I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 306

Chapter 306: As If It Never Happened (3)

A lot of time had passed.

From spring to the sweltering summer, through autumn, and now, the chilly winds of winter were approaching.

And yet, a strange warmth filled the carriage carrying the four women as they left the Duchy.

“Mother, it’s suspicious that you were gone for so long. What did you talk about?”

“Hee hee. What do you think?”

“Judging by how late you are… you must have told him about our plan!”

“Gasp…? Mother, did you really?! You weren’t supposed to tell him…! We made a promise!”

Flora’s outburst was met with laughter.

“Huh? What? Why are you all laughing?”

The youngest, who had been the only one with a serious expression, looked around, confused.

“Mother wouldn’t do that, Flora. It was just a joke.”

“Flora is so gullible, it’s fun to tease her.”

“Ugh… you were all just teasing me? Hmph!”

“Oh dear, you’ve upset Flora.”

“Ahaha, sorry. I was wrong. Forgive me.”

“I’m sorry, too.”

The two older sisters tried to appease their pouting younger sister.

As a gentle warmth filled the carriage, Flora sneezed.

“Right on time for a cold.”

“It is getting colder.”

“You’ll catch a cold, Flora. Put on your scarf.”

“…Winter is coming.”

At their mother’s words, her voice slightly melancholic, the three sisters exchanged glances.

They knew what she was about to say.

“My birthday banquet was truly magnificent. He put so much effort into the preparations, and everyone was impressed. He must have meticulously planned every detail, ensuring there wouldn’t be a single complaint. It was a testament to his dedication. I’m truly grateful.”

Isabella spoke, her voice calm and gentle, and the three sisters listened attentively.

“But a part of me wished it hadn’t been so extravagant. I would have been happy with a small, intimate gathering with just the family. A mother’s birthday shouldn't overshadow her children’s.”

While she hadn’t explicitly stated it, they all understood.

Her birthday banquet had been the grandest celebration they had ever seen.

And that meant her children’s birthdays shouldn't be any less extravagant.

All three sisters had already celebrated their birthdays this year.

Claire’s coming-of-age ceremony had been on the first day of the year.

Flora’s birthday had been in the spring.

And even Arina had celebrated her birthday.

Before Isabella’s banquet.

So, the only one left,

Was Carsein.

“I want to give him the most wonderful coming-of-age ceremony. No, he deserves it. He deserves to have the happiest birthday.”

Because he, Carsein,

Had never had a proper birthday celebration in the Bagrand Duchy.

Seeing Carsein, his hopes and dreams seemingly extinguished, Isabella couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

So she had gathered her daughters.

To give Carsein the happiest birthday.

To shower him with affection, to make up for all that he had missed.

As his family.

As the son of the Bagrand Duchy.

To give him the most wonderful coming-of-age ceremony, the happiest day of his life.

None of them objected to Isabella’s suggestion.

Their silence was a sign of agreement. They all believed that Carsein deserved a grand celebration.

They, too, owed him a great debt.

“Then we’ll just have to make it even bigger than Mother’s! Right?”

“Yes, that’s possible. We have over a month until December 31st.”

“And since he’s often away on territorial inspections, there’s no risk of him finding out.”

“Good. Do you have any ideas?”

The atmosphere lightened, their conversation filled with excitement.

It wasn't just a birthday, it was a coming-of-age ceremony.

A once-in-a-lifetime event.

They discussed plans for a grand celebration, far exceeding their mother’s birthday banquet.

And so, their plan for Carsein’s coming-of-age ceremony began.

As winter approached, Carsein would have the warmest, most memorable 19th birthday, the day he would officially become an adult.

But their plans would soon be rendered useless.

***

I had to pay for everything.

I, who had nothing, had meticulously calculated every expense.

I had recorded every detail of my daily life in a small notebook.

Everything I used, everything I received, everything I consumed, anything that wasn’t truly mine, was recorded.

Precise numbers, accumulating relentlessly.

Countless entries, filling page after page.

The costs, adding up, carrying over to the next page.

Like a debt.

I had wondered,

If there would ever be a final page.

If there would ever be an end to this endless list of expenses, these entries that spanned multiple notebooks.

