We Are a Newlywed Couple Who Entered the Academy

What was the most nerve-wracking moment in a man’s life?

Right before opening the door to your parents’ room, holding a disastrous report card?
Hearing footsteps beyond the door while secretly enjoying a quiet, private moment at night?
Or perhaps confessing your long-hidden feelings to the girl you like?

No.

Without a doubt, the most nerve-wracking moment was.

“You must be Samuel Azyan.”

… when you were sitting in front of the man who might soon become your father-in-law.

“Yes, sir. I’m indebted to your daughter.”

“Hmph.”

He was not my father-in-law yet, but Rose Callwood — the lord of the Rose family and a knight overseeing this area — was staring at me disapprovingly from across the table.

I steadied my nerves and met his gaze. I’d been told he valued confidence and resolve, so I had no choice but to give it my all to navigate this situation.

Squeeze.

I felt strength coming into my clenched hand. Sitting beside me was my lovely girlfriend, Rose Venisha, blushing faintly. Her hair, a delicate shade of red, was braided and draped over her shoulder. She sat gracefully, like a flower in full bloom — the cherished daughter of the Rose family.

“Hmm.”

Mr. Callwood, still not my father-in-law, furrowed his brow and appeared deep in thought.

“Azyan, was it? May I call you by your name?”

“Of course, sir. Please feel free.”

“Alright. When did you start seeing my daughter?”

“It’s been five years now.”

“Five years…”

Mr. Callwood let out a hollow laugh. Both Venisha and I were 22 this year. We met by chance at 17, and our bond had lasted ever since.

“Five years, huh?”

“That’s quite some time.”

Said Rose Mozo, Venisha’s mother and the lady of the house. Her gaze was far more composed and kinder compared to Callwood’s stern expression.

“Five years.”

He repeated, sighing deeply. Perhaps he was shocked — I understood. To discover that the daughter he had thought was innocent and pure had been in a relationship for five years would surely unsettle any father.

Venisha and I had been keeping our relationship a secret. Revealing it to her parents and meeting them like this wasn’t in our plans. But a series of unfortunate coincidences had forced our hand. Venisha was soon to enroll in the Academy, and we would likely be apart for some time. Unable to bear the thought of separation, we decided to spend time together at her home while her parents were away. But then, their trip was canceled, and they returned unexpectedly. Worse still, they walked in just as the two of us had moved from sitting on the bed to lying on it.

“And what does your father do?”

“My parents are no longer with me.”

I intended to answer confidently, but I found myself holding my breath. This was the question I’d been dreading most.

“… I see. And your status…?”

“I’m a commoner.”

I was different from Venisha. The unbridgeable gap between us was the primary reason we’d kept our relationship hidden.

“Hmm.”

Mr. Callwood let out another heavy sigh — a bad sign.

“This won’t do.”

The moment I heard those words, it felt like a heavy stone had dropped on me. I couldn’t speak, staring blankly at Callwood in disbelief.

“Dear.”

“Father, please reconsider for my sake.”

Venisha pleaded, bowing her head with imploring eyes. Even in such a moment, her grace radiated. Her demeanor made it clear she was a noblewoman through and through.

“I’m sorry, but it’s impossible. The gap in status is too great. I’m saying this for both of you.”

Mr. Callwood’s voice was resolute.

I summoned my courage one more time.

“Sir, I beg you to trust me and entrust your daughter to me. I understand the challenges ahead, but I’m here today because I’m fully prepared. I will dedicate my life to making Venisha happy. Please reconsider.”

I bowed my head deeply. As I stayed bowing for a while, I heard another sigh from above me.

“Raise your head.”

I lifted my head.

“I understand your feelings well. But reality is not so forgiving. The problems that arise from differences in status are far harsher than you might think.”

“…”

I listened attentively, but my eyes held a firm resolve. Remembering the personality of Mr. Callwood, as Venisha had described beforehand, I desperately wore a mask.

“It’s not that there isn’t a way.”

“I’ll do anything.”

“The gap in status can be bridged.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Mrs. Mozo slightly raising her eyebrows at her husband’s words, then smiling faintly.

“Ohms First.”

At Mr. Callwood’s remark, Venisha and I flinched.

“Become an Ohms First.”

Ohms First was an honor awarded to the top graduate of the Academy. Those who achieved this title were granted knighthood and a governorship. In short, if I became an Ohms First, I would rise from being a commoner to nobility. This was the solution Mr. Callwood was proposing.

“I’m a commoner.”

I reaffirmed my status to Mr. Callwood. Academy admission was restricted to citizens with voting rights or higher. As a commoner, it was impossible for me to even dream of entering the Academy, let alone becoming an Ohms First.

“There’s a way to resolve that.”

Could there really be a way for a commoner like me to enroll in the Academy?

“I will permit your marriage.”

At that shocking statement, both Venisha and I widened our eyes in surprise.

“On one condition.”

Mr. Callwood continued.

“Only for three years.”

Three years — the duration of the Academy program. I realized what Mr. Callwood was implying.

“You’re saying I should marry into the Rose family as an adopted son-in-law, gain voting rights, enroll in the Academy, and graduate as a noble.”

“Exactly.”

The Academy trained warriors and magicians. If I were to enroll, it would be as a magic faculty student.

“If, after three years, you fail to achieve Ohms First, the marriage will be annulled.”

Mr. Callwood spoke decisively and waited for my response. I recalled Venisha’s words that her father admired men with dignity and resolve.

“Please leave it to me. I will return as a knight.”

At my unhesitating reply, Mr. Callwood smiled faintly for the first time.

***

After that, we left the room. Mr. Callwood took charge of arranging my admission to the Academy. Although I had risen from being a commoner to a citizen, Academy admission required a recommender. He said he would call me again when my personal verification was necessary.

In one of the most nerve-wracking moments of my life, I had overcome a significant hurdle. I felt utterly drained. Beside me, Venisha, still holding my hand tightly, shyly lowered her head. At last, we were husband and wife. Though it was only temporary, I had been united with the one I loved.

However, one thing weighed on my mind.

– There’s one more condition you must follow.

“Azyan.”

Venisha tugged at my hand.

– When spring comes, the two of you will enroll in the Academy.

Venisha pushed me against the wall.

“Venisha.”

“Yes?”

– Though you are married, it is a temporary arrangement. Should you fail to become an Ohms First, this marriage will be annulled. I have no intention of making my daughter’s divorce public.

Venisha’s soft, pale hand brushed down my cheek and gently caressed my collarbone.

“Venisha, your parents are right next to us!”

“I know.”

– Therefore, you must never reveal that you are married. Not to anyone.

“What does that matter?”

“Excuse me?”

Her cool fingers lightly traced the end of my collarbone, making me shiver.

“We’re married now, aren’t we?”

“But still — ugh!”

Venisha’s face drew closer, and her soft lips pressed against mine. I felt her tongue slipping into my mouth, mingling with mine, as our saliva intertwined.

With her parents right next to us, how could she be so bold? Embarrassed, I pushed Venisha away, but she pulled me back by the neck, her lips finding mine again. The faint scent of roses tickling my nose was intoxicating.

– Never let it be discovered.

– Never, ever!

How was I supposed to keep this a secret?

I was already worried about what lay ahead.