Chapter 64

“Hey there! What’s with that torn pouch?

Inside, there were two ointments.

Definitely, this had to be Carsein’s pouch.

Flora’s gaze didn’t leave that spot.

Disgust was swelling up like a balloon, and sharp questions came back at her.

Why?

Carsein had nothing, didn’t even try to take anything.

Sure, maybe in the Duke’s Mansion, but not here in the Training Hall where he’s practically penniless.

But wait.

Just now, that pouch got ripped open.

It belonged to Carsein.

And judging by the ointment showing, he wasn’t mistaken for someone else either.

What on earth is happening to Carsein?

Holding her chest tight with frustration, Flora approached the knight who just tore Carsein’s pouch and yelled,

“You there! The one muttering about some commoner earlier, hold it right there!”

The knight flinched and turned around when he saw Flora.

“Why did you do such a thing? Did someone command you?”

“…”

“Answer me! Don’t you dare keep quiet?!”

Even though she shouted, the knight remained silent.

Right then.

From behind, someone answered the question.

“Why would I do such a thing? Because, maybe, you’re the one trying to trick me.”

“C-Carsein?”

Flora turned sharply, startled by Carsein’s voice, backing away involuntarily.

“I-I didn’t trick you! I didn’t do anything!”

“Don’t lie? Another lie from your mouth?”

“What?”

“Every time you speak, it’s a lie. Not me, it’s the truth I’m pleading for.”

Stomp.

With heavy footsteps, Carsein took a step closer.

“At dinner, my meal was always different, and it became a special course no one could eat.”

Stomp.

“Your clothes had holes or tiny needles inserted so they’d tear or make you cold, winter clothes stripped of stuffing, summer ones ruined.”

Stomp.

“The rumors spread about your mistreatment, and suddenly I couldn’t do any proper work. Always blamed for being bad, doubted, lying, causing accidents. All because of who?”

Thud!

He met her eyes, a chilling smile on his face.

“And you ask who made me do this? After turning me into everyone’s target in the Duke’s Mansion, did you think I wouldn’t be ignored in the Training Hall?”

“What are you talking about? Don’t say things like that!”

“In the Duke’s Mansion, ignored. In the Training Hall, treated normally? You know that too, so why?”

Drip.

Blood trickled down Carsein’s cheek, an old wound from when Claire hit him.

“You caused this situation, yet deny it. Always made me take the blame.”

“No! I didn’t—”

Drip.

Blood dripped from his lips, a wound from Arina.

“You orchestrated everything. Made me suspect everything, get nothing. That’s why I’m like this.”

“No!!”

She screamed.

Closing her eyes, covering her ears, shaking her head.

Despite that, “It’s all because of you,” echoed.

She had to ignore it, push back desperately.

An event caused by her shouldn’t have happened.

“Get away from me!!!”

Thud!

Pushing Carsein away with both hands, he collapsed easily.

“Wha…?”

Was he that light?

So weak he couldn’t resist?

Curious, she peeked.

Terrified, she clamped her mouth shut.

Bruised and battered, Carsein lay on the floor, unable to speak, soaked in blood, immobile.

“AHHHHH!!!”

Bang!

“What’s going on, Miss?! There’s screaming coming from your room!”

Servants rushed in.

“Pant, pant…”

“Miss, what’s wrong? Why are you sweating so much?”

“Must’ve had a nightmare. Your face is so pale…”

A nightmare? It was a dream?

Flora glanced around.

Servant, bedroom, her room.

Not the Training Hall.

‘A dream…’

Servants held Flora’s hand tightly, warming honey water, lighting a fire to chase away the nightmare, and turning on the music box with bright tunes, wiping the sweat with care.

Yet, she couldn’t calm down.

Even knowing it was a dream, the reality still sent shivers through her.

“Yo-you’re the reason.”

Carsein’s voice echoed endlessly.

The vivid scenes of the dream replayed, refusing to fade.

If it were true?

If this happened without any order?

If Carsein blamed her for his hardships in his dreams?

“…What time is it?”

“It’s 6:25 AM, Miss Flora.”

“You can stay in dreamland a bit longer.”

“No, it’s fine. Just prepare me for going out.”

She replied curtly about going out early.

“To the Training Hall.”

She had to meet him personally to find out.

Flora woke up unusually early today.

***

Episode V. Broken Wings (Part 2) is ongoing!

Complete Day 6 of the induction period!

Start basic training at the Training Hall!

Day 6 is the most dangerous day yet.

Days 1-3 were bearable, and Days 4-5 were easier with family help.

But as usual, this game won’t let you clear the episode so easily.

On Day 6, Theo’s gang is riled up, and Emma’s orders are more aggressive.

If you think yesterday’s approach will work, you’ll be quickly retaliated against and left defenseless against the Dead Flag.

Knowing this, wouldn’t this spear catch your eye?

—

Request Help:

[1. Ask Arina for help.]

[2. Ask Isabella for help.]

[3. Ask Claire for help.]

[4. Do not request help.]

Since Day 6 began, the temptation to seek help is hard to resist.

“There’s no way to refuse if one of those three shows up at the Training Hall.”

