episode_0015

How long has it been since they stared at me?

It must have been about 30 seconds… No, that’s just how it felt. At the very least, 10 seconds must have passed.

Yet their gazes remained fixed on me.

I was perplexed about what to say no matter which way I looked.

Reluctantly, I opened my mouth.

“I’m sorry. I arrived when you called, but it seems I’m too late.”

Only then did Isabella’s slightly parted lips return to their original state.

“You’re not late, there’s no need to apologize. Please, take a seat for now.”

“Yes.”

So, I’m not late after all.

Seems like the atmosphere won’t turn hostile because of that.

“A seat… Ah.”

They didn’t specifically tell me where to sit. However, judging by the chair that had been pulled out in advance, it seemed like that spot was meant for me.

“But of course, it had to be…”

It was the prickly pink-haired girl’s seat next to me.

If it were Arinana or Flora, they probably wouldn’t mind, but with her, it feels like I can already see a future where I won’t even be able to have breakfast properly due to some other strange argument.

Sure enough, as soon as I sat down, it started again.

“Now you finally look a bit more like a vagabond.”

Claire’s voice, chin in hand, sounded somewhat mocking.

Did she always go around like this? It feels like the same kind of vibe.

“So, are you satisfied now? Threatening the maids like that.”

“Give me a break. But, threatening?”

“You forcibly summoned the maids when you could bathe alone, isn’t that a threat? Isn’t it?”

“What are you talking about? It’s natural for the maids to serve their master. Today is special, so what’s wrong with asking them to put in a little extra effort and dress up?”

“You said you felt sorry for the maids.”

“Wow. Look at this kid’s audacity! You decided not to bring that up anymore…! If we hadn’t sent them, would you have come looking like a beggar?”

“Claire.”

Isabella’s subtle reprimand, acknowledging Claire’s mockery, followed.

Arinana also gave a similar hint.

“Oh, why, Mom. She’s right.”

“No matter what, calling Karceine a beggar…”

“Because of the way he usually dresses, that’s why she called him a beggar. Wouldn’t it have been better if you dressed up a bit earlier?”

With a wealth of experience, I knew it was best to ignore such trivial matters, whether they provoked a reaction or not, so I kept silent.

Still, the conversation with Pink Hair ended with a suggestion to tone down Ariana’s vulgar language.

In the meantime, I checked the intimacy status of the four individuals through sidelong glances.

[Isabella Vagrand]

[Intimacy: 35%]

[Claire Vagrand]

[Intimacy: 5%]

[Ariana Vagrand]

[Intimacy: 2%]

[Flora Vagrand]

[Intimacy: 0%]

“Isabella and Ariana must have progressed well in their episodes. Claire’s figure seems to have improved a bit due to yesterday’s incident. Even including the maids, there might be question marks, but just the fact that the dark boxes have decreased means recognition has significantly improved. Compared to the early intimacy optimization methods familiar in the game, it may be slightly lower, but it was fairly well managed. No character made incorrect choices, the episodes proceeded without major issues, and even the system’s recognition figures were not reduced at all. In other words, it meant that although it wasn’t optimal, the progress was going smoothly.”

Meanwhile, the final main course was brought to the table. In truth, even the other dishes seemed like main courses, but when the dish in the center was revealed, I realized this was the real deal.

It might sound exaggerated, but looking at the luxurious table from breakfast in a splendid restaurant, the meals I had eaten over the past few days would seem like dog food. Just catching a whiff of the scent coming from the plates was not easy. The sophisticated aroma emanating from each plate involuntarily stimulated my salivary glands and made my throat ache.

The juicy meat, fresh vegetables, and the harmony of seafood layered on top of each other gave me a feeling as if even my eyes were feasting.

Perhaps even things like intimacy were momentarily erased from my mind. However, I soon realized:

▶Consumption may trigger Kelbia allergy!◀

▶Main symptoms: vomiting, nausea, dizziness, fever, chills, etc.◀

At the morning banquet, I took my place as the legitimate son invited by the duke’s hostess, but these dishes were not prepared for me.

“Oh, right. Can Karsen eat this?”

“Don’t worry, Mom. I personally confirmed with Shayden. He’s improved enough to eat now.”

“Good. Then let’s start the meal. Come in quickly, everyone.”

-Yes.

