I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 292

Chapter 292: The Prophet of Wederos (11)

Festivals, leisurely tea times, strolls through scenic spots, celebrity performances, theatrical plays, gourmet food tours…

They had done everything a proper vacation should entail.

As the sun began to set, magical fireworks lit up the sky, their colorful explosions filling the air with sound and light, marking the end of a fulfilling day.

The Bagrand family watched the final spectacle, preparing to end their day.

“Don't just spend all your time with your fiancée! Spend some time with us, too!”

Claire said, chuckling.

Flora, sitting next to Carsein, was pouting, and Carsein was patiently enduring her complaints.

Their mother was smiling, a rare sight.

And even Arina, who had been at odds with Carsein, was smiling faintly.

Seeing them all together like this, Claire felt a sense of contentment.

‘Everything… worked out, didn’t it?’

Contrary to her worries, Carsein had enjoyed the day without any problems.

He hadn’t caused any trouble during the minigames, even when playing with his family, and he had participated in all the scheduled activities.

And seeing him get along with Arina, without any arguments or disagreements, made her think that the trip had achieved its purpose.

Only one thing remained.

For the two of them to reconcile, to have a heart-to-heart conversation.

‘…But why do I still feel so uneasy?’

A lingering sense of discomfort wouldn’t go away.

She tried to dismiss it, but the feeling persisted, a subtle weight in her chest.

She had been worried that she might have forced him to participate. But he had seemed to be enjoying himself.

She had been anxious that he might cause trouble. But that hadn’t happened either.

He had participated in every activity, hadn't wandered off or caused any incidents.

And yet, the unease remained.

“It’s… probably just my imagination…” she murmured.

Just then, Flora called out to her.

“Claire! What are you doing over there?!”

“We’re lighting the bonfire, Claire. You should join us!”

“Coming!”

Right. The trip was going well. There was nothing to worry about.

It was just her imagination.

Probably.

-Ding!

▶ Hidden Episode: The Unskilled Second Sister’s Unease cleared. ◀

▶ Claire Bagrand’s affinity has reached 100%. ◀

[The 100% affinity reward will be granted at a specific time.]

[Condition: ???]

***

▶ Episode VII: The Bagrand Family Trip is in progress. ◀

▶ Current Activity Points: 15,330 pts ◀

▶ Affinity Light Status: ◀

[Isabella: Blue]

[Arina: Light Green]

[Claire: Blue]

[Flora: Blue]

By evening, I had accumulated enough points.

But just in case, I decided to participate in the final event, which offered the highest number of points.

I had also carefully managed my spending during the minigames.

While I had mostly failed or performed poorly in the games I played with my family, to keep Arina happy, it didn’t matter.

That was the right approach, anyway.

‘And now that I think about it, the expenses make sense.’

It was like paying for individual rides at an amusement park, instead of buying an unlimited pass. And since I hadn’t chosen to come here, it was only natural that I would have to cover the costs.

And finally, the episode status.

While Arina’s affinity light hadn't turned blue yet, that was just a matter of time.

‘I still have the one-on-one conversation with Arina.’

This episode always ended with a conversation with Arina.

And for some reason, the choices in that conversation were the most difficult.

“Carsein.”

Isabella approached me.

She said she had something to discuss, and the other family members excused themselves.

Or rather, they had taken Arina away.

And as we were left alone, the familiar dialogue began.

And with it, the choices.

“…This might sound strange, but this trip… wasn’t just for leisure.”

Isabella’s expression was somber.

“How about trying to reconcile with Arina?”

The choices appeared.

▶ You can now attempt to have a conversation with Arina. ◀

▶ This will be a one-on-one conversation with choices, so please be careful. ◀

▶ Will you attempt to speak with Arina now? ◀

[ 1. Yes ]

[ 2. I need some time. ]

“I need some time.”

“Alright. You need time to prepare yourself.”

Isabella’s expression softened, and she left.

“So that’s it.”

There was no need to follow through with this choice.

Because I had another way.

If a minor incident occurred, drawing everyone’s attention, the conversation with Arina would be postponed.

For example, if Carsein encountered a monster, or if there was a fire in his room.

That’s why I couldn’t remember what had been said during that conversation.

What I had said to Arina.

How she had responded.

I couldn’t remember any of it.

“Thank you for your purchase!”

-Ding!

▶ Item purchased. ◀

◆ Dried Hay

◆ Leftover Fireworks

If I placed these strategically in my room, it would cause a small fire, creating a distraction. I could avoid the conversation with Arina, buy myself some time, and fulfill the episode’s clear conditions.

