Chapter 258: I’m Going to Be Independent (4)
Chapter 258: I’m Going to Be Independent (4)
Patrick Schneider’s marriage.
The independence of the Schneider territory.
These two pieces of news sent shockwaves through the local populace.
“What? The Young Master is getting married?”
“For real? Seriously? You’re not joking, are you?”
“My younger brother works at the Lord’s manor, okay? He said it’s a done deal.”
“Whoa… Even our Young Master is finally getting hitched.”
“The Princess must have some serious nerves of steel, huh?”
“She’s truly an incredible woman.”
“Honestly, if it were me, I couldn’t do it.”
“I guess being a princess isn’t a job just anyone can handle.”
“Right. You can say that again.”
Let me correct that.
Only one of those pieces of news truly shook the people.
Don’t misunderstand. The people of the Schneider territory sincerely respected and loved Patrick.
“Where else in the world would you find a noble son like our Young Master?”
“Tell me about it. Born into nobility, a literal genius with the sword, yet he never puts on airs. He never bullies commoners, either. There’s really no one else like him.”
“Sure, he drinks a bit, but have you ever heard of the Young Master hitting someone while drunk? Have you?”
“Never. Though I’ve heard plenty of stories about him hitting people while sober…”
“……”
“……”
“……”
“Ahem, anyway, our Young Master is a good man.”
“Right. You can say that again.”
“It’s thanks to the Young Master that we’re able to make a living like this. Isn’t that right?”
“You can say that again.”
That was how much they respected him. However…
Setting aside that respect, if you asked them if they would give their own daughters to Patrick, the answer changed.
“Hahahaha…”
“Hehehe…”
“Hohoho…”
They would simply offer a hollow laugh and slip away.
How could they not know?
What kind of woman could possibly handle that Patrick Schneider?
Of course, they knew of Princess Isabella’s existence.
But whether the marriage would actually be successful remained a question.
The Wife of Patrick Schneider.
Did anyone on this continent actually possess the qualifications for such an extreme profession?
That was their honest sentiment. But then…
“Don’t be shocked. Apparently, two more women besides the Princess are marrying the Young Master!”
“What? Three at once?”
“Daaaamn… I’m jealous.”
“As expected of the Young Master. He’s in a different class.”
“But who are the others? Ah! I bet I know one. It’s Vice-Captain April, right?”
There wasn't a soul in the Schneider territory who didn't know that April harbored feelings for Patrick. The reason no young man dared to offer her even a single flower, despite her insane beauty, was that everyone knew where her heart lay.
“Bingo. And then there’s the Elven Princess… what was her name again?”
“You mean Lady Elione.”
“Right. He’s marrying her too.”
The Elves were already neighbors who had integrated well into the Schneider territory. Harmony with them was vital for the land, so the fact that the representative of their race was marrying Patrick was seen as a positive by the people.
In fact, it was a very good thing.
“But honestly, this goes beyond being jealous. It’s almost too much.”
“Tell me about it. I’ve actually seen all three of them before…”
“Really? When and where?”
“I saw them while delivering food supplies to the Lord’s manor. Their beauty was just… wow. I can’t even put it into words.”
“Ugh… lucky bastard.”
“I’m jealous. I’m so damn jealous.”
While the people were fascinated and envious, they nonetheless offered their congratulations on Patrick’s wedding.
* * *
The day of the wedding.
Count Schneider rushed the proceedings.
Normally, such an event would require at least six months of preparation, sending out invitations and taking things slow. However, he wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible before his son could change his mind.
His wife, Ava, also actively supported the decision, considering it a wise move.
More importantly, she had already been making preparations behind the scenes.
She had even prepared the wedding dresses for the three brides in advance, pulling them out the moment her husband brought up the subject.
And so, the wedding proceeded much faster than Patrick had anticipated.
Tsk. At this rate, not many guests will be able to make it. Sigh… what a waste of all that gift money.
Contrary to Patrick’s thoughts…
“I am Marquis Graham Lowensky.”
“Ah, it is an honor to have you here.”
“My son mentioned he was close with Patrick during their Academy days, so I came to pay my respects. If it’s alright, may I greet him before the ceremony?”
“Yes, of course.”
Starting with Marquis Graham Lowensky, an influential noble of the kingdom…
“I am Count Justin Late, Head Professor of the Academy’s Knight Department.”
“Ah, it is an honor to meet you. Please, come this way.”
“Then, if you’ll excuse me.”
A significant number of high-ranking nobles with famous names gathered.
But that wasn't all.
“I have been sent as a congratulatory envoy in the name of the Pope of the Holy Church State.”
“The Sword Saint of the Empire has personally sent a representative to offer his congratulations to the Double Dragon.”
Even bigwigs from the Holy Church State and the Empire—nations currently at war—sent representatives to celebrate Patrick’s marriage.
Patrick hadn't even sent letters to the Empire or the Holy Church State, yet they had taken it upon themselves to send envoys.
“Thank you for attending. Please, make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the festivities.”
