It would have been natural for Enoch, who was scouting outside the castle, to discover the Count.
Agatha went to the bathroom first without any pressure. She woke up from the drowsiness that still lingered in the warm water and chose clothes appropriate for breakfast.
Early morning.
Enoch and Count Koudel, who had arrived first, were seated in the dining hall of the castle.
“Meet the Marchioness of Aratus.”
“Welcome, Count.”
It seemed like it was a lightly verbal imperial decree, as there was no sign of any servants belonging to the central government.
Agatha gestured for the Count to sit down, who was politely bowing to her, and smiled brightly at Enoch.
"Enoch."
“Good morning, Ma’am.”
The man who lightly kissed her cheek offered her the seat next to him.
He was still in his military uniform.
The Count, who quickly noticed where Agatha's gaze was directed, bowed his head politely.
“I'm sorry to have caused trouble from early on.”
“It is a pity. It is natural for the Count to hurry since he has received the imperial order.”
After some brief greetings, breakfast began.
Hot soups and stews were served, mainly to warm the stomach.
Count Koudel, who had been urging his steps through the darkness in the cold winter, seemed to like the menu prepared by the chefs of Nobilis and Aratus. His hand moving the spoon did not stop.
Agatha waited until he was almost finished eating before slowly opening her mouth.
“I can see that His Majesty has sent the Count all the way to the south, so I guess he has something important to convey.”
Pausing for a moment, the Count put down his utensils and wiped his mouth with a napkin.
“Could you please give me a tour around here?”
“...”
Enoch, who had been staring blankly at the Count, waved his hand once.
The knights who had been waiting nearby retreated out of the restaurant.
Even the First Vice-Captain, Leon Takran, and his maidservant retreated far away from the wall.
“Is it done?”
“Thank you, Marquis. Then I will convey His Majesty’s message.”
Viscount Koudel, whose expression became solemn, muttered softly.
“His Majesty said that in his dream three roses with golden petals bloomed.”
"Yes?"
“That flower is very pretty and fragrant, but when it thorns, it reminds him of his goddaughter,” he said.
Agatha's expression fell as she guessed what would follow.
Therefore.
“Marchioness Aratus. Are you pregnant right now? His Majesty has ordered you to come back after confirming it.”
Agatha touched her forehead without saying a word. Enoch also wiped his face without saying a word.
She knew from the moment that the Count, with his short career at court, came as a messenger, that it wouldn't be very important.
She wondered why a messenger had come all the way to the south, but it turned out that he had sent a messenger to find out whether or not she was pregnant after only two months.
“Your Grace. So, is it true that Your Majesty asked you to find out whether I am pregnant?”
“Yes.”
If you dream of three roses, do you think they are all me?
Agatha openly pressed her temples. Although she couldn’t bring herself to say it out loud, it wasn’t normal for even a godfather to send a messenger to find out whether his goddaughter was pregnant.
He used to put a lot of effort into her marriage.
Now, it was certain that the attention had shifted to the successor.
Count Koudel looked around cautiously.
“I apologize if I have offended you, Madame Marchioness.”
“I know it’s not your fault.”
“Thank you for your understanding. But please call the doctor and confirm. I absolutely must know the results.”
She thought she knew why the Emperor had sent another young nobleman to be his messenger.
Would a noble who had been in the court for a long time dare to make such an embarrassing request to her?
The Count was carrying out the imperial order with his gaze cast down.
Agatha let out a soft sigh.
“Yes, Your Grace. The imperial command has been delivered. I will let you know the results as soon as possible.”
“Yes. Then I will take my leave now.”
After hearing the answer, the Count ran out of the breakfast room with a bright face.
A moment of silence surrounded the table.
Enoch was the first to speak.
“If it’s uncomfortable, you don’t have to do it.”
“That’s not it.”
It was just a headache. If they were to send an envoy to find out if she was pregnant after only two months of coming down to the territory, what would happen in the future?
Agatha let out another deep breath and stood up. A large, warm hand immediately came to support her back.
“I think it’s time to get a checkup, you know? You’ve been so busy that you’ve even missed your regular checkups, right?”
“...That’s right. I was short-sighted.”
The man, who had a shocked expression for a moment, immediately raised his voice.
“Is there anyone outside?”
“Did you call, Marquis?”
