I’m an Ordinary Returning Student at the Academy

[Translator - Angel Dust]

[Proofreader - Prototype]

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."

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"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."

Uh, um. Ahem. Get it together. It's starting, it's starting.

"To me, this friend, the groom of today, Marquis Shulifen Rosberg of Adria, is like spring. He sometimes shows a quirky side, but his heart is always warm, and his caring for others is genuine."

Two months later, I found myself not just an ordinary guest at Shulifen's wedding, but unexpectedly tasked with giving the congratulatory speech.

I wonder if this has ever happened before. Usually, elders of the bride and groom's families do this kind of thing.

Or it's common for the imperial family to send someone directly.

This guy isn't even a regular noble, he's a Marquis! What the hell is this!

"I wish you eternal happiness. I, Karl Adelheit, will pray to Goddess that this beautiful couple, married today, will live together forever."

Whatever, I don't care! As I raised both hands, light truly came pouring in with a whoosh!

I was momentarily flustered by the guests' oohs and ahhs, but I quickly made a motion to offer it to Shulifen. Thankfully, the light was tactful enough to cooperate perfectly.

"Groom, Marquis Shulifen Rosberg of Adria."

"Yes!"

"You must make your bride happy for the rest of your life. This is advice from a senior who got married first, so engrave it in your bones and heart."

"I will keep it in mind!"

It was quite funny to see him so nervous when he usually smiled playfully.

My sister-in-law standing next to him was even chuckling.

"Lastly, congratulations on your marriage, Shulifen, you bastard."

"Thanks, Karl. You'll see, I'll live as happily as you."

"I'm going to be the happiest. You're next."

Exactly one month after the first congratulatory speech.

I found myself giving another congratulatory speech at another place.

This time, the main character was, of course, Wilhelm.

By the way, Shulifen, who got married a month ago, was also in the audience.

"Uh, um. To me, this friend, the groom today, Marquis Wilhelm Fritz of Gramstad, is like summer. Very intense, passionate, and hot, but never excessive, a sparkling figure."

Since I said Shulifen was like spring, it's fitting to say Wilhelm is like summer.

It's a bit annoying to do this for big, dark-haired guys, but what can I do?

Hey, don't give me that cheesy look. Trust me, it's worse having to say this stuff than hearing it!

"You must be happy. If I hear that you two fought later, after having someone as great as me give a congratulatory speech, I will judge you in the name of the light."

"Wahahahaha!"

"Hey, Karl! What are you going on about all of a sudden!"

"I'm telling you to be happy, Wilhelm. This is my way of showing how much I care, you idiot."

This time, I quietly reached out and held Wilhelm and my sister-in-law's hands.

Then, the light shimmering through the window gathered around them.

Once again, it was the birth of a couple blessed by the light, by the Goddess.

"I've always been grateful, Wilhelm. And, sister-in-law, please take good care of this guy."

"Same here. As I have until now, and will continue to do so."

"Don't worry, Count Friedrich. We'll live happily."

Of course you should. You can't be unhappy after having the church's noble give a congratulatory speech.

I smiled warmly and offered Wilhelm and my sister-in-law my heartfelt wishes for their happiness.

He always bickers with Shulifen, but they've never truly fought.

I hope that kind heart extends to his wife, children, and his family.

"To me, this friend, the groom today, Count Alexander Edert of Brunne, is like autumn. He strives to bring everything to fruition, always making everyone happy with his abundant heart."

What's this? Deja vu? I feel like I've said similar lines two months ago and a month ago.

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]

[Proofreader - Prototype]