episode_0027

“The calculation is all done. When I add the money the young lady provided, it’s just right.”

The merchant, who had shown signs of wanting to drive me away, thinking there wasn’t enough money, quickly reverted to a greedy demeanor and concluded the deal.

However, even after the transaction was complete, my mind was far from at ease. Despite making the best possible preparations following the game’s storyline, the fact that I didn’t directly pay for the entire sum left me feeling uneasy.

What’s more, Camilla, who works at the marquis’s estate to help with her mother’s medical expenses, had contributed some of the money. The fact that she, who is quite sensitive about money, had paid on my behalf left me feeling conflicted.

“Everything is wrapped up. Do you need anything else?”

“No.”

I’ll have to think this through. Yes, for now, let’s head back.

I didn’t question why she had parted with some of the money, but given that in the game, the Dead Trigger related to Camilla remained a persistent concern until the end, I knew I needed to be cautious.

▶ Episode IV’s outing branch is in progress! ◀

▶ Ride back to the Marquis’s estate in Vagrand. ◀

In any case, questioning could wait.

Conveniently, the status window was also unresponsive. Even as I looked around, the sun was just about to set. Regardless of the circumstances, I needed to leave here quickly.

As the sun began to set and the twilight gradually revealed itself, I silently held the reins and shook them.

.

.

.

Before I knew it, the sun had completely disappeared, and with the twilight gone, I was able to re-enter the Marquis’s estate with Camilla.

Camilla had been quiet the entire time we rode, and she still hadn’t said a word. Honestly, I thought she might have initiated the conversation first.

“Thank you.”

When mounting and dismounting the horse.

Apart from expressing gratitude like this, no other conversation took place.

“Is something bothering her?”

As long as the situation continued with Karceine holding the leash, this could be an opportunity for Camilla to retaliate.

If we both had each other’s weaknesses, it could create room for negotiation. That’s why I moved to prepare for this situation in advance…

She had remained silent since arriving at the mansion by carriage, and it wasn’t until the stableman left that she finally broke her silence.

“I’ll carry the items myself. Please, go inside first, sir.”

“It’s fine. What’s so difficult about me carrying them myself?”

“Well, you must be tired, so it’s better for you to go in and rest quickly, isn’t it?”

“…I’m not tired from just going there and back.”

“Still, if someone of lower rank doesn’t do this, it might give a bad impression, sir.”

Camilla’s reaction was peculiar. She seemed awkward for simply carrying the items.

“It’s better for you to go in and rest because you might be tired.”

“If someone of lower rank doesn’t do this, it might give a bad impression.”

Camilla seemed to resist internally, but she didn’t utter a word of complaint.

‘If that’s the case…’

She pondered deeply.

In truth, Camilla might have been showing signs even before this. Given the intertwined stories behind each Dead Trigger, there must have been some kind of indication in such reactions, just like in the game.

‘Then, when did she show such clues?’

She began to carefully consider each moment.

When choosing the items? Avoiding the shopkeeper’s gaze? Upon arrival at the destination?

No, not here. Since there were no signs, she needed to go further ahead.

As she continued to rewind her memory, a significant conversation came to mind.

“I don’t know where you’re headed, but… taking me with you will surely be helpful.”

“The stableman seemed to be monitoring your movements.”

It was when she pleaded to be taken along, signaling the stableman’s attention.

If she could recall up to this point, she could vaguely guess Camilla’s intentions.

‘She wants me to leave here quickly. Before encountering someone who has been ordered to report my actions.’

Therefore, leaving now was all the more imperative.

“Why are you returning so late, Lord Karsen?”

A delicate fight is one that, from the start, has no reason to be avoided.

***

Episode III. After finishing Claire’s coming-of-age ceremony, Karsein is presented with mainly two choices.

The first is the option to visit the training grounds, and the second is the outing choice. Either way, it was a real moment of decision for Karsein.

Choosing the former could increase Areena’s intimacy. This branch builds up the perception that Karsein is making amends for past actions, which could not only positively influence Areena but also potentially affect future Dead Triggers.

However, there’s the penalty of having to clean the training grounds. It’s quite a waste of time, and considering Karsein’s physical condition, it would be quite challenging.

In the current case of choosing the latter, one could ignore Isabella’s summons. By exercising the legitimate right of a birthday gift, freedom of action becomes available for a set period.

I chose this because there’s an advantage in obtaining items in advance, but… as a penalty, I encounter Emma and face a crisis.

If I had come a little earlier, I might have avoided running into her, but there’s also the time to make a contract with Harnier and the reluctance to return quickly for the sake of appearing as lovers.

So, this penalty is unavoidable.

“Even as you age, my lord, your habits remain unchanged. Shooting outside until the sun sets. I simply cannot fathom why you choose such astonishing behavior,” Emma began to criticize my recent outing as if she had been waiting.

“Tsk.”

“W-What on earth…! Are you mocking me?!”

Perplexed, I ended up scoffing at her. In response, Emma, whose pride was wounded, scowled heavily and flustered.

Meanwhile, the options still hadn’t appeared.

Every time I heard those lines, I kept swallowing the words “Who do you think you are?” inside. It was perfect since the options hadn’t even shown up yet.

“Is your back still stiff, Emma?”

“…!”

Emma, who had been brimming with confidence, turned red with embarrassment in that moment.

