Chapter 420
Sharing a cookie with Irina, I quietly turned my head away, completely flabbergasted.
It’s a heartwarming scene of lovers sharing affection, but definitely not something to be blatantly gawked at. So, I simply turned my head without any comments or jeers.
To be honest, I felt a bit flustered. While I knew the relationship between the advisor and Irina well enough, I didn’t expect them to express such affection so casually. If it was just simple contact, that would be one thing, but this was different.
‘Is romance in the Empire that bold?’
For a brief moment, that thought crossed my mind. Surely there must be a culture in the Empire that places the importance of love between lovers above the gaze of others, right?
It’s a pretty plausible hypothesis. My homeland, the United Kingdom of Yuben, is at opposite ends of the continent from the Empire, so it’s not surprising that our cultures differ.
‘Guess not.’
However, I had to discard that hypothesis almost immediately. Just as Louise was coming in with a fresh batch of cookies, she froze in her tracks, and the temporary advisor, who had been grinning like a fool, started staring at the cookie in his hand like it contained great secrets.
Even Marghetta and Duke Marcilio showed similar reactions, proving that the advisor’s behavior was quite shocking even from the Empire’s perspective.
‘The advisor is the odd one out here.’
After much contemplation, that’s the conclusion I reached. It’s not that the people of the Empire are bold; it’s just that the advisor is unconventional. I nearly misread the culture of the Empire.
And if the advisor acts uniquely, it’s at least understandable. Having recently taken risks during military service, it makes sense that the longing for loved ones grew stronger during that time. It’s common to miss normalcy in the midst of crises.
Right, it makes sense. It’s completely normal, yet…
‘Why him?’
Before I knew it, I glanced at Erich. Now, if the advisor was openly expressing their affection due to military service, that’s one thing. But the advisor had started a relationship even before going to war, showing tenderness in small ways too. They behaved like a perfectly normal person.
But Erich? Not so much. Despite the encouragement from those around him, he remains as stubborn as a pine tree.
‘They don’t even have different bloodlines.’
If they were complete strangers, I’d think Erich was a pitiful mutant for not behaving like the advisor, who has a similar personality.
However, the advisor and Erich are indeed blood brothers. Right after Louise dismissed us, the advisor was as oblivious as Erich is now. Anyone could see they shared the same personality.
Then shouldn’t Erich also be looking for a partner like his brother? Why does he still act like the advisor did in the past?
‘What a pity.’
As soon as I caught sight of Sarah sitting next to Erich, I was about to sigh. While everyone else was flustered or turned away from the advisor’s display of affection, Sarah was watching the scene like someone who was envious.
She glanced at Erich, then at the advisor and Irina, and back to Erich again.
What a pity. That’s all I could think.
“Ugh, ugh, really…”
Amidst everything, I heard Louise’s voice seemingly grinding her teeth, and I hurriedly turned my gaze that way. To spend intimate moments with someone else using the cookies she made? It’s enough to turn anyone into a raging ball of jealousy—
‘Ah.’
I subtly closed my eyes. She wasn’t grinding her teeth; rather, she had a cookie in her mouth.
“It’s really cold today.”
Ruti’s low murmur reached my ears, but I ignored it.
I felt the same way.
*
Despite a bit of a ruckus, the welcome-back party concluded smoothly.
‘As long as no one got hurt, that’s a win.’
I sat on the edge of my bed, starting my self-justification. Sure, the other couples had freaked out, and the club members had turned away, but hey, no physical harm was done. So, it’s safe to say it ended well.
Of course, I admit I might have shown too much in front of a bunch of growing teens, but considering what I couldn’t do for them before, this feels about right.
“Think about what you’ll do for me and Penelia! If you’re unclear, I’ll lock you up in the basement until you figure it out!”
In exchange for that, my vacation might get a little hectic, but I’m ready to accept that as my karma.
‘What if she refuses to go?’
I let out a sigh of relief I didn’t know I was holding. In truth, it’s understandable for Eri to declare a basement lockdown. I should be grateful she’s been so compliant in returning to the capital.
If I had ended up facing this chilly situation and fell ill, I’d have no way to calm myself down. Asking Penelia for backup would’ve left me speechless.
So, I am both grateful and sorry. Sure, the kid has become a bit clingy, but at least she seems like a genuinely caring person.
…But is it possible to describe someone as both clingy and caring at the same time?
‘Whatever.’
As I pondered that, I realized Eri had seldom behaved normally anyway. No matter how strange or unique things are, if it involves Eri, it’s entirely plausible.
