Chapter 522 – Wedding Preparation -4-

“Huh…”

The Emperor of the Empire, Falcone Lancaster, laughed as he looked at the wedding invitation that Roman left behind during his raid.

Roman’s more direct speaking style than usual and his disappearance as soon as he finished speaking gave us a sense of how busy he was ahead of his marriage.

‘You’re in such a hurry.’

Now that there is no sign of the heat subsiding, with dry firewood named Theodor Spenta pouring into the rumor mill in Roman, which was already hot.

I thought this day would come soon.

Even though I had expected that, when I looked at the wedding invitation, I was very embarrassed because the date was right around the corner.

“Hmm.”

Falcone Lancaster thought again about the conversation that passed like an arrow.

The attitude is that if you are going to come to yourself, the emperor, then come, but if you are busy, don’t come.

Additionally, no congratulatory money or property is accepted, so if you really want to do something for Eclair, bring the Silver Wing Knights as an escort to ensure Eclair’s comfortable retirement.

“···.”

The interesting thing is, is it the reality that we cannot be scolded for being rude even after hearing words that are no different from orders?

Rather than letting go of his anger, he is the one who bursts out laughing.

The overwhelming presence and extraordinary feeling I felt when encountering Roman, who had changed in some way.

I understood who was on top, not in terms of social position, but as a living being, and nodded that I understood everything that was said.

As Duke Primiller said, we should be thankful that Roman is even setting foot in the empire.

‘Even while preparing for marriage, you show unexpected eccentricities.’

Rumors about Roman and Theodor Spenta are currently storming.

The upper class of the Harun Empire already knows everything, and word of mouth is now spreading on the streets.

There are such rumors going around.

The emperor immediately understood the purpose of Roman referring to Theodor Spenta as a close friend.

It is natural that the Yongin people will come to the wedding.

It means not to try to pressure the federal government or gain an advantageous position by relying on the outcome of what happened between you and Theodore.

After finishing organizing, the wrinkled corners of the emperor’s mouth rose.

‘The future of the empire will be simple yet painful.’

Should you keep Roman in the empire or let him go in vain?

Those simple requirements will determine the survival of the Harun Empire.

*****

Roman started moving with everyone in the morning with a pile of wedding invitations in his inventory.

The first step was for Ricke to visit her favorite bakery and deliver her wedding invitation.

Her couple celebrated with her daughter Kitty, who happened to be at her bakery, and opened an old-fashioned wedding invitation.

I stuttered as I read the names of the bride’s family.

Then, the smiles disappeared from the couple’s faces and their complexions turned blue.

It’s only a short moment, but it’s a skill I’ve learned while doing business.

I am convinced that Roman is not the person with the same name as the person who has been shaking up the empire recently, but that he is himself.

I recognized that Rike, whom I thought about every day, was a nobleman worthy of her beauty and demeanor.

The couple started to kneel down immediately, showing respect, so Roman supported them.

Because they had expected it, Roman and Rike reacted quickly and consoled the couple diligently.

Even if he asked her to treat him like usual, Rike realized that it would be impossible now and was disappointed. Nevertheless, it is something that cannot be helped.

The young daughter, Kitty, did not understand what was happening before her eyes.

She was happy when I told her that I had prepared a lot of delicious food.

Next, Lofty Academy.

Even though the academy was closed, Dean Doran went to work to process documents related to the audit.

Not only was Doran in the dean’s office, but Roland Wolfgang, the old knight who had recommended Roman to the academy, was drinking.

I was already going to visit, but it turned out to be a good thing.

“Roman, this guy… I thought he would become big! Haha!!!”

“Sending it by mail is enough. It’s an honor to have these old people come and call me.”

Since they are two people who have established themselves in the empire, I have heard rumors about them being connected to Roman.

The moment I met him, I wondered if I should treat him with respect, but Roman’s behavior when he came with his lovers was no different from usual, so I just welcomed him.

“I thought that an instructor who interacted with cadets would tarnish the reputation of the academy.”

“Well, it’s a common thing in aristocratic society. In fact, there are quite a few girls who are doing well but drop out due to marriages within the family. It’s not something that should be considered a flaw.”

“Thank you for saying that. These three will continue to be cadets until graduation, so please take good care of them. Of course, I will continue to be an instructor with Alice.”

“···This is what I have to say. Please take care of me.”

Eclair faced Doran, who had thrown his arm away, and did not say anything other than a greeting.

I cannot offer an apology for my actions in carrying out the Emperor’s orders. Dean Doran Escaro also understood the position of Eclair, who worked for the imperial family, and had no ill feelings.

Rather, I am just thankful that it was cut cleanly.

After leaving Lofty Academy, I went to the lodgings where Lark and Chambers were staying, gave them a harsh invitation, and headed to the capital’s religious order.

We met many people, including Shuel, who was jumping up and down in surprise, and Majella, who bowed to ask for Atra’s help, and greeted them by handing out wedding invitations.

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And the Duke Primiller’s territory arrived via the gate.

Maybe it’s because of Eclair’s past as a squire. It was clear that he was nervous from the moment he stepped in.

“Duke. It’s been a while since I greeted you.”