Count Schneider broke into a cold sweat as he continuously greeted these giants. These were figures he might see once in a lifetime, if at all, yet they were appearing one after another.
He felt proud, but the pressure was immense.
Thinking about it again, his son was almost too magnificent for him to handle.
The VIPs were taking their seats, and soon his son would walk down the aisle.
Then, his beautiful daughters-in-law would enter with shy smiles, and after swearing their sacred vows, they would become family.
Just thinking about it made his heart swell…
BOOM!
Just as he was getting emotional, a loud noise erupted from a short distance away from the ceremony.
Over there…?
Sanson came rushing toward the sweating Count Schneider.
“My Lord, we have a problem.”
“What is it? What has he done now?”
He didn't even need to ask who. There was only one person capable of causing trouble here.
“The Young Master is suddenly trying to make a run for it.”
“Guh…!”
It was a single sentence that dropped a bomb right into the middle of Count Schneider’s warm sentimentality.
* * *
“Hey, Patrick, just calm down for a second.”
“I am calm. I’ve finally come to my senses!”
“My friend. Let’s put the swords down first, okay?”
“No! I won’t be fooled. You’re trying to push me into that grave called marriage again, aren’t you?”
“…Isn’t this your first time getting married?”
“Whatever!”
Currently, Patrick was in a sharp standoff, surrounded by friends, seniors, professors, his Orc sworn brother, Elven warriors, and more who had come to celebrate.
In the midst of it all, Patrick’s eyes were darting around desperately, trying to find a way out of this crisis. Now then…
Let’s find out why this madman was doing something so crazy.
About 15 minutes ago…
* * *
“Whew… It’s okay. Everyone does it. It’s fine. It’s fine. At least they won’t put poison in my breakfast and call it a hangover cure. It’s okay. I’m okay. Everything is fine.”
The man pacing around the groom’s waiting room, brainwashing himself, was none other than the world-renowned Double Dragon.
Patrick Schneider.
Watching him, Matthew spoke listlessly.
“What are you so anxious about? You’re the one who volunteered for this marriage.”
“I know. Well, it was about time, and I couldn't just pick one, so I decided to go with all three. Why did I do that? Hahaha…”
Patrick’s eyes rolled nervously.
Just then, Patrick’s seniors walked in.
“Yo, groom!”
“How you feeling? You okay?”
It was Alex, Gerard, Karin, and the others.
They were the seniors Patrick had bonded with while competing in the Arcana. They were now serving as official knights, but they had taken leave just to come and congratulate Patrick.
Of course, their main goal was to tease the soon-to-be-married Patrick.
“Hehehe, your glory days are officially over now.”
As Gerard approached and put a hand on his shoulder, Patrick flinched—a rare sight.
He spoke in a trembling voice.
“Is that so? Is that how it is? It really is like that, isn't it?”
“Keke. From now on, if you stay out drinking until dawn, you’ll have to sneak back into the house like a criminal.”
“……”
A look of pure horror dawned on Patrick’s face. Seeing this, the other seniors joined in on the teasing.
“The honeymoon phase will be nice. But once kids come along? You’ll be pushed to the bottom of the priority list.”
“No way…”
“You’ll just become a machine that brings home a paycheck.”
“Better enjoy yourself while you can. It’ll be a short window of time.”
“Uuuugh…”
Patrick clutched his head in agony.
And the 'kind' seniors sincerely enjoyed their junior’s suffering.
“Hehehe. Even the great Patrick Schneider is finally getting a leash.”
“Tell me about it. Khahaha!”
“Serves you right. I hope the Princess nags your ear off every single day.”
“He has three brides, so he’ll be nagged in triplicate.”
“Khahahahaha!”
The seniors teased Patrick mercilessly. They didn't know when they’d ever get another chance to mess with the legendary Patrick Schneider, so they were making the most of it.
And Patrick…
This is bad. What kind of guts did I think I had to brag about getting married again? Why did I do it? Was I insane?
He was genuinely terrified.
A normal groom would have laughed it off, thinking, ‘Nah, my wives won’t be like that. I’ll just be a good husband.’ But…
Now that I think about it, I really did have to watch my step when drinking after I got married!
In his past life, when he returned from a tavern at night, he had to sneak in on tiptoes like a cat. If he got caught, he’d be lectured to death, and the hangover cure he was given the next day would be laced with Seven-Step Soul-Chasing Poison.
As various memories like these resurfaced, Patrick reached a single conclusion.
“Seniors, thank you.”
“Khaha… Huh? For what?”
“Thanks to you guys, my eyes have been opened.”
“…Wait, to what?”
Something felt wrong. A chill ran down their spines. Just as the expressions of the three seniors began to stiffen, Patrick grabbed his two swords from the side and spoke with grim determination.
“Marriage is not something a human should do.”
“……”
“I’m leaving to find my freedom.”
“…Haha. You’re joking… Gwaaargh!”
The word 'joke' was swallowed the moment Patrick sent Karin flying with a Flash Dragon Strike.
As Patrick attempted to flee…
“Block him! I said block him!”
