I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 293

Chapter 293: The Prophet of Wederos (12)

After Pollux, who had relayed the Prophet's message, departed,

I was left alone, lost in thought.

-So I’ve been thinking. Veneris, and you… perhaps the power of the Wederos Kingdom is simply a bridge, a way to cross over to this world.

“…”

It didn't matter that he had known I would be here, following the Prophet’s prediction.

It didn't matter that he had seen through my plans, asking me about my true intentions.

It didn't even matter that he hadn't relayed the prophecy after hearing my ultimate goal of returning to my world.

But his final words, his speculation about the power of the Wederos Kingdom being a bridge, left a lingering unease.

‘No.’

This wasn’t my world.

It was just a game. It had nothing to do with me.

The Wederos Kingdom?

It was just a game setting.

A backstory for the player, for Carsein, the main character.

A bridge? Was there some reason I had to be here?

“That’s impossible.”

Right. It was absurd.

It didn't make any logical sense. It was just a…

—Fire!

Suddenly, flames erupted.

The items I had placed in my room earlier had ignited.

And the fact that I could see it meant…

My plan had gone awry.

“…Damn it.”

I had been so lost in thought that I had forgotten about the timer.

-Ding!

▶ Conditions not met. ◀

▶ Evasion trigger may not function correctly. ◀

▶ Penalties will be applied based on your actions. ◀

“Hah… I’m not even clearing the episode, and I’m already messing up.”

To avoid the conversation with Arina, I had to create a distraction, another incident to draw attention away from me.

But there was a prerequisite.

Carsein had to be involved in the incident.

In other words, I should have been in the hotel before the fire started.

“It can’t be helped.”

While a short walk had been fine, I was late.

I had to pay the price for my carelessness.

I used an item to ignite the fire, making it seem like I had been caught in the blaze, and ripped my clothes, feigning injury.

I had to at least pretend to be hurt.

And since these were borrowed from Claire's boutique, I would have to compensate her for the damaged clothes.

“Next… I have to meet someone.”

While simply being involved in an incident would usually be enough, this time, it was different.

I had to meet with my family, even if it meant incurring a penalty.

I wandered around, pretending to be injured, and soon, I encountered them.

-Ding!

▶ Encountered family members! ◀

▶ Recovery Event triggered. ◀

‘And of all people, it had to be her. ’

Meeting Arina in this situation was actually the best outcome.

Seeing my injuries, she would dismiss the conversation, deactivating the choices.

So, I had been hoping for Arina to appear.

“C-Carsein…! You…!”

But it was the little brat.

…Well, whatever.

It didn’t matter who it was at this point.

‘This is better than Isabella or Claire.’

While I would have to wait for them to heal me, wasting time and potentially having to create fake injuries, with Flora, all I had to do was pay.

The cost of the medicine.

That was preferable.

But…

There was a variable.

“Th-this will help with the burns. It’ll soothe the pain. Just apply it over your clothes!”

“…I’d like to… go somewhere to get treated first.”

“No! You have to apply it now. Cooling the burns is the priority!”

…This little brat.

She had become quite resourceful after learning about medicine.

First aid for burns did prioritize cooling the affected area.

And while removing clothing could worsen the injury, I couldn’t just apply the ointment here. I wasn’t actually injured.

If she found out I was lying, the choices with Arina would reappear…

‘Should I just pretend I escaped the fire unharmed? Or that I’ve already applied the medicine?’

Just as I was trying to come up with an excuse,

Someone spoke up from behind me.

“There’s no need for that. I’ve already treated Carsein’s burns.”

…Harnie?

***

Harnie explained the first aid procedures to Flora in detail.

Her explanation was accurate and thorough.

Except for one thing.

The lie about having been nearby and helping me.

‘I don’t know when or where she appeared, but this is good.’

Harnie’s arrival was a blessing.

Whether she had sensed I was in trouble, or whether it was simply an act of kindness, this would prevent any further complications.

