Chapter 136: Capybara in the Water (1)

Chapter 136: Capybara in the Water (1)

Capybara in the Water (1)

I headed straight for the dorm as soon as I returned to the academy from the Capital. Once there, I automatically lay down on the bed, feeling so numb. This was the first time Ive felt so unwilling to move.

It felt like I found out something I shouldnt have. There was no turning back now. Maybe I could have remained ignorant before I knew the truth, but I couldnt go back to the way things were now that I knew.

When taking additional wives, a man cant marry someone of higher status than his first wife.

That was what Irina said at oppas mansion. That simple sentence stuck in my mind like a thorn. I somehow couldnt forget it, and I couldnt just let it go.

I never knew it was possible to have multiple wives. Father had only one wife, my mother, and the other noble families we interacted with were the same. So, I thought having one wife was a common practice. I lived in that kind of world.

But on further thought, all those families were of lower nobility than barons. As someone from Naird, a baronial family, we didnt interact with the higher nobility such as counts or higher. How could I know how the higher nobles structured their families?

Oppa will soon be an Imperial Count, and his future position as a Minister is almost assured. Its not strange for him to have multiple wives.

Oppa was destined to be an Imperial Count directly under the Emperor and even become a Minister soon, given his age.

It wasnt strange for a man of such high status and position to have multiple wives. Hearing that, I almost burst into tears.

I thought it was too late. After seeing how close oppa had become to Senior, I realized my feelings for him and thought I had no chance. Even if I had realized sooner, I believed I couldnt compete with Senior, who had fallen for him first.

If that were the case, then I should have never known. If I had never known about my feelings for oppa, I wouldnt have had to suffer so much. I cried so much inside in that moment.

Its not too late.

Having multiple wives wasnt an uncommon thing among the nobility. There were even rules for the first wife, so it must be a common practice. Then, then maybe I

When I placed my hand on my chest, it felt like my heart was racing more wildly than usual. I would inherit a title, too. It might not be as high as oppas or Seniors, but I could become one of the titled nobles. In that case, I wouldnt be lacking to become the wife of an Imperial Count.

Just in case Irina was mistaken, I even contacted Father, who held a noble title, to confirm. He should know for sure.

Thats right. The world of higher nobility is complex, and so are their marriages.

It was confirmed. Irina, a young countess, and father both shared the same opinion. With such cross-verification, it couldnt be wrong.

Father.

Whats the matter?

Um, what do you think about having multiple wives?

Father seemed puzzled by the sudden question, but he still answered.

He said there must be a good reason if a nobleman had to marry again, and that taking a new wife required the consent of the existing wives. He also said that it wasnt something for outsiders to worry about.

So dont think too strangely about it.

Ah, yes.

Luckily, Father didnt seem opposed to the idea of having multiple wives. Still, I didnt mention that I wanted to be one of them.

After all, Father had advised me not to think too strangely about it. He said there must be good reasons. He would understand. He would surely understand.

So, I shouldnt hesitate. I nearly missed my chance with oppa because I couldnt be honest. Now that Ive been miraculously given another opportunity, I cant let it slip away.

I need to be brave to be with oppa. But first

The consent of the existing wives.

Not only did I need oppas love, but also Seniors consent.

I rummaged through my past memories. Had I ever been disrespectful to Senior or made her dislike me?

It was already late for me to be saying this, but not saying it at all would be disrespectful to them

Respect?

Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with self-loathing. Did I even have the right to speak of respect? It sounded as if I was considering the club members feelings, as if I was doing this for them.

No. I wasnt doing this for them at all. I was just doing it because I couldnt be at peace. If I hadnt realized my feelings for oppa, I might have kept my mouth shut forever.

Ive been pretending to be considerate in such a brazen manner. I really was a cowardly and selfish person until the end.

My head drooped helplessly. I couldnt bring myself to look the club members in the eye.

Lady Louise.

Ainters voice seemed to scold me, making my body tremble. It was quite something for me, a barons daughter, to be rebuked by a prince.

Please speak comfortably.

However, Ainters words were far from a scolding.

I dont know whats on your mind, or what you want to say. Unfortunately, I dont have the ability to read minds.

With a small laugh, Ainter continued. His tone was warm, as if trying to reassure me.

That said, I am curious to hear what Lady Louise wants to say. Im ready to listen to anything you have to say.

Upon hearing this, I cautiously raised my head and saw Ainter smiling at me.

Your Highness, youe not a very good speaker.

Youve already said what I was going to say.

Haha. Brother Ainter isnt much of a talker, is he? Well, they say that practice makes perfect.

Erich, why are you being so quiet?

Because Im an Imperial, unlike you.

The conversation behind Ainter inadvertently made me smile.

They were obviously exaggerating to lighten my mood. It was so obvious. Even a play wouldnt have such dialogue.

Um

But after seeing them like that, I couldnt hesitate anymore.

I have something to say.

Saying this might turn their kindness into resentment. It could even lead to the collapse of the club.

Ive actually known all along, but pretended not to.

Still, I had to say it, just like I did with oppa.

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