episode_0292

Following the festival, there is a light break and tea time, a walk around famous tourist spots, performances by celebrities and plays by invited theater companies, light outings and food and drink, etc.

We have done everything that can be considered a trip.

As time passed, the sun was slowly setting, and the sound of firecrackers exploding everywhere filled my ears and the sky, reminding me of the fulfilling day I had had.

The Duke was about to end the day by viewing the last festival flowers.

“So don’t just take care of your fiancee, stay with us too!”

Claire chuckled.

Flora was throwing a tantrum right next to Karsine, and Karsine was just foolishly accepting her tantrum.

The mother, who saw that sight, smiled rarely.

My sister, who had been in conflict with Karcein, also laughed.

Looking at everyone gathered together, I think this is enough.

‘I guess… it’ll go well?’

Contrary to fears, Karsain spent the day of his trip without any problems.

Even when enjoying mini-games with family, there was no major friction, and he fit in well with other schedules without missing anything.

And seeing that I spent the trip without any major friction or arguments with my older sister Arina, I thought that the purpose of this trip had been achieved.

There’s only one thing left.

Reconciliation takes place in the time just between the two of them.

‘…Why do I feel so uneasy?’

Strangely enough, the feeling of uneasiness doesn’t go away.

Even though she tried to erase the feeling of discomfort, the discomfort that had bloomed at some point began to weigh heavily on Young Claire’s chest.

I was worried that maybe he was forcing me, but he was enjoying it too.

I was worried that there might be friction due to some backlash, but that didn’t happen.

The schedule was completed without any problems or distractions along the way.

And yet, somewhere, I felt a sense of discomfort.

“Is it my fault…?”

As she was muttering like that, Flora called out to Claire from afar.

“Little sister! What are you doing there!”

“They’re just lighting a beacon. Claire. We should all do this together, right?”

“Oh, yeah! I’m on my way now!”

Yeah, the trip is going well, so what’s the problem?

It must be my mood.

maybe.

-Tiring!

▶Hidden Episode. Cleared the awkwardness of the second oldest sister.◀

▶Claire Bagrand’s intimacy has reached 100%.◀

[ 100% Intimacy rewards are given at specific times. ]

[ Condition: After ??? ]

***

▶Episode VII. The Duke’s Family Trip is in progress.◀

▶Currently held activity points: 15330pts◀

▶Intimacy Light Status◀

[ Isabella : Blue ]

[Arina: light green]

[ Claire : Blue ]

[ Flora : Blue ]

By the evening, I had pretty much all the points I needed.

However, to prevent any accidents, I did not miss the last schedule, which had the largest point weight.

I also cut down my funds consumed for each mini-game to an appropriate amount.

As I calculated the necessary points and proceeded with my family, most of the results were failures and getting caught up in it… but there is nothing to feel wronged about.

Because that’s the right thing to do to please Arina in the first place.

‘Well, now that I think about it, I can understand why this money wasted.’

You can think of it as a system where, instead of unlimited ride passes at places like amusement parks, each attraction is priced individually and the usage fee is paid later.

Since I didn’t want to come here in the first place, the cost of transportation is exactly what I have to pay.

Finally, here is the episode status.

Arina’s lantern hasn’t been changed yet as a condition for clearing the episode, but that’s something that time will solve.

‘I still have a 1:1 conversation with Arina.’

The end of this episode always ends with a conversation with Arina.

For some reason, this conversation was the part where I found the choices the most difficult.

“Carcein.”

And Isabella came to lead the conversation.

The other family members left because they said they had something important to discuss briefly.

To be exact, I think I took Arina with me.

When only the two are left, familiar dialogues begin to emerge.

Choices follow along.

“…It may sound strange to say this, but this trip is not just for fun.”

Isabella made a bitter expression.

“How about making up with Arina?”

The options just popped up.

▶You can now try to talk to Arina.◀

▶Please note that this conversation will only be a 1:1 conversation and there will be choices.◀

▶Would you like to go to Arina now and try to talk to her?

[ 1. I will go find it now. ]

[ 2. Please give me some time. ]☑

“Please give me some time.”

“Okay, you’ll need some time too.”

Isabella left with a much more relieved look on her face.

“Is this the end?”

There is no need to perform this option.

Because I couldn’t have continued this conversation any other way.

When a minor incident occurs and draws attention, this conversation is forced to be buried.

Well, for example, there could be incidents like Karthus fighting a demon he suddenly encountered and returning, or a fire being lit at the place he was staying.

So, my memory of the conversation with Arina continues to be distant.

What did you say to Karsain?

How did Carcein respond to that?

I don’t remember anything.

“Thank you for purchasing!”

-Tiring!

▶You purchased the item.◀

◆Dried hay

◆Remaining firecrackers

If you place it in a suitable place, the fire will spread from Karsine’s room and cause a commotion. If you can buy some time by staying outside so that the conversation with Arina doesn’t continue, you will have met all the conditions for clearing this episode.

