Chapter: 838
A birthday is a precious day that never loses its meaning, no matter how many times it’s celebrated. It’s the day a life enters the world, a day to celebrate the birth of life itself. How could we ever neglect such a day?
Of course, no matter how important a day is, if you keep experiencing it over and over, its significance tends to blur a little—just a tiny bit. Unlike how fervently we celebrate children’s birthdays, the birthdays of older people tend to pass with just polite applause and a few well-wishing remarks.
But isn’t it said that extremes meet? When the elderly reach a certain age after celebrating dozens of birthdays, the situation changes. We should celebrate not only a child’s birthday but also an elderly person’s birthday.
“Congratulations on the 90th birthday of Lady Victoria Marzalo…”
And so, I carefully inscribed words onto the ceremonial sword’s blade. An elderly person requires more than just the usual heartfelt wishes; if that elderly person is my mother-in-law, then I should pour my very soul into it.
Life isn’t something humans earn; it’s bestowed by the gods. Typically, the life span granted by the gods is around 70 to 80 years. Even that requires the assumption of a healthy life. If an average person makes it past 70, they’re considered to have lived well.
But 90 years old? Not 70s or 80s, but 90? And this person isn’t even a knight or a wizard?
“Age alone becomes a status.”
If a commoner survives to 90 years old, they receive imperial gifts and are invited to celebrations hosted by the lord or local magistrate.
Now imagine a person reaching 90 who isn’t just a commoner but the mother of a marquis. That’s not merely a family achievement; that’s a celebration of the Empire itself. Every family connected, directly or indirectly, to the Marzalo line will surely react. And let’s be honest, there are many families entangled with the marquis family.
“…Is this really okay?”
I clicked my tongue softly while looking at the ceremonial sword.
Eri told me a sword was fine, so I inscribed well wishes onto it, but is giving such a gift to someone who’s reached 90 really appropriate? Wouldn’t it be better to present something less sharp and more elegant, like jewels or fine robes?
It feels off. Giving a sharp object to an elderly person? It gives off the vibe of “You’ve lived long enough; it’s okay if your fate gets cut short now, right?”
“Eri will handle it.”
After pondering over it for quite a while, I let out a deep sigh.
Yeah, since this is the gift Eri wanted, whatever happens, she’ll sort it out. Besides, Eri has a soft spot for family, so I doubt she’ll give her grandmother anything weird.
I might not get it, but for Eri’s grandmother, a sword might just be the right gift. Let’s trust Eri, granddaughter of the Marzalo family.
—
Only I, Eri, and Ferentz were set to go to the Iones Marzalo territory.
Originally, everyone in the family was expected to attend the joyous occasion, but after some hushed conversations among the ladies, this outcome was reached.
“We want to congratulate her in person, but since it’s a Marzalo family event, it’s only right that Eri gets the spotlight. If other ladies tag along, it’ll divide her attention!”
“That makes sense.”
Even the excuse for not attending was to make it easier for Eri, so it was awkward to push back further.
The birthday banquet was set in the Marzalo territory, where naturally, families entwined with the Marzalo name would attend, ensuring all attention was focused on the Marzalo family’s members. If other ladies showed up, it would scatter the focus, right?
Of course, with six wives, dividing attention is only right, but this wasn’t an event hosted by House Krasius or the Empire—this was a Marzalo event. It makes sense to direct all eyes toward Marzalo.
“I wouldn’t mind going.”
“No way. It’s a gathering for the grandmother and her granddaughter and great-grandchildren, after all. It’d be rude for us to horn in on that.”
Eri’s little tantrum earned a soft smile from Mar, who continued to speak.
“Besides, your grandmother hasn’t seen Ferentz yet, has she? She couldn’t even make it to your wedding. Enjoy this as a substitute, and let her have the spotlight this time—just like on your wedding day.”
With that, Eri pouted her lips a little, then smiled and nodded.
“Then I’ll only enjoy it for one day! But since the banquet doesn’t end on the first day, we’ll come back on the second day, right?”
“Eh?”
“The wedding was only for one day, so the banquet should be too! Grandma will love having lots of guests!”
Mar’s gaze shifted toward me, as if asking how to respond to Eri’s unexpected suggestion.
“That sounds like a good idea.”
And since Eri rarely hit the nail on the head, I immediately backed her up.
This was the 90th birthday celebration of a marquise, after all. It’s not something that can be done in a day, so naturally, the celebration should last at least five days. That way, Eri could grab attention on the first day, and the wives could mingle afterward—sounds quite reasonable.
