Chapter 28
The things Isabel was saying were far from normal. How did she manage to hide a personality like this all along? Maybe I was supposed to be in Isabel’s position, but since the original story has changed, our personalities have flipped too.
“Don’t cross the line, Your Highness,” Cedric said as he stood up, his expression hardening. His face clearly showed his anger, as if he couldn’t tolerate it any longer.
Knock, knock.
Just then, a knock came at the perfect time.
“Your Grace, I’ve brought the tea.”
“Come in.”
Lien entered cautiously, immediately pouring tea into my cup. Despite the icy atmosphere, I calmly lifted the teacup.
As the fragrant scent reached me, I dramatically pretended to gag.
“Ugh.”
“…Dear?” Cedric’s eyes widened, and both Isabel and my father’s faces darkened. I quickly covered my mouth with my hand, blinking as if surprised.
“I guess canceling the marriage won’t be easy after all. I wasn’t sure, so I didn’t say anything, but… I think I’m pregnant.”
“No way,” Isabel said, shocked.
“Ugh!” I pretended to gag again for emphasis. Lien quickly handed me a handkerchief.
“Why is it impossible? We’ve been so close every day that we couldn’t be apart,” I said, wiping my mouth.
I glanced sideways at the clock, making sure not to forget.
I’d bought quite a bit of time by now.
“Is it true? Are you really with child?” Cedric asked.
“Does that really matter? Once the physician comes, everyone will know. They’ll hear that I, the Grand Duchess, am carrying the heir. It wouldn’t make sense for me to go to another country with someone else’s child in my belly, so Isabel will have to go instead.”
I slowly rubbed my belly as I spoke. Isabel glared at me in shock, but I didn’t care, knowing that soon she and my father would be leaving this place.
“Y-your Grace! The divine beast has appeared!” a knight shouted as he ran in, looking urgent. My father quickly stood up.
‘Perfect timing.’
I smiled serenely and took a sip of tea.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, we received an urgent message from the priest, saying he felt the divine power.”
My father’s sharp gaze turned toward Isabel. She stood up abruptly, her face filled with disbelief.
“L-lies! I definitely felt it!”
“Isabel, enough,” my father said.
“Father! I’m telling the truth…! This is all a scheme Claire has come up with to send me away!”
Isabel’s voice rang out loudly.
I leaned on Cedric for support and wiped my mouth with the handkerchief.
“I understand, Isabel. You’re scared of going to another country. But I also had to marry like that. It was supposed to be your marriage, but look, I’m living well. You’ll do just fine too.”
“You… you! It’s all your fault!”
Isabel’s bloodshot eyes flared as she rushed toward me.
Slap!
A loud, sharp sound echoed through the air.
Isabel’s head turned to the side.
My father’s hand had struck her cheek and now hung in the air. His face showed he couldn’t tolerate her behavior any longer.
“I’ve given you enough leniency. I overlooked your attempt to escape because I pitied you, but how much longer will you act like a child?”
Isabel clutched her reddened cheek as tears streamed down her face.
“Y-you… slapped me… ha.”
She raised her head and glared at my father.
“Take Princess Isabel back to the palace immediately. Make sure she doesn’t do anything foolish and keep a close watch on her.”
“F-father!”
Isabel, now pale, was grabbed by the knights and dragged away. Her bloodshot eyes filled with rage as she glared at me.
“Isabel, I wish you happiness,” I said, waving my fingers enthusiastically.
It was nice meeting you, and I hope we never meet again.
My father left the Grand Duke’s residence with the knights.
It seemed Zeno and my plan had worked out. Once the royal knights had all disappeared, I finally let out a sigh of relief.
‘Ha… what a long, long ordeal this has been.’
However, there was still one big problem left. The thing I’d done to stop all this from happening.
I slowly turned my head to see Cedric staring directly at my belly. He looked like he had a lot to say, and he opened his mouth to speak.
I awkwardly averted my gaze and forced a smile.
“My dear, don’t you have something to tell me?” Cedric asked.
“Ah… well, you see… hahaha,” I laughed nervously.
Knock, knock.
“Your Grace, His Majesty has said he will send the royal physician in a few days.”
“What?!”
I was startled and my eyes widened. Seeing my gaze shaking, Cedric narrowed his eyes.