With Isabella’s statement, the mealtime began. It was due to suspicion from past incidents that I wondered if there might be a culprit here. In fact, there was only one person who could have tampered with the food. Therefore, I kept an eye on the reaction of the little kid sitting across from me, cutting his dumplings.

“…!”

Our eyes met unmistakably. As soon as Flora made eye contact with me, she trembled visibly and avoided my gaze as if hiding something. However, “No. This time, she doesn’t show any signs of that.” If Flora were the culprit, she would have shown a resentful expression, provoking me, emotionally manipulating me into causing an accident, thus endlessly tarnishing the reputation of the duke’s household. Of course, she may pretend not to notice our glances, but it’s clear to me as someone who has been the target of numerous pranks. The answer is obvious. “Now, how do I resolve this?” Emotionally charged, foolish judgments like Karsen’s must never be made. But just letting it go? Nonsense. I won’t sit quietly after being fooled twice. “What’s wrong? You’re not even touching it? Not eating?” “The chef put in extra effort since the whole family is coming. It’s polite to enjoy the meal, Karsen.” Claire pointed out my continuous refusal to touch the food, and Arina added to it. Eating this is a matter of courtesy. Yeah, you’re those kinds of people. Although I said that, I wasn’t interested at all. Full of prejudice that it’s fortunate as long as there’s no accident or trouble, they focused their attention on this small movement.

But I don’t mind that.

In fact, that’s why I feel grateful.

“Because you guys don’t show any interest. That’s why I can be more indifferent.”

Even though he learned from numerous trial and error within the game, Karsein consistently suffers torment.

Every time, whether it’s a reaction from either side, it becomes poison to respond, so it’s better not to intervene, but the current situation is different.

“Karsein? Why are you suddenly standing up without eating?”

First, this scene is a skipped scene in the game, so there are no options presented.

“It’s not like I’m feeling unwell like last time. I got checked by Shaden. How about sitting a little longer to talk with my mother?”

Second, I clearly know who the culprits are creating this situation and snickering behind my back.

“Sigh…!”

Third, with this action, I can pressure them before the predetermined episode comes.

Therefore, this was the best way.

-Thump.

“This is all your own doing.”

Starting from those below to those above.

From the young brat who committed such petty acts since long ago to the indifferent mother.

Whether they’re adults or kids, go to hell.

-Drip.

-Thud, thud!

The main dish, the turkey, was torn apart fiercely in both hands. Lifting its legs as if they were handles, the tender flesh scattered and fell with a squishy sound.

Juices and flesh spilled onto other dishes, instantly ruining the visually appealing food.

At that moment, the table became a mess.

But whether it’s a mess or not, what does it matter?

I have only one thing to say.

“I will enjoy this meal.”

Let’s eat.

You called us to eat together, right? As a family.

***

-Chew, chew.

“Wow. The meat is really delicious, isn’t it? It just disappears in your mouth after a few chews.”

Saying that, he once again grabbed the meat in his hand and tore it into his mouth, behaving like a primitive man, as if he had completely regressed from being able to use utensils.

Everyone at the table begins to stiffen at this absurd behavior.

Nobles among nobles.

Under the rule of the Pesselros Empire, no one would have ever expected such an incident to occur within the upper echelons of the aristocracy.

Etiquette, refinement—these were all but gone. Carsein’s actions were solely to satisfy his appetite.

The two helpless sisters raised their voices first.

“That guy…! I thought he might have become a bit more decent!”

“What are you doing right now, Carsein?”

“Well, I’m having breakfast, aren’t I?”

As he responded and resumed tearing at the meat, the sisters’ expressions twisted even further.

“We asked what kind of behavior that is! Acting so indecently, especially in a place where Mother can see you?!”

“Ah, well, I guess you’re right. It must be unpleasant to eat when it’s touched by everyone. Sorry, sorry. Is that okay?”

“Vulgar man. Even now that you seem to have come to your senses a bit, you haven’t changed at all. Is there no one outside?!”

Ariana seemed as if she had no more worth engaging with, about to call for someone from outside. Isabella was already trying hard to ignore the situation by pressing her temples. However, Claire, unable to endure any longer, defiantly raised her hand to my cheek.

-Slap!

Heat rose from the slapped cheek.

“Oh dear. Why hit me? It hurts while I’m eating.”

“That guy…! Do you want another slap?! If you did wrong, you should show an attitude of remorse…!”

