Chapter 488
The last math field trip of my life has come to an end.
Although I spent the entire trip cooped up in a villa instead of exploring tourist attractions, I suppose that’s a kind of trip too. I could really feel why the term “staycation” was invented.
One thing that nagged at me was the fact that my retreat with Trixie left Rizie and Lynn in the lurch. Thankfully, I heard they enjoyed a fulfilling vacation while we were away. The vassals treated them not just as guests but like family, so they must have made some lovely memories.
So yeah, from any perspective, this field trip was a complete success. I can confidently say that.
But just when I thought it was all over, a little incident popped up.
“This is wine produced in Servette, and next to it is an artifact created by the previous Duke. Behind that is a quality magical item crafted by the artisans of Servette, fit for royal delivery.”
I stared blankly at the various items the butler was presenting. Just as we were about to return to the academy dorms, suddenly, they started piling up all these items for me.
And then, with pleading eyes, they urged me to accept them. How could I send the items from the Duke empty-handed, they lamented.
What choice did I have? Even if the gifts were disguised as tributes, it was obvious that turning them down would lead to a future of tearful tantrums, so I had to accept them gracefully.
‘They’re giving me way more than I gave…’
Listening to the butler’s endless explanation made me automatically smile wryly.
The value of the gifts I presented was dwarfed by the items popping out of nowhere. High-quality Servette wine, regarded on par with Boyar wine in the Central Empire, and an artifact created over a hundred years ago by the former Duke of Servette? Not to mention the magical items crafted with great care by the Duke’s top artisans.
It’s truly astonishing. I can’t believe I got all this for just a hundred furs.
‘Tribute trading isn’t even this generous!’
Honestly, if a state were to give out tributes like this, it would surely go bankrupt.
“And over there—”
“That’s enough. Thank you for the wonderful gifts.”
I hastily interrupted the butler’s attempt to explain yet another item.
I don’t know what that is, but I can’t take it with me. I came here to show my face to the vassals managing the Duchy on behalf of Trixie, not to wipe out the Kato family’s wealth. Who do they think I am, some sort of pillar to prop up?
“I’ll accept the rest as part of the wedding gifts.”
Of course, I added a good justification since the butler would never just accept a flat-out refusal.
“In that case, there’s nothing I can do. I’ll keep them safe until the wedding.”
It was effective. The butler’s expression, which was about to resort to protest, rapidly softened, and he nodded calmly.
They say humans are creatures of adaptation, and it seems that’s true. The butler’s initial confusion is slowly turning into something I can actually work with—
“Now, let me present the gifts prepared for Miss Louise and Miss Irina.”
‘Ah.’
Apparently, the butler was still a bit slow to adapt.
I hadn’t expected him to prepare gifts for others at this timing.
When we arrived back at the academy dorms, I saw students boarding carriages one by one.
And of course, the closest one was Erich. Timing couldn’t have been better since I had something to talk to him about.
“Hey.”
“Uh, brother?”
At my call, Erich, who was climbing into a carriage with Sara in his arms, turned around.
He looked like he had a lot of questions, but I held back. Just like Trixie and I had spent some hot time together, those two must have had a lot going on during the trip as well. It wouldn’t be polite to pry into someone else’s private life, even if they’re family.
“Put this in the carriage. It’s for you.”
Anyway, I tossed some items towards Erich.
A silver-glimmering sword and two small boxes landed in his hands. Even with Sara in his arms, Erich had no hands left, but thankfully, Sara helped out without a hitch.
“What’s this? A souvenir? I’ve never seen a sword like this!”
Erich expressed his admiration at the silver sword, given his status as a martial artist.
It was indeed a unique item. A sword produced only in quantities for royal supply, and this time, they specially made some extras.
“It’s a gift from the Kato family. They wanted to show some kindness since Trixie’s brother and sister-in-law came by.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle saying that. The butler had indeed packed gifts for me, Rizie, Lynn, and even one for Zenobia, who wasn’t present. You really have to be meticulous to be a butler, I guess.
And Sara, who had been holding the gifts absentmindedly, quickly averted her gaze as soon as she heard the word “sister-in-law.” More specifically, she turned her eyes to the small boxes she was carrying.
“Does this mean it’s for me and my sister Zenobia?”
“Yeah. Does your sister have anyone else?”
Upon my confirmation, Sara beamed brightly. After all, she had just become the “Duchess’s officially recognized wife,” so it was only natural to feel ecstatic.
With that, I quietly turned away, leaving her to bask in her joy. It was better to let Sara enjoy this happiness fully for now.
“A half ring?”
Not long after, I heard Sara’s voice behind me, causing me to shut my eyes in dismay.
Thinking that karma had come back around to haunt the couple, it felt a bit tragic.
