Chapter 557
Since the triplets were born, the Emperor has been teasing me quite a bit.
“Well, it was my turn to marry first, but somehow your kids are getting more attention from the Judicial Minister.”
It’s laughable when the Emperor, who got married years later than me, is stuck on the fact that I have four kids. Talk about a major juggling act!
“Your Majesty, you only have eyes for Her Majesty the Empress, while I’ve got six wives, you know?”
“Don’t hide behind numbers like a coward. Even if you had just one wife, you’d still have more kids than I do!”
I couldn’t argue back with the Emperor’s hilarious banter. Honestly, I kind of agree.
With Mar having safely given birth to Pedi and still hoping for a second, Trixy pumping out triplets in one go, and Rizie getting knocked up right after we wed, it’s obvious that anyone who has fewer kids than the Empress really stands out like a sore thumb.
At this point, I’m starting to worry about myself. Sure, you can consider having one or two kids a happy accident, but three times in a row? That’s not just luck; something strange is going on!
‘Is this really divine intervention?’
Not just one god either! I’d need three to bless me like this. If you do a bit of math, that’s three times more than what others have!
Yeah, three times is definitely respectable. Even double the kids is a generous deal, but three? That’s taking it to the next level!
“Well, when I look at the Judicial Minister, I get this overwhelming urge to step up my game. It wouldn’t look great if the Emperor of the Imperial Family isn’t doing his part to ensure prosperity!”
The Emperor was joking, but there’s a bit of seriousness to it underneath.
Too many royals lead to the split of the family, but having too few does the same. Thirty years ago, the direct line of the Livnoman Empire was severed, right? We were lucky that after exhausting all options, a historical figure emerged, or else the Livnoman dynasty and the Krasius Empire would have been out of business years ago.
That’s why I, as the second patriarch of the branch Livnoman, need to have many descendants for the sake of the Imperial Family and the Empire. Having just one daughter, the Crown Princess, just won’t cut it.
“At least if we had a branch family, I’d feel a bit more secure.”
Just like how the Livnoman managed to find a spare heir after losing their direct lineage, the current royal family needs to create a new branch.
Perhaps it’ll be Ainter or the Marquis of Idripen, or maybe my only brother’s family will become the new branch.
…Wait, Ainter?
“By the way, how is the matter between the Marquis of Idripen and Barandi going?”
With all the storms happening lately, it almost slipped my mind to ask about it.
The only other royal besides the Emperor and the Marquis of Idripen, Ainter, and the sole Marquis north of the kingdom, Barandi, were supposed to marry Shati, the only daughter of the Marquis. They were discussing the marriage for some time now, but I’ve been so busy with my own wedding to keep up with it.
“Hm? You didn’t know?”
“I apologize, my duties have led me all over the Holy Kingdom and the Leon Kingdom lately—”
“Oh, I can see why you might not know. The Minister working towards maintaining peace on the continent wouldn’t be able to sweat the small stuff.”
I quickly shut my mouth as a reaction.
At least that guy has a tiny bit of guilt, right? If he had said something like “Why doesn’t the Minister know about the only daughter of Barandi?” I would have flipped!
“Ainter went to the Marquis of Barandi’s domain a few days ago.”
“…Huh?”
But the following sentence left me stunned. The only royal besides the Emperor, Ainter, came to my jurisdiction, and I didn’t know for several days?
‘What the hell?’
Why on earth did I really not know? Even if I wasn’t paying attention, the Marquis of Barandi would still report every little thing!
‘Oh.’
Then I recalled when Ainter went to the Marquis’s estate.
A few days ago, Trixie was in labor with the triplets, and we were in a heated debate about where they would live. In other words, I was completely out of my mind at the time.
‘Must’ve heard it and forgotten.’
Or maybe I didn’t hear it at all.
I never expected my little ones would set off such a cascading effect like this.
*
Something’s off.
Something’s really off.
This shouldn’t be happening!
‘Why is it that I keep losing…?’
Today, I found myself biting my lip while collapsing on the ground. Now I’ve achieved the astounding feat of double-digit losses!
I just can’t wrap my head around it. How on earth could I, trained to be the heir of Barandi, the one who galloped across the plains, end up losing to this?
‘To someone who just picked up a sword!’
