The Damn Family Is Back Again - Chapter 291



291. The Prophet of Wederos (10)

““Family trip?””

The two sisters asked simultaneously upon hearing the news Heron brought.

“Yes. Madam suggested that since it has been quite a while since the last trip, how about going on a family trip?”

At the mention of a family trip, Claire and Flora’s faces lit up.

Considering that Carsein might be upset about it, it was understandable to think about how to resolve it.

Moreover, the relationship with their eldest sister Arina was also strained.

Being apart like this, it seemed unlikely that their relationship would recover.

But a family trip at this point?

It was such an appropriate measure.

They could enjoy the trip with Carsein as well.

It would also be a great opportunity to have conversations they couldn’t have had with the family and get to know the only male family member a little better.

“I want to go! I definitely want to go!”

“What about you, Miss Claire?”

“Of course, I have to go! I still have some work left, so I need to make some adjustments, but I should be able to go.”

It was more than just making adjustments.

Claire was determined to go, even if she had to make time forcibly.

“So, has mom decided on the travel destination?”

“No.”

“That means it hasn’t been decided yet? You just came to ask for opinions.”

“That’s correct, Miss Claire.”

“Then Flora, shall we look for some places since we’re already talking about it?”

“Yes! I agree! I agree!”

The two then started looking into potential travel destinations.

They checked what interesting attractions or sights were in the area.

They also looked into whether there were any festivals that the family could enjoy together.

The trip hadn’t even started yet, but their excitement was already sky-high.

However, unlike the two excited sisters, Heron’s face was filled with worry.

‘…A trip.’

A trip for the entire family.

—

—

The Journey of the Duke’s Family Members.

In a way, since the companions are only family members, there would be no chance for Karsein to be harmed or to cause trouble anywhere.

However, the fact that they are only family members might cause even bigger problems.

– “Tell them I’m going.”

Heron, who had gone to get an answer from Karsein through the same question, still cannot forget that cold voice.

He answered without a moment’s hesitation.

As soon as Heron presented the preface, he answered before he could even finish his words.

Without adding any explanation, he threw out just one word.

As if he had no feelings at all.

“This journey might not be something to be entirely happy about, Miss Flora. Miss Claire.”

Heron looked at the two alternately with a look of pity.

*

Although all three sisters expressed their agreement, if the most important Karsein expressed his refusal, this journey could not even begin.

But fortunately, Karsein showed his consent through Heron, and the Bagland Duke’s family could gather and start their journey.

At that moment, when they got off the carriage at their destination.

Flora, with a determined expression, took something out of her inner pocket and unfolded it.

– Flap.

“What is this…?”

“The course we have to take!”

“Course…?”

“Yes! I made a route thinking about how we could have the most fun. I spent quite a long time… I mean! I found a lot!”

The youngest smiled bashfully.

Claire sighed deeply and patted her head.

“Oh dear. No wonder you were yawning this morning. You stayed up late looking for this, didn’t you?”

“Ah…”

“No matter how much you like festivals, you won’t grow tall if you don’t sleep properly.”

“Hehe. I was just too excited…”

Since a considerable festival was taking place, it must have been a very interesting element for Flora.

Of course, that wasn’t just Flora’s reaction.

“Still, well, I’m just as excited. Ah! I’m really going to have a blast! I’m going to play until I’m tired of it.”

—

—

Claire stretched out.

“Do you like it that much?”

“Of course! It’s been so long since I’ve traveled. Being overwhelmed by work, people, and schedules every day, it’s been ages since I’ve had a chance to relax and have fun like this.”

Isabella chuckled.

“It’s not the time to laugh, Mom.”

“Huh?”

“The person who proposed the trip can’t just watch from afar. You can’t think about backing out, Mom.”

“That’s right! Mom, you always stayed out and just watched me and my sisters. You need to join in and have fun too!”

“In that sense, let’s take turns assigning one activity per person. How about it?”

Claire raised her index finger.

While she was explaining to her family, a system message appeared.

-Ding!

‘It’s starting.’

▶Episode VII. The Duke’s Family Trip has begun.◀

▶From now on, each activity will be assigned points, and these points will raise the family’s intimacy lanterns.◀

▶The episode will not be completed until all characters’ lanterns turn blue.◀

▶Be careful! If all characters’ lanterns do not turn blue within the time limit, a bad ending will be forced!◀

An episode I’ve seen many times.

On the surface, it doesn’t seem too difficult.

The way to clear the episode is to accumulate points through activities at the festival and exceed the required amount.

By choosing one of the various mini-games and performing the tasks according to the instructions, you can earn points. Depending on your performance and achievement, emergency missions or additional events may occur to increase your supply.

Because of this, at first glance, it seemed like a very simple episode.

But you can’t take this game lightly.

There are three conditions in this system that are like shackles.

