Mod7 Translations

I Have A Damn Family Again - Chapter 15

Added 2024-07-20 22:15:00 +0000 UTC

Chapter 15: Claire’s Coming-of-Age Ceremony (5)

How long had they been staring at me?

At least 30 seconds… Well, maybe that was just how it felt. But at least 10 seconds had passed.

Their gazes were still fixed on me.

I didn't know how to respond.

Finally, I spoke,

“I apologize. I arrived as soon as I was summoned, but it seems I’m late.”

Isabella’s slightly parted lips finally closed.

“You’re not late, so there’s no need to apologize. Have a seat.”

“Yes.”

I wasn’t late.

So at least the atmosphere wouldn't be tense because of that.

‘The seat… Ah.’

She hadn’t told me where to sit, but there was a place setting with a pulled-out chair. That must be my seat.

‘But of all places…’

It was next to the prickly pink-haired one.

If it had been Arina or Flora, I wouldn’t have to worry, but with Claire, I could already imagine her finding fault with everything and ruining my breakfast.

As expected, it started the moment I sat down.

“Now you finally look like a Bagrand.”

Claire’s voice, her chin resting on her hand, was laced with sarcasm.

It was as if she was saying, why didn’t you dress like this all the time?

“So, are you satisfied? After threatening the maids like that.”

“It’s decent enough. But… threatening them?”

“You forced them to come assist me even though I can bathe myself. Isn’t that threatening them?”

“What are you talking about? It’s natural for maids to serve their master. It’s a special occasion, so what’s wrong with asking them to dress you up?”

“You said maids were a waste of resources before.”

“Wow, you’re being petty! We agreed not to talk about that anymore…! I did it because I didn’t want you to come here looking like a beggar!”

“Claire.”

Isabella gently reprimanded Claire for mocking Carsein.

Arina also gave her a warning look.

“But Mom, I’m telling the truth.”

“Even if it’s true, you shouldn't call Carsein a beggar.”

“He always dressed like a beggar, so I called him a beggar! Why don’t you dress like this all the time?”

I knew from experience that it was best to ignore these petty arguments, so I remained silent.

Arina told Claire to watch her language, and their bickering finally subsided.

I glanced at their affinity levels.

[Isabella Bagrand]
[Affinity: 35%]

[Claire Bagrand]
[Affinity: 5%]

[Arina Bagrand]
[Affinity: 2%]

[Flora Bagrand]
[Affinity: 0%]

‘Isabella and Arina’s affinity went up because I progressed through the episodes smoothly. Claire’s is at a decent level because of yesterday's events, and a bit of luck.’

If I included the maids, there might be some question marks, but the fact that there were fewer dark boxes meant that my reputation had improved.

It was a bit lower than the optimal affinity levels I had achieved in the game, but it was still manageable.

I had chosen the right options for each character, progressed through the episodes without any major issues, and hadn’t decreased my reputation score.

In other words, things were going smoothly.

The last main dish was brought to the table. The other dishes were already impressive, but the appearance of the dish placed in the center confirmed that this was the real deal.

It might sound strange, but this magnificent breakfast feast made me feel like all the meals I had eaten in the past few days were nothing but dog food.

The aroma alone was tantalizing. The sophisticated scents from each dish stimulated my appetite, making my mouth water.

The glistening meat juices, the fresh vegetables, the combination of seafood… It was a feast for the eyes as well.

I almost forgot about affinity and everything else.

But then, I realized.

▶Consuming this will trigger a Kelbia allergy!◀
▶Main Symptoms: Vomiting, nausea, dizziness, fever, chills, etc.◀

Even though I was invited to this breakfast as a legitimate son of the duchy, this food wasn’t meant for me.

“Oh, can Carsein eat this?”

“Don’t worry, Mom. I asked Shaiden. He said Carsein’s condition has improved, and he can eat it now.”

“That’s good to hear. Then let’s eat, everyone. I’m sure you’re all hungry.”

“Yes.”

The meal began with Isabella’s announcement.

