Chapter: 840
Grandma’s 90th birthday is a big deal for the Marzalo family, and the ladies hoped Eri would grab the attention of other nobles. Thanks to their consideration, it ended up just Eri and me attending the first day of the banquet.
Having all six of the Countess Tileglehen ladies beside me would have made me look outnumbered, so it was clear that having Eri as my sole partner would shine a little brighter. It’s a truth that doesn’t need explaining—one is always more than a sixth of anything.
However, despite the ladies’ good intentions, Eri didn’t get the spotlight as my only partner.
‘How did it end up like this?’
From a distance, I watched Eri giggle with Grandma and Ferentz.
It felt like Eri and I had become a long-separated family. We were in the same banquet hall, yet somehow we felt like we were worlds apart.
I didn’t plan for things to turn out this way. As the grandson-in-law of the birthday girl, and the son-in-law to the current head of the Marzalo family, I intended to wander the banquet hall with Eri. I wanted to thank the nobles in attendance for gracing us with their presence and their precious time.
But all those plans crumbled when Ferentz got super curious about his great-great-grandma.
“Me! Big Grandma! Value!”
“Our Ferentz is already being so filial to his great-grandma.”
With Ferentz’s sparkling eyes wide open while in Grandma’s arms, the two of them looked thoroughly delighted while she affectionately patted his head.
So what could I do? I left Ferentz in Grandma’s care and instead, made my rounds to greet the guests. Eri couldn’t leave Ferentz’s side, so off she went, leaving me alone.
“Son-in-law. Are you feeling left out?”
As I bittersweetly watched the three generations of Grandma, granddaughter, and great-grandson, my father-in-law, wandering around the banquet like me, asked with a hint of playfulness.
“A bit disappointed, truth be told, but if we’re measuring levels of disappointment, Eri is worse off. I have so many kids to care for back at the mansion, don’t I?”
“True enough.”
Eri only has one child, Ferentz, while I have nine kids, from Pedi up to Yulia. With so many kids to look after, it’s no wonder I unintentionally made the ladies feel slighted at times.
And that goes for the always-cheerful Eri too. She’s human, after all; how could she be completely void of hurt feelings? Since it all relates to the children, I chose to let it slide. This time around, it’s me who has to understand.
“But still, make sure to gather the family together by dinner. If not today, when will you have a chance for some cozy moments with Eri?”
“With Ferentz around, I don’t think it’ll just be the two of us. Can I leave him with you for a bit, father-in-law?”
“Ha! That’s actually a favor I’d like to ask. Feel free to leave him with me anytime.”
Just imagining playing with my little grandson brightened my father-in-law’s expression instantly.
‘Family is family, huh.’
Seeing Grandma over there, my father-in-law right in front of me, and those estranged connections with Eri and Ferentz made me deeply feel that they all share the Marzalo bloodline.
When separated, I hadn’t noticed, but seeing everyone together, their smiling faces looked strangely similar. Is this the power of lineage?
“…Hmm.”
‘Huh?’
As if stepping into a puddle with new shoes, my father-in-law’s jovial demeanor suddenly stiffened.
Like feeling shock when a 1,000-won bill in a convenience store isn’t enough to buy a cup of noodles that costs 1,050 won.
“Long time no see, Marquis Iones.”
‘Ah.’
But the confusion cleared immediately with a voice coming from behind.
It belonged to the figure I hadn’t seen since a few years back during the northern subjugation. A voice I recognized quite well, having heard it at every New Year’s celebration. Despite rarely meeting, I could never forget this voice due to the status of its owner.
The head of the rival family to the Marzalo clan, the Duke of Lavirje, a significant influence in the western part of the Empire.
“Long time? Didn’t we just converse via the communication orb a few weeks back?”
There stood my father-in-law’s adversary, leaving little choice but for him to respond with a hint of brusqueness.
“Even though a communication orb is convenient, it’s not the same as seeing someone in person.”
“Especially not when the Duke’s husband is right here.”
I turned slightly to smile at his comment. It’s rude not to acknowledge someone you know is directly behind you.
“It’s an honor to see you, Duke Lavirje.”
“Ah, Count Tileglehen, it’s been a while since the New Year’s celebration, hasn’t it?”
“Indeed. It’s quite rare for me to see you otherwise. But I’m only pleased to see your granddaughter often.”
Mentioning Henrietta caused Duke Lavirje’s expression to brighten immediately.
While from my father-in-law’s perspective, Duke Lavirje might be a contentious rival, for me, he was simply the grandfather of Pedi’s friend. I couldn’t afford to treat him casually.
“Tsks.”
If he could refrain from clicking his tongue about it, that would be great. It’s a tad overwhelming being caught between two dukes.
“Henrietta would always brighten up when she visited your estate. I was worried about her not having many friends her age, but thanks to you, her burdens seem lighter. Truly, I am grateful.”
“That’s too much praise.”
“Just make sure not to ruin this warm atmosphere with your grimacing face. Got family troubles weighing you down?”
Turning my gaze at Duke Lavirje’s comment, I saw my father-in-law sporting a calm expression. It seems the powerful word “family” helped to settle any discontent he may have felt.
