Chapter: 792
The gift prepared by Trixie was handed over even before the wedding day.
At first, she intended to give it on the day itself, but the wedding is one of the happiest yet most chaotic moments for the bride and groom, right? It wouldn’t truly register if I gave the present then. By the time they realize its value, the heat of the wedding will have already cooled down.
Once all the key figures of the United Kingdom of Yuben return to their territories or offices and the delegations from various countries head back home, only then will the gift I gave catch Lather’s attention. This would mark a missed opportunity to promote the feat of my second father-in-law.
Of course, even amidst the frenzy of Yuben, known for its Safari River—no, the Magic Powerhouse—Trixie’s gift could still evoke some emotions. But that in itself would be a problem.
“At least during the wedding, the couple should be the main focus.”
No matter how great Trixie’s gift is, it shouldn’t overshadow the real stars of the wedding. Even if the magic-savvy couple is thrilled with the present, it doesn’t sit well with me to be the bearer of the gift instead of the couple.
So, I handed it over in advance. This way, Trixie’s gift would simply be one among many, not pushed aside by the busy newlyweds, and it won’t rise to stardom, overshadowing the couple on their special day. Furthermore, it wouldn’t draw attention once the affair wraps up.
“This, um…”
“This material was touched by my second wife and father-in-law. Their recognition of its value means you can trust me to gift it.”
And really, what’s the harm in giving it early? The gift’s value stands on its own; the timing of the giving is just a minor detail.
The trembling hands of Lather served as proof of this.
“I hope this gift brings joy to you and the Crown Princess.”
At my words, Lather’s frantically shaking hands abruptly stopped.
“It’s far too lavish a gift.”
Then, with a more serious expression than before, he began to speak.
While his voice had a mild tremor, it only indicated how significant the impact was. I can completely understand that.
‘Respectful talk, huh.’
More than that, I felt a complicated mix of emotions from receiving respect from Lather. Now that we’ve graduated and gone our separate ways, I could treat a simple noble informally without a care.
Is it the lingering sentiments from our Academy days, or perhaps respect for the husband of the Duke of the Magic Powerhouse? It could be both, but I’m just a tad curious about it.
“I’m already grateful just for the papers made by the Duke of Magic; receiving a legacy from the late Lord Tammy is not a duty of a junior.”
Of course, right now, overcoming Lather’s refusal is a higher priority than my little curiosity.
“Don’t worry. Those are copies; the originals are kept by my wife. You don’t need to decline.”
“A copy doesn’t diminish its value. While I can regard the papers as something I can read ahead of time, research materials or school projects are a different story.”
As such, Lather cautiously pushed a pile of papers towards me.
“I’ve been deeply moved by the consideration of my esteemed senior. Just take my—”
“If you refuse, I shall formally present it at the wedding.”
Lather’s eyes began to tremble for a different reason than earlier.
“I shall present it publicly to you and the Crown Princess, before all the guests, as gifts from the Duke of Magic and Lord Tammy.”
Now he turned into a shaking mess.
Honestly speaking, this is just for show. Attempting not to draw attention to the guests by giving my gift ahead of time while now reeling attention by making a public display of it is a complete contradiction.
But Lather doesn’t know my thoughts. He probably thinks I genuinely want to present my gift publicly at the wedding, showing off this magnificent treasure to everyone.
‘He’d want to avoid that.’
Lather desires a quiet wedding. Yet here is a powerful figure from the Empire planning to publicly present gifts from these legendary figures? They’d have to say goodbye to the term “quiet.” From that moment, he would become the main character of Yuben, not the actual couple of the wedding.
Thus, I pressed him for it. Whether he opts to embrace calmness by releasing the burden or continues to decline the offerings in exchange for peace.
“…On behalf of all mages of Yuben, I extend my gratitude to the esteemed predecessors.”
“Your wife will surely take joy in this. I will certainly relay your intentions to her.”
“My thanks go to the Minister of Justice, as well.”
“Don’t mention it.”
As I pushed the stack of papers back toward Lather, he chuckled awkwardly and shook his head.
“It’s strange.”
“What do you mean?”
“While the Minister is using honorifics, it feels like you’re treating me more casually than during our Academy days.”
This unexpected statement made me reflect for a moment.
Surely, during our Academy days, I spoke casually due to my role as the club advisor to royals, nobles, and soon-to-be saints. Respecting a teacher as friends isn’t quite in tune with Academy etiquette.
However, in my advisor days, I was a nervous wreck wrapped up in my own troubles and worries, fearful of incidents erupting within the Empire and harboring resentment against outsiders crawling into my domain. Those intense memories from the 77th season were tangled in me like a bomb ticking down. Despite trying to bond with club members, I felt as if they were imminent dangers. As a result, I was far from relaxing around them.
