Chapter: 839
The Marzalo family ranks high among noble families within the Empire. Aside from the unwavering positions of the Imperial Family and the Dukes, they’re surely in the top three.
Perhaps because of this, Marzalo family members exude an impeccable dignity and intelligence, showcasing abilities that match their authoritative status. Even after the fall of Aesilon, they skyrocketed to the top levels of marquis families in no time. They have some serious momentum.
However, it is regrettable that Eri was born as an outlier within the Marzalo family. While she possesses the capability to be called a member of the Marzalo clan, she somewhat strays from the expected dignity and intelligence. Eri truly is something else.
And today, I found myself questioning whether Eri was truly an outlier or perhaps a case of atavism.
“Wow…”
Anyone seeing a 90-year-old lady sprinting like that would have the same thought.
It’s an unbelievable sight. Honestly, even at 50 or 60, most people aren’t eager to run. In a dire situation, middle-aged folks might tear out in a sprint, but rarely do they unless absolutely necessary.
But here comes a lady, well past 60, who’s reached the ripe old age of 90, bounding along like a strapping youth. Even at her age, where people typically worry about tripping and breaking bones instead of walking without a cane, she was running without a care.
“Is this a dream?”
For a moment, I denied reality. I’ve been mentally exhausted from recent ceremonies and promotions among the clergy. Maybe I’m just imagining things after all.
Could it be that the person sprinting toward me isn’t even my grandmother, but someone else? Her beautifully curled white hair could just be a sign of age, but perhaps it’s a natural trait, just like Eri’s.
“Grandma!”
“Nah, that’s definitely her.”
Of course, denying reality never lasts long. Thanks to Eri’s decisive shout, it was confirmed that the woman rushing here was indeed my grandmother.
What an astonishing sight. How can an ordinary woman, not a martial artist or magician, be in such great shape? It’s already impressive that she has reached her 90th birthday, but running? That’s beyond belief!
“Did she take some kind of elixir?”
It’s a very plausible guess. What if this world is more like a martial arts story than a romance fantasy?
When I think about it, there are heroes who could cut through the heavens. So maybe this is a Kung Fu world after all. Damn that celestial horse!
“Grandma! I’m coming! Please don’t run, it’s dangerous!”
Nevertheless, Eri, beaming with joy, dashed toward her grandmother.
Seeing a granddaughter running to her grandma made me smile. While Eri stands out for her uniqueness and energy, she’s certainly tender toward her family.
And honestly, that’s all that matters. Who cares if she’s cold to others? As long as she’s good to her family, that’s what counts.
“You little rascal! If you visited more often, I wouldn’t have to run. This old lady is fighting each day just to stay alive, and now you come stumbling in when I’m on my last legs!”
“Grandma, don’t say that! It scares me when you talk like that!”
As I approached to greet her, the intense banter between Eri and her grandma reached my ears.
This old woman’s teasing at the expense of her lifespan—such an overwhelming type of mockery that no one can evade. I instinctively lowered my head.
“And why wouldn’t you fall over! Grandma, you promised you wouldn’t kick the bucket before seeing your great-grandchild get married!”
“You never forget things that favor you, do you? Who do you take after?”
“Of course, I take after you, Grandma!”
Eri laughed, wrapping her arms around her grandmother. Grandma looked pleased by Eri’s playful embrace and gently swatted her arm.
“Ouch!”
“Of course it hurts; I hit you on purpose!”
Startled by the cheerful smack, my shoulders flinched. It seems our grandmother isn’t just good at running—she has strength too. I could easily believe she was 45 instead of 90.
“Well then, how about this: before I kick the bucket, I’ll give a hearty goodbye to my granddaughter!”
With that, grandma untangled her arm from Eri’s and turned her gaze toward me. She slightly bowed her head.
“Oh, you wonderful angel sent from above to be kind to this old girl. Finally, I see your face.”
“Y-your Grace! Please raise your head! How can my noble grandmother bow to a mere son-in-law?”
Caught off guard by this unexpected display, I quickly shook my head. If I weren’t holding Ferentz in my arms, I might’ve waved my hands in protest.
Calling me an angel sent from heaven is quite embarrassing, but hearing that from my wife’s grandmother is something else entirely. It felt a bit like being in the presence of a superior.
“I was almost doomed to live to 150, but you saved this old lady, dear angel. It is only right to express gratitude.”
As grandma raised her head, her smile reminded me so much of Eri’s pearly grin.
That sight eased my tension and erupted a chuckle. The over-the-top gratitude was clearly a jest.
‘Looks like it’s not a mutation at all.’
Eri truly resembles her grandmother. She inherited her values.
“Of course, if an angel comes down to Earth, they must abide by earthly laws. Until either you or I pass, I’ll treat you as my grandson-in-law.”
“I-I’m forever grateful…”
Such sweet words almost made me shed tears, reflexively lowering my head.
