Chapter: 384
If I want my father to safely return after leaving home, going to the territory right away would be the right thing to do. But unfortunately, it’s quite a hassle to be absent on a weekday. It’d be so paycheck-thieving to skip work as an executive manager and club advisor for personal reasons. Of course, the dream of every paycheck worker, but let’s not forget: the Emperor’s watching.
Since I returned from war, Elizaveta also has to get back to her executive department duties. So there’s no one to fill my position. I’m sorry, Father, but I can only move on the weekend.
Thus, until the weekend arrived, I went on with my normal academy life—
“I’m so relieved you returned safely. It seems the executive manager has become an indispensable pillar of the academy!”
The principal welcomed me a bit too vigorously.
“I can’t even imagine someone else fulfilling the role of the executive manager now.”
The vice principal showed a peculiar sense of relief.
“Thank you for returning.”
Villar also expressed his gratitude briefly and sincerely.
In the last few days, everyone I met exhibited various forms of gladness and relief. We’d maintained a decent relationship before, but it felt like we became even closer during the time I was away.
It’s strange. Normally, being far apart breeds awkwardness, right? Why do I feel like we’re more tight-knit now?
“Did anything happen while I was gone?”
– Nope! Everything was just as usual!
After contacting Elizaveta, who had returned to the executive department, she had no clue either.
And you know what? I totally bought that response. If things were just as they always were, then that’s probably why.
‘Must’ve been a new world for them.’
Even after three years of hard training, I still get surprised at Elizaveta’s little comments or actions. I can’t imagine how first-timers felt. Elizaveta’s usual is like a regular person’s antics. Acts that defy common sense performed casually, along with some back-of-the-heart-stopping moments.
Sure, that’s a bit harsh, but it can’t be helped. Lovers must see each other as they truly are.
I embrace Elizaveta with love, not turn a blind eye to the truth.
“Okay, well, if nothing happened, then all’s well.”
But even facing the truth, I couldn’t bring myself to hurt my girlfriend, so I abandoned any further grilling and wrapped up the conversation.
– Hehe, you just wanted to see me, didn’t you?
“Oh, you caught me! It was obvious?”
– It’s the weekend; if you can’t wait until then, what will you do?
Seeing the proud Elizaveta made me smile.
Yeah, to be honest, I contacted her because I missed the Elizaveta who returned to the executive department.
That’s the story I told myself.
Soon enough, on the weekend morning, seven of us gathered in front of the executive’s residence. Once we move to the territory, we’ll have three more joining, making it a big ten-person party.
Of the three, two are obviously Elizaveta and Penelia. But the last one is—
“Are you here?”
“Yes. Good morning, Father.”
It was my father, lost in wanderings around the territory.
He had been staying at the Krasius family’s mansion in the territory, so it wasn’t exactly wandering, but wouldn’t it be right to say he’s lost if a lord can’t access their domain? Removing “Tailglehen” from Wilhelm Krasius of Tailglehen feels rough.
Anyway, after exchanging greetings, my father opened his mouth with an awkward expression.
“I’m sorry to bother you.”
“No, I was just passing through! Elizaveta and Penelia were also in the area.”
“Right! So don’t worry too much!”
Once my words finished, Elizaveta jumped in with enthusiasm, earning my father’s faint smile.
But it’s amazing. I used to have trouble reading my father’s expressions, and now I can notice even the slightest emotional shifts.
‘So that’s why marriage has endurance.’
I always wondered how my parents maintained a good relationship; it was because my mother could easily read my father’s expressions. To my mom, my father was not a cold, heartless machine but a normal guy.
It just happens that she reads him too well, sometimes even detecting when he’s got to go!
‘…Better than them having a rough patch.’
As I was trying to think positively while watching my father greeting my girlfriends, someone familiar strolled out from the mansion.
“Are you leaving already?”
That voice… it belonged to the former Count Horfelt.
“First one back goes home? Even in these chaotic times.”
“How much difference could it possibly make?”
Seeing my father engaged in a peculiar conversation with the former Count Horfelt was a mix of surprise and a twinge of sympathy.
‘You’re still hanging around?’
I knew the former Count Horfelt had been ousted and was relying on my dad, but I didn’t expect him to still be around. Does this mean Horfelt’s anger ran deep, or is he just having fun now that he’s out?
Neither seems normal. The Hiden family is just as peculiar as the Krasius family.
“Oh, Erich.”
“Uncle?”
With a bitter expression, the former Count Horfelt turned to my friend’s family, recognizing Erich. Erich’s eyes, wide with surprise at the former Count Horfelt’s sudden appearance, spoke volumes too.
