Chapter: 690
Thanks to Jiz’s magnificent performance, Erich and Zenobia’s wedding became a memorable event for everyone.
Sure, I did have a moment of neck pain thanks to Enen’s surprise attack, but in the end, what sticks with you are the memories. For now, Erich might blame my surprise, but in the future, he’ll be thankful for this brotherly consideration.
I also wanted to showcase a grand performance to the guests at the wedding. No matter how much nobles are social animals, a wedding is just an extension of socializing—still, going overboard at someone else’s wedding feels a bit off. After all, this is my brother’s first wedding.
‘Well, guess there’s gonna be a lot of wedding talk for a while.’
A massive eagle the size of a battleship soaring through the sky to celebrate the wedding. It might not be as divine as a god’s blessing, but it’s definitely not an everyday sight.
In fact, it could be even more impressive than a shining cross of blessing. If we sift through the continent’s history, we might find figures who received divine blessings, but Erich could very well be the first to have a battleship-sized eagle celebrate him. I’m sure of it.
“I never thought there would be chaos at my brother’s wedding.”
However, the Judicial Minister next to me seemed dumbfounded, as if he couldn’t grasp the deeper meaning behind it.
“Chaos? This is a celebration that few could pull off!”
I remained proud. Just before the wedding, I told Erich to relax by saying, “The guests won’t care what you do.” But as time passes, he’s bound to feel bittersweet realizing his wedding turned into a social gathering. It’s human nature to feel differently once urgent matters are settled.
So, right before the wedding ended, I deployed Jiz at a perfect moment when Erich was bound to get tense again. This way, Erich would remember the day not as a social event but as a warm celebration from family.
It was a flawless plan. Where else can you find a brother as considerate as me?
“…You’re not going to do this again next time, are you?”
“Well, they’re both my sisters-in-law, so it wouldn’t be polite to differentiate. I’ll definitely do the same for summer weddings.”
“Maybe they’d prefer some discrimination, instead.”
Ignoring the Judicial Minister’s ridiculous comments, I glanced at Erich and Zenobia, who were walking amidst applause.
Just moments ago, Erich looked dazed, but now he was smiling naturally. I felt proud of how he had grown into a fine nobleman.
‘Seems like he’s enjoying this.’
In the meantime, Zenobia, with her arm linked with Erich, was joyfully catching flower petals with a radiant smile.
Unlike my emotionless brother, it seemed my sister-in-law was delighted by my performance.
‘If it had been by the coast, I would’ve called all three of them!’
I felt a tinge of disappointment. If the wedding had been on the coast, I would’ve summoned Leviathan from the sea, Behemoth from the land, and Jiz from the sky to celebrate threefold. Alas, I could only bring in Jiz since Leviathan is somewhat tricky to summon.
Of course, though Leviathan can fly, hovering a whale the size of an island above the wedding would be a bit much. Blocking the sun in winter? The nobles would freeze to death!
“Carl.”
“Oh, Mother.”
While I switched my attention between the newlyweds and the still-raining flower petals, my mother approached, cradling Teresa.
“You’ve prepared something amazing! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
Her tone could sound reproachful, but her expression was filled with smiles. It seemed the joy of her second son’s wedding overshadowed any surprise from the sudden appearance of a battleship-sized eagle.
“I’m sorry. But this wedding isn’t just about Erich; it’s a joy for our family, so I wanted to surprise you both.”
“Hehe, is that so? Only our Patriarch thinks of the family.”
“Patriarch!”
At my mother’s words, Teresa chimed in cheerfully.
Looking at the lively Teresa snugly held in my mother’s arms made me realize she understood the significance of her brother’s wedding.
“Thank you for lighting up the ceremony, Minister. Surely, the Ministry of Finance has no shortage of tasks, but your continuous attendance means so much to us as the mothers of Carl and Erich.”
My mother turned to the Minister, bowing respectfully as she expressed her gratitude.
The Minister had been a regular attendee since my wedding with Mar. If weddings had coupons, he would’ve earned a free pass for his countless participations. My mother knew this, so her gratitude was likely profound.
“Nonsense, ma’am. I’m just the godfather of Pedi, after all. It’s only natural for me to attend family celebrations related to the Krasius family.”
The Minister waved his hands in denial, shaking his head.
Though normal, it felt strange. If he could show me even a fraction of that respect, I’d be thrilled.
“By the way, where’s your husband? I greeted him before the wedding, but I’d like to see him again before he leaves.”
“Oh, Billy is…”
Following my mother’s subtle turn, I glanced to see my father was caught up by the former Count Horfelt, happily sipping wine.
They’ve been friends since childhood. With the added bond of in-laws, their friendship had likely only deepened. My father seemed like he’d be swamped by his in-law for days.
“Oh, Walter! Come here!”
“No, I’m just about to head back—”
“Don’t you dare say something sad!”
Even the former Count Bardon, another friend, happened to pass by and got caught up.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the three mid-aged men fishing together at the lake soon.
“Brother, Oppa.”
“Yeah?”
