Chapter 538
Today, on the eve of the wedding, I graciously gave my time to my father-in-law and mother-in-law to enjoy their precious daughter. After all, there’s no harm in giving them a day or so, right?
However, I momentarily forgot that while Rizie was spending time with her parents, I would be left all alone.
‘Am I supposed to keep doing this?’
As I wandered around the gardens of Aitini, scratching my head, I felt like an awkward fish out of water among my in-laws and the unfamiliar servants.
It’s not like there’s much to see in a winter garden that’s lost its flowers, but hey, a little exercise before dinner couldn’t hurt, right?
*
“Still walking around, huh?”
At my father’s words as he peered out the window, I couldn’t help but smile. I understood why my older brother was meandering in the cold winter air.
“No need to go that far, though.”
My mother, perhaps noticing my brother’s intentions, approached the window with a bemused smile. There was also a hint of warmth in her expression, as if she found it admirable that my brother was being so considerate of household staff.
“If I had my way, I’d want you to relax, but it’ll probably feel awkward for a while. Time is what will fix this.”
“It’s not just time that will solve it; frequent visits are what’s needed.”
As I listened to their conversation, my gaze inadvertently dropped. While they were discussing the gap between my brother and the staff, the underlying message was clear: “Please come visit home more often.”
Their subtle hints made me feel a mixture of embarrassment and gratitude. Ever since I enrolled in the Academy, my appearances in the territory had significantly dropped. Though I often talked about my beloved hometown, the truth was I had chosen to stay close to my beloved older brother instead.
“I’ll make sure to visit more often with my brother.”
With that, I declared my surrender with a smile.
Wait, it’s not so much surrender as fulfilling a duty, right? It’s completely normal for a daughter and son-in-law to visit their parents-in-law, after all.
“Don’t force yourself to come if you’re busy. Just a message is enough—”
“Please don’t dissuade my visit.”
“Whoah!”
My father cheekily shook his head, only to receive a quick jab from my mother.
It was a sight I hadn’t seen in a while. Whenever my father hesitated during critical moments, my mother would swoop in like that, and the intense jolt would bring him back to reality, leading him to follow her suggestions.
‘Was it that important?’
But apparently, our visit was indeed a significant matter. I felt quite regretful about not having visited more often myself.
“Rizie?”
“Yes?”
While I took a moment to reflect on our situation, my father quickly regained his composure and spoke softly.
“I’d love to see you and my son often, just like your mother. I assume all parents feel the same.”
“But…” my father added cautiously as he embraced me.
“Always put your children before yourself, no child should suffer because of their parents.”
His words softened my mother’s previously stern look. There was something deeper in my father’s voice—a sentiment of sorrow and grief that ran through our history.
Understanding the feelings behind his words, I embraced my father. I wanted to comfort him for having said those words and to express my gratitude for thinking so much about me.
“I’ve always been happy, thanks to both of you.”
“Then you must continue to be happy.”
“Yes, I will.”
At that moment, I think all three of us had the same person on our minds—the family we lost due to our carelessness. They thought they lost their daughter due to their inadequacies.
Yet, we deliberately refrained from directly mentioning her name.
Some names are simply too unforgettable to be spoken.
“Father.”
“Speak.”
“Shall we have a gathering as a family for the first time in a while?”
At my words, my father’s eyes widened momentarily before breaking into a small smile.
“Of course. Since my son-in-law has generously granted us this precious time, we should make good use of it.”
The slightly tense atmosphere relaxed once again.
‘…I’ll come see you soon, sister.’
As I thought about our family member who was alone, I gently pulled back from the embrace.
Even though the time for the wedding was approaching, I knew we mustn’t forget our family. We may be happier than anyone else, but we have to remember the struggles of others.
That’s our only effort toward our sister.
*
The day of the third wedding had finally arrived.
Saying it like this makes me out to be quite the rogue, but in a world where polygamy is commonplace, three weddings are just average, right? Some guests today might even have been through twelve marriages, so who knows, I might be below average!
Though if I make it to six, I’ll surely be above average.
“Oh, Carl! That formal wear suits you well today.”
“Too kind, Your Grace.”
Anyway, as the day dawned, the carefully selected guests began to trickle into the gardens of Aitini.