▶Each time you perform a mini-game, a designated individual usage fee will be charged for each game.◀

▶The usage fee will be billed to the player’s account afterwards!◀

First, all mini-games incur a usage fee, eating into my money. Although it hasn’t been revealed, according to the behind-the-scenes story revealed in the sub-episode, this place operates on a strict rental system.

The fact that you have to spend money.

This alone shackles my actions.

▶The points that need to be filled are displayed!◀

—

—

[ Required Points: 15000 pts ]

Secondly, the amount of points obtained through mini-games is extremely low.

When you complete a mini-game, even if you pay a considerable fee and finish it perfectly without any issues, you only get about 10 points. If the price is lower than that, it means you get less than 10 points.

Due to the extremely low number of points compared to the limited time, your funds can be drastically reduced if you’re not careful.

Of course, there are ways to earn additional points.

▶ If you perform mini-games with your family, emergency missions or additional events will occur. ◀

▶ You can earn additional points when performing them. ◀

If you clear mini-games with your family, you could receive a noticeably higher number of points. In fact, this was essential.

However, even here, the hidden final condition could not be detected, analyzed, or answered.

Despite achieving flawless results with your family, the returning points were not many.

Even if you survive to the end with one family member.

Even if you break through the set path without a single tremor.

Even if you achieve a perfect victory in a brain game.

The increase in points was not very much.

Then, when I suddenly let go just before retrying.

At that time, when I received a score below the highest but above average.

I was able to obtain the highest points.

‘How could anyone notice that?’

Yes. The final problem ultimately penetrates Chapter 3.

Because there is someone watching my every move.

Because there is someone with an inferiority complex.

Because there is someone who has placed a real shackle.

Unless you appropriately adjust your skills to match Arina’s mood, you couldn’t even fill the points within the designated time.

That was the final, extreme condition.

“So, what do you think? Carsein.”

Claire, who had been asking each person for their opinion and listening to their answers, finally asked me.

Of course, there was a choice in front of me.

‘What do you mean, what do I think?’

There is only one answer.

[ 1. (Casually) That’s fine. ]☑

—

—

“Ah. It’s fine.”

He was confident that he wouldn’t be caught anywhere managing his expressions.

“Then it’s decided! No special treatment just because we’re family, right?”

“Exciting!”

Truly boring and meaningless.

A trip that was close to a complete waste of time was about to begin.

*

“Ah, I missed! Ugh. Karsein, try aiming better from your side!”

“Well, it’s hard, so it’s not going well.”

“Turn the left lever more vigorously! Ugh!”

“What can I do if it’s not working?”

Flora and Karsein, having finished the game, come down the stairs.

“Why did you mess up when you were doing so well! Ugh, I’ll show you with my sister. Sis! Let’s go!”

“Don’t rush, take it slow, Claire.”

“I’m frustrated! Let’s show them quickly instead!”

“Ah, sis! If you’re worse than me, I’ll tease you?!”

Claire and Arina go up to play the same game.

Following the two sisters, Flora heads to the spectator seats.

Karsein, who came down alone, was greeted by Isabella.

“That’s unfortunate.”

“I don’t dwell on the results.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. As long as it’s fun, that’s all that matters. I enjoyed it enough.”

“…”

Only then did Isabella feel relieved.

Every time they moved a block, something new appeared.

Sights to see, food to eat, light mini-games, and instant game prizes.

It provided enough entertainment for the travelers.

But such thoughts are bound to occur.

Wondering if Karsein might not be enjoying it.

—

—

I wondered what if he didn’t find this trip enjoyable.

As before, I was anxious that he might have felt the suggestion was forced upon him.

But Carsein said with his own mouth that he enjoyed it.

Seeing how well he was enjoying himself, it was hard to believe such thoughts could arise. Carsein actively participated, taking turns with each family member.

“Let’s do something else together. I heard there’s a game where we can score 2:2. Claire wasn’t good at it because it was complicated. Let’s win with that.”

“Yes.”

There was nothing to worry about.

‘…But, what is that from earlier?’

Every now and then, Carsein would take out that notebook from his pocket.

He had been writing something consistently since earlier… What could he be recording?

‘Is he trying to remember something fun?’

Or maybe he was writing down something he regretted losing.

‘There’s no need to delve deeply into it.’

Isabella was already satisfied enough.

For Carsein, this time would surely be an enjoyable trip as well.

Evening came.

When the time for serious conversation arrived.

All she had to do was quietly step aside and create a space for reconciliation with Arina.

*

“…”

At the same time.

Another carriage arrived at the festival.

No, to be precise, it was more like a pursuit than an arrival.

The woman, lost in thought, checked her watch to confirm the time.

“Truly… a prophecy…”

The prophet of Wederos. Beneris.

As he said, Carsein was here.

Harnie, biting her lip slightly, recalled the prophet’s next words.

– Follow Carsein Bagrand as he is. That is the first prophecy given to you.