Chapter: 681
Since the birth of the prince, the Crown Princess’s visits to her mansion have dramatically decreased.
Listening to the Emperor, it seems she has no intention of leaving the prince’s side. She simply can’t bear to bring the freshly born baby to the mansion, so she’s opted to stay and play in the palace instead.
What a monumental decision! The mansion has her siblings, including Pedi, Titi, the holy spirits, and various spirits all hanging about. Plus, unlike the palace, the entire hallway is covered in fluffy mattresses, making our mansion practically a giant playground!
Yet, the Crown Princess has decided to skip out on such an enormous playground just to catch a glimpse of her little brother.
“Seeing the two princes already forming a special bond fills me with joy as a benefactor.”
– Same here. I can’t forget how the Crown Princess held her brother at the banquet; she’s still raving about it!
“Oh dear, that’s quite concerning.”
As soon as I finished speaking, both the Emperor and I burst into laughter.
What’s this? Is it strange to be this happy while chatting with the Emperor? Talking about kids makes it feel so warm and fuzzy!
“So, is he opening his eyes now?”
– Not quite to see anything yet, but he can definitely open them. They’re a lovely shade of violet, just like a Livnoman kid.
“Crown Princess must be over the moon!”
– She’s so thrilled that I’m starting to worry she might wake him just to see those beautiful eyes!
I couldn’t help but chuckle at the Emperor’s dramatics. The Crown Princess loves her little brother dearly, but she’s not the type to cause a ruckus just to get her way.
In fact, if her brother does wake up with a scream, she’d likely panic and join in the crying.
“For now, the Crown Princess is a bit quiet, focused on the prince. But, eventually, her restless spirit will kick in. It’s not in her nature to stay cooped up in the palace.”
“I’ll visit with the kids soon.”
– That’s right; you know what to do. Thank you!
As I offered the response the Emperor wanted, he nodded in satisfaction.
Truth be told, the kids have also been looking for their eldest sister, the Crown Princess, due to her residing in the palace. Even without the Emperor asking, a visit was on the agenda.
– Of course, there’s no rush. You’ll have the chance to meet the new baby too, but you should stay at the mansion until your wife and kids settle down.
“Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty.”
Since it was a kind thought considering Erich’s condition, I bowed my head slightly.
If I were to head to the palace with the kids and then Erich’s labor began, I’d have to rush back to the mansion. I couldn’t just abandon my kids there or leave the Emperor holding them while I ran off! Given the situation, it’s best to stay at the mansion until Erich gives birth.
“After all, if the head of the family doesn’t recognize the load he’s carrying, who will?”
At those words, I glanced at the Emperor’s face.
It didn’t seem like a concession to place a debt upon me or for some other ulterior motive. It felt like a genuinely kind remark. If that’s an act, I must be destined to be the Emperor’s plaything for life.
It was a strangely pleasant feeling. The Emperor I had known thus far was never one to show kindness without intent. Yet since the birth of the prince, he’s been showing occasional unreciprocated gentleness.
‘Is it because of the banquet?’
Thinking back on it, after he declared his commitment to safeguard the Crown Princess’s succession, I noticed the Emperor’s attitude toward me has become increasingly softer.
Well, after solving his worries about his child, it’d be strange if he continued to act like a tyrant. He may have a grain of conscience, but he’s no fool.
“Well then, I’ll see you next time. Until then, take care, Minister.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I look forward to seeing you in the palace.”
As I looked at the dimming communication orb, a small smile crept onto my lips.
Though various factors are at play, it seems the Emperor has softened since the birth of the prince. I should definitely bring ample gifts for his birthday in the future.
For the peace of the imperial family and the kid that’s been holding my sanity intact, I must show some love and effort.
*
As days went by, my hands and feet started shaking.
I’m nervous. Have I ever trembled this much in my life? I didn’t feel like this even when I married the Minister!
Actually, if I had to pick a moment, I did cry like a baby in front of him, but that was far from anxiety…
“Sis?”
“Oh, huh? Did you call me?”
I quickly lifted my head at Rizie’s voice.
“The tea is getting cold.”
I glanced down at the teacup in my hand.
Indeed, it had been steaming, but it seemed it was now beyond lukewarm, starting to lose its heat.
“It’s tough to drink when it’s hot! I was letting it cool down on purpose!”
But if Rizie knew I’d been zoning out, she’d worry. Trying to act casual, I downed the lukewarm tea in one go.
‘Yuck.’
And like all the other tasteless, cooled-down teas, this one wasn’t very good either. Honestly, I might as well just be drinking water.
“Erich?”
“Yeah?”
“Since we have magic, it won’t hurt that much. Hayang will come out safe and sound.”
Rizie smiled, and I awkwardly returned the gesture.
