Chapter 523
Before I knew it, the time had passed midnight, and I felt it was time to officially call it dawn, yet neither the Empress nor I could fall asleep.
– The Countess of Tailglehen has gone into labor.
I received a tremendous report from a palace maid dispatched to the Minister’s mansion.
Given that the Countess had been declared pregnant for about four weeks at the end of February, it’s roughly around the expected due date. While it feels just a tad early, it’s within a reasonable margin.
‘Why am I feeling so anxious?’
Unlike the Empress, who sat silently next to the sleeping Crown Princess, I prowled around the room, rubbing the back of my neck. Perhaps it was the tension, or maybe I was just too exhausted from staying awake, whichever the case, my neck was sore for no good reason.
No, it’s probably the former. The birth of the Minister’s child isn’t just the Minister’s business; it’s a significant matter connected to the Empire and the Imperial Family.
If the baby is born without complications, it fortifies the legacy of the Krasius family, loyal supporters of the Empire. A friend of the same age as the Crown Princess will be born as the Minister’s heir. I’d have ample reason to personally deliver a congratulatory address.
However, what if—heaven forbid—something goes wrong during the birthing process for either the Minister or his wife?
‘Who knows what could happen.’
The usually gentle Minister might turn into someone unrecognizable after experiencing such a tragedy. Just when he had barely healed from past wounds, inflicting deeper scars could drive even the strongest of people mad.
That should never happen. As both a father and an Emperor, I can’t wish for a tragedy devoid of inspiration or lessons.
“Ah.”
In the meantime, the Empress let out a quiet sigh.
I quickly turned to see her operating the communication device with speed.
‘Has the outcome come in?’
By now, cold sweat was trickling down my forehead. The weather was right on the cusp between autumn and winter—not exactly the kind of atmosphere for sweating, yet somehow I felt just as tense as when the Crown Princess was born.
The Empress, perhaps in a similar state of mind, checked the device with a stiffened expression.
“It seems Charlotte will have a wonderful friend.”
With the Empress’s smile, I couldn’t help but exhale a sigh of relief.
Thankfully, it seems the Krasius family’s heir has made it into the world safely.
‘A friend.’
But, just as my tension eased, an inexplicable displeasure washed over me.
Of all times for a son to be born. And of all people, it’s the Minister’s son.
‘What if he grows up to be just like his father?’
It’s hard to articulate, but I felt like I’d just lost my only daughter to some no-good thief.
Sure, I recognize it as pure paranoia and ugly worries. However, the Minister isn’t exactly an ordinary man; he’s the one who had all the power over Mar. If I had gone around a few years ago spreading rumors about “the Minister and the Director of Inspection about to marry,” people would have thought I’d lost my mind.
So, it’s not unimaginable for the heir of the Imperial Count family to become the next Emperor’s husband. I must consider all possibilities to avoid having my daughter stolen away.
…
‘The future can wait for now.’
Before the Minister’s son turned into an irritating thief I hadn’t even seen, I subtly shook my head to clear my thoughts.
It’s foolish to squander the present for a potential future. Right now, what matters is sending gifts and congratulations to the Minister, who has become a father.
‘It’d be impossible to visit in person.’
Talking about going to the Minister’s mansion was out of the question. The Countess had just exhausted all her strength in giving birth; why would I want to stir chaos by showing up? Even if I were the Minister, I wouldn’t feel grateful; I’d be offended. I have no intention of becoming the first Emperor in history to be rebuffed by a vassal.
If I were to stir chaos, it wouldn’t matter if it were me or someone else going there. There’s no choice but to send someone high-ranking to congratulate the Minister on his newborn son. Yet if someone of lower rank is sent to avoid chaos, that would just be disrespectful too.
‘For now, I’ll just send a gift.’
After much deliberation, I arrived at the simplest conclusion. Until the Countess regains her strength, it’s best to only send gifts. Simply sending a servant to deliver them should suffice.
And just as I wrapped up that thought, another concern crept into my mind.
‘What foods are good for vitality?’
What’s most important for a Minister who’ll soon have six wives is vitality. Which foods would make him so genuinely moved he’d bow to the Imperial Palace?
Just the mere thought sparks joy—
“Your Majesty, you seem to be quite happy.”
At the Empress’s comment, I unconsciously adjusted my lips into a smile.
I hadn’t even noticed they were rising to my ears.
*
The expression “I never tire of seeing something,” rings true to me. It used to be that way with Hecate, and nowadays, I feel the same watching lovers each day.
And now, I’m feeling that way all over again looking at this small life that carries my blood.