Of course, I had the duty of greeting them. Would I entrust guests of Duke or Marquess status to those who’d be anxiously looking for what’s right in front of them? With the Nyard family making such a fuss over my wedding, I, the host, had to take responsibility.
“Still, I couldn’t put your wedding below my other tasks, even if I’m busy. I’m here as long as war doesn’t interfere.”
The Vice Captain, tapping my shoulder, looked pleased as he surveyed the estate.
“It’s charming and quiet. It reminds me of the Empress’s wedding—it’s nostalgic.”
Even though the wedding of a prominent noble had turned into something much more humble, the Vice Captain of the Imperial Guard had every right to say that. In a Duke’s eyes, a Count’s estate is just the right kind of comfortable.
“A small wedding has its own charm. Carl, you’ll remember today’s ceremony more than any other as time goes by.”
“Looking at how grand the others are, mine might be tough to remember.”
“Indeed, you have a point. I misspoke there.”
At my words, the Vice Captain laughed heartily while reflecting on Mar and Trixie’s wedding. No matter how delightful today’s ceremony turns out, it’ll be tough to outshine a wedding attended by the divine.
“Joooookkaaaah!”
“Oh.”
“Well then, I’ll take my leave. I’ll see you later, Carl.”
The chaotic voice echoing in the distance urged the Vice Captain to leave in a hurry.
It felt like a swift evasion, leaving me with a minor feeling of betrayal. Honestly, if I had the chance, I’d have avoided it too, but running away without a second thought seemed a bit excessive.
Or is it just my imagination? The pronunciation that wavered sweetly between “niece” and “nephew” seemed to be leaning more toward the latter.
“Uheh! Jookka! Hooonmomo too!”
“…I appreciate the trouble you took to come all this way.”
I couldn’t hide my somber feelings as I watched the Wise Duke dashing toward me, holding two bottles of alcohol in each hand.
Sure, he was among the invited, and I couldn’t skip out on him since he’s family… but watching him like that made me think how much easier it would’ve been if I’d just sent him a text saying, “Don’t bother coming today!”
But alas, that wasn’t an option. The Wise Duke ruled over alcohol, not the other way around.
“Del! Making a ruckus at someone else’s estate is poor manners.”
“Whew, I’m here because of that…”
Luckily, his one restraint, my uncle, managed to quiet the Wise Duke’s shouting quickly.
I was genuinely relieved. The moment the Wise Duke arrived, I could already sense the staff shaking in multiple ways.
“Sorry for the ruckus upon arriving! I mean no harm, so don’t take it to heart.”
Approaching with a calm smile, my uncle handed over a gift.
“I’m fine. I know my aunt’s just loud but has a warm heart.”
“Thank you for the kind words, but be careful when speaking in front of Del. He might get a bit puffed up and make even more noise.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
His chilling words prompted me to nod hastily. I simply couldn’t handle a powered-up Wise Duke.
“By the way, Riri, you should introduce yourself.”
“Oh.”
At my uncle’s prompt, my gaze darted downward, and there came the hard-working little Young Lord, blinking her bright eyes at me.
Sorry, I didn’t even notice you were here because of the Wise Duke stealing the spotlight…
“It’s been a while! Congratulations on your promotion, Count Tailglehen, and on becoming a member of the Order of Risiragui!”
Seeing her eloquently greeting me with a full and clear speech replaced my guilt with a sense of pride.
Indeed, despite the passage of time, you are still the hope of the Salon family. You don’t have to develop much more; just by existing, you’ll earn the praise of the entire Empire.
“You practiced hard to tell your brother something, didn’t you? Looks like your practice paid off!”
“Uh, Dad!”
The little Young Lord’s strong demeanor crumbled at the praise from my uncle.
I feel like my uncle is doing that on purpose.
‘He’s treating her like a child on purpose.’
Even I can see that the little Young Lord is desperately trying to act grown-up during occasional visits. Isn’t that why she keeps adding titles like “Count” and “Minister” for me?
Yet, every time my uncle raises the “big brother” title, it’s like he’s relishing in the trembling little Young Lord’s reactions.
‘My uncle isn’t quite normal either.’
To be honest, living together with the Wise Duke can’t be easy for anyone of sound mind.
“Uh, but, Minister.”
“Speak up, Young Lord.”
“Where’s sister…?”
At her cautious question, both my uncle and I smiled.
Seeing her looking for her sister after being teased by my father told me she was indeed just a child.
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