I’m an Ordinary Returning Student at the Academy

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

Chapter 162

Marquis Nafplion of the Ifrit family sat quietly in his garden, gazing out at the scenery.

‘It’s about time they arrived,’ he thought, just as one of his knights discreetly approached. The knight delivered the news the marquis had been waiting for.

“My lord, Count Friedrich has just arrived.”

“Show him in immediately.”

A meeting between a marquis and a count of the Empire.

At first glance, this might seem like a meeting for official business, a cooperative relationship with a slight hierarchical difference.

But not this time. Setting aside their titles of marquis and count, they were meeting as fathers of their children.

“Marquis Nafplion.”

“Welcome, Count Friedrich.”

Having conversed several times in social gatherings, there was no awkwardness between them.

In fact, having both served in the Imperial Army, they could be considered close.

To be precise, Count Friedrich was a military man, while Marquis Nafplion, despite his experience as a commander, primarily handled desk work.

He was a figure specialized in the Empire’s civil service.

After exchanging greetings, the two nobles began to inquire about each other’s well-being.

Was everything alright? How was the countess? Were there any troubles in the family? And so on.

Next, as a marquis and a count of the Empire, they briefly discussed the current political situation.

However, that was merely an appetizer for the main topic, a brief mood setter.

“Speaking of which, I heard our wives had a tea party five days ago.”

“Ah, yes. I heard that too, Marquis.”

“It seems they’re thinking it’s time to start preparing. Hahahaha.”

Both the Adelheit and Ifrit families, the Friedrich County and the Nafplion Marquisate, all agreed that Karl and Selena would marry and become husband and wife.

However, they were still discussing the exact timing and how the wedding would proceed.

“Internal family matters are entirely within the domain of the family, so it’s not for me to say… But still, wouldn’t it be nice for our daughter to marry your heir right after he graduates?”

“Of course, we will. I even heard from Karl yesterday that he plans to take Lady Selena with him when he tours the Empire’s dioceses and provinces this vacation.”

“Is that so? Haha. Our daughter hasn’t even told us that yet.”

“I’m sure she’ll tell you today. She must have been busy yesterday.”

Count Friedrich, also a father of a daughter, was sensitive to the fact that Marquis Nafplion’s feelings could have been slightly hurt.

In truth, Rikata had never expressed any discontent about such a matter. Regardless.

“And this is a personal matter, but the people currently staying with our family are merely guests…”

“Not at all, Count. Who could criticize guests welcomed by your family? I understand there must be a reason. It’s truly alright.”

In truth, this was a slightly sensitive issue for Count Friedrich as well.

He had taken in three guests, all of whom had a peculiar relationship with Karl.

Two of them openly expressed their affection, and the other denied it when asked.

No matter how firm the relationship between Karl and Selena was, as parents, they naturally wanted their daughter to be loved wholly.

In such a situation, how would they feel if they heard that their in-laws suddenly took in three girls who were rivals to their daughter?

‘Ceylon also told me to explain this well.’

Count Friedrich had already been warned by his wife. He was told to be careful not to make the in-laws uncomfortable.

So he was a bit worried, but seeing the current situation, it seemed he didn’t need to worry too much.

“In fact, I’m quite pleased. To think Selena will accompany Karl on such an important task of touring the Empire and observing public sentiment.”

“Is that so?”

“Absolutely.”

It meant that his daughter was the undisputed first choice, untouchable by anyone.

And traveling together would bring many social benefits, making it even better.

Count Friedrich, roughly guessing Marquis Nafplion’s inner thoughts, smiled and took a sip of tea.

“However,”

After a moment, the smile faded from Marquis Nafplion’s lips as he continued.

“There is something that concerns me, Count.”

“What is it?”

“There are some voices of concern arising in certain parts of society.”

“Voices of concern.”

The count could roughly guess what the marquis was referring to.

“They say that too much power is being concentrated. The Adelheit family is already the family of the Crown Princess. She will one day become Empress, and automatically, the grandmother of the future ruler of the Empire.”

“That’s true.”

“At the same time, the current heir, Karl, is undeniably the Empire’s war hero, a counterbalance to the Hyzens and Lasker, and a pillar supporting the perfect cooperation between the Empire and the Church.”