Claire tried to raise her hand again to strike my cheek, but she seemed to hold back, thinking of the youngest sister watching from the opposite side. She also glanced briefly at Isabella. Meanwhile, blood trickled down from my cheek, scratched by fingernails. Feeling a stinging pain and a sensation of something flowing, I touched it, and blood was clearly oozing out.

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

“Huh. You still think you have the right to talk back after making a mess like that?”

“Yeah, I do.”

Claire’s anger was brimming. It seemed that if I said one more word, she would raise her hand again.

Before taking another hit, I turned my head towards the restaurant’s entrance.

“You there! Go and fetch Shayden,” I called out.

“Unbelievable. After causing this commotion, are you planning to receive treatment from the physician as if nothing went wrong?” Arina scoffed, instructing the maids once more, “Enough! Return to your positions. There’s no value in heeding the words of such a wretched brat.”

The maids, who had no intention of moving in the first place, remained still.

Well, not everyone stayed put. That should soon reveal the truth.

“What you’ve received is simply reaping what you sowed, Karsein. So admit your mistake right now. Immediately,” with a few words from the eldest, I instantly became the scapegoat, ruining the dining atmosphere.

Indeed, it would be difficult to reverse public opinion if there was already a bias that Karsein was at fault no matter what.

The four individuals most involved in this were none other than Karsein’s family.

“Hurry and apologize. If you do so now, I’ll overlook it,” the pink-haired individual chimed in. It was an attitude that suggested ample forgiveness if one were to grovel at this point.

But why me?

It must have been several minutes since I called for Shayden. He should be arriving at the restaurant soon.

So I won’t back down.

“It feels so unjust. I just ate when told to eat, yet why am I being scolded like this?”

“…”

“I’d rather catch a cold and moan in bed. It’s much better than this. It’s unfair, and the food is fine as well. Don’t you think so, Claire?”

I emphasized “fine” to subtly signal another person in the group, causing someone else’s hair to tremble as if struck by a gust of wind.

“You…!”

Just as Claire was about to raise her hand again,

“You called for me,” Shayden, the physician of the Marquis, arrived.

Maintaining eye contact with Claire, I continued without stepping back, “Shayden, as a physician, you thoroughly diagnosed my collapse, didn’t you?”

“Yes, milady.”

“You meticulously checked what I ate, what was in the food, didn’t you?”

“Of course.”

“Then explain thoroughly why I can’t eat the food here. If I’m wrong, I’ll undergo a month of rehabilitation.”

At those words, Claire’s eyes shook greatly.

The rest were the same. Not only Claire, but also Ariana, Isabella, and Flora.

I’m sorry, but I didn’t ask for Shayden to be called just because I was right.

Carsein called Shayden and then tried to leave the restaurant.

“Shayden will investigate on his own, so I don’t need to stay here anymore, right? Can I go now?”

“You should at least reflect in advance. Even so, it won’t mitigate the punishment.”

“Do as you please.”

Carsein’s attitude was so stubborn that it made one wonder how he could be so audacious. Without bending a single blade of grass, Carsein left the restaurant.

Claire did not take her eyes off the table. Ariana remained unchanged, and Flora hid behind Ariana. Isabella, unable to bear witnessing the situation, turned away.

Arriving at the restaurant, Shayden felt flustered at the sudden demand to explain why he couldn’t eat the food. Nevertheless, while rushing over, Shayden didn’t forget the diagnosis from that time.

In the diagnosis, which thoroughly described Carsein’s physical condition, there was undoubtedly a clue to solve this incident.

Cutting some of the food into pieces, Shayden began to investigate meticulously. Soon after dropping some medication, he opened his mouth wide.

“Who ordered the preparation of this meal?”

“It was me, Shayden.”

Isabella spoke quietly. She still didn’t look towards the table. Her attitude seemed to indicate that the result was obvious.

“Did Madam order the preparation of this meal…?”

“No, I told myself to prepare it. I separately informed the chef about the list.”

“Miss Claire… Did you know that the menu largely consisted of Kelbia fruit?”

“Kelbia fruit? I have no idea. I just told them to prepare various kinds of food. I never specifically instructed them to add anything.”

“Haah… I see. So, it seems that it wasn’t Lady Claire who wrote this note on the fruit, but someone else.”

Shayden let out a deep sigh.

And then,

The truth was revealed.

“Your Highness is correct. These foods are absolutely not to be eaten.”

“What…?”