I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 103

Chapter 103: The Remnants of Malice (4)

The second clue.

Flora might have been oblivious, but I had a hunch.

This place was a perfect stage for Carsein's downfall.

A place ripe with opportunities to frame him, humiliate him, turn him into a laughingstock… Just like Flora used to do back at the Duchy.

It was a place where Carsein could easily be ostracized by his noble "peers."

Which meant… It wasn't far-fetched to assume Carsein had been here before.

“Yes, that was just a possibility. Until now.”

The moment I laid eyes on this brightly glowing object, it was no longer a possibility.

It was a certainty.

Carsein had been here before.

Just like today, accompanied by someone else.

“Let’s see what kind of trouble you dragged me into this time, Flora.”

-Ding!

▶ Acquired Flora's Handkerchief Memorial!◀

***

-Clang!

A fork and knife clattered against the floor, the jarring sound cutting through the air.

The silverware belonged to a young boy, now shielding his eyes with his hands.

He had been eating just moments ago, but now he was doubled over, coughing violently.

The commotion drew the attention of the other nobles.

But their stares meant nothing to Carsein.

-Hey, Carsein. You look a little under the weather. Why don’t you go pay Viscount Gelgenton a visit?

-Viscount Gelgenton…?

-Yeah, his territory is known for producing top-quality food. I heard they have a renowned chef working here today, specializing in healthy cuisine.

Earlier that day, Claire had suggested it.

Her excuse was his health, but she was also subtly implying that he needed to socialize, to make connections with the other nobles.

Yet here he was, once again facing a plate of… something that wasn’t food.

And there was only one explanation.

“Flora… You…!”

He glared at his sister across the table, his eyes filled with betrayal.

Sensing his gaze, Flora quickly hid her smile behind her hand, her expression shifting in an instant.

“Oh my, are you alright? Are you hurt?”

Her eyes held a look of concern.

But beneath that concern lurked something else.

A hint of mischief that could only be described as a devilish smirk.

“Excuse me, Young Master Carsein? It’s unbecoming of a noble to drop their silverware like that.”

“Oh my, oh my. Even if that’s the case, his table manners are a little…”

“Please, forgive him. Carsein hasn’t been feeling well lately.”

Flora chimed in, claiming this wasn’t the first time this had happened.

“It pains me to see him like this. Please, be understanding.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“You are too kind.”

Her act was flawless, a perfect portrayal of a doting younger sister.

But the nobles at the table knew exactly what she was doing.

And so, they didn’t scold Carsein for his clumsiness. They played along, just as Flora intended.

“Someone, bring him a new set of silverware.”

Soon, a new set of silverware arrived.

His plate was replaced as well, piled high with a new serving – a larger portion than before.

The food looked delicious, a feast for the eyes, and supposedly, a healthy meal to help him recover.

“Eat up, Carsein. Sister Claire told you to take care of your health, remember?”

Flora offered him the new silverware, her eyes crinkled with feigned concern.

“Such a caring little sister.”

“Indeed. Flora’s kindness is truly unparalleled.”

“I’m sure Viscount Gelgenton’s head chef would be pleased.”

The nobles chuckled, playing along with her charade.

He was trapped.

There was no escape.

He had to pick up the silverware.

He had to eat the food in front of him.

He had to chew and swallow, even though he knew every dish was laced with Kelbia fruit.

He couldn’t complain.

If he didn’t clean his plate, he would be labeled a troublemaker once again, a disgrace to the Duchy.

Claire would be furious.

Arina would reprimand him.

Isabella would…

“Ugh…!”

The familiar allergic reaction flared up, sending a wave of nausea through him.

He couldn’t stop himself from grimacing.

“What’s wrong? Don’t tell me… you don’t like it?”

“Oh my, how could you? This is Viscount Gelgenton’s renowned cuisine. Everyone raves about it!”

“Don’t rush, savor the flavor. We’re all enjoying our meal.”

He picked up his fork again.

Forced a smile, and took another bite.

Chewed, and swallowed.

Even though he knew those nobles were enjoying his suffering.

And…

“Have some more, Carsein.”

Even though he knew Flora was deliberately adding more to his plate, her eyes glinting with malice.

He couldn’t say a word.