On Day 6, it’s Flora.

Unlike others, Flora won’t help Carsein and might cause bigger problems.

Remember, Arina tried to undo the Training Hall ban herself and caused trouble.

So, hope is futile.

Relying on Flora would surely lead to a Dead Flag future.

But this prompt appears at the perfect moment to ask for help.

“Too obvious.”

Like the crossroads yesterday.

Choosing the exact option might result in a penalty.

“Besides, I don’t want their help anyway.”

I’ll handle it alone.

Though used, directly asking for help is a no-go. Asking them feels like asking my former family for help.

As I prepared to leave the dorm, the final check.

“Hmm. This should prevent any mix-ups.”

The moment has come.

After holding back, I’ll use what I’ve saved for this day.

Mark and Radiel refused, but I borrowed needle and thread.

Using them, I made a ragged pouch and put something inside, starting Day 6.

—

“Mark has an early schedule today, so I’ll take over his morning training.”

A regular knight stepped forward, taking Mark’s role.

With that message, a warning popped up.

You cannot receive protection from Mark.

You cannot receive protection from Radiel.

The knights’ malice is revealed! Harassment intensifies!

Be careful! If HP reaches zero, you’ll face a Bad Ending!

“And today, Miss Flora is watching. As a knight protecting the master, don’t let yourself be marked.”

Red warning lights and countless messages appeared.

With Mark and Radiel out of the picture, they had nothing to fear.

Or rather, Theo’s lackeys and Emma’s henchmen.

“Start with a lap run. Anyone slacking off under Mark’s name will be ready.”

The official knight gave the signal, and the drill began.

From the nagging, the knights ran faster than usual.

Fall behind, and you’re done for.

Speed increased.

If you keep this pace, conserving HP will be tough!

“No, falling behind already is unacceptable.”

Falling behind early makes you a target.

Using the trainee advantage, staying at the back lets you observe without being targeted.

I chased after them, risking HP depletion.

My breathing grew ragged.

My chest tightened.

Yet, I pushed on.

…

Miss Flora Bargrand is watching.

[??? : 71%]

To use her to the fullest.

By the third lap, they sped up due to impatience.

Trainees fall behind during the run.

Being late means criticism, but I’ve never fallen behind.

Though I used a lot of HP.

The veterans had already distanced themselves, speeding up to remove the trainee advantage.

Predicting this, I adapted to their patterns.

For those charging head-on, I showed them sand.

For those aiming from the side, I used my position to counterattack.

Some fell, scolded by the seniors.

They underestimated me.

If they aren’t scared ahead, they shouldn’t be scared behind.

“Damn, this guy…”

“Hey, you’re taller. Do something!”

“Quietly passing is all we can do! What else can we do?”

Those trying to torment Carsein got a taste of their own medicine, grumbling.

“Hey, why are you running faster? Finish the laps!”

I intentionally sped up, creating a gap.

Their desperation cost them the chance to retaliate.

“No, it’s…”

“Hey! Up front! Up front!”

“Gah…!”

I slowed down, stopping for the first time.

Three guys, distracted, crashed.

I avoided what was meant for me.

Should I say something?

“Sorry?”

Brazenly saying this, the dirty guys gritted their teeth.

Ding!

Messages flashed, revealing their malice, naturally absorbed into my plan.

“…Hey, let’s go.”

“No, hey! This guy is…”

“Just go. Okay?”

The guys murmured a few times before heading towards the water.

Almost ready.

Letting them have their moment was enough.

Timer activated!

How long I spend determines the outcome.

Shortly after,

Having completed the laps leisurely, I sat by a log, drank water, and moved when the timer ended.

Entering the water area!

This area is dangerous!

Regardless of danger,

What matters is who’s there.

The pretty blonde trembled visibly.

Even just her back shook noticeably.

“Wow, nice ride!”

“Hey, that’s mine, kid.”

“Share a bit, will ya?”

Guys who fell and were blocked grabbed others’ things, destroying some and stealing others.

Then.

“Hmm, I’ll take these two. Burn that rag in front of them. It’ll cool them down, right?”

Theo, sifting through the loot, picked the useful items.

Flora watched, trembling harder.

Seeing the scene again, I thought.

‘Feels nostalgic, doesn’t it, Flora?’

But it’s all because of you.

Because you pushed someone down just because they weren’t family, just because you disliked them.

Now, this has become everyday life.

A life filled with malice, not kindness.

Even the Training Hall isn’t different.

Thinking the Duke’s Mansion was the only place causing trouble was naive.

It was worse.

Worse than in the Duke’s Mansion.

You, who directly broke Carsein’s wings.

Enough sightseeing.

[??? : 78%]

Flora must be thinking about the life I led.

Time to act.

To clean up this mess.

But then,

An unexpected event occurred.

Smack!

“Theo!”

“Who threw gloves? Who dared throw something at Theo’s face…”

“…Huh?”

“Could it be…”

The guys were confused.

“What are you doing?!”

Flora threw the glove.

Success!

You triggered an outcome beyond choices!

Condition met! Flora’s affinity box is revealed!

[Flora Bargrand]

[Guilt: 100%]