The Lady and the Stableman

When Edith first heard that Walter had gone out, she was sure that he had gone to the Duchy of Lexion.

“He said he was going to see a house where M’lady could be treated more comfortably, so don’t worry too much. You know he’s a strong guy, right?”

“I know Walter is strong. I know, but…”

Reinhardt gave Edith some kind of advice as she reacted hesitantly.

“Do you mind if I tell M’lady something?”

“Of course.”

“You don’t have to shoulder all the decisions and responsibilities alone. If Walter knows you can lean on him, he will be happy.”

“…”

It wasn’t hard for her to understand what she knew in her head.

Nevertheless, Reinhardt smiled at her hesitation and continued.

“The weight that you think is a burden may actually be the weight of faith. Walter desires your trust. He’s the kind of guy who’d gladly accept it even if you suddenly made him bear all the responsibility, you know.”

“…” 

“Well, he’s the type who will also take care of things without you having to lean on him.” 

Reinhardt gave her time to make a decision instead of forcing her to answer.

Even without evidence, he could tell that the Duke of Lexion and Walter were related by blood. Their overwhelming gazes, commanding presence, strength, and yet arrogant demeanor were so similar that it was strange not to know.

Above all, there was no longer any need to worry about the Lexions tormenting Walter and their child.

No matter what the world said, it was clear that the Duke treasured his family.

Edith pictured Walter in negotiations with the Duke, using all his wit and intelligence for her benefit.

She could now easily imagine him. Dignified, strong, a reliable man who will protect her. She no longer needed to worry or be anxious about him, as he would surely secure everything she needed without even having to explain it.

『 If it weighs just as much as our child…』

After putting her thoughts together, Edith looked at Reinhardt and said.

“Reinhardt, get the carriage ready and accompany me.”

So, with Reinhardt following her, Edith was led straight to where Walter was in the Lexion Manor.

“Until now, you didn’t even know where I was, and you even threatened my woman with your magic.”

『 I guess Walter has verified his lineage.』

Looking at Walter’s back as he spoke to the Duke with his arms crossed, Edith felt that she had made the right decision by coming here.

His back and shoulders were wide enough to support the weight of a child and for her to lean on them.

So, Edith gathered the courage and set aside the thought that she was a burden; she decided to rely on Walter.

“I’m pregnant. It’s this man’s child.”

“…!” 

When she announced she was pregnant with Walter’s child, everyone’s eyes turned to her stomach.

Members of the Lexion household, as well as Walter, were surprised by her statement.

Walter had thought that Edith Lowell, who seemed to have reservations about the Duke, would keep her pregnancy a secret for quite some time.

Edith Lowell was someone who wouldn’t act without certainty, and her rationality rarely made room for emotions.

Still, Walter planned to follow her wishes. As long as she was by his side, he could do anything.

『 But Edith came in person and revealed that she’s pregnant.』

Moreover, she said it was his child.

Even though Walter already knew he was Isaac, hearing those words from her made his heart skip a beat.

But it wasn’t just Walter who was touched by her.

“Nice to meet you, Lady Fortrion.”

“It’s better to be comfortable when you’re pregnant.” 

“Vane, bring the sofa here. Warm water too.”

When the three women emerged from the shadows, Edith’s eyes widened.

All three of them were listed from the portraits that Mrs. Gray had shown, insisting that she must show courtesy when meeting these ladies.

『 They’re Mrs. Leah’s younger sisters.』

Edith belatedly extended her courtesies to them.

She was certainly rude to barge in suddenly, but the three ladies made her sit on a chair and put a shawl around her shoulders.

When she saw them looking at her without showing any sign of being emotionally affected, she recalled what Mrs. Leah had told her before.

⋙“My younger sisters? They were all wild children, but I managed to turn them into proper young ladies. They are all married now.”⋘

⋙“Ladies?”⋘

⋙“Yes. It means they know how to behave politely. But in front of the family, they are always lovely tomboys.”⋘

“Thank you, My Ladies.”

When Edith smiled and greeted them, the three noblewomen responded with warm smiles, although they had slightly different thoughts in their minds.

『 Even if Father and Vane ruined their first impression, we can’t afford to mess it up too.』

『 No matter how much Father hates Fortrion, what did he do to such a cute lady?』

『 Leah Unnie said to take good care of this child.』

As per their Lexion background, these quick-witted ladies assessed the situation and quietly positioned themselves behind Edith.

