The Possessor Mistook the Genre for 20 Years

98 – Called Brother-in-law for the First Time in My Life

In the middle of the conversation, the Emperor’s gaze suddenly turned to the clock.

“Oh, has it already gotten this late? I’ve kept you, who are busy, for too long.”

“Not at all. It is my honor.”

“Then let’s wrap up the conversation here and get back to our respective tasks…”

At the Emperor’s words, which seemed to conclude the situation, Franz sighed in relief inwardly. Finally, he could escape this uncomfortable situation.

Of course, it wasn’t the Emperor who made him uncomfortable. On the contrary, he tried to make him comfortable in any way he could. It was just that Franz couldn’t feel at ease because the Emperor was such a high-ranking person.

‘I should go back to the Magic Tower and leisurely get to work.’

It was when Franz was thinking that.

Suddenly, there was a knock, followed by a voice.

“Father, may I come in?”

The term “Father,” in a youthful and delicate tone.

The owner of the voice was, of course, the Emperor’s cherished youngest princess.

The Emperor interrupted his words and answered.

“Come in.”

As soon as the Emperor’s permission was given, the door opened, and the princess entered.

“So, did you receive your education well?”

“Yes, I received it diligently.”

Education…

It seemed that elites had a hard time wherever they went. Being born and living as a princess didn’t seem to be all that great. It looked a bit better to be a commoner.

Of course, commoners would think differently, but anyway, that’s what Franz thought.

“Then wait a little. I’ll send the Tower Master back and talk to you.”

“A-are you leaving?!”

The princess was startled and turned her gaze to Franz.

Franz was also surprised by her reaction, but he forced a smile and answered.

“Yes, it seems I must.”

“Th-that can’t be…”

The princess, with a devastated expression, drooped her shoulders, and Franz couldn’t help but understand the meaning of her blatant reaction.

‘This is troublesome….’

Just when he thought he had escaped from the emperor, things became ambiguous again. But he couldn’t blame the princess. She genuinely wished for him not to return.

An adult shouldn’t blame a child.

Having finished his thoughts, Franz spoke to the princess.

“What is the reason for this? If it is something I can do, I will try my best.”

“Really?!”

“Yes, so please feel free to tell me.”

Seeing the princess’s bright smile, Franz’s lips naturally curled up as well.

‘It might be a bit bothersome….’

But if the princess could smile, that would be enough. Making a child smile is an adult’s virtue.

Moreover, he could feel a sense of pride, so it wasn’t all that bad.

“Then, could you teach me some magic…?”

“Yes, as much as you want.”

“Yay! Let’s go quickly!”

The princess expressed her joy by hopping like a rabbit, then grabbed Franz’s hem and led him outside.

How much does she want to become a great magician….

‘I look forward to it.’

Thinking so, Franz took a step with the princess.

* * * * *

After spending some time with the princess, Franz left the carriage at the magic tower and headed straight to Yuna’s house.

The reason he sought out Yuna’s house was none other than to inform her of the upcoming schedule.

Since Yuna had decided to live at the Duke of Ishtar’s mansion, she needed to know the detailed schedule to prepare for the move.

Knock, knock.

Franz knocked on the wooden door.

Soon, he felt a presence inside, and with a loud creak, the door opened.

“Who is it….”

Standing before Franz was Yuna’s younger sister.

With red hair and eyes, she was the spitting image of Yuna.

Her name was….

“Yuria?”

“Y-Yes…!”

Yuria straightened her body and answered loudly.

For some reason, it reminded me of military camouflage. The disciplined appearance brought back memories from long ago. It felt as if I had to go inside and conduct an internal inspection.

‘What have I done…?’

Franz doubted himself. Yuna’s younger sister wouldn’t react like this for no reason. He must have done something.

But no matter how much he tried to recall, nothing came to mind. After all, he had met Yuria very few times.

So what could he do?

He had no choice but to ask directly.

“Did I do something…?”

“Yes…?”

Yuria tilted her head in confusion at Franz’s question.

Franz was going crazy. He had mustered up the courage to ask, but there was no answer.

Even if he wanted to apologize, he needed to know what had happened first….

It was then that a savior appeared.

“Yuria, who is it?”