“””Hello!”””

– Hiss!

“Eclair Dritnaga meets Duke…”

A noisy and refreshing greeting where vitality blooms like a flower.

The Duke of Free Miller opened the door to his mansion, smiling at the heartwarming sight that reminded him of his grandchildren.

Hospitality room without the need to climb stairs.

The duke’s actions of ordering his servants to eat something sweet first seemed very familiar.

“Thank you for coming all the way from the capital.”

“Isn’t it natural to deliver the wedding invitation in person?”

The Duke opened the wedding invitation Roman gave him and couldn’t hold back his laughter.

“This is my first time receiving such a fancy wedding invitation.”

I’m not talking about design. The fact that there is only one groom, but seven brides are truly impressive.

The groom was natural, and the reputation of the brides was also unusual.

‘···Not two or three people.’

I don’t even remember seeing seven brides having a ceremony in one place.

Marrying multiple people at the same time is rare even among nobles.

Originally, the implicit method was to marry the one with the highest reputation and then treat the others as concubines without ceremony.

“Count Dritna.”

“Yes…!”

Eclair, who was straightening his back, let out a voice that strained his stomach.

“Congratulations. It’s like letting go of her daughter if you make a little fuss.”

“Thank you…”

Eclair’s heart trembled at the words the Duke gave her with a warm smile.

I wonder if my lacrimal glands have broken down recently.

Eclair held Roman’s hand tightly to calm his emotions as his vision became blurry.

“Sister…”

Seeing Chloe take out her handkerchief and pack the eclairs.

Roman spoke while looking at the Duke across from him.

“Duke. I have a favor to ask you.”

“Tell me.”

Let’s ask Roman’s understanding for the limited time and bring up the story related to the officiating.

Duke Primiller said it was an honor and expressed his approval without hesitation.

After hearing everyone’s thanks, the Duke put down his teacup and slowly got up from his seat.

“It’s not something to be thanked for. I personally have expectations for you, so I decided to stand.”

“···.”

“I know that saying such things at a time when only my congratulations are to be conveyed is a behavior worthy of punishment, but would I dare to ask for compensation for the officiating?”

“Of course, I think I should repay you with all my heart. Is there anything you want?”

Unlike what Roman was asking, he smiled as if he knew everything.

Asen Free Miller quickened her pace and grabbed one of the swords hanging on the wall.

“He always tries to show serious behavior befitting his position as a duke and knight of the empire, but inside he is always a lively youth, which makes him a burden not only to his wife but also to his children.”

Sreung──!

“””!!!”””

When the duke sharply pulled out his sword, the lovers who were eating cookies like squirrels were startled and stopped moving.

Roman calms down the lovers and gets up.

Duke Primiller let out a long breath towards the ceiling and continued talking.

“All my life, I resented my weak body for not being able to fight for a long time. Thanks to that, I lived with thoughts that I was embarrassed to say out loud.”

“Everyone is like that at heart.”

Now, thanks to Roman, the cause of the problem has been revealed as Nema Natas.

However, it is too late to repair the body broken down by poison.

“I always thought… If I could move my body stably, wouldn’t I have been able to become the strongest on the continent, not the strongest in the empire?”

“···.”

Roman listened to the story and distanced himself from the lovers.

The Duke turned his body to face Roman.

“Besides, I am no longer the strongest in the empire. My shoulders are light, and I feel both happy and disappointed, so this is truly an old man’s strategy.”

“I would do the same. There is no need to think of it as a plan.”

Roman understands emotions that are difficult to explain in words.

“I really wanted to fight Theodor Spenta. How was he?”

“It was strong.”

“Do I look like I have a chance?”

“No.”

“I see… It’s a disappointing story.”

A straightforward answer. Here, an honest answer without comfort is true respect.

“Can you convince me that being the strongest on the continent was just an old man’s foolish delusion? I want to retire with a peaceful mind and no regrets.”

“I understand.”

The duke holding the sword took a standard stance with his bare hands.

“I know that my opponent is not suitable. Nevertheless, just in case, please listen to me.”

“I will listen.”

“If you cause even the slightest injury to the groom before the ceremony, you will be punished by the goddess. It is okay to split the marriage leisurely after the ceremony.”

“Thank you for your consideration. But I have no problem.”

“That’s cool.”

Among the people Roman met, except for transcendental figures like Musin, Duke Primiller had the cleanest posture while holding a sword.

Just by looking at the way he holds the sword and his fingers, you can see the effort he put into carving his bones.

“You will have to do everything you can to avoid regrets.”

“Thank you…”

With permission, the duke’s mana, throwing away hesitation, begins to flow.

The aura that seemed to coat the surface of the sword was transparent and erased the sword from sight, leaving only the handle.

And coo!

A step to narrow the distance and a simple cut with added speed.

At the same time, Roman moved his hand and struck her.

Jjaeang───!!!

A piece of the Roman sword cut in half was stuck in the wall.

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Preparing for the wedding was really hectic.

Roman keenly realized why married people were surprised when they saw their wedding date.

If I had known that the wedding preparations would be this hectic, I might have taken a few more days.

She moved sincerely and was somehow prepared.

The sun rose on the wedding day.