For My Birthday, I Was Gifted Five Husbands - Chapter 10
Why does it feel like she’s the only one here who still has any common sense? And are those men really so indifferent about marrying her?
Seriously?
‘Just yesterday, I felt guilty about Carter, but now this is happening.’
Yes, she needed to look into the marriage contract further, but first things first: she needed to put out the urgent fire. Agatha and Apollin might still be recklessly disposing of items in the mansion.
Eugenie nodded resolutely, like a warrior preparing for battle. She looked intently at the five men and gave her final assurance.
“Alright. I’ll marry all five of you. And… I assume there are no complaints?”
Her suitors were from various backgrounds: a Brother from the Southern Admiral family, a Northern Duke, a rival from the academy, a famous boutique owner, and a childhood friend.
While the men exchanged uncomfortable glances among themselves, their eyes toward Eugenie were relatively sincere. Magnus, her rival, simply turned his head in response.
“By the way, are your families aware of this?”
Marrying five men was one thing, but could she really manage having five different in-laws?
The men answered confidently.
“As you know, the Wilberforce family is quite laissez-faire. My brother is busy with the Southern strait campaign right now.”
“The Troys family is under my command.”
“The same goes for the Napier family.”
“As for my parents… ahahaha.”
Eugenie decided not to ask why Cassius Lysander was laughing. She frowned at Carter.
“What about you? Is the Livingston family okay with this?”
As she recalled, Count Richard Livingston was very fond of Carter and, being from a family known for producing temple priests, was quite a strict man. Despite their long acquaintance, she had always been a bit uncomfortable around him, much like how one might feel around academy professors.
Would such a man accept a daughter-in-law bringing home four husbands?
But Carter only smiled broadly.
“The Livingston family won’t say a word if it’s you.”
“Really? If that’s the case, then I guess it’s a relief.”
“Eugenie, when should we set the wedding date?”
“As soon as possible.”
In the Empire, a marriage was only recognized after a proper ceremony, not just by submitting documents. The standards for a ‘proper’ wedding were somewhat vague, but with their high statuses, the general expectation was to have ‘many distinguished guests’.
Cassius blushed a delicate pink as he smiled.
“That’s a relief. The bride seems very enthusiastic.”
“Yes, I did have a bit of a tiff with my former fiance, but I’m getting better and will be ready to marry soon.”
“Ah, Lady’s former suitor…”
Where did the shy man from earlier go? Cassius’s eyes gleamed red as he sweetly whispered.
“Lady Norton, just say the word. I’ll take care of it.”
“Oh, no. It’s fine.”
That ‘take care of it’ felt oddly reminiscent of a professor saying they’d handle microbes with fermentation. Magnus cast a disdainful glance at Eugenie and muttered.
“Do you still have feelings for the man who rejected you? Seems you lack discernment.”
“I gave him a physical price myself, so I’d rather give him a social death than physical pain.”
“Really? What did you use?”
“I hit him over the head with my textbook.”
“….Hmm.”
Magnus snorted but seemed somewhat satisfied.
Now accepting the situation, Eugenie’s amber eyes sparkled.
“Anyway, ahem. If we’re going to have a wedding, I’d prefer it to be when Apollin and Peter are having theirs. Since they were so disrespectful, I want to forget my own manners as well.”
Which idiots would admit to having affairs during her father’s funeral? Regardless of whether Eugenie loved her biological father, it was simply a matter of respect.
Starting with Alfred, everyone nodded.
“I thought you’d forgive them for being so kind. It was a needless worry.”
“Lady Norton is tougher than she looks. That’s a relief.”
“That temper is definitely not going anywhere.”
“She’s definitely going to be the mistress of the Dark Merchant’s guild.”
…It seems like an unheeded word just crossed over.
At that moment, Carter slowly nodded.
“Hmm… Actually, before coming here today, I received a letter from the Lamburg family.”
“A letter?”
“Yes. It was addressed to the Livingston family, likely an invitation to the wedding.”
“Oh!”
How amusing. While she had been engrossed in her research, this was happening behind her back. Her fleeting guilt over the rumors about Apollin had disappeared.
“Everyone, then let’s cooperate.”
Starting her own wedding by crashing someone else’s.
* * *
Just wait, Eugenie.
If by the time you turn twenty-four, you’re still alone…
The perfect men chosen by your mother will come to find you.
Men who will be of help to you.
Men who won’t betray you because of the debt your mother has prepared.
Eugenie.
You will live like a queen, surrounded by them.
And in a year…
