I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 274

Chapter 274: The After-Party (2)

Things had gone wrong, terribly wrong.

The one person I wanted to avoid antagonizing in this game had seen through my plan, sending a chill down my spine.

But that wasn’t the important thing right now.

…I should have realized when he made that strange proposition about marrying Princess Arsienne.

The Crown Prince had deliberately left me with Harnie, knowing she was awake.

And that's why I had been in this predicament for the past few minutes.

Harnie, telling me not to say anything, had covered my eyes.

Even after I protested, insisting that I was a patient, she had climbed on top of me, using the blanket to blindfold me.

“Don’t… don’t get up. Don’t get up until I tell you to. Okay?!”

…And then she had left me like that for a while.

While I was grateful for not being subjected to her nagging, this situation was also problematic.

‘There are things I need to confirm.’

The Crown Prince, having seen through my plan, might inadvertently reveal it to others.

It would be troublesome if anyone else found out, especially the vassals or other nobles. The worst-case scenario would be if my family found out directly.

In any case, I needed to fix the problems I had created.

-Rustle.

I peeked out from under the blanket, checking on Harnie. She had her back turned to me.

Usually, I had plenty of excuses.

Plausible explanations, carefully crafted lies.

I could even anticipate their questions and prepare my responses in advance.

‘But with Harnie… I don’t know what to say.’

Or rather, I didn’t know what I should say to her.

I had no idea.

Just like with Jieun.

‘Hah… It can’t be helped.’

I had to face the consequences.

I would be scolded.

Reprimanded.

Whatever her response, I would answer honestly, without embellishment.

Just as I was about to call out to her, she turned around.

Our eyes met.

She had something to say as well.

She stared at me, her eyes wide with surprise, then quickly turned away.

“Wh-what? I told you not to look until I said so…”

An awkward silence descended.

…It had been the same with Jieun.

Well, I would use this opportunity to lighten the mood, just like I had back then.

And just like then,

I wasn't the only one who had been injured.

“I also have something to ask you.”

“Ask me… what?”

“I wanted to know if you were alright.”

“…”

Harnie sighed softly and poked my side with her finger.

While it wasn’t a hard poke, it still stung.

“Ow.”

“Who’s worried about whom? You were the one who was more seriously injured.”

Harnie’s eyes narrowed.

“So I’m asking. I threw myself in harm’s way to save you. It would be a disaster if you were hurt.”

She hesitated for a moment, then withdrew her hand.

“…Thanks to a certain reckless man who risked his life to save me, I’m… relatively unharmed. So don’t worry.”

“Is that so? That’s a relief.”

“A relief? Hah… Seriously…”

Judging from her reaction, she didn’t seem to be angry.

“B-but… I’ll say this much.”

“What?”

“Th-thank you… for saving me.”

…It was an awkward phrase.

An awkward situation, an awkward expression.

But somehow,

Hearing those words of gratitude from her no longer felt awkward.

It was as if I had gotten used to it.

After saying that, she blinked rapidly, then quickly changed the subject.

“A-anyway, we have things to do. There’s… a problem with your plan.”

“Ah, right.”

“I don’t think anyone else noticed. Even I only realized it after the Crown Prince pointed it out, so it’s not a widely known flaw.”

That was a relief.

If it had reached the Duchy, my escape plan would be ruined.

“But it’s best to investigate, just in case.”

“Alright. Hmm… but I’m not sure how to handle this. The investigation, covering my tracks…”

“Oh, that’s easy.”

Harnie smiled slyly and winked, her expression surprisingly confident.

***

Having revealed her merchant persona, she adjusted her shoes and stood up.

“Just rest. I’ll take care of it.”

“I… I don’t feel comfortable leaving this to you.”

“It’s better than you moving around in your condition, isn’t it? Or are you worried that I won’t be able to handle it?”

“Of course not. I’ve seen what you’re capable of.”

Harnie smiled again.

“Then trust me and rest. Consider it repayment for saving me.”

I couldn’t argue with that.

I scratched my cheek, then…

“…Harnie?”

“Just a moment. I’ll be right back.”

“…”

I felt the warmth of her body against mine.

