Nobles’ Meeting.

Knowing this, it’s best to maximize the achievement level and escape as quickly as possible…

‘But, isn’t avoiding this episode also a way to handle it?’

Perhaps, it might not be necessary to manage it at all.

From my perspective, having seen the memorial, this actually seems more appealing.

“No, I don’t particularly want to. I’ve been quite tired lately with territory management.”

“…Is that so?”

▶ Refusing to speak reduced the attention level by 2%. ◀

[ Attention level: 39% ]

[ Achievement level: 0% ]

“Then, take a rest. I’ll help Claire deal with the retainers for a bit.”

Isabella left me without further questions and headed towards the retainers.

Only, Arina’s affinity dropped slightly. This situation seemed quite annoying to her.

Well, whatever.

There were no other choices available in this state anyway.

“Presenting the third princess of the Duke’s House Bargrand, Young Lady Flora!”

The lights dimmed momentarily, announcing Flora’s arrival.

“Oh my.”

“She looks like an angel.”

“How can someone be so lovely?”

“Those accessories must be from your proud eldest sister, right?”

“Miss Claire’s taste in dress design is excellent too.”

Amidst enthusiastic applause from the guests, Flora appeared with a bright smile under the spotlight.

The murmurs among the nobles subsided briefly.

Thank-you remarks followed.

The noble greeting smoothly transitioned into the debut dance.

Immediately after the greetings, the applause resumed.

The host promptly moved on to the next event.

Dinner time arrived.

Luxurious dishes were served, creating a convivial atmosphere, accompanied by soft classical music and changing lighting.

Next, the dance hall opened.

He answered.

The boys’ eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Flora had just completed her debut dance today.

For her, the partner for her first dance hadn’t been chosen yet.

The first dance partner held significant meaning.

Especially for Flora, the youngest daughter of the Duke’s House Bargrand, the debut dance’s first dance was even more special.

Ignoring the boys’ gazes,

Flora approached me.

“Hey, Karlsein.”

“What?”

“First dance. Can you dance with me? I have something to talk about…”

The nobles stared at me with poker faces, their eyes trembling.

At the same moment, my attention level increased by 3%.

‘What the heck.’

You want to dance with me?

You’re totally crazy. Fine.

“I refuse.”

Judging from your words, you probably don’t even remember.

So, the best birthday present for you is…

Me not being here.

For any reason.

***

“I refuse.”

“…”

Flora quickly looked downcast at Karlsein’s firm response.

Arina read her expression and scolded Karlsein.

“Don’t say that. Just dance with her once. Karlsein, the first dance for a debutante holds great significance. It may be tiring, but for Flora, please do it once.”

Flora waved her hand abruptly.

“No, big sister. It’s fine.”

“This is the time to ask. It’s just one dance. Besides, dealing with flies is easier when family handles it.”

“Mmm. I’m really fine, big sister.”

“…”

Arina’s affinity dropped again.

It had already fallen to 47%.

Well, let it drop.

This completes the condition.

*Katata-tat.*

“Big trouble, Miss Arina.”

“Hmm?”

“That is…”

One of the attendants hurriedly approached and whispered the news in her ear.

Arina’s eyes widened and she stood up.

“A child touched Karlsein’s belongings? What does that mean?”

“I don’t know the details, but… There are signs that someone entered Karlsein’s room and messed everything up…”

“What kind of nonsense is this! What was in his room?”

“A box… there was a box.”

“A box?”

“?!!”

Hearing this, Flora turned her head sharply.

Flora, who had been silent, seemed to have noticed something, turning pale.

Her trembling eyes turned toward me.

She couldn’t speak, only stuttering.