Settling on that thought, I took out my communication device from my pocket. It’s late, which isn’t polite for a late-night chat, but since it’s night when I’m freed from duties, it can’t be helped. Making contact at night is much better than during work hours.
– Carl?
And it seemed my judgement was correct, as a response came shortly thereafter.
“I’m sorry for the late hour, Father.”
– No, it’s all right. I just finished my work.
Let’s start with an apology; my father shook his head as if fine with it.
Seeing that, I couldn’t shake off a bittersweet feeling. To still be doing work until late at night on the eve of retirement—how painful must it be to be a council member?
At least once Erich graduates, he’ll be free from that torment. He’s young; a bit of hardship is fine.
– But what brings you to call? I heard you returned to the academy today; rather than calling me, you should spend time with your wives.
“I spent plenty of time. I just arrived at my place.”
– There’s never enough time between a married couple. The more, the better, so keep that in mind.
In an instant, I pictured my father being chased away by my mother but quickly pushed that thought aside. Such disrespectful thoughts would be inappropriate in front of my father, who’s only offering me precious advice.
“I’ll keep that in mind. Still, since I called, let me at least catch up today.”
– Very well then, delay no further and speak your piece.
Thus, I intentionally put on a casual front, and my father responded with a faint smile.
“I’d like to inherit my title.”
At that, my father’s smile vanished in an instant.
It wasn’t so much that he became serious but that he gathered his thoughts to approach this significant decision with care.
– As I mentioned before, there’s no immediate need to inherit the title. The situations should allow for a little generous time until early next year.
“I don’t mind. I want to inherit it within this month at the latest.”
– Is that so.
With my firm response, my father quietly closed his eyes. It seems he’s verifying my resolve, perhaps checking to get the schedule right.
I felt a bit guilty dropping such a big event on my father, who just wrapped up council duties, but I genuinely want to take on this title before the month is out.
‘It’s gotta be done before the wedding.’
As my father correctly stated, the deadline for inheriting the title is early next year. Considering I was eager to retire him, I’d think that should be manageable.
However, early next year, I’m supposed to marry Mu-Lu-Ryeo Mar. But inheriting the title will coincide with the wedding? One of those two events will overshadow the other, and I won’t let either go unnoticed.
I’m not going to delay the marriage because of the title, so naturally, I have to prioritize inheriting the title. Mar is more important.
– …You’re right. For your first daughter-in-law’s sake, best to take care of this promptly.
Eventually, my father must have come to the same conclusion as me, as he nodded.
– We can likely proceed as early as this weekend. No worries, it won’t exceed the month.
“Yes, I understand.”
As long as it’s not late, I’m fine with any timing.
*
Ending the call with Carl, the glow of the communication device faded away.
‘Inheriting the title…’
A smile crept upon my face. Although it was already decided by the Empress, hearing that I wanted to inherit it felt bittersweet.
And a peculiar feeling swirled within me, a mix of lightness yet emptiness, anxiety yet relief. The moment when the owner of the prestigious Krasius House—established for 300 years—changes from Ainter II to the new Imperial Count. I’m just in my 40s, yet here I am handing over this 300-year legacy to my son in his 20s.
It wouldn’t be human to feel light if I handed over such a burden without a care. Likewise, it’d be irresponsible to not feel empty when I did so before dying.
If I handed over this weight to my son in his 20s without feeling anxious, then my heart must be frozen. If he isn’t a fine son who gives me reassurance, then I must have no belief in him.
‘You’ll do well.’
That strange feeling slowly tilted towards relief and reassurance. If it’s Carl, my son, he’ll surely do a great job.
‘…So now he’s a double Count?’
A smile returned to my face. Carl already holds the title of Count Wueridia. Since the Imperial Count is still technically classified as a count, it means Carl has somehow become a bigwig, capable of holding two count titles without being a duke or marquis.
It’s quite remarkable. Generally, high nobles don’t hold titles equivalent to their main title. It’s unusual for a duke to possess another dukedom or marquis of another marquisate.
But Carl pulled it off. It may be through a workaround, but now he sits as a high nobleman with equal titles.
‘Perhaps his main title may change.’
Yeah, if the Wueridia title were to elevate to a marquisate, we might need to switch the primary title of the Krasius House.
‘The House of Krasius, Marquisate…’
As the unfamiliar title rolled off my tongue, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
It’s a fantastical thought that resembles a daydream. Carl’s advancement is still merely a promising expectation, not a guaranteed plan. As of now, he might easily dream of surpassing a marquis, but in the future, nothing is set in stone.
Yet still, I can’t shake the feeling that one day, Carl will wrestle with that very issue.
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