episode_0264

A heavy silence fell on the room.

Clearly, the atmosphere was friendly.

There was a warm and affectionate atmosphere as the family’s gifts were delivered to the eldest daughter on her birthday.

But that hair tie cooled everything down.

“What the hell is going on?”

“I don’t know. I can’t figure out what the situation is…”

“Ugh. How on earth should I look at this…”

The nobles were confused and were muttering about what was going on.

Right then.

Someone immediately shouted.

“That’s a birthday present? Isn’t that ridiculous?”

He is none other than a vassal of the Duke of Bagrand.

It was the Marquis Magnuel.

***

The situation may feel a little strange.

It appears that none other than Marquis Magnus, a vassal of the Bagrand Dukes, is attacking Carcein.

So did the Marquis betray the Bagrand Dukes? No. As a vassal of the Bagrand Dukes, the Marquis Magnuel was a man who was loyal to the Dukes.

However, even within noble families, there were differences in who they supported. The Bagrand Dukes were no exception.

The Marquis Magnuel laughed inwardly.

‘That’s good. I was already really annoyed by your recent behavior.’

At the symposium, it seemed like he was having a hard time with the territory he had chosen, Chatren, but contrary to expectations, he successfully restored the territory.

He even went so far as to track down the people responsible for ruining the Chatren estate, and widened the gap enough to warrant being assigned a new rank.

Then, in the martial arts competition, it was rumored all over the neighborhood that he was the first contestant to confirm his qualification to participate in the arena.

Thanks to this, Areena’s position was gradually shaken.

It would be quite difficult if those who claim that he is truly showing the qualities of a perfect successor gain power.

The succession that was nothing more than a rumor could take on a full-fledged form and give rise to a competitor.

However, if you could give me some time, I would be very grateful.

I couldn’t miss this opportunity.

“That hair tie is one that the princess often wears. It feels a bit strange that she brought it.”

“Right!”

“As the Marquis said!”

Then, a small number of nobles from various places began to advocate for it.

“It’s nonsense to bring something that was already in use and call it a birthday present. But, wouldn’t it have had some other meaning if you brought it? For example, let me give you an example…”

A bitter smile appeared on his lips.

“Because I couldn’t prepare a birthday present or something like that.”

“…!”

Flora’s shoulders flinched at those words.

‘As expected. It seems like the reason you left so suddenly that day was because of the youngest daughter’s gift?’

Otherwise there would be no reason for them to react.

Just when I was sure I had bitten a satisfying sliver of bait, Claire, who was right next to me, suddenly kicked the table and stood up.

-bang!

“Marquis. I think you’re talking too carelessly.”

“Princess Claire. Even so, this is a reasonable guess. Isn’t there already a precedent?”

“Even if there is a precedent, it’s the same! Do you really have to make such a guess in a place like this?”

Claire tries to cover up that remark and turn the mood around.

Somehow, I’m trying to settle things before the Marquis’s claims get any worse.

But they did not back down.

“If you allow it, Lord Karsain, if you show me that the real gift exists, then this will be resolved.”

“You guys…!”

“And isn’t it strange? How is it that Prince Karsain is holding Princess Arianna’s personal belongings?”

“If you brought the same item, wouldn’t that be enough to be suspicious?”

“You never know. Maybe the hair tie got damaged because you stole it in a hurry.”

“Hey. Hey. You guys, do your best!”

Under pressure from Claire, Marquis Magnus steps in again.

“It’s none other than the birthday party of Princess Arina, the eldest daughter of the Bagrand Dukes. What would it mean if I couldn’t even bring a gift on such an important day?”

The Marquis continues speaking with a look of regret.

“That would be something that would make it impossible for me to step into the position of successor to the Duke’s family. It would absolutely not fit into the activities of an aristocratic society.”

As the Marquis gains some weight, the nobles who think the same way join in, saying, “Right, right!”

“I also hope this guess is wrong, Prince Karsain. So, please stop playing pranks and give me a real birthday present.”

After Marquis Magnuel finished his polite request, everyone’s eyes turned to one person.

That statement naturally put Karsene in a position where he had to respond.

‘Okay. How will you answer?’

