Chapter: 688
This year’s end passed quietly.
Of course, from the perspective of that Baron, it must have felt like being hit by a nuclear bomb, but honestly, that’s not my concern. It’s sad to see my brother in pain, but it’s not really my fault, is it? If someone should be scolded, it should be the Emperor.
Besides, there’s not much reason to stop Erich from being dispatched to Yuben—no, nominally, going on a trip to Yuben. On the surface, it seems like Erich’s ‘voluntary’ honeymoon trip to attend Lather’s wedding is just too perfect.
Plus, it’s not like the Emperor completely lacks conscience. He must realize he’s done something that might upset a minister about to enjoy their honeymoon, so he’ll definitely provide some sort of compensation.
‘Not accepting and not going would be the best.’
Yeah, honestly, not taking anything and not going is the best scenario. No one wants to work during their honeymoon. If someone does, they must be married and working hard, right?
However, as we live in this world, there are moments when unjust power weighs us down. Erich just experienced it a bit earlier and at a rather inopportune time. I believe that by overcoming this pain, Erich will evolve into a stronger member of society.
Speaking of unjust power, the first instance I experienced was with the former Executive Manager. Just thinking about the suffering I endured from that jerk gives me chills even now.
‘Honestly, dealing with the Emperor might be better.’
I sent a little encouragement and comfort to Erich in my mind. No matter how tough and sad it gets, there’s something to be said for being tormented by the Emperor rather than someone else.
I never thought I’d be defending the Emperor, but compared to the Second Prince or the former Executive Manager, the Emperor is practically an angel. Like a real celestial fairy dancing down from the skies.
‘…It’s not like I’ll be going anytime soon anyway.’
Eventually, I recalled Erich’s wedding date and Lather’s estimated wedding date.
Erich is getting married to Zenobia in January and going on his honeymoon right after. Meanwhile, Lather’s wedding hasn’t been officially announced yet, so it probably won’t take place until at least the second quarter. That means he can take it easy in the Empire for at least three months.
What’s this? I was worried for nothing.
“Titi!”
—Woof?
“Let’s go for a walk together.”
—Woof woof!
Thanks to that, I reassessed my priorities in my heart. I pushed my worries about Erich down and raised the importance of a walk with Titi up.
Titi, who struggles to play with my kids, deserves a happy walk as much as anyone else. If Titi stays healthy and strong, my burdens should lighten too.
And shortly after we began our walk, an unbelievable, record-breaking heavy snowfall started.
“Titi… should we just go back?”
The snow piled up so quickly that taking a single step became a challenge. Instead of melting, it built a tower on my head and shoulders.
It was a crazy amount of snow. I wasn’t trembling from the cold, but the physical accumulation of snow made movement hard.
—Woof! Woof!
But Titi, who had ventured out with her master, saw the snow as a toy and confidently pushed through it, urging me to continue our walk.
“Alright. Let’s see it through to the end.”
In the end, I couldn’t break Titi’s determination and trudged around the capital.
If Titi wants it, I have to oblige. She’s a valued part of our family.
“Ah, we present to the esteemed Minister!”
“Despite the terrible weather, you’ve worked hard. Thanks to you, the citizens of the capital can move around comfortably.”
“No, sir! We should’ve cleared it faster before you arrived! I apologize for being late!”
As we lazily progressed, we ran into the soldiers of the capital’s guards who were busy with the snow-clearing operation to secure the pathways.
Fortunately, since we were approaching from opposite directions, we could pass through easily.
—Woof woof!
“This little one also expresses gratitude.”
“Uh, it’s an honor…”
Titi barked gratefully at what seemed to be the leader of the guards.
Such manners, for a house pet!
The heavy snowfall continued until the day of the New Year’s Ball.
Still, the capital’s guards, along with the 1st Legion and the Magic Tower, worked tirelessly to keep the snow from blocking the nobles. If the New Year’s Ball was disrupted because of snow, that would be a huge disaster.
Of course, no matter how much snow they cleared, they couldn’t control the snow falling from the sky. Weather-altering magic can only be used by a handful of mages, and only in dire situations, so the nobles arriving at the banquet hall would have to step in like snowmen.
“Wow, it’s really coming down. I can’t remember the last time it snowed like this.”
Seeing the Minister approach, shaking off snow vigorously, I couldn’t help but chuckle. The way he was built, I almost mistook him for a yeti.
“Seems like even the heavens are celebrating the royal family’s good fortune. Recently, a prince was born, and in a few months, Marquess Idripen will be marrying, right?”
“Isn’t that celebration a tad excessive?”
“True, true.”
It wasn’t exactly incorrect, so I nodded my head. Showering that much white stuff isn’t exactly a celebratory move; it’s downright harsh.
Of course, the soldiers were probably suffering even more than we were.
“Hmm…”
“Is something wrong?”
As the Minister dusted off the last of the snow, he suddenly stroked his chin and fixed a keen gaze on me.
