I’m an Ordinary Returning Student at the Academy

[Translator - Angel Dust]

[Proofreader - Prototype]

Side Stories 24

Pure white snow falls heavily. It's as if the Goddess is blessing this day as well.

Of course, when I was in the military, there was nothing worse than this.

It's like magical trash that keeps piling up no matter how much you shovel it away.

Fluffy white snowflakes falling from the sky? More like a shower of bullets.

"I can tell exactly what you're thinking, Sergeant Karl Adelheit."

"What? What did I do?"

"You were just looking at the snow with a chilling expression."

The Imperial Sharpshooter Brigade, established with Lav's help. And Major Magi, now assigned there. Well, I witnessed his shooting skills firsthand—he's definitely qualified.

"It's a relief to have Major Magi here today, as I'm quite busy."

"Ahahaha. I heard the reservists teased you last time."

"They asked how it felt to get married every six months. I was utterly speechless."

Hearing that, the people from my family were shocked and glared at the reservists. But I was fine. Really. It didn't bother me at all. I even chuckled along.

Some say that even if I don't mind, I should maintain the distinction between commoners and nobles.

They say that upholding established boundaries is crucial for the stability of society. That's how a noble is expected to behave. It's a matter of social order and decorum.

But, how can I do that? Me, of all people. I'm the one who shared the hardships of the battlefield with them, shoulder to shoulder, facing the same dangers and losses. We've forged a bond through those shared experiences, and sometimes, we joke around, even if it's a bit too much, to cope with those memories.

"Ah, and I heard your second wife is pregnant. Congratulations."

"Oh, don't even get me started. You have no idea what kind of battle I went through with Eloise, Major."

"E-excuse me?"

"You'll understand when you get married."

Surprisingly, Major Magi isn't married yet, nor is he seeing anyone. I was curious how a promising figure in the military could be like that, so I did some digging. And wow, our Major Magi is quite the introvert.

"I should head to the groom's waiting room now. Ah, I'll set you up on a blind date, so go out and meet someone. How long are you going to stay single?"

"I-I'm still comfortable being alone?!"

"Loyalty to the military isn't the only form of patriotism. Having children... that's patriotism too."

After patting Major Magi on the back, I headed to the groom's waiting room.

The rest was the same as with Selena and Eloise.

Greeting guests, laughing and chatting with them, even indulging in some playful banter.

In the midst of it all, Selena came to me, flustered, saying Luen was looking for her daddy.

I thought that being my third time, I'd be better at this than the previous two. I thought I wouldn't be nervous, and that I'd be able to tell the bride I loved her without hesitation.

"...Orabeoni?"

"Oh, uh, sorry."

But instead, I just stared blankly at Lav during the most crucial part, the ring exchange.

This is a bit dangerous. Wow, I never imagined Lav could look this beautiful. She always wears her uniform, and most of the time, I only see her bare face without any makeup. Now I realize how much she can transform.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, it's just... I can't believe my eyes."

"What do you mean?"

"Lav, I never knew you could be this stunning."

Lav tilts her head at my words, then pouts her lips.

"That's a bit rude, don't you think? Did you assume I wouldn't want to look my best for you? Things just kept getting in the way."

"I apologize. But that just means you look even more breathtaking now."

I put the ring on Lav's finger.

I just realized Lav's hands have more calluses than I thought. It makes sense. She might have fought in as many battles as I have, or even more. I hope from now on, these hands will only touch me and our child, not a gun.

"I have a question."

While receiving everyone's blessings during our third wedding march as a couple, I decided to ask something I'd been curious about.

"Aren't you upset?"

"What do you mean?"

"You've loved me for so long, yet you're my third wife..."

"What difference does it make if I'm the third or the last? Are you planning on rationing your love?"

Her remark is sharp. Like a true sharpshooter, she accurately targets my heart. As I stammer, Lav turns slightly and continues.

"If not, then it's okay, Orabeoni. My Master."

With those words, Lav and I shared a passionate kiss as husband and wife.

It was a day with heavy snowfall, a month after the new year had dawned.

* * *

"Paa~ Paa!!"

"Oh my! Luen, what's making you so happy?"

"Paa! Paa!!"

"I think she's not just happy, but looking for something."

Selena, now exuding a motherly aura, and Eloise, not yet showing signs of pregnancy. And Lefia, standing guard right next to them, worried that Luen might get hurt.

