Chapter 553
The Empire and Armein’s grand decision to stabilize the chaos in the Leon Kingdom officially came to an end.
The patriarch of the Asturias family, having lost its rightful heir, transferred the crown of Leon to the patriarch of the Himenesia family, who accepted it, resulting in a peaceful royal transition. Remarkably, not a single drop of blood was shed—truly a beautiful moment to be remembered in history.
“My ascension to the throne, despite my shortcomings, was made possible by the will of the heavens and the support of the citizens. Thus, I want to be a vessel that represents Leon, embodying the will of the people rather than standing atop as a ruler.”
“Long live His Majesty the King!”
The newly crowned King of Leon displayed the same humility and seriousness he had shown when first approached about his ascendance.
It goes without saying that the leaders of the expeditionary forces of both nations wore delighted smiles. With the armies of both countries now permanently stationed in Leon for its peace, a wise and prudent king would ensure a comfortable relationship among the three nations.
[While the new king claims he lacks virtue, those truly devoid of virtue are unaware of their own shortcomings. A king declaring himself lacking in virtue understands the fate of a deficient ruler, regardless of how abundant their virtue may be.]
[I am pleased to see the quick stabilization of our neighbor’s turmoil. I hope the awkward relationship between our two nations will flourish under the warm sun following this event.]
Even the Emperor and the King of Armein sent congratulatory messages to coincide with the coronation ceremony of the King of Leon.
With this, the fate of the Leon Kingdom had been completely determined. While it had now been relegated to a joint interest area of the Empire and Armein, at least the threat of disputes and invasions from other countries had vanished. In a broad sense, Leon had become an extension of the Empire and Armein.
“It was an honor to harmonize together. I’ll greet you again when you elevate to Commander,”
With the coronation ceremony and a brief aftermath concluded, I bid farewell to the commander of the 6th Legion.
While I was free to completely withdraw from the Kingdom of Leon, the commander would have to take on the role of commanding the Leon garrison for a while longer. Since I was leaving him behind, a farewell was in order.
“I look forward to that day.”
However, the 6th Legion commander’s expression was closer to bright than gloomy. He must have heard about his promotion to the regional commander.
Indeed, with returning home, a promotion awaited him, so he could accept the work extension cheerfully. I, too, would wrap up any assignment joyfully once my retirement was secured.
Though, that day might not come anytime soon.
“Well then, I’ll take my leave—”
“Oh, you both are here!”
Just before I was about to leave early, the booming voice of Marquess Iskurtal echoed through the halls.
“I’ve heard that the greatest sword is returning home; isn’t it a bit sad to part ways just like that? Let’s share a drink!”
With that, he raised a drink he somehow brought, a grin plastered on his face.
Hmm…
“Alright. It’s uncertain when we might meet again after today.”
After a brief moment of deliberation, I accepted the Marquis’s invitation.
Had this been just before quitting time, I would have bolted without hesitation. However, as it was still during working hours with the sun high in the sky, a casual drink could be considered an extension of work. Besides, if we had a few drinks before parting, it could still count as an early leave.
“Cough, as expected of the greatest sword; you seem strong even with alcohol, huh?”
“…There happens to be someone nearby who flows with liquor rather than blood.”
And thus, the drinking that started around lunchtime continued until evening.
Damn, my early leave!
After the wedding, I went to visit the third father-in-law for the first time.
“This is a gift from your son-in-law. Please accept it with ease.”
I had brought some of the territories I had amassed during this trip.
Initially, I could have just given it to Rizie, but it felt a bit inappropriate to gift land to Rizie while her dad was still around. After all, how must my father-in-law feel knowing his daughter holds a countship while he himself is just a baron? That’s basic sense a son-in-law should have.
“Of course, being close to the border, it’s hardly a bustling place at the moment, but now Leon has become a loyal ally of the Empire, unlike before. The border may be a disadvantage, but it will turn into a vital area where merchants from both nations can pass through, developing even beyond the capital of Leon in due time.”
“…”
As I explained the current drawbacks of the territory and its future vision, my father-in-law fell silent.
It seemed he was touched by his son-in-law’s thoughtfulness, and I couldn’t help but feel pleased. What kind of son-in-law gives a countship as a gift? This has never happened in the Nairad family’s history, nor will it ever again.
“It’s too extravagant a gift; I wonder if it’s alright to accept it.”
