Chapter: 268
I made a promise, putting my career on the line. During this New Year’s gathering, I vowed to be the fort surrounding my in-laws. I was going to become the living human totem that would rally my family together.
Absolutely no contact with other nobles outside of my in-laws. At the same time, I had to prevent my in-laws from mingling with other nobles as well. This was the only way to keep my peace, albeit faintly.
‘Ouch.’
If I failed to keep that promise, it wouldn’t just be awkward glances from behind me. I’d probably be bombarded with questions to the point of bursting my eardrums.
Turning around to face anyone was somewhat terrifying. Sure, I’ve got a bit of resilience and can take a few hits, but enduring being punched in the solar plexus multiple times in a short span? That’s a different story entirely.
And that’s exactly the situation I found myself in. I was attending an official event for the first time after finding a partner—who just so happened to have six lovers, including two from the Ducal family, and even the Duke himself. Even a sage completely oblivious to the world would have to applaud that! I was practically being assaulted by gazes.
But if it stopped there, I might have been able to endure it. After all, there’s a customary chaos to noble weddings. Nobles were likely shocked that the Duke was marrying someone as young as me, but they weren’t shocked about the marriage itself, so it could be seen as just one of those things.
“Your Grace’s student? That young lady?”
“Interesting. His Grace usually gives advice here and there, but he’s never formally taken on a student.”
“Indeed. No former deputy heads have trained under him, so what about anyone else?”
However, the appearance of a student of the Duke was a whole different story from the marriage. No matter how you sliced it, it was a highly improbable event. The fervent reaction from the nobles hearing the Duke’s words proved that.
This was a big deal! The Duke, who had never taken on a student despite the pleas of countless archmages, suddenly had a sole student? This was a sensational event, not just for the Empire but for foreign lands as well.
Thanks to this development, nobles who had been lurking at a distance cautiously began to stir. Of course, the title of “Duke’s one and only student” was bound to shake the political landscape a bit. And it wasn’t just any student—it was the only student. Talk about a power move.
“Well, we haven’t met until now, but now we’re family!”
“Ah, well, um…”
“When you have time, come to the Mage Tower. I’ll make sure to teach you properly.”
Even amidst all this, the Duke sweetly ruffled Louise’s hair. That simple act sent nobles into a frenzy in real-time.
Of course, no one could stop it. Louise’s miraculous title of “Duke’s only student” got her massive attention from the nobles, but considering her original standing, this was something she had to bear. Better that than be seen as less worthy than my other lovers.
“Congratulations, Louise. A next-generation archmage is right in front of us!”
I smiled at a flustered Louise. Honestly, she had to be the most bewildered one here. So I felt the need to guide her reaction a bit.
“Th-thank you!”
Having regained her wits at my words, Louise quickly bowed her head, thanking the Duke. Just like that, the unofficial relationship from nine years ago was solidified into an official master-student bond.
What an exciting turn of events…
I explained this joy to the apprehensive First Manager who had just arrived.
“So that’s why I’m here?”
“Yep. Besides, it’s not like you have anywhere else to go.”
“That’s true.”
I added quietly to the nodding First Manager, “If you don’t want to be here, you can roam about freely. Just know you’ll probably get caught every three steps.”
“Ugh, I don’t want that.”
The sight of the First Manager trembling at such a horrific thought made me chuckle. Judging by his reaction, even Marquis Iones, who’d been listening to the Iron Duke, had a wry smile on his face; it seemed he had been put through the wringer too.
Unlike the tightly-knit in-laws, Marquis Masalo was caught up in discussions with other marquises, separate from us. And because of that, he was now tormented by all the nobles—an indignity he only realized once he joined us. For someone subjected to such misery without explanation, he and the First Manager were likely at their wits’ end.
“Just stick close to me. Don’t wander off to any strange places.”
As I patted the First Manager’s shoulder, he pouted, “If there’s a communication system, why didn’t you just tell me beforehand?”
“Sorry, I totally forgot.”
As I pulled him into a sideways hug, the unfortunate pout retreated, replaced by a grin.
Realistically, even if I had told him beforehand, it likely wouldn’t have made much of a difference. It was my fault for not saying anything.
“Well, then I guess I have to forgive you this time! You better appreciate this!”
“Thanks. You really are noble-hearted, Erich.”
Fortunately, my heartfelt apology seemed to have softened the First Manager’s heart.