The three women were taking care of the little angel who was excitedly shouting something in front of them.

"Did Karl arrive safely?"

"Yes, he contacted me yesterday."

"Tsk. I told him to contact me too."

"I told him not to. He's newly married, he needs some space."

It was the same when Selena got married, and when Eloise got married—for at least a month, Karl refrained from personal contact with other women. It's a small gesture of respect, allowing him to focus on his new wife and their budding relationship.

"Hey, won't Karl get in trouble with his father-in-law later?"

"What? What are you talking about, Eloise?"

"Well, he inherited the title of Count, but he's been acting as the Count's proxy for over a year and a half now because of all these weddings."

Officially, Karl's title is Count Friedrich and the head of the Adelheit family. However, due to the consecutive weddings and unexpected events in between, the vacant position of Count and head of the family has been filled by the previous Count Friedrich.

"Well... I think Father will understand. Honestly, if he's tired, he can just take Luen with him, and he'll be refreshed in no time!"

"I agree!"

"Tsk, she's getting too much love. What if our baby doesn't get any attention from Grandpa when it's born?!"

"Don't be silly. He wouldn't do that."

"Ha-boo-ah! Ha-boo-ah!!"

At the mention of ‘Grandpa,’ Luen suddenly raised her head and looked around.

It's a natural reaction, considering how much he dotes on her, just like her parents.

Selena was about to say, ‘Grandpa isn't here yet,’ when...

"...Huh?"

"Huh?"

Selena, who had been leaning back comfortably, bolts upright.

Eloise, who was practically lying down, widens her eyes in disbelief.

Lefia, who was right next to them, was already stunned and speechless.

"Just now, right?"

"I think so? Oh, yes! Yes!!"

"Right! Right! Waaaah!!"

"Oh my goodness! Luen! Our daughter!"

"Abooo?"

It's a wobbly stance, but she definitely stood up. On her own. Without leaning on anything. On her tiny two legs. Seeing this, Selena frantically searches for something.

"The communication device! Where's the magic communication device?!"

"Huh? You're not going to call Karl, are you?"

"He'll understand! So will Lav!"

Eloise nods in agreement.

Any mother would react the same way. The moment a child stands on their own and takes those first wobbly steps... it's a milestone worth sharing.

[ Selena? What's wrong? ]

A moment later, Karl's image appears on the communication device, wearing a robe.

Lav, who was beside him, looked worried by the sudden call.

"Karl! Karl! Look, look! You have to see this!"

[ What is it? Did something happen? ]

"Something did happen! Just look, Karl!"

The two women turn the communication device towards Luen.

"Aboo?"

Luen tilts her head, wondering what's going on. But soon, she saw her father's face on the communication device and gave a bright smile.

"Paa! Paaa!!"

[ Uh, huh? Oh my goodness, is she walking?! ]

"Yes! Karl! Lav! She's walking! Our Luen took her first steps!!"

Luen's energetic steps only lasted for two steps.

She plopped down with an ‘Aboo!’ and crawled the rest of the way.

But for her father, her mother, and the two women who would someday become mothers themselves, there was nothing more amazing.

"Can't we record this?"

"Hold on, I have a video recorder."

[ Why do you have that, Eloise...? ]

"Call it an occupational hazard. I still have a few, just in case I need to record a confession."

I hope our little one takes after the father, not the mother.

[TL/N: 😭]

Karl silently prays for the baby in Eloise's womb.

"Okay... it's ready. Luen?! Look at Auntie! Can you walk again?!"

[ Luen! Look at Aunt Lav! Come on, walk again! ]

"Everyone, calm down. Karl, you call Luen."

Selena gently took the communication device and placed it a short distance away.

Karl then says, ‘Luen! Come to Daddy! Daddy!’

"Paa! Paa!!"

As if not to disappoint, the eldest daughter of the Count family takes her first steps. It's a bit precarious, but she manages to take five steps and finally reaches her father.

"Good job! Luen! You did so well!!"

[ You got all of that recorded, right? ]

"Of course. What do you take me for?"

Perhaps this video will be watched even decades later.

Karl and Lavrenti on the other side of the communication device, and the three women with Luen, all thought the same thing.

[Translator - Angel Dust]

[Proofreader - Prototype]