I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 197

Chapter 197: One Step Away (13)

“You’re all done, My Lady.”

“Don’t you look beautiful?”

“I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I see you like this.”

The maids, wiping away their sweat, expressed their satisfaction.

But their expressions were tinged with unease.

‘Does she… not like it?’

‘Again?! We worked so hard… and she’s still not satisfied?’

‘That’s impossible! This time, it’s perfect!’

‘What’s… what’s wrong? What doesn't she like?!’

‘Should we start over? Is it the hair accessory? Or the necklace?’

Today was a special day for their youngest mistress.

It was her birthday, and more importantly, her debutante ball, a momentous occasion for any young noblewoman.

They had put extra effort into her appearance, striving to make her look even more beautiful than usual. They had focused intently on every detail, meticulously perfecting her attire.

But Flora remained silent, her expression unreadable.

Was she dissatisfied?

Was she unhappy?

Was something bothering her?

They wished they had some clue, some indication of her feelings. But Flora gave them nothing.

Her silence fueled their anxieties, their insecurities.

The maids exchanged worried glances, a silent agreement passing between them. They had failed, again.

‘This isn’t good!’

‘Let’s get something else! Quickly! Before she yells at us!’

‘Right!’

The same scenario was repeating itself.

They couldn’t afford to upset their mistress on such an important day.

The maids, their hearts pounding, frantically prepared for their next attempt.

“…”

Flora, oblivious to their inner turmoil, remained silent, her head bowed.

She was fixated on a single word.

‘Birthday…’

The word “birthday” echoed in her mind.

It was a special day, a day she had always looked forward to with great anticipation.

But this year, it was different.

“…Hey, guys.”

“Eek!”

“Y-Yes, My Lady!”

“Did you call for us?!”

Flora’s soft voice startled the maids, their responses a mix of fear and anticipation.

They braced themselves for the worst, their eyes squeezed shut.

“Carsein was supposed to be here, wasn’t he? Is he here yet?”

“…What?”

Her unexpected question made the maids open their eyes, their faces filled with confusion.

Carsein?

Of course he would be here. It was his sister’s birthday.

They exchanged glances, silently confirming that they hadn’t seen him.

The maids, who had been on edge due to Flora’s silence, now blurted out everything they knew.

“Young Master Carsein is already here…! Should we call for him?”

“Everyone else has arrived. Do you want to see your family first?”

“You look beautiful, My Lady! Show them how stunning you are, and if you don’t like anything, we can change it right away!”

Flora flinched and waved her hands dismissively.

“No! I don’t want to see Carsein!”

“I-Is that so?”

“Anyway… he’s here. Then…”

Flora fidgeted with her fingers, and then looked up at the maids.

“Can you… prepare a gift box?”

***

Flora’s birthdays had always been extravagant, lavish, and glamorous.

Even compared to her older sisters, Flora’s birthday parties were the grandest. She was their mother’s favorite, the youngest, the most cherished, and her birthdays were always celebrated on a grand scale.

Invitations were sent to countless noble families.

And Flora, surrounded by guests, would be the star of the show. It was a familiar, almost routine, event.

But this year’s birthday was different.

It wasn't just because it was her debutante ball.

She had realized that while she had enjoyed these lavish celebrations, someone else had been forgotten, ignored.

In the past, she would have simply dismissed it.

But now, she knew better.

She couldn't enjoy her own happiness while someone else was suffering.

‘It’s my birthday… but… I can give Carsein his birthday present now, can’t I?’

There was no rule against celebrating together.

She wanted to celebrate his birthday, even if it was belated.

She wanted to give him a gift, in front of everyone.

This year, she would share her birthday with him.

-Knock, knock.

“I’ve brought the items you requested, Lady Flora.”

They’re here.

“Come in!”

Her eyes sparkling with anticipation, Flora called for the servants to enter.

One by one, the servants entered, carrying various items. They placed them on the table in Flora’s dressing room.

Seeing the items in person only heightened her excitement.

A curious servant, noticing something odd, asked,

“My Lady?”

“Yes?”

“What are all these for? They don’t seem like things you would use…”

He had a reason for asking.

“These are men’s items, aren’t they?”

Just as the servant had pointed out, the items on the table were all meant for men.

“They’re… gifts.”

“Gifts?”

“It’s my birthday, but I’m preparing these for someone whose birthday has already passed.”

““Ooh…””

“Shh! Be quiet! Someone might hear you!”

Flora placed a finger on her lips, silencing the surprised servants.

“This is a secret, okay?”

“Of course, My Lady!”

“It’s Lady Flora’s order. We won’t tell anyone.”

“The recipient will be very happy.”

The servants smiled and left the dressing room.

Now, she had to choose a gift.

But Flora found herself facing a dilemma.

“…What does Carsein like?”

She didn't know.

She had no idea what he liked, what he disliked.

She had no information about him.

***

▶ Episode VII. Flora’s Birthday is in progress. ◀

▶ Entering the mid-stage of the party. ◀

▶ Current Attention Level: 41%. ◀

I had encountered a few events involving the nobles after leaving the reception room, but I had easily navigated them.

I had memorized the correct choices, having died countless times during my retries. And Flora’s Birthday episode always followed the same path, the same script.

So, after dealing with the nobles, I had successfully lowered the attention level.