To be treated as a grandson-in-law by her is such a heartwarming sentiment. I feared becoming the crazy son-in-law who’d be given honorifics at the birthday celebration.
“Appa~? Nu~gu?”
In that moment, Ferrentz, nestled in my arms, tilted his head in confusion.
That reaction is totally understandable. His mom just got slapped by a senior, and his dad bowed down. He must be thinking what the heck was going on.
“Ferentz, greet her. This is your great-grandma.”
“G-great… grandma?”
However, the term “great-grandma” is too complex for a little one. Thus, Ferrentz managed to stutter out fragments of the title.
“Just call me big grandma.”
“Big grandma!”
“Good! You’re doing great!”
Of course, whether it’s great-grandma or big grandma, it doesn’t change anything. Seeing her great-grandson for the first time, any words spoken will surely bring a smile to her face.
Indeed, grandma’s expression shone like sunshine as she gazed at Ferentz. While she used to tease Eri and me, now she radiated joy beyond comparison.
“Mother! You can’t be out here! What are you doing?!”
Just then, a desperate voice called from the same direction grandma had rushed toward.
“Ah.”
It looks like I wasn’t the only one startled by the 90-year-old woman’s sprinting!
Thanks to the emotional persuasion of my father-in-law, grandma reluctantly returned to the castle.
Just before entering, I couldn’t help but catch snippets of her murmuring about needing to feel the breeze while she’s alive, but I pretended I didn’t hear it. Eri would surely keep her company inside.
“Sorry about that, son-in-law. It was your first time meeting my mother, and I can understand your surprise.”
A few minutes later, my father-in-law, noticeably pale, patted my shoulder with a bittersweet smile.
“It’s alright. Honestly, I’m just thankful that my unworthy self is being treated so kindly by her.”
I gently shook my head at my father-in-law’s gratitude.
While I couldn’t pretend I wasn’t shocked, I genuinely appreciated my grandma’s kindness. If she didn’t look favorably upon me, she wouldn’t have joked about lifespan gambles or made heart-stopping jokes.
I like to think of it as her version of good will and affection.
“Thanks for saying so. In fact, my mother sees you as a benefactor. If you had shunned her, she would’ve been quite sad.”
“To me… really?”
“You’re someone who fully accepts Eri’s uniqueness as she is. Naturally, you’re seen as a benefactor.”
It was hard for me to deny that, and I chuckled lightly.
Everyone knows that Eri is the Marzalo family’s sore thumb, being the unfortunate child of the illustrious Iones Marzalo. And it was obvious that her grandmother shared the same sentiment.
But perhaps the reason she was more pained was due to the resemblance that Eri bore to her. Seeing a child who looked just like her but encountered hardships? That’s enough to break one’s heart.
‘…How did grandma manage it?’
A sudden thought crossed my mind. The original Eri, my grandmother, was happily married, with children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren to boast. Was the former Iones Marzalo a fellow like me?
“My mother was your typical noble lady back in the day. Ever since I inherited the title of Marquis, it seems like she let go of some burdens and became such a unique individual.”
It looked like my curiosity was written all over my face because my father-in-law continued to explain kindly.
I felt embarrassed. Asking ‘How did your mother get married?’ is a silly question, isn’t it?
‘What a crazy son-in-law…’
I couldn’t help but hate myself.
*
It’s the 90th birthday, but honestly, did we really need a banquet for it?
It’s a birthday I experience every year, celebrated each year. I’ve reached a point over the past few years where I felt like celebrating just being alive every single day.
So I thought it would be fine to skip this year’s birthday banquet, or at the very least, keep it simple. Sadly, the children didn’t listen to a word I said.
‘Not that I expected anything.’
I felt a mix of annoyance and pride. After all, it seems I’ve raised my kids decently. If I had raised them like delinquents, I definitely wouldn’t be celebrating my 90th birthday, let alone making it past 70 due to stress!
‘Quite a crowd gathered, huh.’
Feeling somewhat satisfied, I glanced around the banquet hall, noticing a guest count that was several times greater than last year.
These people really have nothing better to do. Moving their heavy behinds to celebrate someone who could be staring at the Grim Reaper at any moment? A simple congratulatory message through communication would’ve sufficed.
“Grandma, what are you thinking about?”
“Eri, if I live to 100, do you think this banquet hall will be enough?”
In reverse, I threw her a question, which made Eri ponder seriously.
“…If it’s a centennial celebration, wouldn’t we need to borrow the Imperial Palace?”
“Hey, you little rascal!”
“Eek!”
I smacked Eri’s back for such an ungrateful thing to say. How could we use the glorious Imperial Palace just to celebrate an ordinary noble’s birthday?
“My dear, you should take after your dad, not your mom. How can you still be this naive at your age?”
“Ugh.”
Then, I lightly patted my great-grandson who was nestled in Eri’s arms.
“Your dad is a serious and diligent man, so please take after him. Don’t take after me or your mother.”
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.