episode_0261

-Knock, knock.

I’ve been drumming my fingers lightly on the table, lost in thought for hours.

How many hours have I spent since that window popped up?

The original plan had been put on hold for quite some time, and the plan had already fallen apart, making today a completely different day.

But it was a matter worth considering.

When I opened my eyes in the morning and saw the status window, the message that Arina’s intimacy had decreased was enough to change my priorities, putting everything else aside.

“Nothing happened yesterday, obviously. There was no sign or indication of anything like that.”

As the saying goes, Arina finished the second day of the martial arts competition without a hitch.

There was no conversation going on with me, and no switches were pressed that would have bothered me.

However, as soon as we entered the third day, a variable arose…

From here on out, it was likely that I was the cause.

The immutable law of this game. If you follow the exact same route and show exactly the same actions, then the set story will continue.

However, if the storyline that was progressing in the game does not follow the exact same path and is even slightly distorted, then other factors will intervene.

That is, a variable was involved in my actions.

The outcome within the game can lead to other outcomes, leaving room for variables to intrude.

With that, I could guess one thing.

“…Martial Arts Tournament Results.”

My current performance and perception are much different than what’s happening in the game.

Chapter 3 is a situation where there is more freedom than the previous chapters due to the existence of Another Plan. Here, if you raise the achievement rate a little more, you will get Noblesse Points, so you can say that you have achieved your intended goal, but…

From a slightly different perspective, it could be said that the story was twisted because it did not proceed as it is in the familiar game story.

By focusing on this element, we were able to pinpoint what appeared to be the cause.

-Because your performance in this martial arts tournament was so outstanding, there are rumors going around that you might become Bagrand’s successor.

“Harnie pointed it out well.”

A rumor that came to mind while spending the second day of the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.

Yeah, because of that rumor.

“The rumors that spread widely among the nobles will inevitably reach the Bagrand Dukes, and if they hear about it and their intimacy level drops…”

The causal relationship is somewhat consistent.

You may find it strange, but the Bagrand Dukes are the family that Arina was supposed to inherit in the first place.

She always fulfilled her duties as the eldest daughter of the duke’s family.

When the ducal family was shaken by Isabella’s mental illness, she became the pillar that held the family together.

Not only that, but she had already shared Isabella’s work and laid a foundation for her two younger siblings to grow up, and this anecdote was even covered by all the newspapers. If you look at the newspapers of the past, they would often churn out articles that left no doubt that Arina would be the next head of the family.

“But what if it were said that I could take that spot?”

It’s obvious.

It looks like some thief is stealing it.

Moreover, he has to compete with his own children, who are not even his blood relatives and were brought up in the slums.

I hate to admit it, but if you look at it from a different perspective, this is something that Arina would find extremely unpleasant.

“Still, the solution is surprisingly simple.”

Anyway, this solved the problem that had been bothering me for several hours.

Yeah. So it’s all because of that rumor?

“Camilla.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Prepare the carriage.”

It would be enough to say outright that I have no interest in succession.

The perfect environment for that to happen is also provided within the episode.

***

“Your Majesty. The carriage is ready.”

“Yeah.”

I came out dressed appropriately, hearing Camilla’s voice coming from outside.

First of all, I guess I’ll have to ask.

“What did you order me to investigate?”

“I’m sorry. I guess the other maids and even my mother didn’t notice…”

“I’m not trying to scold you, so lift your head. I didn’t expect that in the first place.”

Well, I guess so.

Just in case, I gave Camilla some instructions.

I wonder if Arina’s feelings are hurt.

I wonder if there are any unusual signs from Arina today.

I asked him to ask me anything, even if it was just something small.

I tried to get more information about Arina from Camilla, who was friendly with the maids and had a wide network of connections, but it seemed like this was a total waste of time.

‘Well, there’s no way this damn game would fall apart just like that.’

Chapter 3 is based on Another Plan, and there are many situations that interfere with the player’s objectives. I had to try to do something about it in-game, but… there’s no way I could deal with it with such shallow methods.

So now, I’m left with only one option.

-Tiring!

▶Missing story found.◀

▶You must complete the essential main episode!◀

▶Changes the content of Episode III currently in progress.◀

▶Episode III. Arina’s birthday is in progress.◀

We will confront the already known intervention factor of Arina’s birthday head-on. If we clear the main episode and restore the intimacy that has decreased to its original level, we will be able to overcome this crisis.

The location of Arina’s birthday party was as written on the invitation.

Before getting on the carriage, I put the invitation in and checked my appearance one more time.

The outfit should be neat and not flashy.

Even so, it should be in keeping with the status of a noble and the dignity of Bagrand.

The point is to look as decent as possible without appearing extravagant.

It may sound funny, but in the game, this alone was enough to slightly increase Arina’s intimacy.

If you wear clothes that you like and don’t act like a jerk, that’s also a plus.

After finishing my inspection, I got on the carriage.

At that moment, Camilla asked me cautiously.

“Your Majesty. Wouldn’t it be better for you to go with Youngae to Harnie?”

“Harnier?”

“Yes. I’m a little worried.”

It’s Arina’s birthday party that she’s attending with Harnie. I think I know what you’re thinking.

‘If I show up in a place where nobles gather, it’s obvious that something will happen. Having even one ally here would make a huge difference.’

Isn’t that ally even your fiancée?

Even if I cause trouble, I can’t do it in front of my fiancée.

Even in the worst of circumstances. Even in the best of circumstances.

And usually, the fiancée comes to visit too.

In every way, it exudes naturalness.

In other words, in a word, it was insurance.

Camilla’s advice was sound enough.

but.

“If she were my fiancee, she’d be very busy right now. I can’t waste my time on that.”

This is entirely my fault.

I was the one who started the rumor and I was the one who didn’t notice it.

