Chapter 172

[Translator – Angel Dust]

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Chapter 172

“...Karl? What did you just say?”

“Master. I think I didn’t hear you correctly...”

“Senior? Um, uh... that’s a bit...”

Three women sat before me.

From left to right, Eloise, Lav, and Lefia.

All three looked flustered, or perhaps extremely embarrassed.

“You’re making it seem like I said something weird by reacting like that.”

“You did say something weird! Suddenly! And out of the blue!”

At Eloise’s words, I looked at Lav and Lefia. Do you think so too?

As if confirming my suspicions, neither of them could hide their ‘maybe a little bit’ expressions.

“Let me ask you this. Do you three intend to remain just friends with me?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Definitely not.”

“Th-that, uh... n-no!”

You feel the same, right? Me too. Maybe it’s because we’ve been inseparable. It feels like we’re practically family now.

Just like Selena, these women haven’t hidden their affection, and now, both I and those around us feel it’s natural for me to reciprocate.

Right. That’s why I’m doing this. But why are they reacting like this all of a sudden?

“Even so! To suddenly want to meet my parents now!”

“Master. My parents might actually find it burdensome.”

“Those in Lasker might not be happy about my visit...!”

“First, Karl? Why are you doing this? Explain that first!”

Why am I doing this? Hmm. Why did I bring this up? Ah, right.

The start of this whole story goes back two days ago.

* * *

As my niece was born, and cheers of joy echoed throughout the empire welcoming the newborn princess...

“Congratulations, son-in-law. The princess has gained a very dependable uncle.”

“Hahaha! Thank you, Marquis.”

“Ahem.”

“...Yes, Father-in-law.”

I was sharing a cup of tea with Marquis Nafplion. Or rather, my father-in-law.

For the record, I’m not married yet. I’m single. It’s in the plans, but it hasn’t happened yet.

Neither I nor Selena are married. We’re both still students, so we thought it was too early.

However, our parents didn’t seem to think so at all.

“The wedding will be the year after next. But it’s as good as done, so let’s just be like family.”

Selena’s grandfather, the eldest in both families, said this on everyone’s behalf.

Our families already had a friendly relationship and interacted often, but now, even though their children weren’t married yet, the parents were already calling each other ‘in-laws.’

It’s not that I dislike it or find it burdensome. It’s just that I haven’t quite adjusted to it yet.

“How do you feel seeing the princess? Don’t you want to have your own children soon, son-in-law?”

“Ah, I don’t think it’s something that happens just because I want it to. Selena’s opinion is most important, and there are other factors as well...”

Is he testing me as a father? I should always be careful.

From a father’s perspective, a son-in-law can always be seen as a thief who kidnapped his daughter.

“Hmm? Selena probably feels similar to me, son-in-law.”

“Don’t have any regrets. There’s nothing good about them. Are you worried about Selena? Then love her more. That’s all you need to do. Not love the others less.”

Well, Father-in-law. You only have Mother-in-law, so you shouldn’t be giving advice like a seasoned player!

[TL/N: This mf definitely got a 2nd wife I’m telling you.]

[PR/N: Right. Bros way too experienced lmao.]

* * *

So that’s it.

That’s why I suggested to these three, ‘Let’s go visit your parents.’

Too early? No way. It’s way too late already. Time flies, and two years will be gone in a flash.

Look at me now. I just returned to school, and I’m already a third-year! Next year I’ll be a fourth-year, and the year after that, I’ll graduate. And then, I’ll marry Selena.

That means the weddings with the others will happen either that year or the next at the latest.

On top of that, around that time, I’ll be taking over as the head of the family, so I’ll be even busier.

Meeting their parents at that point would be the most difficult mission imaginable.

“That’s why I want to meet them now, while we still have some time. See, Eloise? Does that make sense now?”

“It makes sense, but... still, there’s no need to go that far, is there?”

“Don’t elves care when their children get married? Of course not. So, it’s only natural to go and meet them.”

“Well... that’s true, but... Karl, are you really okay with this?”

Are you really okay with this? Only then did I finally understand why Eloise was acting this way.

“What? Are you worried I’ll be haunted by old nightmares if I go to a place full of elves?”

“Honestly, it’s a bit of a concern. Even if Hyzens was an ally, they’re still elves like Luzernes.”

“If that were the case, I wouldn’t have you by my side.”

I still dislike the Kanfras. Their unique accent, behavior, and atmosphere still make me want to reach for my greatsword.

But that’s only when it comes to the Kanfras.

The elves who are actively working to improve relations with the Empire are good elves. Absolutely.

“Don’t worry and just set a date. I’ll even skip my Friday classes to make time for three days. Lav, the same goes for you.”

“Yes, Master. Understood.”

“As for Lefia... well, hmm.”

Currently, Lasker is a more delicate situation than Hyzens. And Lefia, of all people, is a former princess who relinquished her status.

If she returns to her homeland, it’s uncertain whether she’ll be welcomed or labeled a traitor.

“I’ll talk to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

“Please don’t worry too much about me! It’s really okay!”

Even so, I should at least make a gesture of getting permission.

* * *

One month later.

Karl and Eloise visited Hyzens over the weekend.

It was a personal matter.

There was no diplomatic intent whatsoever. The Empire made that clear.

However, Hyzens couldn’t see it that way.

“Something’s up.”

“Something’s definitely up.”

He’s the Crown Prince’s brother-in-law. The Crown Princess’ brother. The princess’ uncle.

A war hero of the Empire, a favored individual of the Church, and an unofficial powerhouse.

Such a person is visiting Hyzens for personal reasons? There’s no way!

The Hyzens leadership immediately went into discussions to formulate a response.

[Translator – Angel Dust]

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