Ch.84I Am the First Wife! (2)

In the past, when I was still an adventurer, I had such a thought.

‘If I used Black Magic, could I aim for a higher rank?’

Of course, back then the Church was still strong, so it was just a thought that could never be put into action. But that thought never left my mind for a moment. From my days as an adventurer to now as a professor at the Academy, not for a single moment.

I suppose everyone has similar feelings deep down. Humans always desire better things and wish to stand in higher positions. Perhaps that’s why humans have been able to make such tremendous progress.

So when I became an S-Rank adventurer, I was incredibly happy regardless of the fact that I was getting closer to meeting the conditions to marry Lael.

Of course, I was also surprised. Didn’t the Guild Master say that rising from B-Rank to S-Rank was extraordinary? I thought so too.

But thinking about it now, it felt somewhat empty. Maybe it’s because I achieved my goal without much thought. I was also confused about what to aim for next.

It’s true that others would envy my position, but at least that’s how I felt.

However, those negative feelings didn’t last long. Because I found a new goal.

Marriage.

Just two syllables, yet the weight they carried was truly remarkable. Spending the rest of your life with someone. It’s essentially gifting your life to each other.

But my daily life wouldn’t change much. I would continue doing what I’ve been doing, having fun with the people I love, eating delicious food, and sleeping while embracing each other.

Ah, would it be different for me…?

With four wives, there would surely be many things to consider.

Of course, this is just getting ahead of myself, but I’m determined to make it happen.

*Tap—*

Riano put down her teacup and broke the silence.

“So what are you going to do?”

“First, I’ll send a letter. And once I get a reply…”

Riano shook her head at Lael’s answer.

“That’s not what I’m asking. I think you can get married. You’re an S-Rank adventurer, how could it not work out?”

Indeed, as she said, at the level of an S-Rank adventurer, people would be desperate to have you, not push you away.

Riano took a sip of tea before adding more.

“I’m talking about plans after marriage. Whether all four of you will live together right away. Or if you two will live together for a while and then all four will live together once things settle down. That sort of thing.”

No one could readily answer that.

Perhaps desire and reason were fighting within them.

In their hearts, they wanted to live together, but if rumors spread about meeting other women right after marriage, people wouldn’t view it favorably. In the end, they might be misunderstood—that the Duke of Gideon used his daughter as a tool to attract an S-Rank adventurer.

Even if they somehow managed to live together, it wouldn’t be smooth sailing.

Lael sighed deeply, then nodded as if she had made up her mind.

“Let’s just all be together from the start. Let’s have the wedding together too.”

Everyone’s eyes, including mine, widened at her bombshell statement.

“I-If that’s possible, it would be more than wonderful…”

“It would be nice if possible…”

Elin and Derin were positive about Lael’s idea.

And so was I. How wonderful it would be if it were possible.

Originally, marrying Lael first was an unavoidable choice. We had continued our relationship with the mindset of loving everyone equally.

But everyone couldn’t give a definite answer because they knew it was impossible.

“Lael, do you understand what you’re saying?”

Riano’s tone was slightly sharp. As if saying, “This is no time for jokes.”

“I’ll make it happen somehow. By any means necessary. I’m prepared to be disowned.”

“That’s not the issue…! What if something happens to Crow because of this? What responsibility can you take? Are we supposed to stand by helplessly and lose the person we love?”

“I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen…”

The exchange was sharp. Sharp enough to hurt each other at any moment.

I put down my teacup a bit forcefully so they could hear it over their loud conversation.

*Tap—!*

At that sound, everyone’s attention focused on me, and Riano and Lael, who had been heating up, averted their gazes and closed their mouths.

I think it’s inevitable to have fights when living together. Even siblings, sisters, and even parents and children have disputes. But now is not the time.

And above all, I don’t want to see them fight.

At that moment, Elin, who had been reading the atmosphere, spoke softly.

