The Damn Family Is Back Again

15 – 15. Claire’s Coming-of-Age Ceremony (5)

I wonder how long they’ve been staring at me?

It’s been at least 30 seconds… No, that’s just how it feels. It’s probably been at least 10 seconds.

But their gazes didn’t waver from me.

I was at a loss for what to say or how to respond no matter which way I looked.

Finally, it was me who opened my mouth.

“I’m sorry. I arrived as soon as I was called, but it seems I’m still late.”

Isabella’s slightly parted lips returned to their original position.

“You’re not late, so there’s no need to apologize. Just take a seat for now.”

“Yes.”

So, I’m not late.

It seems like the atmosphere didn’t become hostile because of that.

“A seat… Ah.”

They didn’t specifically tell me where to sit. But from the looks of it, that spot over there must be mine, considering that there’s a chair already pulled out.

“But of all places…”

It was the seat next to that prickly pink-haired person.

If it were Ariana Flora, she probably wouldn’t start a fight, but it seems like I can clearly envision a future where she picks a fight over something strange and can’t even have a proper breakfast.

Sure enough, as soon as I sat down, it started again.

“Now it finally feels like Baghdad.”

Claire’s voice, with her chin raised, sounded somehow mocking.

Did she always go around dressed like that? It felt the same.

“So, are you satisfied? Threatening the maids like that.”

“I gave them a break. But, threatening?”

“You called the maids forcibly when you could have bathed alone. Isn’t that a threat?”

“What are you saying? It’s natural for the maids to serve their mistress. It’s not even a bad thing to ask them to make an extra effort today.”

“You said the maids were a waste.”

“Wow. Look at this brat talking back. I decided not to bring that up anymore…! I thought you’d come back looking like a beggar if I didn’t send them!”

“Claire.”

Isabella’s subtle remark, subtly pointing out that Claire was mocking Karceine, followed.

Ariana also gave a knowing glance.

“Oh, why, Mom. It’s a valid point.”

“Even so, to call Karceine a beggar.”

“Because that’s how you usually dress, like a beggar. If you had dressed up like this earlier, wouldn’t it have been nice?”

Knowing that it was best to ignore minor things like this, whether it provoked or not, I kept silent.

Still, the conversation between Ariana and the pink-haired girl ended with a suggestion for Ariana to reduce her vulgar language.

In the meantime, I confirmed the level of intimacy between the four individuals through a sidelong glance.

[Isabella Vagrande]

[Intimacy: 35%]

[Claire Vagrande]

[Intimacy: 5%]

[Arina Vagrande]

[Intimacy: 2%]

[Flora Vagrande]

[Intimacy: 0%]

“Isabella and Arina seem to have made good progress with the episodes. Claire’s numbers have also improved since yesterday’s incident.”

If we include all the maids, there might still be some question marks, but the fact that the dark boxes have decreased indicates a considerable improvement in perception.

Compared to the early intimacy optimization methods we’ve become familiar with in the game, it might be slightly lower, but it’s still well-managed.

They didn’t make any wrong choices for each character and the episodes were progressing smoothly. Even the perception numbers reported by the system remained unchanged.

In other words, it meant that the progress was not perfect, but it was going smoothly.

Meanwhile, the final main dish was placed on the table. In fact, even the other dishes already seemed like main dishes, but when the dish in the center was revealed, I realized that this was the real deal.

It may sound a bit exaggerated, but looking at the exquisite table from the morning meal in the fancy restaurant, it felt like all the meals I had eaten in the past few days were just plain rice.

Even just by smelling the aroma wafting from the dishes, it wasn’t easy. The sophisticated scent emanating from each plate naturally stimulated my salivary glands and made my throat tremble.

The combination of juicy meat, fresh vegetables, and seafood created a feast for the eyes.

Maybe the thoughts of intimacy and everything else would be erased from my mind in an instant.

However, I soon realized.

▶Consuming this will trigger a Kelpia allergy!◀

▶Main Symptoms: Vomiting, nausea, dizziness, fever, chills, etc.◀

Even if I, as the legitimate son of the Duke’s hostess, took my place at the morning banquet, these dishes were not prepared for me.

“Oh, right. Can Karsein eat this?”

“Don’t worry, Mom. I personally confirmed with Shadeen. He’s improved enough to eat now.”

“That’s good to hear. Well then, let’s all head to the market.”

─Yes.

With Isabella’s remark, mealtime began.

I couldn’t help but suspect if there was a poisoner here, based on past incidents.

