24 – 24. Belated Birthday Gift (3)
The maids and servants had tired expressions as they brought the gifts.
It wasn’t even a gift for the young ladies, yet it cost so much.
All of this was for the things outside, the things made for the commoners.
Rather, it was a mix of envy and a desire to have something for oneself.
It felt like they could understand everything just from their gaze.
This was another unpleasant experience.
Among the classmates from school, there were a few whose parents worked for my mother’s company, so I could see them forcing themselves to bring birthday presents.
It was a similar experience, but my response became clearer.
The moment I receive this, my perception falls to the ground.
By any means necessary, in any way possible, they don’t want these precious things to slip through their fingers.
Therefore, this was the only correct answer.
“Hey, you guys.”
“Yes, yes?”
“Come in and take something from the box.”
The servants, regardless of gender, looked bewildered.
Why are they giving this to us? That kind of look.
But there were also several guys drooling.
The items brought as birthday presents were enough to satisfy the desires of the commoners even if only one of them was sold in the city.
“Of course, we can’t move right away. The problem is the old butler standing firmly in front.”
If they dared to take what was brought as a birthday present for the young master, they would find themselves in a helpless situation.
At times like this, a few more words would suffice.
“It’s a gift from the master as a token of appreciation for your hard work. Are you refusing to accept it?”
No matter how much Heron is in front of them, the command from Lord Carsein Bagrand is superior. This gave them enough reason to take the items.
Finally, one by one, the servants started coming in and taking the items inside the box. It was clear to see them giggling and wondering what this was about.
▶ You have successfully achieved results beyond the options. ◀
■ Rewards
[ Perception +15 ]
[ Your recognition within the Bagrand Duchy will improve. ]
[ The intimacy of the maids and servants who received the gifts will greatly increase! ]
[ Percentage: 7% ]
“Well, this isn’t bad. It’s not like these things are useful to me anyway, so it’s not a waste.”
Even though the authors dislike Carsein so much, this will make it easier to distinguish the guys who will perform sub-episodes based on their intimacy.
However, Heron seemed to have a different sentiment, as if he wanted to say something.
“Why is that? It’s my present, so what’s wrong with sharing it with those below?”
“No, it’s your intention, Sir.”
A poker face without a hint of disturbance.
But I know. This birthday present wasn’t sent by Isabella.
How could Isabella, who has no interest in Carsein, suddenly think of a belated birthday present?
Considering her deep-seated biases and preconceptions, it’s highly unlikely that Isabella sent a birthday gift.
Just like in the game’s story.
This birthday present was sent by Heron.
“Did you take everything you needed?”
– Yes, Sir.
“Then everyone except Camilla and Heron, please leave. I have something to discuss.”
The servants who received the presents gladly left the room.
A static atmosphere filled the room.
Heron seemed to be choosing his words carefully.
Then it’s my turn to strike.
“Do you still have something to say to me, Heron?”
“…”
“I know that if I hadn’t backed off, you were planning on striking me. You don’t have to worry about Camilla.”
From Noble mtl dot com
When the butler brushed past her, Camilla nodded in agreement.
Once Heron was ready to speak freely, I immediately voiced my thoughts.
“These clothes are probably a warning not to dress like this next time. It must be sent as a message to not look like a noble or a vagrant.”
“That’s not true, Lord. The Madam…”
“Why? It’s just a statement that I’ll give you something like a jewelry box that I won’t even use as a practical birthday present. Am I wrong?”
“…”
Heron fell silent with a bitter expression.
Just as Claire had chosen to wear the clothes of a servant and avoid attention during her coming-of-age episode, Isabella sent her clothes as well, starting with her attire.
This was one of the developments that occurred in the game, and she also sent the birthday present that had gone unnoticed.
Although it was presented as a reward in the game’s story… there was no way Carcine would feel happy about receiving it.
“You’re doing something you shouldn’t. Telling Mother about my birthday on purpose.”
It wasn’t like a warm gift from a mother who wanted to take care of her son’s birthday.
It was a forced product filled with disgust that she sent only after realizing it following the housekeeper’s reminder that she didn’t even know it was her birthday.
