Chapter 259: Can I Do This Well? (1)
Chapter 259: Can I Do This Well? (1)
“The groom is entering.”
The voice of Lawrence, the former butler of the Schneider Baron’s Family who was presiding over the ceremony, rang out.
Having retired and laid down his burdens, Lawrence’s only hobby these days was tending to his garden. However, upon hearing that Patrick was getting married, he had prepared for this wedding with a passion that seemed like the final flare of his life’s flame.
At his call, Patrick, dressed in a tuxedo, stepped into the hall.
“Ho, so that man is the Double Dragon.”
“Indeed. It’s my first time seeing him, but I can tell at a glance he’s an incredible swordsman.”
“True. But…”
“Why is he entering with his mother?”
“Who knows? I’ve seen the bride enter with her father, but… this is a first.”
“Is it a local tradition?”
The guests were curious. Why was the groom arriving so closely attached to his mother, arm-in-arm?
Some noticed something silver and glinting between the two, but they couldn't even begin to guess what it was.
Amidst this peculiar entrance, Ava whispered in a low voice.
“Smile. Smile as if you’re joyful and happy.”
“Motheeeer.”
“I said, smile.”
“……”
The great Patrick Schneider.
In all his past and present lives combined, he had never been so perfectly suppressed. Even if he wanted to run, he couldn't bring himself to blow his mother away to escape. Meanwhile, his mother was monitoring him with a level of strictness he had never seen before.
Since this was an unfamiliar situation, he didn't even know how to react.
As he hesitated and wavered…
“The brides are entering.”
Butler Lawrence finally uttered those words.
Damn it, should I run now? I’ll just sever the chain of the handcuffs with a hand-blade strike and bolt. Right. Let’s do that.
“Twin Dragons Eight Sword Styles, Second—”
Just as Patrick was about to move his energy.
“Oh… Ohhh…”
“Whoa…”
“Ha… Haha…”
The brides entered.
In that instant, every single person attending the wedding was left dazed.
April, Elione, and Isabella.
The moment the three beautiful brides appeared on the red wedding aisle in their white dresses, everyone was rendered speechless.
I heard they were beautiful, but…
Which one is the Elf? I thought the most beautiful one would be the Elf, but this is…
Wow, this is… I expected a lot, but this is too much.
That bastard Patrick…
Honestly, I’m jealous. No, I’m insanely jealous.
There’s a limit to being pretty and beautiful. This was beautiful to a degree that far exceeded any reasonable limit.
Elione, an Elf—a race known for beauty—was one thing. But what about the other two, who stood beside her without looking lacking in the slightest?
It wasn't one, or even two, but three.
Three beauties so stunning that one would wonder if their like could be found again even if the entire continent were searched, were all becoming one man’s wives.
And then, the guests saw it.
“Hehehe…”
One incredibly obnoxious man smiling with his mouth hanging wide open.
“Wow, that guy…”
“Look at him, just look at him…”
“Is that the same guy who was throwing a fit about not wanting to get married a moment ago?”
“If he weren't my superior, I’d just…”
“If I were just a bit stronger than him, I’d just…”
Those who had desperately tried to stop Patrick from fleeing earlier—and had been beaten for their troubles—gnashed their teeth as they glared at him.
Some even radiated killing intent, but Patrick didn't care in the least. All his focus was concentrated on the three brides approaching him step by step.
Wow… they’re pretty. Really pretty. Insanely pretty. How can humans be this beautiful?
He knew they were pretty, but seeing them dressed up like this made them look overwhelmingly gorgeous.
All three of these beautiful women are my wives? I’m allowed to do this and that with all of them?
“Hehehehe…”
Ava sighed as she looked at her son, who had completely unraveled, and unlocked the handcuffs. As her future daughters-in-law approached, she gave Patrick a gentle nudge on the back.
“I’ll leave him in your hands.”
“Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll take good care of him.”
“……”
I wasn't talking to you.
Well, whatever. Ava let out a small sigh and went to take her seat.
And so, the ceremony began.
The wedding proceeded smoothly. The groom and brides exchanged vows, performed a formal exchange of gifts, and shared a kiss of oath. With this, they officially became husband and wives.
The surrounding guests clapped and offered their congratulations. However, a significant number of them clicked their tongues in regret.
Taking three wives at once must be his way of cutting off any room for political marriages.
Baron Schneider isn't exactly a skilled politician. This must have been the Double Dragon’s own idea.
What a shame. A real shame.
Patrick was a coveted son-in-law, one of the best on the entire continent. Even if it wasn't as a primary wife but as a concubine, there were plenty of people willing to offer their daughters.
But there was a limit. It was difficult to push one’s daughter onto a man who had just accepted three wives simultaneously. One could do it if they were thick-skinned enough, but it wasn't easy.
Furthermore, the Schneider family had no other children, and the Baron and his wife were famous for their deep affection for each other. In short, attempting a political marriage would be impossible for the time being.
