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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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It was a kind of agape.
Not in the original sense of God’s unconditional love for humanity, but in the sense that it was unconditional, regardless of whether it was romantic love or not.
After hearing Elena’s answer, my mother felt no need to continue the conversation.
She sighed, even though she knew it was disrespectful to do so in front of a princess. She didn’t need to ask any more questions.
While not in a position of power herself, she prided herself on her ability to judge character. She could tell whether Elena was lying or telling the truth.
Elena’s words had been genuine, without a trace of calculation.
“I don’t think I need to hear anything more from Your Highness.”
“I agree. I didn’t think I needed to explain myself any further.”
“I understand. Now, I’d like to speak with the other… daughters-in-law… if you don’t mind.”
“Very well.”
Elena nodded.
It felt strange to refer to multiple daughters-in-law when she only had one son, but that didn’t change the reality of the situation.
Five daughters-in-law…
My mother closed her eyes at the absurdity of it all, but the other prospective brides’ answers were much the same.
There were some differences, of course.
Arwen, a woman far too engrossed in romance novels, was so nervous she fumbled her words.
Lassiel’s casual demeanor lost her some points.
But their answers were essentially the same.
“Do you really need a reason?”
After all the in-depth interviews, even my mother was muttering the same phrase. Not that their answers were identical, but the underlying sentiment was the same.
And that wasn’t necessarily a good thing.
My mother fell silent, her gaze fixed on some distant point. She could guess how this had happened. The fact that they all gave the same answer pointed to a single conclusion.
“There’s a reason they say there’s no reasoning with someone bewitched by a fox.”
She muttered, shaking her head.
She didn’t know how this had happened, but all signs pointed to her son. Somehow, I had managed to completely captivate these five women.
It was quite an achievement.
Even my mother hadn’t known I possessed such charm. And the women themselves were exceptionally accomplished.
She understood the awkwardness of the situation, and that made it all the more frustrating.
“I can’t separate them, even if I tried… if it were just one, I would have welcomed her with open arms…”
A heartfelt lament.
The die was cast. I was already riding a tiger.
What good would her objection do? Especially since she knew me so well.
I’d joked about throwing dirt on her grave if she objected, but even if she forbade the marriage, I’d probably do it anyway.
Not out of disrespect, but because I was stubborn. Once I set my mind on something, I rarely backed down.
So, finally…
“Call Rudrick in.”
With a weary voice, she called for me.
Once again, I sat face to face with my mother.
She spoke first.
“I’ve spoken to them all.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“They’re not going to change their minds. I didn’t know my son had such hidden talents. You’ve certainly captivated them.”
“Haha…”
I could only offer an awkward laugh.
It was true, though. I had no idea what my past self had done to charm them so thoroughly. All I knew were the snippets of information they’d shared.
“You knew this would happen, didn’t you? This is why they say raising children is pointless.”
“Knew what would happen? What do you mean?”
“You created a situation where I’d be the unreasonable one if I objected, and you’re pretending you didn’t know? I’m your mother. Do you think I don’t know how cunning you can be?”
My mother, normally a refined noblewoman who rarely used such language, was clearly upset.
The situation was that serious.
She glared at me.
To put it mildly, they’d ganged up on her, demanding she agree to this absurd marriage.
Even if they were surrounded by yes-men, they should have known better.
“I only have one son, and I spoiled you…”
“Mother, that’s not entirely fair. A few months ago, you were nagging me about not being married…”
“Your father was nagging you, not me.”
“You panicked every time he said anything. You’re completely whipped…”
“Ahem!”
A fake cough interrupted me.
I understood.
Some truths were better left unspoken. Even if my mother was henpecked, it was still embarrassing to have it pointed out.
This wasn’t the time for petty arguments.
“I won’t object.”
“Really?”
“You’ve already made it impossible for me to object, and you’re asking ‘really’? Is that how I raised you?”
Well…
It wasn’t exactly a threat, but it was close.
Putting myself in her shoes, how could she object when a princess had come to her house and knelt, begging for her son’s hand in marriage?
If Elena had planned this, she was truly brilliant.
“I didn’t exactly plan for this to happen.”
“Do you think I’ll believe that?”
“What kind of ungrateful child would come to their parents and practically force them to agree to a marriage?”
My mother looked at me skeptically, and I protested.
I understood her perspective, but I felt a little wronged.
It wasn’t like I had commitment issues and couldn’t choose just one woman. I’d simply accepted the situation, trying to be open-minded, and this was the result.
I couldn’t exactly go back in time and tell my past self to be more careful.
The best I could do was accept my fate.
“I have one question.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
My mother’s expression turned serious.
She looked at me silently for a moment, then asked cautiously,
“Since I’m not objecting, you’re going to get married, aren’t you? I’ll have five daughters-in-law, even though I only have one son.”
“Of course. Elena’s been cooped up for a week, planning the wedding.”
“But will you truly be happy?”
“Happy…?”
A heavy question.
Would this marriage make me happy?
It felt like I’d been hit by a hammer. I’d overlooked something so obvious.
Marriage.
It wasn’t something to be taken lightly. Most noble marriages were political, but the most important thing, both in this life and my past one, was whether I could be happy with this person for the rest of my life.
It wasn’t something to be done simply because everyone else was doing it.
My mother had pointed out something I’d missed, perhaps because I’d been too influenced by this world’s values.
I had a moment of reflection.
“If I get married… if I get married…”
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