Chapter 470
I want to clock out.
I just got to work earlier, but I’m seriously wishing to go home.
“Continuously ponder, question without hesitation, and move forward without doubt. In this place of learning, teachings are equal. Whether you achieve different results with the same teachings depends on the students themselves.”
I feel a bit bad for the Principal, who’s delivering an earnest school opening speech, but honestly, I can’t take in any of the teachings right now. I mean, I’m away from my pregnant wife—no matter how inspiring the words are, they just won’t stick.
In the first place, I’m not even a student, so I technically don’t need to be paying attention to the speech.
“When you look back at your life someday, I hope the three years of your school days will be remembered as worthwhile and meaningful.”
With that closing remark, the Principal walked off to applause from the students. After him, the Vice Principal and the heads of departments continued their speeches.
Nothing particularly special was mentioned. Fortunately, this year’s new students seem to be fairly average compared to the past two years. There’s no real reason for the faculty to be on edge.
Of course, there is a peculiar uptick in the proportion of foreign students and magicians among this year’s newcomers, but it’s merely an extension of last year. As long as it’s just a numbers game, the Academy can handle it just fine.
‘It’s a bit much, though.’
But as I watched the students enthusiastically applauding Trixie, who took the stage next, it seemed like it wasn’t just an increase—it was a spectacular surge.
Well, it makes sense. Trixie did say she’d be stepping down from her position as a visiting instructor next year, so this is likely the last opportunity for mages across the continent. They must have desperately submitted their admission applications.
“Indeed, the impact of Your Highness is sky-high.”
While I was blankly gazing at Trixie’s back, the Vice Principal whispered quietly beside me.
“It’s something to be proud of as a fellow citizen of the Empire.”
“Is that so? If being a fellow countryman is all it takes to be proud, His Highness might feel a bit sad.”
“Oh dear, I’ve misspoken. Please keep that a secret.”
I replied with a sly smile to the Vice Principal’s words. Trixie and I have that close bond of being engaged. Reducing our relationship to just being fellow citizens might upset her.
“Of course, I’ll keep it a secret. We can’t trouble someone who deserves all the congratulations.”
Saying that with a smile, the Vice Principal lowered his head slightly before continuing.
“I’ve heard you’ve received a treasure beyond measure. Congratulations.”
With the Vice Principal’s congratulatory words, my smile grew even wider. The more others express their congratulations, the more the fact that I’m going to be a father hits home—
‘Wait a moment.’
But how does the Vice Principal know this? I haven’t mentioned anything to anyone at the Academy yet!
I hadn’t planned on hiding it, but Mar’s pregnancy was something I learned right before the school opened. I didn’t have the mind to tell anyone, and after I finally got my head straight, I was busy informing family, but I hadn’t made it to the Academy yet.
“Thank you. Since I’ve heard such words of treasure from the Vice Principal of the Academy, our child is sure to be bright.”
“Ha ha, that’s flattering.”
Yet, it wouldn’t be polite to remain silent in front of someone offering congratulations, so I naturally expressed my gratitude.
Moreover, if the word is already out, that’s even better for me. It saves me from having to spread the news myself.
‘Who could it be?’
Still, I’m curious. Who played the role of the loudspeaker here?
If it’s someone my father would brag to, it’d likely be the Imperial Council members, but they are the kind of people who are too entrenched in the Assembly to spread rumors quickly. I even heard my mother distanced herself from high society since Mar became a Countess.
…
‘It must be my father-in-law.’
The only candidate left is definitely my father-in-law. It can’t be my father or mother.
Thinking back, my father-in-law was the one who proudly boasted about Mar when she was just born, making her known as the “Treasure of Valenti” among the high society, and now with his youngest having a child? It’s only natural he’d want to spread the news far and wide.
My mind was at ease. If the loudspeaker is my father-in-law, then there’s no need for concern.
‘The whole Empire will know.’
Perhaps the news has even spread beyond the borders by now.
*
A few days ago, I stumbled upon some rather interesting information.
“Did you say a child was born to the Judicial Minister?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. It’s been four weeks now.”
During a meeting where I was hearing a report on the Northern garrison from my father-in-law, after he provided the official report, he casually dropped a bombshell about that massive piece of information.
The news of a child being born to the Judicial Minister, an heir who carries the blood of both the Krasius family and the Valenti family.
“The Iron-blooded Duke couldn’t stop bragging. One would think he was about to see his first grandchild!”
I could only laugh along with him at my father-in-law’s jovial words.
And I felt just a tiny bit miffed at the same time. Shouldn’t the sitting Imperial Count and the incoming Judicial Minister have reported this to the Emperor? It seems he forgot a step that was quite pivotal. That’s not the act of a loyal subject.
That’s why I leaked the information to the Minister of the Imperial Household. I suggested they prepare a nice gift since the Judicial Minister’s wife is with child.
After that, things got rolling smoothly without me needing to step in. The Minister of the Imperial Household informed each of the respective ministers, and they in turn spread the news to their department heads and acquaintances. Once it spread from the administration, it took no time at all for it to blanket the entire Empire.
