Chapter 262

The nobles start sauntering over hearing the commotion.

This is the eldest daughter of the House of Bargrand.

Arina Bargrand shouted at her birthday party, so it’s odd if they didn’t hear it.

“What’s all the fuss about?”

“It seems there was a problem with the carriage.”

“That carriage over there is missing a wheel.”

“Oh. The wheel… Indeed, such a carriage blocking the path is quite an issue.”

The nobles who came to check out the commotion started whispering.

Predictable.

“My, it seems to be related to Prince Carsein?”

“How unfortunate. On his family’s birthday…”

“To cause a ruckus on such an important day.”

Well, it’s not different from any other family’s birthday.

On a family’s birthday, this kind of commotion occurs among nobles.

And at the center of it all is Carsein.

It’s more than enough to attract the attention of countless eyes.

-Ding!

▶Episode III. Ariana’s birthday is in progress.◀

▶The carriage wheel has come off.◀

▶Choices appear. Results may affect achievement levels.◀

Immediately, choices appear. Involved in this incident, Carsein had to pass through this obstacle again.

‘Hmm, the choices…’

Same as ever.

Checked around but nothing changed.

‘So I got hooked properly.’

When I first encountered this scene, I thought that Carsein might gain enough influence and blend into the noble society.

Indeed, his performance in the symposium proved me right.

Though the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament isn’t over yet, he has shown remarkable results, engraving himself in everyone’s mind.

So, shouldn’t a more proactive action be taken given this unreasonable situation? I believed there was enough basis for this choice to pass.

[1. (Grabbing the noble by the collar) Hey, what did you just say? A provincial? Say it again.]

However.

By choosing that option, I get kicked out of the birthday party.

The reason is a bit mysterious, but can be explained in one sentence.

‘Because Ariana is the Dead Trigger of Chapter 3 mid-episode.’

That choice would anger Ariana, and later developments would prevent me from passing this episode.

Due to Ariana’s influence, the nobles’ reputation would plummet, draining all my Noblesse Points.

This makes achieving the goal impossible, leading to a bad ending.

Just the fact that the set goal isn’t achieved is already a critical hit; no need for further explanation. It’s the same for other scenarios. Angering Ariana was the most dangerous point in this branch.

So, I found the answer.

“This is where you should have come with a proper carriage. Because of this, others are suffering!”

Match Ariana’s preferences.

For example, disliking extravagance.

[3. It’s just me attending the birthday party, why waste manpower and trouble people, causing extravagance?]

“I’m just here for the birthday party, why waste manpower and trouble people, causing extravagance?”

There’s always a reason for choosing a cheap carriage.

***

“Anything else to say?”

“Gruh…!”

Using the created choice to rebut wasn’t difficult.

Arguing that high-end carriages prevent accidents doesn’t necessarily mean extravagance.

In the House of Bargrand, on Ariana’s birthday, one must show dignity.

Countering with frugality when criticized for the coachman’s mistake, highlighting the noble’s duty to care for subordinates.

The noble couldn’t speak further.

-Clink!

A fan was opened somewhere nearby.

Young ladies and noblewomen stood there.

“What a disgrace. Calling yourself a noble, yet losing your dignity.”

“There’s plenty of time, why not wait a little longer?”

“Forcing the coachman to fix the wheel immediately is outrageous.”

“What does Her Grace think?”

“…”

Of course, she is…

Isabella.

Isabella walked forward, pointing her index finger at him.

“Drag him out.”

“W-What, Her Grace…!”

“Nobles who don’t care for their subordinates have no right to attend this party. Inform them they cannot enter the House of Bargrand or its lands for a week.”

“Yes!”

Well, that’s how it goes.

The House of Bargrand treats servants well.

-Ding!

▶Appropriate choice selected.◀

▶Showed the demeanor of a noble caring for subordinates.◀

▶Displayed frugality by not being extravagant.◀

▶Didn’t use power to suppress others.◀

▶Noblesse Points increase.◀

[Current Value: -180]

As the noble was dragged away, the commotion quickly subsided.

The coachman, helped by guards, fixed the carriage wheel and bowed in gratitude.

After sending him off, Isabella lightly touched my shoulder as she finished her actions.

“If something like this happens again, throw them out. How could a ruffian like him even receive an invitation. Tsk.”

“It’s fine.”

“It’s not fine for me. You called my son a provincial scum. My insides burn just thinking about it.”

Isabella regretted not taking harsher measures against the man who insulted the House of Bargrand without fear.

“Let’s go in quickly.”

“Yes.”

I’ve avoided the dangerous flag.

All that’s left is to mingle appropriately with the nobles who received invitations.

***

-Ding!

▶Entered a field with potential danger.◀

▶Be cautious of specific conversations or actions that may trigger choices.◀

Following Isabella, we entered the Main Hall, revealing a grand social gathering.

From the status window, it’s clear this place is filled with nobles.

