Chapter: 387
The banquet celebrating their safe return was wrapped up in a bright atmosphere. Since it was an event attended solely by family or soon-to-be family members, there was no need to worry about other guests, and the servants dedicated to the Krasius family enjoyed the feast, making the entire castle feel like one giant banquet hall.
If there was a minor blemish, it was the revelation of a truth that should have remained hidden until after the banquet, but apart from that, there were no disturbances. Even that was somewhat excused and only resulted in verbal scolding.
“I would have liked to celebrate for a whole week.”
“What a shame. If it were the vacation, we could have enjoyed it leisurely.”
As the banquet concluded and just before heading back to the Academy, I responded with a smile to my mother, who was holding my hand.
Her words wiped away the lingering disappointment, and we exchanged smiles. Though it was a playful comment, it also conveyed her satisfaction with the enjoyable banquet we just had.
“Let’s definitely make that happen this winter.”
“Yes, of course.”
I nodded with an even brighter smile, adding more weight to her statement. This winter, it wouldn’t be strange to celebrate nonstop for a whole month.
‘It is indeed a day to commemorate.’
This winter isn’t just the season of snow. It marks the moment Mar completes her three years at the Academy and graduates, which means it’s also the day Mar and I will tie the knot.
A truly joyous occasion. Personally, it means a growing family, and publicly, it signifies the Krasius family officially bonding ties with the Ducal House. I can understand my mother opening the family vault for this occasion.
“I hope to see you in a white dress next time.”
“Yes, Mother!”
My mother embraced me with a smile before soon approaching Mar, speaking gently to her.
Naturally, Mar beamed with joy at the straightforward compliment—her smile brighter than ever.
‘A white dress, huh.’
Imagining Mar, who usually loves wearing her red dress, in a white dress made me unintentionally chuckle. She really would look good in it, but this winter would be both the first and last time she wears a white dress.
It better not be the last; I’m choosing to believe that.
*
After returning to the Academy, I enjoyed peaceful days. Regular class hours were spent chatting with Mar in the President’s Office, hanging out with Beatrix during her free periods, and then having Irina and Louise join us during club hours. It was a routine that was relaxed enough to melt my body and mind away.
“Mar, did you change your perfume?”
“Oh, yes. Is it strange…?”
“Not at all. Whatever the fragrance, it suits you perfectly.”
I spent time with Mar, who was still handling her work while sitting on my lap.
At first, Mar was shy, but as time passed, she seemed to get used to it; sometimes while working, she would lean against me and doze off. She felt like a purring cat in my arms, and it was adorable.
Of course, others might view us as a disgusting couple, but there were some benefits to this combined seating arrangement.
“Hey, Carl, could you take a quick look at this?”
“Of course.”
Being able to help Mar with her work right away was a solid advantage—one everyone could understand and agree with.
“We’re soon having a class competition, and this year, the students are more enthusiastic than last. We need to review the budget plan again.”
As Mar handed me the papers, my body froze momentarily.
“…There are definitely more expenses than last year.”
“Right? A lot of new students joined after seeing His Royal Highness and Beatrix, so there’s a lot of passion.”
Gaining my composure, I tried to speak, and Mar mumbled, sounding tired.
One of the official schedules of the second semester—class competitions. As the Academy Inspector, I know all the official events, but I doubt I will ever forget the class competitions.
As a person, it’s impossible to forget. I failed to control my strength and caused noble royalty to bleed, resulting in a ridiculous punishment of being grounded at work. Unless I get amnesia, there’s no way I could forget the class competition.
Anyway, the class competition typically starts early in the second semester—
‘It’s already right around the corner.’
It felt like it was coming faster this time. It hasn’t even been long since I returned to the Academy, and here’s another event approaching. If machines break down from working non-stop, then what about people?
The Academy still operated on its normal schedule without delays or adjustments. The earlier start felt early only because the early part of the second semester was consumed by war.
‘…This year, nothing crazy will happen like last year.’
Last year’s nightmare flickered through my mind. Everything went smoothly until the last match, where a major incident suddenly exploded. The outside member from Louise’s class ran away, and I had to fill in that gap in a desperate situation.
That memory has haunted me to the point where I still wake up at night with a kick from the covers, but I’m confident that such a calamity won’t happen this year.
