Chapter: 867
The miraculous reunion of the seven Krasius siblings wrapped up quite successfully.
In fact, it’s already an astonishing achievement that none of the seven siblings were missing after a 20-year gap. You know how it is—relationships tend to get weaker the older you get and the farther apart you are. I wouldn’t have been surprised if one or two, or even more than half, had pulled a disappearing act.
However, all seven of them attended along with their partners. Looking back, it could be said that the first button was successfully fastened right from the start.
In such circumstances, the gifts prepared by my father and youngest aunt made the Krasius siblings a true family, and with our kids joining in, the adults’ mood melted away rapidly.
“A talking chick, huh? I heard there are some unusual beasts at my niece’s mansion, but seeing it in person is beyond what words can describe.”
“Oh wow, isn’t it cute? Do you like cake too?”
“Isn’t it dangerous for a beast to eat sweet or salty food?”
“I’ll eat anything as long as you give it to me!”
The humility displayed by the chick also drew intense attention from the adults present.
For us, having talking pets has been commonplace after spending years together, but for others—especially those who have been around for decades—it’s a whole different story.
Kids might still be under the impression that “animals = absolutely cannot talk,” while adults regarded it as a natural fact. With that assumption shattered, how could they remain calm?
“Kimson! Look! Our Great-Great-Grandpa and Great-Auntie!”
“Oh, I see! No wonder no one was around; the esteemed guests were busy visiting!”
“Kimson, say hello too!”
“Do we really need to squeeze their hands to say hello…?”
Plus, when Kimson arrived, the kids were still biting and playing with him just like usual. This coexistence of little ones and a little creature brought even wider smiles to the adults’ faces.
All these elements contributed to a warm ending for the banquet, and soon, Uncle August promised to host the second gathering, scattering the siblings like Dragon Balls awaiting another reunion.
“Dad! I heard you went to see Uncle and Auntie yesterday!”
“Yes, Your Highness. It truly was a long-overdue gathering. I also met people for the first time.”
“That’s unfair!”
“Pardon?”
A little lady, having never witnessed a gathering of Dragon Balls, earnestly protested to me.
“I wanted to see Uncle and Auntie too! How can you just meet them while I don’t get to see anyone!”
Her unexpected complaint left me at a loss for words. I had no idea she would be upset about something like that.
‘Wait, is she mad because she couldn’t make it?’
During the banquet, I had begged the Emperor and Empress to keep the Crown Princess away, because it didn’t matter on any other day, but I wanted her to avoid this gathering. They both vaguely understood the unfortunate tragedy of the Krasius family, and so they agreed to my request, knowing that if the Crown Princess crashed the party, chaos could ensue.
So, I thought she might be sulking simply because she couldn’t come over to the mansion. But no, she was pouting because she didn’t get to see my family?
‘What in the world…’
It was bewildering, but somehow it made me chuckle.
The Crown Princess’s protest likely means she considers “the family of my uncle = my family,” and that’s a good thing! It means she truly views me as family and is fond of everyone.
‘Still, she can’t attend the banquet.’
But then again, feeling good about it is one thing, and being able to attend is another matter entirely.
Can kids warm up the adults’ awkwardness? Sure, but there’s a limit to that. If the child who has to be admired by everyone is also the potential next Emperor, that changes the game.
Even the nobles were unsure around Duchess Trixie; bringing in the Crown Princess on top of that would be a serious shock therapy. It’s not surprising if one of my uncles or aunts ends up fainting from all the excitement.
“Your Highness. It was unavoidable because it was for your sake.”
“Huh? Is this because of me?”
“No, not because of you, but for you.”
With the Crown Princess tilting her head, I gently lifted her and patted her back.
“My aunts and uncles gathered to talk about something important. So unfortunately, even if you had come, there wouldn’t have been much chance to play with you.”
“Really?”
Of course, that wasn’t true. We hadn’t actually discussed anything all that important. However, it was true that we wouldn’t have been able to play with her.
What noble in this world would play with a Crown Princess? Especially one they just met today!
“Of course! But isn’t it so sad to miss out on playing during a historic moment of having met the royal for the first time? You must be disappointed about not being able to play with my family either.”
“Umm… I guess that’s true…?”
“Well then, don’t be upset, Your Highness. When the time comes for you and me to play, I promise to take you first.”
“Okay! I’ll believe you!”
First-time child logic: totally gullible.
Relieved, I thought about what I might have had to do if the Crown Princess kept complaining; I could have ended up making a mad dash for Deias Count’s territory! But thankfully, I dodged becoming the crazy nephew who unexpectedly brought the royal child to my uncle’s house.
‘Doesn’t it feel like my excuses keep piling up?’
