Even when Erin’s attention was entirely on the baby, Aiden focused on Erin and placed her needs first.
“Okay. Thank you. For being with me.”
In the end, Erin embraced Aiden.
Every bit of his heart felt so precious to her.
Aiden made sure Erin didn’t have to go through any moment alone.
There were many changes happening to Erin’s body besides morning sickness, but Aiden was always there by her side.
***
Since becoming pregnant, Erin began sleeping more and taking more time to rest.
Instead of strenuous exercise, she opted for light walks, and Isabella would often join her.
Today, too, she was walking in the garden with Isabella.
Isabella held Erin’s hand tightly.
When Isabella heard the news of Erin’s pregnancy, she was overjoyed more than anyone else.
Yet, at the same time, her face seemed to fleetingly show regret.
When Erin saw this, she felt she understood what Isabella might be thinking.
“When I became a mother…”
She was recalling the time that had passed, now more than twenty years.
“I was lost, too. That’s why I made mistakes.”
“…”
Erin now understood.
The her of the past was also too naive and inexperienced.
She, too, needed someone at her side to give advice and to hold her.
But Isabella had to endure all by herself.
How much must she have wavered, worried, and struggled during that time?
Once Erin was pregnant, Isabella was the first person to truly understand.
Isabella gave Erin a gentle smile and continued to speak.
“I don’t intend to burden you.”
Erin softened her gaze in anticipation of Isabella’s next words.
“Just.”
Isabella chose her words carefully, not wanting to distort the message she intended to convey.
“Erin, whatever choice you make, I will respect and believe in your intentions.”
“…”
“I wanted to tell you that.”
Isabella smiled brightly.
Erin felt as if she was being warmly embraced by her.
She understood what Isabella truly wanted to say.
When Erin proposed a divorce to Aiden, Isabella’s feelings must have been complicated, too.
Naturally, her heart might lean more towards Aiden, her son.
But instead, she chose to understand and believe in Erin’s point of view.
“Although we haven’t spent much time together, whenever I think of you, Mother, my heart feels strong.”
It wasn’t a statement for the sake of flattery.
Having never felt familial affection from Zahard, Erin had shared more sentiment and relied more on Isabella and Logan.
And so, Isabella’s words became an even greater source of strength for Erin.
“Now we’re a family of five.”
Erin naturally looped her arm through Isabella’s as she spoke.
“Indeed. Our family is expanding.”
Isabella beamed with joy.
“In fact, I’m so excited. It’s the first time I’ve felt such pure happiness.”
Since Isabella couldn’t be solely happy when she was pregnant with Aiden, her joy was now quite special.
“I keep getting ahead of myself, wondering if I’m overwhelming you, Erin.”
“That’s not possible. I love anything you do, Mother.”
Erin responded, understanding Isabella’s feelings. There was no reason to dislike anything done for her and the child.
“Really?”
“Of course!”
“I’m relieved. I’ve been holding back this whole time.”
Isabella gave a meaningful smile with a light expression.
In that moment, Erin somehow felt that maybe she had misspoken.
And it didn’t take long for her to realize the true nature of her unease.
***
Erin stared blankly at the scene unfolding before her eyes.
“…”
It was nice that everyone was happy.
However, a sense of bewilderment crossed Erin’s face.
“Isn’t this a bit too much?”
Gifts poured in competitively from Logan and Isabella.
There seemed to be more than the child could ever use, even after birth.
And Julia made toys every day, her proficiency so high that one couldn’t help but wonder how she could make so many so quickly.
“Do I even have a place here?”
Moreover, she couldn’t bring herself to stop them, as each time they prepared a gift, they looked as joyful as children.
Erin’s face, once serious with thought, relaxed.
“Well, what does it matter.”
A happy smile filled Erin’s face.
“I’m looking forward to it, too.”
She gently caressed her belly, which still didn’t quite feel real to her.
Grow healthy and strong.