Slipping while trying to hold on to your qualifications as successor.

Whether it’s framing it as breaking a birthday present or stealing it.

There are many ways.

It could have easily shattered the current image.

The Marquis waited for Carcein’s answer with an arrogant smile.

“Yes. You saw it correctly. That’s right. I prepared the gift separately.”

Karsine took something out of his pocket.

That would be a gift for Arina.

However, for a gift, it was a very shabby gift.

The outer packaging already doesn’t exist.

It is customary to hand over a dangling hair tie to the recipient in its original packaging and have the recipient open it first.

All manner of etiquette has been shattered.

Of course, you can make excuses.

If you put your heart into adding a mark or logo yourself, that is, in the way that ordinary people do.

But that wasn’t it either. No matter how you looked at the hair tie hanging from her hand, it was a ready-made product. It was an item that had not been processed after purchase.

In short, a gift that didn’t require any money or sincerity.

This wasn’t even worthy of being called a gift.

‘Huh. Well then, that’s right.’

With this, we can properly question Karsine’s qualifications as successor.

But, there was something strange about the reaction.

“Yes. Well. The position of successor is absolutely not suitable for someone like me. Everything you said is correct from beginning to end.”

Even though it might be a moment where the image you’ve built up until now is shattered.

Karsine looked strangely calm and relaxed.

Even.

“I’m sorry for ruining your birthday party. I guess I should just skip it, right?”

He was laughing.

***

I was worried that if I caused any trouble at the birthday party, there would be no problem.

‘That never happened.’

Starting with Marquis Magnus, other vassals pointed out my actions, which made things easier.

Since I had done this much for you, there was no reason for me to stay at the party.

Because I will no longer be a guest at this party, but an uninvited guest.

“Wait a minute, Carcein!”

“Car, Carcein…”

Claire and Flora were calling me, but I just ignored them and passed them by.

Soon a status window popped up.

-Tiring!

▶Episode III. Cleared Arina’s Birthday.◀

▶The attention of the nobles is too high!◀

▶The reward is offset by the high visibility, and a corresponding penalty is imposed.◀

[ The intimacy between family members decreases in proportion to the number of points drawn. ]

[Your reputation rank in the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Tournament field will decrease.]

[ The intimacy of a few nobles decreases. ]

…

…

As expected,

I cleared the episode, but instead of receiving a reward, I was subjected to all sorts of penalties.

Of course, I didn’t do anything that would increase intimacy.

That doesn’t mean I took the proper measures to clear the episode.

Rather, it was closer to ruining Arina’s birthday party, pouring cold water on it, and making it the worst birthday ever.

The same goes for nobles.

Arina is a symbol of this generation even among the nobility.

I can confidently say that in this situation, your intimacy with them will go down as a reward for getting on their nerves. After all, you’ve ruined their birthday party.

But, amidst all the declining numbers, not a single sentence was left unsaid.

“As expected.”

Dead flag.

The biggest price for ruining a birthday party is not being paid.

On Arina’s birthday, a situation where the dead flag does not appear even though Arina’s intimacy is lowered to the greatest extent.

This can only mean one thing.

“You really like the fact that I don’t have the qualities of a successor?”

Arina herself is satisfied with this situation.

Even though all the other guests were dissatisfied.

Even though I was disappointed by the contrast between what I saw at the symposium and the martial arts competition.

Even if your family tilts their heads and says they can’t understand.

Only you will be satisfied.

Because I, rather, ended up at the bottom.

That’s why the dead flag doesn’t appear.

Because this episode is all about getting Arina in the right mood.

“Ha. For something like that. Hahaha! ”

It’s funny.

That I have such feelings for a mere country.

He said that he felt that way about me, who had everything, yet had such a huge gap between us.

A cold chill covered me from head to toe.

I feel like my head is finally working properly now.

also.

I need to escape from this house as quickly as possible.

“Master Karsain? Miss Arina’s birthday is probably still going on…”

“Let’s go.”

“Yes, yes.”

When I gave a short answer to the bewildered coachman, he took the reins without any questions.

The price for ruining Arina Bagrand’s birthday party will be very bitter.