The butler, who had been waiting outside the breakfast room, came in and bowed his head.
“Call the doctor. I need to check on my wife’s health.”
“Yes, Marquis. I will obey your command.”
Agatha, who was watching the butler's back as he left, looked up at her man.
“Come to think of it, you said you hadn’t had your regular checkup either. This time, you should do it too.”
“Yes, I’ll watch you first and then I’ll do the same.”
The attending doctor who had followed Agatha to the Duchy of Nobilis was not surprised by the sudden summons.
“I’m trying to check if you have a baby.”
In the bedroom, only Enoch and her maids were waiting.
The attending doctor asked, setting down a basket of herbs on the table.
“Have you noticed anything?”
“Not really.”
“Please sit on the bed. I will examine you.”
While the doctor showed his face with utmost concentration, Agatha only stared at Enoch standing beyond the curtain.
She didn't really think she was pregnant, but it was a strangely nervous moment.
Thump thump
She thought to herself, catching her breath as her heartbeat rang in her ears.
'What the hell is this?'
Agatha vowed that this would be the last time she would ever give in to the Emperor's demands again.
When she goes up to the capital this spring, she intends to vent her feelings without reservation.
A strangely tense atmosphere flows.
The attending doctor, who had been doing something for a while, finally raised his head.
“What do you think?”
A bright smile appeared on the older doctor's face.
“Congratulations, Madam. You are pregnant, even though it is small.”
“What? Really?”
Agatha asked back, surprised by the completely unexpected answer. The attending doctor, who had pulled back the curtain, looked around and spoke again, bluntly.
“Congratulations, Marquis, Madam. You are pregnant.”
“Oh my goodness, Ma’am! Congratulations!”
“Madam, this is truly wonderful news! Marquis, congratulations!”
Jesse and Marie fell to the floor in joy. Agatha immediately looked at Enoch.
The man had a blank expression on his face that she had never seen before.
The face that had been unable to move a single hand gradually changed and began to express intense joy and happiness.
It's her first time experiencing such a change in emotion.
“You may not have noticed because the baby is still very small.”
The attending doctor in front of her was adding something, but she couldn't hear him.
Enoch covered his eyes and let out a low breath.
A man who had come within a stone's throw of her with creaking steps like wooden blocks grabbed my hand.
His large, strong hands were shaking slightly. Enoch asked.
“...Is there anything I should be careful of?”
“This is the most dangerous time, so you must take care of yourself. Avoid strenuous movements and be careful about what you eat.”
“It would be nice to have you by my side all the time.”
Enoch knelt down on one knee before Agatha and whispered affectionately.
“This is our first child.”
A large, warm hand gently placed itself over Agatha's hand, which was unconsciously wrapping around her stomach.
Agatha lowered her gaze.
“I really had no idea.”
“It’s okay. I couldn’t even imagine it.”
The man let out a low laugh and muttered quietly. It was a simple voice as if floating in a dream.
“I’m so happy, I can’t express it in words. Just thinking about you and my child makes me happy.”
Agatha, who had been blinking, felt reality slowly dawning on her.
I really am having a baby.
She was happy to think of the baby as Enoch and her child, but it also felt a little strange.
Whether a daughter or a son, this child will be her heir and successor to the Nobilis family.
Suddenly, Agatha remembered the presence of her relatives and strengthened the hand holding her stomach.
“Is it okay?”
“What are you talking about?”
“...Now that I have a child, my relatives really won’t stay still.”
They've always been very strict about what they eat and what they wear, but now it's going to be really dangerous.
The man's face, which had been soft and relaxed with a first-time expression, slowly but fiercely hardened.
“No one can touch you. I will make it so.”
“I trust you. But you are the most important thing to me, you know that?”
A hand slowly reached out and stroked his cheek, which was filled with strength.
For a moment, the man gritted his teeth.
“You are the most important thing to me. Promise me that you will cherish yourself too.”
“...Agatha.”
I can't live without him. I'd rather die than see him without me.
Her distorted face was reflected in the eyes of the man who was staring blankly up at her.
He let out a low breath and laughed.
“There’s no way I could leave the person I love behind.”
Agatha's eyes widened as she paused.
“...Please say that again.”
“Where can I go without you, my beloved? Don’t worry and stay by my side. I will protect you as always.”
Enoch took hold of the hand that was cupping her cheek and left a lingering kiss on it.
