The Damn Family Is Back Again chapter 130

130. Azure Internal Medicine (7)

The training ground, which I hadn’t visited in a while, was quiet.

Since time was already up, and the noble young masters had to attend the Eastern Noble Assembly, some of them might have taken a leave of absence and returned.

I started my solo training, sweating profusely.

The only sound was my footsteps. I was trying to clear my mind, filled with distracting thoughts.

It was no use dwelling on the past family matters.

Before I knew it, time had flown by.

I was getting tired of just training, so I decided to stretch my body in a different way.

As the sun began to set, casting the training ground in darkness, I realized I was still holding my wooden sword.

“…I lost track of time.”

I put down my wooden sword and turned towards the dormitory, suddenly remembering the next episode.

“Come to think of it, can’t I meet Radier and Mark now?”

Something I always had to keep in mind.

Chapter 2 starts with a sub-episode and then proceeds to the main episode.

And the one who has to proceed with this sub-episode is none other than the player.

And when should we proceed?

“That’s right. I can decide, can’t I?”

Of course, the player can decide.

If I could specify the exact time like this, I could even take care of things a bit earlier.

In Episode III, I had already proven my qualifications as the lord of Rusmayeer, but to maintain that state, I couldn’t return to the dukedom too quickly.

The nobles, who had tried to isolate Rusmayeer by colluding with each other, wouldn’t just sit back and do nothing.

Moreover, regarding the trade with the AiPhelos Marquis family, there were many things to explain, and the nobles could pick a fight, questioning why the Yarikins were involved.

In reality, that’s what happened in the game.

In short, as the lord, I should have kept an eye on the situation and solved the problem myself, but…

That was impossible.

Since I had already returned to the dukedom and was proceeding with the next branch, there was no way to go back to being Rusmayeer.

Instead, someone else could help solve this problem.

I immediately changed my destination from the dormitory to another location.

While there was no one who could solve the situation for me in Karcein, there was someone who could grant my request.

All I had to do was ask the knights of this training ground.

Among them, choosing the person with the highest intimacy level would be perfect.

-Knock, knock.

“Radier, are you in?”

As I lightly knocked on the door, I heard a commotion from inside.

What’s going on? Radier wasn’t the type to be so noisy.

Before I could wonder for long, the door opened.

“Director, Director? What’s going on?”

Radies, who seemed to have rushed out, asked with an awkward smile.

I felt apologetic, scratched my cheek, and closed the door again.

“…Did I make you rush out? I’m sorry.”

“Yes, yes…?”

“Take your time and get dressed. You’re still missing a few buttons.”

“Whoa!”

Thud.

Radies is human too. It’s possible to make mistakes when rushing out.

I deliberately stepped back from the room and turned around to give Radies time to change.

Even with ample time, Radies soon opened the door again.

“Ah, ahaha… I’m sorry, Director.”

And scratched his cheek awkwardly.

This time, he was properly dressed…

“Hmm…”

“…When did Mark come?”

Mark was coughing right next to me.

For a moment, the two of them fell silent, looked at each other, and let out a helpless laugh.

“That’s right. It’s not like the Director would do that…”

“We were just overthinking things.”

“…Mark!”

“What’s going on?”

These two are making another absurd comment…

‘No, it’s okay. It’s better if both of them are there anyway.’

I once again confirmed the intimacy level of the two, who were speaking nonsense.

[ Radies Groupien ]

[ Intimacy: 65% ]

[ Mark Redeltain ]

[ Intimacy: 65% ]

They still maintained a normal intimacy level.

“Do you two have separate schedules for tomorrow?”

“Hmm… If you’re talking about the Eastern Noble Meeting, I don’t have anything. Unlike Radies, I’m a commoner.”

“To be honest, I don’t have a big problem either. My family isn’t one that would take the imperial exam.”

That’s what I meant?

I pulled out a letter from my pocket and handed it to the two of them.

“Then, go to Rusmayeur tomorrow and show this to the village chief, Barak.”

“Rusmayeur?”

“I’m the lord there, but I can’t go right now.”

I explained the current situation to the two, who looked puzzled.

