Chapter: 381
My life was at stake during the long explanations—no, confessions—of my actions. When someone’s scared, their tongue tends to wag more than usual.
Fortunately, despite the lengthy confession, Mar and Beatrix listened silently. If they thought my admissions were just pathetic excuses, they would’ve cut me off immediately, right? The very fact that they were listening meant they were willing to believe me. That was incredibly encouraging.
“It’s something I could have easily communicated through the communication device, but I thought it’d be better to talk face-to-face given the seriousness of the matter.”
Even for a rushed explanation, it didn’t sound too shabby. After all, even if the communication device works like a charm, talking to a distant person still feels far removed. I can’t touch or comfort them. Hearing that my lover lost an arm in battle without being able to hold her makes it way worse.
In my mind, I was arguing that no tragedy should occur because of a pre-existing wound or injury that had healed. Presenting that logic seemed to resonate with them.
“Of course, I know Beatrix must have known already; I just didn’t think of that. I’m sorry for making you worry unnecessarily.”
Since I genuinely believed Beatrix wouldn’t be clueless, I offered my sincere apology, and she shook her head lightly.
“The madness of war can cloud reason. I understand.”
“Thanks.”
Her rather cryptic comment made me chuckle wryly. There’s a self-deprecating joke about how military life makes you lose your brain cells. Just imagine what it’s like to come back from a war. Just like Beatrix said, I momentarily lost my wits.
Yeah, that sounds about right. There’s no way I would’ve concocted the wild notion of escaping the Magic Tower’s information network without that.
‘Survived!’
I let out a sigh of relief internally. By their reactions, it seemed they had decided to trust me instead of scolding me.
I survived. I made it out of a situation where one misstep could’ve cost me my soul. This proves that good communication is essential for survival.
“… But still, this kind of thing shouldn’t happen again, right? No more hiding truths from us, and no more battles for Carl.”
Amidst all this, a hint of anxiety slipped into Mar’s voice, and I quickly nodded in agreement. Of course, there’s no way I’d let this kind of thing happen again.
“Absolutely. This incident was an exceptional circumstance; I’m not part of the military but belong to the administration, you know.”
It’s not exactly the best position to be in, given that I’ve been in battle for the second time as an administrative officer, but it was due to those unique situations with Kagan and Dorgon.
But now, both of them are gone, and the North has become the Empire’s territory. There shouldn’t be any more unusual situations requiring my involvement in battle. And unless it’s war-related, there’s no need for me to hide things or lie to my lovers. Just like Mar wished, I’m sure there won’t be circumstances like that again. I am certain of it.
Frankly, if they want to send me to the battlefield, they might as well transfer me to the military. The Crown Prince blocked that, though.
“Ha ha, right. Carl was a civilian administrator.”
Seeing Mar chuckle in relief made me unconsciously smile too. A smiling face is way prettier than one filled with worry and gloom—
“Oh, by the way, I heard that your father often went to war before I was even born. I was worried if Carl would end up like that too.”
‘Ah.’
Hearing that made me understand why Mar showed such anxiety over the term ‘military service.’ Knowing that someone in her family had frequent experiences in combat must have been unsettling.
Her father had been on the front lines during a chaotic period at the eastern border. The chaos from the past erupted at the end of the previous emperor’s reign and continued into the early days of the current emperor’s reign. It coincided perfectly with her father’s peak, making him the one responsible.
“Because of what my father did during that time, we—the future generations—don’t have to go to war. I can’t thank him enough for that.”
“Is that so? I guess my father worked hard for his son-in-law long before I was born.”
While Mar responded with a joking tone, it wouldn’t seem like a joke to the eastern kingdoms that suffered under her father’s hand. The way he must’ve beaten the enemies into submission has made the eastern border quite peaceful up to this day.
Particularly, the great Leon Kingdom, once considered a central powerhouse of the continent, had fallen into despair after feeling the Empire’s true wrath. What a pity.
“I should thank your father soon. Because of him, I get to marry Mar in peace.”
Though I wouldn’t typically sympathize with a country I’ve never visited, it was far more important to say lovely things to Mar. Who cares about Leon or whatever.
Seeing Mar smile even more brightly at my words, I feel like tonight her dad will surely hear, “Daddy, I love you!”
I’m sure he’d be happier to hear that simple phrase than any gift or thanks. I hope he acknowledges his son-in-law’s invisible efforts.
“Speaking of which, it’s almost time for lunch—”
Just before I could finish with “we should eat together,” the door to the president’s office swung open noisily.
‘What the?’
What on earth? It’s already uncommon for students or staff to visit the student council room, but it’s even rarer for someone to roll up to the president’s office where a lady is hanging out.