Agatha went to the bathroom first without any pressure. She woke up from the drowsiness that still lingered in the warm water and chose clothes appropriate for breakfast.
Early morning.
Enoch and Count Koudel, who had arrived first, were seated in the dining hall of the castle.
“Meet the Marchioness of Aratus.”
“Welcome, Count.”
It seemed like it was a lightly verbal imperial decree, as there was no sign of any servants belonging to the central government.
Agatha gestured for the Count to sit down, who was politely bowing to her, and smiled brightly at Enoch.
"Enoch."
“Good morning, Ma’am.”
The man who lightly kissed her cheek offered her the seat next to him.
He was still in his military uniform.
The Count, who quickly noticed where Agatha's gaze was directed, bowed his head politely.
“I'm sorry to have caused trouble from early on.”
“It is a pity. It is natural for the Count to hurry since he has received the imperial order.”
After some brief greetings, breakfast began.
Hot soups and stews were served, mainly to warm the stomach.
Count Koudel, who had been urging his steps through the darkness in the cold winter, seemed to like the menu prepared by the chefs of Nobilis and Aratus. His hand moving the spoon did not stop.
Agatha waited until he was almost finished eating before slowly opening her mouth.
“I can see that His Majesty has sent the Count all the way to the south, so I guess he has something important to convey.”
Pausing for a moment, the Count put down his utensils and wiped his mouth with a napkin.
“Could you please give me a tour around here?”
“...”
Enoch, who had been staring blankly at the Count, waved his hand once.
The knights who had been waiting nearby retreated out of the restaurant.
Even the First Vice-Captain, Leon Takran, and his maidservant retreated far away from the wall.
“Is it done?”
“Thank you, Marquis. Then I will convey His Majesty’s message.”
Viscount Koudel, whose expression became solemn, muttered softly.
“His Majesty said that in his dream three roses with golden petals bloomed.”
"Yes?"
“That flower is very pretty and fragrant, but when it thorns, it reminds him of his goddaughter,” he said.
Agatha's expression fell as she guessed what would follow.
Therefore.
“Marchioness Aratus. Are you pregnant right now? His Majesty has ordered you to come back after confirming it.”
Agatha touched her forehead without saying a word. Enoch also wiped his face without saying a word.
She knew from the moment that the Count, with his short career at court, came as a messenger, that it wouldn't be very important.
She wondered why a messenger had come all the way to the south, but it turned out that he had sent a messenger to find out whether or not she was pregnant after only two months.
“Your Grace. So, is it true that Your Majesty asked you to find out whether I am pregnant?”
“Yes.”
If you dream of three roses, do you think they are all me?
Agatha openly pressed her temples. Although she couldn’t bring herself to say it out loud, it wasn’t normal for even a godfather to send a messenger to find out whether his goddaughter was pregnant.
He used to put a lot of effort into her marriage.
Now, it was certain that the attention had shifted to the successor.
Count Koudel looked around cautiously.
“I apologize if I have offended you, Madame Marchioness.”
“I know it’s not your fault.”
“Thank you for your understanding. But please call the doctor and confirm. I absolutely must know the results.”
She thought she knew why the Emperor had sent another young nobleman to be his messenger.
Would a noble who had been in the court for a long time dare to make such an embarrassing request to her?
The Count was carrying out the imperial order with his gaze cast down.
Agatha let out a soft sigh.
“Yes, Your Grace. The imperial command has been delivered. I will let you know the results as soon as possible.”
“Yes. Then I will take my leave now.”
After hearing the answer, the Count ran out of the breakfast room with a bright face.
A moment of silence surrounded the table.
Enoch was the first to speak.
“If it’s uncomfortable, you don’t have to do it.”
“That’s not it.”
It was just a headache. If they were to send an envoy to find out if she was pregnant after only two months of coming down to the territory, what would happen in the future?
Agatha let out another deep breath and stood up. A large, warm hand immediately came to support her back.
“I think it’s time to get a checkup, you know? You’ve been so busy that you’ve even missed your regular checkups, right?”
“...That’s right. I was short-sighted.”
The man, who had a shocked expression for a moment, immediately raised his voice.
“Is there anyone outside?”
“Did you call, Marquis?”
The butler, who had been waiting outside the breakfast room, came in and bowed his head.