“A sibling of the Crown Princess will be born.”
“Indeed. What a lovely gift from the Duke to his daughter.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle while watching the Empress beam with joy.
As the Empress said, if the Judicial Minister’s child arrives safely, they will have a sibling just a year apart from the beloved Charlotte. It’ll be an excellent reason for the Duke’s children to meet and become good friends.
‘That child could lead the next generation of the Krasius family.’
Seeing the Empress show the Crown Princess that she’ll soon have a little brother, I took a moment to reflect.
The Minister already has six wives, establishing numerous relations with high-ranking families through the Krasius household. Once he fathers even more children among those wives, and they themselves marry, the number of families intertwined with the Krasius clan will skyrocket.
‘That child will stand at the center.’
Furthermore, at the top of the marital connections, that eldest child will stand proudly. It’s not uncommon for the eldest to become the next head of the family.
‘They could lead a more significant lineage than even the Minister.’
Not to mention that the seed my father-in-law planted in marriage could blossom magnificently in the next generation. After three or four generations, the connection between blood relatives tends to get a bit weaker, but with direct siblings or cousins, they will certainly form a solid faction.
‘I hope they become good friends.’
The more I imagine the Krasius faction decades down the line, the more I can only conclude that way.
I genuinely pray that the children of the Minister will have the same loyalty and gentle spirit as he does. Otherwise, even the esteemed Imperial House and the Empire’s authority could suffer from noise.
“Empress, how about we send the maids from the Empress’s Palace to the Countess of Tailglehen? They were the ones that helped while you were pregnant, so they can be of great assistance to the Countess.”
“That would surely make the Countess happy.”
After pondering for a moment, I brought up the idea, and the Empress nodded in agreement.
If they pile on favors like this toward the Minister’s wife and the child to be born, it will pay off down the line.
And politically speaking, wouldn’t the Minister’s first child born to the Duke be the first child they ever saw? This sort of kindness is something we can easily afford to extend.
‘…Shall we hold a banquet when the child is born?’
To throw a royal banquet for the birth of a mere noble’s child. The Minister would probably twist himself in joy.
‘Sounds good.’
I’ll definitely make that happen. It’s the least I can do for my dear Minister.
*
I never thought the news of the pregnancy would spread beyond the borders.
“Congratulations, Director! No wonder you’re the finest warrior on the continent; you really do have strength!”
As soon as the club hour started, Rutis charged in, blurring the lines between teasing and congratulatory.
What’s this about being strong because I’m a warrior? What does my sword skills have to do with that?
“If I had heard this before the school opening, I would’ve prepared a gift. I’m disappointed, but I’ll make sure to get you something next time.”
‘Oh.’
But hearing that next remark made me feel a lot more relaxed. It turns out he found out not from beyond the borders, but right here at the Academy.
“Just saying it is enough; don’t overdo it.”
“Well then, I’ll prepare something grand without overdoing it!”
I lightly refused ceremoniously, but of course, it was swept aside.
Sure, go ahead and prepare whatever you want. I’ve already received gifts marked with the Robens royal emblem; what can I complain about?
“So, during the break, we’ve got a lot to celebrate—marriage, a reunion, and now a pregnancy.”
Following Rutis’s cackles, Lather piped up next, looking slightly overwhelmed by all this good news, unlike the cheerful Rutis.
“This one is a congratulatory gift for the reunion. I’ll prepare a pregnancy gift next time.”
“A bit too extravagant, but thank you.”
I accepted the fountain pen Lather offered, tucking it safely into my pocket.
It seemed the pen was embossed with the emblem of the Ostia family, but at this point, it seemed I’d have to just accept that. I shouldn’t be getting used to these things.
“And this is yours. I heard you’ve officially become a Marquis now, so I guess you’ll be rather busy after graduation.”
“Ha ha, it’s something I have to deal with. I’ll gladly accept it, thank you.”
Then Lather pulled out a pocket watch from his jacket pocket and handed it over to Ainter. This watch is a reminder that he’ll be busy from now on. Now he’s also getting a bit sarcastic about it.
As gifts and well wishes continued to flow, the atmosphere warmed.
“Ahem, cough.”
“……”
Just five minutes.
The club members, who had been trying to keep the lively vibe up, suddenly ran out of steam and either awkwardly cleared their throats or turned away.
I get it. If I were in their shoes, I’d probably be doing the same.
“Why?”
“Nothing.”
As I subtly shifted my gaze to Erich, he replied curtly with a snappy retort.
It’s a bold move, but I get it. His brusqueness was a mere act of desperation to hide his embarrassment.
‘How cute.’
Seeing Sara comfortably hugging Erich and leaning against him made me smile.
Good job, our prospective sister-in-law. By openly showing affection in front of everyone, it becomes a given fact.
“…When your child is born, we might have a second wedding ceremony, huh?”
Rutis’s muttering caught Erich off guard, and Sara burst into giggles.
Good job, Rutis. Today, I stand on your side.
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