I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 117

Chapter 117: The House of Ipheros (10)

"Sigh."

A sigh escaped my lips.

This game was designed in a way that even the smallest detail could impact the choices presented.

Therefore, I had been confident that the negotiation with Marquis Ipheros would go smoothly.

No, more than smoothly, I had expected it to be a walk in the park.

Marquis Ipheros's dialogue box was initially greyed out, starting at -5% affinity.

He didn’t trust Carsein, didn’t approve of his presence, and would demand a duel to assess his worth. That was the premise of their interaction.

However, I had already altered the course of this episode.

Though it was by chance, I met him at the tavern, saved him from some drunkards, and then questioned the Empire’s hatred toward the Yaricans.

As a result, I learned his name was Pollux Tutulum, and his affinity had skyrocketed from -5% to 12%.

That should have been enough.

I had shown Pollux that I wasn’t like the other Imperials who harbored prejudice against the Yaricans.

Harnie’s presence had provided a connection, a sense of familiarity, and we had even shaken hands, exchanging names and solidifying our acquaintance.

Even though it wasn't Carsein's own personality shining through, my actions had conveyed my true intentions, my genuine desire to help.

Out encounter at the tavern had left a powerful first impression, an interaction free from the game’s predetermined script.

And after that…

There was no need for formal introductions.

I hadn't done anything to offend Pollux since arriving at the Marquisate.

And while some dialogue boxes remained greyed out, they didn't seem particularly hostile.

Everything was going according to plan.

‘So why?’

-I want to cross blades with you. With real swords, not wooden ones.

-If you refuse, I’ll withdraw my offer.

Why was Pollux so insistent on this duel?

What had gone wrong? Why was he demanding a fight, when it seemed like the negotiation was practically over?

I couldn't understand.

No matter how much I wracked my brain, searching for an answer, nothing came to mind.

Eventually, I turned my attention to the status window.

▶ Episode III. Proving Your Worth as a Lord is in progress!◀

▶ Finalize the trade agreement by sparring with Marquis Ipheros, Pollux Tutulum!◀

The system message, identical to the one I had seen in the game, confirmed my fears.

“…I can’t avoid this, can I?”

If this was part of the predetermined script…

…I had no choice.

I took a deep breath, steeling my resolve, and glanced at the status window once more.

I grabbed my sword and headed outside, ready to face my fate.

As I stepped out, Harnie stood in my path, her arms crossed, her expression a mixture of disapproval and concern.

“Carsein, where are you going?”

“Outside, as you can see.”

“And what are you going to do outside?”

“Well... maybe hunt down a few monsters. I need to improve my skills.”

I hadn’t decided on a specific plan.

But I knew I needed to raise my stats, to prepare myself for the duel.

Failing to meet Pollux's expectations meant triggering a death flag.

But before I could step outside…

…Harnie blocked my path, locking the door.

“Are you seriously going to train? After barely getting any sleep? That’s absurd!”

“I can manage my sleep schedule.”

At least, that’s what I believed. But her frown deepened.

“No, this won't do. Come here and sit down.”

She grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the sofa.

I resisted, but she simply narrowed her eyes and patted the cushion beside her, insisting I sit down.

“Pollux wants to spar with you at your best. Shouldn't you be focusing on overcoming the Depeshan Syndrome first?”

She held up a bundle of herbs.

I hadn’t forgotten.

But…

“I’ve tried them before. They don’t work.”

I knew those herbs wouldn't alleviate the effects of the syndrome.

◆ Iseleph Leaves

[ Leaves that allow for sustained activity in the demon-infested Western region. ]

◆ Ampiric Roots

[ Roots that allow for sustained activity in the demon-infested Western region. ]

The descriptions were identical to the ones in the game.

They were supposed to grant resistance to demonic energy, allowing for sustained activity in the West.

But they had never worked for me. Not once, during all my previous playthroughs.

“You sound like you’ve tried them yourself. When were you ever in the West?”

“W-Well, I…”

I had visited the West countless times in the game, but I couldn’t reveal that.

“Ahem. I… tried them at the Duchy.”

“At the Duchy? These herbs?”

“They taste awful.?”

Technically, that was a true statement.

Carsein had complained about the taste in his internal monologue.

And complaining about the taste made for a perfect excuse.

“Flora put them in my food once. I didn't take them intentionally, but that's how it happened.”

It was a lie, but not entirely wrong.

I vaguely remembered being forced to consume those herbs, thanks to Flora.

“Hmm… I see.”

Good. She bought it.

“Anyway, that’s not important right now. Let go of me. I need to prepare for the duel. Lusmire needs a buyer for those rocks, and the Ipheros Marquisate is our best option.”

It was a valid reason.

I was determined to secure this trade agreement.

As the Lord of Lusmire, the Ipheros Marquisate was a valuable partner.

And to finalize the agreement, I needed to be in top condition, ready to face Pollux.

There was no reason for her to object.

But then…

Harnie sighed, her expression softening.

“Carsein, you not catching onto even this shows me that your condition is really bad.”

“What…?”

“Don’t you remember what Pollux said when he talked about the Depeshan Syndrome? He specifically mentioned that you need to consume the herbs in a specific way.”

…What?

I missed that?

