The preliminary voting has ended amidst chaos, and about a month has passed.
Amid the unexpected intrusion of knights, two grand dukes continue their war over the throne, while the frightened nobles of the capital have finally begun to lower their defenses.
Among them were those who had already packed their bags and fled beyond the borders.
They were likely those who supported the Duke of Toskur either officially or unofficially. The Royal Investigation Corps did not miss them and tracked them all down.
Exile to foreign lands must follow legal procedures. Crossing borders without royal permission is considered a form of treason.
This is because it poses a threat to the empire’s defense. The fact that they attempted unauthorized exile indicates their desperation.
“There is no reason to show mercy to those who abandoned their country for personal gain.”
Duke Albrecht resolutely wielded his hammer against them, and a significant number of people were captured and punished.
There is often a tumult of passion when a new person ascends to the throne, but this time was different from the past when the throne simply passed to the son.
The grand duke, who took countless lives in his greed for the throne, and the grand duke who finally revealed his hidden power to punish him clashed, resulting in a new emperor.
The truth that evil perishes and good prospers is indeed correct.
Although it took a long time, the sins of the villain were ultimately revealed. As the month passed, many things were resolved swiftly. Duke Albrecht was soon to become Emperor Karl Johann.
“Sweetheart, how are you feeling today?”
“Auntie, have you come?”
As usual, the greeting from Pulcheria arrived early in the morning. She has been visiting me daily these days.
Could it be because the once admired Valeria has vanished due to being Karl’s child? Asking about the health of the child in my womb and my own health, Pulcheria spent her busy day.
Being Karl’s aunt makes her an aunt to me now. Recently, I changed how I refer to Pulcheria from ‘Lady’ to ‘Aunt.’ Fortunately, Pulcheria said she preferred being called that.
I have now entered my third month of pregnancy.
Though there were no apparent signs yet, Pulcheria and Karl were moved, saying that the child seemed to grow day by day. Their overwhelming joy made me wonder if they had some sort of clairvoyance.
“Only see good things, hear good things, and eat good things.”
Today, a servant brought a basket of fruit. Pulcheria looked back and forth between the fruit basket and me with a satisfied expression.
“Thank you, Aunt. I will eat happily.”
“Try one now. This fruit is very good for mothers.”
A plump, red fruit I had never seen before looked very tempting. Its fragrance was sweet, and I could imagine it would taste very sweet with one bite.
“At this rate, I’ll really grow.”
“Of course! You’re too thin right now. When the time comes, your belly will be much larger, so you need to grow taller in advance to endure it, don’t you think?”
Though I was thankful, it was sometimes burdensome.
I had been eating more than usual for breakfast due to the need to take care of myself, and now there was so much fruit… It wasn’t just one servant with the fruit basket. Seeing the third one enter made me release a sigh.
“Aunt, you need to moderate yourself.”
It was Karl. I felt like I had found a savior in a difficult situation. Pulcheria’s face lit up with joy at the sight of her husband, and she giggled, saying, “Seeing your husband brightens your face immediately.”
“Well then, save this for dinner. When you’re expecting, food doesn’t go down well at first. During that time, eating this tangy fruit helps enormously.”
“Aunt, you’ve been saying that throughout the month.”
“Did I? Oh dear, this old lady is quite forgetful.”
Though she sounded reproachful, Pulcheria smiled awkwardly at Karl’s gentle tone.
Filled with excitement about seeing her niece’s child again and thrilled that her beloved niece had formed a happy family, she sometimes crossed the line, patting my back and asking for understanding.
“Then enjoy your time together. I’ll take my leave now.”
“What are you saying, Aunt? Stay longer, please.”
“No, no. I have enough sense to know when to go.”
Did I see that correctly? Pulcheria quickly blinked one eye, almost as if she was winking. Was she capable of such a cute expression? I couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’m sorry for leaving you alone, Celly.”
“It’s okay. You’re busy with work.”
“Things have been somewhat organized.”
I nodded. I was curious about the details of what he meant by ‘organization,’ but I decided not to ask.
After the preliminary voting, once Franz and his entourage were imprisoned, I didn’t mention his name in front of Karl.