“N-No, it’s not. Lord Karsein Vargrund.”

Her momentary confusion passed. This time, she straightened her back and answered without mispronouncing my name.

Repeating the same mistake seemed utterly ridiculous as she stood there, refusing to bow or utter a single word in what must have been a rather humiliating display. A woman employed in the noble profession of a viscountess under the House of Vargrandt, having to swallow her pride and apologize to a mere commoner from a rural village.

It was an experience she definitely did not want to repeat.

Emma concluded her greeting and then came back with a retort, “As a viscountess, I must inquire about the reason for your unauthorized outing, my lord. Why did you do so? Are you attempting to win the favor of the lady of the house in this manner?”

“Hmm? Unauthorized outing, you say? What nonsense is this? Has there ever been a culture in the Phecellos Empire where nobles needed permission from a mere viscountess for something as basic as going out?” When he responded in such a manner, Emma was taken aback, visibly flustered. Her expression revealed her wounded pride, but it was only for a moment.

“Is that even possible? I couldn’t possibly grant you permission for an outing, my lord. However, if you were to go out, you should have sought Lady Arina’s approval.”

There was a hint of belief in her words.

-Ding!

The choices always seem to fit perfectly here. It’s undeniable that it’s irrational, but nothing is as foolish as emotionally confronting Emma. Therefore, I need to carefully turn the tables first, using the tactic of claiming innocence, as I always have.

“This is the first time I’ve heard of this. Why would I need Arina’s permission for my outings?”

“I believe my lord has always required the first lady’s permission for his outings. Perhaps you’ve forgotten?”

Perhaps thinking she had maneuvered into a favorable position, Emma spoke again with a confident demeanor.

“Not only in the viscount’s residence, but also during the first lady’s coming-of-age ceremony, and even at the estate you ruined, my lord. Moreover, due to the number of incidents, weren’t you restricted from going out?”

Her words were not incorrect.

Back then, Carcine was actually under continuous outdoor restrictions. Even if it was a place where the entire family had to attend, they firmly kept watch to not leave him alone.

However, this was nothing but a shallow deception.

So, I stayed here with confidence.

Definitely. Without any contradiction.

Because there is a way to break Emma’s claim.

Now, shall we throw in some bait?

“If you restricted going out, it’s perfectly normal for me to hear about it first through Camilla. I didn’t hear such a thing.”

“Well, sir, are you sure you didn’t forget?”

“Oh, did I forget? Even though Camilla brought it up herself?”

“Even if that’s not the case, you often tell lies. You could have lied about forgetting.”

“What if I went out for another reason?”

“Sir, I’m sorry, but isn’t it impossible for you to have another reason to go out? Hurry and go see the eldest miss and apologize.”

Emma neatly picked up the bait I threw.

Not once, but three times. She was definitely asking without letting go.

“This is too much, Emma. I went out for a very important reason. Am I supposed to beg Ariana because I didn’t get permission?”

Then, as all the options hung in the air, someone hastily intervened in the conversation.

“Carcine, you have to beg Unni? What kind of nonsense is that?”

“K, Claire, Miss.”

Nice to meet you. Pink-haired one.

***

My position is quite unfavorable. Carcine’s outings draw negative attention in various ways within the aristocratic circle.

Like when knights draw their swords claiming they’ve been insulted.

Similarly, causing a commotion by claiming insult from a maid within the aristocratic residence.

Or knocking down a nobleman during Ariana’s coming-of-age ceremony.

Causing economic ruin in the estate, receiving all sorts of reports and petitions.

Just leaving the seat or going out alone, Carcine is firmly believed to cause trouble.

The situation was unfavorable, as the overflowing sense of disapproval made it seem like he might do something outrageous if he went outside, leaving him in an extremely disadvantageous position.

Consequently, if he were to confront Emma head-on, he would be bound to lose. Regardless of the choice he made, he couldn’t avoid diminishing the closeness of his family.

“But if more people hear this story, it could change.” Isn’t that right, Emma?

– Gulp!

As I responded with a glance, Emma’s expression rapidly soured.

“Tell me. What’s going on that you’re fighting with Emma?”

Ugh. Claire, who only gave bad endings, wasn’t someone I could rely on right now.

Because I had managed the choices and intimacy in advance, everything seemed fine.

I shrugged my shoulders and replied, “Harin said that to me. She didn’t even ask for permission and went out, so she’s begging Arina for forgiveness.”

“Hmm. That’s what she said, huh.”

Rubbing her chin and alternating her gaze between Emma and me, she said, “Considering how many accidents you’ve had, it’s reasonable to raise concerns. This is your responsibility.”

“So, you’re telling me to beg Arina for forgiveness?”

“No, it’s not that. If you just explain why you went out, there shouldn’t be a big problem. If you had an accident, a letter will arrive at the mansion by tomorrow.”

At her words, Emma’s face turned pale, while I felt as if I were about to burst into laughter.

“So, what? Why did you go outside?”

This was a chance I couldn’t afford to miss.

“For a birthday present.”

“What?”

“My mother allowed me to go out as a birthday gift.”

Claire’s pupils widened significantly.

“W-what are you talking about? A birthday present?”

“Oh, right. You didn’t know, did you?” I sneered once more, adding to Claire’s confusion. “My birthday is on December 31st.”

At that moment, Claire’s eyes lost their sparkle.