This situation certainly isn’t ideal for losing one’s temper. At a banquet celebrating someone’s birthday, acting like one’s ignoring other families would be an unlikely move for a decent person.
“In any case, I sincerely congratulate the senior lady’s birthday. It’s because of her outstanding support that the Marzalo family exists today, so we should expect at least a few more decades of health ahead.”
Plus, Duke Lavirje wished Grandma long life and many more decades to come. So at this point, I should treat him purely as a guest rather than a rival.
“What can we do? My father was certainly favored by the ladies. I’ve come to accept it as fate.”
Of course, even while treating him like a guest, I couldn’t entirely give up the subtle jabs and rivalry.
“Your Grace, the Duke!”
“Your Grace, it’s an honor to meet you!”
‘Huh?’
As the two dukes shook hands and temporarily halted hostilities, loud greeting voices boomed at the banquet entrance.
‘A duke?’
It was an unexpected word that made me tilt my head in interest.
A duke? Could it be Trixie is arriving? No, the other ladies were supposed to be coming tomorrow or the day after. Trixie wouldn’t go and break a promise like that.
…
‘Could it be?’
Suddenly coming up with a conclusion, I swallowed hard.
Not Trixie, since my brother-in-law is busy preparing for his ascension banquet. The Vice Captain, needless to say, isn’t here either. As for the Gold Duke, he mostly stays on his territory unless it’s something rather significant.
By ruling out the five dukes one by one, it became clear that only one was left—the last person I’d want to see.
“Hihih! Everyone! Long time no see! How have you all been!?”
‘Ah.’
I had to shut my eyes in sheer despair upon hearing a too-familiar raucous voice.
That alcohol-laden voice could only belong to the Wise Duke. The leader and administrator of the western Empire, Duke Cheness, the Wise Duke.
‘How did I forget about it?’
The Marzalo family is one of the powerhouses in the Empire’s west. Naturally, it’s completely reasonable for the Wise Duke to show up at an occasion celebrating a Marzalo family milestone.
The western Empire is basically his domain, and now a senior citizen reaching their 90s is present. Even if the Wise Duke is a reclusive alcoholic hermit, he can’t avoid this visit. It’s a matter of authority and leadership as a duke.
“Marquis Iones! Where are you!? I brought a large gift!”
“Son-in-law, I need to ask you a favor.”
“Don’t worry too much about my sister-in-law, even though she can be a bit loud. She’s harmless, just so you know.”
It seemed I could guess the favor well enough, so I quickly cut ties.
Sorry, but if one can survive, then one must take their own path. All eyes should be on my father-in-law, and while I slip away…
“Chatzda!”
‘What the?!’
Wait, what? She just barged in and sprinted all the way over?
“Wha? Marquis Lavirje is here too!?”
That cheerful voice was like a grim reaper to me.
The Wise Duke’s unexpected and terrifying appearance was truly no joke.
“Make sure to shoulder that goal! There are folks everywhere now!”
“Those are truly generous words, Your Grace.”
“Aw, don’t be humble about it! You’re connected to me through family bonds!”
I lowered my gaze at the Wise Duke’s words that implied I was also family now.
Even if it’s true that the Wise Duke would have shown up regardless of my presence, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it sounded like he’d only come because of me.
The presence of the Wise Duke turned the banquet’s atmosphere upside down. It instantly changed from warm and cozy to loud and chaotic.
“Dear lady! Happy birthday! May you live for 100, 110, even 120 years more!”
“Oh my! Is 130 years too much to ask?”
“Nuh-uh! You know that’s not what I meant!”
Still, should I say this is a relief? The Wise Duke was merely loud but didn’t cross any boundaries of rudeness. Grandma responded to the Wise Duke’s congratulatory words with nothing but a smile.
After living more than half of life in a drunken haze, and gathering wisdom over 90 years, the Duke seemed to have reached a level where he managed to keep up a decent conversation with anyone. The former likely balances things out with his long experience handling such situations, while the latter seemed capable of making anyone smile.
“Joka myeoni, you still doing just fine!”
“Hello, sister-in-law! How have you been?”
“Hehe, I’m doing just great, thank you!”
“So am I! It’s so nice to see such good people in such a great place!”
“Our jiran, your words are so sweet!”
It felt like Eri was crossing over the typical boundaries she maintained.
“Yup ~ Our darling little Ferentz is all cute too—!”
“Your Grace. This banquet is meant for this old lady; I’d appreciate you not stealing the fun.”
“Eh?”
Anyway, just as the Wise Duke was storming through the greetings attempting to touch Ferentz, Grandma, cradling him, politely yet firmly blocked his hand.
I was surprised. Could it be Grandma’s stepping up to protect Ferentz from the Duke?
“I can’t guarantee how many more times I’ll be able to meet this child. Would you kindly yield today?”
She held a shield that was impossible to refute.
“Come on! That’s just unfair!”
Even the Wise Duke, it seems, can’t protest against the fact of mortality as he simply pouted and withdrew his hand.
Wow, Grandma. The original Eri sure stands different from the rest.
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