Chapter: 383
After my father’s unexpected confession, there was a thick air of solemnity and silence in the club room.
It was so quiet, it felt like a spell of silence had been cast. Could my father be more than just a pure sword master? As expected from an Imperial Count; something about him just seemed different.
After shaking off that strangely surreal moment, I checked the expressions of those around who had overheard the conversation. Their looks were… quite something.
‘Wow, that must’ve been a shock.’
Especially Erich, whose expression was as if he had seen a ghost. Poor guy.
It made sense though. I was mending my relationship with my father—I mean, I had opened up the heart I’d kept closed for so long, but Erich was still in an awkward place with Dad. Plus, the only version of Dad the girls could remember was the stern one from the New Year’s Ball or back at the estate.
Hearing something like “I got kicked out” would definitely cause cognitive dissonance. Honestly, I was puzzled myself.
‘Prejudice can be scary.’
And I realized just how thick the prejudices I carried for years were.
What in the world made me think my father was strict and cold? He’s just not very chatty and struggles to express emotions. Those traits are a far cry from being strict or cold!
“You really take care of your people, don’t you? I’ve never seen anyone among Wilhelm’s peers or juniors dislike him.”
That reminded me of an incident last year, specifically during the first semester’s practical exam. As I wandered through the Principal’s and the Arena, there was talk about my father.
Back then, I thought it meant he took care of his faction as a noble. But looking back, maybe it really just meant he’s someone who cares for those around him.
Prejudice… terrifying.
– Um?
While I was still stunned into silence, my father looked puzzled.
– Karl, are those kids with you?
‘Oh.’
At his mention, I glanced down to see the pink-haired and blonde-haired girls still on my lap. They couldn’t be seen fully, but clearly, my father’s communication device had managed to catch a strand of their hair.
“Yes, they’re all here.”
– … You must feel embarrassed.
His words felt so sincere I almost burst into laughter. With daughters-in-law around, the authority of a father-in-law crumbling is more than enough to make anyone shy.
“Ah, Father, it’s been a while!”
However, regardless of the embarrassment, the duty of a daughter-in-law is to greet her father-in-law once you’re on his radar. Irina, having regained her composure first, leaned in and bowed her head, brightening my father’s expression a little.
I’m glad. It seemed he was able to suppress his embarrassment just from seeing his daughter-in-law.
– Yes, it’s been a while. Have you been well?
“Yes, thanks to your concern, I’ve been doing fine. How about you, Father?”
In response to her inquiry, a slight tremor passed through my father’s eyes. It was barely perceptible, but I caught it.
To my father, perhaps it sounded like, “How are you doing when you’ve been kicked out of your house?” People who have something to hide tend to flinch at the smallest things.
“I heard you’ve been fighting in the war—”
– I’m alright. How often does the enemy get hurt?
Though those words don’t seem fitting for someone who fought on the front lines, Irina nodded, as if she understood. Logically, it shouldn’t make sense for a foe to get injured in battle if they’re not a regular knight or soldier.
But that logic was shattered by the crazy antics of father and the previous Count Horfelt. I wonder if that’s why he got kicked out? It’s true the former Count Horfelt got ousted after being caught in a fight.
– By the way, when you get the chance, mention the ring you sent to your in-laws. I should thank you in person, but it seems busy these days, and communication hasn’t been going well.
‘What the hell?’
The mention of the ring almost made me let out a stream of curses.
A ring gifted by my fourth father-in-law should mean a half-ring—does that mean my father received it? So, are my parents actually wearing those half rings now?
“Ah, yes. I’ll be sure to pass it along.”
– Good, I appreciate that.
Despite my inner turmoil, I managed to maintain a calm demeanor, and the faint smile my father gave me showed he shifted his gaze to other matters.
– It’s nice to see Louise again after a long time.
“Ah, yes! Nice to see you again, Father!”
Louise, who had been waiting for the right moment to greet him, hurriedly bowed her head when he addressed her first. She didn’t just bow once; she was a bundle of nerves.
Surprising. Even a social butterfly like her seems shy in front of her father-in-law.
– I’ll hang up now. I want to greet the other kids but feel like I’ve interrupted a good time.
“No, it’s okay. You can keep talking—”
– That’s alright. I can’t show face after being kicked out by my wife and becoming a nuisance to my son.
He might’ve given up on dignity after taking the plunge, as his self-sabotaging remark almost made me chortle. If I hadn’t been careful, I might’ve burst out laughing right in front of him.
– But I hope you all come to visit this weekend.
“Yes, we will.”
With that, the stormy conversation came to an end, and when I stole a glance, I noticed Erich looking as if his soul had just left his body.
What a pity.
I felt the urge to reinstate his spirit with something to say.
“You have plenty of time this weekend, right? You should come along.”
“Uh?”
Though my approach was somewhat forceful, it proved effective.
“Me too?”
“Yes, you too.”
