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I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 303
🕑 Added 2025-02-13 05:56:02 +0000 UTCChapter 303: Before He Leaves (4)
The Duchess’s birthday banquet proceeded smoothly.
While there had been a few choices and minor obstacles, there hadn’t been any major problems.
I had prepared meticulously.
I had taken every precaution to ensure a flawless event.
Time, money, even my own stamina,
I had spared no expense.
The information I had gathered beforehand had allowed me to distinguish between appropriate behavior and potential pitfalls.
My knowledge of noble society and banquet etiquette had helped me navigate the minefield of social interactions, maximizing the vassals’ satisfaction while avoiding any faux pas.
And by carefully considering the suggestions and requests of the three sisters, I had managed to keep their satisfaction levels high.
[Flora Bagrand]
[Current Satisfaction: 95%]
[Claire Bagrand]
[Current Satisfaction: 100%]
[Arina Bagrand]
[Current Satisfaction: 80%]
‘So I’ve avoided any penalties.’
The threshold for avoiding penalties was 80%.
While Arina had been a bit difficult to please, requiring constant attention, all three sisters were now satisfied. Clearing the episode was just a matter of time.
But time seemed to be moving incredibly slowly.
“With the Young Master having prepared such a wonderful banquet, the Duchess must be pleased.”
“Indeed. What a blessing to have such a capable son.”
“He’s completely integrated into noble society now.”
How many more of these empty compliments did I have to endure?
I had heard them so many times, I could practically recite them myself.
And the time I had to spend with Isabella and the rest of the family seemed to stretch on forever.
And strangely, my HP and stamina were steadily decreasing.
I hadn’t even exerted myself.
▶ Current HP: 67% ◀
▶ Current Stamina: 35% ◀
Why was this happening?
Was it really that tiring to just stand around all day?
I couldn't understand it.
I decided to just attribute it to Carsein’s frail constitution.
Anyway, that wasn’t what I should be focusing on.
I had to be vigilant, watching for any unexpected appearances, like that suspicious servant from earlier.
And I had to be wary of the other nobles, their envious gazes searching for any opportunity to find fault with me.
…But despite my efforts, enhancing my senses with mana, I hadn’t detected anything unusual.
Time continued to drag on.
And finally, the Duchess’s birthday banquet came to an end.
-Ding!
▶ Midnight has arrived. ◀
▶ Episode X: Isabella’s Birthday cleared. ◀
▶ The three sisters’ satisfaction levels are sufficient. ◀
▶ No penalties applied, as all satisfaction levels are above 80%. ◀
The interruptions were over.
No more meaningless compliments.
No more tedious small talk, no more forced smiles and polite responses.
The episode had ended.
***
The birthday banquet was over.
As the clock struck midnight, the guests began to depart.
But Isabella, who had been observing me throughout the evening, approached me.
The familiar dialogue,
The predictable scene, unfolded.
“I’m sorry you had to go through all this, Carsein. I thought you had prepared everything together…”
-Ding!
▶ Isabella has learned that you prepared the birthday banquet alone. ◀
▶ Choices have appeared. ◀
This episode always ended with a conversation with Isabella.
And Carsein, for the first and only time,
Was given a chance to reveal the truth to his family.
▶ Will you tell Isabella that you prepared the banquet alone? ◀
[ 1. Yes ]
[ 2. No ]
If I told her the truth, I could get reimbursed for the expenses and even receive an apology.
And surprisingly, there were no penalties for revealing the truth. The episode had already been cleared.
But I wasn’t going to do that.
-You prepared all of this by yourself?! I’m so sorry, Min-hyeok. Just wait, I’ll… I’ll deal with them!
It was too familiar.
Her reaction,
It was exactly the same.
So I wouldn’t tell her.
Just like that time.
“There’s no need to apologize. I prepared it together with everyone.”
“What are you talking about? Claire said you did everything yourself…”
“She’s just being considerate. We all prepared it together. I couldn’t have done this alone.”
There was no way I could have handled everything by myself.
I had received help, of course.
My response made Isabella tilt her head, a puzzled expression on her face.
“Are you sure you all prepared it together?”
▶ This is your last chance. Tell Isabella the truth and receive compensation for the expenses—
“Yes.”
I didn’t care about the choices.
I wasn’t going to ask for money.
Nor did I want to reveal the truth.
Just like that time, when I had wasted an entire day, two weeks before the college entrance exams, preparing for her birthday.
Isabella, seemingly satisfied with my answer, smiled and thanked me for my hard work, then left.
Now, there was just one more scene before the skip.
Carsein would return to his room and rest, preparing for the next day.
His reward for a day of hard work,
Was a peaceful night’s sleep, undisturbed by anyone.
