I’m an Ordinary Returning Student at the Academy

[Translator - Angel Dust]

[Proofreader - Prototype]

Side Stories 19

As the days passed, Selena's belly grew, and my niece, who constantly asked for her uncle, grew rapidly as well.

The card game, which was meant to be a brief amusement for my academy juniors, swept the nation.

The position of head of the Friedrich family and count, which I had taken over from my father, gave me headaches every day.

Before I knew it, the year had passed, and I was welcoming another new year.

In a few months, I would finally meet our Bom-i.

It was time to start thinking about her real name instead of her nickname, but it was proving to be difficult.

'...Right now, there's a more pressing issue than Bom-i's name.'

Oh dear, the day has finally arrived.

Why am I talking about tomorrow all of a sudden? It's because of this. Ugh.

[ We invite you to the academy's graduation ceremony! ]

[ Please join us in celebrating and blessing the graduates' future! ]

We couldn't reach a compromise. They said there could be an order for the proposals, but not a difference in dates.

They even decided that I should propose to all three of them in turns on graduation day!

Without even listening to my opinion! The three of them! Decided!! And informed me!!!

"What's so trashy about it? If you think about it, marrying four women in the first place is the problem, isn't it?"

"You can just propose in the order of our wedding ceremonies, Orabeoni."

"Ah! Just in case, I prepared separate rings! It's a custom in Lasker to exchange rings!"

...And that's how it ended up. It wasn't a situation where I could say no.

"Wow. My husband is the guy who's going to propose with three rings on the same day."

"You don't have to say it like that."

"It's funny! Ahahaha! Even our Bom-i is kicking, saying Daddy is weird."

Selena, who was next to me, was laughing uncontrollably.

She wasn't usually this expressive, so I guess it must be that funny.

It might be better to believe that she's become a bit more emotional because of Bom-i.

"I'll be back."

"Don't cause any more trouble."

"I doubt there's any trouble bigger than proposing three times."

"That's true. Ah, I heard rumors that Karl isn't the only one proposing? It might be a good thing since the attention will be divided!"

I don't think that's a good thing, Selena. It all started with me, after all.

The fact that proposing at graduation ceremonies has become a tradition because of something I did...

I think I'll die of embarrassment when I'm older.

I'm already shocked that my name is on the card game tournament.

Wasn't the Pension Foundation enough? Why are those four so eager to sell me out?

* * *

"To the esteemed graduates receiving their shining diplomas! First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations!!"

The academy's graduation ceremony was no different from a year ago.

Those offering congratulations and those receiving them. People laughing and chatting, students cheering. Even the graduates who seemed a bit tense about leaving this place to face a new future.

“You will always be proud graduates of our academy. Never forget this, and may you continue to walk the path of life with vigor.”

Following the student representative, the faculty congratulated the graduates.

Receiving diplomas. Exchanging greetings. Showing slightly regretful expressions. Before we knew it, the ceremony reached its final sequence.

“Hurry up and get ready.”

“…Shut up.”

“Come on, don’t be shy.”

“Everyone else is busy. Why are you even here?”

I glared at Alexander, who was snickering beside me.

Last year, it was my graduation, so I was sure the four of them would come. They actually attended and even shouted 'Oooo!’

But this time, it’s different. Though they are my friends, they don’t necessarily have to be here.

Moreover, they are now fully engaged in their duties as Marquises and Imperial Counts. Coming to congratulate on graduation day would be a significant time issue.

For those reasons, I naturally assumed none of them would come this time.

“Wilhelm was going to come too. His schedule happened to be open.”

“But.”

“Shulifen kept nagging him, saying, ‘Why are you going if I can’t?’ They argued until Wilhelm decided not to come.”

“….”

Those guys are still such kids. Are they really Marquises? This is driving me crazy.

“Hey, Karl. You should get going. Your fiances are looking for you.”

“Even if you tell me not to go, I’m going.”

The rings, hmm. At least I’ve prepared them well. Of course, each ring is unique.

