The Damn Family Is Back Again

20 – 20. Claire’s Coming-of-Age Ceremony (10)

She found herself flustered, and before long, she came up with a strange answer, saying it was because of her appearance or her preferences.

Why bring up the engagement talk when she could have just said she came for a deal without being misunderstood?

Her change in expression was so obvious that for a moment, he thought she was such an easy woman to understand.

However.

“But the engagement itself is my purpose.”

As soon as I heard that the engagement itself was the purpose, I had to immediately cancel the notion of an easy woman.

What do you gain? It might have been a foolish question.

I have nothing. Not even a mansion or land, let alone a domain. And if you consider wealth, I don’t even have that.

Therefore, the only thing she can gain from her engagement with Carsein is one thing.

The castle of Bargrand.

The affiliation of being a member of the Bargrand Duchy.

These two things were the only weapons and everything that Carsein Bargrand possessed.

“Yes. This world works in that kind of structure. My thinking was short-sighted.”

As much as being a noble is a supportive foundation, the family name is perhaps the greatest power.

Harnier’s purpose being in the engagement itself didn’t seem strange at all.

Originally, I should have refused. If Carsein’s last weapon goes beyond the engagement with that woman and leads to marriage, even that weapon will disappear.

However, I couldn’t possibly refuse this proposal.

“Very well. Let’s do that.”

As a Carsein who has nothing apart from the castle of Bargrand, I cannot wait for the time when I will eventually be driven away and die.

It is said that you can change the course of the game depending on the intimacy, but there are too many variables. Isn’t this woman in front of me already acting as a significant variable?

That’s why, rather than holding onto a weapon that may disappear at any moment, it is much more advantageous to come up with alternative plans.

This is not a proposal, but rather a desperate deal.

“But I can’t just blindly listen to your words. I have no intention of refusing, but I need to know under what conditions and for what purpose you want to achieve this.”

“…”

Then, Harnier looked at me blankly and murmured, “Moore.”

“Before, it was like that…”

I’m not sure what he said exactly. But he doesn’t seem to feel bad or dislike it. My intentions seem to have been conveyed fairly well.

“What conditions, for what purpose,” he asked? Yes, I’ll tell you clearly. I don’t want what I’ve painstakingly built to be taken away from me.”

“When you say you don’t want it taken away…”

“Because of a strategic marriage.”

A strategic marriage.

It was a means for nobles to tie their children together through marriage to benefit their families and themselves.

“Not long ago, my strategic marriage was proposed in a deal with another viscount. I can’t accept that my life is being consumed for the sake of the family.”

It’s the right thing to say.

To have one’s own life used up like a consumable.

How can one accept being used as a sacrificial lamb?

Even from my perspective as a non-noble, I can fully understand this. It happens even in modern times.

Just by saying that our family needs help from the firstborn every time was enough to make me lose my mind.

“So, it means that the strategic marriage hasn’t been finalized yet, is that what you’re saying?”

“Yes. It’s still on the scale. But all sorts of young noble ladies are eyeing me.”

Harnier frowned deeply.

That’s understandable.

From head to toe, she was not only a noble but also a remarkable beauty filled with grace.

At a glance, they were a young couple in their teens. Purple hair and eyes. And with a figure that would catch the attention of any man, it was no wonder they were desired.

From their conversation, it was clear that a fierce competition was taking place. Unfortunately.

“Let me summarize. To avoid the threat of a strategic marriage, you are agreeing to an engagement with me. Is that your intention?”

“Ah. That’s correct, but there’s one thing I haven’t mentioned.”

“What else is there?”

“The duration is one year. Until I come of age and leave the Marquisate of Theresia, just until then, if you could match your words with mine. I can offer compensation if needed.”

By providing a specific duration of one year, all the weak arguments were resolved.

“I’ve also done some research. I need to understand how the nobles’ society works.”

What I found out was quite helpful.

First, the Marquisate of Theresia, which had experienced a revival in just six months, had gained enough power at this point. The rank had risen from Viscount to Marquis, a significant step up, so there could be no better news.

However, the Theresia Marquisate’s main family was not satisfied with that alone and was aiming higher. He was an ambitious man.