While dealing with this cultural shock, I turned my gaze to the familiar white hair.
“Mar! Is the Executive Manager here!?”
Ah, it’s her.
I get it now. Anyone else would do the same.
“Come on in, Erich!”
“Eh? Sister?”
Erzebet, who burst through the door while calling Mar’s name, blinked in surprise at the sight of Beatrix being here too.
Shocked, huh? I was surprised too. Who would’ve thought they’d be together?
“You two can’t just sit on the Executive Manager’s lap like this!”
Seeing Erzebet throwing a fit over nothing, I felt oddly warm inside; this was definitely the Erzebet I knew. She’s always been the same, no matter when or where.
Never would I have expected her to react to her lover’s lap being occupied before greeting him after his return from battle.
“Executive Manager, don’t you have a third leg? Don’t hide it—show it!”
“Hey you crazy! What are you even saying?”
I was taken aback by Erich’s insane comments. Sure, she’s just saying whatever comes to mind, but from my perspective, it’s downright chilling.
… Right?
Due to the intense protest from the latecomer, the occupant of my lap switched to Daniella, who had rushed in behind Erzebet.
It’s my lap, but at this moment, it’s not mine. Well, that’s that.
“Hehe, this is nice.”
“Well, I’m glad.”
As I patted Erzebet’s head, I couldn’t help but smile at her even more satisfied expression. To think she’d be one to toy with phrases like “third leg” and still look this innocent…
“It’s a relief you came back in one piece, Executive Manager. If you had been injured, we wouldn’t be able to do this!”
“Is my leg just a chair now?”
I chuckled, lightly running my hands through her hair.
‘Looks like I spoke well.’
Inside, I sighed in relief. The fact that she didn’t scold me but seemed happy instead means Penelia probably persuaded her well. Maybe she was lenient from the start.
Whichever way it went, it’s a win for me. If I had to deal with Erzebet’s protesting, there’s no way I could win in a verbal spar. It’d be like me playing Go, while she’s playing “guess the card”—impossible to match up.
“Please do this later during club time with Louise and Irina.”
How strange. I’m the one providing the lap, yet she makes it sound like she’s doing me a favor.
“Our Erzebet is kind. Always considerate of others.”
“Right? I don’t do this for just anyone; we’re family!”
I made a lighthearted compliment, but she deflected it and absorbed the praise instead. What a resilient mentality! With an outlook like that, it’s no wonder she doesn’t feel stressed.
Watching Erzebet, I shifted my gaze to Penelia, only to feel concern instead of awe. Why is my friend so lacking in boundaries?
“… Penelia, you can sit more comfortably if you want.”
“It’s okay. I’m comfortable as is.”
I was momentarily taken aback. I was trying to be considerate, but apparently, she’s oblivious to how uncomfortable she looks.
Unlike Erzebet, who sat confidently, Penelia seemed to hover as if sitting on an invisible chair. After we’ve hugged and exchanged kisses on the forehead and cheeks, why is this still a thing?
‘Is she unable to sit down comfortably?’
Then, would it be okay if I sat on Penelia’s lap instead…?
Suppressing my chaotic feelings, I gently pressed on Penelia’s shoulder. After she finally sat on my lap, I could tell she was browsing the room, ready to jump back into her “invisible chair” status at any moment, and everyone here was aware of it.
*
I smiled softly while watching the three of them carry on—well, two of them. Giving up my lap was a bit, just a smidge disappointing, but I could gladly sacrifice it for these girls, who felt like sisters to me. Especially since Erich and Penelia had to head back to the Capitol soon.
‘I’ll hold off on the congratulations until later.’
With laughter spilling from my lips, I couldn’t take my eyes off the little one who was sitting on my lap. Erich crowding into my lap while Penelia’s face turned red from being forced to sit made me realize that disrupting this kind of happiness would be a disaster. Celebrating now would be like throwing cold water on the mood.
‘Count Livnoman.’
That recent event flashed through my mind, an incident that spread throughout the Empire like wildfire. The little one’s close friend had finally been recognized for her contributions and bestowed the greatest honor.
That glorious event traveled far and wide—beyond the Capitol, the whole Empire, and soon it would reach the continent too.
I had made sure of that. I instructed the mages to spread the news far and wide.
‘The more it gets out, the happier she’ll be.’
Of course, I had no intention of parading it in front of her. It would be troubling if she thought she owed me anything.
I just need to shower her with applause and embrace her to acknowledge her efforts. Just showing her that is enough.
‘… though she looks plenty happy right now.’
That wasn’t reason enough to hold back on the celebration.
Happiness is something that multiplies when shared.
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