Those who were particularly well-informed felt the regret even more keenly.
We should have caught him somehow.
Tsk, it’ll be much harder to catch him from now on.
These were the people who knew what was about to happen next.
* * *
At the end of the wedding…
Just as the groom and brides were exiting via the aisle and the guests were about to move to the banquet hall.
“Baron Schneider, please step forward.”
Count Hembridge, who had come as the royal envoy of the Atronia Kingdom, stood up and spoke in a solemn voice.
At that, Baron Schneider rose from his seat with an expression that said he knew this was coming. Beside him, Ava looked at her husband with a gentle smile, her eyes full of support.
Baron Schneider knelt before the envoy in front of everyone and bowed his head.
“Jacob Schneider, I heed the royal command.”
The others hadn't quite grasped what was happening yet. Count Hembridge pulled a rolled parchment from his robe and began to read.
“The Schneider family has long fulfilled its duties as a vassal of the Atronia royalty. Furthermore, no one can deny the distinguished service they have rendered to the development of the kingdom. Therefore…”
Count Hembridge paused to steady his breathing before continuing the decree.
“In the name of King Fiesto Cloria Atronia, the 14th ruler of the Atronia Kingdom, I hereby elevate the Schneider family to the rank of Grand Duke and recognize the Schneider territory as a Principality with independent sovereign rights.”
“I am merely grateful for His Majesty’s grace.”
Baron Schneider—no, now Grand Duke Schneider—solemnly accepted the appointment.
The guests who witnessed this scene broke into a loud stir.
“A Grand Duke? Just now… then…”
“An independent state? Elevating the Schneider Baron’s Family at this point in time?”
“Ho, what does this mean for the future?”
“Hmm…”
The guests, witnessing the birth of an unexpected Grand Ducal family, were in an uproar. However…
Clap, clap, clap…
“Congratulations, Your Grace, Grand Duke Schneider.”
“Your efforts have finally been recognized.”
“My sincere congratulations.”
Those who had already heard of the situation took the lead in applauding and congratulating him. Seeing this, the others followed suit.
Of course, their minds were still racing.
It may be called a Principality, but with the Schneider family’s current military strength…
It’s no less than a kingdom.
The presence of the Double Dragon alone makes them equal to most kingdoms…
Hahaha, I’ll have to make sure I stand on the right side of this.
If it’s like this, I don’t care if it’s a fourth concubine or even the tenth. I’m pushing my daughter in no matter what.
As politicians sensitive to power, they couldn't help but have many thoughts. And those who were quick to act moved immediately.
“Congratulations, Your Grace. I am Viscount Kantor. I have long admired Your Grace’s reputation.”
“Ahem, how can someone not from the Eastern Region… Your Grace, I am Baron Sardain. If you trace my bloodline back five generations, my roots are in the East. It is an honor to meet you.”
“Khmm, Your Grace, my son once received a beat—I mean, a lesson from the Young Master of the Schneider family at the Academy.”
Even for nobles, there are times when practical interests take precedence over dignity. They scrambled to approach Grand Duke Schneider, introducing themselves and trying to establish a connection.
Seeing them so desperate to create even the slightest bond, Grand Duke Schneider responded with a kind, genial smile. Internally, however, he stayed sharp and alert.
I must not show any openings. From now on, I must become accustomed to these political conversations.
It was different from when he was just a minor rural noble. To rule a Principality as the head of a Grand Ducal family, he had to change as well. In any case, the true glory of the Schneider family would unfold once his son took over, but until then, he had to hold the position securely.
Isn't that right, my son?
Grand Duke Schneider looked at his son with a proud expression. Just by standing there with a reliable look and his mouth firmly shut, his presence was extraordinary. How could such a son have come from him?
His eyes grew misty just looking at him. He was the proudest son in the world, a son far more wonderful than he deserved. Surely, his son’s head was currently filled with thoughts about the family’s future and their next steps.
Since he’s a wise and meticulous fellow… he must have a plan.
In reality, a very meticulous plan was indeed being formed in Patrick’s head.
First is April. Then tomorrow is Isabella-sunbae. And the day after that, Elione…
He was planning very meticulously indeed.
* * *
The banquet after the ceremony.
Patrick and Grand Duke Schneider had to move busily to attend to the guests. Patrick’s mind was elsewhere, but knowing how important this was, he participated quietly.
“Your Grace, congratulations once again on becoming the ruler of a new nation.”
“Hahaha, it’s not because I did anything special.”
“Back when you were the Schneider Baron’s Family, I never imagined a day like this would come.”
“Indeed. It is truly remarkable.”
“If there’s a secret, please share it with us.”
To the nobles’ questions, Grand Duke Schneider simply replied with his characteristic kind smile.
“What could I have possibly done? It’s all thanks to my son being so exceptional.”
“Hahaha…”
“Young Master Schneider is indeed outstanding.”
“Khmm, he is truly a great figure.”