Then, a period of inactivity followed.

Waiting for the main event, the birthday celebration. The nobles and the Duchy members mingled, exchanging pleasantries.

Conversations with vassals, with Claire and Arina's acquaintances, with Flora's peers… And then, the family speeches.

A long, tedious process.

And finally…

It was my turn.

“Carsein, would you like to say a few words?”

-Ding!

▶ Family speech time has arrived. ◀

▶ Attention Level and Completion Rate will now be displayed simultaneously. ◀

▶ Increasing the Completion Rate will shorten the episode duration. ◀

※ Dual Objective Gauge Display

[ If there is only one objective, simply manage the corresponding gauge. ]

[ However, when two or more gauges are displayed, they may influence each other, requiring careful management. ]

[ In this episode, increasing the Completion Rate will significantly increase the Attention Level. ]

[ Sub-episodes, special events, Emergency Missions, and utilizing gimmicks can help you manage the Attention Level and Completion Rate. ]

[ Please clear the episode by managing the objective gauges and adjusting the penalty scale/completion time. ]

[ Good luck. ]

▶ Will you participate in the speeches?

[ 1. Yes. ]

<Attention Level +15%, Completion Rate +5%>

[ 2. No. ]

<Attention Level -2%, Completion Rate unchanged>

‘This is the turning point.’

I knew what the system wanted.

It wanted me to clear this episode.

But Flora’s Birthday was a deliberately designed episode.

It interrupted the main storyline, the territory management aspect of the symposium, forcing the player to participate in a seemingly meaningless event. It was a distraction, just like the mandatory lectures.

Knowing this, the best approach was to maximize the Completion Rate and finish the episode as quickly as possible.

‘But… isn’t that just avoiding the episode’s intended purpose?’

Maybe I didn't need to manage the gauges so carefully.

After seeing that Memorial, I was actually more inclined to let things play out naturally.

“No. I’m a bit tired from managing the territory, so I’d rather not.”

“…Is that so?”

▶ Attention Level decreased by 2% due to refusing the speech. ◀

[ Attention Level: 39% ]

[ Completion Rate: 0% ]

“Then go and rest. I’ll go and help Claire with the vassals.”

Isabella didn't question my decision and walked away.

Arina’s affinity dropped slightly. She seemed annoyed.

Whatever.

There wouldn’t be any other choices triggered in this situation.

“Presenting the Third Daughter of the Bagrand Duchy, Lady Flora!”

The lights dimmed, and Flora’s entrance was announced.

“Oh my…”

“She looks like an angel.”

“How lovely.”

“I heard her older sister chose the accessories.”

“Lady Claire’s design is exquisite.”

Bathed in the spotlight, Flora appeared, a bright smile on her face, as the nobles applauded.

After a brief moment of commotion, Flora gave her greetings.

A formal address, followed by a debutante speech.

Another round of applause.

The host announced the next event.

Dinner was served.

Lavish dishes were brought out, and the nobles mingled, enjoying the feast and the soft classical music.

“Next, we’ll open the dance floor.”

That was the announcement.

The young noblemen, their eyes sparkling with anticipation, exchanged excited glances.

Flora had just made her debut.

And her first dance partner hadn’t been chosen yet.

The first dance was a significant event, a symbolic gesture.

And for Flora, the youngest daughter of the Bagrand Duchy, her debutante’s first dance would be even more special.

As the young noblemen vied for her attention, Flora approached me.

“Um… Carsein.”

“What.”

“Can you… dance with me for the first dance? I have something to tell you…”

The nobles, their expressions a mix of jealousy and disbelief, stared at me.

-Ding!

▶ Attention Level increased by 3%. ◀

‘Seriously?’

What? She wanted to dance with me?

This was ridiculous.

“I refuse.”

Judging by her request, she clearly didn't remember what had happened.

So, the best birthday present I could give her-

Was my absence.

For whatever reason.

***

“I refuse.”

“…”

Carsein’s blunt refusal made Flora’s face fall.

Arina, noticing her younger sister’s disappointment, turned to Carsein and scolded him.

“Don’t be like that. Just dance with her. The first dance is a big deal for a debutante. I know you’re tired, but please, do this for Flora. And it’ll help get rid of those pesky flies.”

Flora quickly waved her hands.

“N-No, it’s okay, Sister! Really!”

“It’s alright to ask for help sometimes. It’s just one dance. And besides, it’s easier to have family deal with those annoying nobles.”

“I’m really okay, Sister.”

“…Sigh.”

Arina’s affinity dropped again.

It was down to 47%.

Whatever. Let it drop.

This fulfilled the conditions.

-Rush.

“S-Something terrible has happened, Lady Arina!”

“What is it?”

“Well…”

A servant rushed over, whispering urgently in Arina’s ear.

Arina’s eyes widened.

“Someone… tampered with Carsein’s belongings? What are you talking about?”

“I don’t know the details, My Lady. But… someone entered Young Master Carsein’s room and… destroyed everything…”

“What?! What was in his room?”

“A… box… Apparently.”

“A box?”

“…?!”

Flora, who had been silent until now, turned sharply, her eyes widening.

She stood there for a moment, lost in thought, her face paling.

Her gaze, trembling, shifted towards me.

And then, she opened and closed her mouth, unable to speak.

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