Chapter: 626
Before I knew it, spring weather had arrived, declaring the end of winter. Each morning still feels cold enough to make me hesitate to get out from under the blankets, but at least I no longer have to deal with the heaps of snow in the garden.
And whenever the outside temperature shifts drastically, our bodies are bound to feel startled. If one becomes careless during this time, the chances of catching a cold or some strange illness increase.
“Is there anywhere you feel uncomfortable?”
So, cautiously, I asked as I gently rubbed Lin’s pregnant belly.
I thought back to our cozy time spent in the tulip hills of Count Flanbel’s territory, a warm bubble we shared together, where our precious treasure, Bada, came into our lives.
The thought of Lin getting sick while nearing the end of her pregnancy, when Bada is preparing to enter this world, makes my heart ache. It would be unbearably sad for a child who hasn’t even seen the world yet to fall ill first.
“I’m fine, other than it being hard to move.”
Fortunately, Lin nodded with a worry-free expression in response to my question.
‘Lin is truly resilient.’
Seeing her like that made me smile.
Lin is the daughter of the powerful Yuris family, known for their active role in the academy’s honeycomb of activities, and throughout those three years, she poured herself into the flower arrangement club. Looking at her background, she could easily fit the mold of a typical noble lady from a fairy tale.
However, the reality is that she also happens to seize first place in equestrian competitions each time the academy holds inter-class tournaments and continues to enjoy horseback riding even after graduation. By sheer physical capability, she might actually be healthier than most men.
‘If Bada takes after Lin, they’ll be healthy for sure.’
Then, I thought about Bada, sound asleep in Lin’s arms. If the bloodline of the Krasius family combines with Lin’s robust health, Bada will surely grow to be an exceptional warrior—
“…Huh?”
“Oh, just kicked me with a foot.”
As I tilted my head at the dull thud that rose from Lin’s belly, she spoke in a calm voice.
Did that just now… mean Bada kicked?
‘It really felt like a punch.’
I was a bit dazed. I had felt kicks from Pedi and the triplets countless times. Naturally, I’d experienced more kicks from Bada than I could count.
But the kick I felt this time was powerful and thudding. It felt like Bada was preparing to make an immediate exit.
‘They’re coming smoothly.’
Instantly, my befuddlement turned to delight. If Bada is getting ready to come out, then Lin shouldn’t have any trouble giving birth. In fact, there’s a chance she could have a smooth delivery like a pro.
I’m excited. What kind of child will this well-prepared baby grow up to be? How full of life will they be, racing around the estate?
Will they ride on Titi’s back like Pedi? Or will they suckle the holy water like the triplets? Maybe they’ll surprise us and be a well-behaved child like Friedrich?
‘Or perhaps they could be a completely unexpected type…’
Honestly, I don’t care which type they turn out to be. The mere fact that the child will be there beside their father and mother is happiness enough.
“Do you think our Bada will take after Dad more, or Mom?”
“Based on that kick, I think they’ll take after Dad!”
“If they take after Mom and are smart, I’d like to pass the position of Weiridia down.”
At my words, Lin’s hand, which had been gently rubbing her belly along with mine, suddenly froze in place.
“W-Weiridia?”
“Oh, was that a bit odd since it’s the outskirts?”
“Who would see Weiridia as the outskirts? It’s a crucial point connecting the mainland and the North!”
Lin’s slightly flustered reaction made me chuckle.
Right, back in the day before the northern conquests, it might have been overlooked, but now, Weiridia stands as a hub between the mainland and the North.
“So I hope they take after you, Lin. The only one with intelligence among us is you.”
Weiridia is already taking shape as a vital trade town between the two regions. Northern horses, furs, and ores pass through Weiridia to spread all over the Empire, while the mainland’s manufactured goods and delicacies must also go through Weiridia to reach the North.
Thus, the child who will inherit the title of Weiridia Count after me needs to be savvy in trade. Honestly, holding onto Weiridia as someone who knows nothing about trade is only possible due to my direct rapport with the northern lords and the authorities granted by the First Count. The next one really needs to have at least basic trade knowledge.
“Of course, just knowing the basics will be enough. After all, the subordinates will handle the actual work anyway.”
Still a bit bewildered, Lin gazed at me with wide eyes, so I planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.
“And if they inherit Mom’s traits, they’ll surely ride well, right? Then Weiridia will be perfect.”
“That means Bada will be an expert rider and become an aristocrat?”
Once I joked about it, Lin finally broke into laughter.
Right, Lin doesn’t need to feel awkward about this. Just laughing with me is plenty.
‘It’s only natural for a dad to pass down their wealth to the kids.’
And among that wealth, a bit of real estate is all it is.
Sure, it’s ridiculous to talk about leaving something to a child who hasn’t even been born yet, but it’s best to have a clear heir structure that doesn’t shake easily. That’s a truth that is proven by the Second Prince, who is probably suffering in hellfire right now for burning himself out proving his point.
I’m not particularly grateful. It’s not enough for how many times he’s failed me.
“Make sure to stay healthy. The weather may be warming, but it’s the season where it’s easy to catch a cold.”
