The Damn Family Is Back Again - Chapter 280



Chapter 280. The Afterparty (8)

“Is it too late?”

I had succeeded in revealing the Marquise Teresia’s sins to the royal court, but time had slipped away from me.

The Marquise had wrapped her secrets so tightly that proving them took longer than I had anticipated.

As a result, most of the key events that could have unfolded at the afterparty had already passed.

The customary greetings between families had likely flowed naturally, and there was a real chance I might part ways without ever encountering Karsein.

What a rare opportunity this was.

Time alone with him had been secured, and yet—

I had even brought news that might bring him joy.

This could not be allowed to slip away.

Harnié clutched her skirts, quickening her pace.

“Perhaps I should have taken a moment to study the building’s layout…?”

She wandered aimlessly, lost in thought.

Unlike last year, the afterparty venue had been remodeled, and with the new layout, she had no idea where to go.

Though she wondered if she was rushing, the singular thought of finding Karsein propelled Harnié down the corridor once more.

And then, in that very moment—

A hand emerged from the shadows, seizing her arm with a firm grip.

“What are you doing? Who are you—”

Startled, as Harnié turned her head to resist, the figure pressed her against the wall with sheer force.

A thick, rough hand.

Much larger and heavier than her own.

It was unmistakably a man’s hand.

Only then did Harnié’s senses sharpen.

‘Oh no, I made a mistake…!’

She had forgotten, but she was safe because Karsein was near.

Despite the countless scandals and schemes, the mere fact of having Karsein as her fiancé created an impenetrable barrier.

In other words, she was protected.

Because that man named Karsein was watching over her, she could walk safely through this world.

However, in this moment, the greatest weakness is laid bare.

Without Karsein, Harnié is utterly alone.

Just a single noble lady, pitifully vulnerable, a target for any who might wish to strike.

Whether in the social circles or the house of the marquis.

In either case, it would not be surprising if someone, disdainful of her engagement to Karsein, sent forth a plot to ruin her.

‘I must push him away…!’

How had she endured until now?

With only the barest glimmer of hope remaining before her.

She could not lose everything so easily.

By any means necessary, she had to fend him off.

For herself, and to reach the man named Karsein who resided in her heart.

Yet.

As her eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness, his face came into view.

The blue had vanished, replaced by hair as dark as pitch.

And beneath it, the same color of eyes.

He raised a finger to his lips, making a single request.

“Shh. Don’t make a sound, Harnié.”

It was unmistakably Karsein.

A wave of relief.

Surely, that should have come rushing in.

The one who had ambushed her in her vulnerability, attempting to thwart her plans, was none other than Karsein himself.

But… why was it?

In this moment, Harnié found herself thinking something entirely different.

‘Could this be…’

Pushed against one wall.

His arm blocking her escape from that very wall.

With his face drawing closer.

Was this not the situation Mina had described?

– “Wall push?”

– “Yes. It’s when a man assertively corners a woman against a wall in a romantic relationship!”

Mina spoke.

She said that such actions are displays of affection shown to a woman of interest.

It is common for a man’s charm to radiate abundantly, yet…

— It’s not merely interest; it’s typical for it to lead to a kiss from here, isn’t it?

— W-what?

— The posture is just so. The woman is trapped, unable to move, while the man’s face draws near. At this distance, it’s the perfect range for a kiss!

I’ve heard it continues like that.

At first, I didn’t believe it…

But the situation aligns too closely with the example Mina described.

In a space where our breaths intertwine.

With a slight lowering of posture, even the sound of breathing seems to connect.

There is no distance better suited for bodies and hearts to touch.

— In such moments, if a woman wishes to express her feelings honestly, she need only gently close her eyes! Next… heh heh heh. The young lady must handle things well with the young master, yes?

— W-what are you saying?! I-I don’t want anything like that with Carsein…!

— Oh dear! Young lady, please don’t hit me! That…! You mustn’t open your eyes until he pulls away. Understood?!

— I don’t know, I don’t know! Get out!

My heart began to thump wildly.

Heat started to rise from my skin, unbeknownst to me.

My body twisted in confusion.

Though I felt my face might flush with embarrassment.

I could not hide the anticipation of being a woman.

I cautiously closed my eyes.

With a trembling heart.

“…”

Yet.

Nothing changed from a moment ago.

Was time flowing slowly, perhaps?

Why does it feel like nothing is touching?

As such questions arose in my mind.

Carsein murmured quietly.

“Your eyes don’t have to be closed.”

“…What?”

“I said not to make a sound; I didn’t say to close your eyes.”

…What kind of nonsensical talk is this?

“Am I supposed to hit you or something? Why are you so scared?”

At the absurdity of the response, Harnié instinctively opened her eyes.

“What… what kind of behavior is this?”

“This?”

Karsein tilted his head, feigning innocence as he replied.

“Um… it doesn’t really mean anything. It’s just, you know, something for appearances…”

“Ha.”

With that answer, and now that her eyes were wide open, she could see.

Karsein seemed utterly clueless.