Over time, an unspoken rule formed between Karl and me: we would not speak the name ‘Franz.’
This rule stemmed from a belief that I could trust Karl to handle everything, even without my concern, combined with Karl’s desire to take away all my worries.
“Do we not need to go out right away?”
“Well, we can stay for a few hours.”
Even if I pretended to be okay, the schedule was inevitably exhausting. Karl pulled a chair beside me and leaned back deeply against the backrest.
A deep sigh escaped him, and I could see a profound fatigue on his face as he closed his eyes.
“I should get some fresh tea.”
“No, it’s fine.”
I wanted to help him recover his energy, even with just a few hours of rest, but he firmly declined. He said that just sitting quietly with me was the most beneficial.
“Celly.”
He always called my name when it was just the two of us, which made my heart flutter.
“Come here.”
Karl stretched out his arms and reached out his hands. It resembled a child pouting to their mother, making me smile softly.
“Do you want a hug?”
He nodded.
“You’ll just hold me, right?”
“Well, I suppose I’ll have to find out once I hold you.”
“You can’t leave unless you promise.”
“Alright, I understand. I’ll just hold you, so come here quickly.”
There have been many times when I was taken aback by his hands wandering to unexpected places, saying we would only hug.
I shouted, telling him not to do that with a face bright red, but it was only in that moment. Karl rubbed his face against my chest, smiling innocently like a child.
The sight was both childlike and pitiful, making my heart weaken. Just as I felt that way, Karl seemed to have been waiting and moved his hand again, and then…
“I told you it can’t happen; you promised.”
“Yes, yes. I understand, Celly.”
Reluctantly, I got up and stumbled towards Karl. As soon as the hem of my dress brushed against his fingertips, he pulled me into his arms and sat me on his lap.
“You really are quick.”
“It can get quicker depending on the situation.”
He sat me on his thigh, wrapped his arms around my waist, and buried his face in my neck. His breath tickling the nape of my neck felt delightful.
“…I think we should call Dr. Clement.”
He’s the royal physician. Why is he looking for him out of the blue?
“Are you feeling unwell? Why…”
“Because pregnant women shouldn’t overdo it. I’m curious how long I need to be careful.”
“What do you need to be careful about?”
I felt his lips brush against my skin, rising in a sly arc.
“Surely not!”
“Oh, don’t be angry, Celly. That expression is lovable too.”
“How can you not be embarrassed?”
It was still broad daylight.
“What’s embarrassing between a couple? There’s no one watching.”
“No one’s watching, you say? Um…”
Hmm, the attendants who were standing just moments ago were nowhere to be seen. Startled, I quickly looked around, and Karl started to laugh out loud.
“I made them leave long ago.”
“When exactly? No, really, you’re quick.”
“To stay with a shy wife, one must be quick.”
Karl’s arms around my waist began to move slightly.
“Where are your hands now… Your Majesty!”
“I haven’t done anything.”
“Are you really doing nothing? Whose hand is this, anyway?”
“Well, I don’t know.”
“You’re being mischievous!”
This wasn’t the image I had! From some day on, Karl had completely changed from that cold, expressionless man.
Of course, he still has that inscrutable, stiff face in front of his subordinates or in public, but when it’s just the two of us, he becomes the world’s most mischievous pervert.
“Were you originally like this? I think I’ve been fooled.”
“I wasn’t like this originally. It’s because of you that I am now.”
“Oh my, what a serious excuse! You’re saying it’s because of me?”
“Yes, so take responsibility, Celly.”
“Responsibility for what, why, and how?”
“Well, I’ll let you know after I call Dr. Clement and ask him a few questions.”
Smooch. Karl pressed his lips against the nape of my neck. The skin pinched lightly between his lips tickled, making me twist my waist involuntarily.
“That tickles. Please stop.”
“If your lips are ticklish, is your hand okay?”
“Seriously…!”
“It seems it won’t do; I can’t rest comfortably in this chair. Now, let’s go to a comfy place.”
“W-what? Where? Wait, Your Majesty!”
My body lifted into the air. Karl quickly moved his arms, standing up while holding me. I would soon find out where this “comfortable place” he mentioned was, just a few steps later.