‘There are no variables.’
Last year, due to the chaos in the North, all mages at the Magic Tower were summoned. That summon was what took away the outside member from Louise’s class. But this year, the North has been subdued, and the East has been calm for decades. There’s no event huge enough to warrant an emergency summons from the Magic Tower.
If, just if something urgent occurs, not in the North or East, then I’m not sure how things will play out, but surely nothing like that will happen.
In the first place, if such an incident breaks out, not only will the Magic Tower be summoned, but I would also be dragged to the Capital.
*
I paced absently back and forth in the hallway. This feeling of helplessness and anxiety is something I haven’t felt since becoming the Crown Prince.
It drives me insane. If only I could do something, if only I were busy moving for the best outcome, I wouldn’t feel this way. If results depended on my efforts, I would have focused on logic over emotions.
But right now, there’s nothing I can do. I have to leave everything in the hands of others and the heavens.
‘Please.’
That’s why I prayed to the great Emperor, who watches over Enen and the Empire. Please grant your grace and may all things end safely.
May Bei give birth to the child healthily, and may the child be free from any inconvenience.
‘Please let both of them be healthy.’
I cannot allow Bei to suffer during childbirth or for the child to be harmed. I cannot accept a future where either leaves my side.
Bei came to me like a ray of light when I was waiting for death. She supported me as I moved forward as the Crown Prince.
This child, born out of hectic work, must be born for the sake of the Imperial Family and the Empire.
Therefore, I cannot lose anything. I can’t give up anything.
“──! ────!”
“───!”
‘Damn it.’
I bit my lip upon hearing the loud cries and groans from beyond the door.
I desperately wanted to go in, but I held myself back. No matter what I do, my presence would only be a hindrance, giving no help to Bei or the child.
‘…They’ll be fine, right?’
Before I knew it, the gnawing powerlessness and anxiety morphed into unease. Truth is, Bei’s expected delivery date isn’t today.
Of course, it’s understandable that there’s some leeway with delivery dates, but if that leeway stretches into weeks—then it becomes another matter. What if something has gone wrong? What if something happens to the child? A wave of anxiety flooded in.
At least I’m relieved it’s not classified as a premature delivery.
“Your Highness, please do not worry. The finest medical personnel in the Empire are gathered, so nothing will happen.”
Did my anxiety reach others? Hendrik, my knight, spoke up softly.
It’s embarrassing to receive comfort from my subordinates instead of displaying calm as the Crown Prince. But at this moment, I am merely a father, and how can I remain calm?
“Yes, you’re right. Besides, Bei has always been healthy.”
Still, my mouth pretended to be calm despite my heart’s turmoil. It was the last sliver of reason remaining as a Crown Prince.
“Your Highness.”
“Head of the Imperial Family?”
As I paused my pacing, gazing at the door that separated me and Bei, the head of the Imperial Family came looking for me.
“What brings the head of the Imperial Family here?”
“Since the rightful heir to the Imperial Family is about to make an entrance, how could I possibly stand idle?”
That made the corner of my mouth twitch slightly.
The Head of the Imperial Family, true to his title, manages the workings of the Imperial Family, and one of those duties includes updating the royal family registry. This was his understated way of saying he came early because he’s sure Bei will deliver safely.
The direct encouragement from Sir Hendrik and the indirect encouragement from the Head of the Imperial Family—being patted from both sides lightened my heart a little.
“Your Highness!”
Suddenly, the firmly shut door swung open.
“It’s all done! The Crown Princess is healthy, and the little one—”
I couldn’t properly hear what was said after that. The moment the sound of a baby crying filled the air, drowning out the words.
My mind went blank. Even though it was news I had fervently wished for, even though I had waited for this moment, I found myself standing there dazed.
“Minister, I’m the head of the Imperial Family. The prince has been born. The Crown Princess is healthy too.”
Only when I heard the head of the Imperial Family hurriedly reporting into the communication device could I finally move my body.
At last, I saw Bei, who was lying in bed with a pained but joyful smile, having just received the child.
“Your Highness.”
Seeing me approach, Bei spoke with a tiring yet bright smile.
“She’s a beautiful daughter, just like me.”
Without realizing it, I started to cry.
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