Chapter 196

Chapter 196

From Cosmic Rascal to Professor.

Episode 196: Bigamy (1)

Ceti let everything go.

It was over.

She had not become the head of the family; all the glory had gone to her third brother.

Though she felt a tinge of regret, there was no remorse.

“Well, Aidel child?”

“Aunt, that title is rather…”

“Why shouldn’t a child be called a child?”

Arnold’s sister, Fione Reinhardt, chuckled as she ascended the podium. Behind her, the council elders sat in their chairs – some wearing pleased expressions, others frowning.

Unfolding a paper, Fione spoke:

“Name: Aidel von Reinhardt. You have rebuilt the Ether Belt and developed the Quantum Gravity Resonator, saving countless lives. These achievements are worthy of recognition as turning points in human history.”

Cadric gritted his teeth while Brian quietly stroked his chin.

Ceti lifted her chin, the corner of her lips curling upward.

“The three papers presented align with the individual’s goal of driving out the Outer Gods. The Council highly values your sincerity and sense of purpose. Furthermore, this has thoroughly proven your capability for the position of the family head.”

Yes, she had lost, but she fought well.

Fione delivered her conclusion:

“Therefore, based on the comprehensive judgment of this Council, Aidel von Reinhardt is hereby appointed as the next head of state. That is all.”

Applause erupted immediately.

After setting down the speech, Fione picked up a white cloth – a gown typically worn by doctors or scientists.

“Come here, my child.”

“Aunt, please…”

“Try it on. Let’s see if it fits.”

Aidel sighed and donned the gown. It was special attire bearing the Reinhardt family crest, identical to the one worn by the current head, Arnold.

Aidel rolled up his sleeves and asked.

“Aunt, am I a doctor now?”

“Yes. A quack doctor, to be precise.”

Fione chuckled. Ceti overheard and couldn’t help but suppress a smile.

“Boy, you’ve turned out well!”

Dressed in the gown, Aidel cut a striking figure that could captivate many women’s hearts. He looked like he had stepped straight out of a medical drama. Even his relative, Ceti, had to admit he was handsome.

“Our boy, are you going to break many hearts?”

“No, Aunt.”

“Remember this: if there’s a problem with your waist, see your uncle; if you have a child, see your little aunt; and if there’s a problem down there…”

“Aunt!”

“Yes, you should come to me. You understand, don’t you, our Aidel?”

Aidel held his forehead and attempted to return to his seat. Fione offered one final piece of advice:

“Aidel, some adults here still disapprove of you. If you want proper recognition, you must continue working hard. You understand that, right?”

“Yes, thank you for your concern.”

“Good. Now, go see your father.”

Subsequently, Aidel had a private audience with Arnold.

“…So, it’s finally you.”

“It seems so.”

Arnold reflected on the past.

Just three years ago, the situation had been entirely different. Aidel, living as a scoundrel, had been destined for expulsion from the family if he couldn’t prove his worth.

However, now…

“Impressive.”

The selection of the family head was influenced by the Council of Elders. Staying in their good graces typically increases one’s chances of becoming head. Yet Aidel had proven himself purely through his abilities, without relying on such means.

“From now on, you are the acting head of the Reinhardt family. Once you graduate from college, I will formally pass the position to you.”

Aidel nodded as Arnold continued delivering only essential information. Pointing at Aidel’s left hand, he added.

“Remember, part of the reason you could become head is thanks to that ring. If your fiancée hadn’t attended medical school, you might have lost to your brother.”

Aidel thought of Zelnya’s face.

The medical society was exclusive. Connections and university affiliations were crucial factors.

Having Zelnya as a wife helped cover Aidel’s shortcomings as a physics graduate.

While Zelnya seemed to believe she only received help from Aidel, in reality, she was also helping him.

Both openly and beneath the surface, they were necessary to each other.

“I will keep that in mind.”

Aidel chuckled and returned to his seat.

“Everyone, please listen.”

Arnold’s voice boomed through the microphone.

“My third son is now the heir apparent. Besides criminal or special circumstances, there will be no reversal. We will complete the succession process over the next year, so please forget the past and support him wholeheartedly.”

Some nodded while others sighed. Among the latter was Brian, who rose from his seat as soon as the succession ceremony ended.

“Brother, where are you going?”

“I have to go. It’s all over.”

Brian was the first to leave. The elders who still supported him tried to stop him, but it was too late. He vanished into the darkness.

Cadric quickly followed.

Brian had gone to the rooftop. Leaning against the railing, he gazed desolately at the night sky as if seeing his former self from moments ago.

As Cadric approached from behind, Brian spoke.

“It’s really over now.”

It was a lament.

“Brother, let’s pack up and get ready to leave.”

“What are you talking about?”

Cadric retorted angrily.

“Do you want to watch our family’s ruin while a physics graduate just stands by?”

“So what if it’s physics? He has proven himself with his abilities.”

“Brother, I told you last time and again today. The Reinhardt family is a medical family, so the head should be a doctor. Have you forgotten?”

Brian turned around and answered.

“His future wife is a doctor. That swayed the Council’s opinion.”

“It’s not over yet.”

“What’s not over?”

Brian passed by Cadric and slumped onto a bench, appearing lethargic, as if afflicted with depression.

This couldn’t end like this. Everything about Reinhardt was at stake – the family’s wealth, the core of the medical network, universal fame, and power. Everything stood on the brink of being lost.

“Brother, let’s discuss just one thing.”

He had to persuade Brian.

“You and I both have ambitions, right? Doesn’t this feel wasteful? Do we really have to watch that guy take everything?”