Flora would tell Arina that Carsein was being treated.

All I had to do was play along.

“I don’t need to explain anything, do I? You know I’m fine.”

“…”

“I’d like to rest now. Can you tell them?”

Flora’s body trembled at my words.

“Hmph! Whatever!”

And as usual, she stormed off, pouting.

“Here! Take this!”

-Thud.

▶ Item acquired. ◀

‘…She always makes me take it.’

Well, at least there weren't any other choices, which meant I had avoided any further trouble.

Flora stomped away.

Once she was gone, I turned to thank Harnie.

“Thank you. That was a close call. Thanks to you, that little brat didn’t—”

But her eyes…

They were red.

“You should go back now. Before someone else sees us and gets the wrong idea.”

“…”

“Carsein?”

This wasn’t good.

-Tap.

“C-Carsein? Why…”

“Harnie, have you been crying?”

“Crying? Of course not.”

She responded as if I had asked the most ridiculous question.

The only indication that she had been crying was the slight redness around her eyes.

It could be dismissed as simple tears from yawning.

But I knew.

She wasn’t good at lying, especially in situations like this.

“What happened?”

“What do you mean?”

“Who made you cry?”

I pressed her, holding her arm, and she averted her gaze.

“It’s nothing you need to worry about. I’m just… a little tired, that’s all.”

“…Really?”

“Yes. It’s been a long day.”

Harnie rarely cried.

Even when she was wronged,

Even when she was struggling,

She never complained.

She was strong. Harnie Theresia was a strong woman.

So, for her to be crying like this, it must have been something serious, but…

“Just in case you’re thinking something strange… it’s nothing like that. I’m just… emotionally exhausted.”

She hadn't asked for my help.

Perhaps it was something I couldn’t help her with.

Everyone had their own personal struggles.

I couldn't force her to tell me.

But I could at least offer her this.

“I’ll stay with you. Why don’t you rest for a while?”

Having someone by your side when you were struggling could be comforting. I knew that from experience.

***

“I’ll stay with you. Why don’t you rest for a while?”

To have someone offer to stay by your side when you were struggling…

It was a kind gesture. And if that someone was the person you loved, it would be even more comforting.

But Harnie remembered Carsein’s words, spoken during his conversation with Pollux.

So…

She knew what she should say.

But she couldn’t bring herself to do it.

“Then… is that okay…?”

What are you saying, Harnie?

This man wasn’t from this world.

He had been dragged here against his will.

He had faced death countless times, and had somehow managed to survive!

And he had a place he belonged to, a world he wanted to return to.

That was his goal!

Then, she had to let him go.

She shouldn't be clinging to him, she should be letting him go!

Her inner voice screamed, but…

She couldn’t.

-Embrace.

“You seem tired.”

“…Yes.”

She was already leaning against him.

Ignoring her inner voice, defying her own logic.

She knew, better than anyone, that she should be distancing herself from him, not clinging to him.

She knew she should be letting him go.

Carsein wanted to escape the Bagrand Duchy, not for himself,

But to return to his world.

He had faced death countless times, so she could only imagine how desperately he yearned to return home.

He had been dragged into this world against his will, so she couldn't even fathom his frustration and despair.

But she didn’t want to let him go.

His embrace was so warm, so comforting.

His touch, so gentle. The warmth of his body, a memory etched into her soul.

What could she do? She loved him.

He had become a part of her, and she couldn’t imagine life without him.

She didn't want to be separated from him.

She knew she should be pushing him away, drawing a line between them.

But she couldn’t.

The budding flower of her love yearned for more.

-If you keep holding on to him like this, he won’t be able to achieve his goal.

Her inner voice, cruel and unforgiving, made her bite her lip.

‘Just… just a little longer…’

Until he returned to his world.

Until then, it was okay, wasn't it?

“…Harnie?”

“I’m… a little cold… Is that okay?”

“No, it’s fine. But we should probably get you back inside.”

“…”

Harnie, her heart aching, tightened her embrace.

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