episode_0013

“Just pretend to work and then leave quietly. That way, you can avoid Claire’s suspicions.”

“What? B-but…”

“Sorry, but I find you quite uncomfortable. Don’t make me repeat myself.”

She knew best why she felt uncomfortable. She also knew that choosing the best way to avoid Claire’s suspicion was for the best. She was aware that even this measure might disappear if she engaged in any further nonsense.

After that, Camilla stopped responding.

“Would it be alright if I washed at least the towels instead of using this rag?”

-Ding!

[1. I’d really like to shove this rag into your mouth.]

[2. If I’m making you uncomfortable, should I just leave?]

[3. Do as you wish.]

[4. Take a break while working. I’ve heard your circumstances.]

The final choice appeared. After selecting this, the branching point of Episode III would soon be determined. However, even in playing the game, that discomforting sentence suddenly appeared. There was a time when I too made such remarks in nurturing. How could I show such tolerance to a woman who tormented me? Therefore, I do not want to choose only that.

“Well, do as you please.”

After that, Camilla silently did the laundry in the bathroom alone. Although it took quite some time, one could say she was quick-witted in doing so.

She simultaneously pretended to work, buying time, and followed the command not to be a nuisance.

When I finished a simple meal and saw her taking the dishes away, her expression seemed somewhat less anxious.

***

The status window remained silent after that until Camilla left my room, only then reappearing.

▶CHAPTER 1 – The branching point of Episode III is designated!◀

▶Episode III. Claire’s Coming of Age is in progress!◀

▶Meet Claire and engage in conversation!◀

“It’s finally up.”

It’s much better to directly proceed with the main episode rather than going through other branches. This was exactly the state I was hoping for.

Now that I’ve secured the route I wanted, it’s time to think about the events of the main episode. In this game, intimacy holds a significant weight.

When the system reflects the degree of enmity towards Karsein within the author’s mind and changes the choices accordingly, it significantly increases influence while narrowing the range to change the target’s options.

So, if there’s a chance to raise intimacy, it’s definitely best to take it. It’s even better if the person has significant influence in the author’s mind.

And the opportunity has come. Since I’ve entered the route without hiring a maid, this was a chance to increase Claire’s intimacy.

But I shouldn’t jump to conclusions.

While I aim to increase intimacy, there are also complex situations overlapping with turning off the dead trigger.

If I have to choose one, I should boldly give up on intimacy and turn off the dead trigger.

Dressed carefully, I left the room.

“Let’s see… Claire was in the second-floor bookstore at this time, right? I should head in that direction.”

However, the status window seemed to indicate otherwise.

▶ Claire is currently in the kitchen! ◀

▶ Go to the kitchen to meet Claire. ◀

“Huh? In the kitchen?”

Why would she be there? According to the story, she would usually be reading something in the bookstore.

…But the progress window doesn’t lie about these things.

-Ding!

▶ Claire is currently in the kitchen! ◀

▶ Go to the kitchen to meet Claire. ◀

As I tried to move in the opposite direction, a warning immediately popped up.

I don’t know the reason, but for now, it seems not so different from meeting Claire as instructed.

As directed, I turned my steps towards the kitchen in the exact opposite direction.

Before long, just as the status window had said, I saw pink hair. Claire was intently watching something in the kitchen.

-Ding!

[ 1. What are you doing here? ]

[ 2. If you keep staring like that, won’t the chef get scared and not work properly? ]

[ 3. Why did you come to the kitchen to eat so much? Are you a pig? Well, pigs are pink too. ]

“This is insane. Even if they provide choices, why put out something like this?”

I don’t know about the others, but option 3 seems like a one-way ticket to the afterlife. Option 2 seems like a surefire way to get a harsh response.

The intimacy level didn’t seem to make much difference, even with a 2% increase. Is it really that insignificant?

I sighed deeply in my mind and chose option 1.

“What are you doing here?”

“K-Karsein?”

Claire turned around in surprise.

What’s wrong?

I just asked what you were doing. Why are you so startled?

“You, of all people, why did you come here?”

“This. It fell when I had a cold. I found it while cleaning.”

“Huh. You should have asked one of the maids to do it. Why bring it yourself?”

“Well, who do you think said that?”

“Hey.”

It was because of what you said.

As I hinted at this, Claire swallowed hard as if she had drunk a cup of bitter water.

“Miss… really. Let’s not dwell on that. I won’t tell the maids to do things for you anymore. And…”

-Swish.

“It’s honey water. I made it myself, so drink it without worry.”

Claire pushed the cup she had in front of me towards me.

‘What? Is she really offering this to me to drink?’

Why was she in the kitchen instead of the bookstore? Was it because of this?

-Ding!

▶Claire offers honey water. How will you respond?◀

[ 1. (Taking the cup) Thank you. I’ll drink it well. ]

[ 2. (Tipping the cup over, spilling it on the floor) Now you offer? ]

[ 3. Don’t worry. I’m completely recovered. ]

This is unbelievable.

Seeing the options pop up, it seems like it’s really the case.

‘Why is everything so tangled up?’

I can guess the correct answer. If we had met at the bookstore, I would have just handed her a book that could help with the cold recovery, and by accepting it, the intimacy level would have increased slightly.

In a similar scene, I must accept Claire’s kindness here. If I stubbornly choose option 2, I’ll only end up lowering the intimacy level for no reason, and option 3 is a regrettable choice to miss out on a chance that came for free.

“Shouldn’t you drink it before the dishes?”

However, I prioritize managing the Dead Trigger over the current intimacy level. So I have something smart to say.