“Don’t worry. I grew up without catching any little diseases!”
Ultimately, we concluded the conversation with my caution to take care of herself. Lin nodded firmly in agreement.
Though it was a mere verbal reassurance, it was oddly trust-inspiring.
“Well, I’ll head off. Eri will get mad if I’m late.”
“Oh, you should hurry. If you’re late, your sister might sulk!”
Just as Lin understood me right away, I almost burst into laughter again.
Eri had immediately taken her maternity leave once her pregnancy was confirmed and is now staying at our mansion. The information head even approved her leave request at lightning speed, so everyone is happily enjoying their breaks.
“You’ve been apart while working! From now on, come to meet me and Hayang every day!”
However, it seemed like the longing of being apart burst forth, as Eri demanded that I come to her room at certain times each day.
It wasn’t a difficult request at all. Even without her pleading, of course, I’d oblige.
‘We’ve been apart for too long.’
During the time that other ladies were residing in the mansion, Eri had been working at the Information Department along with Pine. I can’t even begin to imagine how bitter and lonely she must have felt during that time.
In truth, Trixie had to be away from me due to her position as the Mage Duchess, but who would demand attendance from a Mage Duchess wanting to enjoy a cozy honeymoon? The Deputy Mage Duchess is handling things perfectly on her own.
Thus, if there’s any blame to put on Eri, it’s simply because she was just a mere department head. It’s truly a sad affair.
Eri, who is around two months pregnant, is now proudly displaying a belly that barely shows yet. While I was treating and playing with her like a queen,
‘Huh?’
The communication device tucked inside my pocket began to gleam intensely.
What’s going on? In the Empire, everyone already knows that I’m on leave, so unless there’s something truly urgent, people usually prefer to send texts instead of direct calls. Normally, it should be vibrating rather than shining brightly.
“How rude! How dare you light up in front of Lady Elizaveta!”
“Just wait a moment, please.”
“Yes.”
Stopping Eri, who was blabbering something odd while looking at the bright device, I pulled it out and headed to a corner. If it’s an urgent matter, I need to take it right away.
“Minister of Information, Kal Krasius of Tailglehen here.”
– It’s been a while, Count.
And then, I was taken aback by the unexpected appearance of someone.
The comrade I endured hell with for three years. Now, he is a big shot who has ascended to the position of Deputy Commander of the Armain Royal Knights.
“Baron Villar?”
It was someone I had only heard rumors about since graduation from the academy, reaching out to me first.
Surprising, but also a relief. If it hadn’t been for Villar, my life at the academy would have been even more hellish. He’s one of the few treasures I managed to pull from the depths of hell.
– I’m sorry for reaching out so abruptly.
“Oh, it’s perfectly fine. Friends can do that.”
At my words, Villar gave a faint smile.
But then, the contrasting dark circles under his eyes drew my attention.
‘Is he being buried in work?’
It’s unfortunate, but it’s also an unavoidable circumstance. As the Deputy Commander of the Royal Knights, that position demands not only military prowess but also administrative and political skills. It’s natural for work to pile up in such a role.
Still, Villar is competent enough to coordinate and lead the Armain, Yuben, and Holy Kingdom’sHonor Guard, right in the middle of a foreign academy. Though he might be struggling with unfamiliar duties right now, things should get better over time.
“By the way, I heard you became Deputy Commander recently. Congratulations, albeit late.”
– I have many things to congratulate you on as well, Count. I’ve heard your family is thriving, and I hope many good things continue for you.
After some polite congratulatory exchanges, Villar seemed to hesitate and nibble on his lip for a moment.
– Count, excuse me, but do you have anyone around who might be listening to our conversation?
He cautiously glanced around, seemingly checking if there was a possibility our conversation might leak out.
“I do have my wife with me, but…”
– That should be enough. If it’s your wife, I can trust her.
I nearly blurted out something about how I don’t trust her, but I held my tongue.
– I realize it’s unforgivable and quite embarrassing to contact you, who has no ties to Armain anymore, but—
Despite my hesitation, Villar continued to spill out what was clearly weighing on him, and finally sighed before finishing his sentence.
– Your Highness has returned to those times.
“…Huh?”
I couldn’t help but ask back at his somber words.
Your Highness has returned to what times? What on earth does that mean? Who’s the “your highness” and what “time” are we referring to?
‘Is he talking about Rutis?’
Based on context, it must be Rutis. The only “Your Highness” that Villar and I both know is Rutis from Armain.
Then what does it mean to return to that time…
‘…Season 77?’
A chill ran down my spine. If Villar is contacting me in such a hurry, it can only mean there has been some horrific event.
– I hesitated several times. I felt it was too much to ask your help with Armain’s matters, so I tried to handle it on my end for the last few weeks.
In my silence, Villar continued to ramble on.
– But it’s not a matter I could solve. The old whatever of the academy, the nuances and behavior of your highness, didn’t you manage them?
That tearful statement left me completely speechless.
‘Manage, huh.’
I failed to manage that precious little brat until the very end.
It wasn’t until he got rejected by Rize that he’d finally come to his senses.
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