“It feels a bit unfamiliar, you know. For the past three years, New Year’s meant your wedding was around the corner, but now that won’t happen.”
I paused briefly at that remark. I couldn’t tell whether his admiration was genuine or teasing.
“Well, even so, it still means your younger brother is getting married, so my wedding gifts are going to be drained anyway.”
Thanks to those words, I confirmed my suspicion—it was clearly a tease.
“Why would I care about a few coins just because the younger brother of a subordinate is getting married?”
“If you had a son like you, you’d have erased me from the family register long ago.”
The firm tone he used hit me like a ton of bricks.
If I had a father like the Minister, I would have run away ages ago, but just hearing him say he would erase me from the family register stirred up some intense feelings. I’d rather be at fault than endure abuse like that.
“Ah.”
While I was alone feeling defeated, the Minister turned towards the entrance and let out a small gasp.
“The Gold Duke has arrived.”
“Already?”
Upon hearing the Minister’s words, I turned my head to see the Gold Duke making his entrance with his faction members.
Even he, a duke of noble birth, looked like a snowman, but his expression was remarkably warm and inviting.
“…Has something recently happened? I’ve seen you smile a few times, but this warm expression is new.”
It was the first time I’d seen that expression, and I couldn’t help but wonder.
The Gold Duke was a human with emotions, so it was natural for him to smile. But because of his role as a duke and his capitalist nature, there were plenty of times I felt his smile was overshadowed by the dark undercurrents of a schemer. I wouldn’t be surprised if he were mistaken for a mafia boss.
But now, here’s the Gold Duke walking in with a face full of benignity. Did he discover a mithril mine while digging in the ground or something?
“Because of that Leviathan whale, the Boyar’s merchant ships have been coming and going from Jerano like it’s their front yard. Of course, you’d be thrilled since you’ve always seen Jerano as a thorn in your side.”
“Ah.”
It all clicked into place. The Leviathan effect was still in play.
I mean, it wasn’t something that would just end after a few months. The show of force they’d displayed in the skies of a foreign nation was an impressive spectacle.
“By the way, aren’t you raising a similar beast yourself? Wasn’t it called Jiz?”
“He’s doing well up in the North. He’s a free spirit, so I just leave him be if I don’t need him.”
“I heard he was spotted recently in the Leon area.”
“Well, Leon is just an extension of the Empire’s territory, right? I told him to be careful not to cross the river, so he should be fine.”
The Kingdom of Leon is split by a river: the southern side is the Empire’s domain, while the north is governed by Ainter. If he’s wandering in the south where it belongs—
“That’s what worries me.”
“Ah.”
I instinctively slapped my forehead.
I just needed to avoid one thing, and somehow that one thing happened.
‘Could it be that he didn’t see the river…?’
He’s such a fast flyer; maybe he passed over it without seeing it?
I’d rather think that was the case. If it’s because I didn’t keep him tethered to me, then I’d have to explain myself.
The New Year’s Ball went smoothly.
The Emperor brought up the prince’s birth from the end of last year and tossed out well wishes for the safety and peace of the nobles. It was just a ceremonial procedure, an entirely normal event.
It could be considered boring, but honestly, it’s quite welcomed. It signifies that the Empire is peaceful and quiet without any trouble.
‘He’s really popular.’
Following the Emperor’s well wishes, the nobles turned their eyes towards someone.
That someone was Erich, soon to be marrying, who also happens to hold the title of Baron Hardiner. And he’s connected to the Marquess of Melrsina back in the Kingdom of Leon.
‘Hang in there.’
I showed my sympathy as Erich was swarmed by the crowd in an instant.
Unfortunately, the interest of the nobility is a natural phenomenon that even the Emperor cannot stop. If there’s a blame to be laid, it’s on Erich for carrying titles that easily grab their attention.
I’d forgotten momentarily that I gave him two out of the three titles he holds.
“Is it okay to just leave him like that?”
While watching Erich endure his ordeal with a calm heart, I slightly turned my head towards the voice that spoke nearby.
I noticed Mar looking at Erich with a face full of concern.
“I’m worried about him being chewed up by the nobility. I hope he doesn’t get too tired.”
“It’s fine. If he’s going to be bitten anyway, it’s better he gets it over with early. If he leaves now, they’ll just swarm him separately later.”
“That’s true, but…”
Even though my words provided some solace, Mar still looked troubled as she gazed at Erich.
Mar is way too considerate of others. Even if that foolish kid gets bitten a hundred times, she’ll be totally unaffected.
“Besides, Erich’s been in the council for two years. He might be tired, but he’s not incapable of handling it.”
I wrapped my arm around Mar’s waist and kissed her forehead.
Whether he’s an idiot or not, he’s still my brother, and I’m grateful for a wife who cares for him. What a blessing that is.
“So don’t worry too much. He’ll take care of himself.”
If I thought Erich would soon rush over to me for refuge, I wouldn’t have made such a bold statement.
‘That silly brat…’
But since there was a marquess in the mix, I guess I should let it slide.
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