As I glared at Marquis Idripen, who approached me with a smug smile, I clenched my fists.
When I heard that the Marquis had started training, I scoffed. And when he suggested a duel, I thought it was a perfect chance to cut ties!
But the result was the exact opposite of what I expected.
“Today’s duel was delightful, my lady. Your skills are indeed improving day by day.”
“Thank you.”
Though his comment felt a bit one-sided, I had no choice but to accept it. He was the winner, and I was the loser.
‘…How can he be this strong?’
I still hadn’t resolved the question that kept nagging me, my head bowed in silence.
Of course, I heard that the Marquis trained under the continent’s best swordsman, Count Tailglehen, at the Imperial Academy, but it really comes down to the potential of the disciple over the teacher. Even the most fertile soil won’t help if the seeds are ruined.
Yet, in just over a year, he far surpassed me, a warrior of the plains. This isn’t something that can be achieved without immense talent and effort.
‘Thought he was just a sheltered little flower…’
It’s bewildering. How can he, who grew up in the safest space of the Emperor’s palace and undoubtedly received every form of protection, be this strong? He’s blossomed faster than I did, having wielded a sword since childhood.
It’s almost infuriating. The noble who had everything handed to him has such talent too? And here I am, who toiled through hardships on the plains—what does that make me?
‘Really hate this.’
I just can’t stand it. I dislike the pompous smile of the Marquis, the fact that he’s stronger than me, and even more, I dislike myself for losing to him after all the mocking I already dealt out!
“Once again… thank you for the delightful duel.”
So, I kept my head bowed, offering a perfunctory thank you to the Marquis.
I was afraid that making eye contact would unleash a torrent of tears.
*
As I covertly watched the flustered lady fleeing, I couldn’t help but smile.
A rough, honest person. Someone not good at hiding her feelings, a bit naïve even.
‘So cute.’
I don’t quite know how to express it, but being around her makes me feel comfortable and happy. Viewing someone so transparent, unlike the nobles who can gauge intent with just a glance or a word, undeniably brings joy.
“You can come out now, Your Grace.”
As I glance back, I see the fleeing lady and am tempted to speak up again.
“Ha ha, did you know?”
Then, the Marquis of Barandi, who had been stealthily observing our duel, appeared.
Truth be told, I didn’t sense his presence on my own. If I hadn’t glimpsed a shadow during the duel, I would have remained completely oblivious.
“With my father watching, how could I not know as a son-in-law?”
But I shrugged it off and pretended I had known all along.
Technically, the Marquis ended up eavesdropping on our little tête-à-tête, but I had to act as if I were none the wiser to reassure him.
“Oh dear, son-in-law? Too high praise!”
As expected, the slightly awkward expression on the Marquis’s face relaxed rapidly.
‘Just like the lady, he’s rough and honest too.’
Seeing the Marquis show genuine emotion made me smile again.
After talking for a few days, I’ve gathered that the Marquis is more delighted to have a son-in-law than he is to be attached to royalty. I wouldn’t be surprised if he welcomed me even more heartily if I weren’t royal.
At first, I was puzzled. A Marquis turned chief of a tribe before holding such a title. Why would someone like him choose so randomly for his daughter’s husband?
But those questions were cleared up in just a few days.
‘He must’ve feared that his only child would die unmarried.’
The lady has a bit of a tough personality. I’m not acting like I’m going to marry her, but if it weren’t for me, a regular marriage wouldn’t have been possible.
So from the Barandi Marquis’ viewpoint, saving his daughter and his family practically makes me a hero.
“If only that rascal Shati would open up like Marquis Idripen…”
Perhaps that’s why every time the lady and I have a small spat, the Marquis wears a bittersweet expression. It’s like he’s worried that I might miss my chance.
“Ha ha, time will take care of that, won’t it? That’s why I came all the way to Barandi.”
But really, he doesn’t need to worry. Even if the lady sometimes shows her fiery side, I have no intentions of stepping away. I’ve got to fulfill my obligations as a royal and won’t let go of someone so fun to be around.
Right now, all we need is time. Time for us to grow accustomed to each other, time for the lady to recognize me.
Waiting and being patient—that’s nothing for me.
‘…Patience isn’t quite right.’
Joyfully waiting isn’t patience; it’s happiness.
Let’s wait until that joy can be shared between us, not just me.
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