“…”
That was what I had preferred as well.
To be left alone, without any interruptions from my family.
But it seemed they wouldn't grant me that wish.
Just as I finished washing up and sat down at my desk, preparing to work, there was a knock at the door.
-Knock, knock.
Thankfully,
It wasn’t a family member.
“Carsein, may I come in?”
“Please do.”
***
Harnie had stayed late, helping me with the preparations, but she hadn't left yet.
She had said it was part of the compensation for today.
Since rest time included sleep time, she couldn't give that up.
Anyway,
Why had she come to my room at this hour?
That was the question.
“…”
She was wearing her nightclothes.
She was clutching her pillow.
Her hair was down, and she looked like she was ready for bed. I knew what she was going to say.
“Ahaha, I couldn’t sleep, so…”
“No.”
“What? I haven’t even said anything yet.”
“You’re here to ask if you can sleep with me.”
Right. That was the only possibility.
What else could she possibly want, dressed like that, at this hour? I had to shut it down immediately.
Harnie pouted.
“Why not? We’re engaged.”
“…You don’t seriously think that’s a valid reason, do you?”
“I don’t see anything wrong with it.”
She climbed onto the bed and sat down, her expression defiant.
“We’re engaged. It’s not like we’re strangers. And I’m supposed to be your guardian. What’s the problem?”
…She knew it wasn't a valid reason.
But she was determined.
How could I convince her?
Just as I was trying to figure it out, the playful defiance in her eyes faded.
“…I really couldn’t sleep… Honestly…”
“…”
“I tried, but I just couldn’t fall asleep. And then I remembered that I always sleep well when I’m with you. So I came here, hoping I could sleep if I was next to you.”
I couldn’t argue with that.
For some reason, I, too, always slept well when I was with Harnie.
‘Well… I wouldn't be able to get any work done with her here anyway.’
And it wouldn't hurt to get some rest. I needed to recover.
I put away my documents,
And turned off the lights.
I changed into my sleepwear and sat down on the bed next to Harnie, who was already lying down.
Harnie, seeing this, puffed out her cheeks.
“That’s not what I asked for.”
-Pat, pat.
“Lie down. I get cold easily, and your body heat is… perfect for sleeping.”
“Hmm…”
I hesitated, and she said, her voice firm,
“Promise.”
…It couldn’t be helped. I had to give her what she wanted.
She snuggled into my arms, a satisfied smile on her face.
“This is nice. Warm and cozy. I should have done this sooner.”
“…This is a bit… dangerous, don’t you think?”
“I don’t care. I’m staying like this.”
“Hah…”
Harnie continued to chat, making small talk, occasionally teasing me.
Had she really come here because she couldn't sleep?
I wondered,
Just as I drifted off to sleep.
***
“…”
About 30 minutes had passed.
30 minutes of chatting, of playful banter, of laughter.
He was now fast asleep.
As always.
“He sleeps so soundly, and yet he uses insomnia as an excuse.”
She wanted to flick him on the forehead.
But she couldn't do that now.
She took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on his sleeping face.
“I lied. I didn’t come here because I couldn’t sleep. I… I just wanted to see you. To spend a little more time with you.”
Tears welled up in her violet eyes.
“Did you know? My heart is filled with greed. Just thinking about you makes my greed overflow.”
The tears grew larger.
“I wonder… how someone like you could even exist. Just thinking about you makes me happy. And hearing your voice makes my heart race, my body tingle with warmth. It’s a strange feeling, but… I don’t dislike it.”
Her voice, choked with emotion, trembled slightly.
“But… I can’t feel this way anymore. You… you have to leave…”
She held him close, her arms wrapping around him.
“I don’t want you to go. Of course I don’t. I don’t want to lose you. So I want to keep you here, with me. I want to hold on to you and never let go. But…!”
A tear trickled down her cheek.
“I can’t… I can’t stop you from achieving your goal…”
Harnie lifted her head, her gaze fixed on his sleeping face.
She leaned in, her body moving closer, until their breaths mingled.
And then,
“You’re the first and last person to make my heart race like this. So… please, allow me this.”
She closed her eyes and kissed him.
It was bittersweet.
This sweet kiss, a kiss she wanted to last forever,
Was a kiss she had to end.
But…
As their lips parted, a look of resolve appeared in her violet eyes.
Her hands, which had been gently cupping his face, fell away.
Her body, pressed close to his, pulled back.
A tear fell, and they were separated.
“…I love you, Carsein.”
Harnie, her heart heavy, finally left the bed, placing a letter on the table before leaving the room.
▶ Harnie’s synchronization rate has reached 99%. ◀
