Chapter 537
Upon hearing the guest list, my third father-in-law seemed incredibly moved, unable to speak for a while. Since we carefully selected a small elite circle to honor Rizie’s wish for a cozy wedding, it was only natural. While the total number of guests may be low, each one was a heavyweight, akin to a walking natural disaster.
Of course, when a heavy hitter attends an event, chaos often ensues around them, but that’s typically when there are ordinary folks trying to impress. When it’s all big guns in attendance, there’s no need to worry about that.
‘Perfect.’
The only potential hiccup was the Wise Duke, but even that wasn’t a cause for major concern. No matter how much alcohol is in his blood, he’s still called “Wise,” after all. He can maintain rational judgment even in extreme states, which is precisely why he carries that title.
In fact, when Mar and Trixie tied the knot, he clapped and left without causing any fuss. Sure, he might celebrate family weddings enthusiastically, but he’s not the kind to disrupt them.
‘If only he drank a little less, he’d be flawless.’
It’s unfortunate but what can you do? Enen must have realized too late that turning the Wise Duke into an overly intelligent character came with the penalty of alcohol addiction.
But wait, if he can control his buzz at will, maybe it’s not even addiction? In that case, he’s just a madman who drinks non-stop!
…
“So, I’ll visit the day before the wedding.”
I forced myself to banish the chaotic mystery from my thoughts as I spoke. Since the wedding is being held in my father-in-law’s territory, I wouldn’t just pop in on the day itself; I’d rather make a prior visit.
– Oh? Well, the staff will have a tough time preparing for such esteemed guests.
He said that, but his previously somber expression brightened considerably.
Until now, my father-in-law hadn’t pressured or suggested that Rizie come visit his territory. He had waited for her to come on her own. But with his only daughter’s wedding on the horizon, I’m sure he wanted to have some cozy family time before sending her off.
Still, not calling Rizie to his territory was probably his way of caring and worrying. He might have been nervous about her heart straying if she was too far away when surrounded by other ladies─ that kind of overprotective thought. It might be excessive, but being from a less prominent family, he has to consider every possibility.
So I spoke up first, presenting him with a perfect reason for not worrying.
“Since I’ve already received such a priceless gift, you can prepare lightly.”
At my words, my father-in-law’s expression brightened even further.
‘This was the right move.’
Seeing him light up made me smile back. With a good impression planted here and there, it should help shift my image in his mind from “Executive Manager of the Information Department” to “perfect son-in-law.”
It may take time, but it’s an absolute goal I can’t afford to give up. I refuse to be a son-in-law who puts my father-in-law on edge.
‘If only every father-in-law were like the first…’
Sure, if that were the case, there might be more sons-in-law being tossed out of windows, but that’s not my concern.
For now, the chances of that happening to me are slim.
*
With every step, I heard the crunch of snow beneath my feet. Every turn of my head revealed white fields and a smooth river ahead.
The familiar sight brought an involuntary smile to my face. I couldn’t get tired of seeing my beloved Aitini—the place I cherished so much.
“It’s so white.”
“Indeed. It’s had a lot of snowfall here.”
As my brother had said, unlike the Capital, Aitini was blanketed in snow. The Capital doesn’t get much snow at all, and when it does, it’s cleared quickly for easy passage.
In contrast, Aitini has kept winter intact. It’s a white winter that radiates a feeling of warmth rather than coldness.
“Aitini is beautiful all year round, but strangely, I prefer winter Aitini. Although I was actually born in spring… It might be disappointing for the angel overseeing spring.”
While blankly gazing around, I opened my mouth again. Unlike those who adore spring or autumn, I found myself obsessed with this pure white Aitini.
Maybe it’s because I was born as winter was waning, clinging to it, or perhaps I’m just talking comfort because I had nothing to physically do during spring or winter—who knows? But I get the impression it’s the latter when people say they hate winter because they can’t move in the snow or catch fish in the frozen river.
Still, just being here with my beloved older brother and my cherished Aitini filled me with an indescribable happiness. Perhaps Enen decided I was destined for a winter wedding when he crafted me? Is that why I love winter?
‘A fate determined by the divine.’
I blinked and then chuckled. Getting hitched to a Blessed one seems like it might be a divine decision after all.
“Rizie?”
“It’s nothing really. I just feel happy being here with you, Brother.”
I shook my head gently to reassure my surprised brother, who startled at my sudden laughter.
It might sound romantic to say it was a marriage determined by fate, but to me, it’s not. I fell in love with my brother of my own volition, free from any outside influence. I confessed to him and became his wife.
