Chapter: 382
Out of nowhere, the Academy got noisy. When I headed to school in the morning, everything seemed as usual, but suddenly, students and staff alike were buzzing hushedly about something.
What’s going on? I may have taken a quick nap during my break, but did something happen in that short time?
‘No way.’
I shook my head vigorously, trying to banish any terrible assumptions. I could not bear the disgrace of being the noble who missed the news while sleeping. Plus, upon closer inspection, the gossiping crowd was small. It looked like rumors were still in the early stages, just beginning to spread.
So, what is it? What rumors are swirling around? I want in on this too!
“Erich!”
As I pondered whether to ask directly, I suddenly heard Sara’s voice behind me.
I quickly turned around to see Sara, who was out of breath from running over, probably hurrying too much for someone who isn’t in perfect health yet. What is she thinking, exhausting herself like that?
“You’ll faint at this rate.”
With a small sigh, I patted her back until her breathing steadied. Seeing her smile brightened my mood; I found it impossible to scold her.
Okay, let’s think positively. Sara, who was previously struggling with her mobility, just might be getting back into shape instead of being lazy. Perhaps she’s on her way to normal fitness.
“What’s the rush? We’re in class right now.”
Anyway, with Sara looking lively, I decided to ask her why she came all the way here, especially since she ventured to the training grounds, where the swordsmanship club was practicing.
“C-Carl oppa is back!”
“Hyung?”
Sara still seemed to be catching her breath, stuttering a bit, but she was making complete sense. This was clearly an urgent matter.
That’s unexpected. Yesterday, I got a message saying my brother would be back today or tomorrow, but I thought he’d be busy after returning from the North. I figured he’d roll into town today and come by tomorrow.
‘Did he finish quickly?’
Or maybe, contrary to my expectations, there was nothing chaotic.
Either way, it was certainly a good thing. Family returning from a long trip should be celebrated; there’s no reason to feel anything but joy!
‘That makes sense.’
Only after hearing that my brother was home was I able to understand the commotion around me. With this war, the North—once a thorn in the Empire’s side—was now snugly tucked under imperial control. That my brother handled the North’s rebels was already public knowledge. So, his return to the Academy was bound to cause some stir.
…So, the lingering gazes I’ve been sensing weren’t just my imagination. Since I couldn’t approach my brother directly, everyone opted to glance my way instead, a familiar occurrence since I enrolled at the Academy. It’s so familiar that it’s lost its novelty.
“Thanks for the heads-up!”
As I rubbed my slightly sore neck, I thanked Sara. If I hadn’t heard this beforehand, I would have been shocked to find my brother in the club room. That would have been quite the awkward reunion!
“You could have just sent me a message through the communication device.”
I also added a small question, wondering why she felt the need to rush here when she could just use the communication device, which is a perfectly good means of contact.
Caught off guard by my reasonable observation, Sara flinched but then smiled and shook her head.
“I need to move to stay healthy!”
“True, I guess.”
It was a logical statement, and I accepted it.
As soon as club time came, Louise and Irina vanished. Not long ago, both were walking around looking gloomy about my brother, but look at them now; they’ve bounced back.
Sure enough, the two who vanished like the wind were soon found in the club room. And they didn’t just look normal; they were in a somewhat bizarre situation.
‘What the?’
Opening the club room door, I was met with the sight of three heads of different colors huddled together. I was thinking that this might resemble that three-headed guardian from certain scriptures. Our three sets of eyes looking intently at one person could indeed be intimidating.
Of course, it wasn’t a three-headed guardian, just Louise and Irina sitting on my brother’s lap.
‘…Is that really normal?’
The ones sitting seemed rather bashful, though.
“Oh, Erich!”
Amidst all this, my brother, who was sitting quite proudly, waved at me. It’s been a few months since we’ve last met, but he reacted as if we met yesterday.
“How’ve you been? You look well.”
His casual greeting made me chuckle. The one who should be on the receiving end of well-wishes was asking me instead. If someone were to walk by, they’d think I was the one coming back from war.
Still, that inverted greeting was classic brother behavior—he’d be awkward only if he was overly emotional. Given his calm demeanor, it felt real that he’d returned safely.
“I’m doing fine. I see you’re not hurt either?”
I glanced at my brother’s lap, noting how it seemed fit for someone’s weight to rest on each knee, confirming he was in good shape.
“Oppa, can I get down now—”
“Nope! You just sat down!”
But my gaze fell on Louise, who flinched and pleaded with my brother in a voice dripping with longing. Please, let me just down!
Sure, if she was feeling embarrassed, she could just get up. But now that I saw my brother holding on to her waist, it was pretty clear she wouldn’t have a chance to let herself go.
“Irina is sitting still. You should enjoy it too!”
At that self-assured comment, I glanced at Irina, who surprisingly wore a serene smile, unlike Louise’s anxiousness. Maybe she liked the whole scenario.
However, it seemed Louise kept trying to persuade him despite Irina’s calmness.
“But it’s kind of embarrassing in front of others…”
“You were already in front of others earlier.”