“Aaaah! Reinforcements! We need reinforcements, fast!”
“Don’t get in my way, you bastards!”
A full-scale clash began between those trying to stop him and the one trying to escape.
Which led to this very moment…
“Everyone, move! Don’t stand in the way of my freedom!”
Patrick was surrounded by the knight order, Elven warriors, Orc warriors, and oh, even the Magic Swordsmen had joined in now.
Regardless, he resisted resolutely while surrounded by an immense force.
“Move while I’m still being nice. If you block me now, I won’t show any mercy.”
Seeing Patrick burning with fighting spirit, Riman, who had arrived late, asked:
“This might be a bit late, but let me ask anyway. Why is that man acting like that again?”
To which Matthew replied, grinding his teeth…
“What’s wrong with that lunatic? The problem is the seniors who provoked the lunatic.”
The gazes of everyone nearby shifted toward Alex and the other two seniors.
The three of them, their faces swollen from the scuffle, flinched and said:
“No, we were just joking…”
“It was just a standard joke to tease a groom at a wedding…”
“Actually, I didn't say anything that wasn't true.”
Karin showed no signs of remorse even now, but he quickly lowered his gaze when everyone glared at him.
Matthew tried to soothe his friend gently.
“Patrick, let’s just calm down. People have gathered from all over the kingdom and even from abroad to celebrate your wedding.”
“Tell them to go home. Don’t they have anything better to do?”
That was the groom’s sincere message to the guests who had traveled far to see him.
Matthew massaged his throbbing temples and said:
“The seniors might have spoken a bit harshly, but think about it. Marriage is good, isn't it? It’s a happy thing.”
“Marriage is good?”
“Of course. You’re marrying three beauties as lovely as goddesses. Others are dying of envy. Isn't that right?”
The crowd around them responded with fervent agreement to Matthew’s words.
“Of course!”
“The Double Dragon is the luckiest man on the continent.”
“An Elf, a Princess, and a beautiful knight… Man, he’s like the protagonist of a hero novel.”
In response to their enthusiastic praise, Patrick said:
“Stew. Stew. That’s why you’re a Stew, Matthew. And not even a beef stew, but a bucket of stew filled with nothing but mushrooms.”
“……”
This son of a…
Matthew wore a sour expression, and Patrick continued, looking straight at him.
“Listen well, Matthew. Marriage is an act where two people who love each other cherish, love, sacrifice for, and respect one another for the rest of their lives.”
“…And?”
“Is that something a human being should do?”
“……”
Ah, I see.
I shouldn't have expected this guy to be able to do what everyone else does.
Then again, perhaps it was too much to ask a Great Demon who crawled up from the depths of hell to live the life of an ordinary human.
Matthew was almost convinced by that logic, but…
“I don’t care about any of that. If you run away now, everything from the construction of the Duchy to a dozen other things will fall apart.”
“So? You’re going to stop me by force?”
“……”
“Kekekeke. You dare try to stop me?”
Patrick, licking his twin blades with his tongue while radiating killing intent… was, honestly, terrifying.
“Everyone…!”
“Hey, hey, calm down. Calm down.”
“Please, you lunatic! Think before you act!”
Desperate pleas were useless.
“Mooooove!”
Filled with a longing for freedom, Patrick charged forward brilliantly.
“Aaaaah!”
“Dammit, block him!”
“Brother! Calm… Gwaaargh!”
Things were broken, crushed, and smashed.
The internationally anticipated wedding was descending into utter chaos. And it was being caused by the groom himself.
The one who finally stopped Patrick’s seemingly unstoppable rampage was…
“My son.”
“Khahaha. Who dares… Huh? Mother?”
It was Ava.
She looked at Patrick and let out a deep sigh. Then she spoke.
“Just what do you think you’re doing?”
At Ava’s reproach, Patrick’s heart almost wavered. But he soon steeled himself and spoke.
“Mother, do not stop me.”
“Stop you from what?”
I need to hear it from your own mouth, my son.
“Your son is going to leave for a far-off place in search of freedom.”
“……”
Ava pressed her hand to her forehead as if she had a headache and let out another sigh. Then…
“If that is what my son wishes, then so be it.”
“Huh? Really?”
“Of course. Who in the world would stop my son from doing what he wants?”
“Mother…”
Patrick was deeply moved.
As expected, his mother was the only one on his side in this world.
He didn't need anyone else. Just his mom.
Ava gave a bright smile to the moved Patrick, opened her arms, and said:
“Come here, my son.”
“Mother!”
Patrick, trembling with emotion, threw himself into Ava’s embrace…
Click.
Huh? I feel like this has happened to me once before.
Patrick, who had tried to fall into his beloved mother’s arms, was dumbfounded to see a handcuff snapped onto his wrist.
And that wasn't all this time.
Click.
Ava snapped the other end of the handcuff onto her own wrist, hugged Patrick’s arm to restrain him, and spoke with a stern gaze he had never seen before.
“Now then, if you want to see your mother die, go ahead and keep acting out.”
“Mother…”
Patrick Schneider: Successfully Apprehended.