There was no predetermined fate in that process. If anything, the miracle of my brother, an Administration officer, attending the Academy is far more astounding than any destined encounter; the feelings I have for him are all mine.
“Brother.”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you for being with me.”
At that, my brother smiled and embraced me.
“Thank you too. I appreciate you for liking me and staying by my side.”
It truly was the coziest warmth in the universe, and I closed my eyes for a moment, basking in the sensation.
Had it not been for my father personally coming to welcome us upon our arrival, we might have continued in that embrace indefinitely.
*
As my father and I entered the castle, the servants greeted us warmly.
“Welcome, Miss!”
“Oh my! You’ve gotten prettier since we last saw you!”
The maids in particular were exceptionally exuberant.
I quietly smiled at their familiar reactions. Based on prior experience, I knew what they were about to say next.
“Did you find a wonderful lover in the meantime?”
At such a remark, not only the maids but all the other staff turned to me with joyful expressions.
Ever since I became my brother’s lover, every time I visited the territory, the maids could hardly contain their teasing congratulations regarding my newfound romance. It’s hardly surprising though—having just become an adult with no fiancé or even close male friends, suddenly finding a boyfriend at the Academy is bound to raise eyebrows.
However, today something felt different.
“So… is that the Inspectorate Executive Manager?”
Today, I wasn’t alone; my brother accompanied me.
At the words of Jenna, the head maid who seemed to lead my peers, everyone’s eyes turned to my brother. Until now, the staff had only heard about him, never actually seen him.
It’s no wonder then that there was a subtle tension in their gaze. The reigning gossip is that my brother is the close aide of His Majesty the Emperor—a powerful individual in command of the Inspectorate, feared even by high-ranking nobles. There’s no way the hired help of a Baron family could treat him casually—
“Wonderful lover, you say? That’s an odd comment.”
As my brother finished greeting my mother, sensing their stare, he approached us.
The maid who made the remark tensed up, surprised that he directly refuted her description. It seemed she hadn’t expected the real deal to contradict her words.
But no need to worry. By my brother’s expression, it was clear he wasn’t scolding or displeased.
“Now I’m a wonderful husband. That difference matters, so don’t let that slip.”
As he chuckled softly, the staff appeared dumbfounded or exchanged awkward glances.
“…Was that not funny?”
“I thought it was great.”
I offered him a warm word of support, seeing his demeanor deflate slightly.
After all, the staff probably didn’t grasp the gap between the legendary brother in rumors and the relaxed reality of him, so I was the only one here who could reassure him.
*
Excluding the war orphan Pine, the one with the lowest family standing among my wives is Rizie. Compared to the other wives from high noble lineage (Counts and above), Rizie comes from a Baron family. This made my third father-in-law subtly aware of his standing.
If the head of a noble family is feeling the pressure, it goes without saying how the younger servants of the Nyard family would feel. So, attempting to bridge some familiarity, I attempted to lighten the mood with friendly expressions and jokes. I’m supposed to be a son-in-law of the Nyard family now, not someone to look up to.
However, good intentions don’t always yield good results.
‘Damn it.’
I had momentarily forgotten. Surrounded mostly by my partner or subordinates, my every utterance had positive reactions. But my humor outside that circle isn’t all that great. Cracking jokes with the unfamiliar inevitably leads to awkward situations.
“Really enjoyed it.”
If anything, Rizie’s words only made my heart ache more. It felt like a confirmation of my inability to make anyone smile except for her.
Nevertheless, it seemed to have some effect, as I could at least receive calm greetings whenever I wandered through the Nyard estate. Folks seem to have realized I’m not as gruff but rather quite gentle-hearted.
‘This will do.’
Yes, this is sufficient. One can’t be full on the first bite, so I’ll consider this first impression acceptable.
‘Huh?’
As I ambled about the Nyard estate, my communication device buzzed briefly in my pocket.
In a world where messages are becoming more common, I excitedly pulled it out. It was probably another congratulatory message regarding the wedding.
[ The Emperor sends his apologies for not being able to attend the wedding. He wishes to send agricultural goods harvested last year instead. Should I send wheat or apples? ]
‘What in the world…’
As soon as I took out the device, the bizarre message from the Emperor caught my eye.
It definitely sounded like a congratulatory note, though the formality and means were rather unique.
[ Let’s go with apples. ]
I was staring blankly at the device while sending my reply. Sure, the offer was strange, but I had no intentions of rejecting it.
‘Apples grown by His Majesty…’
One of those would be forever preserved with magic, wouldn’t it?
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