[ 3. Don’t worry. I’m completely recovered. ]

“Don’t worry. I’m completely recovered from the cold. But, do you understand that your actions put me in a difficult position?”

“Why aren’t you drinking? What’s with the sudden change of topic?”

“I’m telling you to stop bothering Camilla.”

Claire’s eyes, filled with disdain, turned towards Karceine at the mention of that name.

“What are you even saying, Karceine? You’re the victim, and yet you’re suspecting the perpetrator?”

“That’s exactly it. I am a suspect, not a criminal.”

“That’s an absurd statement! The most likely suspect is clearly her!”

That’s true.

Of course, I think the same way.

Being in the best position to torment Karceine is precisely the role of the personal maid.

But I reiterated,

“I’ll say it again, the suspect is not the criminal. They are merely a person of interest.”

“Are you seriously taking her side, Camilla? Have you lost your mind?”

Of course. If she dies because of you, I die too.

Prioritizing pulling the trigger over this nonsense. Even if it means sacrificing some intimacy.

“The extract of Riegomos leaves. Riegomos essence. They were both stimulants used in my dessert and awakening agent. Do you remember that?”

“You’re conveniently bringing that up! Whether it’s the food, the water in the bathroom, or the water in the kettle, even if other maids did it, this is evidence that can pinpoint the culprit!”

“No, it’s the opposite. It creates a justification that they are not the culprit.”

“What?”

“How could a mere maid, especially one with restricted movement, acquire such items on their own? And how did they manage to do so without getting caught?”

At that question, Claire’s intense gaze softened slightly.

“Shayden wouldn’t make a mistaken judgment. But we can’t be certain that Camilla is the main actor. There must be someone else who obtained those items.”

“Do you know who the culprit is? Who could it possibly be?”

“I don’t know. But how many people at the Duke’s estate might dislike me?”

“…!!”

Claire fell silent once more.

Yes. There’s no need to count them one by one.

It would be faster to find those who show kindness instead.

This should drive the point home.

“And there are more reasons why I’m convinced that Camilla isn’t the main actor.”

“Camilla was actually diligent and had a good reputation among the maids. But she’s carrying a significant burden.”

“…Is it about struggling to pay for her sick mother’s medicine?”

“Yes.”

In truth, I didn’t know much about Camilla’s mother. Information was provided in a different branch of choices, but survival being my primary objective, I couldn’t delve into those details.

Struggling to pay for her sick mother’s medicine.

I’ve gained another piece of information.

This should bring things to a close.

“The maid who was locked up in solitary confinement because of suspicions surrounding me has returned as my personal maid. However, if you keep pressuring her like this, even the existing maids will disappear. If that happens, today’s normal meal might turn back into a salted one.”

Today, Camilla brought a regular meal. If she were truly the culprit as you claim, why wasn’t the food salted today?

As I countered in this manner, Claire seemed shocked and remained silent for a while.

She probably didn’t realize that her attempt to corner Karceine as the culprit was actually pushing her into a corner.

Even if it contained lies, it seemed like I had deceived her well.

“Claire.”

When I called her name to prompt a response, Claire scowled and shouted, “Fine, whatever! Just shut up!”

“I’ll say it again, the likelihood of Camilla being the instigator is low.”

“Fine! So just drink that and leave! You idiot!”

Reactions from individuals with such a hot-tempered nature were familiar. Without sufficient buildup, they would have quickly resorted to slapping and telling me not to talk nonsense.

But at present, she was listening attentively to my words.

So, now it was my turn to be heard. When dealing with such personalities, a give-and-take approach worked best.

-Horok.

I did take the warm water as Claire suggested, but since I chose option 3, the intimacy level wouldn’t rise. Nevertheless, I believe this was a fairly decent exchange.

[A sip of warm water revitalizes your energy.]

[Some abnormal status is partially recovered.]

As the status window revealed the effects of the honey water, Claire’s sullen expression softened slightly.

“Hey, are you planning to drink all of that and leave?”

“What?”

“It’s my coming-of-age ceremony. Don’t just leave after drinking that much, using being sick as an excuse.”

Ah, was that what she meant?

I had hastily turned off the urgent fire and was trying to figure out a way to avoid attending the ceremony.

“Darn it. I shouldn’t have drunk it.”

While cursing internally, I knew better than anyone that regretting it now was pointless. This game was a no-win situation.

With an irritated tone, Claire gave me a reproachful remark and left the kitchen without another word.

As her pink hair faded from my sight,

Ping! The status window unfolded.

“Huh?”

For a moment, I doubted my eyes. I was sure I had chosen option 3.

“Tsk!”

Claire, glancing to the right as she stepped outside, clicked her tongue and turned her head, but that direction didn’t register in her vision.

Under the automatically displayed status window, there was a sentence indicating that the result exceeded the choices made.

The rewards were not properly given yet as the episode hadn’t been cleared, but…

▶Received Claire Bagrand’s favor.◀

▶Successfully brought about results beyond the choices made.◀

▶Intimacy is increasing!◀

[ Claire Bagrand ]

[ ▣□□□□□□□□□ ]

[ Intimacy Level: 5% ]

“I didn’t expect both of these to happen.”

The intimacy level, which I had intended to give up by turning off the dead trigger, had actually increased.

“Well, I should just consider this as a fortunate resolution. Or maybe I handled it well due to a similar experience? Oh, and receiving the honey water might have contributed to the increase for that reason.”

There are many speculations. But I don’t really know what the right answer is. I’ve never experienced this kind of situation even in the game.

“Still, if I caught two birds with one stone, it’s a gain.”

Claire’s footsteps grew distant.

However, engrossed in the status window, I failed to notice that the footsteps were actually two, not one.