I was suspicious. I couldn’t help but wonder if someone was behind this, given the past incidents.

And there was only one person who would tamper with the food. So I kept my eyes on the little girl across from me, who was cutting her meatball.

“...!”

Our eyes met.

Flora flinched and quickly averted her gaze, as if she had something to hide.

However…

‘No. She’s not showing any signs of guilt this time.’

If Flora was the culprit, she would have given me a smug look, trying to provoke me. Her goal would be to make me react emotionally, causing a scene that would further damage my reputation.

Of course, she could be pretending not to know, but I could tell. I had been through this countless times, and I could distinguish between genuine and feigned innocence.

So it was obvious.

The answer was clear.

‘Now, how do I solve this?’

I couldn’t act impulsively like Carsein.

And I couldn’t simply ignore it.

I wasn’t going to let them get away with this twice.

“What? You haven’t even touched your food? Aren’t you eating?”

“The chef put a lot of effort into preparing this meal since the entire family is present. It’s common courtesy to eat it, Carsein.”

Claire, noticing that I hadn’t touched my food, chided me, and Arina chimed in.

It’s common courtesy to eat this.

Right. That’s what they were like.

Their words betrayed their indifference. Their only concern was whether or not I would cause a scene, so they were scrutinizing my every move.

But I didn’t mind.

In fact, I was grateful.

‘Because you’re so indifferent… I can be even more ruthless.’

I had learned this from my many trials and errors in the game. Carsein was constantly tormented.

And every time he reacted, it only made things worse, so it was best to stay silent. But this situation was different.

“Carsein? Why are you getting up? You’re not eating.”

First, this scene was skipped in the game, so no choice window would appear.

“You’re not sick like last time, are you? You got a clean bill of health from Shaiden. Why don't you stay a while longer and talk with Mother?”

Second, I knew exactly who was behind this, who was probably watching me and snickering.

“Gasp…!”

Third, I could use this action to pressure them before the scheduled episode even began.

So this was the best solution.

—Thud.

‘You brought this upon yourselves.’

You lower-class scum, and you high-and-mighty bitches.

From that brat who had been tormenting me since the past to the indifferent adoptive mother…

Screw your coming-of-age ceremony.

—Rip.
—Crack! Crunch!

I grabbed the roast turkey, the main dish, and tore it apart with my bare hands. I ripped off a leg and chomped down, the tender meat crunching between my teeth, juices splattering everywhere.

Meat and gravy landed on the other dishes, ruining their pristine presentation.

The table was a mess.

But what did I care?

I had only one thing to say.

“Thank you for the meal.”

You invited me to eat, didn’t you? As a family.

***

—Chomp. Chomp.

“Wow, this is delicious! It just melts in my mouth.”

I said, then ripped off another piece of meat with my bare hands, shoving it into my mouth. A human capable of using utensils was now acting like a caveman.

Everyone at the table stared at me, their faces hardening.

Nobility, the pinnacle of society.

No one would have expected this to happen in the Bagrand duchy, the family at the top of the hierarchy, second only to the Pesselus Imperial family.

Manners. Grace.

All sense of decorum had vanished. Carsein was focused solely on satisfying his primal hunger.

The two sisters, unable to bear it any longer, finally spoke.

“This little… I thought he was finally behaving!”

“What are you doing, Carsein?!”

“What does it look like? I’m eating breakfast.”

I responded, tearing off another piece of meat, and their faces twisted in disgust.

“That’s not what I asked! How dare you act so rudely, especially in front of Mother?!”

“Oh, I guess you’re right. I wouldn’t want to eat this after seeing my food being manhandled. Sorry, sorry. Okay?”

“You vulgar creature! I thought you had finally learned some manners, but you never change! Someone, get in here!”

Arina, disgusted, summoned the servants. Isabella was pressing her hand to her forehead, trying to ignore the scene.

Claire, however, couldn’t take it anymore. She slapped me across the face.

—Slap!

My cheek burned.