Everyone is so happy and waiting for your arrival.
Yes, happiness.
This child was bringing happiness to everyone.
Luck. A miracle.
These are all good things, but the happiness was even better.
With the child’s presence, the Lienster household was noisier than ever, filled with the sound of people’s laughter.
And so time passed slowly, never missing out on the trivial yet everyday happiness.
***
Before they knew it, Erin’s belly had rounded nicely.
“Now, there’s really not much time left.”
Mona looked at Erin and said.
“About a week left, I suppose.”
It was evident, with one glance, that there wasn’t much time left until the birth.
Eight months had passed.
Even as Erin was pregnant and preparing for childbirth, the enterprises already started did not pause but continued to advance and expand their reach.
Among these, the salon was particularly noticeable.
It was progressing day by day.
Already, many noblewomen and young ladies had secured their places there.
One interesting change was that the ambiance of the spring social season had shifted due to the salon.
In the traditional social season, it was all about the young ladies who came to the capital from various parts of the empire mingling at various banquets.
It was a time to become acquainted and possibly find meaningful connections among them.
But recently, the focus of the social season had shifted to the salon.
Of course, banquets were still held frequently.
However, the primary interest of the young noblewomen had shifted from the banquets to the salon.
Visiting the salon to experience and exchange various things there had become the goal of many young ladies.
They no longer needed Erin, Angelina, or even Clare and Julia to run it.
A naturally flowing atmosphere had formed, where people gathered to share interests and strive for development.
Among them, some were starting to produce results.
The Countess of Sernian, for instance, was already successfully managing several ‘Angela’ café stores.
Moreover, a young lady, admiring Julia, learned various things in the salon and recently completed a book.
Initially, those who visited out of curiosity now began to work with clear goals in mind.
Subsequently, social interactions became more active and lively throughout the social sphere.
But that wasn’t the only change.
The theme park business, planned with several years of leeway, was progressing faster than expected.
The response to the theme park’s opening was astounding, surpassing Erin’s expectations.
Ever since the preparation phase, it had been a constant topic of conversation, and upon opening, the flood of reservation inquiries was overwhelming.
It had been half a year since the theme park opened, yet the excitement hadn’t faded.
The desire for new experiences was palpable among the people, which led to the exponential growth of the theme park and related businesses.
Especially after the fall of Elder Diarn, the trade business associated with the Charte House was smoothly sailing with the opening of new ports.
Additionally, in Pheron, Frances was utilizing her prowess to solidify the foundation of the wine business.
The existing businesses were focusing on internal stability without overexerting, while the new ventures were expanding by actively embracing new ideas.
In this process, Lienster’s success wasn’t a solitary one; it was achieved with the cooperation of various families including the Charte House and the involvement of the salon community.
***
Erin slowly walked towards the garden where preparations had already been made for her to sit and rest comfortably. On the table, delightful desserts were laid out, pleasing just to look at.
“Is this something new I see?”
“Lord Brody sent them.”
“It’s been a while since he has sent anything.”
Erin, who had always had a sweet tooth, found herself craving sweets even more since becoming pregnant.
“Just yesterday he returned,” Mona said with a smile.
The relationship between Angelina and Brody remained unchanged. They were still the closest of friends in the world. Angelina’s face looked happier and more at ease than ever before.
“Lady Julia has arrived.”
“With the children she mentioned in her letter?”
“Yes, they all came together.”
Happiness filled Erin’s face.
“I can’t wait to see them.”
It was at that moment.
“Sister!”
Erin’s face lit up at the sound of the cheerful voice and the sight of the familiar face.
Julia was as she had always been. She was still deeply engrossed in her sculpting, and her fame for her sculptures was growing day by day.
Julia remained free-spirited, cherishing all the moments she had lived.
This was evident in her work, her sculptures bearing the unique mark of her experiences. Behind her appeared the children Erin had been eager to see.
