Chapter 220 - Side Story 20

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Side Stories 20

Shulifen, Wilhelm, Alexander, and Joachim, were known for their boisterous camaraderie.

Those close to them often joked, ‘I wonder if you guys are really Marquises and Counts,’ highlighting their casual and unpretentious relationships.

“...”

“...”

“...”

“...”

However, today, in this particular gathering, they were all silent.

Shudder Shudder Shudder—

Beside them sat the host, Count Karl Adelheit of Friedrich County. A survivor who had risen from the ranks of a common soldier, he was truly an invincible veteran.

He held the unprecedented honor of being the first in the Empire to be awarded the Medal of Honor twice.

Yet, at this moment, Karl's hands were clasped tightly, his body trembling. Consumed by nervousness, he fidgeted restlessly, on the verge of a mental breakdown.

"Hey, Karl."

Shulifen cautiously broke the silence.

Normally, Karl would have retorted with a ‘What?’ or a ‘Don't you guys have anything better to do?’ But today, he was unresponsive, seemingly deaf to the world around him.

"Karl."

"... Oh, yeah. Did you call me?"

"It'll be alright. So, get a grip."

"Do I look like I've lost my mind or something? I'm perfectly fine."

The other three muttered under their breath, ‘That's what we call losing your mind.’

They couldn't help but empathize.

They knew who was behind that door and what was happening.

They knew that a battle, both sacred and arduous, was being fought.

"...Thanks, guys."

"Huh?"

"For what?"

"For coming all this way despite being busy."

Karl took Shulifen's hand, followed by Wilhelm's, Alexander's, and Joachim's.

The four friends could clearly sense how nervous Karl was. His hands were trembling, yet he seemed oblivious to it.

"You should go now. You've been like this for almost three hours."

"Three hours? And you want us to leave just like that? That makes even less sense."

"You guys have a lot to do. Are you sure it's okay?"

Marquises and Counts weren't just ordinary nobles. They held crucial positions in the Empire with numerous responsibilities and duties.

For the four friends to spend so much time here meant they were pushing the limits of their available free time. They were literally sacrificing their free time for this.

"This guy... making his friends feel bad, huh?"

"Come on, Karl. Don't be ridiculous. You think we'd ditch you when your child is making their grand entrance?"

"But still..."

"Don't worry about us. We'll manage."

For a moment, Karl almost retorted with a comment about how well they managed to become the first 5th-year students in the academy's history.

However, with superhuman patience, he held back. He didn't want to ruin the mood in this heartwarming situation.

"We're here!"

"Orabeoni! We're late!"

"Sorry! We're not too late, are we?!"

"Aww! She's so cute!"

"Shh, Eloise. Quiet down. You'll wake Luen up."

"Oh my... She's so beautiful...!"

The three women, now gathered around my parents, were completely engrossed in admiring Luen.

I have a feeling they'll become wonderful aunts to her.

"Karl."

Selena, who had been listening to my father-in-law and mother-in-law's kind words, called out to me. I quickly rushed to her side.

"Yes, Selena? What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No, it's not that. I heard the four of them came too."

"The Hydra guys... ahem. Our two Marquises and two Counts did come."

"It's their niece's birth. We should let them see her."

"But she's too precious to show off to those guys."

"Hahaha. Don't say things you don't mean."

She got me there. This is why husbands always lose to their wives.

Of course, I had no intention of not showing Luen to them. I definitely will. I'll show off our daughter to those guys and tell them to hurry up and have their own kids.

"Hey, Karl. Can we come in?"

"Are you sure it's okay?"

"Oh wow. This is more nerve-wracking than I thought."

"Let’s just go in already. I want to see my niece too!"

The four of them cautiously entered the room. As soon as they spotted Luen, they gasped and clutched their chests.

"Hey, you said newborns weren't cute at all!"

"I lied. She's already incredibly cute!"

"Wow. This is why everyone says daughters are the best."

"...Agreed."

I had experienced this to some extent with my niece. But for these guys, this was probably the first time seeing a newborn up close. That's why they're reacting like this, overwhelmed by her cuteness.

"You guys should get married soon too. Then this happiness will be yours."

"Wow, you've convinced me."

"Okay, just wait. I'll bring you a sister-in-law in no time."

They haven't changed a bit, and they probably never will. These guys are a bit absurd but always fun to be around.

That's why I'm glad to have them as friends. And they'll surely be the most dependable uncles for our Luen.

* * *

"... Is that so? You've worked hard."

The Emperor, with a smile, dismissed the messenger.

Soon after, the Empress approached with the Crown Princess and inquired about the news.

"What happened?"

"Our Crown Princess has a new adorable little sister."

"Oh my."

The Empress beamed. A child of her beloved brother, a daughter no less.

"A si-sister?"

"Yes, Lily. You finally have a little sister."

Although a cousin, she was still a sister.

The Crown Princess raised her hands and cheered, ‘Woohoo!’

For a child of her age, the thought of a sibling, especially a baby sister, was truly thrilling.

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