All that’s left is to waste some time somewhere.

I walked alone until the end of this extremely boring journey.

“Now all that’s left is… the occasional meaningless episode that only shows up and collecting money.”

A lot of thoughts come to mind.

This is roughly the path I have taken so far.

I am even familiar with the process of saving money and escaping.

But I don’t know what happens after that.

After completing this chapter and escaping, it’s a completely blank slate.

A game clear window will pop up on the spot and you will receive a reward.

Or maybe it helps me finish my immersion in the game and return to my reality.

I… was ignorant of anything.

As I was walking along the trail blankly, I found myself crossing the trail and heading towards a back alley.

I was so out of it that I was about to turn back.

-Tub.

“Carcein.”

A thick Westerner’s hand was resting on my shoulder.

“Pollux?”

“…I have something important to talk about. Can you come with me?”

***

The place Pollux was told to follow was even more deserted than the back alley from before.

‘Pollux doesn’t seem to have anything to do in this episode?’

Even if it is an exam, there is no Geondeokji related to Westerners.

Pollux, who has little interest in the culture of the Empire, seems unlikely to appear.

This encounter felt even more awkward since the episode was simply a free family vacation aimed at draining the player’s funds.

“…How did you know I was here?”

Pollux stopped shortly and answered in a heavy tone.

“Because the prophet of Wederos appeared and told me.”

“…what?”

“You told me that you were going to finish the festival here and pass this way. That’s why I caught you.”

“Wait a minute. That means…!”

“Yes. As you thought, the prophecy of the prophet Veneris led me here.”

For a moment, my mind went blank.

I wonder if it makes sense that I knew exactly this time would pass at this timing…

Since it was the prophet’s words, I couldn’t just ignore them.

“…So?”

“I came here to tell you about Veneris’ prophecy… but before that, I have one thing to ask you.”

“Huh?”

Pollux, who had been staring at me intently, narrowed his eyes slightly and asked.

“What are your plans for the future, Carcein?”

“What’s your plan? Well, I’m thinking about getting out of the hands of the Bagrand Dukes.”

“No. That’s not the story.”

“What?”

“What I’m asking is, what are your plans as a foreigner?”

If it’s out of the blue, it might be a question you might think is out of the blue.

Pollux was now asking me a question, not Carcein.

Yes. That’s not how you should answer this question.

I need to tell you my purpose frankly.

“I’m going back to my world.”

“…”

“This may sound strange since it’s a foreigner’s words. But, I was dragged here out of nowhere without knowing what was going on. I almost died several times, and I survived by holding on.”

To say that it’s a world within a game… is unreasonable.

The status window, episodes, and choices cannot be explained either.

But this answer can be sufficient.

“The word “stranger”. That’s correct. I’m not Karsane. The place I’ve lived in isn’t this world either. I mean, I originally lived somewhere. It’s a world you don’t know anything about, but… I’m going back there. ”

My goal.

My plan.

To my future.

I could tell it all.

“Is that so.”

Pollux chuckled.

“Then there is no need to tell you this prophecy. No, it is a prophecy that you should not hear.”

Then he extended his hand to me.

Just like when I reached out to him.

“By the way, what is your real name?”

I gladly accepted the request for a handshake.

“Kim Min-hyeok.”

“Kim Min-hyuk. I remembered.”

Pollux smiled as if that was enough.

This may not be a satisfactory answer.

I’m sure you have a lot of questions to ask.

Yet Pollux did not ask a single question.

-pop!

“Oh my. It’s already this late. That Veneris guy told me to come back when it’s time.”

“…It’s like a knife.”

“Isn’t it for nothing that he’s called a prophet? Haha!”

He laughs heartily and gets on his horse.

“A random thought. Maybe being from the Kingdom of Wederos doesn’t really mean anything. After all, the kingdom was destroyed years ago. It’s such a contradiction.”

“Come to think of it…”

This is a huge contradiction.

At that moment, when I felt sympathy, Pollux continued speaking.

“So I thought about this. Veneris, and you too. Maybe the power of the Kingdom of Wederos was a bridge to get here.”

“…!”

“I’m going now. I pray in the Western way that you achieve your goal. Kim Min-hyeok.”

-Eeheehee!

-Dakdak, dakdak.

“…bridge.”

At those words, a huge typhoon of discomfort swept over me.

***

Veneris’ prophecies always came true.

Karsine’s movements within the festival were like a pre-written script.

Destination. Time. Reaction. Action.

Nothing was beyond the scope of the prophet.

Thanks to that, I was able to hide myself and hear all the conversations.

-dump.

Harnie sat down helplessly.

“That’s ridiculous…”

I have to go back…?

Not here, but back to where I used to live…?

“Then… what should I do…?”

After you disappear.

I. I who love you…

-Knock. Knock.

The beating of my heart was filled with excitement.

It stopped in an instant.

▶The assimilation rate has reached 90%.◀

[ Harnie character synchronization begins . ]