“Ouch! Why did you hit me? I’m just eating!”

“You little…! Do you want another one?! You should be reflecting on your actions!…”

Claire raised her hand again, ready to strike, but she seemed to be holding back, glancing at Flora and Isabella.

Meanwhile, blood was trickling down my cheek from a scratch left by her nails. I felt a sharp pain and the sensation of something wet running down my face. It was blood.

“This is so unfair. I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Are you still not getting it? You think you have the right to talk back to me after eating like a pig?”

“Yes, I do.”

“...!”

Claire’s blue eyes blazed with fury. If I said anything else, she would definitely hit me again.

I turned my head towards the servants before she could strike.

“Someone, go get Shaiden!”

“This is ridiculous. You create this mess, and now you’re demanding to be treated by the physician?”

Arina clicked her tongue, ordering the maids once more.

“That’s enough! Everyone, return to your positions. This… this creature’s words aren’t worth listening to.”

The maids, who hadn’t moved in the first place, remained frozen in their spots. Well, not all of them. And soon, the truth would be revealed.

“This is your fault, Carsein. So apologize, now.”

Thanks to Arina’s words, I had become the villain who ruined the breakfast.

As expected, with their preconceived notion that Carsein was always at fault, it would be difficult to change their minds.

And the main contributors to this perception were these four people.

Carsein’s family.

“Apologize, now. If you do, I’ll let it slide.”

The pink-haired one joined in, telling me that she would forgive me if I apologized sincerely.

Why should I?

It had been a few minutes since I had called for Shaiden. He should be arriving at the dining room soon.

I wouldn’t back down.

“This is so unfair. They told me to eat, so I ate. Why am I being hit for listening to them?”

“…?”

“I’d rather be sick in bed with a cold. I wouldn’t be hit, and at least I’d get proper food. Don’t you agree, Claire?”

I emphasized the word “proper,” subtly directing my words at the other person involved, and someone else flinched.

“You…!”

Just as Claire was about to raise her hand again…

“I heard you summoned me.”

Shaiden, the duchy’s physician, had arrived.

I met Claire’s gaze, unyielding, and continued.

“Shaiden, you’re a physician, so you must have examined me thoroughly when I collapsed. Right?”

“Yes, Master.”

“You must have carefully checked what I ate, what ingredients were in the food.”

“Of course.”

“Then tell me why I can’t eat this food. Tell me everything. If I’m wrong, I’ll accept a month of house arrest.”

Claire’s eyes widened in shock.

The others were also surprised. Not just Claire, but Arina, Isabella, and Flora as well.

I’m sorry, but I hadn’t summoned Shaiden to prove myself right.

***

Carsein left the dining room after calling for Shaiden.

“Shaiden will investigate, so I don’t need to stay here any longer. I’m leaving.”

“You might as well reflect on your actions. It won’t lessen your punishment, but…”

“Do whatever you want.”

Carsein’s attitude was unwavering, his resolve unshaken. He left the dining room without any hesitation.

Claire kept her eyes fixed on the table. Arina remained unchanged, while Flora hid behind her. Isabella was still avoiding the scene.

Shaiden, summoned to the dining room and asked to explain why Carsein couldn’t eat the food, was understandably flustered. However, he had brought his notes with him.

The medical report, a detailed record of Carsein’s condition, would contain the key to solving this mystery.

Shaiden examined several dishes, then dropped a few reagents onto them. His jaw dropped.

“Who ordered the preparation of this meal?”

“I did, Shaiden.”

Isabella spoke softly, still avoiding the table. She seemed to already know the answer.

“You ordered this meal…?”

“No, I asked them to prepare it. But I gave the chef a specific list of dishes.”

“Lady Claire… Are you aware that this meal uses Kelbia fruit extensively?”

“Kelbia fruit? I’m not familiar with that. I just gave them a list of dishes to prepare. I didn’t ask for anything to be added.”

“Ha… Is that so. Then it seems someone else used this fruit, not Lady Claire.”

Shaiden sighed deeply.

And then…