Erich blinked at me in confusion, as if to say, ‘Why am I going when you and your soon-to-be sisters-in-law are going?’
But it couldn’t be helped. He also needed to go.
“I told Mother you’d be joining us.”
That evening of the improvement ceremony, I had reported back to Mother about our safe return. Since she worried for me as much as my lovers did, I figured contacting her was the least I could do, even if going straight to the estate was too much to ask.
And while reporting, I mentioned that Erich and I would be going to the estate together. It wasn’t meant to be anything special; it was simply to gather everyone since the Patriarch and heir had returned from war. Just a typical family get-together.
Of course, I hadn’t gotten Erich’s consent beforehand. Honestly, did I need to ask someone who’s been glued to the Academy for approval? If big brother goes, little brother has to follow.
“Hyung, I’m kind of busy with training these days—”
I cut off Erich’s pointless excuse with a wave of my hand, and he trudged over with a pout.
It makes sense. Not having his little brother at a family gathering is akin to ostracizing him—something I, as the elder brother, couldn’t let happen.
“Since I’m now a noble, I don’t need to be the Earl of Tailglehen, but shall I recommend you as the heir in your absence?”
“This weekend, right? I’ll get ready.”
Luckily, his quick agreement to my genuine whisper was reassuring.
But I felt slightly annoyed. What’s wrong with being the Earl of Tailglehen? Many aspire to be an Imperial Count, yet they can’t.
*
To be honest, I wasn’t too keen on heading to the estate. It’s not that I dislike it, but it’s obvious that six siblings and potential sisters-in-law will be greeting the parents. Attending could only lead to a future filled with awkward glances.
But I caved in to my brother’s heinous threat.
‘Heir?’
Horrifying. It’s a burden far too heavy and terrifying for a mere younger brother to bear.
I grew up watching my father and brother drown in work. There’s no way I’m choosing that life. All I want is to inherit a barony and live peacefully.
Besides, becoming the heir while my brother is still around would only put me under a magnifying glass, drawing comparisons no matter what I did. I’ve already had my fair share of scrutiny as the brother of the heir. Being known as the next Imperial Count? I’d rather bite my tongue off for my sanity.
‘Damn it.’
Logically, no brother would hand their title over to a younger sibling. Titles represent wealth, honor, and power. And not just any title, but the title of an Imperial Count is beyond precious.
But my brother is a wild card; I can’t let my guard down. If I steadfastly refuse, I might see glimpses of ‘Heir Erich Krasius’ in my future.
“If you’re feeling lonely, you can take Sara with you. It’s been a while since she saw the family too.”
At that, I involuntarily turned my gaze to Sara.
Sara, for sure, would make things better. I’d certainly prefer her company over sitting alone.
“Is Sara too tired—?”
“I’m fine! I’ll go!”
Her energetic response was relieving. If she’s okay with it, then great!
“If the two of us go, then it’d be a full Krasius family reunion, huh?”
“Since we accomplished something big, it’s only natural for the family to gather.”
Hearing the expression of the future sister-in-law roll off like that is starting to feel familiar, and my brother nodded as well.
Still, this feels a little weird. Bringing Sara to a gathering of Krasius family members—or those on the brink of joining—is this really my selfish desire? Would it be putting pressure on her just so I could feel comfortable?
‘… It’ll be fine, right?’
Yeah, it’ll be fine. Mother wouldn’t see Sara, the nurse’s daughter, as anything other than a child of her own. As for the Patriarch—
Hmm, let’s not think about that. The idea of the Patriarch I’ve built in my mind has completely collapsed.
*
It’s driving me insane. Watching my little brother be so pitiful is too much for any sane mental state.
I suggested bringing Sara to the family gathering, and yet, Maru chimed in that “with Erich and Sara, all of the Krasius family would be together.” Why is it that neither my brother nor his sisters are helping me out?
‘Is he doing this on purpose?’
I’m starting to wonder if he’s not just oblivious but deliberately ignoring my plight.
But that’s not right, is it? If my brother were a total jerk, it would be downright tragic. Between being a jerk and being clueless, I’d much prefer the latter.
‘It’s not like it was hard to say.’
I barely stifled a rising sigh.
If it’s my awkwardness that’s leading him not to understand, then Sara, sitting beside Erich, was visibly bright-eyed and engaged. She understood perfectly well what Maru and I were saying.
‘No choice now.’
In truth, I want to push Sara forward to gain a favorable position against Count Horfelt, given the disadvantage she holds. However, it looks like the only thing standing in the way of Sara and Count Horfelt is the vast distance between them. They get along just fine.
‘Should probably invite Count Horfelt soon.’
It’s a given that Erich’s pushing him away is unavoidable. But it’s terrible to push someone who’s oblivious to their own feelings away.
‘What on earth is Krasius doing…’
A father under pressure from my mother, the eldest brother who’s also trying to juggle six girlfriends, and a youngest brother entirely lacking in social awareness.
It’s almost miraculous how we ended up with this specific mix of family members.
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