That small pang of self-reflection hit me. When raising kids, I thought I’d gain fatherly love, deep emotional connections, and an endless well of affection and energy to play with them.
But it seems the only thing I’m sharpening is my excuse-making skills. Is this truly how parenting is done?!
Also, worrying about the possibility that kids might learn to lie from their dad doesn’t help either. I just hope that kind of disaster doesn’t happen.
Now, we can definitely say it’s officially summer.
The ever-growing bellies of Rizie and Lynn, the kids becoming increasingly reluctant to head outside. Titi’s steadfast determination to visit Jenny and the little ones each time. All these signs shouted summer’s fierce presence.
And this summer, there’s an unavoidable BIG EVENT on the horizon.
“A day like this has finally come, huh?”
“Yeah, can you believe it?”
It was Erich’s mansion, where I had come to hang out with Robert and Eduard. During a short break, I responded to Erich’s low voice with a dazed reaction.
Yeah, it’s hard to believe that day has arrived. Just a few years ago, it felt impossible as the continent teetered on the edge of doom.
“Only two weeks left, huh?”
“In two weeks, Rutis will be married.”
As soon as Erich finished his sentence, both he and I shared a small chuckle.
I’m not sure why. I just laughed. Even though I knew Rutis was getting married this summer and had already sent out engagement gifts, hearing the words “Rutis” and “marriage” together just made me tickle with laughter.
Honestly, every member of the pastry club, without exception, seemed utterly clueless. I honestly felt worried whether or not they’d ever find love, considering how lost they appeared—especially Erich, Ainter, Lather, and Tannian.
But Rutis was the standout—it’s not that he was particularly clueless, but rather he had an overwhelming flair for antics. His refreshingly unrestrained personality also played a role.
‘Was he even that clueless?’
The memories were foggy. At that time, I was too distraught dealing with my club members, and now, those events feel distant and hazy.
Truthfully, I don’t feel like reviving those fading memories anyway—they weren’t exactly essential for me.
“Oh, did the youngest brother mention he’s going with the youngest sister-in-law?”
“Yeah, he did. Coincidentally, Fine expressed interest in Ainter.”
I nodded placidly at Erich’s remark. Just like how Lather’s wedding coincided with his honeymoon with Lynn, Rutis’ wedding would align with Fine’s honeymoon plans.
It’s not that this was a planned coincidence. Unexpectedly, Fine wanted to go to Ainter. Being a native of the North, Fine had likely heard a lot about Ainter and probably found the kingly country of knights fascinating.
I can’t quite express how happy I was when Fine mentioned Ainter. It’s not just because I can now tick off a trip to Ainter simultaneously with a honeymoon, but rather…the fact that Fine, not just anyone, first voiced what she desired. It’s that realization which brought joy and emotion.
‘I thought she would naturally want to pick a place for us to go.’
Then I would’ve said, “Honeymoon spots are all chosen by the wives, so you pick this one too,” and Fine would’ve probably declined, leading to an endless loop of polite refusals.
But instead, she specifically mentioned a location. After becoming a mother, it seems she’s positively changed her outlook! My heart could burst with happiness over how thoughtful she has become as a wife!
‘…She really wants to go for it, right?’
Now I felt that familiar twinge of anxiety creeping in. Everyone knew I had to go to Ainter, so what if Fine was merely pretending, wanting to go because she thought of me? What if that wasn’t her true desire, but what she thought I wanted?
Sadly, that was a distinct possibility. Given Fine’s perception and awareness, it’s entirely feasible she was skillfully enacting such a ruse.
‘But I can’t grill her about it.’
The likelihood that Fine genuinely wanted to go to Ainter couldn’t be overlooked either. In this situation, pressuring her with “Tell me your true feelings!” would just make me sound like a mad husband.
“What about you? Are you joining in as well?”
“I think I may be able to! There’s still two weeks left, right? Sera can now move about normally, so let’s call it a celebration trip for her quick recovery!”
Shifting the conversation to a lighter topic felt easier with my jumbled feelings; Erich nodded in a calm manner.
“Sera was in the pastry club too. It’s the same member’s wedding, so if she can, she’s definitely going.”
“That’s a relief. If it had been in spring, she wouldn’t have been able to come.”
“That might’ve been for the best.”
His words were half-joke, half-serious, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.
Whether he genuinely worried about Sera’s social activities or didn’t want to show anything unpleasant to his wife after childbirth, I’m not sure.
“Well then, we’ll go ahead of you this time. You two can take your time.”
“Ah, sure. We’ll go around three days before the wedding.”
“Alright.”
With that, we continued on toward Eduard’s room.
By now, Geno might be reaching her limits caring for Robert and Eduard alone. It was about time to lend a hand.
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