About what this act was.

‘What the hell. So…’

Was I the only one with strange expectations?

Her heart, once soaring and trembling, rapidly transformed into a wave of shame and embarrassment, as if some vein within her twisted into a cross.

Though it wouldn’t be heard, a sound of cracking and shattering could be imagined from somewhere.

Feeling a chill, Karsein swallowed hard and asked,

“Um… Harnié?”

“…”

“Ha, Harnié?”

She began to stride closer.

Karsein sensed it.

Once again, a red handprint would surely mark his back.

“Ugh!”

*

‘Ugh. I need to understand what the problem is.’

There were simply two sets of footsteps.

I had pretended to be lovers with Harnié because I needed to be cautious.

Did I do something wrong again?

Fuming with anger, Harni walked the path without a word, her frustration palpable.

Yet, it seemed Harni was utterly lost, wandering aimlessly through every nook and cranny.

I feared she might stumble into some strange trap if this continued, and I had no choice but to intervene.

“…Um, that’s not the right way.”

– Zing!

Her sharp gaze pierced through me. A bead of cold sweat trickled down my back.

The heat radiating from my spine made me flinch involuntarily.

Still, I had to speak up. Clearing my throat, I said, “We should at least go the right way. If we keep wandering blindly like this, we’ll end up lost until the afterparty is over.”

“…”

“Come on. We need to dance at least once to avoid misunderstandings.”

Unlike the time I had pushed her against the wall, this time I gently took her hand to guide her, and Harni began to follow willingly.

“Just this once.”

“Sure.”

With my senses heightened, we walked on, soon emerging into the lobby.

‘…Maybe it’s better to ask that later?’

The timing felt all wrong.

“It seems like it’s the last song.”

“Really?”

“Let’s hurry. We’ll be late at this rate.”

As we quickly made our way, the prelude began to play.

Even while dancing in sync for the first time in ages, I felt no discomfort.

Given what had happened earlier, I couldn’t bring it up then, but perhaps now was the right moment. After all, it was an important conversation to have while dancing, and there was no one else around to overhear.

“Harni, there’s something I couldn’t say earlier, but I have a question.”

“If you’re bringing that up again…!”

Thud.

“…!”

“Better brace yourself for what’s coming, okay?”

Was that the sound of my foot being stomped with such force?

It was a chilling thing to say, despite the smile.

I quickly shook my head.

“No, no! That’s not it!”

“Then what is it?”

Changing the subject, I asked calmly.

“Why is there a tracker on you?”

“A tracker, you say?”

“A moment ago, there was someone following you in the hallway. They retreated when I appeared at your side, but from the sound of their footsteps, it was clear they were after you, Harnié.”

“Me… you mean?”

Lost in thought for a moment, she soon replied with a smile.

“It’s nothing to worry about. There’s always someone out to get me. I made a mistake, really. I shouldn’t have rushed into a dark place instead of going somewhere safe.”

“…”

“I’m sorry. I’ll be more careful. You don’t need to worry so much.”

…That’s what she said.

But still. There was something in her expression that hinted at more.

I couldn’t let this go.

I had to ask.

“Harnié. Please, just tell me—”

But in that moment.

Before I could finish my sentence, a loud crash echoed from somewhere.

─Kyaaah!

People screamed in confusion.

The reason was simple.

– Clang!

A chandelier was falling from above.

The very building shook, strange wooden trunks rising up from the ground.

And.

It was the same here.

“Harnié!”

“Ahhh!”

-Thunk!

“Harnié. Are you alright?”

“Yes, yes. I’m fine. But…”

I know too.

The moment I glanced around, I understood why this chaotic atmosphere had arisen.

‘Damn it. I hoped it wouldn’t come to this…!’

It suddenly dawned on me.

This after-party route is fundamentally straightforward; once the event is completed and the episode wrapped up, that’s the end of it.

However, aside from properly executing this event, there exists a slim chance for a certain incident to occur.

-Creeeak…!

“Th-that’s…!”

“It’s a beast! A monster!”

“What’s a monster doing here!”

-Ding!

▶ Episode V. The after-party of the martial arts tournament is in progress. ◀

▶ Proceed with the events occurring in the venue. ◀

[ Events completed so far (3/4) ]

▶ The final event has been designated. ◀

▶ A forced event of the monsters’ assault will commence! ◀

▶ Eliminate all monsters present in the venue. ◀

[ Number of monsters: 50 ]

Indeed, it takes the form of an event called the monsters’ assault.

Yet, I felt a strange dissonance regarding this event.

Typically, one would think it was just bad luck…

‘Something’s off.’

This event occurs regardless of time. In fact, the best timing for it had existed long before now.

And yet, it appears at this very moment?

Right after I just met Harnié and entered here?

Not only that, but a chandelier fell precisely onto Harnié’s head.

The shattered fragments, along with other objects flying from elsewhere, targeted her once more.

There is no choice but to feel a sense of dissonance.

This is far too blatant.

‘Could it be…’

Is there something about Harnié?