All I had to do was find a place to spend the remaining time.

I walked along a secluded path, lost in thought.

“So all that’s left are those pointless episodes and making money.”

A lot had happened.

Up until this point, I had been following a familiar path.

Even the process of accumulating wealth and escaping was something I knew well.

But I didn’t know what would happen after that.

After clearing this chapter and escaping the Duchy. It was a complete blank.

Would the game clear screen appear, displaying my reward?

Or would I return to my world, my transmigration into the game having ended?

I had no idea.

Lost in my thoughts, I wandered off the main path and into a secluded alley.

Just as I realized I had gone too far and turned to leave…

-Thud.

“Carsein.”

A large hand, calloused and rough, landed on my shoulder.

“Pollux?”

“…I need to talk to you. Come with me.”

***

The place Pollux led me to was even more secluded than the alley I had just been in.

‘Pollux isn’t supposed to be involved in this episode, is he?’

He had no connection to the Empire’s affairs.

And Pollux, who had little interest in the Empire’s customs, shouldn’t even be here.

This episode was just a boring family trip, designed to drain the player’s funds. This encounter felt out of place.

“…How did you even know I was here?”

Pollux stopped and replied, his voice heavy,

“The Prophet of Wederos told me.”

“…What?”

“He said you would be here, after the festival, walking down this path. That’s how I found you.”

“Wait, you mean…!”

“Yes. Just as you suspect, it was Veneris, the Prophet, who guided me here.”

My mind went blank.

For him to know that I would be here, at this exact time… it didn’t make sense, but…

If it was the Prophet…

“…And?”

“I’m here to relay his prophecy to you… but first, I have a question.”

“Hmm?”

Pollux stared at me intently, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“What are your plans, Carsein?”

“My plans? Well, I’m planning to escape the Bagrand Duchy.”

“No, that’s not what I’m asking.”

“What?”

“I’m asking about your plans as an outsider.”

It was a strange question, but…

Pollux wasn’t asking Carsein. He was asking me.

And that meant I couldn't give him a half-truth.

I had to tell him my true objective.

“I’m going to return to my world.”

“…”

“It might sound strange, coming from an outsider. But I was dragged into this world without knowing why. I’ve almost died countless times, and I’ve somehow managed to survive until now.”

I couldn't tell him about the game.

I couldn’t explain the status window, the episodes, the choices.

But this much, I could tell him.

“Outsider. That’s right. I’m not Carsein. This isn’t my world. I have a place I belong to, a world you don’t know… and I’m going back there.”

My objective.

My plan.

My future.

I could reveal it all to him.

“I see.”

Pollux chuckled.

“Then there’s no need for me to tell you this prophecy. No, you shouldn’t even hear it.”

He extended his hand,

Just like I had done with him.

“One more thing. What is your real name?”

I accepted his handshake.

“Kim Min-hyeok.”

“Kim Min-hyeok. I’ll remember that.”

Pollux smiled, as if that was enough.

It wasn’t a satisfying answer.

He must have had countless questions.

And yet, he didn’t ask a single one.

-Bang!

“Oh dear, look at the time. Veneris told me to return at this hour.”

“…He’s punctual.”

“Well, he is the Prophet. Haha!”

He laughed heartily and mounted his horse.

“A thought just occurred to me. Perhaps being a descendant of the Wederos Kingdom… doesn’t mean anything. The kingdom was destroyed years ago. It’s a paradox.”

“Now that you mention it…”

It was a huge paradox.

Just as I was about to agree, Pollux continued,

“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.”

“…!”

“I’ll be going now. I’ll pray for your safe return to your world, in the Western way, Kim Min-hyeok.”

-Neigh!

-Clip-clop, clip-clop.

“…A bridge…”

His words triggered a storm of unease within me.

***

Veneris’s prophecies were always accurate.

Carsein, at the festival, had moved as if following a script.

His destination, the timing, his reactions, his actions,

Everything had been within the Prophet’s predictions.

Thanks to that, I had been able to follow him discreetly, overhearing his conversations.

-Thud.

Harnie slumped to the ground, her strength leaving her.

“That’s… impossible…”

He was leaving?

Returning to his original world?

“Then… what about me…?”

What would happen to her, after he was gone?

To her, who loved him?

-Drip. Drip.

The frantic beating of her heart,

Suddenly stilled.

▶ Synchronization rate has reached 90%. ◀

[Harnie’s character synchronization has begun.]

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