“…”

It was practically a hymn of praise for the Adelheits. Hearing this far would be enjoyable, but Count Friedrich was also a member of the Empire’s nobility.

If he failed to grasp the implications at this point, he would be unfit to lead his family.

“But this family is joining with the Ifrit family, one of the most prestigious families in the Empire, so they’re worried that the influence of the two will become too great.”

“Exactly. Ah, of course, it’s not that they’re trying to suppress our two families. It’s just that they’re worried that the existing priority of ducal families in the nobility might be disrupted.”

He understood. It was not unreasonable for such talk to arise.

If it were just the fact that they were the Crown Princess’s family, it wouldn’t be this serious.

But Karl, the heir and future head of the family, had grown too big to be compared to a mere count.

And if he were to marry into the Nafplion Marquisate, their influence would certainly not be seen as just that of a ‘county’.

‘Should I have accepted the offer of promotion when it came?’

Count Friedrich muttered, then shook his head.

His time for promotion had long passed, and more importantly, Karl didn’t seem interested.

He had said that further promotion would only increase his burden, and if he made a mistake, the reputation he had built up would crumble in an instant.

“On the contrary, Marquis.”

Instead, the count chose to share what Karl had once said with his future father-in-law.

“Such concerns might actually be a good thing.”

“Could you elaborate, Count?”

“Karl once said something.”

“There’s a saying, ‘Early success leads to early downfall,’ Father. It means that excessive success at a young age can lead to a quicker fall. It could be due to one’s own carelessness or arrogance, but the envy and jealousy of others can also be a factor. I’m actually worried about that too. So, I thought this.”

Karl’s words continued—

“Instead of being the target of envy and jealousy, I’ll become an ideal to strive for. I’ll push aside actual power and influence, focusing only on honor and glory. That’s why I opposed the promotion. That’s why I refused anything that would strengthen the family’s power.”

“Look, nobles of the Empire. This is the pinnacle of honor that you must reach as a ‘noble of the Empire.’ It’s not just about being a role model, but about becoming a unique characteristic of our Empire’s nobility, completely different from the privileged classes of other nations. I’m going to make sure this happens.”

“Then, many of those who would oppose me will disappear, and instead, future versions of myself will emerge who want to follow in my footsteps. And if I’m surrounded by such nobles, the authority of the Imperial family will naturally rise. That’s why our family will be able to establish firm roots without any wavering.”

Clink—

Putting down his teacup, Count Friedrich shrugged.

“Sometimes, even though he’s my son, I see him differently. How should I put it… It’s as if he’s already lived a life before.”

It was probably just a joke. But Marquis Nafplion gave a rather serious answer.

“Indeed. Compared to other young men, Karl is quite exceptional.”

“Hahaha. Thank you for the compliment, Marquis.”

“I do see the wisdom in Karl’s words. If scrutiny and suspicion are inevitable, it’s wiser to transform those sentiments into admiration. In that light, Karl’s pursuit of honor demonstrates remarkable foresight.”

“You flatter me. There’s no need to praise your future son-in-law so much.”

Praise, you say. Well, is that really all it is, Count? Or should I say, in-law? This goes beyond mere admiration, it’s almost frightening.

Marquis Nafplion quietly took a sip of tea.

* * *

“Aww, that’s mean. You’re just going to run away after I came all this way?”

“Don’t say it’s mean or that I’m running away. I’m not going on vacation, I’m going to work.”

“Have a safe trip, Master.”

“Thanks, Lav. Look, Eloise, Lav is already seeing me off!”

“Please give my regards to Senior Selena, Senior Karl.”

“I will, Junior.”

Being seen off by three women felt a bit strange.

It was even stranger knowing that Selena was waiting for him after this.

He hadn’t cheated, but it felt like he was.

As he took a carriage to the station, Selena, who seemed to have arrived earlier, waved at him.

“You’re early?”

“Yes! I’m so excited to spend a whole month with Karl!”

She seemed thrilled about the trip, using her thesis research as an excuse to travel.

As they say, grad school, along with the military, is a hell that leads to the downfall of life.

“Where are we going first?”

“The south, I guess?”

“And it’s because of that relic, right?”

He nodded with a smile at Selena’s question.

Looking out the window as they boarded the train, he suddenly felt relieved.

If there were multiple relics missing instead of just one, he would probably be the one finding them all.

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

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