Genuine feelings really do conquer all. Add in a bit of physical affection, and it’s a surefire recipe for success.
*
Maintaining friendly relations among the Imperial Count families is crucial. As direct vassals of His Majesty the Emperor, Imperial Counts have a distinct nature compared to regular nobles. Their origins are as both shields and swords to protect imperial sovereignty, a means to keep the other nobles in check.
Due to this somewhat formidable history, the relationships between Imperial Count families have remained a tad strained, making bonds among them all the more important. If Imperial Counts can’t stand together, they’re essentially on their own.
That’s why, with the heads of the Imperial Count families gathering alongside the Crown Prince, it’s not surprising that their wives are also meeting separately.
“I’m always envious of your wife. If only my son looked even a little like the Executive Manager!”
“You flatter me, madam.”
“Flattery? If you’re too humble, it can backfire.”
“Indeed. My child just started helping with territory affairs, and they were such a nervous wreck.”
And of course, when a group of wives with children get together, discussions about their kids are bound to arise. Plus, it’s only fate that the most accomplished child among them gets brought up.
What a proud moment. Every time I hear the wives speak with a hint of envy and mild jealousy in their voices, or when the praises for my son just slip out of my mouth, an indescribable joy fills me.
Yes, I’m truly proud of him. Despite growing under a clumsy mother’s guidance and lacking proper love and attention, he’s turned out wonderfully. Among all the nobles of the same age, he’s unmatched.
“Hmm, is that so?”
So, despite the compliments from the wives, I merely smiled. If I’d truly raised him well, I could casually boast about my outstanding parenting. I probably would’ve savored their gazes.
But how could I do that? What kind of shamelessness would it take to claim a share of his achievements when he raised himself? So I could only smile.
“By the way, madam. Is it okay if I don’t go visit?”
Just as we were deep in discussion about our children, one of the wives turned the focus back to me with a somewhat out-of-the-blue question.
While it felt oddly random, everyone understood the underlying implication. With my son surrounded by lovers and in-laws, they were asking if it was alright for me to be here.
“Yes. Karls is busy at the Academy, so he doesn’t have much time to himself. He hasn’t even had the chance to see his loves. I hope they can enjoy this quiet time together.”
“Oh my, you’re remarkably thoughtful.”
Upon hearing my answer, the wife who asked didn’t press further. She had probably just been genuinely curious, not planning to send me away.
I smiled again in her direction before casting my gaze back at Karls.
‘…Such a quiet time.’
Truth be told, I wanted to be there. I wanted to enjoy that quiet, cozy time alongside him and Billy. I wanted to greet his lovers, my future daughters-in-law, and forge connections with their families.
But I held back, remembering what Karls had said before the New Year gathering.
– It might be a bit chaotic for the first couple of days. It might be exhausting to greet everyone in that time, so why not meet when things calm down a bit?
Since it was a request directly from Karls, how could I refuse? Moreover, he wasn’t wrong; it made sense.
Besides, during the beginning of the New Year gathering, Billy wouldn’t be able to move either due to the gathering of the Imperial Counts. Isn’t it odd to meet as in-laws without the heads present? So, just as Karls said, it would make sense to wait until things quiet down and Billy finishes his duties.
– I need to figure out a proper schedule, and before I knew it, here we are!
“It’s fine. Who would dislike seeing their own daughter-in-law?”
When I saw Karls’ bashful smile, I could no longer turn down his suggestion.
A son introducing his lovers up front? A son worried his parents might be overworked with an excessive schedule? How could I not be thrilled? How could I refuse?
– Thank you. I’ll let the in-laws know about this beforehand.
“Of course. Do as you please.”
– Oh, and after the New Year gathering, I’ll come by to visit. Many would like to eat with you, including Marde and mother.
After the communication ended, I found myself smiling for a long time while fiddling with the comms. I felt overjoyed that such a normal conversation could happen between a mother and son. I was happy just to be able to have such exchanges.
‘Just a few days to go.’
Recalling those moments, I took a deep breath and steadied my heart.
Sure, just hold on for a few days. Just as Karls said, it’ll quiet down within two days, three at most.
And three days later, as soon as the chaos started to settle, I received word that His Majesty the Emperor had invited Karls for lunch.
…
‘Just one more day.’
I placed trembling hands on my chest and took a slow breath.
If I didn’t calm down, it felt like the seeds of treachery would sprout deep inside me.
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.