“Bark. Please help me.”
Claudel tried not to tremble.
“Can you be my friend?”
Valquiterre, illuminated by bright sunlight, looked sacred, like a messenger from God. His eyes, brighter and unusually sky-blue than his softly shining light yellow blonde hair, looked kindly at her.
"Of course, Claudel. But what happened?”
Valquiterre examined her complexion.
“You’re shaking.”
“Bark.”
Claudel lowered her head in front of him in confession.
“I guess Kaian had no intention of staying married to me.”
It was only a few days ago that Valquiterre had laughed and said that his marriage had brought great success.
Moreover, it was true that he, the King, took the initiative and made the marriage between Vermont and Temnes possible so that the people of Valmonde escaped the severe food shortage and filled their hungry stomachs.
When she visited the capital and asked Valquiterre whether he would take the Duke of Vermonte's side, he also answered without hesitation whether Kaian had gained anything through this marriage.
It was heartbreaking all over again.
Every single thing Kaian had said to her yesterday brought back painful memories of the past.
But the most shocking thing was something else.
‘What did I hear in the Royal Castle? You were told you would put a knife to my throat any time he gave you the order.'
'...Kaian.'
'After hearing those words, did you expect me to match your acting and tell you that I like you?'
The man who rejected her confession actually overheard the story.
If she had looked at the context of the conversation that took place before, it would not have been meant that way, but Claudel indeed avoided the Duke of Vermont's words by saying that she could not properly do so because she was avoiding the place, rather than rejecting them, so if he had only heard that part at first glance, he wouldn't understand and he had misunderstood her.
But now Claudel was pregnant.
There were moments when she was writhing in despair at the misfortune that had overtaken her, thinking that her parents had died because of Kaian, and how she could have had the baby of her enemy.
What sin is the child guilty of?
Claudel could barely stop crying at the presence of the baby, who painfully took a place in her womb and began to stir as if to urgently signal her.
It was clear that Kaian didn't hate her. Although he said that doesn't mean he likes it. At least it was true that Claudel was sincere towards him.
So, this baby was half-created with love.
He would have been perfectly happy if he had received his father's love completely, but he was a child whose mother had her father in her heart, so he deserved to be called half-blessed.
I couldn't treat such a precious baby like a cursed being in an instant.
A precious life in my life that could have been the hope of winning Kaian's heart, or the miracle of overcoming the aftereffects of Herzol.
Among hopes and miracles, I couldn't help but turn away and hate the baby I had hoped for countless times in my heart.
Yesterday, every time I heard Burbrook's words, I felt like I was receiving a punishment that would crush my spirit and make me beat.
Heaven passed judgment on me for finding my own way despite sacrificing my parents' lives.
God must have been disappointed and angry at me for having put my hopes up even with my enemy's baby, as I had dismissed it as a thing of the past ten years ago and was intoxicated with the shallow happiness before my eyes.
Otherwise, how could my life be so harsh and cruel?
I never intentionally tried to do something mean or bad to anyone.
My desire to harm others was born of overflowing passion. I had never had such power since my parents left me when I was young.
O also seemed to like Rowen.
I felt that in a land blessed with warm sunshine all year long, my mortal illness would be cured and I would be able to live a more vibrant and fulfilling life like an ordinary person.
“Can you be my friend?”
Valquiterre, illuminated by bright sunlight, looked sacred, like a messenger from God. His eyes, brighter and unusually sky-blue than his softly shining light yellow blonde hair, looked kindly at her.
"Of course, Claudel. But what happened?”
Valquiterre examined her complexion.
“You’re shaking.”
“Bark.”
Claudel lowered her head in front of him in confession.
“I guess Kaian had no intention of staying married to me.”
It was only a few days ago that Valquiterre had laughed and said that his marriage had brought great success.
Moreover, it was true that he, the King, took the initiative and made the marriage between Vermont and Temnes possible so that the people of Valmonde escaped the severe food shortage and filled their hungry stomachs.
When she visited the capital and asked Valquiterre whether he would take the Duke of Vermonte's side, he also answered without hesitation whether Kaian had gained anything through this marriage.
It was heartbreaking all over again.
Every single thing Kaian had said to her yesterday brought back painful memories of the past.
But the most shocking thing was something else.
‘What did I hear in the Royal Castle? You were told you would put a knife to my throat any time he gave you the order.'
'...Kaian.'
'After hearing those words, did you expect me to match your acting and tell you that I like you?'
The man who rejected her confession actually overheard the story.
If she had looked at the context of the conversation that took place before, it would not have been meant that way, but Claudel indeed avoided the Duke of Vermont's words by saying that she could not properly do so because she was avoiding the place, rather than rejecting them, so if he had only heard that part at first glance, he wouldn't understand and he had misunderstood her.
But now Claudel was pregnant.
There were moments when she was writhing in despair at the misfortune that had overtaken her, thinking that her parents had died because of Kaian, and how she could have had the baby of her enemy.
What sin is the child guilty of?
Claudel could barely stop crying at the presence of the baby, who painfully took a place in her womb and began to stir as if to urgently signal her.