At the Grand Duke’s words, several nobles felt genuine envy. In truth, only twenty years ago, the Schneider territory was a rural land so obscure you couldn't even find it on a map.
But now, its fame rang across the entire continent. With this wedding as the catalyst, they had even received formal permission for independence from the royalty, reborn as a new nation. The genial middle-aged man before them had risen from a rural Baron to the founder of a royal line.
To be honest, the other nobles were green with envy. If the Grand Duke himself had achieved this through his own merit, they might have accepted it, but…
It’s all because of his son, isn't it?
Damn it, if only I had a son like the Double Dragon…
What a lucky man…
To think a man who wouldn't have even dared to look me in the eye before is now a Grand Duke.
In the eyes of others, Grand Duke Schneider was merely a lucky man who had succeeded because he had a good son. While they laughed and offered congratulations outwardly, their words were laced with subtle thorns.
Tsk, tsk, tsk, you bunch of idiots…
Patrick clicked his tongue inwardly as he watched the nobles sarcastically envying his father.
Yes. To put it bluntly, it was true that Patrick had elevated the family. But the reason Patrick had worked so hard and dedicated himself to the family was because the head of this house was Jacob Schneider.
What if the family Patrick had been reborn into was just an ordinary noble family, and his father was an arrogant noble full of a sense of authority and elitism? Patrick would never have dedicated himself to the family like this.
At most, I would have left the family to avoid the filth and made a name for myself alone.
They didn't know. They didn't know how difficult it was to not just learn about goodness, but to actually practice it. He wasn't looking for recognition. He wasn't doing it for a reward. He simply did good because it was good.
Did that look easy?
You lot couldn't do it even if you were told to.
Stupid fools. Part of him wanted to smack them all and make them shut up. However, if Patrick stepped forward to deal with them now, it would turn his father into a complete puppet Grand Duke. He couldn't let that happen.
He has to do his part.
Though he was a bit soft now, they say the position makes the man. If he kept at it, he would eventually get the hang of it.
The banquet continued late into the night. Patrick didn't leave his spot until the very end, just in case something happened. Seeing the envoys from the Holy Kingdom and the Empire—who were currently at war—exchanging subtle vibes, and the envoys from various nations testing his father, he couldn't bring himself to leave early.
It was 3:00 AM by the time the banquet finally wound down. Only then was Patrick liberated.
“Whew…”
After using his internal energy to completely clear the alcohol from his system.
Finally.
Patrick steeled his heart and opened the door. It was the first time in this life that the simple act of opening a door made his heart race like this.
And inside that door…
“You… You’ve come, Young Master?”
“Patrick-nim…”
“You’re… too late.”
Three brides, just as nervous as Patrick, were waiting.
April, who couldn't even meet Patrick’s eyes and was clearly tense. Elione, whose eyes held a gaze that went beyond desire into a sort of madness, as if she were about to devour him. And Isabella, who spoke bluntly but whose face was as red as an apple…
The three beautiful brides had waited for Patrick until this late hour.
Hmm… let’s see, so today is…
Patrick agonized. There were three brides, but two had to be sent away for now. But what should he say to send them off?
How can I do this so they’re hurt as little as possible?
It was then. While Patrick was worrying, Isabella gave April a light nudge on the back, pushing her toward him.
“Princess.”
“You’ve known him the longest, haven't you?”
Isabella was yielding the first night with Patrick to April. April was flustered by her consideration, and Elione…
“Wait? If we go by the order we met, I’m last?”
“So what? You don’t like it?”
“Of course I don’t!”
“Then how should we decide?”
“Let’s do Rock-Paper-Scissors.”
Elione protested fiercely, but Isabella shook her head and said, “Forget it, let’s go.”
She then personally took Elione and left the room. Elione kept shouting for Rock-Paper-Scissors even as she was dragged away, but she was flatly ignored.
And then, the bedroom was left with just the two of them. Patrick approached April and stroked her cheek.
“To be honest…”
“……”
“I didn't have this in mind when I first took you in.”
At Patrick’s words, April nodded. In fact, she still couldn't believe it. The fact that she had actually married the Young Master.
Was all of this perhaps a dream? What if she woke up and they went back to their old relationship? She was filled with such anxiety.
To her, Patrick said, “But you see, now that it’s come to this, the thought of another man being by your side… I honestly couldn't stand it.”
“Young Master…”
“So I’ll promise you now. I will take responsibility for you until the very end.”
Then, Patrick’s lips gently met April’s. It was the first kiss of Patrick Schneider’s life.
As they kissed, Patrick’s hand moved softly. And as he moved the strap of the dress resting on April’s shoulder…
Slide.
The evening dress brushed against her skin as it fell. Then, the soft light of the lamp illuminated everything about her.
“……”
Patrick couldn't say a word at the breathtakingly beautiful sight. Not even an exclamation escaped him. It was a beauty that made one lose their soul.
Patrick then laid April down on the bed.
And then…