The main stone is a diamond for all. The difference is in the surrounding gemstones. Eloise has emeralds, Lav has rubies, and Lefia has sapphires.

Phew. I take a deep breath. Even for me, this is overwhelming. I mean, what kind of crazy person proposes three times in one day...?

“There he is! Karl! Aren’t you too late?!”

“The main character always arrives last.”

“Are you already losing it thinking about proposing three times?”

I’m on the verge of losing it. What am I even doing here?!

With a sigh, I first approached Eloise. Like I did with Selena, I knelt down and tried to lower my voice as much as possible.

“Eloise, I have something to say to you―”

“Enough, just do it quickly. I’m in a hurry. I really want to wear the ring already.”

“….”

I am proposing, right? Not just selling an item?

“No, hey. Shouldn’t we at least set the mood?”

“That’s for the wedding. Hurry up! My ring!”

Did you put a ring on hold with me or something? This is too much!

In the end, I gave up on gently asking, ‘Will you marry me?’

As soon as I slipped the ring onto Eloise's finger, she beamed with joy.

"Yes! Karl, you’re mine now!"

Suddenly, I’ve become a Pokemon. Oh, dear.

"You got it wrong, Eloise. You're the one who belongs to my orabeoni now."

"What are you talking about? Absolutely not!"

"Anyway, please step aside. It’s my turn now."

Lav nudged Eloise aside with her hip and cleared her throat.

She made it clear that she didn’t want to rush through this like Eloise.

So, I took out another ring, knelt down, and, as two people exchanging lives, I asked Lav to spend the rest of her life with me.

From being fellow soldiers and comrades in survival to now becoming husband and wife.

"With my lifelong love, I will be with my master and everything, my orabeoni."

Just today, it’s the second time. If we consider wedding ceremonies, it would be her third. Yet, there was no hint of disappointment on her face. She was smiling so brightly, it almost made me feel guilty.

"Don’t worry, orabeoni."

"Hmm?"

"Just this is enough for me. Being alive and by your side. That’s the happiest thing for me. So, you don’t need to worry anymore."

…She truly is my student. And my wife. She even speaks so beautifully.

"Now, there’s someone else waiting. Lefia? Come over here."

"Oh, you could’ve made the atmosphere a bit nicer!"

Lefia, who had been watching Eloise and Lav, smiled wistfully. Anyone would think she wasn’t the one being proposed to.

"Uh, before we start. Karl, if I faint, you have to save me, okay?!"

"…Are you that nervous?"

"Actually, I’m already struggling to breathe. Haah, haah."

It's finally her turn, and I can't help but feel a bit flustered.

If Selena could see me like this, she'd probably find it adorable. I can't help but imagine having a child who looks just like Lefia someday.

"Well then, Lefia. I apologize that you're the last one to receive a proposal and get married."

"No! You met me last, after all! I'm okay with it. Really!!"

"Well... a little later then. Me first."

"Ah! Sorry! I-I got too excited!"

"Ahem. Then... would you accept this inadequate me as your husband...?"

"Inadequate?! Absolutely not! You're the best!!"

Lefia, what are you doing? You're being proposed to!

I watched Lefia in disbelief as she scratched her cheek again with an ‘Ah!’

Eloise and Lav were giggling at the sight.

It's not one, not two, but three proposals I'm making, and all three are reacting completely differently. It's pretty funny, even to me.

But you know what's even crazier? No one's paying any attention to me.

"Please!! Marry me!"

"I've loved you since forever, Oppa! Will you marry me when I graduate next year?!"

"I'll serenade you with love songs for the rest of our lives! Oh, my soulmate!!"

...This is giving me a headache. Why do we even have this tradition?

* * *

Eloise's wedding is set for this summer.

It seemed fitting to have it when the world is at its greenest. But the most decisive reason was...

"Count! You must hurry! The Countess is in labor!!"

On a day filled with the warmth of spring, Selena and I finally welcomed our own new beginning.

[Translator - Angel Dust]

[Proofreader - Prototype]