Chapter: 861
Following my father’s summons, my mother’s visit came next.
“Grandma!”
“Anyone home, Grandma!”
“How’s everyone doing? Here, I’ve brought some chocolates to share.”
“Wooah! Grandma is the best!”
As soon as Grandma appeared, the kids rushed over. Meanwhile, my mother greeted each of the kids with hugs.
Thanks to this, the front gate of the mansion quickly turned into a meeting square, and amid all the commotion, Mother started distributing chocolates from her pockets, one by one.
Didn’t she just say to share? If she was going to hand them out herself, there was no need to mention sharing at all.
“Hey, kids. Don’t bother Grandma, go play in your room.”
“Aww… Can’t Grandma play too?”
“Grandma will join later, so you go have fun first.”
“Okay!”
Anyway, the crowded meeting square quieted down thanks to Mar’s mediation, and as the kids waddled after Mar like little ducklings, only my mother, myself, and Titi—who had just returned from Luciano’s place—remained at the gate.
“You kids have such energy. Truly Krasius offspring!”
“It seems the blood of Krasius runs deep. Eduardo is so lively that I almost miss Teresa; it’s a blessed lineage indeed.”
“Heh, indeed, a truly blessed bloodline.”
With a small chuckle, my mother started rummaging through her pockets and handed me a different pouch from which the chocolates came.
“Mother, what’s this…?”
“Tea leaves. Since I brought goodies for the grandkids, I thought I should bring something for my son and daughters-in-law too. Laura recommended this, so it should be good.”
“If the nanny recommends it, then it’s trustworthy. Thank you, I’ll enjoy it.”
I had actually been considering trying out some new tea lately, so it was a delightful surprise that she came without empty hands and brought new tea with her. This is what we call the little joys of daily life.
“I’m glad. Truth is, I came with something to ask you, so I hoped you’d like it.”
“Oh, so it was a favor? You can’t be doing this to a civil servant, you know.”
“It’s fine if you refuse. If I don’t expect a reward, then it’s okay, right?”
“Then there’s no problem.”
It was a strangely fiery joke, but it got both my mother and me chuckling.
It’s a bit surprising, but our family has grown much closer. Just a few years back, even casual conversations were a struggle, let alone jokes like this.
‘Since the parents and children are getting closer, it’s time for the siblings to do the same.’
And since I could vaguely guess the reason for my mother’s visit, I smiled again.
As soon as my father mentioned the uncles and aunts, my mother showed up? This shows her strong intention as the matriarch of the Krasius family to look after the descendants of the past heads of household. It wasn’t Mar, the current head of the Krasius family, but rather my mother was stepping in directly.
Then it would be right to follow my mother’s wishes. This isn’t just a matter for the Krasius family; it’s about Wilhelm and his wife, Eusenia as individuals. Because in this situation, I, the head of the Krasius family, am also their son.
‘I should agree to everything Mother desires.’
As for manpower and resources, the matriarch, especially the first lady Mar, primarily manages those. My mother might have some budgetary freedom, but given that it’s a reunion after nearly twenty years, a small budget won’t be enough.
A few years ago, when my father was still the head, Mar was learning how to help my mother manage the household. If I casually ask her to go back to that time, Mar wouldn’t refuse—
“Kal, could I borrow this mansion?”
“Huh?”
Her request was a bit unexpected, causing me to ask back.
I thought it would just be an opening of the storage, but a mansion rental?
– Huh?
Even Titi seemed puzzled by my mother’s request, tilting her head slightly.
Our Titi has quite a stake in this mansion. That means there should be a valid reason that even Titi can understand.
“Well then, let’s go to a room. It might take a while to talk standing here.”
“Ah, yes. Let’s do that.”
It would be better to sit comfortably in a room, enjoying some snacks while we chat rather than standing stiffly.
‘Mansion rental, huh.’
As we walked alongside my mother, my mind was racing.
My parents already have Tailglehen as a solid base. Why would they want to rent this place? For them, wouldn’t it feel more comfortable at the castle where their son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren are?
The conversation I thought would be lengthy wrapped up almost instantly.
“The Count’s estate of Tailglehen is a nightmare for your uncles and aunts. Even though it’s where they were born and raised, there aren’t many good memories to recall. It’s no wonder they haven’t even looked back at Tailglehen since your grandfather passed away.”
“Oh.”
My grandfather was an excellent noble, a lord, and a vassal, but sadly, not a great father. Due to his active role, my uncles and aunts had a rough childhood. I’d heard the story directly from my father, so it wasn’t exactly new information.
I had never considered how traumatic just gathering at Tailglehen could be for them. But I thought that since the lord of Tailglehen is their nephew, they could manage to meet there without issue.
“Well, that’s not an option. It’s a reunion after decades, we should meet with smiles, but if the setting isn’t right, it defeats the purpose.”