It was clear that Kaian didn't hate her. Although he said that doesn't mean he likes it. At least it was true that Claudel was sincere towards him.
So, this baby was half-created with love.
He would have been perfectly happy if he had received his father's love completely, but he was a child whose mother had her father in her heart, so he deserved to be called half-blessed.
I couldn't treat such a precious baby like a cursed being in an instant.
A precious life in my life that could have been the hope of winning Kaian's heart, or the miracle of overcoming the aftereffects of Herzol.
Among hopes and miracles, I couldn't help but turn away and hate the baby I had hoped for countless times in my heart.
Yesterday, every time I heard Burbrook's words, I felt like I was receiving a punishment that would crush my spirit and make me beat.
Heaven passed judgment on me for finding my own way despite sacrificing my parents' lives.
God must have been disappointed and angry at me for having put my hopes up even with my enemy's baby, as I had dismissed it as a thing of the past ten years ago and was intoxicated with the shallow happiness before my eyes.
Otherwise, how could my life be so harsh and cruel?
I never intentionally tried to do something mean or bad to anyone.
My desire to harm others was born of overflowing passion. I had never had such power since my parents left me when I was young.
O also seemed to like Rowen.
I felt that in a land blessed with warm sunshine all year long, my mortal illness would be cured and I would be able to live a more vibrant and fulfilling life like an ordinary person.
I was counting on my unborn baby and my husband's words that if the baby was born, he would trust me even if I were his enemy.
“It’s a marriage that took place by royal order. He was planning to abandon me after just one year, which was the wedding period.”
Fortunately, I was able to keep from shedding tears as I said those words to Valquiterre.
Last night, a bigger hole was created in my heart than the hole that was once created by what happened with my parents.
O forgot to cry and I had lived for ten years.
Now how much more sad must I be before I can shed tears again?
Maybe that day would never come in my lifetime.
"That... This is ridiculous.”
Valquiterre frowned.
“It was definitely like that in Holderley Round, wasn’t it? He is happy to have you as his wife.”
“It was a lie.”
My eyes were stinging as if tears were about to flow.
“It was all a lie.”
“Kaian lying. He’s not the type of person to do that.”
“On the second day of the wedding celebration, he said in front of his retainers that he would kick me out after the wedding period.”
Valquiterre opened his eyes wide as if he were surprised.
“Then there’s no way Vermont will accept me again. Because a divorced woman has nowhere to go. He can take me to any vassal he wants.”
I didn't want to think about Burrbrook, but I couldn't help but mention it.
“I want to know his heart, Bark.”
I did not know that in this way I would come to rely on Valquiterre.
However, I had no choice but to cling to the promise that he would always be my true friend if I called him 'Bark'.
Now I can't even tell Hannah what happened to Kaian.
Although she said that I came first, Hannah often took Kaian's side and examined his feelings in front of me.
Since her master had changed from Vermont to Temnes, she seemed to have no choice. I was quick to give up.
"He... He said once the baby was born, he could trust me, even if I was a Vermont.”
“It’s a marriage that took place by royal order. He was planning to abandon me after just one year, which was the wedding period.”
Fortunately, I was able to keep from shedding tears as I said those words to Valquiterre.
Last night, a bigger hole was created in my heart than the hole that was once created by what happened with my parents.
O forgot to cry and I had lived for ten years.
Now how much more sad must I be before I can shed tears again?
Maybe that day would never come in my lifetime.
"That... This is ridiculous.”
Valquiterre frowned.
“It was definitely like that in Holderley Round, wasn’t it? He is happy to have you as his wife.”
“It was a lie.”
My eyes were stinging as if tears were about to flow.
“It was all a lie.”
“Kaian lying. He’s not the type of person to do that.”
“On the second day of the wedding celebration, he said in front of his retainers that he would kick me out after the wedding period.”
Valquiterre opened his eyes wide as if he were surprised.
“Then there’s no way Vermont will accept me again. Because a divorced woman has nowhere to go. He can take me to any vassal he wants.”
I didn't want to think about Burrbrook, but I couldn't help but mention it.
“I want to know his heart, Bark.”
I did not know that in this way I would come to rely on Valquiterre.
However, I had no choice but to cling to the promise that he would always be my true friend if I called him 'Bark'.
Now I can't even tell Hannah what happened to Kaian.
Although she said that I came first, Hannah often took Kaian's side and examined his feelings in front of me.
Since her master had changed from Vermont to Temnes, she seemed to have no choice. I was quick to give up.
"He... He said once the baby was born, he could trust me, even if I was a Vermont.”
Of all the words I heard yesterday, the harshest and most painful words burned my insides.
“I guess it was all a lie.”
“How can I help?”
“Because I don’t think he will accept the baby when it’s born.”
Even if I know that, what next? I couldn't think about anything at the moment.
Still, I needed to know.
It was impossible to take a single step without checking.
"Help me, Bark.”
Valquiterre immediately nodded his head at my words.
"Great."
***
Kaian headed to the nicest guest room where Valquiterre was staying.
“It’s a big deal. I thought you were avoiding this place the whole time.”
During his time in Rowen, Valquiterre barely made time to spend time alone with Kaian.