After a moment of silence, my father-in-law naturally tried to turn it down. After all, it’s unwritten etiquette to refuse a few times before finally accepting a gift.
“I have received an unparalleled treasure from you, Father-in-law. Even bringing a hundred of these wouldn’t be enough.”
Although it was tedious etiquette, I couldn’t just allow my father-in-law to become a mere recipient of gifts from me.
Plus, giving one of the many territories to the person who gifted me his only daughter didn’t seem like a big deal. There may be only one Rizie in this world, but the lands I offer are plentiful and replaceable.
“So please accept it. If you feel burdened, consider it temporarily entrusted to you for Rizie and her little ones.”
“Entrusted, you say?”
Once the mention of children and grandchildren came into play, I could see my father-in-law’s face soften as he nodded.
“Very well. I shall gladly accept it.”
With that, the seal I had placed on the table moved into my father-in-law’s possession.
Done deal! Now the Nairad family proudly stands as a high-ranking noble clan with a countship, even if it’s from a foreign land.
“However, how will we manage lands in another country…”
“Oh, I’ve entrusted a capable person with the role of steward for now.”
I hastily responded to my father-in-law’s reasonable concern.
That Alfonso guy. While he holds the position of a legion commander, his substantial experience leans more toward staff roles than field command. I was surprised to find that he’s surprisingly adept at administration and office work.
“Of course, it’s a temporary position, so feel free to replace him with someone you desire.”
“No, that’s not necessary. If it’s someone you’ve chosen, I’d say they’re likely to be better than someone I’d pick myself.”
I felt moved by my father-in-law’s subtle smile and head shake. For a father-in-law to trust his son-in-law this much, giving away just a countship felt like a small price to pay.
In fact, if he wanted, I’d willingly offer two or three more!
*
With Karl’s business trip completed, the mansion buzzed with life once again.
I had been teleporting to and fro, so there hadn’t been a single day without Karl in the mansion. But now, with a husband who would be its first homecoming after a long journey, the family and servants could hardly contain their excitement.
In the midst of this joyful household, I found myself alone in my room.
“When are you children going to show your faces to Mom?”
Tae-yang, Ha-neul, and Cho-mok had grown so much that it wouldn’t be any surprise if they popped out into the world any second now. Carrying three children was making it quite hard to move even slightly!
It had gotten to the point where servants brought food to my room daily. Normally I would have refused, but I could no longer turn down their kindness.
“Being a mother can be a bit tough too.”
I whispered softly to the slumbering children while gently stroking my belly.
One child or two would be fine, but three all cramped up in one belly was becoming overwhelming as time went on.
‘The doctor mentioned they could arrive any moment…’
What exactly did the doctor say? Did he say that since three of them are sharing such limited space, one with a quicker temperament might want to come out sooner? I distinctly remember finding that to be a reasonable thought.
Yet, I didn’t feel the slightest hint of movement. It seemed as if they were all too comfortable, sharing this tight living space without hinting at exiting.
As a mother, I’d absolutely welcome sibling love among them. However, wouldn’t it be preferable to strengthen their bond in a wider space instead of crammed together?
“Madam?”
Just then, I heard the voice of the butler from outside the door.
“What is it?”
“Count Sichilla has arrived.”
Hearing that the butler had come over made me smile slightly.
As my due date approaches, the butler makes daily visits, claiming he can’t miss the birth of the little masters. I start to worry whether he’s actually fulfilling his duties as a steward or just fulfilling his curiosity.
“Let him in.”
“Yes, Madam.”
The butler opened the door carefully and, seeing me, bowed deeply while holding something in both his hands.
“What is that you have?”
“It’s clothing for the little masters.”
“You brought clothes just recently.”
“Isn’t the weather a bit warmer now? I found some new ones.”
The butler’s serious defense brought a smile back to my face.
“Since it’s getting a bit warmer, let’s get some new clothes.”
Just days ago, Karl had said the same thing.
Our Tae-yang, Ha-neul, and Cho-mok—there are many people out there wishing for your birth.
‘So is this mom.’
So, how about you come out already? While it’s fun to play around together, isn’t it better to grow under the love of your parents?
And first-born brother—or perhaps it’s your older sibling, Pedi—is also eagerly waiting for you.
‘…Four kids.’
Imagining the bustling movement of servants caring for the children made me chuckle.
Moreover, this year, we’ll be welcoming a fifth child. Thinking of the upcoming lively chaos in the mansion fills my heart with warmth.
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