“Thanks for understanding.”
At my answer, my mother’s face lit up with relief.
In fact, while moving to the Krasius mansion in the capital was an option in case Tailglehen becomes impossible, Erich currently resides there. Plus, while Serah is recovering, and Eduardo is preparing to awaken as the next Teresa, it isn’t great to invite guests under those circumstances.
So my mansion is the safest choice. It’s easy for the seven siblings to gather, being an old marquisate, it’s more than capable of hosting a banquet, and though there’re lots of kids, there are also spirits and servants to keep things in check.
‘…Though I can’t shake the thought of Trixie being a variable.’
If there’s any wild card, it’s Trixie, who currently holds the title of Duchess.
However, since Trixie is one of my wives, my uncles and aunts should become accustomed to her presence. They can’t view her just as the Duchess but as one of their nephew’s wives.
It’s the destiny of the Krasius family. As the seven siblings start to meet again as Krasiuses, Trixie will become their subordinate.
‘It’s easier to see her when she’s at the highest position.’
Whether this is something to call fortunate or confusing, next year Trixie will step down from her dukedom. From my uncles’ and aunts’ perspectives, a niece-in-law who was a Duchess changing to a commoner will surely be a change in how they perceive her.
Facing extreme spiciness makes all other flavors fade away. When you’ve tasted the highest sweetness, chocolate milk feels bland like plain water.
Not the best analogy, but you get the gist.
“And about this, we need to prepare here…”
“For a while, you can stay here, and the ladies will like it too.”
I spoke calmly to my mother’s somewhat cautious expression.
It makes sense for the main person in charge of the banquet to be present at the venue. The ladies won’t feel uncomfortable with my mother around, so staying together until the banquet is no problem.
“Just be warned; the kids will probably be clamoring for attention. Is that alright?”
“On the contrary, that would be delightful. Don’t worry about me.”
Seeing my mother smile brightly made me quietly avert my gaze.
A couple of days or maybe three would be fine for my mother. What kind of grandmother would dislike being swarmed by small, cute grandchildren?
But if it stretches beyond three days—like five, a week, or ten—my mother may start to change her mind. Taking care of nine grandchildren all in one place isn’t a simple task.
‘But it should be fine since Teresa is also around.’
If I’m to find solace, my mother is known for handling Teresa personally. Even though there are many grandchildren, considering the spirits here, they won’t be as lively as Teresa.
So it should be okay. It has to be.
– Woof!
“Ha ha, are you welcoming her? Thank you.”
Meanwhile, Titi hopped up onto my mother’s lap, fiercely welcoming her temporary stay.
Is it just me, or does that welcome seem half about affection for Grandma and half about the joy of having more playmates?
*
The name August was given to me right as I was born. It’s to be my name until I take my last breath, and afterward.
But while my name is steady, my surname is a variable that can change. A light and fleeting existence that has changed even in my young age.
From Krasius to Deaest. From the noble house of Count Krasius to the distinguished military family of Count Deaest in the eastern part of the Empire.
‘Now, I’ve been known as Deaest for longer.’
Since I got married, the time spent as Deaest has exceeded that of Krasius. If someone were to ask me about my identity, in the past, I might have answered with Krasius out of spite, but now I can truly say I’m a Deaest.
In fact, my wife is the head of the Deaest family. Therefore, even if I once held affection for the Krasius name, it’s only right that I exist as the husband and member of Deaest.
Thus, I’ve lived as August Deaest. Since I wasn’t born into a good family, I wanted for my wife and children to have a good home. Even if it was a union born from political necessity, I treated my wife with complete sincerity.
Because of that, I’ve been spending days fairly satisfactorily and with peace.
‘An invitation, huh.’
A familiar phrase stamped on the letter. The title of the invitation was written in elegant script.
My hands trembled. My head went blank, my breath quickened.
Truth is, I had somewhat expected this. With our nightmare of a father gone, my brother passed the title to his son. The current Krasius family must be far removed from the Krasius we once knew.
So, ever since Elin unexpectedly contacted me, or even from when I told Elin I got hired as a teacher at the military academy… I could sense a moment like this would arrive.
‘Huff…’
However, seeing the Krasius crest made my instinctual fear rise.
It’s strange. Now, there are no nightmares binding me. This is a warm invitation to gather with those who shared my past nightmares.
So why am I still feeling this way?
“Dear.”
‘Ah.’
The soft grip of my wife’s hand wrapping around mine.
Only then did my mind return. The trembling stopped, and I could breathe again.
“…I’m sorry. I showed a shameful side.”
At my apology, my wife silently patted my shoulder.
More than any words, that gentle pat felt comforting.
‘I need to go.’
I can’t keep shaking like this.
It’s time to visit my siblings and nephews and nieces.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.