I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 252

Chapter 252: Sponsor Designation (5)

‘Hmph!’

How could her mood change so drastically?

Just moments ago, she had been consumed by worry.

Anxious about what Carsein might face when summoned by his family.

She had even fretted over the possibility of punishment.

She hadn't expected such a sudden shift in her mood.

It happened the moment he returned, after taking a sip of cold water to soothe her parched throat.

‘Some people are worried sick, while he’s surrounded by women, laughing and giggling?’

The sight irritated her.

Even now, just thinking about it made her want to puff out his cheeks.

Harnie glanced back.

Carsein was fidgeting, scratching his head.

“…Um. Harnie?”

He spoke, sensing an opportunity.

“D-did I do something wrong…?”

“Don’t say anything!”

“If… if you’re upset because I did something…”

“I’m not upset, so don’t say anything!”

That only fueled her frustration.

The image of those noblewomen fawning over Carsein moments ago wouldn't leave her mind.

“Hmph!”

She turned her head away and continued walking in silence along the path, lost in thought.

“───? ───!”

Why was this man so popular?!

In the past, he had been treated as a troublemaker, constantly causing problems. But now, he was a celebrated lord, having single-handedly revived two territories.

Not only was he capable, but he was also a member of the Bagrand Duchy. Even though he was adopted, any young noblewoman would be interested in a family of such high standing.

And his appearance…

His tall stature, his well-built physique, his balanced muscles, and his drastically changed appearance were enough to capture the hearts of countless women.

Such a desirable bachelor was not to be missed.

“───, ────!”

But she was first.

She still had the advantage of being his fiancée.

He had even agreed to continue their relationship after the contract expired.

So, all she had to do was ensure he wouldn't be taken away from her.

Right. Those women were just ordinary.

All she had to do was become more special to him than they were.

She had to become the most special person in Carsein’s life.

And to do that…

“Harnie!”

“Kyaa?!”

Suddenly, she felt herself being pulled back.

Harnie, startled, was about to ask what was going on, but the sight in front of her explained everything.

-Splash.

Lost in her thoughts, she hadn't noticed the pond.

“Ah…”

She had almost walked straight into the water.

“It’s dangerous to walk around without looking where you’re going.”

“…”

“This is unacceptable. I understand you’re upset, but…”

“W-wait! Kyaa?!”

“Stay still.”

Ignoring her protests, Carsein lifted Harnie into his arms.

“P-put me down! I-I wasn’t trying to walk into the…!”

“You’ll be punished later. Just stay still.”

“…”

Ah, honestly.

Her mood had completely changed again.

Like a fickle child, her emotions swayed with the slightest breeze.

‘B-but… this… isn’t so bad…?’

She had been sulking because of those women, but being held like this, tenderly, like a princess, made her heart melt.

Harnie leaned into his embrace.

***

I had somehow managed to stop Harnie from falling into the pond, but…

‘…What do I do now?’

Now that I was holding her, I wasn’t sure what to do next.

‘I should probably find somewhere to sit.’

I looked around and spotted a bench near the path. I carried her over and gently set her down.

Suddenly, she tugged on my sleeve.

Here it comes.

I gulped nervously.

What should I say?

As I hesitated…

“Oh.”

She pulled on my arm, and I lost my balance, ending up sitting next to her on the bench. She then spoke.

“You can sit, too. It’s… hard to talk like this.”

“Uh… um… Right.”

That’s true.

I took a deep breath and cautiously asked,

“Are you still mad?”

“I’m not mad.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

She seemed mad.

I scratched my cheek, unable to shake the feeling.

I had seen the way her gentle eyes had narrowed into a sharp glare.

“Since you don’t seem to believe me…”

-Tap.

“…?”

“I’m a little tired… let me lean on your shoulder.”

Was this really okay? I wondered.

But since she seemed to think so, I stayed quiet.

I put my arm around her, allowing her to lean on me more comfortably.

“…Honestly…” she muttered.

“If you don’t like it… I’ll move.”

“N-no, it’s fine. Who said I didn't like it? Just stay like that. It’s comfortable… More importantly…”

She shifted in my arms, then asked,

“Have you chosen a sponsor for the tournament?”

“Yes, I have.”

Harnie abruptly sat up and asked,

“You’ve already chosen one? A sponsor?”

“…Yes.”

Was there something wrong with that?

Her eyes, wide with surprise, gradually narrowed.

“…Who is it? Someone famous?”

“Haha. Of course not. Just an ordinary vassal of the Bagrand Duchy. He's quite capable.”

“Hmm. A capable person. That’s good.”

W-wait.

Her eyes narrowed even further.

Did I say something wrong…?

“Well, I suppose that’s to be expected. There must be many women offering to sponsor you, given your abilities.”

Um? Wait a minute.

That’s not it.

“It’s not a woman.”

“What?”

“Count Ptoah. He’s a man.”

“…A man?”

Ah. I see.

There had been a misunderstanding.

“I did read in a book that sometimes noble families recommend their daughters as sponsors. Were you worried that I might accept a sponsorship from another woman, despite being engaged to you?”