“That’s right. If a schedule is set at the dukedom and the nobles’ claims come in, it’ll be a headache. And with the Yarik people involved too…”

“I understand. However, there’s a possibility that the other party won’t trust us, so it’s better to have some solid proof like Lord Dorian’s token.”

“I agree with Mark’s opinion. The people of the Rusmeier territory will follow Lord Dorian’s words, but the people from the western region will be skeptical.”

“That’s a good idea. Um… but…”

There’s one problem.

Karsein doesn’t have many personal belongings.

As usual, Karsein’s background is that he doesn’t have anything.

In a situation where I need to inform them of my orders, I don’t have anything to show as proof, which is troublesome.

Right at that moment.

▶You cleared the hidden episode!◀

“Take this cuff button.”

The window popped up, and I heard a familiar voice behind me.

I turned my head, and the pink-haired figure caught my attention even in the dark.

It was Claire.

***

“The clothes you’re wearing are from my boutique, so it’s only natural to have a spare button like this. The emblem of the Bagrand dukedom is also engraved, so it can’t be used carelessly. With this men’s clothing, it’s easy to prove that it’s yours.”

Radel and Mark also agreed.

“That’s right… as Claire said, Lord Dorian! The emblem of the Bagrand dukedom is engraved on the button, and the image of the boutique is also engraved, so it’s difficult for nobles to manipulate it.”

“Even if it’s not Lord Dorian’s, there’s only one man in the Bagrand dukedom. This cuff button is for men, so its persuasive power is extremely high.”

That was an extremely reasonable piece of evidence.

It would give relief to the anxious territory people.

It would give deep trust to the Yaric people who were hurt by the harsh words of the nobles.

And to the nobles who intentionally caused trouble, it would be a sharp sword as proof.

But why was Claire helping me?

Why was she doing this for me?

– Tingling!

▶The cuff button is a reward for clearing the hidden episode!◀

“I see. That’s how it was.”

Yes, that’s right.

This reward format wasn’t unexpected.

But I couldn’t just focus on this reward.

Claire’s visit was a necessary choice for the next episode’s progression.

“Mark, Radel.”

“Yes, Lord Dorian.”

The two of them received the signal to leave and stepped aside.

Once we were alone, Claire immediately made a request to me.

“…Can we move to a different location?”

Let’s move to a different location.

It didn’t matter where we talked.

As long as we grasped the starting point of the sub-episode, it was fine.

“I’ll lead the way. Follow me.”

Then Claire silently turned her body and stepped forward.

But.

Was it because of her mood?

For a moment, through the flickering light, it seemed like something was stuck to Claire’s cheek, leaving a distinct mark.

‘…Tears? From Claire?’

It was unbelievable.

Logically, it was impossible.

Even if Claire had heard something from Arshien, she wouldn’t cry.

From noble mtl dot com

Moreover, the two were close friends, making it even more impossible.

But that mark was clearly…

Something I knew all too well.

Anyway.

Before I knew it, Claire had stopped in her tracks.

Ironically, the direction Claire’s feet were heading was towards my dorm.

“Let’s talk in my room?”

“…Can’t we?”

“No. I mean… there’s nothing that can’t be done.”

It was a good case, actually.

If we proceeded with the sub-episode in my room, there wouldn’t be any other variables to worry about.

So it was a bit strange.

I thought it was too easy, but…

“Then just give me a glass of water. I’m thirsty, and I’ll say what I need to after drinking that.”

The way she spoke, it was a perfectly normal sub-episode progression line.

There was no need to worry about any problems arising.

The sub-episode would proceed smoothly.

‘Well, just in case. Since Claire is so unpredictable.’

I moved to the kitchen and opened the cabinet.

Even if it was just a show, I had to maintain a good host’s demeanor.

Just in case an unexpected guest arrived, I had the tea cup and teapot that Radier had brought, along with Mark’s prepared tea.

And for some reason, there were also snacks that had arrived under my name.

Instead of water, I poured some of these into a plate and offered it to Claire, who puckered her lips.

“…You’re really…”

“What?”

I couldn’t hear what she was muttering, but in the meantime, Claire picked up the tea cup and drained it.

“It’s nothing. Rather… are you okay?”