Her soft skin, her sweet scent.

The sound of her breathing, her breath against my skin.

She was hugging me.

While it was flustering, and I couldn’t understand her intentions,

It felt strange.

“It might take some time… but I should be back before the after-party. So, this time, please keep your promise.”

“What… promise?”

“The promise not to hurt yourself.”

-Kiss.

Her soft lips brushed against my cheek again.

What was this…?

“See you later, Carsein.”

Harnie left the infirmary.

I felt a strange mix of emotions.

Excitement, awkwardness, embarrassment, and… something else.

Her smiling face,

The sway of her dress,

Her violet hair, disappearing through the doorway…

I couldn’t shake off this unfamiliar feeling.

“…That’s definitely not proper etiquette.”

This was strange.

“No, I shouldn’t be thinking about that now.”

Harnie had gone to take care of things for me.

But that was my plan.

My responsibility.

So I had to do my part as well.

Quickly. As quickly as possible.

I had to make money, to escape this Duchy.

“Camilla, are you there?”

“Yes, Young Master.”

She immediately responded to my call and entered the room, bowing her head.

[Camilla Deol]

[Affinity: 76%]

Her affinity was at 76%.

That was high enough to grant me special privileges, especially with the maids and the people of my territories.

While the specific benefits varied depending on the target, Camilla was trustworthy and discreet. And she owed me a debt.

‘There’s no risk of information leaks. And the state of my territories is…’

▶ Displaying public sentiment towards the lord. ◀

[Lusmire: 85%]

[Shatrain: 79%]

Excellent.

It was time to move on to the next phase of my plan.

“Do you still have the money I gave you?”

“Yes, Young Master.”

-Slide.

Camilla pulled an envelope from inside her maid uniform.

“As you instructed, I’ve converted all your funds into high-denomination bills. I’ve been keeping them safe, since I didn’t know when you might need them.”

The system was quite convenient.

The additional functions were working as intended.

“Send it to Shatrain. The entire envelope.”

“…What?”

You’re going to use all of this for the territory?

Camilla’s expression was a mixture of surprise and confusion.

I grinned and replied,

“I’m starting a new business.”

▶ Lord’s authority required to initiate a business. ◀

▶ Will you use your Lord’s authority? ◀

[ 1. Yes ]

[ 2. No ]

I needed to make money.

To repay this family.

***

When Carsein had disappeared after the incident at the tournament, her heart had sunk.

When she had heard that he might be trapped beneath the rubble, her heart had ached.

With each successful rescue, she had prayed it would be him. And when he hadn't been found, she had screamed until her voice was hoarse.

She had been relieved when he was finally rescued,

But when she heard that his life was in danger, that he hadn’t regained consciousness, she had nearly collapsed.

And that same Isabella,

Had jumped to her feet at a single word.

-Clatter.

Her teacup rattled, spilling tea down its side.

“Is it true? Carsein is awake?”

“Yes, My Lady.”

“He… he’s…!”

She didn’t even seem to notice the hot tea scalding her hand, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

And the worry that had clouded her eyes was replaced by a spark of hope.

“How is he? Is he alright? Does he need anything? Is there anything he wants to eat?”

“M-My Lady, please calm down.”

“Hah… Right… Of course… Hah…”

Heron helped her calm down, and Isabella asked again, her voice steadier this time,

“Can… can I see him now?”

Heron smiled and nodded. Shaiden, the physician, had given his approval.

And with that, the next step was obvious.

Without a word, the entire family headed towards Carsein’s room.

Isabella was the first to board the carriage, clutching a hastily prepared get-well gift. She wasn't sure what to bring.

They arrived at the infirmary quickly.

She knocked on the door, and Carsein invited her in.

The door opened.

Carsein was reading a book.

As Isabella sighed in relief, Carsein spoke. But…

“I apologize.”

His words were an apology.

“What are you apologizing for, Carsein?”

“I’ve inconvenienced you again, by getting injured.”

Isabella’s heart ached.

-Ding!

▶ Isabella’s Hidden Episode: <Miraculously Cured Mental Illness> is in progress. ◀

[ ??? : 80% ]

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