“I can guarantee that the Carsein I know wouldn’t miss something like that. And why aren’t you considering the fact that I’m completely fine, despite being here?”

“…”

“Sleep deprivation affects concentration. You might think you’re fine, but this oversight proves otherwise.”

She patted the cushion again, insisting.

“So, just listen to me and rest today, alright?”

I had no answer. She had me cornered.

My inability to answer her questions, to refute her claims, was an basically an indirect admission of my exhaustion.

I sat down, and tried to explain.

“My concentration might be a bit off, but it’s not because of lack of sleep.”

“Oh, stop making excuses.”

“It’s true. I don’t need that much sleep.”

“Hmm, then let’s test that theory.”

“What?”

“Iseleph leaves and Ampiric roots, when brewed into a tea, grant resistance to demonic energy. However, they also induce sleep.”

“So you’re saying If I drink this tea, I’ll fall asleep?”

“Exactly.”

She clapped her hands, a triumphant smile on her face.

“And this isn’t just ordinary sleep. It’s triggered by your body’s natural defense mechanism. If you’re truly exhausted, you’ll sleep for a very long time.”

“Hmm, I see.”

Her logic was sound.

The tea, through its unique properties, would activate my body’s defense mechanism against demonic energy. And the amount of sleep I needed would depend on my level of exhaustion.

If I was truly tired I would sleep for a very long time.

‘This is nothing compared to those high school seniors juggling exams and part-time jobs.’

I agreed readily, asking for the tea.

I had overlooked one crucial detail.

This wasn’t my body.

It was Carsein’s.

***

Harnie watched as Carsein, after taking a sip of the tea, fell asleep.

She let out a sigh of relief, her anxieties fading away.

“How can someone function on two hours of sleep? Is it sheer willpower, or just plain stubbornness?”

-Poke. Poke.

She poked his cheek playfully, finally able to speak her mind.

“Even if this is just a contractual engagement, you can’t be so reckless! Hmph. If I hadn’t said anything to Pollux, you’d have stayed up all night again, wouldn’t you? Hmph.”

His cheek sunk slightly with each poke, but he remained asleep. He probably wouldn’t even notice if she slapped him.

Watching him sleep, a wave of warmth spread through her, a familiar feeling from their journey here.

“…It’s better to sleep comfortably than on a chair, right?”

She remembered their journey, remembered falling asleep in the carriage, exhausted, and waking up to find herself leaning against him.

He had been considerate.

She had pushed him away, startled, but she was certain he had only done it to prevent her from hitting her head.

And when she had pushed him away, a book had fallen from his grasp.

He must have been reading with one arm, the other awkwardly holding her against him.

And…

“…”

The warmth of his body, the gentle pressure of his arm around her shoulders…

…it had been comforting.

It had allowed her to sleep soundly for hours.

“Ugh, what am I thinking?!”

She shook her head, trying to banish the memory.

This wasn’t the time to reminisce. She needed to move him to a more comfortable spot, to a bed.

“Ugh…!”

He was surprisingly heavy.

Even though he wasn’t that big…

She tried again, exerting all her strength, but…

“Ugh… Haa…”

Moving a grown man, even one as slender as Carsein, was a herculean task for her.

She should have given him the tea in the bedroom.

What should she do?

She didn’t want to leave him sleeping in that awkward position.

“…At least I can move him to the sofa.”

She grabbed some pillows and blankets from the bedroom and prepared the sofa.

But…

Carsein’s condition was worsening.

“Hmm? It’s not that warm in here… Why is he sweating so much?”

She tossed the pillows and blankets aside and reached for his forehead, her fingers brushing against his skin.

He was cold.

His skin felt like ice.

“Don’t tell me…”

As she had explained earlier, the tea, while inducing sleep, also activated the body’s defense mechanism against demonic energy.

Which meant there were side effects.

The cold sweat, the drop in body temperature, were signs that his body was struggling to adapt, reacting to the tea’s properties.

-Some people experience a drop in body temperature as a side effect. This is often due to a weak immune system or a prolonged exposure to demonic energy. In these cases…

“I need to raise his body temperature.”

She could light a fire in the fireplace, but…

It was winter, and they were in the West. Fetching firewood meant going outside, and time was of the essence.

If she waited any longer, he would be in serious trouble.

There wasn’t time to find someone, to explain the situation.

And then, another memory surfaced.

The warmth of his hand against her shoulder during their journey here.

“…Yes, this might work.”

All she had were blankets and pillows.

Moving him to the bed was out of the question. The only thing she could do was… share her warmth.

He had done it for her, so couldn't she do the same for him?

She lay down on the narrow sofa, wrapping her arms around him, pulling him close.

She covered them both with a blanket, trying to trap the heat.

But he was so cold.

His coldness frightened her.

“Is this… enough?”

Panic surged through her, a terrifying thought gripping her heart.

What if… What if his heart stopped?

She had to warm him up, and fast.

-Rustle.

She lowered the neckline of her dress, exposing her skin.

Her shoulder, her collarbone, the soft curve of her breast pressed against his cold skin…

But she was beyond caring.

She needed to warm him up.

“Why do you always make me worry?”

She grumbled, but her words held a hint of affection.

She held him close, her eyes squeezed shut, hoping against hope that he would be alright.