episode_0018

The typical uses of intimacy are as follows.

First, it serves the purpose of entering predetermined episodes. When a certain level of intimacy is built with a character, additional actions become possible through sub-episodes.

Second, it serves as an indirect aid in clearing episodes. Typically, hints about the location of memorials or the correct choices are thrown as crumbs.

In other words, regardless of which side, one can consider that intimacy somewhat reduces the difficulties experienced by players as they progress through episodes.

Therefore, it is natural to raise the intimacy level with any character, and indeed, I had played by raising the intimacy levels of as many characters as possible for better choices.

However, Heron was a difficult case when it came to this intimacy game. Although the intimacy box existed, Heron’s intimacy hardly increased in any environment. This was precisely because he belonged to the most challenging category due to this particular trait.

He seemed to know a lot, but I couldn’t persuade Heron through the game system alone. Despite numerous trials and errors, that stubborn butler remained unchanged.

Utter neutrality.

A person standing on the boundary line without favoring anyone.

A man as unyielding as a stone, who could not be drawn in as an ally in any way.

The function of intimacy barely worked on him.

For this reason, I thought that soon I would face a rebuttal. My statement about not thinking the same way and my request for information about Claire’s coming of age ceremony and banquet were contradictory.

Instead, I left them untouched without pressing Heron with my earlier question.

To dispel suspicions that each of us had something we didn’t want to answer.

“Just a moment, please.”

However, contrary to my expectations, Heron, who had hesitated for a moment, did not argue and left the room. Moreover, not long after, he returned to my room with everything I had asked for.

“What’s this?”

Nothing was missing.

The adult ceremony pamphlet was detailed, including internal guidance and security arrangements, exactly as seen in the game.

“Is there anything else you need?”

“This is enough.”

Having concluded his business, Heron didn’t push further. Perhaps, he refrained from even asking questions he could have asked.

But maybe he hadn’t completely aired his doubts, as he asked something else.

“Milord, may I ask you one thing?”

“What is it?”

“Do you… hate the Duke of Vagrant?”

Hating the duke. It was an easy question to answer. What change would this single word bring? What impact would it have on the main episode? I don’t know. I just didn’t want to give an inch of respect to these people; my mind, Kim Min-hyuk’s, was a little ahead.

***

After the conversation with Heron, scenes I knew from the game began to unfold. Karsein waiting in the room as the sun gradually set. The adult ceremony was surely nearing its end. Once again, I looked at the choices.

▶[ Will you attend Claire’s adult ceremony? ]

[ 1. Attend. ]

[ 2. Do not attend. ]

“Well, I already suspected as much.”

After ending the conversation with Heron, I quickly estimated. First, the second character I knew had a personality similar to Claire’s. Just like during her birthday, if she doesn’t participate in the adult ceremony, Claire won’t just let it slide.

Perhaps, if this were possible, the intimacy would likely increase significantly. In the worst case scenario, an unknown dead trigger could also be activated.

Participation in the adult ceremony was perhaps nothing short of a predetermined course of events.

Still, it’s not like I didn’t prepare at all.

-Ddallang.

I called Camilla to let her know that I was going to the adult ceremony. When Camilla came into the room and saw me, she looked bewildered.

“Young master, are you really going like that?”

“Why? Is there a problem?”

“No, there’s nothing wrong with the clothes themselves, but… it’s the banquet of the Viscount of Bagrand, isn’t it…”

I knew what she meant.

But…

“You don’t have any other clothes to wear?”

There must be a clear reason. It’s because of the Kelpia fruit that Carcain deliberately ruined his clothes, so I can only wear this.

“The ladies will surely say something.”

“I know. If I go like this, it will only tarnish the Viscount’s reputation.”

At my words, Camilla’s eyes sparkled.

“So, are you planning to wear different clothes at the banquet after all?”

“No? Why would I?”

“What? But young master, just now…”

“I’m going as is. Of course, as I mentioned earlier, I just need to avoid tarnishing the Viscount’s reputation, right?”

Of course, it would seem strange. I said I would go to the banquet in attire that would only tarnish the Viscount’s reputation, yet I didn’t actually try to wear different clothes.

As if to say, “What are you talking about?” Camilla soon realized and widened her eyes. She covered her mouth with her hand, as if trying to hide her thoughts. Nevertheless, I couldn’t object. The clothes I was going to wear to the party had become too soiled to wear, and even if I called a designer now, I wouldn’t allow it. Since it usually took hours just to dress up, this time would have been quite tight. However, with this simple outfit, it shouldn’t take long.