“Eh? Ah, w-well…”

Hmm. I could understand that.

I briefly explained who Count Ptoah was, clarifying the situation.

“I-I see… I didn’t know…”

“It’s alright. I had forgotten about that custom as well. I should have been more careful.”

Right. I should avoid getting entangled with other women.

Even if it was for business, it could lead to misunderstandings, considering I had a fiancée. What would become of our contract then?

“Anyway, you don’t have to wor—”

-Hug.

“I’ll… just stay like this for a moment. And… don’t say anything!”

“Uh… Okay…”

Harnie leaned against me again.

I still couldn’t understand her.

But she felt warmer than before.

I pushed the thought aside and looked up at the stars.

It was getting late. I should probably head back…

“…She’s asleep.”

Harnie had fallen asleep in my arms.

She was breathing softly, completely at peace.

I gently brushed a strand of her violet hair away from her face.

‘She did say she was tired earlier…’

She was always busy, but today must have been particularly tiring.

She had probably been up since dawn, getting ready.

To look so beautiful.

Still, she should sleep in a bed.

I carefully lifted her and stood up.

We soon arrived at Harnie's lodgings.

Since it would be inappropriate to enter the Theresia estate, I looked around for someone who could help, and soon, some familiar staff members approached me.

But…

“Oh my…!”

“Shh, everyone!”

“Goodness…”

Why were they reacting like this?

Was it so strange to see me carrying my fiancée? They were whispering and giggling, covering their mouths in surprise.

“Excuse me…”

“Our lady has finally…!”

“Ah, I’m so happy.”

No.

Just tell me where to go!

I had no choice but to ask.

“Where is Harnie’s room?”

““Her room?!””

Why were they reacting this way?

Was it really that big of a deal?

“A-ahem. Why do you ask?”

“I need to put her down. I can’t carry her forever.”

“The lady's room? That’s—”

-Thud.

What was that?

It sounded like someone had fainted.

“I’ll show you. Do you remember me?”

“Ah… yes.”

“Go straight ahead, then turn left. After that…”

Finally, someone gave me directions.

But the route was convoluted.

I had to go around in circles.

Why were they making this so complicated?

After a long and winding journey, I finally reached her room and gently laid her down on the bed.

“There.”

She was fast asleep.

I tucked her in, and everything was settled.

“Mmm… Carsein… Thank you… For helping… me…”

“What is she dreaming about?”

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

Alright. Now I should get some rest, too.

‘I need to be careful about my condition during the Golden Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.’

A decline in condition could significantly impact my stats, as shown in the status window.

So I checked my stats…

And something was off.

Lv. 70

▶ Strength 6.53

▶ Agility 7.81

▶ Stamina 8.09

▶ Constitution 6.39

▶ Immunity 1.65

▶ ??? 70%

My condition wasn’t impaired.

The stats I had been diligently raising through training were normal.

However, there was one significant change.

‘Level 70…?’

Level 70 was strangely high.

Since this game partially adopted RPG mechanics, the experience required to level up increased with each level.

Therefore, it should have been incredibly difficult to level up at this point. Even if I focused on hunting monsters and clearing sub-episodes for extra experience, I shouldn’t have been able to reach that level.

The last time I checked, I was level 63.

From 63 to 70? Without doing anything that would grant me experience points?

It didn't make sense.

My only activity today had been the social gathering.

Which meant that was the only possible source of experience points.

But that couldn't be right. It wasn't a main episode event. And the description next to the ??? stat, which previously stated that bonus SP would be allocated there when a trigger was activated, was now gone.

Initially, the ??? stat had decimal values, but at some point, it had started increasing by exactly 1% with each level up.

This meant that my level had likely increased because of the ??? stat.

If I focused on that theory…

The conclusion was surprisingly clear.

“Could it be…”

My gaze returned to the sleeping Harnie.

Now that I thought about it, there were many things about her that were strange.

In this game, every character had an affinity box.

Even enemies had affinity levels, and while the box disappeared when they became completely hostile, they at least had a gray affinity box before then.

Of course, there were characters like Heron and Shaiden who seemed to have no affinity, but even they had hidden conditions that would eventually reveal their affinity level.

But Harnie was different.

She had no affinity box whatsoever, and there was no information about her in the game. No associated episodes either.

She was a complete mystery.

‘If that’s the case…’

Could she be special?

Just then…

-Ding!

▶ You have uncovered the secret of the ??? stat. ◀

▶ Hidden condition met. Reward granted! ◀

【 Will you be able to save her this time? 】

“…!”

Seeing that message, I realized it wasn’t just a simple reward.

But my thoughts were a jumbled mess.

"Will you be able to save her this time?"

What was that supposed to mean?

And what was its connection to the secrets of this world?

“No. Enough.”

I gave up trying to make sense of the cryptic message.

I had gained enough information for now.

The hidden ??? stat was related to Harnie.

I could raise the ??? stat through her, a character who had no affinity box, a character I had never encountered in the game.

Perhaps it was related to clearing the game.

There was one thing bothering me, though.

“Hnn… Carsein…”

It was her.

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