“Was it that obvious?”
“Totally.”
“Oh, I see…”
It seems I severely failed at hiding my anxiety. As the older sister with experience, I should have been more composed. The former head of my division must be rolling in her grave.
“I was worried just like you, so it was obvious.”
Rizie caught onto my embarrassment and poured more tea into my cup while giggling.
“At least I’m more of a senior when it comes to having babies than you, right? It’d be ridiculous if the senior is less capable than the junior!”
“Having a younger senior is a little rough…”
“What about your older brother? He’s not a senior compared to you?”
Now that was an unfair jab thrown my way!
Come on! Pregnant women are sensitive creatures! You could at least treat us a little nicer. If I mess up my words even a bit, just let it slide!
Besides, it felt like Hayang was agreeing with my emotional state, kicking around inside like mad! How passionately animated could some kicks get?!
While it was thoughtful of our Hayang to care for me, the pressure she put on my body was starting to get a bit annoying.
“Having a baby for the first time brings natural tension. Actually, I bet even after being through it a second or third time, you’d still be jittery. Your brother sweats buckets every time we’re in labor, right?”
Rizie’s gentle hand began caressing my belly as I made my face twist in a faint grimace, almost like the child was being petted.
“But that tension and pain are just temporary. If you get through that brief moment, a happiness like no other follows.”
With those words, Rizie, once again, wore a bright smile.
“When my baby flipped for the first time, when they cooed, crawled, and started to walk. I’m building up memories I’ll cherish forever. I can’t wait to see how much my baby has grown when I wake up each morning.”
Then, she took my hand.
Rizie’s hand was surprisingly warm. Is it because she often touches hot ovens or what?
“In no time, you’ll feel that happiness too, Sis. So don’t worry.”
But more than her hand, it was her heart that radiated warmth. She had a soothing voice that made anyone feel at ease.
“Besides, the medical team coming to the mansion has already seen us a good four times. They even managed to safely deliver triplets!”
“Wow, where’d all this confidence come from?”
Hearing the words “triplets” made me involuntarily chuckle.
Rizie’s right. They safely delivered triplets, and Trixie’s still kicking too. If I were to let my worries show, Trixie would probably chuckle at me.
“Rizie.”
“Yes, Sis?”
“There’s something I really want but haven’t been able to have lately. I’ll make one for you as a present!”
“Huh?”
Rizie blinked in surprise at my unexpected offer.
But right now, I really want to give her something nice. Usually, just being near her made me salivate, and I’d fight the urge to indulge, but Rizie made me feel at ease!
“If you mix red wine and white wine, it becomes a pretty pink wine, just like Rizie’s hair!”
“…You mix them?”
“Yep! It’s super tasty!”
This is a secret recipe I previously shared with the Minister! Feel free to be happy about it!
Thanks to my calm mind, Hayang seems to be more comfortable too.
“Ughhhh!”
After preparing Rizie’s specialty mixed wine, Hayang began to fidget, wanting to join the outside world.
But our Hayang… held it together while Mommy was working… Thank you…
It seems I’m grateful she’s already a thoughtful little one, but just a smidgen, I felt a twinge of annoyance.
“Why’re you coming out from here…?”
Even with magic helping, it’s still incredibly painful. Honestly, I was feeling a little resentment toward Hayang for trying to snuggle up so early!
“Since you put them in here, it only makes sense they’re coming out!”
“That’s true, but…!”
In that moment, one of the midwives shot back at me with an impeccable argument.
Seriously, that’s not fair! Can’t you just show a little sympathy during a time like this?
*
Hearing Erich’s screams coming from the other side of the door made me sigh.
This would mark her fifth delivery. I should be getting used to this, but once again, anxiety and unease wrapped around my chest like a vice, instead of familiarity.
I’m going nuts. If I can just get through this moment, joy beyond comparison awaits, but this brief moment is excruciatingly painful and frustrating.
“Will it be okay this time?”
Still, having witnessed four births and being a proud parent of six kids, those experiences aren’t entirely useless. Now, with mixed feelings of doubt, there’s positivity bubbling here and there.
“Of course! A blessed child is born under the gaze of Enen!”
Marl nodded and my previously tight lips began to smile.
In a world where deities exist, being favored by one is no small advantage. If I’m truly Enen’s blessed, and if he’s watching me, then surely, Hayang, who shares my blood, will safely enter this world under his protection.
“By the way, Carl.”
“Yeah?”
“I get you’re worried about your sister, but right now, you should probably be more concerned for the Marquess.”
“Oh.”
In a hurry, I turned my head and spotted my fifth father-in-law, trembling with a ghostly pale complexion.
Considering I have the leisure, might as well keep my future father-in-law comforted.
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