“You heard what Father said earlier. Unless he commits a crime, there’s no way to bring him down.”

“Then we just need to make him a criminal.”

At that moment, Brian shot Cadric a piercing glare.

“Are you serious about what you’re saying?”

“Well, I…”

Cadric quickly racked his brain. He didn’t want to compromise his morals just for the position of family head.

“Fiancée.”

“Fiancée?”

“Aren’t the Adelwein family somewhat shady? We could use that. Or, since both have become heads of their families, we could discuss who should give up their family business…”

“Yes, the latter. The latter sounds good.”

Brian clapped his hands and stood up. His attitude shifted completely, a smile spreading across his face as if he had been waiting for Cadric’s answer. A dry laugh was clearly evident.

Cadric, unable to adapt to his brother’s sudden change in demeanor, became flustered. Brian patted him on the shoulder and said,

“Cadric, I was waiting for you to say that.”

From the beginning, Brian had intended to test Cadric.

“Father, there’s a problem.”

“Speak.”

“I have no complaints about Aidel becoming head. But I heard his fiancée is also a family head.”

Arnold sighed.

“Indeed, my firstborn. You’ve pinpointed it exactly.”

Unfortunately, Aidel’s fiancée was also the head of a family.

According to Federation law, when both parties are heads of families, one must relinquish their family business.

“I plan to discuss this matter with the Adelwein family soon.”

“I hope for a good outcome.”

Brian left the office without pressing further, mentally replaying the conversation with his father. Just as Erica, who had been lingering outside, cautiously attempted to speak.

“Erica, I’ll need your help.”

“What? Yes! Of course, young master!”

Erica trembled. Having observed him for nearly thirty years, she knew instinctively – her master was in a very tense state.

“Cadric, there’s no need to be anxious. The Adelwein family’s influence is substantial, isn’t it?”

“But brother, in such cases, isn’t it usually the woman who gives up the family business?”

“What era do you think we’re in now?”

Mathematically speaking, the probability was fifty-fifty. Either Aidel would leave as a son-in-law, or Zelnya would come as a bride. However, Brian was convinced of the former.

That’s because Zelnya was an only child.

“We have two direct successors to carry on the family business, even without Aidel, right?”

Brian smiled, repeatedly patting Cadric’s shoulder.

“It’ll be interesting.”

A power struggle would soon erupt in the Adelwein Elders’ Council.

A fight between the branch family trying to marry off Zelnya and the direct line trying to bring in Aidel.

As long as Zelnya didn’t give up her position as head, the odds were over ninety percent. After all, in any family, the number of branch members exceeded that of the direct line.

As the strategy meeting concluded, the two brothers went searching for Aidel. The brief banquet was ending, with council elders preparing to board their spaceships for home.

“Have a safe trip back.”

“Yes, don’t be too upset.”

“Thank you, Granduncle. Uncle.”

The elders who supported Brian handed over checks as tokens of appreciation. Their frequent interactions fostered smooth relationships. Having a supporting faction alone meant potential.

“Congratulations on becoming family head, Aidel.”

The two brothers greeted Aidel, who had already removed his doctor’s gown.

“Why are you taking off your gown?”

“Because it’s hot.”

“It doesn’t look cool.”

“I’m not a doctor, just someone theorizing, so do I really need to wear it?”

Aidel chuckled and yawned.

“The thing is, clothes aren’t meaningful beyond warmth or hygiene. Whether it’s a uniform, this gown, or rags – what matters is who I am.”

“Aidel, you don’t understand the importance of that gown. Just wearing it would make everyone in the South bow to you.”

“So if you put it on anyone, would people bow to them?”

Brian and Cadric fell silent. It was too absurd. There was no dignity as a family head. Aidel carelessly folded the gown and tucked it under his arm.

“I’ll wear it when conducting important experiments later. I don’t need it now. Everyone knows I’m the youngest master anyway.”

“…So, when do you plan to marry the Adelwein family’s fiancée?”

“When I graduate from college? I’ll be graduating early, so it’ll be within this year.”

Brian and Cadric exchanged knowing glances and grinned. Within this year – that was a good sign. When the two married, one would have to step down from their position as head.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Invite me to the wedding, family head.”

The brothers waved as they departed – one to scout a nearby planetary system, the other heading to the Adelwein family estate.

However, they were unaware.

According to Federation law, if a man intended to practice polygamy and one of the brides was the head of her family, she had to relinquish her family duties and join her husband’s family.

Aidel intended to practice polygamy.

Zelnya didn’t particularly oppose it either.

In other words, from the start, the brothers’ plan was fundamentally flawed.

Rejane was restless.

Ceti had not become the head of the family. Tradition dictated that children who failed to become one were sent to another planetary system with money – essentially, a separation.

For Rejane, separation was tantamount to a purge.

Over the past few years, she had treated the first wife’s children coldly. Though she knew she shouldn’t have, she disliked them. Since they didn’t treat her as a mother, she had no intention of playing that role.

Therefore, Rejane’s remaining years depended on Aidel’s actions.

“It’s over now…”

She had treated them so harshly; it couldn’t possibly end well.

In the end, she would have to abandon any thoughts of revenge against Adelwein and leave with Ceti.

It was just as she had resolved this and entered Ceti’s room that—

“My little sister, from now on, I appoint you as acting head of the family.”

“What? I thought you were only going to let me manage the finances?”

“That was actually a lie. So, manage the household for me.”

“You bastard.”

Aidel threw the white robe at Ceti and fled. It happened so quickly that both Ceti and Rejane were left speechless.

Thus, the young head’s young head…

The youngest head, Ceti, was born.