Yuna appeared behind Yuria, tilting her head.

Was there ever a moment when she was more welcome? She was like an oasis in the desert, an isolated island in the vast ocean.

“Franz? What’s going on? No, before that, why are you two like that?”

Yuna blinked her big eyes in confusion as she discovered Franz.

Franz considered telling her the truth but decided against it.

“No, it’s nothing. Do you have time? I want to talk.”

He just brushed it off. There wasn’t really a problem, and there was no need to mention it.

“Well, if that’s the case, do you want to come inside? It’s a bit awkward to talk while standing outside.”

Inviting him inside…?

Franz couldn’t answer easily. Her family would be inside, and that would be quite an uncomfortable situation. If he were close to Yuna’s parents, it would be different, but that wasn’t the case.

But it wasn’t easy to refuse her offer, especially since Yuria, Yuna’s younger sister, was also listening.

To refuse or not to refuse.

Franz, who was contemplating between the two options, soon made a decision.

“Alright, then I’ll take you up on your offer.”

“Yes, come inside.”

Yuna went in first, and Franz followed her.

Meanwhile, Yuria was covering her mouth with one hand, looking as if she had just encountered a deity.

‘What kind of reaction is that…?’

There were many things that puzzled him today, but he decided to just think about them moderately.

It would be a bit much to ask about every single thing.

Franz eventually faced Yuna’s mother.

“Oh, oh my, Tower Master…?”

Her mother was visibly flustered.

It was understandable, given that he had come without any prior notice.

Moreover, he was not just anyone, but the benefactor who had saved her life, which made it even more so.

‘This is why I didn’t want to come…’

What good would it do to regret it now?

He had made the choice himself, so he would have to take responsibility for it.

Franz bowed his head lightly in greeting.

“I apologize for coming without any notice.”

“Not at all. We are fine. It’s just that we have nothing prepared, so we don’t know how to properly entertain you…”

“Oh, that’s fine. I just wanted to have a light conversation.”

“Then shall we prepare some tea and snacks? Oh, but they might not suit your taste…”

Franz just smiled awkwardly. He felt that no matter what he said in this situation, it wouldn’t be particularly beneficial.

‘Honestly, I don’t mind.’

Expensive things are indeed luxurious and delicious. But that doesn’t mean cheap things are tasteless. He had eaten quite a bit of cheap street food in the north as well.

While Franz was feeling troubled, Yuna stepped in.

“Tea and snacks? That sounds delicious. Franz, you’ll have some, right?”

“Oh, yes.”

The answer came out very naturally. Even Franz himself was a bit surprised at how naturally he responded.

But Yuna’s mother still seemed worried.

“Yuna, it’s too… to serve the Tower Master…”

“Mom, it’s fine. He’s not that picky.”

“Is that so…?”

“Yeah, I’m really fine. It’s not like I’m seeing Franz for just a day or two.”

Fortunately, her mother was convinced by Yuna’s words.

Soon, her mother headed to the kitchen to make tea, and Yuna and Franz sat facing each other across the table.

But saying he eats anything, isn’t that a bit much?

Of course, it’s not exactly wrong, but couldn’t she have phrased it a bit more gently?

Being remembered as someone who eats anything by a friend’s mother is a bit much.

While Franz was harboring such complaints inwardly, Yuna spoke.

“Franz, what did you come to talk about?”

“I met with His Majesty today….”

Franz told Yuna about his conversation with the Emperor. He said that in three days, he would be granted the title of Duke.

And then he started talking about his future plans.

“When I receive the title, I have to talk to the vassals and clean the castle. So let’s move in about five days.”

“Okay, got it. I’ll be ready by then.”

“Sure, I’ll move the luggage, so don’t overdo it.”

“Thanks. Really, thanks for everything.”

Yuna said with a bright smile.

He felt proud that he seemed to have helped her in some way.

And indeed, Yuna looked much better when she smiled.

After enjoying tea and snacks and having a moderate conversation, Franz stood up to leave.

At that moment, Yuria, who had just come out of the room, looked at Franz and said.

“Brother-in-law, are you leaving…?!”

She quickly covered her mouth, but the words had already been spoken.

Brother-in-law.

Those two words left Franz stunned, and Yuna blushed.