The numbers, growing exponentially.

The costs, increasing against my will.

Would there ever be an end?

But once again, a final page appeared.

The debt, which had carried over from notebook to notebook, had finally reached its end.

There were no more dates to fill.

No more calculations for food expenses.

No more entries for clothing costs.

Laundry fees, lodging fees, employment fees, rental fees, medical expenses…

All those living expenses, meticulously recorded, ended here.

On this day.

On this page.

[300,000,000 Pesel]

My debt was finally paid.

“…Hah… And this is all I have left?”

After calculating and allocating every last penny, the remaining amount was insignificant.

▶ Current Funds: 50,000 Pesel ◀

“50,000 Pesel. Enough for a few nights at an inn, but I’ll have to find work soon.”

The currency here was different.

And so was the value of money. It wasn’t the same as in my world.

If I had to compare it…

“It’s enough to rent a dingy basement room for a short while.”

It was a paltry sum, compared to what I had been spending.

And that made it strangely familiar.

After leaving that house, I had been in a similar situation, desperately searching for work.

“Well, it’s fine. It’s better to leave as soon as possible.”

I had been granted a generous amount of free time before my escape from the Duchy.

Three whole days. I could have stayed a day or two longer, earned a bit more money, and then left.

But that was a trap.

While the free time seemed generous, this game wouldn’t let me off so easily.

Once Carsein disappeared,

The Duchy would immediately launch a search.

“I’ve never been caught before, but… it would probably lead to a bad ending.”

I didn’t know what would happen after that.

I had been transmigrated into this game while attempting to escape in Chapter 3.

So, while I was slightly apprehensive, even afraid, staying here any longer would be worse.

For me,

And for Carsein.

“Hah…”

I took a deep breath, a sense of relief washing over me.

A lightness, a sense of freedom I hadn't felt in a long time, filled me as I left my room.

And then I saw her.

“…”

[Camilla Deol]

I didn't have to worry about her. I had told them I was going to inspect the territories.

But Camilla was a loyal maid.

“I’ll accompany you until you leave the manor.”

Right. As always.

She always followed me until I left the Duchy grounds.

It had become a habit, so I didn't mind. I continued walking down the hallway.

Just as I was about to exit through the main gate, she spoke.

“You shouldn't go that way, Young Master.”

“What?”

“There’s another path, one where you won’t be seen by the other servants. Shall I guide you?”

“…”

-Ding!

▶ Choices have appeared. ◀

[ 1. Accept Camilla’s guidance. ]

[ 2. Decline and proceed on your own. ]

It was just a territorial inspection, as usual. Was there really a need for secrecy?

‘No, this is better. Fewer witnesses mean it will be more difficult for the Duchy to track me.’

So I was about to accept Camilla’s offer,

When I suddenly realized something.

‘Right. This scene… it’s familiar.’

This always happened.

I had complained about it before, how illogical it was.

…This was the scene I had seen right before losing consciousness and being transmigrated into the game.

And…

Back then, I had…

I had thought it didn’t matter.

That I had chosen that option because I didn’t want to die.

But…

Now, I understood.

“Please, Young Master. Allow me to… say goodbye.”

Unlike the emotionless pixelated sprite,

Unlike the character in that RPG Maker game,

Her voice was filled with a desperate plea.

Her bowed head, a sign of her sincerity.

And…

-Drip.

“Please, Carsein… Just this once…”

“…”

While her face was hidden behind her orange hair, the tears couldn't be hidden.

-Ding!

▶ Hidden condition met. Camilla’s affinity will not decrease below 100%. ◀

▶ This character is eternally loyal to you. ◀

[Camilla Deol]

[Affinity: 100%]

▶ Camilla’s affinity settings have changed. ◀

[A final farewell, to my benefactor.]

***

“…”

Unable to refuse Camilla’s heartfelt plea, her bowed head, her tears… I had arrived at this place.

It was a strange sight.

I was used to seeing gray affinity boxes.

Boxes filled with disdain and contempt, their dim light a sign of hostility.

But now, before my eyes…

[Affinity: 100%]

A bright, shining white box, filled to the brim with…

‘…I see.’

They had come to say goodbye.

Knowing that I was about to leave the Duchy.

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