I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 291

Chapter 291: The Prophet of Wederos (10)

““A family trip?””

The two sisters asked in unison, surprised by Heron’s announcement.

“Yes. My Lady suggested that it’s been a while since you’ve traveled together, so a family trip would be nice.”

Claire and Flora’s faces lit up at the mention of a family trip.

It was understandable that Carsein might be upset after the incident, and they had been worried about how to mend their relationship with him.

And their relationship with Arina, their eldest sister, was also strained.

Being apart like this wouldn't help them reconcile.

A family trip, in this situation, seemed like the perfect solution.

They could spend time with Carsein, enjoy themselves.

They could have meaningful conversations, learn more about their only brother.

It was a wonderful opportunity.

“I want to go! I definitely want to go!” Flora exclaimed.

“What about you, Lady Claire?”

“Of course I’m going! I have some work to finish, but I should be able to adjust my schedule.”

It wasn’t just about adjusting her schedule.

Claire would make time, no matter what.

“So, has Mother decided on a destination?”

“Not yet.”

“So she hasn’t chosen a location yet? She just wants our opinion?”

“That’s correct, Lady Claire.”

“Then Flora, why don’t we look for some potential destinations?”

“Yes! I agree!”

And so, the two of them began discussing potential travel destinations.

They talked about interesting landmarks, local specialties, and festivals they could enjoy as a family.

They were already excited, their anticipation growing with each suggestion.

But unlike the two sisters, Heron’s face was clouded with worry.

‘…A family trip.’

A trip with the entire family.

All the members of the Bagrand Duchy.

While it might seem safe, with Carsein surrounded by his family, it could also create problems.

-I’ll go.

Heron still remembered Carsein’s cold, indifferent response when he had asked him about the trip.

He had answered without a moment’s hesitation.

He had replied before Heron could even finish explaining.

A single word, devoid of any emotion.

‘This trip might not be as enjoyable as you think, Lady Flora, Lady Claire.’

Heron looked at the two sisters, a flicker of concern in his eyes.

***

Even if the three sisters agreed, the trip wouldn't happen if Carsein refused.

But thankfully, Carsein had agreed, and the Bagrand family gathered for their trip.

As they disembarked from the carriage at their destination,

Flora, her face serious, pulled something out of her pocket.

-Unfold.

“What’s that…?”

“Our itinerary!”

“Itinerary…?”

“Yes! I planned everything, so we can have the most fun! I researched every location, every activity… I mean, I looked at a lot of things!”

Flora smiled sheepishly.

Claire sighed and patted her head.

“Honestly… no wonder you were yawning this morning. You were up late planning this, weren’t you?”

“Oops…”

“No matter how excited you are, you need to sleep properly. Otherwise, you won’t grow tall.”

“Ehehe… I was just so excited…”

A large-scale festival was taking place, so it was understandable that Flora would be excited.

Of course, she wasn’t the only one.

“Well, I’m excited, too! I’m going to have so much fun! I’m going to play until I drop!”

Claire stretched, a wide grin on her face.

“Are you that excited?”

“Of course! It’s been so long since I’ve had a proper vacation! I’m always so busy with work, with people, with schedules…”

Isabella chuckled.

“Don’t get too excited, Mother.”

“Hmm?”

“The one who suggested this trip can’t just sit on the sidelines and watch. You have to participate, too.”

“That’s right! You always skip out on these things and just watch us have fun. You have to join us this time!”

“So, we’ll take turns choosing activities. One activity per person. How about that?”

Claire raised her index finger.

As she explained her plan, a system message appeared.

-Ding!

‘Here we go.’

▶ Episode VII: The Bagrand Family Trip has begun. ◀

▶ From now on, points will be awarded for each activity, and these points will increase the family’s affinity levels. ◀

▶ The episode will not be cleared until all characters’ affinity lights turn blue. ◀

▶ Warning! Failure to turn all affinity lights blue within the time limit will result in a bad ending! ◀

A familiar episode.

It seemed simple enough.

The objective was to accumulate points by participating in festival activities.

Choosing a minigame and completing the required tasks would earn points, and depending on the score and completion rate, emergency missions or bonus events could be triggered, providing additional opportunities to earn points.

At first glance, it seemed like a straightforward episode.

But this game couldn't be underestimated.

There were three hidden conditions that acted as shackles.