The only problem was that even as a Marquis, the position itself was not very high within the Empire. To avoid being surpassed by other Viscounts who were quickly catching up, he had to make a move.

That’s why Harnier became the victim of a strategic marriage.

It’s said that even the nobles and royalty of old Europe were the same. They focused on continuing the lineage with their sons and sought to marry their daughters or princesses of other countries.

The legitimacy was enough.

Secondly, I found the answer to why it was one year.

There were many doubts about the sudden rise of the Theresia Marquisate. The s*xual performance of the previous Marquis and his children was known to be lacking, so how could they have come up with such a clever plan?

The answer to this question was Harnier Theresia.

If she could turn the tide for a family that was lagging behind among the Viscounts in just six months, then it was more than possible for her to come up with some kind of plan within a year.

If she went through thorough preparations and became a Marquis and then became independent, it would make sense.

“I said I would do enough as compensation. It’s not baseless confidence.”

Even if I lose my position as a noble, I can still live as a viscount. After one year, I will have my coming-of-age ceremony and become an adult. I can provide enough compensation.

This confidence inevitably means that something is hidden.

So, I need to listen more carefully.

“I understand. Then, please explain to me what I need to do for one year.”

“It’s simple. Just show that the engagement is not fake.”

“…Is that all?”

“Is there another way to avoid a strategic marriage?”

“Well…”

Well, this is straightforward.

If I already have an engagement partner, there won’t be any young men who would try to get involved. Especially if I have the title of the Baroness of Bagrand, they would all back off reluctantly.

But for some reason, my sigh seemed to provoke a petty reaction from Harnie, who narrowed her eyes and started spouting snide remarks.

“There were quite a few men who tried to approach me, too. There were even middle-aged men with no hair left. Unlike you, who is the complete opposite of them. But if rumors spread that you have gotten close to me, it will not only perfectly deter the two cases I mentioned earlier but also create another reflexive benefit. Don’t you think this advantage is absolutely splendid?”

She’s giving me a lot of scrutiny. It seems like this is a trap…

Is there any way out? I reluctantly answered.

“I will meet you periodically. Is that enough?”

“Please do so. Of course, don’t feel burdened to develop romantic feelings. Oh, by the way, even if you confess your love, I won’t accept it.”

“That goes without saying.”

Even in a situation like this, she’s boasting.

Well… It’s true that she’s pretty, so I have no intention of refuting that.

“If that’s the case, you should hurry up and take it. Hmph.”

“Yes?”

“It’s nothing. Well then, it’s my turn to ask now, right?”

Harney, who revealed his purpose while responding to my question, pushed a cup towards me. It seemed like it was my turn this time.

“Master Karsein, for maintaining a year-long engagement, what do you desire?”

What do I desire?

Unknowingly, I smirked at such a simple question.

“What’s with that unpleasant laughter? Don’t be so gloomy, just tell me what you want.”

“I think we should discuss that separately next time.”

“What?”

────?! ──!

“Oh, I see.”

There was a commotion outside.

In this situation, it would be difficult to continue an important conversation.

It seems like the time has come for my presence to be revealed in this banquet hall.

▶[There has been a third commotion in the banquet hall. Will you leave the terrace?]

[1. Leave.]

[2. Stay.]

The first and second commotions belong to the nobles. And the third commotion that is spreading now is someone else’s commotion.

Since the conversation is already finished, I stood up from my seat.

“Please assign Camilla as my maid from now on. And make sure to prepare the contract next time.”

I’ve added some words appropriately, so there shouldn’t be any issues.

However, it seemed that Harney wasn’t satisfied with just that, as she suddenly grabbed my hand as I was about to leave the terrace.

“Where are you going? Wait for me.”

I thought she would have understood my words well enough by now. Was that not the case?

But, it really wasn’t.

Harney, holding her handkerchief tightly in both hands, spoke with a dissatisfied tone.

“What if the wound hasn’t healed yet and you just remove it? Just stay a little longer.”

“It’s alright. This much─”

“Oh, really!”

At that moment, her purple hair fluttered, and as a slight stinging pain was felt, her handkerchief was once again being stained with blood.

Along with a warm sensation.

