I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 130

Chapter 130

Chapter 130: The Indigo Potion (7)

The training grounds were quiet.

It was past training hours, and most of the noble trainees were either on leave or preparing for the Eastern Nobles' Conference.

I started with a slow jog, focusing on warming up my muscles and clearing my mind.

Those memories, those unpleasant echoes of my past family, kept resurfacing. I needed to banish them, to push them to the back of my mind.

Time flew by, and I grew tired of simply jogging. I needed something else, a different way to train.

By the time the sun set, casting long shadows across the training grounds, I was wielding a wooden sword, lost in the rhythm of movement and the familiar weight of the blade.

“…I lost track of time.”

I placed the sword back on the rack and turned towards my room, but then, the next episode came to mind.

“Wait, I can meet Radiel and Mark now, can’t I?”

I had to remember.

Chapter 2 involved creating a main episode from a sub-episode.

And those sub-episodes were initiated by the player.

And the timing?

“I can decide when, can’t I?”

Of course, it was up to the player.

If I could manipulate the timeline, I could prepare in advance.

I had already proven my worth as a lord in Episode III, but to ensure Lusmire’s continued success, I couldn't return to the Duchy this soon.

Those nobles had tried to isolate Lusmire, to exploit their vulnerability.

They wouldn’t sit back and watch their plan unravel.

And then there was the trade agreement with the Ipheros Marquisate. I needed to be there to explain the situation, to address their concerns about the Yaricans.

That’s how it had always played out in the game.

The lord, me, had to be present to resolve any issues and ensure the stability of the territory.

But I couldn't go back.

I had already returned to the Duchy and triggered the next branch. There was no way to return to Lusmire now.

But I could send someone else in my place.

I changed my destination. Instead of heading back to my room, I decided to visit someone who could handle this task for me.

The knights of the training grounds.

All I had to do was ask for their help.

And it would be even better if I chose the one with the highest affinity.

-Knock, knock.

“Radiel, are you there?”

I knocked on her door, and heard a flurry of movement from inside.

What was going on? Radiel wasn’t usually this clumsy.

The door opened before I could ponder the question any further.

“Y-Young Master? What brings you here?”

Radiel, her hair tousled, her clothes askew, greeted me with a nervous smile.

“Did I… Did I make you rush out? I’m sorry.”

“Y-Yes…?”

“Take your time getting dressed. Your buttons are misaligned.”

“Gasp!”

Thump.

She was human, after all. It was understandable for her to be flustered.

I turned away, giving her privacy.

Even though I had given her ample time, Radiel emerged quickly, her hair still slightly disheveled.

“A-Ahaha… I’m sorry, Young Master.”

She scratched her cheek, a sheepish grin on her face.

Her clothes were buttoned properly this time, but…

“Ahem…”

“…Mark, when did you get here?”

Mark stood beside her, clearing his throat awkwardly.

They both fell silent, exchanging glances before bursting into laughter.

“Well, it’s not like the Young Master would…”

“We were overthinking things.”

“Mark!”

“What?”

What were they talking about?

‘Never mind. It’s actually better if they’re both here.’

I checked their affinity levels.

[ Radiel Gruppein ]

[ Affinity: 65% ]

[ Mark Redelstein ]

[ Affinity: 65% ]

Their affinity was still high.

“Do either of you have any plans for tomorrow?”

“Hmm, if you’re referring to the Eastern Nobles’ Conference, then no, I don’t. Unlike Radiel, I’m a commoner.”

“I’m free as well. My family isn’t eligible to participate in the conference this year.”

Perfect.

I pulled out a letter from my pocket and handed it to them.

“I need you to go to Lusmire and deliver this to a man named Barak. He’s the village head.”

“Lusmire?”

“I’m the lord there, but I can’t go back right now.”

They looked at me, confused, and I explained the situation.

“I see, so the nobles are causing trouble while you're away, and there are even Yaricans involved… This could be a problem.”

“I understand. But the people in Lusmire might not trust us, so we need something to prove that we’re working for you. Some kind of token or symbol of your authority.”

“I agree with Mark. The villagers will probably listen to you, but the Yaricans are suspicious of outsiders.”

“You’re right. But…”

There was one problem.

Carsein didn’t own anything of value.

He had been raised in poverty, he had nothing.

I had to prove that they were acting on my orders, but I had nothing to give them as proof.

And then…

▶ Hidden Episode cleared! ◀

“Take this cufflink.”

A familiar voice, a voice that sent shivers down my spine, interrupted my thoughts.

I turned around, and there she was.

Claire.

Her pink hair glowed in the dim light of the training grounds.

***

“This is from my boutique, so I have a spare button. It has the Bagrand Duchy crest, so no one will question its authenticity. And it’s a men’s cufflink, so it’s the perfect way to prove your connection to Carsein.”

Radiel and Mark nodded in agreement.

“She’s right, Young Master. A cufflink with the Duchy crest and the boutique’s insignia… It’s irrefutable evidence.”

“And even if they claim it’s not yours, there’s only one male in the Bagrand Duchy. And this is a men’s cufflink, which makes it even more convincing.”

It was the perfect solution.

It would reassure the villagers, gain the trust of the Yaricans, and serve as a warning to any nobles who might try to cause trouble.

But… why?

Why was Claire helping me?

-Ding!

▶ Cufflink received as a Hidden Episode reward! ◀

‘So that’s it.’

Of course. That made sense.

It wouldn't make sense for her to simply give it to me without a reason.

But this reward was just the beginning.

Claire’s appearance meant the next episode was about to begin.

“Mark, Radiel.”