I insisted on using this time as a time to laze around.

“Is there still work to be done today?”

“Oh, that… ”

Camilla, who had been hesitant, showed her intention to leave with a little more delay.

***

It was a special day.

As the new year approaches and at the same time, for Claire, the second young lady of the Bartrand family, who is celebrating her 19th birthday, tonight may not be as blessed as it seems.

Guests from all over will gather to celebrate the coming-of-age of the young lady, share gossip, give gifts, and spend a bustling day together. However, Claire’s expression was far from cheerful, even though the ceremony was filled with expectations.

It should have been the happiest day, of course. Naturally, she should have enjoyed the time as the protagonist of today. But an odd sensation lingered in her right hand.

“…”

Claire looked at her right hand. It was the hand that had struck Carsein’s cheek at the dinner table. She was infuriated by his behavior—ignoring meal etiquette, tearing into the meat like a beast, and then shamelessly claiming innocence when she tried to reprimand him.

She attempted to raise her voice to stop him, but his brazen attitude made her involuntarily strike him. Yet, the source of the disturbance was not Carsein.

“I apologize for the vulgar and filthy man. Someone like me would be better off not attending a coming-of-age ceremony, wouldn’t you agree?”

“If you don’t want to see something disgusting, you should leave first. Enjoy your meal.”

Carsein’s rough cheek, bleeding from the forceful strike, and his voice echoed incessantly in Claire’s mind.

“…”

“Claire Young Lady. Claire Young Lady?”

The guest calling for Claire repeated her name a few more times, but seeing her head bowed as if in a daze, Aria, who was present, stepped forward.

“Claire.”

“Oh.”

Placing a hand on her shoulder and giving her a few warnings, she finally came to her senses. There were already many people waiting for her around.

“The guests have come to congratulate you. You need to pull yourself together.”

During that brief distraction, she hadn’t even realized that the coming-of-age ceremony had ended.

“…I’m sorry.”

“Well, that can happen. It’s a common reaction for kids approaching adulthood. Claire Young Lady isn’t any different, so it’s endearing.”

“Our child was also worried about what to do. Don’t worry too much.”

They laughed and brushed it off as a minor mistake.

It was a clear breach of etiquette. Even receiving disapproving looks for being lost in her own thoughts while guests were waiting in line, the criticism didn’t stop there.

Nevertheless, everyone refrained from pointing out her behavior.

They weren’t particularly close.

Apart from a few friends she got along with, who were members of other noble families she had socialized with, most people were either mere acquaintances or had only heard of each other through business discussions between their families.

Looking at it more broadly, there were undoubtedly those who had come seeking connections with the Grand Duke Bagrand, some not just a few but in great numbers. Even those who had no relationship whatsoever were busy covering up their own actions, which made Claire feel even more embarrassed.

Despite being able to handle it first, she couldn’t help feeling overwhelmed by the fact that she hadn’t, and the sensation of unease that had driven her to clench her fists continued to linger in her mind and hands endlessly.

“Has Karsane arrived…?”

She had never seen him. She hadn’t seen Karsane up to this moment, just before the adult ceremony was about to take place. Could it be that he wasn’t coming?

“No, that can’t be. Mother said she would bring him.”

That’s what she firmly believed and decided to wait, engaging in various conversations with the guests.

***

As I was about to leave the mansion, a message suddenly appeared.

▶Completed pre-processing.◀

▶Reward given.◀

■Reward

[Recognition +10]

[A specific danger zone within the Duke Bagrand’s estate has been downgraded to a restricted level, and action points have increased.]

“What is this?”

This seemed like a sentence you might see when clearing a sub-episode occasionally. But pre-processing? I don’t even know what pre-processing was completed.

I just came out of the mansion because I thought it was the right time.

“Hahaha!”

Amidst my confusion, laughter from the nobles at the banquet hall echoed. Ironically, it quickly snapped me back to reality.

“Right. This isn’t the time to be worried about every little thing.”

▶CHAPTER 1 – Episode III: Claire’s Coming-of-Age Ceremony is in progress!◀

▶Move to the banquet hall!◀

I’m in the middle of the main episode, but if I get distracted by something else, I might end up on the road to the afterlife.