*
Rest during long travel is essential. No matter how good the carriage is, it can’t eliminate all the bumps, so the passengers should stop every few hours to stretch their legs.
During one of those breaks, I discreetly stepped out of the carriage to contact my grandmother. Embarrassingly, I hadn’t contacted her for a few days.
“Is that you, Trixie?”
As soon as I activated the communication device, my grandmother’s worried face popped up, scanning mine back and forth.
After a sigh of relief, she smiled gently.
“Thank goodness. I was worried something happened when you hadn’t contacted me for over five days.”
Her words pricked at my conscience.
Even though she spoke in a warm tone, I couldn’t help but lower my head. I had been contacting her at least every three days since the academy reopened, but of course, on the third day, I had entered the villa with Carl. Since then, I had become so caught up in time with him that I hadn’t managed to check in with her, making it hard to look her in the eye.
“It doesn’t seem like anything’s wrong, but has your academy life been busy?”
“Ah, yes, it’s been a bit hectic.”
I nodded after a brief moment of thought. We were in Servette because of the academy schedule, and since we were there, it was accurate to say it’s been busy. I didn’t provide an elaborate explanation, but it wasn’t a lie.
“Thanks for letting me know despite being so busy. You’re the only one I have, Trixie.”
But with each repeated smile, my conscience felt even worse. How could I not contact my only blood relative, my caring grandmother? It’s almost unforgivable.
“Um, Grandma. There’s something I must tell you.”
“To me?”
Thus, I mustered the courage to change the subject. If I didn’t share some good news with my grandmother, my conscience couldn’t take it.
“I’ve decided on the wedding location. We’ll first hold it at the villa in my territory, and afterward, at your house.”
“Wedding…”
At my words, my grandmother’s eyes widened for a second, then took on a rather complicated expression.
I understood. While she acknowledged that I had human blood and am a part of the human world, she had spent centuries living with an elf’s perspective. So hearing that her granddaughter, who is just over a hundred, is about to marry must feel strange to her.
Yet, she soon smiled, perhaps trying hard to align her understanding with human common sense.
*
Just as I was about to catch a quick nap, an ever-familiar voice reached me.
“So you’re getting married soon?”
I opened my eyes, surprised to hear that voice after a long time. Since I had channeled the essence of the divine into the World Tree (which is about to be promoted), things had been quiet, so I didn’t expect someone to speak to me now.
“Yes, it’s scheduled for this summer.”
I casually answered the Eternal Blue Sky’s question—not that I had anything to hide.
“By the way, how did you find out?”
“The Elder was boasting about it. It seems your wife mentioned it first.”
‘Oh.’
In the wake of the Eternal Blue Sky’s next words, I understood. As soon as the carriage stopped, they must have vanished to reach out to my grandmother.
“Anyway, congratulations. Seems like you just got married not long ago, and now you’re having a second wedding? Human time is really hard to adapt to.”
I instinctively shut my mouth at that murmuring.
Regrettably, my marriage cycle isn’t short by divine standards. Even on a human level, getting married every six months is pretty insane.
However, I chose not to correct the Eternal Blue Sky’s misunderstanding. I feared that if they ever learned the truth, I’d never hear the end of it.
“…Um, is there any chance you could postpone the wedding to fall or winter instead of summer?”
“Yes?”
That sudden suggestion caught me off guard, prompting me to ask back.
To be honest, while I prefer getting married in the fall or winter over the sweltering heat of summer, the fall happens during the semester, which is problematic, and winter is busy due to year-end festivities and the New Year Ceremony. Plus, after the New Year festivities, I’ll also have to get married to Rizie again, so there’s just no time.
“I don’t think that’s possible.”
“Yeah, I guess so. Changing a wedding date at the last minute would be tough.”
His somewhat deflated response sparked my interest. While the Eternal Blue Sky often shows a certain emotional vulnerability, they never wasted words needlessly. No matter how fallen they might be, they are still a deity.
“Is there something that will happen in summer?”
So I gently dropped the question. If some random fortune teller told me, “Avoid holding your wedding that day,” I’d find it unsettling, and if a deity directly mentioned postponing it, it felt even more strange.
“Well…”
After a moment’s hesitation, the Eternal Blue Sky cautiously whispered.
“It seems the World Tree is going to fully revive this summer…”
‘…….’
In response to those words, I quietly closed my eyes.
– Why does everyone seem to be targeting me…!
I vividly remember the day I heard Konstantina’s voice a few months back, closely recalling the Eternal Blue Sky’s wailing.
Finally, I chuckled. They must be worried that when the World Tree revives, I might get snatched away by Konstantina.
“I’m a member of the Dawn Sect, you know.”
– Ah, I know! But you could still make me your priest for the second wedding, right?
Hearing that desperate protest, I found myself chuckling again.
Even if the era is more open-minded, double-majoring in religion is a bit much, don’t you think?
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