There is actually only one person who could touch the food. That’s why I kept an eye on the little kid sitting across from me, slicing dumplings.

“…!”

I caught it clearly.

As soon as Flora met my gaze, she dropped the sauce and avoided eye contact as if she noticed something.

But.

“No, this time she doesn’t show any signs of that.”

If Flora were the culprit, she would have shown a hateful expression and provoked me. It would be her purpose to make me emotionally react, cause an accident, and continuously damage the Duke’s reputation.

Of course, she pretends not to notice our gaze, but it’s not true. As someone who has been pranked countless times, I should be able to distinguish this much.

That’s obvious.

The answer is so obvious.

“Now, how do I solve this?”

I must never make an emotional and foolish judgment like Karsein.

Are we just going to let this slide?

That’s ridiculous.

I’m not the kind of person who would let something like this happen to me twice and just stay quiet.

“What’s this? You didn’t even touch it? Not going to eat?”

“The head chef put in extra effort to make this dish because the whole family is coming. It’s good manners to eat it. Karsein.”

As Claire continued to not touch her food, Arina chimed in, clearly displeased.

It’s proper to eat this.

Yeah, you’re the kind of people who would do that.

I said it like that, but I didn’t really care. I had already filled my mind with the prejudice that it’s fortunate as long as there are no accidents. So even this small movement drew attention.

But, I don’t mind.

In fact, I feel grateful because of that.

“Because you guys have no interest at all. That’s why I can be more composed.”

Even in the game, Karsein constantly faces torment and learns from numerous trial and errors.

Whenever he reacts to any provocation, it only becomes poison. So it’s better not to get involved. But the current situation is different.

“Karsein? Why are you suddenly standing up without even eating?”

First, this scene is skipped in the game, so no choices appear.

“It’s not like I’m feeling unwell like last time. I got checked by Shadeen. I just thought I’d sit a little longer to talk to my mother.”

Second, I know very well who the authors are, who set up this situation and are laughing behind the scenes.

“Tsk…!”

Third, with this action, I can put pressure on them before the designated episode even arrives.

So, this was the best way to go about it.

-Thud.

“This is all your doing.”

Starting from those below, up to those above.

From the distant past to the little brats who committed such despicable acts, to the indifferent foster mother.

They wanted me to experience the coming-of-age ceremony and all that crap.

-Swish.

-Thud! Thud!

The main dish, the roasted turkey, was torn apart clumsily in both hands. As I lifted and tore apart the legs like handles, the greasy and tender flesh scattered and fell with a squelching sound.

The juices and flesh mixed with the food on the other plates, creating a mess. Even visually appealing dishes were instantly ruined.

At that moment, this table became nothing short of a chaotic mess.

But what does it matter if it’s a mess or not?

I have only one thing to say.

“I will enjoy this meal.”

Let’s eat.

Isn’t that why we gathered? As a family.

***

-Swallow, swallow.

“Hey, the meat is really delicious, isn’t it? It disappears in your mouth after a few chews.”

Saying that, he once again greedily tore apart the meat in one hand, in a manner resembling a primitive human, as if he had regressed completely.

Everyone in the room began to freeze at this absurd behavior.

The aristocracy of aristocracies.

No one under the Peselos Imperial Court, occupying the top of the aristocracy, would have suspected such a thing to happen.

Culture. Dignity.

The etiquette as a noble had completely disappeared. Carcine’s actions were solely for the purpose of satisfying his appetite.

The two sisters, who were no better, raised their voices first.

“This bastard…! I thought he had become a bit more decent!”

“What are you doing right now, Carcine!”

“What? I’m just having breakfast.”

As he retorted and resumed tearing at the meat, the sisters’ expressions became even more distorted.

“That’s why I asked what you were doing! Are you showing such a disgraceful appearance without any manners, even in the place where Mother is present?!”

“Well, yeah. I guess so. It’s a shared meal, but it’s a bit unpleasant to eat when it’s touched like this. Sorry, sorry. Forget it?”

“You despicable guy. Now that you’ve finally come to your senses, you really haven’t changed. Isn’t there anyone outside?”

Arina tried to call someone from outside as if there was no longer any value in dealing with him. Isabella was already touching her forehead, trying hard to ignore the situation.

However, Claire couldn’t bear it any longer and crawled up to my cheek and raised her hand.

-Slap!

Heat rose from the slapped cheek.

“Oh my. Why did you hit me? You’re hurting while eating.”

“This bastard…! Do you want to be hit again?! If you’ve done something wrong, you should show an attitude of reflection…!”