From elderly nobles to young debutantes, this field is quite troublesome for Carsein.

“Still, luck was on my side.”

Meeting Isabella in this social gathering full of nobles.

Flora is meeting friends, making it meaningless, and Claire leaves due to a schedule conflict.

Ariana directly hearing the commotion and coming over is a tricky case, but rarely happens. She has many responsibilities as the host.

Anyway, with family members visiting briefly, it means Carsein will be alone for some time.

But following Isabella is the easiest route.

In this environment where choices often appear, Isabella is the least frequent character.

Actually, Isabella rarely leaves except to wash her hands.

Talking with Isabella, then Flora and Claire showed up, filling the void.

Though surrounded by family, I kept mostly silent, waiting for any choice.

Interacting with guests, exchanging light greetings or discussing the martial arts tournament, time passed swiftly.

Before long, it was time.

-Ding!

▶A problem occurred during the episode.◀

▶Carsein sent a letter expressing his intention to attend Ariana’s birthday party, but the letter never reached her.◀

▶Resolve misunderstandings with Ariana.◀

The main episode is progressing smoothly.

If it continues this way, clearing the episode won’t be too hard.

But this game wouldn’t be the same otherwise.

Suddenly, problems arise at critical moments.

No matter how carefully you avoid issues, they’re unavoidable.

In any case, moving quickly is best. With all sorts of dead triggers piling up, Ariana needs attention.

“I have something to do, I’ll leave for a moment.”

“The party hasn’t even started, where are you going?”

Flora quickly stood up, grabbing my hand.

What’s with her?

“Don’t go, sit down. The party still has hours left.”

Did she think I knew I was leaving the party?

Leaving like that on her birthday?

“Are you… like me?”

…Claire is going crazy now.

Why hide if it risks my life?

Frustrating.

Better to resolve it once and for all.

“I’m going to see Ariana. I remembered I sent a letter but got no reply. Maybe she thinks I’m not coming, so I’m going to meet her.”

“Is that… so?”

“If you’re unsure, ask her later.”

Ending with that, I removed Flora’s hand.

***

Leaving the place filled with crazy women, I realized I was lost.

This isn’t the House of Bargrand.

It’s merely a rented hall for Ariana’s birthday party.

How could I remember the layout of a disposable venue in unfamiliar territory?

“I should have brought someone else.”

Sigh. Can’t go back now…

“Guess I’ll have to rely on my memory of the mini-map.”

Thus, I moved forward, retracing the game’s memories.

“Definitely from this staircase… Yes, I moved this way. Keep walking straight…”

Gradually, familiar paths appeared.

Even in dot form, recognizing specific objects confirms I’m on the right track.

Walking along, I met a noble.

Affinity 21%.

“Oh, isn’t that Prince Carsein!”

“Ah… Yes.”

“Your martial arts tournament was enjoyable. Thanks to you───”

He keeps rambling.

With ample time until seeing Ariana, it’s fine, but ignoring him entirely might lead to worse outcomes.

“Such talent in martial arts is essential for a successor. Haha!”

His words snapped me back to reality.

Looking closer, he’s a retainer of the House of Bargrand.

I could tell him now, but…

“No, it’s fine. It’s better to announce it in front of many people.”

Plus, bringing it up now might prolong the conversation.

Mixing in some conversation, I waited for the right moment to cut him off.

“Sorry, but I need to meet Ariana.”

“Oh, I’ve been keeping you. Sorry, Prince.”

“No, it’s alright.”

…Actually, it is.

“Martial arts tournament, I’ll support you.”

The retainer left after those words.

Now I can head to Ariana’s room.

After walking two blocks down the corridor, a familiar door appeared.

Knocking and announcing my name, I said:

“Ariana, it’s Carsein─”

-Clink.

The door opened immediately.

The red ponytail was unmistakably Ariana.

…But why is our affinity so low?

[Ariana Bargrand]

[Affinity: 5%]

Her sharp voice echoed as she stared at me with puzzled eyes.

“What do you want, Carsein, disturbing my busy schedule?”

What’s with her?

I haven’t said anything to upset her…

“No, now’s not the time for that.”

The episode takes priority.

Resolve the misunderstanding first.

“The letter didn’t come back, so I came personally─”

“Only that reason?”

“…”

Normally, I’d ask why she’s acting this way.

But the words wouldn’t come out.

My voice dropped sharply.

Her gaze, cold and unyielding, scrutinized me.

Cutting off my words and refusing to listen, her attitude was clear.

I know exactly what this means.

“If you’re just here to talk nonsense, get out now. If you come again, I’ll throw you out.”

-Get out if you’re just talking nonsense. Come again, and you’ll be thrown out. Kim Min-hyuk.

The first girl did exactly that.

Chills ran down my spine.

“Hey, what did I do wrong─”

At that moment,

A bright light filled my vision, and time seemed to stop.

-Ding!

▶Memory activated!