“Return it to me next time. Then, it’ll be easier to keep the promise to meet again, right?”

“…”

Returning the used handkerchief and continuing the encounter. Well, it seems like a decent excuse.

“See you then. Karsein Gongja.”

“Until next time. Harney Yeongae.”

With a brief farewell, I stepped outside the terrace.

***

The banquet hall quickly became chaotic.

As midnight approached, the sounds of fireworks and loud cheers filled the room, celebrating Claire’s birthday.

To Claire, who had become an adult. The guests who blessed her today showed bright smiles.

She, too, had to smile brightly. It was supposed to be the happiest day.

But Claire’s face was not adorned with a smile. Instead, she wore a restrained expression of discomfort, scanning the banquet hall as if looking for someone.

“Carsein… You…!”

She had only known him as someone who stubbornly resisted the coming of age ceremony.

It was true that she had hurt Carsein’s face. It was true that she had hit an innocent person. It was true that there was a reason to feel unjust. Up to that point, Claire had nothing to say, even if she had a hundred mouths.

Still, she expected him to at least attend her coming of age ceremony. After all, they were family.

She thought he would congratulate her on her birthday. Because they were family.

Even if there was a lingering resentment from the slap, she thought she would hear applause at least once. Because they were family!

But there was no applause or congratulatory sound. Why on earth?

Even without ethical reasons, as long as he bore the name of the House of Bagrand, he should reflect his appearance. If he did not even show his face when his second sister’s coming of age ceremony was imminent, it was clearly crossing the line.

He was not seen throughout the entire ceremony.

Even during the meal. Even during the continuation of the speeches. Even when their mother stood on the podium and raised her voice. Even when her turn was approaching.

Carsein was nowhere to be found.

Finally, as soon as the ceremony ended, Claire asked Isabella where he was, but the response she received was:

“Carsein? I heard that he said he had something to take care of first.”

It was a clear lie that he had something to take care of first.

After that, she searched for him for a long time after the party started. Hoping that it wasn’t a lie.

But no matter how much she searched the banquet hall, she couldn’t find Carsein. She searched and searched. She couldn’t even find someone with a similar outfit to what Carsein had worn during the day.

Claire, whose insides were boiling, eventually erupted in anger.

“So you’re saying you don’t even want to come to my coming-of-age ceremony?!”

Even if something like that had happened, shouldn’t you attend a celebration for someone’s birthday?

As a family with the same Bagrande surname, anger was inevitable.

“Claire, what’s the matter all of a sudden?”

“You. Find someone right away in this party venue.”

Upon hearing Claire’s fiery voice, a maid came to find her. But the idea of searching for someone was not appealing at all.

Karcein Bagrande.

As soon as they heard that name, the servants either bowed their heads in resignation or pretended to search, already giving up.

Of course, there was no one who came to find him.

“I told you to find him! There’s no way he’s not here!!”

As the servants stiffened, Ariana intervened to stop Claire.

“Everyone, go back to your places. We’ll discuss this matter later.”

“Sister.”

“Claire, you should know by now. Karcein never had any intention of attending your coming-of-age ceremony.”

“…”

Though frustrated, Claire felt the weight in her older sister’s response. It was because she herself had already been thinking about it to some extent.

“Is it such a big deal? Even if it’s unfair that we lost, do you really not want to show your face on a family’s birthday?”

“You deceived Mother with lies. When we get back to the mansion, I’ll personally question you. Well, I won’t expect any answers.”

Even if you’re angry, you’re still the protagonist today. Don’t ruin it by getting upset on this special day. We’ll celebrate for you even more. All these guests have come to congratulate you alone.

Ariana scolded her younger sister like that. However, Claire couldn’t just let Carcine, who seemed to have no intention of even congratulating her on her birthday, pass by without saying anything.

“Claire!”

“Let it go, sis. Don’t you think we should talk to that bastard face to face?”

“Calm down. Other nobles are watching!”

She might have poured out her anger right then and there when she returned to the mansion, hitting him on the other cheek.

If Carcine hadn’t suddenly appeared right in front of her.

“I’ve been here the whole time. What do you want to talk about?”

“You, you…!”

“…Carcine.”