I started the work and now I ask someone else to be my shield.

I don’t want to do that to Harnie, even though I don’t want to lose my cool and just use her to her heart’s content and then throw her away.

…How can you use someone who only shows pure kindness as a shield?

‘Besides, we’ve already figured out a solution to this problem.’

Instead of calling Harnie, you can just resolve the issue and come back.

“I don’t know if there’s any other reason to bring Harnie, but did you receive any other contact?”

“…No, that didn’t arrive.”

“Really? Then it doesn’t matter.”

As they climbed into the carriage, indicating their refusal, Camilla gave a curt reply.

“Take care, my lord.”

I nodded slightly and closed the door.

-Tiring!

▶Episode III. Arina’s Birthday is in progress.◀

▶Go to Arina’s birthday party.◀

▶You can’t return to your accommodation. Would you like to move now?◀

[ 1. Move now ]

[ 2. After a little more preparation, move on. ]

There’s nothing more to see.

I’ve done all the preparations and I’ve figured out what the problem was.

What was needed now was to let him know as soon as possible that I was not interested in becoming his successor and to restore our intimacy to its original state.

As I waited without saying anything, option 1 was automatically selected, and the carriage began to move with a short whine.

“By the way, it’s July 1st.”

What kind of coincidence is this?

Arina’s birthday was also on the same day as her eldest child’s birthday.

So suddenly my mouth felt bitter.

That day…

“Tsk. Thinking like this for no reason.”

I shook my head to clear away useless old thoughts.

***

“What? You already left?”

Harnie, who was choosing a dress, suddenly turned her head when she heard the news Mina brought.

“Yes. I asked Camilla just in case… It looks like she’s already left.”

Harnie grabbed the hem of her pajamas with one hand with a puzzled expression.

‘Tch. That won’t do.’

Immediately, Harnie’s lips pout out.

I had already anticipated that Karsine would have an outing.

Today is none other than the birthday of none other than the eldest daughter of the Bagrand Dukes, Arina Bagrand. Although they are not on good terms, it was obvious that she would show up on her birthday since she hates getting involved in unnecessary gossip.

However, the schedule was brought forward too early.

I heard yesterday that there were no items prepared, so I tried to make clothes that fit him… but I couldn’t give them to him since he left so quickly.

Mina asked Harnie with a mischievous smile.

“What should I do? I finally made an excuse to be with you.”

“What what what what, what are you talking about…!”

“That’s right, Miss. I was going to show you the clothes I designed myself, try them on, and have a cozy date.”

“Ugh…!”

A face that turns red quickly.

It was exactly as he said.

But it’s not just that.

“Mina. First, can you help me put on the dress?”

“Suddenly?”

“Yeah. I have to follow right away.”

To prepare for an unexpected accident, you must follow him and stay by his side, even if it is late.

Karsane’s family relationship is not as good as Harnier’s.

I heard that he deliberately avoided Claire’s coming-of-age ceremony, and even intentionally did something to hurt himself on Flora’s birthday.

That’s why I wanted to go together.

Because even if a problem arises in front of my fiancée, I can deal with it.

For example, if you are falsely accused, even if there is only one ally, they can become a strong witness.

If you are going to be blamed and criticized by your family for causing the incident, you can create an ambiguous way to escape by stepping in and scolding them in front of your fiancee.

Not only that, but whether he was stabbed or suffered an invisible wound, he could personally heal those wounds by being by Karsine’s side.

“Mina. Can you hurry up a little?”

“Hey. Wait a minute. If you want the lines to be prettier, here… Ouch!”

“That’s okay, hurry up. Okay?!”

“Wait a minute! I really need to wear this accessory!”

“There’s no time for that!”

I don’t want to see the man I like being eaten away by invisible wounds.

So, now is the time to go and protect him as soon as possible.

***

▶Episode III. Arina’s Birthday is in progress.◀

▶Arrived at Arina’s birthday party venue.◀

▶You have entered a restricted area. Be careful with your actions.◀

‘It’s a restricted field.’

After Claire’s coming of age ceremony, it’s Flora’s birthday. And then Arina’s birthday.

This was already the third time I had attended my family’s birthday.

But today was different from the previous two cases.

It wasn’t a time when I had to take risks, nor did I have much free time or money.

Not only was the solution clearly laid out, but there was also some free time, and preparations were complete to the point where there would be no situation where nitpicking would cause a drop in intimacy.

“Your Majesty. We have arrived!”

The carriage stops with the coachman’s voice.

Since the timing is right, I have to be thorough in managing intimacy. I gave him some extra money and went to the entrance.

‘This must have been the timing.’

The moment I stepped into the entrance after resting for about a term, the status window immediately opened.

-Tiring!

▶Friction with the nobles has arisen!◀

▶Please select an option.◀

Yeah, it’d be a shame if something like this didn’t come up.

This kind of thing happened on other family members’ birthdays, so why would it be any different on Arina’s birthday?

Wherever there is karcein, incidents occur.

As Chapter 3’s Another Plan is involved, the elements that will interfere will be more extensive and threatening.

But as I mentioned before, I was already prepared.

“Oh no…! Please wait a moment. The wheel came off…!”

“What kind of rascal is this kid coming in a carriage like this!? Who’s the owner!”

As a rickety carriage blocked the entrance with a missing wheel, a nobleman got out of the back carriage and shouted.

“To ride around in a carriage like this. Huh. You must be some rags-to-riches kid from the outskirts!”

Thank you very much.

That was the line I was waiting for.

I don’t like the options, so I guess I’ll just twist them a little.

[ 1. Sorry, I rode in that carriage. ]☑

“I’m sorry, you little punk from the outskirts.”

“What, what…”

First, let’s gradually remove the flag that lowers intimacy by saying that you were being extravagant.