Edith, now reassured, was able to muster the courage to speak to the Duke.

“Please add to Walter’s conditions that Lexion will help me deliver my baby safely, Your Grace.”

Walter looked at her profile as if fascinated. It was astounding that Edith, who would often tremble at the thought of dealing with Lexion, was speaking with such confidence. It meant that Edith had found something to believe in.

And the moment his eyes met hers, Walter realized. This woman was now believing in him.

“Is it okay if I do that, Walter?”

Edith was asking if she could look forward to his lineage, magical abilities, skills, and the sense of responsibility that came with being of noble birth, in case something went wrong.

The moment Walter recognized that fact, he felt like a small arrow had pierced into his heart.

The tingling sensation that started in one place spread simultaneously throughout his entire body.

His eyes slightly creased at the corners.

“It’s more than okay. Anything you want.”

Unlike the sweet and charming atmosphere surrounding them, the Duke found himself alone on the opposite side of Edith and Walter, feeling overwhelmed for the first time in his life. Even when facing three armed knight orders with only ten subordinates, he had never felt this fearful.

『 Why did I do that…』

The Duke had been feeling guilty for the past few days, thinking that if he had not lost his mind over the family name that had abused Leah, things would not have turned out this way.

Although their relationship had already soured, he wanted to apologize to Edith.

The Duke, who had never bowed down to most of the great nobles of the Empire, as well as to Agnas XIV, bowed his head.

“I would like to offer my apologies for the discourtesy I displayed during your initial visit to Lexion Manor while you’re pregnant, as well as for any distress I may have caused.” 

Franz’s apology was not empty words. He thought it was only natural for Edith not to trust him. So, as always, like a Lexion who always finds a way, he could write down his apology and sign it so that she could believe him.

Franz couldn’t keep his head upright when he realized that she was carrying his great-grandson, Leah’s grandson, and even Leah’s son’s son.

“I will grant any conditions you wish, so please feel free to tell me.”

When the words Edith had been waiting for came out of the Duke’s mouth, she spoke in a faintly trembling voice.

“I’m worried that… my baby might get sick. I’m worried that the child will inherit a lot of magical powers like Mrs. Leah and become terminally ill, or like Walter. I fear that the child’s magic will go crazy and cause memory loss or even death.”

Although Edith was knowledgeable in medicine, she knew very little about magic. That was why she came to see the Duke despite her regrets.

“The one who knows Lexion’s magical powers the best is the Duke, so I hope you can take measures. But that doesn’t mean I’m entrusting everything about my child to this family.”

The Duke understood Edith’s concerns.

“First of all, you don’t need to worry about the rumors circulating about us. We teach our children how to control their magic, not abuse them, as it’s rumored.”

As the Duke’s three daughters strongly agreed, Edith’s complexion brightened slightly.

“And I promise to do my best to ensure that Lexion’s magical power doesn’t have any negative effects on the child. After losing Leah, I delved deeply into this field, so I can assure you that we can keep the child safe.”

Edith was relieved and stroked her stomach. And unconsciously, her other hand reached out and held onto Walter’s hand under the table.

Walter smiled as he gently rubbed her fingertips, which had grown cold due to her nervousness.

“Since you say so, I will think more positively about adding my name to the family register. As for my conditions….”

As Walter confidently laid out his conditions, Cassius, listening from the back, thought to himself.

『 If I hadn’t taught Walter swordsmanship, he would have been a shameless robber. It seems he has quite a knack for it.』

──────────✿◦•

After completing the negotiations, they returned to Fortrion Manor in the wee hours of the morning.

In Edith’s hand was a blue necklace that she had lent to the Duke of Lexion.

『 There’s a voice recording that can only be heard through Lexion’s magic. It’s fascinating.』

She, too, wanted to hear Mrs. Leah’s voice that was recorded within it.

As they ascended to their room side by side, Edith wanted to try to borrow some magic from Walter. However, he gazed at her with a meaningful smile.

“Edith. By the way, I think there’s an issue that needs to be addressed.”

“…?” 

“You lied to Benjamin about who the father of your child is.”

⋙“… It’s Isaac’s child.”⋘ 

Edith’s face lit up like a boiled octopus as she recalled her own words.

Just as she had feared, Walter was showing an incredibly satisfied expression.

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