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I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 279
🕑 Added 2025-01-25 15:45:09 +0000 UTCChapter 279: The After-Party (7)
“You… don’t need anything?”
“I’m satisfied with my current lifestyle.”
Carsein glanced down at himself, then continued,
“I’m grateful to be able to eat such delicious food, and wear such fine clothes, considering I was once a commoner. Shouldn’t I be content with what I have?”
“Carsein, what are you talking about? You’re my son.”
Isabella’s heart sank at his cold reply.
“There’s no need to be so formal. You can enjoy the privileges of your position. That’s all I want for you.”
Carsein paused, then replied,
“Alright. I’ll do that.”
But despite her pleas, his attitude didn’t change.
“Considering the prestige of the Bagrand family, I’ve been rather… lacking. Perhaps I should start with my appearance.”
“Carsein, what are you…”
“Claire and Arina dress quite lavishly. Compared to them, I’m rather plain. To properly reflect the brilliance of the Bagrand name, I’ll need to acquire some jewelry.”
Her mouth went dry.
“And all the male nobles carry expensive pocket watches. I must have seemed rather… inadequate. And my shoes, too. I’ll need new ones as well. Oh, and…”
Her throat tightened.
“It wouldn't be right for a knight’s uniform to be without the Duchy’s crest. Yes, I’ll need a new insignia as well. It wouldn’t do for a knight to look so… unremarkable.”
Her mouth felt parched, her throat burning.
“And if you wish for me to travel, I will. If you want me to use rare delicacies to improve my health, I’ll do that as well. And if my clothes are unsuitable, I’ll purchase new ones. I’ll even redecorate my room if it displeases you.”
“Wait, Carsein! Just… wait a moment.”
No.
That wasn’t what she wanted.
“Don’t… I didn’t want to force you to do anything.”
She had simply wanted to give him what he wanted, not force him to spend his own money.
And…
“Why would you buy these things yourself? You don’t have to.”
She didn’t want him to waste the money he had worked so hard to earn. She wanted to give him these things as gifts, as a mother.
“I just want to care for you, as your mother. There’s no need to be so formal!”
Right.
Why were they even discussing such things?
This wasn’t right.
“Because I want to be formal.”
“What?”
“You might not mind, but I do.”
Carsein released Isabella’s hand.
“On paper, I’m your adopted son. Legally, I’m a member of the Bagrand Duchy. But is that how others see me?”
A cold chill filled the air.
“No one sees me that way. I’m still an outsider, a foundling. Even if I eat the same food as Flora, it doesn't taste the same. Even if I wear the clothes Claire gives me, I’m still a commoner. And even if I stand beside Arina, I’m still just a knight by name, not by blood.”
♬~
Just then, music began playing from the lobby.
The after-party had begun.
“I won’t accept anything that isn’t truly mine.”
Carsein stood up and walked towards the ballroom without a backward glance.
Isabella’s mind raced.
Who had made him feel this way?
Who had dared to poison his mind?
A wave of anger washed over her.
But more than anger, she felt a deep sense of regret.
She had failed to protect him.
She realized, with a sinking heart, that she would probably never be able to give Carsein a gift.
“If only… if only I had cared for you more…!”
If she had been closer to him,
He wouldn’t have to endure the whispers about being adopted.
If she hadn’t treated him so coldly,
She could have protected him from the disdain of others.
If she had treated him like her other children,
If she had cared for him properly,
Perhaps they could have been a true family.
Even without a blood tie.
-Ding!
▶ Isabella’s affinity has increased. ◀
[ Even if we don't share a single drop of blood, I wanted to be your mother: 96% ]
***
Carsein wasn't the only one who realized the after-party had begun.
The music echoed throughout the building, signaling the start of the social gathering.
“I should go down as well.”
Arina, who had been resting upstairs, stood up and reached for the table, as if out of habit.
But her hand grasped nothing.
“…Ah.”
She sighed.
She always tied her red hair in a ponytail, and the hair tie was usually on the table.
But it wasn’t there today.
“…Right. It broke… that day.”
On her birthday.
Carsein had ripped it from her.
She had been furious at his incomprehensible behavior.
But now, all she felt was a strange emptiness.
“I’ll have to use something else for now.”
-Knock, knock.
“Lady Arina, it’s Heron.”
“One moment.”
What did he want?
Arina opened the door.
Heron stood outside, his posture respectful.
“What is it?”
“A gift has arrived.”
“A gift?”
“Yes. From Young Master Carsein…”
Heron hesitated, then continued,
“He also asked me to convey his apologies for his previous… transgression.”
Transgression?
‘It must be about that.’
Ruining her birthday party.
It seemed to be a gift of apology.
“Give it to me.”
Heron handed her a small, neatly wrapped box.
It was surprisingly light.
She cautiously opened it, wary of another prank.
But the contents were normal.