‘So maybe now I can just chill since we’re no longer tied to that?’
With graduation, the relationship of advisor and member vanished, and as members returned to their respective countries, that ticking bomb was defused. I no longer had to worry about incidents erupting within the Empire or monitor the sudden actions of my members.
Right, this is no longer about being a responsible senior; we can just treat each other casually now. Even if the folks back home mess something up, it wouldn’t be on me. If a bomb were to explode late, it’ll be in their country, not mine, and that’s where my peace of mind lies.
“It seems having a wife like the Duke of Magic has given you some courage.”
“Is that so?”
Laughter escaped from Lather in response to my jest. Seeing that, I couldn’t help but smile back at him.
How I wished we could have been so at ease back then in the Academy. It would have made a tremendous difference for my mental health.
*
Then a cool autumn breeze wrapped around me, calming my nerves heated by anxiety.
How peculiar, really. A wedding is merely a ritualistic procedure. Since Rachel and I have already been living as a couple, nothing significantly different will arise from the ceremony. After the wedding concludes, we plan to continue as we have always done.
Yet, my heart raced. My head may demand it was all for show, but my heart danced around excitedly, rejoicing nonetheless.
‘What a strange occurrence.’
I’ve known Rachel since childhood. Since she followed me to the Academy, we shared our school days too.
She is my long-time friend. Aside from our time at the Academy, she’s the only romantic friend I have. Outside family, she’s the sole one I can bare my heart with in Yuben.
I had thought our relationship was solid. I didn’t expect my feelings towards Rachel would intensify any further.
Yet I was wrong. As our friendship transformed into an engagement, with the wedding day drawing closer, my emotions surged stronger toward Rachel.
‘Does she feel the same way, I wonder?’
Casting a glance at Rachel beside me, I found her softly lowering her head, her cheeks tinged with pink.
Always the rational magician, there she was, but ever since we began moving beyond mere friendship, she had started showing signs of this new dynamic.
I couldn’t help but smile broadly. How soft and warm it is, to transition from a childhood friendship of innocence into love.
‘And what about that guy?’
Eventually, my eyes flitted over to Erich, who was sitting with the guests.
That guy had two childhood friends, both apparently very affectionate, as even a bystander could clearly see.
Yet, Erich couldn’t pick up on any of that affection. He is missing out on these soft and warm feelings.
‘Maybe he had a bump on the head or something as a kid?’
If that’s the case, I could understand his numbness.
‘And yet, he’s getting married before me.’
Erich waved lightly at me, our eyes meeting as I smiled at him, and somehow, the tension I had felt melted away.
‘I, too, can be a good husband.’
Actually, the reason was clear to me. Erich making a splendid husband and a perfectly fine father gives me confidence.
Even that dense guy is fulfilling duties at home after his wedding. If that guy could successfully have kids, what reason would I have to doubt myself when I’ve got him to look towards?
He surely offers me solace in many ways. He stands as my best friend among all my acquaintances from the Academy.
“Rachel.”
“Yes, um—”
“If you accidentally call me “Your Grace,” it might make me feel really sad.”
As I took the lead, Rachel lightly nodded.
Right, now Rachel and I are officially not just in practice but also in name as spouses. Unlike other royal families, who might be ultra-correct about titles even among couples, I don’t wish for that.
From now on, the only word that should leave Rachel’s mouth regarding me should be “Lather.” That’s all I desire.
Thanks to the chilly late autumn wind and Erich’s presence, our wedding ceremony proceeded smoothly.
“Congratulations on your wedding. You’re right in the middle, huh?”
Then Erich, who had come closer, flashed me a grin while delivering his congratulatory words.
Right in the middle. Now that I think of it, I might have wed faster than Rutis and Tannian, huh?
‘What a relief.’
If I proceeded to marry later than Rutis, I’d probably be feeling pretty miserable.
“Thanks to you, I was able to have a worry-free wedding.”
“Huh? Thanks to me?”
I responded to Erich’s congratulatory words with gratitude, and he tilted his head in slight confusion.
That’s just simple logic; no need for deeper contemplation in that regard.
“Wow—wow—”
“You managed not to cry, that’s impressive.”
After exchanging light greetings with the two wives beside Erich, my gaze drifted towards the baby in his arms.
Was his name Robert Hiden? The upcoming Count Hiden born between Erich and Countess Horfelt.
“He’s serious and smart because he takes after his mom.”
“He can’t be more than a year old yet, why is he so serious?”
“Because he’s serious and smart.”
“…Well, I suppose that does make sense.”
In the face of Erich’s resolute expression, I nodded slightly, awkwardly.
Well, if the dad says so, then it should hold water.
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