Claire raised her hand again to slap my cheek, but she seemed to resist, thinking about the youngest one watching from the opposite side. She also glanced at Isabella’s reaction.

Blood was dripping down from my cheek, scratched by my own fingernails. Along with a stinging pain, I felt as if something was flowing out, so I touched it and saw that blood was seeping out so clearly that my fingerprints were visible.

“This is so unfair. I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Huh. Still not coming to your senses? You think you have the right to talk back after causing such a mess?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“…!”

Claire’s anger filled the room. If I said another word, it seemed like she would raise her hand again.

Before I could get hit again, I turned my head towards the outside of the restaurant.

“Hey, you guys! Go and bring Shayden here.”

“Unbelievable. After causing this commotion, you think you can just go to the doctor as if nothing happened?”

Arina bit her tongue and ordered the maids again.

“Enough! Everyone, go back to your places. There’s no value in listening to the words of a lowlife like him.”

The maids, who had no intention of moving in the first place, stood still in their places.

Well, that doesn’t mean they didn’t do anything at all. That would soon reveal the truth.

“What you received is just what you deserved, Caerseine. So admit your mistake right now. Immediately.”

With a few words from the first daughter, I quickly became a useless troublemaker and ruined the meal.

Indeed. If there was a prejudice that Carseine was always at fault, it would be difficult to change public opinion no matter what I did.

The four people who were most involved in this were Carseine’s family.

They must have been Carseine’s family.

“Hurry up and apologize. If you just do that, I’ll let it go.”

Even the pink-haired girl joined in. It was an attitude that she would forgive me if I got down on my knees and begged right now.

But why me?

It must have been a few minutes since I asked for Shayden. He should be arriving at the restaurant soon.

So I won’t back down.

“It’s really unfair. I just ate because you told me to, why am I being scolded like this when I listen?”

“…”

“I’d rather catch a cold and suffer, that would be much better. At least I wouldn’t be scolded for no reason, and the food would be served properly. Don’t you think so, Claire?”

With an accent on “properly,” I gave a subtle hint to another person in the room, and someone’s hair trembled as if it were being swept by a sauce.

“You…!”

Just as Claire was about to raise her hand, in that moment.

“I heard you calling.”

The court physician, Shayden, arrived.

I met Claire’s eyes and continued speaking without stepping back.

“Shayden. As a doctor, you must have thoroughly diagnosed my collapse, right?”

“Yes, my lord.”

“You must have checked what I ate, what was in the food, right?”

“Of course.”

“Then explain to me why I can’t eat the food here, in detail. If I’m wrong, I’ll receive a month of strict punishment.”

At my words, Claire’s gaze trembled greatly.

The others were the same. Not just Claire, but Arinana, Isabella, and Flora as well.

I’m sorry, but I didn’t call Shayden because I thought I was right.

After calling for Shaden, Karsein tried to leave the restaurant.

“I don’t need to stay here anymore since Shaden will investigate on his own, right? I’m leaving now.”

“Do as you please, but it won’t alleviate your punishment.”

“Suit yourself.”

Karsein’s attitude was so stubborn that it made one wonder how he could be so confident. Without bending even a single blade of grass, Karsein left the restaurant.

Since then, Claire had not taken her eyes off the table. Arina remained unchanged, and Flora hid behind Arina. Isabella, not wanting to witness the situation, turned away.

Shaden was taken aback by the sudden request to explain why he couldn’t eat the food at the restaurant, but he hurriedly rushed over and didn’t forget the diagnosis from that time.

The diagnosis, which accurately described Karsein’s physical condition, surely held the key to solving this incident.

Cutting a few pieces of food, Shaden began to investigate carefully. And soon after dropping some substances, he widened his eyes.

“Who ordered this meal to be prepared?”

“It was Lady Isabella. Shaden.”

Isabella murmured quietly. She still didn’t look towards the table. Her attitude seemed to indicate that the result was obvious.

“Did Lady Isabella order this meal to be prepared…?”

“No, I told her to prepare it. I separately informed the head chef about the menu.”

“Miss Claire… did you happen to know that the meal extensively used Kelpia fruits?”

“Kelpia fruits? I don’t know about that. I just listed the types of dishes to be prepared. I never specifically told them to add anything.”

“Sigh… I see. Then it must have been someone else who used these fruits, not Miss Claire.”

Shaden let out a deep sigh.

And then.

The truth was revealed.

“The young master is right. These foods are absolutely not to be eaten.”

“What…?”