…Too normal.
“…”
The small box was filled with hair ornaments, perfect for ponytails.
Some were adorned with jewels, others were new products from well-known boutiques, crafted from rare materials.
They were perfect gifts for a noblewoman.
And yet, she couldn’t bring herself to touch them.
“Hah…”
“My lady?”
“…Put these away, Heron. Except for this one.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Arina picked one and tied her hair, the familiar gesture failing to fill the strange emptiness she felt.
Why?
What was this feeling?
These ornaments were far more expensive, made of finer materials.
And yet, they couldn’t compare to that cheap, broken hair tie.
***
After my conversation with Isabella,
There weren’t any new notifications.
I had been worried that there might be unforeseen problems, since it had been a skipped scene, but it seemed everything was fine.
“…So this is the only thing left.”
▶ Episode V: The After-Party is in progress. ◀
▶ You must participate in the small events at the venue. ◀
[Current Events Completed: (0/4)]
There was only one way to clear this episode in this trap-infested venue.
To find and complete the specific events that fulfilled the hidden conditions.
It was a challenging task, considering the sheer number of hidden traps and triggers.
But once these were cleared, Episode V would be over.
I could safely return home after completing four events.
So, let’s begin.
“Eek!”
-Thud.
“Ow…”
The little blonde brat, carrying a plate piled high with skewers, had tripped and fallen.
And of course, the skewers were scattered everywhere.
“C-Carsein…? What are you doing here…?”
“Why? Am I not allowed to be here?”
“N-no! I didn’t say that!”
Flora scrambled to her feet, flustered.
And then, the notification appeared.
-Ding!
▶ Collision event with Flora cleared! ◀
▶ Complete the remaining events! ◀
[Events Completed: (1/4)]
‘It’s a good thing nothing has changed.’
When I first encountered these traps in the game, I had cursed the developers.
But that was the point.
These traps were designed to turn Carsein into a pervert, a stalker, a disgrace.
They were ridiculous, but…
They all had one thing in common.
‘Collisions with women. That was the key.’
No matter what kind of trap or flag was triggered, the incidents at the after-party always involved women.
In other words, the events I had to clear were also related to women.
And that meant I had to use them to trigger the events.
“Oh no! Wait! Stay here!”
-Ding!
▶ Choices have appeared! ◀
Wait?
No way.
“I’ll come with you.”
“Huh…?”
“It’s better than waiting here. I can help you clean up.”
“O-okay! Let’s go!”
[ 2. Follow Flora. ]
If I didn't follow her, I would end up in a compromising position in the dressing room, changing clothes.
At least Flora was useful in situations like this.
I followed her, and after she had changed, she fidgeted and asked,
“Weren’t you… with her?”
“Her?”
“Your fiancée.”
Ah, I see.
She thought I was with Harnie.
“My fiancée is busy. She’ll be coming later.”
“Oh… really? Then… what are you going to do until then?”
“I’ll probably spend some time with you two. And then I have some work to do.”
“…Really?”
I remembered her reaction being different in the game.
-You don’t even know how to have fun. Hmph! Just stay with Claire and me!
Well, I must have changed something.
-Ding!
▶ Flora’s affinity has increased. ◀
[Flora Bagrand]
[Affinity: 73%]
‘…What?’
What was this?
‘No, don’t think about it.’
This was becoming a regular occurrence.
I needed to focus on clearing these safe events that the system wouldn’t normally trigger.
I followed Flora, carefully avoiding dangerous choices and triggers.
-Ding!
▶ Exposed Hem Event cleared! ◀
▶ Complete the remaining events! ◀
[Events Completed: (2/4)]
-Ding!
▶ Surprise Fountain Event cleared! ◀
▶ Complete the remaining events! ◀
[Events Completed: (3/4)]
I only had one event left.
‘Let’s see… I need to go inside here.’
I quietly entered a room where some noblewomen were practicing their dance, careful not to disturb them.
Then, I had to avoid the banana peels scattered across the floor by some mischievous children. Stepping on one would cause me to slip and fall, my face landing in a noblewoman's skirt.
Finally, if I turned this corner and entered the dining area, I would bump into a maid carrying a food cart, and—
-Ding!
▶ Timer activated. ◀
[Time Remaining]
[0:14]
“A timer?”
There wasn’t supposed to be a timer here.
Something felt off. I focused my mana on my hearing, and I could hear two sets of footsteps.
…One would be understandable.
But two?
And they were chasing someone.
I quickened my pace, and then, I saw a flash of violet hair at the end of the hallway.
‘Don’t tell me…’
I didn’t know what was going on, but…
I had to act.
“Who are you—?”
Before she could finish her question,
I pulled her into a darkened alcove.
And…
-Thwack!
“Shh.”
Don’t make a sound, Harnie.
I shielded her with my arm, covering her mouth, and raised my index finger to my lips.
