Chapter: 269
Mother, are you doing well? This dutiful son has committed the grievous act of a no-show for the family introduction. I can only imagine how thrilled you would have been to hear that the dancing heir is finally getting married at the tail end of the marriageable age, but I’m sincerely sorry for delivering such a unique blow.
But no matter how I think about it, it doesn’t seem to be my fault.
“Today, the chef has put in a special effort. I wonder if it will suit your taste.”
“I’m truly grateful, Your Majesty.”
When the esteemed higher-up invites you just to eat, how can one refuse?
Of course, when it comes to the Emperor’s invitation, there’s no excuse that can be made. I could have at least said I had a prior engagement with the Pope, but such an arrangement doesn’t exist for me. So, I had no choice but to rush over like a dog and bow my head.
“Make yourself comfortable. This gathering is in honor of the Executive Manager’s hard work.”
Anyway, as I stiffened with the sudden shock of being invited by the Emperor, he waved his hand and said to relax. How could I relax in his presence?
Naturally, when the Emperor tells you to make yourself comfortable, you must smile even in the fires of hell. Honestly, this place feels as comfortable as home, and the food tastes just like home cooking… It’s so comfortable, I might just float off to paradise…
“Yes, Your Majesty. I shall do so.”
My tear-filled response made the Emperor nod and take a bite of bread. At that moment, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess also began their meal.
I feel like I’m going to choke. At least the good news is that this is genuinely a meal to commend efforts, not one to interrogate or give orders. Had it been the latter, I might not just be choking, but dead right there on the spot.
“Just give me the money.”
As I silently chewed on the salad, thoughts that shouldn’t be voiced slipped out. Commendations don’t need such a meal; gold coins would suffice. I sincerely hope the esteemed ones understand that.
From a noble’s perspective, having dinner with the Emperor is a worthy achievement to mention for a self-introduction, but isn’t once enough? Having to come to these kinds of gatherings multiple times feels rather depressing.
“Executive Manager. Is there any discomfort with the Academy life?”
‘Shit.’
I swallowed the salad hastily at the sudden question. He said to relax, yet here we are talking about work while eating.
I mean, isn’t such conversation not considered work for this workaholic Emperor? It seems quite plausible.
“Thanks to Your Majesty’s grace, there is no discomfort in the Academy.”
“I am well aware of the Executive Manager’s hard work. With the Third Prince and distinguished guests staying, how could it be comfortable?”
At that moment, I felt my throat tighten as I almost wanted to say, “If you know, send me somewhere else.”
“Especially concerning the distinguished guests. They may not be familiar with life in the Empire, so I’m worried they might wander alone.”
“Do not worry. I will host them without any inadequacy.”
“Considering that is reassuring. Treat the guests earnestly alongside the Third Prince.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
With that, the Emperor closed his mouth again. On the surface, it sounds like a warm-hearted host who cares for his guests, but—
‘Still suspicious.’
Beneath that exterior lay his chronic disease of suspicion.
Worried they might wander alone because they aren’t used to living here? Isn’t that implying he’s worried the royal family might poke around the Empire’s secrets? It’s already difficult to touch certain things being royals; now, having students with legitimate positions in the Empire is downright irritating.
So he subtly tells me to keep an eye on those at the Academy. It’s been like this since the past, and it will continue.
‘This is quite normal, I suppose.’
It’s a little pitiable, really. But it’s a fair speculation from a political standpoint. Wouldn’t anyone react this way if suddenly foreign royals enrolled in the Empire Academy?
Nevertheless, he’s wrong. Those royal students aren’t interested in such lofty things; they’re simply here enjoying the game. If the Emperor has a fault, it’s seeing peasants through the eyes of a noble. Trying to rationally understand the absurd actions of those who can’t be understood.
Of course, I have no intention of speaking the truth. If I were to tell the Emperor, “They were just more interested in their love lives and wandering around together,” his head would probably explode. He’d likely suspect I was on the take to say something friendly. Honestly, I think I’d feel the same way if I were him.
Yeah, let’s just keep quiet. It’s unfortunate the Emperor holds onto such meaningless suspicions, but in the meantime, he’s asked me to treat the guests alongside Ainter, hasn’t he? After the New Year’s message, the Emperor has effectively acknowledged Ainter as royalty; I should take that as a positive sign.
“Heh, the Executive Manager seems to have the Emperor’s trust.”
Just as I was about to carefully cut my steak, the Crown Princess spoke up.
However, unlike earlier, my heart wasn’t racing. The Crown Princess is renowned for dodging political comments and rarely interfering with work matters. Among those gathered here, she’s the most gentle and easy-going person.
“I’m delighted thinking about the future prosperity of the Executive Manager’s family.”
“You flatter me.”
My hands trembled for a moment. Hearing her imply, ‘You will probably have many children since you have so many lovers’ right in front of me was dizzying.
Easy-going person… right? No, it must be right. She’s definitely right. Compared to the Emperor and Crown Prince, she’s like an overwhelming angel.
“His Majesty and I also intend to share a love that doesn’t fall short of yours.”
I couldn’t respond to the Crown Princess, who smiled as she spoke. While it’s a happy occasion if the Crown Prince and his wife get along well, why tell me that?