“Call the doctor. I need to check on my wife’s health.”
“Yes, Marquis. I will obey your command.”
Agatha, who was watching the butler's back as he left, looked up at her man.
“Come to think of it, you said you hadn’t had your regular checkup either. This time, you should do it too.”
“Yes, I’ll watch you first and then I’ll do the same.”
The attending doctor who had followed Agatha to the Duchy of Nobilis was not surprised by the sudden summons.
“I’m trying to check if you have a baby.”
In the bedroom, only Enoch and her maids were waiting.
The attending doctor asked, setting down a basket of herbs on the table.
“Have you noticed anything?”
“Not really.”
“Please sit on the bed. I will examine you.”
While the doctor showed his face with utmost concentration, Agatha only stared at Enoch standing beyond the curtain.
She didn't really think she was pregnant, but it was a strangely nervous moment.
Thump thump
She thought to herself, catching her breath as her heartbeat rang in her ears.
'What the hell is this?'
Agatha vowed that this would be the last time she would ever give in to the Emperor's demands again.
When she goes up to the capital this spring, she intends to vent her feelings without reservation.
A strangely tense atmosphere flows.
The attending doctor, who had been doing something for a while, finally raised his head.
“What do you think?”
A bright smile appeared on the older doctor's face.
“Congratulations, Madam. You are pregnant, even though it is small.”
“What? Really?”
Agatha asked back, surprised by the completely unexpected answer. The attending doctor, who had pulled back the curtain, looked around and spoke again, bluntly.
“Congratulations, Marquis, Madam. You are pregnant.”
“Oh my goodness, Ma’am! Congratulations!”
“Madam, this is truly wonderful news! Marquis, congratulations!”
Jesse and Marie fell to the floor in joy. Agatha immediately looked at Enoch.
The man had a blank expression on his face that she had never seen before.
The face that had been unable to move a single hand gradually changed and began to express intense joy and happiness.
It's her first time experiencing such a change in emotion.
“You may not have noticed because the baby is still very small.”
The attending doctor in front of her was adding something, but she couldn't hear him.
Enoch covered his eyes and let out a low breath.
A man who had come within a stone's throw of her with creaking steps like wooden blocks grabbed my hand.
His large, strong hands were shaking slightly. Enoch asked.
“...Is there anything I should be careful of?”
“This is the most dangerous time, so you must take care of yourself. Avoid strenuous movements and be careful about what you eat.”
“It would be nice to have you by my side all the time.”
Enoch knelt down on one knee before Agatha and whispered affectionately.
“This is our first child.”
A large, warm hand gently placed itself over Agatha's hand, which was unconsciously wrapping around her stomach.
Agatha lowered her gaze.
“I really had no idea.”
“It’s okay. I couldn’t even imagine it.”
The man let out a low laugh and muttered quietly. It was a simple voice as if floating in a dream.
“I’m so happy, I can’t express it in words. Just thinking about you and my child makes me happy.”
Agatha, who had been blinking, felt reality slowly dawning on her.
I really am having a baby.
She was happy to think of the baby as Enoch and her child, but it also felt a little strange.
Whether a daughter or a son, this child will be her heir and successor to the Nobilis family.
Suddenly, Agatha remembered the presence of her relatives and strengthened the hand holding her stomach.
“Is it okay?”
“What are you talking about?”
“...Now that I have a child, my relatives really won’t stay still.”
They've always been very strict about what they eat and what they wear, but now it's going to be really dangerous.
The man's face, which had been soft and relaxed with a first-time expression, slowly but fiercely hardened.
“No one can touch you. I will make it so.”
“I trust you. But you are the most important thing to me, you know that?”
A hand slowly reached out and stroked his cheek, which was filled with strength.
For a moment, the man gritted his teeth.
“You are the most important thing to me. Promise me that you will cherish yourself too.”
“...Agatha.”
I can't live without him. I'd rather die than see him without me.
Her distorted face was reflected in the eyes of the man who was staring blankly up at her.
He let out a low breath and laughed.
“There’s no way I could leave the person I love behind.”
Agatha's eyes widened as she paused.
“...Please say that again.”
“Where can I go without you, my beloved? Don’t worry and stay by my side. I will protect you as always.”
Enoch took hold of the hand that was cupping her cheek and left a lingering kiss on it.
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