Therefore, these items were practically given by Heron.
“I’m sorry. But I hoped that this would somewhat lighten your mood, Lord…”
“Heron.”
It was a pathetic excuse.
No matter what fancy words he used, even if regret followed.
The fact that Isabella had no interest in Carcine remained unchanged.
“If you want my mood to lighten, then next time, just don’t say anything. Just like today.”
With this, there would be no need to meet Isabella for a while.
I thought about telling Heron to leave now.
“I, as a humble servant, cannot dare to fathom the emotions of His Excellency. However, please allow me to provide some insight.”
-Ding!
▶Hidden Episode. Clumsy expressions are being used!◀
“It is true that the Lady sees His Excellency in a different light than other ladies. However, she has noticed this and can only express herself in such a clumsy manner.”
He said, placing a hand on his chest.
“Heron has served as the Duke’s wife for 40 years in this mansion. That is why he knows how inexperienced the Lady is. Please give him some time, Your Excellency. These clumsy expressions will eventually become sincere and affectionate.”
Finally, Heron bowed his head, holding out a small envelope in his hand.
“Even if you don’t want to accept it, please accept a little bit of the Lady’s heart. Please show her kindness, just like before. This old man pleads with you.”
▶How will you respond to Heron’s request?
[ 1. Get rid of all of it. Don’t ever do something like this again. ]
[ 2. I understand. ]
[ 3. I never asked for this kind of thing in the first place. ]
An unfamiliar choice popped up.
Honestly, it could be either option 1 or 3. There couldn’t possibly be any affection put into a belated birthday present. Especially if even that was noticed by someone else.
But when examined objectively, this is not Isabella’s request, but Heron’s request.
[ 2. I understand. ]
“Haah. I understand. First, straighten your back.”
It was an incredibly polite attitude, acknowledging his own mistake and bowing his head. Considering his position as Bagrand’s butler, it could damage his dignity.
Though he didn’t want to admit it, the truth was that he had done nothing wrong. Heron was merely a butler of the Duke’s family, one of the truly innocent characters who had not caused any harm to Carsein compared to the other characters.
He could outright refuse, but… he didn’t like seeing someone who had done nothing wrong bowing their head.
Furthermore, this choice might actually be for the better.
“There’s no need to forcefully reveal that incompetence. I’ve said it before, but that’s not what I wanted.”
“My Lord. However, that…”
“I’ll say it again, don’t get confused. I just don’t want to vent my anger on you, and I don’t want to cover up this incident.”
“Yes. I will keep that in mind. And, thank you very much, My Lord.”
Heron expressed his gratitude as if asking if that was all, and bowed.
“That’s enough. Is this all I need to take?”
“Yes. If you accept the remaining clothes and this, Madam won’t be greatly disappointed.”
What was handed over to me from Heron’s hand was none other than a blank promissory note.
In other words, money.
That meant I could spend and enjoy it to my heart’s content.
‘Money.’
While Carsein wasn’t someone who indulged in luxury, it could be helpful in my current situation.
“Can I go to the bank right away and use this promissory note as a bill?”
“Of course. If you use the name of a Duke, you could even buy a mine.”
“Then, have someone convert this amount of money into cash and bring it to me.”
“Understood. This amount… My Lord?”
As Heron wrote the amount on the paper and handed it over, he looked at the numbers with a troubled expression.
“Is there a problem?”
“No, there isn’t. I’ll bring it to you right away.”
There was no other choice. If I refused again, saying it was unnecessary because it bothered me, it would be the biggest defeat for me.
Soon, Heron finished his polite farewell and left.
***
▶Hidden Episode. You have cleared the clumsy expression!◀
▶A reward will be given!◀
As soon as I sent Heron out, a clear message of episode clearance appeared. The reward was a few sets of clothes, the amount of money I wrote down, and three question marks that I had seen before.
That will be revealed later anyway.
So, I had to deal with the immediate task at hand.
“Camilla, how much money do I have that I can use right now?”