At first, it was uncomfortable for the three of them to eat or do something with Claudel, so Kaian intentionally broke the table or broke his promise.
As a few days passed, Valquiterre spent his time leisurely, saying he would rest alone, and refused Kaian's requests.
“Whoa.”
Kaian let out a long sigh.
Today, half of the guests who stayed after the dance have returned.
Most of the remaining people brought their boats to the lakeside and openly announced that they would return after the water banquet, so the dock was so full that there was no room for them to step in, and the residents of the territory were in an uproar.
It is an important event to pray for abundance and health before the start of the year's farming, but the sudden visit of the King caused a ball to be held and the public sentiment was not good as it felt like even the commoners' events were being taken away by the nobles.
“I will continue to be like this until the water banquet is over.”
One fortunate thing was that the Water Banquet was only a few days away.
And because he was deeply troubled by Claudel's work, Kaian wanted to get drunk if he had a drink, and if he had a sad conversation with Valquiterre, he wanted to be distracted by something else.
Because every time he thought of Claudel, he was so preoccupied that he felt like a scratch was forming deeper and deeper in his heart.
“It wasn’t just the Princesses who had it difficult.”
In the past, all the women he had seen close to him were Princesses, including Queen Sylvia, his mother, and Bianque, so he had a formidable personality.
Compared to that, he once thought Claudel was very gentle and pretty.
Now the most difficult woman in the world was his wife.
He felt like he was back in his newlywed days when he didn't know what to do every time he spoke to Claudel.
The time when the butler scolded him for not only looking at things in the bedroom, even though ‘conversation’ was important.
'No. It's a lot worse than it was then.'
At least they shared a bed back then. It seemed to him that he had not been with Claudel for more than ten days now.
When Kaiqn entered the room where Valquiterre was staying, he was leisurely reading a book and welcomed Kaian.
“It’s too late to invite you.”
"Sorry. Because the events overlap, there’s a lot to take care of.”
As Kaian sat across from him, Valquiterre filled his glass. When Kaian, who was handed the bottle, poured alcohol into the glass in front of him, Valquiterre raised his glass and asked for a toast.
“For the glory of Temnes.”
“We must pray for Oberon’s glory first. No, rather, should I pray for Valquiterre’s queenly feelings to fall from the sky?”
“Thank you for your words.”
Valquiterre, who hated the mention of marriage, seemed to be in a good mood today and accepted his joke.
“If my mother were alive she would come to Rowen much more often.”
“She said, ‘If Her Majesty were alive, this futile war would not have been waged.’
“Then I guess the two of us have been leisurely going hunting.”
“I guess so.”
Kaiqn wanted this conversation with Valquiterre.
Kaian quickly emptied his drink, feeling that the empty space he had longed for was being filled.
He felt that his nerves, which had been sensitive the entire time, were slowly being relaxed by the intoxication, and he sighed involuntarily at the pleasant feeling of his mind becoming relaxed.
“Isn’t it about time?”
“When?”
“The year has changed since you got married. Isn’t it time to see a successor?”
Kaian felt sobered by what Valquiterre suddenly said.
“After all, it’s Vermont.”
It was a time when he was confused and did not know what he meant by saying this.
“What are you going to do if even a redhead is born in Temnes?”
Now the most difficult woman in the world was his wife.
He felt like he was back in his newlywed days when he didn't know what to do every time he spoke to Claudel.
The time when the butler scolded him for not only looking at things in the bedroom, even though ‘conversation’ was important.
'No. It's a lot worse than it was then.'
At least they shared a bed back then. It seemed to him that he had not been with Claudel for more than ten days now.
When Kaiqn entered the room where Valquiterre was staying, he was leisurely reading a book and welcomed Kaian.
“It’s too late to invite you.”
"Sorry. Because the events overlap, there’s a lot to take care of.”
As Kaian sat across from him, Valquiterre filled his glass. When Kaian, who was handed the bottle, poured alcohol into the glass in front of him, Valquiterre raised his glass and asked for a toast.
“For the glory of Temnes.”
“We must pray for Oberon’s glory first. No, rather, should I pray for Valquiterre’s queenly feelings to fall from the sky?”
“Thank you for your words.”
Valquiterre, who hated the mention of marriage, seemed to be in a good mood today and accepted his joke.
“If my mother were alive she would come to Rowen much more often.”
“She said, ‘If Her Majesty were alive, this futile war would not have been waged.’
“Then I guess the two of us have been leisurely going hunting.”
“I guess so.”
Kaiqn wanted this conversation with Valquiterre.
Kaian quickly emptied his drink, feeling that the empty space he had longed for was being filled.
He felt that his nerves, which had been sensitive the entire time, were slowly being relaxed by the intoxication, and he sighed involuntarily at the pleasant feeling of his mind becoming relaxed.
“Isn’t it about time?”
“When?”
“The year has changed since you got married. Isn’t it time to see a successor?”
Kaian felt sobered by what Valquiterre suddenly said.
“After all, it’s Vermont.”
It was a time when he was confused and did not know what he meant by saying this.
“What are you going to do if even a redhead is born in Temnes?”
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