“He really looks like an angel.”
Every now and then, seeing Ferdinand wiggle his fingers or toes while sleeping made me smile uncontrollably.
He’s adorable. So pretty. Even when seeing the Crown Princess, I’d thought the same, but with my own kid, the sentiment deepens. It’s like an angel descended from heaven is sleeping right before my eyes.
I wish I could hold him 24 hours a day, but I controlled myself. Holding a newborn roughly could result in mishandling; I didn’t want to risk hurting him.
“Ugh…”
‘Oh no.’
In the midst of it, Ferdinand, who had been peacefully asleep, frowned slightly as if he heard my mumble.
Sorry, buddy. I’ll be quiet.
“Impatient and sensitive, huh?”
Seeing me shut my mouth abruptly made Mar chuckle as she rearranged the blanket over Ferdinand.
Suddenly, Ferdinand’s frown disappeared, and calmness washed over him.
‘What’s with this?’
Why is he favoring Mom already? This is gonna make Dad cry.
“Ferdinand and I spent ten months together, so I’m still more comfortable to him.”
“True that.”
I had no choice but to concede to Mar’s logic. She brought a bond that transcended mere duty, how could I debate that?
Still, it left me a bit disappointed. When Ferdinand has cravings, he’d dash off from his sleep, or if he can’t be seen in the palace, I’d ruffle the Deputy Director to fetch him. At least a smidgen of my effort would have been nice to acknowledge…
‘Feddy?’
Now that I think about it, I just naturally slipped in a nickname, didn’t I? Finding a name and nickname on the day he was born—how quick!
‘Feddy.’
That sounds cute. While “Ferdinand” isn’t a bad name, calling my little one that grandiose name seems too much for such a tiny fellow.
‘Mar and Feddy.’
I glanced back and forth between Mar at my side and Feddy lying in his crib.
I really never tire of seeing them.
Even after Feddy’s birth, my work didn’t come to a halt. It’s a tough situation when the tears are about to flow, and with graduation just around the corner, taking parental leave felt a tad inappropriate.
At least while I’m away, the devoted servants watch over Mar and Feddy, which is far more comforting. Having loyal servants around makes life easier in every way.
“If the firstborn is fine, I’d like to help, if that’s alright?”
“Absolutely. If you help, I’m sure I’ll feel at ease.”
Moreover, my mother mentioned she’d come by peacefully to support Feddy while I was away. From amongst my parents, she’s the only one who has the time and presence to come easily.
Thus, I’ve been resolutely enduring until I can see Feddy again. My little angel will be smiling with Grandma and Mom even if I’m not around. Even if I haven’t brought food, the servants will ensure he gets the best mmm… Ah, since he’s a baby, he can only have breast milk.
‘Will that fill him up?’
Of course, it must be working since all the babies in the world are growing up healthy.
“What are you thinking about so deeply, Teacher Advisor?”
‘Ah.’
Just as I was awed by the fact that a simple liquid could solve a meal, I heard Yuris’s voice and turned to see him.
“What else? Obviously, I’m thinking about my son, the third place.”
At the same time, I caught Lather’s usual jibe.
Ever since the inter-class competition, he had latched onto that third place comment like it was his lifeline. And after everything that happened to him during chess, it’s understandable behavior.
“…Wanna taste being in third place?”
“Sorry, but I’m too busy chasing first place. I don’t have time to deal with that third place below me.”
As I glanced at the trembling hands of Yuris, I promptly looked away.
While it’s cause and effect, even I flinched upon overhearing such an exchange. I can’t even begin to fathom how the actual parties feel about it.
Karma exists, albeit harshly.
*
It turned out to be a smart choice to accompany Nia when she went to see her grandson.
“Ueeeeeeeeeeeng!”
“Uh, mother! What do we do in moments like this!?”
“F-F-Find your calm. A baby crying is a signal they’re hungry, isn’t it?”
“But he just ate a moment ago!?”
“Then maybe he needs…”
“The smell is just fine!”
Nia, the novice mother, and a mother-in-law with no real nurturing experience despite having two grown sons—what a combination that could make anyone chuckle, yet it was oddly frustrating.
‘She’s in no position to help anyone.’
Seeing Nia flustered made me question that. I raised Kal and Erich myself, and since then, they’ve grown perfectly fine on their own. Honestly, Nia’s involvement in their upbringing has been minimal.
So, it’s like she just wants to see her grandson? Otherwise, this situation makes no sense at all.
“I’ll give it a try.”
I cautiously approached the weeping little lord.
If I left him to those two, he’d probably still be crying by the time Kal got back from work.
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