Chapter 231 - Side Story 31

[Translator - Angel Dust]

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Side Stories 31

"Hahaha! Karl! Hurry up and give us your blessing! Come on!"

"You're definitely coming to my wedding, right?"

"I'm next. Don't forget mine."

"Me too! Me too, Karl!"

Graaaaaah! These crazy bastards! Are you guys out of your mind?!

I grabbed my head. Then, Luen, who was playing with Marien, came running up to me.

"Dad! Does it hurt?"

"Yeah, it hurts. These four... ahem, your uncles here are bothering me."

"Bothering you? Whyyyyy?"

I'd like to know that too. Why are they doing this?

"I'm going crazy, you guys. You're not just common imperial citizens. You're a Marquises and Counts, does it make sense to get married every month? Huh?"

"What are you complaining about? This is better for you."

"Right. This is all for you, Karl."

Why is my name suddenly coming up again? What did I do?

"Dad. Pick me up."

"Okay, okay. Luen. Just a moment."

"Luen! Won't you hug Uncle Shulifen?!"

"No."

"Cough!"

Nice one, Luen. That's my eldest daughter. Stay in Daddy's arms forever.

Don't sit on the laps of those damn Hydra bastards, no matter how much they tempt you!

"Anyway, why are you bringing me into this? Explain it quickly."

"It's obvious, isn't it? You're not unemployed, you're a Count. And you're even a noble recognized by the church. Imagine calling someone like you every six months, or even once a year."

"..."

That's the reason? Doesn't it seem stranger to call me every month?

"A month is better. At least that way, it feels like it's all over in one go."

"Hey, we adjusted our schedules as much as possible. It's better for you to finish it all within four months. It wouldn't be good if you couldn't come to our weddings because you're having your fourth child."

"...I'll give you that."

Lefia's due date is about six months away, isn't it?

Even so, it's absurd. They suddenly showed up and said, 'Starting with Shulifen, we're getting married in two months! Then Wilhelm in a month! Then Alexander in another month! And finally, Joachim!' How could I keep my composure?

"So, you're saying let's get all the congratulations out of the way in four months."

"That's right, that's right."

"See? We made this decision with you in mind, Karl."

They're truly my friends, but there are no crazier guys than these.

I held Luen in one arm and Marien, who had just toddled over, in the other.

My daughters. Your awful uncles are making Daddy very tired. Sob, sob, sob.

* * *

"Uh, um."

Now almost used to it, I looked at Alexander and my sister-in-law standing in front.

Hmm. If this is the case, Joachim will be winter, but what should I add?

"What a beautiful bride. Having such a woman as your bride, our Count is surely blessed. I think I don't even need to give my blessing."

"Hey, Karl. Come on. Give me and my wife your blessing too."

"Of course I will, so shut up and be quiet, my friend."

With a flourish, I drew my ceremonial greatsword, its blade gleaming in the light that seemed to materialize from thin air with a soft crackle. The radiant energy flowed into the sword, casting a warm glow upon the newlywed couple.

Doing this kind of thing makes me feel strange, like I've become some kind of magical girl or something.

Plus, the guests are looking at me like some kind of angel has descended.

Damn it. This is exactly why I never did this kind of thing.

But I can't just give a normal congratulatory speech and be done with it when these guys are getting married.

Alright. I'll endure it, just one more time playing the crazy guy.

'Now, the last one.'

I don't even know how the past four months have passed.

One thing is for sure, this is almost over.

"To me, this friend, the groom today, Count Joachim Placen of Thieradal, is like winter. At first glance, he may seem cold, but beneath it all, he has the warmest heart."

He's the quietest of the four, but also the most gentle.

That was my short and perfect definition of Joachim.

Perhaps that's why my sister-in-law also seemed very quiet and gentle.

"I hope you will always be there for each other. Be each other's confidant, friend, soulmate, and partner until the very end of your lives."

As my congratulatory speech ended, Joachim smiled faintly.

Unlike the other three weddings, which were filled with boisterous laughter and chatter, Joachim's ceremony was marked by a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

"Bride and groom, please hold each other's hands."

Joachim and my sister-in-law held hands. I gently placed my hand on top of theirs.

Then, a ray of light descended from the sky, gently illuminating their intertwined hands.

"Before me, and in accordance with the will of the light, you two have pledged yourselves to one another. May your journey together be filled with boundless joy and blessings."

* * *

The war-like mission of giving congratulatory speeches at four consecutive weddings was finally over.

I thought my part was done. I was sure of it, but... what's this?

"Isn't it obvious, brother-in-law? You bestowed the light's blessing at the weddings of two Marquises and two Counts. Did you really think others would stay quiet?"

"No, but still. Your Majesty."

"Please bear with it. In fact, didn't you bring this upon yourself, brother-in-law?"

Originally, this was a task for high-ranking priests or cardinals of the church.

Bestowing blessings at the weddings and baptisms of high-ranking imperial nobles.

Somehow, it turned into a strange situation where everyone was desperate for me to do it.

I tried to refuse, saying I was mindful of the church. I tried to say the case of the four friends was special.

But what do you know? Even the church couldn't hide their disappointment when I said I wouldn't do it.

"Don't be like that, brother-in-law. Your blessing is no ordinary blessing."

"..."

This, this is all because of those four! It's their fault! Aaaaaargh!!

[Translator - Angel Dust]

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