As my brother replied, casually gesturing in the direction of the four potential future sisters-in-law crowding around them, I realized I’d missed that detail when I first entered.
“Oh, but those ladies aren’t just any others; they’re family!”
“If you marry me, Erich, you’ll also be family.”
At that moment, Louise seemed at a loss for words, closing her mouth. The argument they were having over something that was just too heart-wrenching was now truly captivating from the audience’s perspective.
Though, as close family as they are, it’s a bit strange for my brother to openly display affection in front of his younger sibling. Especially since Louise happens to be his first love.
It’s not that I have lingering feelings, but it feels a bit off. Had it been my little brother in this situation, I might have punched him right in the gut!
*
Following Erich and Sara, other club members started to trickle in one by one.
Each time, Louise’s face turned redder, and she thrashed more desperately, but naturally, my brother wouldn’t let her go. It’s not strange for lovers to show affection, after all. If anything, he ought to show her even more affection since he hasn’t been able to for a while.
“Guess I don’t need to introduce myself around here.”
Tannian observed this scene and chuckled softly, clearly implying, ‘Seeing the display of affection means he’s fine’.
“Your brother’s contributions have reached me. Quite impressive that Enen has looked after you; how about making a generous donation soon?”
“Isn’t Enen more fond of taking care of you rather than accepting donations?”
“Oh, that’s true.”
As I jokingly turned down his suggestion, Tannian chuckled lightly.
Honestly, I was half-serious. If Enen has a conscience, he’d be more grateful for looking after Tannian than receiving a bag full of gold coins.
“Certainly, Enen values the saint over mere gold coins.”
Ruthis, who stood next to Tannian, laughed along, as if he agreed.
‘Stop laughing, you.’
Switching the subject to Ainter instead of Enen would likely place you in the same boat!
“Whatever the case, congratulations on coming back safe, Professor.”
“Thanks!”
Ruthis’s congratulations quickly chased away any lingering frustrations I felt. Unlike Erich and Ainter, who were from the Empire, or Lather, who lived on the opposite side of the continent, and Tannian, who was friendly with the Empire, Ruthis was in a rather awkward position to celebrate this war.
If the Empire grew strong, that’d only threaten Ainter. Since the formidable troops stationed to keep an eye on the nomads have now been redirected to Ainter’s frontline, as the Ainter prince, he certainly wouldn’t relish that.
Yet, Ruthis congratulated us as a club member. I guess I had no choice but to set aside my 77’s pains for a bit.
“By the way, are your knees okay? I mean, as much as the ladies are as light as feathers, it looks like you’ve been sitting them for too long.”
“Feathers, so it’s fine.”
“Cough, understood.”
Of course, with that, Louise turned even redder, but I decided it was cute and simply let it slide.
*
After exchanging congratulations with the professor, I took a step back. Though the Empire’s advancements are something I, as the Prince of Ainter, should be cautious about, what can I do? Involving a friend I’ve known for nearly two years with this sort of situation is more than enough reason to celebrate their safe return.
‘What a strange occurrence.’
As I took in the vibrant atmosphere of the club room, much different from yesterday, a smile crept onto my face.
People were lightening up now that the professor had returned, external visitors followed their lead, and club members chuckled along. To think it’s just one person returning but created such a lively atmosphere!
‘Is it because the fence is back?’
What a fitting word to describe the professor!
Of course, maintaining the pastry club is Louise’s responsibility. We joined this club because of her, after all. Louise is indeed the pillar of our group.
But the one who kept us from straying too far from the club was really the professor. Even after getting dumped by Louise and with other members joining in, he remained our steadfast fence. With that fence back, it seemed that all the separated sheep had gathered again.
‘Only the professor could’ve made this happen.’
My gaze landed on Erzebet, who had come in as a temporary supervisor, pulling me away from those thoughts. I suddenly recalled the days I spent as her temporary mentor.
…
So, the professor must have been so strong because he had such colleagues and lovers around him all this time.
‘That’s quite impressive.’
But I’m not jealous. Heroic feats only appear grand when viewed from afar.
“Oh, wait a second.”
Just as I was cultivating a strange sense of admiration for the professor, he retrieved a communication device from his pocket while still keeping Louise and Irina on his knees.
I couldn’t help but be amazed by the dexterity he displayed while pulling the device out with the hand holding Irina’s waist. If he had tried with Louise, she’d have probably bolted.
“Information Department, this is Karl Krasius.”
– Karl.
“Oh, father.”
The professor answered naturally without any intention of eavesdropping, but because I was so close, I couldn’t avoid hearing their conversation—
‘Father?’
I was slightly taken aback by the affectionate title. Didn’t the professor and Erich have a rather awkward relationship with their dad?
‘Didn’t they only ever argue?’
Then I recalled that the professor’s father also served in the military. Given the unique circumstances of war, it seemed their awkward dynamic had seen some improvement.
– When are you thinking of visiting the estate?
“I’m planning to come this weekend… Is something wrong?”
– I can’t go unless you come.
“Excuse?”
– I’ve been sent away by your mother.
“Wait, what?”
… It seemed a rather exaggerated advancement had occurred, but it’s better than remaining awkward.
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