For now, it was best to avoid the options that lead to unwanted routes. The reason is obvious. It’s because Karsein isn’t a noble.

In this gathering of nobles from all corners of the empire, Karsein, picked up from a poor village, stands out as the sole blemish. Observing those of noble lineage standing tall in their rightful places, it seems that the esteemed individuals are quite displeased.

Not attending at all would be the best course of action, but not participating leads straight to a death ending, so I have no choice but to step in.

As I step in, the coming-of-age episode begins in earnest…

– Look at this kid. How dare you even try to imitate a noble?

– Even if the maids scrubbed you clean, that filthy blood won’t wash away. You fool!

As soon as Claire’s coming-of-age ceremony ends, the gathered nobles provoke and taunt Karsein.

“If Karsein can’t contain his anger and strikes the nobles, with some convincing lies added, good and evil will surely be distinguished.”

If that happens, it’s the worst outcome. Public opinion will never be favorable to Karsein.

▶You have entered the banquet hall.◀

▶Do you go to meet your family?◀

[1. Go to meet them.]

[2. Do not go to meet them.]

“This is absolutely not the time.”

When I first encountered this episode, I thought sticking close to one family member from the coming-of-age ceremony to the banquet might prevent the nobles from casually picking a fight, thus avoiding insulting another Bargrand right next to them.

It was a plan born from the idea that insulting Karsein might lead the nobles to pick a fight, and it turned out to be the most effective choice in the game.

However, I am currently in a position where I cannot and should not make that choice, all because of what happened just a few hours ago.

Kelvia has a reliable barrier called an allergy, but that doesn’t change the fact that the atmosphere has become tense. Openly picking a fight with one out of four people and upsetting their mood is also a factor that can’t be overlooked.

The most important thing is not knowing to what extent the hidden episode’s influence reaches. Because of the hidden episode that didn’t even come out in the game, I was greatly concerned about how the story might have changed. I had to carefully move in order to confirm the branches and proceed along the route I knew from the game.

Therefore, for now, I had no choice but to take a detour so as not to attract attention like this.

“Wait. Who are you?”

▶ [The guard is obstructing your entry. How will you react?]

[1. (Scornfully) You. How dare you speak so rudely to a noble?]

[2. (Pounding his chest with his fist) Who am I! Don’t you know? I’m Karsein Vagrand! You damn guard, are you too stupid to recognize your master?]

…

…

Oh… these insane choices.

Both options would greatly enhance Karsein’s notoriety.

I ignored them all and waited, looking at every option. I needed to be sure which branch I had entered.

Options 3 and 4 weren’t much different, and looking at option 5, I roughly grasped the situation.

“Sorry for being late. I came after receiving an urgent call.”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

“Oh, I see. Some people went to investigate those who embezzled from the duke this time because they received an urgent call.”

“I see. This guy must be one of them, right?”

“That’s right. Seeing him come at this hour, he must not have been here before… Is he a newly hired guy? He looks rather clueless though.”

“Even if he looks clueless, he’s the type who does what he’s told.”

“Is that so? Well, there’s no way the duke would hire someone without reason.”

They didn’t even know what Karsein looked like. It’s good for me. I just played along a little and smoothly passed it off.

“Well then, there’s no need to inspect him. Hm. There are many guests today, so be careful.”

“Be extra careful when that little Karceine kid comes again! If a spark flies onto you, it’ll be a real mess, you know?”

“Yes.”

The guards let me inside without any suspicion.

“Even though they saw me right in front of them, no one caught on? How convenient.”

My appearance, even to anyone seeing me now, was not noble-like at all, but rather plain and closer to that of a servant. There was no room for doubt.

Moreover, I aimed not to step foot here during the coming-of-age ceremony, but rather to join in the full-fledged revelry and banquet. This way, I could avoid any unnecessary friction with the nobles and steer clear of any potential conflicts.

As I stepped into the transformed banquet hall, I could move freely.

“As the event winds down, even a passing conversation with a glimpse of my face is enough to dodge any dead triggers. The issue is where to hide… ”

It was obvious where I would bide my time until Karceine’s party concluded. It was as clear as day, just like in a game.

A place to hide within this vast area.

Regardless of whether it’s the eyes of the nobles or the servants, if I were to speak of a hiding place within this expansive banquet hall, there would be no other place but here.

With certainty, I opened the door.

And then…

– Bang!

“…?!”

“Ouch!”

I collided with someone. A woman.