Amidst my thoughts about the trio’s inevitable friendship, Teresa stretched out her little hands from my mother’s arms towards me.
“That bird. I want to ride it.”
‘Oh no.’
I grinned ruefully at Teresa’s precise and firm request.
I had wondered why Teresa was so well-behaved, but it seems she was too busy admiring Jiz to think of running around.
“Want to ride it together later?”
“Yup!”
As I clasped her hand, Teresa nodded gleefully.
Thanks to Jiz, my younger brother hosted a historic wedding, and my younger sister was about to take flight.
Erich and Zenobia had been on their honeymoon since the day before the wedding.
I get it. With Lather’s wedding uncertain, they probably wanted to stay within the Empire for as long as possible. Maybe right after the wedding, they would jump into a meticulously organized schedule.
Then again, there’s a slim chance Rutis might also marry this year or next? Given the circumstances, I’d say Erich’s likely to get deployed to Ainter during his honeymoon. After all, if he’s gone as far as Yuben, he could go to Ainter too. The Emperor would have Erich in his sights, after all.
‘Having too many friends can be a problem.’
It’s a difficulty I can hardly comprehend, given my own lack of friends.
“I’ll make sure to communicate it quickly to the Minister. The treaty is necessary for the future, so he’ll gladly accept it.”
“Got it. Appreciate it.”
It’s rather odd that, even while on honeymoon, he voluntarily visited the government office.
It’s a strange feeling. While my brother enjoys his honeymoon, I paid a visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They say no sibling can match their brother, but I didn’t expect it to be proven like this.
‘Just checked in and it’s already done.’
Fortunately, the matter wrapped up quicker than I expected, allowing me to leave the Foreign Affairs building with light steps.
Initially, I planned to make a direct request to the Minister, but it turns out he was busy handling delegations arriving for New Year celebrations. Pressing for a treaty for Jiz during that chaos? That’d be quite inconsiderate of me.
‘Lucky there were officials waiting.’
I let out a small sigh as I recalled the middle manager who took my treaty proposal.
Had that manager not been around, I would’ve walked around aimlessly. Next time I visit another office, I should reach out beforehand.
‘…Should I drop by for some greetings on my way back?’
As I returned to the mansion, a sudden thought crossed my mind.
With plenty of time left, it being New Year’s, and my brother’s big event taking place, I might as well stop by and say hello to those guys.
‘Sounds good.’
After a moment of deliberation, I turned back. I wasn’t heading over just to complain; I had good news to share. My brother is family to them too, so they would be excited to hear about his marriage.
Of course, some of those friends might tell me to get lost if I show up empty-handed, so I should grab some wine too.
My cheek tingles.
“Carl.”
I felt someone poking at me, fingers pressing down, the sensation of soft hair brushing against me.
“Caaaaaaaarl?”
I felt the warmth of the sun, a welcome rarity in winter, and wanted to snuggle in and sleep a bit longer—
“What’s this? Are you really ignoring me and just pretending I’m not your boss?”
The sudden pain in my back forced my eyes open instinctively.
“Oh, you’re awake.”
The woman who had just smacked my back smiled and pressed her lips to my forehead.
“Did you sleep well, our Executive Manager? I understand you’re tired, but—waking you up at the office is a bit much, don’t you think?”
Her voice was laid-back and peaceful, laced with laughter, but I found myself speechless.
No, it’s more accurate to say I had a lot to say, but no words would escape my lips.
‘What the…’
The woman in front of me, placing her lips on my forehead without my permission, claiming to be my wife.
With waist-length flowing dark hair and dazzling ruby-like eyes, she was definitely captivating.
“…Hecate?”
With great effort, I managed to speak her name, my lips finally moving.
The first person I loved, the one who first loved me.
Someone I loved more than anyone else, but hadn’t seen or even heard from in forever.
“Yes, yes. It’s big sister Hecate.”
She smiled brightly, playfully grabbing my nose.
“Since big sister came all the way to wake you up, at least wash your face before coming out. Other little ones will be up soon.”
…
‘This must be a dream.’
I quickly concluded, unable to grasp this bizarre situation.
I had returned to the mansion after doing my surprise pilgrimage, played with the kids as usual, and went to bed. That part was clear in my memory. I remember definitely falling asleep.
‘And then suddenly…’
A chuckle slipped out of me unconsciously. It was so frustratingly wanting to see her that even in dreams, she wouldn’t appear—so why now, out of the blue?
I idly played with my fingers. There was a sorcerer who’d mess with dreams when the Imperial Army fainted or slept in the North. Thanks to him, I knew how to escape when caught in such situations.
First, recognizing it was a dream, I’d do something that would typically cause immense pain in reality to escape. For example, breaking a finger.
So, I began to move my finger. Just a little nudge, and I could break free from this dream.
I could escape… but…
“Carl?”
Seeing Hecate tilting her head, I quietly put my finger down.
“No, it’s nothing.”
And I smiled.
If this is the kind of dream I’m having, can’t I just indulge in it a little longer…?
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