““Yes, Young Master.””

They bowed their heads and stepped aside, giving us some space.

Claire, once we were alone, asked softly,

“…Can we talk somewhere else?”

Talk somewhere else?

Well, it didn’t really matter where we talked.

As long as the sub-episode progressed as intended.

“Lead the way. I’ll follow.”

She turned and walked away, her footsteps silent.

But…

Was it just my imagination?

Or had I seen something on her cheek? A glistening streak, faintly visible in the dim light.

‘…Tears? Claire?’

That’s impossible.

It couldn’t be.

She wouldn’t cry, not even after whatever Arsienne might have said.

They were best friends.

But that mark…

I knew it all too well.

She stopped abruptly.

And she led me to my room.

“You want to talk in my room?”

“…Is that a problem?”

“No, it’s not a problem.”

It was actually ideal.

If we started the sub-episode in my room, there would be fewer chances for unexpected interruptions.

That’s why it was strange.

It seemed too easy, too straightforward.

I had a feeling something was wrong, but…

“Can I get a glass of water? I’m thirsty. I’ll tell you everything after that.”

Her words, a typical sub-episode trigger, eased my concerns.

This was the start of a new chapter.

‘Still, I should be careful. She’s just like her sister.’

I went to the kitchen and opened a cupboard.

I had to at least maintain the appearance of hospitality.

Radiel had brought me a teacup and a teapot, insisting that I be prepared for guests.

And Mark had thoughtfully stocked the cupboard with various teas.

And there were several plates of pastries, all addressed to me.

I arranged the pastries on a plate, poured a cup of tea, and approached Claire.

“…You really are…”

“What?”

I didn’t quite catch what she had muttered under her breath, but she took the teacup and sipped it, her movements graceful.

“It’s nothing. Anyway, are you okay?”

“Me?”

“The Depeshan Syndrome.”

Ah, so that was it.

“I’m fine. It hasn't bothered me since then.”

“Really?”

“Shaiden treated me, and you lit a fire in the fireplace when you found me. I’m sure it won’t come back.”

I wasn’t just guessing. The status window had informed me that the Depeshan Syndrome had been completely eradicated.

And it had disappeared from my status ailments list, so there was no chance of it returning.

Of course, if it did, I wouldn't tell Claire. I didn't want to be lectured.

She handed me a glass bottle.

The Indigo Potion.

“Here, take this. Shaiden said you should take it for a while, just in case.”

What? Usually, she would have scolded me for forgetting to take my medication.

“You always forget to take your medicine, and yet you’re lecturing me? Honestly…”

But today, she was different.

I took the potion, deciding to avoid any potential conflict.

This wasn't why she was here, anyway.

She took another sip of tea and then, setting the cup down, she spoke.

“Mother wants to have a family outing. On the day they replace the portrait. They’re redecorating the main hall, so come back then.”

She explained everything, the date I was expected to return to the Duchy, the dress code, and the schedule for the Eastern Nobles’ Conference.

The game’s script was unfolding as intended.

But…

Something felt wrong.

This wasn’t like her.

She should have added something, a subtle threat, a warning.

She should have told me to come back sooner, to avoid worrying Mother.

She should have warned me that if I didn’t return by the designated date, Arina would be furious.

She should have threatened to drag me back to the Duchy if my condition worsened.

“…That’s it? That’s all you wanted to say?”

I asked, unsure of how to react, but she simply nodded and stood up.

I had braced myself for a lengthy lecture, but it was over. Just a brief explanation of the next episode.

Maybe it wasn’t over?

▶ Sub-Episode: Return Date in progress. ◀

▶ Return to the Duchy on the designated date. ◀

But with this notification flashing before my eyes, how could I possibly doubt it?

This was it.

And then, as she reached for the doorknob, she asked,

“Can I… send a letter of apology to Count Lilpet?”

“What?”

Her question, so unexpected, so out of character, made me speechless.

“I won’t stop you from making deals with nobles anymore. But, I was wrong to interfere with your agreement with Count Lilpet.”

“…”

“I can even… help you connect with other nobles, if you want.”

Count Lilpet… trade agreements… This was related to the Shatrain incident, to the restrictions placed on Carsein.

Why was she bringing this up now?

“Why should I trust you?”

I had to maintain a certain distance, to protect myself.

She smiled sadly, opening the door.

“You’re right. Forget I said anything. It was just… a foolish thought.”

-Click.

Her reaction, her tone…

Something was strange.

-Ding!

▶ Claire’s Affinity has increased! ◀

[ Current Affinity: 78% ]

“…78%?”

I hadn't been paying much attention to her affinity level, but…

The last time I had checked, it had started with a 5.

***

Claire left Carsein’s room, her thoughts swirling.

She walked for a while, putting some distance between them, before finally speaking.

“Cough, cough!”

Her voice, hoarse and strained, betrayed her efforts to hide her tears.

She had cried in front of him, and she had tried to hide it.

She coughed again, clearing her throat, and glanced back at his room, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and regret.

“…You treated me like a guest.”

She had asked for water, and he had brought her tea. Not just any tea, but a warm, fragrant brew, served in a delicate teacup. He had even offered her pastries.

He had treated her like a guest, when she had never treated him like a true brother.

The guilt, heavy and suffocating, tightened its grip on her heart.

She tried to compose herself, to push those thoughts away, to return to the Duchy as if nothing had happened.

Arina would be suspicious.

Isabella would ask questions.

And Flora… Well, she might be less perceptive, but she would definitely sense something was wrong.

She had to hide her emotions, to protect Carsein from further scrutiny.

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