Watching me, the Crown Princess smiled even broader and raised her left hand.
…
Huh?
‘What the hell.’
And the moment I looked at her left hand, specifically her ring finger, I felt a jolt of panic.
“I heard the rumors and made this right away. A ring symbolizing unity—what a romantic thing, isn’t it?”
Her voice was soft, but the content was horrifically fierce. Things that shouldn’t be were there. Prominently situated on the Crown Princess’s ring finger was a ring.
Of course, it’s not odd since the Crown Princess is close to 1st Manager, and Marcilio has been wearing one too, so it’s not bizarre for rings to be involved. But copying that is an entirely different matter.
As I nervously stole a glance at the Crown Prince, he showed his left hand with a deadpan expression. Naturally, the Crown Prince also adorned his hand with a ring.
‘F*ck.’
I feel completely dazed. Have I introduced poison into the Empire’s social scene?
Biting my tongue with a heavy heart, I managed to finish my meal. By the middle of it, I had no idea what I was eating anymore.
“Many ladies are showing interest already. It’s not just the young ladies, either.”
“Ah, is that so?”
“I think the trend will start before this year is over.”
With every word the Crown Princess said, the weight of guilt grew heavier. My careless actions have left an unforgettable wound on the Empire’s social scene.
Soon, everyone will be wandering around with half rings. Who could possibly reject a trend led by the Crown Princess, Dukes, and Ladies?
“Count Flanbel is already preparing for it.”
“Is that so?”
Expressing my bittersweet feelings to the Iron Duke brought an even more bitter reply.
It seems one of my fathers-in-law has swiftly taken action. It’s said he decided to take action after seeing me wearing a ring, truly contemplating my affairs.
“Congratulations. It’s rare for someone of your age to lead a trend in the social scene.”
With the Iron Duke’s nonchalant comment, I couldn’t even open my mouth. It was difficult to distinguish whether he was sincere or teasing me, it felt that chaotic.
If it had been the Minister saying that, it would undoubtedly have been the latter; I wouldn’t even think twice about it.
“Now, let’s go. Everyone is waiting.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
The Iron Duke, who had slapped my back while I was standing there in a daze, began to walk ahead.
Originally, the family introduction that was supposed to happen today (with participation from five families) nearly fell through due to the Emperor’s summons, but thankfully, it seems it proceeded without delay thanks to the Iron Duke’s leadership. As it was just lunch, it wasn’t a whole-day affair, and meeting beforehand among the parents isn’t such a bad thing, right?
Thanks to that, as soon as lunch was over, I was caught by the waiting Iron Duke. Mentally exhausted from the continuous schedule, at least I managed to avoid the no-show for the family introduction.
“…”
“Your Grace, do you have something to say…?”
As we moved to the private chamber lent by the Iron Duke, feeling a piercing gaze, I cautiously asked. Was something bothering him?
“Your in-laws and my wife are all quite composed people, yet I wondered why their child is not so.”
I awkwardly smiled at the returned answer. It was a question I had no rebuttal against. What good is a child with a body, if the content is all different?
…No, but Erich isn’t exactly the composed type either, is he? If you were to categorize between lively and composed, he certainly leans toward the former.
‘Where did the personality go?’
He clearly inherited the Krasius family’s black hair and his mother’s blue eyes, so his bloodline is strong, yet he bears no resemblance in character. Maybe there’s been a delivery error on the way of his genes.
But still, if Erich were dull and quiet, the family would be far too bleak. It’s a relief if it all ended up being an error.
“And haven’t I told you to call me your father-in-law in private?”
To my great relief, the Iron Duke said that curtly.
Now that I think about it, I did. Yet, since it’s a title I’m not used to, I kept addressing him as Your Grace.
“I’m sorry, Father-in-law.”
“That’s all you needed to know.”
With a small scoff, the Iron Duke walked on in silence.
*
The meeting that could have capsized with the Emperor’s call turned out to be salvaged thanks to the Iron Duke’s guidance.
As people began to gather in the private room prepared by the Iron Duke, I felt an overflowing sense of happiness fill my heart. It was as if I were reliving happiness I had never experienced until now.
‘Cal’s lovers.’
Children who, before me, greeted with soft smiles or tension… and there was one extraordinary child among them—one who had always spent time alone, now stepping into connection with another.
‘In-laws.’
People who grasped hands with Billy while bowing their heads to me, greeting me with newfound familiarity. They are the new family for that child who must not have felt the love of a family properly.
I am happy. So incredibly happy. The fact that Cal has formed such connections, that I can greet such precious relationships, fills me with joy.
But—
‘There are so many.’
There are just too many. I never thought I would meet five would-be daughters-in-law and four in-laws in one setting.
Supposedly, they say there’s one more daughter-in-law who works at the Ministry of Intelligence but couldn’t make it to the New Year’s gathering.
‘…If everyone’s happy, it’s fine.’
This situation felt a little bizarre, but I quickly shook off those thoughts.
Yeah, as long as Cal is happy, that’s all that matters. If Cal wants, I can welcome as many as he desires with a smile.
‘Six? No problem.’
Besides, the Gold Duke has met as many as twelve! Is it too much to have six?
Of course, the Gold Duke also took the time to meet each one individually; I just didn’t think to reflect that on my own situation.
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