“My body?”

“You know, the Depersonalization Syndrome.”

Ah, that’s what she was talking about.

“There’s no big issue. I haven’t been in pain since then.”

“Really?”

“Shayden must have treated you well. You even lit the fireplace for me. I guess I won’t get worse.”

It wasn’t just speculation, as the system message stating that I had completely overcome the Depersonalization Syndrome appeared.

Moreover, it completely disappeared in the abnormal state, so there’s no chance of relapse.

Of course, if such a situation arises, I’d rather hide it from Claire, who doesn’t like to be nagged.

Then Claire handed me a glass bottle.

It was a blue-colored glass bottle containing a medicinal potion.

“Take this too. You need to take it for a while.”

What is this? If it were usual, I would have said, “You have medicine to take, but you’re skipping it and talking nonsense?!”

Forget it. It’s better to just take it and prevent any unexpected issues.

Anyway, I didn’t come here just to chat.

After a short wait, Claire took another sip of tea and began to discuss the main topic.

“My mom wants me to go out with her once. On the day we change the portrait. We’ll renovate the main hall of the ducal house from top to bottom, so I’ll come back around then.”

When would I have to leave this place and head to the ducal house?

What would I wear, and what would the schedule be like?

And Claire explained the schedule for the Eastern Nobles’ Assembly, one by one.

The scenario from the game I knew was unfolding exactly as it was.

But…

Something feels off.

No, is this really how Claire would act?

It can’t end this easily.

Instead of saying “come back on the fixed date” or “don’t worry about mom,” she would say “come back quickly before mom gets worried” or “come to the ducal house before Ariana nags you.”

If I show even the slightest sign of illness, she would threaten to take me to the ducal house immediately, which is normal.

“…Is that the end?”

I asked, but Claire didn’t react and just nodded, then stood up from her seat.

I had prepared for a long conversation, but it seemed everything was settled with just one explanation for the next episode.

Or is it not really over?

▶Sub Episode. The Return Journey is in Progress.◀

▶The Return Journey has been Scheduled.◀

With these words in front of me, can I doubt it?

If the sub episode is in progress, then it’s really the end.

But then, Claire suddenly asked me at the door.

“Can I send a letter to the Rilfeton Earl’s house about my misunderstanding?”

“What?”

The sudden question caught me off guard, and my reaction was instinctive.

“The deal with the nobles won’t be blocked anymore. But I made a mistake in my response to the Rilfeton Earl’s house.”

“…”

“Maybe I can make amends with other nobles too.”

The deal with the nobles of the Rifleton family is related to the story of when the Shatren territory was destroyed. It’s also connected to the restrictions that were placed on Karsein later.

I don’t know why this story is coming up now…

“What do you trust me for?”

First, I decided to draw a line.

Then, Claire smiled wryly and opened the door.

“Yeah, let’s just forget what I said earlier. I must have said something stupid again.”

-Dal-kok.

The reaction at the end was somehow strange.

What’s going on?

-Ting-ting!

▶Claire’s intimacy level has increased!◀

[Current score: 78%]

“…78%?”

I hadn’t paid much attention to Claire’s intimacy level, but I remembered one thing.

The last time I saw Claire’s intimacy level, the first digit was definitely 5.

***

Claire, who had come out of Karsein’s residence, finally opened her mouth when she was at a distance where she couldn’t hear any noise.

“Cough, cough!”

A dry cough came out of her voice, which had been suppressed.

She was trying not to show tears in front of Karsein, so she did that.

Claire, who had finally coughed out all the dryness, glanced back with her eyes closed, her eyes still red.

“…You’re treating me like a guest.”

I clearly asked for water.

And then, they brought out tea, not cold tea but warm tea.

Moreover, they even served snacks, treating me like a real guest.

But I hadn’t treated you like a proper younger sibling.

So, my heart felt too stifled.

This uncomfortable and unpleasant feeling didn’t disappear at all.

But.

Claire fixed her appearance and returned to the mansion as if nothing had happened.

Perhaps her sister might suspect something.

Her mother might ask what happened.

Floara… might be okay, but she would still have doubts.

I had to do that to avoid bothering Karsein anymore.