“W-Well…”
Camilla pursed her lips as if it was a difficult question to answer.
“Just be honest. It’s almost time for the appointment.”
“Yes. Well… to be honest…”
Camilla’s honest revelation of my financial situation was grim.
All I had for immediate wear were the clothes I wore at my coming-of-age ceremony, and the level at which I could meet Harnier was only possible if I received the birthday presents I just received.
“I’m glad I didn’t refuse.”
It was much cleaner and more satisfying to have nothing to wear than to go and hear that I went to meet my fiancée without any clothes.
“Prepare for another outing, Camilla.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
What’s left is meeting Harnier.
Heron, who had just returned from the bank, looked at the cash in his hand and became puzzled.
Although it was just for a day, a blank promissory note could have been drawn for several tens or hundreds of times more than this amount. The duchess had also allowed it.
However, the amount of money that Karceine had asked him to bring was pitifully small.
“…barely 1500 pesels.”
That was the amount in his hand. That was the amount Karceine had specified. It was not an insignificant sum from a commoner’s perspective, but it was still an awfully small amount.
He couldn’t help but think that he should have withdrawn at least enough cash to fill the jewelry box with gold coins.
With an envelope containing an insignificant amount of money in his hand, Heron gave up trying to understand and lightly knocked on the door.
“Your Grace. I’ve brought the cash you requested.”
“Yes. Give it here.”
As Camilla opened the door, Heron immediately handed over the cash. Karceine accepted it nonchalantly and began preparing to go out.
Heron, who was still filled with doubt, didn’t immediately leave the room and tried his luck again soon after.
“Um, Your Grace Karceine. May I ask you one thing?”
“What is it?”
“Is the amount of money you requested really equal to the value of this cash?”
“There’s no need to spend that much money on a meeting with my fiancée. Why? Is there something strange about it?”
“I thought it might be more generous to bring a little more. Since it’s a meeting with your fiancée…”
Upon hearing this, Karceine, who was tidying his shirt, smirked.
“Heron. Do you remember what Flora said to me on the day I first entered the ducal house?”
Heron, who recalled the day he first set foot in the palace, sensed in an instant that he had misspoken and quickly shut his mouth.
“Yeah. I compared it to Karn, saying, ‘What makes him Karn?’ and just said it’s just a guy on the street. Flora’s voice reached the entire palace, that’s all.”
“…! My lord, that’s!”
“I know. Flora has always been like that. But the important thing is not Flora’s reaction, it’s the other side.”
Heron felt a chill run down his spine in an instant.
“I didn’t just give those things to the lower class for no reason.”
It wasn’t the opinion of Flora, who mentioned that Karn was not Karceine and said he was just a beggar on the street.
Everyone present there. Everyone except Isabella remained silent, and it was no different from giving him the same answer.
‘That boy is not the Lord of the Palace.’
In that brief moment of consensus. Karceine became a lowly beggar, not the Lord of the Palace.
All the members of the palace, they had automatically become enemies.
“A huge enemy has arisen. No matter what my intention was or how I moved, it would have looked negative to the Palace. And that’s still ongoing. What will happen if I accept this birthday gift?”
He knew everything.
He had been watching all the gazes and movements directed towards him from the Palace without missing a beat.
“Is it an answer now? Heron.”
“…Yes. It has become a sufficient answer, my lord.”
Yes.
He understands clearly.
Even if he receives a blank cheque and gets what he wants, Karceine cannot free himself from the gaze of the Palace.
Even if it is a birthday gift, even if it is a fair price, he is perceived as a filthy beggar in the impoverished slum, and he should not accept it.
That’s why they drew that line clearly. They controlled everything so that these actions would not touch their minds, with money that would be endlessly insufficient as a birthday gift.
“Really, you have changed a lot.”
Calmly and calmly.
Without any anger, Carcain made Heron bow his head involuntarily. Just with this short conversation, he realized with a dullness that he had committed the sin of bystanders.
But Carcain didn’t even scold him for that.
“Maybe… I might be having a very disrespectful thought right now.”
Heron felt a moment of regret and stopped talking.
-Ding!