“I… understand both Riano’s and Lael’s feelings. If, just if, Lael’s plan fails, I’ll try to arrange for us to stay in the Great Forest.”

The atmosphere softened a bit at those words.

Indeed, if it’s the Great Forest, especially the elven settlement, humans wouldn’t be able to enter.

So even if we fail, we have some backup.

But somehow, I feel like things will go smoothly.

From the occasional stories I’ve heard about Lael’s time as a noble lady, the Duke of Gideon doesn’t seem like a bad person. Rather, he treated Lael very well.

Besides, if he wanted to take Lael back, he could have done so by force, but he only sent letters.

Would such a person harm his daughter’s lover?

Of course, it’s just my personal opinion, so I didn’t say anything.

We’ll see when the time comes.

I stood up and said, “Riano, are you hungry? You haven’t eaten anything today.”

“I haven’t eaten anything… I do feel a bit hungry.”

So that’s why she was sensitive.

You shouldn’t skip meals…

“Do you all want to eat before you go? I’ll cook.”

The three of them nodded vigorously, as if they had made a promise.

* * * * *

Back to daily life after the vacation ended.

As usual, when I opened my eyes in the morning, Riano was sleeping soundly beside me.

There was still some time before the workshop opened, so I carefully lifted the blanket so as not to wake her.

“…”

What I saw were numerous stains. As if water had been spilled on the bedsheet, it was stained gray.

To be precise, it was like something had been fired in a straight line…

I should ask Riano to wash it later…

The commute was no different from usual. Lael and Derin stood on either side of me, engaging in pleasant conversation as we walked to the Academy.

When we arrived at the main gate, they waved their hands regretfully to see me off.

“Have a good day.”

“Be careful not to get hurt.”

I waved back at them and said, “I’ll be back,” before moving on.

It’s peaceful. So peaceful.

After briefly stopping by the professors’ office, I entered the classroom to find everyone already seated.

The main topic of conversation among the students was, of course, what they did during the vacation.

“Lael, you’re so tanned! What did you do during the break?!”

Ludmila showed interest in Lael’s skin turning brown.

To which Lael replied, “You’re quite tanned too,” continuing the conversation.

At that moment, I overheard a peculiar conversation. It was very quiet, but if I listened carefully, I could somewhat make it out.

“I finally did it this time…!”

“W-What did you do?!”

“Little ones don’t need to know. I’m already an adult…”

“C-Crazy…! With whom?!”

“With…”

Denevan glanced around briefly, then whispered to Ed, whose eyes immediately widened.

Wait, with whom?

Why suddenly whisper there?!

Feeling suddenly put off, I promptly stood in front of the blackboard.

“Alright, everyone, page 3 of the materials…”

“P-Professor! It’s the first day after the break, can’t we just have fun conversations for an hour?!”

Ludmila, is it…?

But not a chance.

“No, you can’t. Didn’t you rest enough during the vacation?”

“Uh, y-yes…”

Ludmila answered with a slightly dejected expression.

Was I too harsh?

But it can’t be helped.

If the conversation had continued there, even the dean would have been angry.

Despite the class being driven by a bit of personal feelings, the students were diligent as always.

I don’t know who their previous teacher was, but the students are truly excellent.

Moved by their attitude, I ended the class about 30 minutes early, and everyone began to chat among themselves.

Leaving the students behind, I was sipping tea in the professors’ office when I heard a knock.

“Come in—”

I said in a slightly louder voice so it could be heard from outside.

The door opened with a *creak—* and the person who appeared was, of course, Lael.

I had already anticipated this to some extent. After all, no professors would visit at this hour.

When I tapped the chair next to me, Lael scurried over like a small animal and sat down.

“Crow… I mean, Professor.”

Lael called out to me, then slightly pursed her lips and closed her eyes.

*Smooch—*

After I kissed her, Lael opened her eyes with a bright smile.

“Ah, right. Professor, the letter has arrived.”

“The letter…”

I thought that finally, what was meant to come had arrived.