But he called him ‘uncle’? Looks like the bond between Erich and the Hiden family is stronger than I thought. Good news for Count Horfelt, I guess.
“Why are you here? Didn’t you retire and have nothing to do?”
“I mean, that’s true, but could you soften that a bit for me?”
The heart-stopping ridiculousness of ‘Why’s this idle retiree not at home?’ deepened the frown on the former Count Horfelt’s face.
That had to hit harder than anything. Even if he wants to go home, he can’t.
“I had personal reasons for being at the territory for a bit. It’s actually a result of my retirement.”
My father rushed in to salvage his friend’s honor.
He’s not wrong. If the former Count Horfelt hadn’t retired, he wouldn’t have had issues with his daughter.
…Well, my father was kicked out by my mother, so one can never know.
“Oh, I see. Got it.”
Erich nodded as if he understood after listening to my father’s clarification; in reality, he was just awkwardly trying to pull back from making conversation.
I get it. Right now, Erich must be at war in his mind between an imposing, serious patriarch and a deflated father in a respect-losing duel. It’s gotta be confusing for him to navigate this with his dad still being a bit awkward around him.
Hang in there. Once you get over this hump, you’ll truly be a Krasius.
“By the way, I see a new face next to you.”
“That’s Sara Trimarael. Erich’s childhood friend. She’s the daughter of the chamberlain.”
“Hmm.”
Amidst all this, the former Count Horfelt’s gaze shifted towards Sara. Was he intrigued because she’s never appeared in high society, or was he wary of the girl who clings to his beloved daughter’s suitor?
Either way, with his battle-hardened gaze, even if he wasn’t killing her with some malice, she looked a bit shaken.
“Remember your precious friend, like Zenobia.”
“Sure, I will.”
Fortunately, my father’s intervention quickly dissipated the scrutinizing looks.
A precious friend like Zenobia. Even though Erich and Zenobia aren’t exactly dating, this just means Sara also hasn’t hit that milestone yet. That’s an understandable middle ground for the former Count Horfelt to accept.
‘Ah, my father knows too.’
…It almost made me gasp in disbelief. My father, who rarely sees Erich, seems to get the complexities between Sara and Count Horfelt better. Meanwhile, the main guy, oblivious as ever.
You’d think there’d be issues with the blood of Krasius flowing in the wrong way. My dad’s managed to settle down fine, and I’ve done decently myself, so why is Erich lagging behind?
It’s quite unfortunate.
*
I woke up at dawn, unable to fall back asleep. It was so early that I wanted to get some more sleep, but my heart raced too fast to let me.
In the end, I called in the maids to help with my preparations. Normally, I’d feel bad for waking the maids up so early, but now it felt a little embarrassing receiving the treatment.
“You seem in a good mood, my lady.”
And Laura, who came in with the maids, greeted me with a gentle smile.
Seeing her made me smile unconsciously. If Laura, who strictly keeps her sleeping schedule, is awake at this hour, she’s probably feeling just as excited as me.
“Being a mother means I can’t help myself.”
Yeah, it’s only natural to wait anxiously for today’s arrival, wishing the morning would hurry up and come.
Finally, he’s coming back. That kid who went to battle and got hurt while fighting, but now wraps it all up and comes home.
“I will prepare even more splendidly than usual.”
“No need to overdo it. I know you always do your best, anyway.”
At that, the maids’ expressions brightened. Nothing’s more rewarding than having your efforts recognized by your master.
“Now that I think about it, my lady, since the sub-lord and young master Erich are coming today, maybe you should contact the patriarch—”
“Don’t worry, he’ll find his way here.”
“Understood.”
I almost frowned at Laura when she mentioned Billy, but I held it in. I wouldn’t want the maids to catch on and feel bad.
Soon enough, morning arrived, and the castle staff hurriedly moved about in preparation. We were celebrating the safe return of Billy and Karl, and congratulating Karl on his newly acquired title.
Though Karl received the title of Count of Weiridia before the war, back then we had no time to celebrate. It feels perfect to do it on such a joyous day as today.
As I paced anxiously in front of the main gate—
“Mother.”
Finally, Karl arrived.
“I’m sorry for not greeting you sooner. I should have come sooner.”
As he said that, his embrace was incredibly warm.
It was so warm I felt like I might burst into tears.
‘…arms.’
Without thinking, I unconsciously wrapped my arms around Karl, giving his shoulders a gentle rub.
The tears felt like they might come out for entirely different reasons.
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