There must have been a significant drop in Noblesse Points as well.

But I can handle that much.

This would be the most ideal way to clear Chapter 3.

“I’ll sink to the bottom as much as you want.”

***

Heron swallowed a sigh.

‘Your Majesty. What on earth are you thinking?’

A broken hair tie? That’s not a gift.

The new hair tie you brought me isn’t a gift either.

Hadn’t the gift already been prepared? It was Heron himself who took charge of it.

But, since he acted so suddenly, Heron had no idea what to do.

“What the heck is going on…”

“You two, haven’t you heard anything?”

“…I don’t know. I don’t know anything.”

“That can’t be…”

Shayden gives Flora a longing look.

Then Flora also shakes her head.

Claire was also taken aback by Karsine’s sudden actions.

Claire was also startled when the story about my birthday came up.

Heron and Shaden followed along without knowing English.

Everyone was confused.

But in the midst of this confusion.

Someone runs with the hem of their skirt in hand.

-Tadadak!

“Harnie Youngae?”

“Miss!”

I knew it was urgent.

Since Karsene went to the birthday party alone at such an early hour, it wouldn’t be surprising if something happened.

In fact, it was the same when his other family members celebrated their birthdays.

Deliberately avoiding the spot.

He left the place, deliberately acting in a way that would cause him to get hurt.

So there’s no guarantee that it won’t happen again this time. He might do the same thing he always did and then just say, “Why did you get hurt like “?” and respond with a blank expression.

So, it had to be prevented in advance.

I should have taken action quickly and prevented the incident from happening.

I should have gotten to him as soon as possible and protected him as his fiancée.

but.

It’s already too late.

The incident has already occurred.

Karsine must have known how important his first sister’s birthday was.

Because he is a very calculating person.

Because he is someone who knows full well what kind of damage he will suffer here.

In this place where so many nobles were gathered, it would have been possible to gain some advantage by getting to know each other.

But thoughts and actions happened in complete opposite ways.

That means there was a problem.

At none other than this birthday party venue.

-It’s not that dangerous. Oh, I guess I should say this is better.

‘no way…’

I am troubled by an incomprehensible conclusion.

This is better… so, you were planning on it?

I had already had quite a bit of friction with my family, but today I felt particularly anxious.

‘Please, I hope it doesn’t go too far…!’

Intuitively, Harni realized that he could not leave Carcein alone and ran out.

-Hehehe!

“Carcein!”

The carriage is already over there.

Even if you catch up with them in a carriage right now, if they split off onto a fork in the road, you don’t know where they’ll end up.

“To call the carriage you came in…”

No, then it’ll be too late.

At that moment.

I saw a horse standing alone in front of me.

Yeah. I have to ride this horse and follow along…!

-Purrrr!

“Harnie Youngae!”

“Radiel Sir?”

“Get on. Quickly!”

There was no time to be confused.

I had to hold the knight’s hand and mount the horse.

“Do you know where it went?”

“…No. I went alone…”

“I guess I have no choice but to look around all the places I can go.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll find it even if it takes all night.”

At this very moment.

If you leave Carcein alone, he will really break down.

‘I hope we can find it before it’s too late…!’

She no longer wanted to watch the man she held in her heart being ruined.

***

A dark night has come.

The birthday party will soon be coming to an end.

In the meantime.

Carcein also finished thinking.

“I feel sorry for that Willard guy.”

It seemed like I wouldn’t be able to keep my promise to not give in to my opponent.

-Tiring!

▶You have met the special conditions for Episode III.◀

[ 1. Reduce intimacy at Arina’s birthday party. ]

[ 2. Reduce Arina’s intimacy to the maximum regardless of the intimacy of other characters. ]

[ 3. Leave the birthday party and give Arina what she wants. ]

▶Hidden Episode. Cleared the repeating July 1st.◀

▶Perfect Clear is acknowledged.◀

▶Arina’s feelings are revealed.◀

[ Arina Bagrand ]

[ Inferiority complex: 80% ]

▶We will pay compensation.◀

■Reward

[Whenever you lose your qualification as a successor, any dead flags you could receive from Arina are canceled.]