“Why are you so surprised?”
I awkwardly smiled as if it was nothing and dismissed the maid. Once the door closed, I let out a nervous breath, my eyes darting around.
“Don’t tell me… were you lying?”
Cedric finally realized and let out a sigh of disbelief. I nodded slightly and opened my mouth to speak.
“…That was the only way to stop it quickly. We’re married, so who would doubt it?”
“You do have a point. But now, what do we do?”
He rubbed his chin slowly, his eyes half-closed. I waved my hands as if to brush away his worries.
“What do you mean, ‘what do we do’? Nothing’s going to happen. You trust me, right?”
“As always, I trust you. But please, no more accidents.”
Cedric let out a short sigh. Suddenly, a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes as he pulled me into his arms, whispering in my ear.
“I have a good idea.”
“…And what is that?”
“We just make it true. Our child.”
“…Are you serious?”
Seeing the look in his eyes, I quickly shook my head and pushed against his chest.
“N-No! That look! No, that’s not right.”
“Why not? This is the best way. If you’re thinking of bribing the royal physician, forget it. That’s impossible.”
“…Why?”
“The people working in the royal palace now are all on the emperor’s side. They’ve been replaced.”
Cedric whispered in my ear, then buried his face in my neck. His warm breath made goosebumps rise all over my skin.
His eyes, filled with desire, were locked onto mine as he held my waist tightly. But I couldn’t say anything more.
It was hard to breathe, thanks to our lips pressing together.
“Mmm…”
I clutched Cedric’s collar, letting out a soft moan. The room started filling with the sound of our heavy breathing.
Holding me up by my waist, Cedric sat on the edge of the desk. He swept aside the papers and kissed down my neck, taking in my body’s outline with his hands.
“That’s why you should only lie when you’re ready to take responsibility, my lady.”
“Cedric…”
It was as if he was punishing me for deceiving him, pushing me further and further without giving me a moment to think. He was rougher than usual.
“And I don’t like lies. So, I’ll just make it true.”
I realized my mistake.
Cedric was upset, deeply annoyed that I had tricked even him.
“There was a reason…”
“We’ll talk about that later.”
His hand brushed over my smooth leg, sending a shiver down my spine.
All my senses were focused on him. The warmth from his breath spread down my neck, making me breathe harder.
“Your Highness! No, Cedric!”
I shut my eyes tightly, shouting. I barely managed to hold back the moans as his heavy hand dug into me.
Cedric breathed against my ear, then kissed my shoulder. His gaze, like that of a low, growling beast, was locked on me entirely.
We almost crossed the line outside the bedroom.
After that day, every time Cedric and I made eye contact, he’d approach me with burning eyes.
“Hah… He’s relentless.”
For several days, he kept coming at me, and I had to stay up late convincing him with words. I was still embarrassed to have such intimate moments with him when I had only recently realized my feelings.
With a weary face, I struggled to pull the strings of my dress and, after finishing, headed to the study.
“We should finish that conversation.”
Since our first night, we’d only spent two nights together. It wasn’t enough time for me to have a baby so easily. He must know that too, but he was pretending not to, just to mess with me.
If I’ve committed any crime, it would be the crime of deception.
Cedric’s eyes had practically popped out of his head when I said I was pregnant.
Dragging my exhausted body, I walked toward the study where Cedric was. Then, I heard a voice calling me.
“Grrrrr.” (You’ve been gone for too long without contacting me!)
“Ah, Zeno.”
“Woof, woof!” (I worked so hard, and yet you didn’t even look for me. Do you know how hard I’ve had it taking care of things?)
Zeno barked loudly, full of resentment.
I had forgotten about him because of everything that happened with Cedric. It had been a few days since my father left for the capital, so it was natural for Zeno to be upset.
“Woof, woof! Woof, woof!” (Once the imperial family left, you should’ve called me right away. Do you know how exhausting it’s been cleaning up after them?)
He howled, pouring out his complaints. I gave him an apologetic look and clasped my hands together in a begging gesture.
“I’m really sorry, I had some things to deal with.”
“Woof, woof!” (You’re going to see him, aren’t you?)
“Zeno, you should come too. Cedric needs to know anyway.”
Zeno tilted his head to the side.
I awkwardly shrugged and walked alongside Zeno toward Cedric’s study.