“Can we do that?”
“Actually, it’s customary for the whole family to participate in such events. If it’s just Eri and Ferentz, the marquise might misunderstand.”
The fear of being labeled as neglectful for not including their granddaughter and great-grandson—especially given her advanced age and propensity for worry.
“The Duke of Valenti is going to throw a celebration for his ascension soon, too. It’d be weird for Mar to go alone.”
“Ah.”
When I suggested he’d be attending that banquet alone, Mar seemed to have a lightbulb moment.
That made me chuckle a bit. While it’s admirable of a first wife to think of the others, it’s also ironic how much she focuses on everyone else at the expense of her own well-being.
“Plus, I heard the marquise has been quite worried about Eri. We need to show a strong, united front so she can stop worrying.”
I couldn’t imagine a better birthday present than the sight of her once-doubtful granddaughter now having children and getting along with the other wives.
—
When my mother reached 70, I breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, she seemed to be a healthy one for an ordinary person.
When she hit 80, I prayed to Enen, filled with gratitude for granting her so much time.
As her age continued forward to 81, 82, 83, joy and anxiety intertwined, not knowing when she would leave us for the heavens.
Despite my attempts to reassure myself that she’d live to 100, logic shot back, reminding me that given her age, it wouldn’t be too surreal for her to close her eyes tomorrow.
“Ten years have passed like this.”
As I spent those years trembling with anxiety, my mother had now reached 90.
At this point, my fear shifted to vague anticipation. Could it be that my mother might really reach 100? Maybe even beyond?
“I won’t close my eyes until I see my great-grandchild get married!”
Or perhaps it’s thanks to her greedy vow that she’s managed to last this long.
In times when I couldn’t even guarantee Eri’s marriage, my mother relentlessly stated that she was awaiting the wedding of her great-grandchild. We jokingly said, “Mother must think she’s immortal.”
Looking back, I’m relieved that’s how it turned out. If Mother had set her sights only on Eri’s marriage, it might have been a problem. People losing their goals tend to lose their drive quickly.
“Should I ask Ferentz to delay his marriage?”
That thought was too ugly for a grandfather, making me chuckle.
That wouldn’t do at all. It would be strange for a grandfather to impede his grandson’s future, and if my mom found out I made such a request, I’d be in for a harsh scolding.
So, I’ll leave Ferentz’s marriage to him. Who knows? By that time, her vow might change to, “I won’t close my eyes until I see our Ferentz bear a child.”
“Your Grace. Miss Elizaveta has arrived.”
“Oh.”
The timing was impeccable, drawing a smile to my lips as Elizaveta arrived just as I was pondering Ferentz.
“Steward, how can you refer to her as ‘Miss’ when she’s a noble’s wife? Say the Countess of Tailglehen is here.”
I rein in my emotions with effort.
How could I still call her ‘Miss’ after marrying? She bears the eminent title of Countess of Tailglehen, and I will continue to refer to her as Countess until I take my last breath.
“I’m sorry, Your Grace. I shall be more mindful moving forward.”
Understanding my firm correction, the steward bowed deeply in reply.
“The Count and Countess of Tailglehen, along with young Ferentz, have arrived.”
Unlike how one would announce a mere lady, the steward presented it as if announcing esteemed guests from another family. I nodded to him and turned my gaze out the window.
Sure enough, I spotted a familiar figure at the gate. That white hair and black hair are unforgettable.
“Is it just the three of them?”
“Others will be visiting on the second day of the banquet.”
“I see.”
A smile crept back onto my face with my son-in-law’s consideration.
He’s trying his best to treat all the ladies fairly. Bringing only Eri to a gathering where other nobility is invited shows his heart lies with the Marzalo family.
Even if it’s just for one day—having Eri by his side, showcasing them as a couple, has its charm.
Wait, not just a couple, but three including Ferentz. A cozy scene of a parent and child.
‘…Hmm?’
Just as I was about to go downstairs and prepare to greet my son-in-law, I noticed a very familiar figure rushing towards the front gate.
‘Mother?’
Yes, it was my mother.
The woman who habitually mentions how difficult it is to stand as you age was now running toward the gate with all her might.
‘What’s going on?’
In that moment, my mind went blank.
How is she moving that fast at her age? I feel like she’s faster than me running at full speed!
‘Must be the strength of a great-grandchild.’
Honestly, that would be the only way to explain this miracle.
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