“Here’s a handkerchief! Wipe your mouth.”

As if she could read his thoughts, she offered him a handkerchief, ensuring he couldn’t discreetly spit out the offending food.

At that moment, he hated her.

No one else knew about his Kelbia allergy. If it wasn’t for her, he would have been served a normal meal.

But she had to tag along.

The nightmare of the Duchy dining hall was repeating itself.

Her presence had tainted everything.

Her malice had seeped into every bite.

And everyone here knew it.

He couldn't scream.

He couldn’t lash out.

He was utterly powerless.

The only act of defiance he could muster was clenching that handkerchief tightly in his fist.

An act of silent protest directed at the object in his hand.

As he fought back the urge to vomit, he continued to eat.

***

The rest was history.

Carsein, discarding the handkerchief in the trash, had stormed out of the villa, fleeing back to the Duchy in agony.

When Claire had innocently asked how the food was, he couldn’t contain his emotions any longer.

-I’m never, ever going out with Flora again! Ever!!

And, as always, he had been reprimanded by all three sisters.

The glow of the handkerchief faded, and he was pulled back into the present.

A status window popped up.

▶ Memorial has ended!◀

“To think she would drag him back here after all that…”

It was unbelievable.

He couldn't forget the look on Carsein's face, full of hope that he might finally get a decent meal.

Nor could he forget the look of utter betrayal and despair as he forced himself to eat.

And yet, Flora Bagrand had dragged him back to this very place.

“She really is something else.”

This Memorial, aside from showing him Carsein's past suffering, had stirred up unpleasant memories of his own.

He, too, had been humiliated in front of his youngest sister’s friends.

His anger quickly gave way to cold, hard calculation.

-Ding!

▶ Episode III. The Remnants of Malice is in progress!◀

▶ It has been revealed that Carsein is in danger at the villa!◀

▶ Announcing success/failure conditions and potential rewards: ◀

[ Upon Success: Arina’s Affinity will increase slightly. ]

[ Upon Failure: You will suffer a status ailment, confining you to your room for a day and imposing a curfew. ]

A curfew.

How fitting.

He had a similar experience back when he started working part-time.

His youngest sister had complained to his eldest sister about him coming home late, leading to a curfew being imposed.

He was constantly lectured about being considerate and responsible.

That incident had significantly impacted his earnings and restricted his freedom. He had even been dragged to places he didn’t want to go, subjected to mockery and ridicule.

Which was why…

He had a feeling this situation wouldn’t be much different.

Arina had asked him to look after Flora. If he allowed himself to be manipulated by her again, a curfew wouldn't be far-fetched, even without the game's intervention.

“Even if I don't get sick from the Kelbia allergy, a curfew is too risky.”

He could find ways to overcome spatial restrictions, but time… Time was a precious resource.

“Haa…”

He took a deep breath, calming his nerves.

Closed his eyes, and quickly assessed the situation.

This episode’s objective was to navigate the nobles' schemes against Carsein. His success or failure would determine the outcome.

He was currently at Viscount Gelgenton's villa, the same place where Carsein’s Kelbia allergy had been exposed, thanks to Flora.

So what about now?

It was obvious that no one here would interfere, not the nobles, nor their plus-ones.

This entire tea party was a setup, designed to exploit his weakness.

Which meant those nobles were planning to wait until he consumed the food, and then…

And that wasn’t all.

Someone else was in on this.

He had been lured back to the scene of the crime.

This was his reality now.

“So this is it, huh, Arina? You asked me to look after your precious little sister? The same little sister who enjoys tormenting me?”

Screw that.

He wasn’t going to play their game.

A surge of cold fury coursed through him as he picked up Flora’s discarded handkerchief.

He stepped out of the empty room, a plan forming in his mind, and approached a nearby servant.

“You there. Do you know when the tea party starts?”

“It should be in about fifteen minutes, sir.”

“Fifteen minutes…”

He recalled Tasha’s advice before leaving the Duchy. She had urged him to learn as much as he could about Viscount Gelgenton’s territory.

-Viscount Gelgenton’s villa is situated close to the village, ensuring a steady supply of fresh ingredients.

The village was only a short ride away, three minutes at most.

He had more than enough time.

“I need to step out for a bit.”

He had everything he needed to prepare.