▶ Each minigame has an entry fee. ◀

▶ The fees will be deducted from the player’s funds! ◀

First, each minigame had an entry fee, draining my funds. And according to a backstory I had uncovered in a sub-episode, this festival operated on a strict rental system.

I had to spend money.

That alone was a restriction.

▶ Displaying required points. ◀

[Required Points: 15,000]

Second, the number of points awarded for each minigame was ridiculously low.

Even if I perfectly cleared a relatively expensive minigame, I would only earn about 10 points. And cheaper minigames awarded even less.

With a time limit and such low point gains, my funds could quickly deplete.

Of course, there were ways to earn bonus points.

▶ Participating in minigames with family members triggers emergency missions or bonus events. ◀

▶ These events grant bonus points. ◀

Clearing minigames with family members awarded a significant number of points. It was practically a requirement.

But there was a third, hidden condition that was impossible to predict or analyze.

Even if I achieved perfect scores in the minigames with my family, the point gains weren't always substantial.

Even if I survived until the end with a family member.

Even if I flawlessly navigated the designated path.

Even if I achieved a perfect victory in a strategy game.

The point gains were inconsistent.

Then, during one of my replays, just before giving up,

When I had achieved a mediocre score,

I had earned the highest number of points.

‘How could I have possibly known?’

Right. The final obstacle was a recurring theme in Chapter 3.

Someone was watching my every move.

Someone with an inferiority complex.

Someone who held the key to my freedom.

I had to carefully adjust my performance, catering to Arina’s mood, to earn enough points within the time limit.

That was the final, and most difficult, condition.

“So, what do you think, Carsein?”

Claire, having asked everyone for their opinion, finally turned to me.

And of course, there was a choice.

‘What do I think?’

There was only one right answer.

[ 1. (Casually) Sounds good. ]

“Sounds good.”

I was confident I could maintain a neutral expression.

“Then it’s decided! No holding back just because we’re family, okay?”

“I’m so excited!”

A boring, pointless,

And utterly time-consuming trip was about to begin.

***

“Ah, I missed! Carsein, aim better!”

“Well, it’s harder than it looks.”

“Pull the left lever harder! Ugh!”

“I’m trying!”

Flora and Carsein came down the stairs, having finished their game.

“We were doing so well, and then you messed up! Come on, Claire, let’s show them how it’s done!”

“Don’t be so impatient, Claire.”

“I’m not being impatient! Let’s go!”

“Hey! Don’t make fun of me if I do better than you!”

Claire and Arina went to play the same game,

And Flora followed them to the spectator stands.

Carsein, left alone, was greeted by Isabella.

“That’s too bad.”

“I don’t mind losing.”

“Really?”

“Yes. As long as it’s fun. I enjoyed it.”

“…”

Isabella was relieved.

Every corner of the festival offered something new.

Sights to see, food to eat, simple minigames, prizes to be won.

There was more than enough to keep everyone entertained.

But she had been worried.

Worried that Carsein might not be enjoying himself.

She had been afraid he might find the trip boring.

She had been anxious that he might see her suggestion as an obligation, just like before.

But he had said he enjoyed it.

And he had actively participated in the activities, taking turns with each family member.

“Let’s try something else together. There’s a two-on-two game where you earn points. Claire wasn’t very good at it, so let’s try to win.”

“Alright.”

There was nothing to worry about.

‘…But what’s he been writing in that notebook?’

Carsein kept pulling out a small notebook and writing in it.

He had been doing it since they arrived. What was he writing?

‘Is he… keeping a journal?’

Perhaps he was writing down his thoughts and experiences, or perhaps he was recording the games he had lost.

‘Well, it doesn’t matter.’

Isabella was satisfied.

Carsein was enjoying himself.

When evening arrived,

When it was time for a serious conversation,

She would create an opportunity for him and Arina to reconcile.

***

“…”

Meanwhile,

Another carriage arrived at the festival.

Or rather, it wasn’t an arrival, but more of a covert approach.

The woman, lost in thought, checked her watch, confirming the time.

“So… the prophecy…”

Veneris, the Prophet of Wederos.

As he had predicted, Carsein was here.

Harnie bit her lip, remembering the Prophet’s next words.

-Follow Carsein Bagrand. That is the first prophecy I reveal to you.

Next Chapter

Index

Previous Chapter