Enoch silently put a small piece of apple into Agatha's mouth. Her rumbling stomach was calmed by the refreshing juice.
“The fruit seems okay. Should I ask them to bring a wider variety?”
“It’s winter, is there any variety left?”
The fruits that came as gifts and congratulatory presents from the Emperor were slowly running out.
“There must be a place that stores dried fruit.”
The diet of the Nobilis Castle changed drastically from this day on. Until the morning sickness subsided, Agatha's main diet consisted of various fruits and pickled figs.
The sweet and cool flesh soothed her stomach and replenished her energy.
The fetus in the womb grew slowly and gradually. The slightly protruding belly was proof of this.
Agatha, who felt the dress she usually wore was getting tighter, called out to Jessie.
“I need to restock my dressing room.”
“Should I call a tailor? Madame Charlotte and the upper house have been sending in thinner fabrics these days, Ma’am.”
“That’s good. If you start preparing now, it won’t be uncomfortable.”
Agatha chose the designs she liked from the hundreds sent by Madame Charlotte and made clothes.
“Madam, what should I do with the decoration of my clothes?”
“How about adding a pattern? Since it’s spring, it would be good to add various patterns.”
Dresses made of fine silk, silk, and muslin were light and very soft.
It was a day when she became accustomed to wearing a cloak, a shawl, low-heeled shoes, and her hair naturally down.
While looking at the documents above, the child moved. Agatha, who had been frozen for a moment, quickly raised her head and called Enoch, who was sitting next to her.
“The child is moving.”
Enoch immediately approached and carefully touched the belly. Then the baby inside the belly began to move more actively.
As if to prove its own existence, its birth continued for a long time.
Agatha and Enoch held their breath, their hands on her stomachs, until it became quiet. Enoch asked in a hushed voice.
“Are you not sick?”
“No, it’s not. It just feels a little weird.”
Agatha watched the child's movements with a curious feeling. For some reason, she couldn't help but laugh.
And Enoch was not much different from her.
The two shared their current feelings without saying a word, just looking into each other's eyes.
Becoming a parent has been a different experience for them.
Heavy and burdensome.
The world seemed to have become a lot warmer.
The royal councillor, Gilbert, and the attending doctor put down the basket of herbs.
“Excuse me, Madame Marchioness. I heard you have been in labor. May I examine you?”
“Yes, please.”
Agatha, who was leaning back on the sofa, extended her arm. Gilbert examined her while Enoch watched, and the attending doctor assisted.
The two doctors who examined Agatha every day and checked her condition knew her condition better than anyone else.
“Fetal movement is a sign that your baby is growing up safely and healthily.”
After examining Agatha's physical condition once more, he recommended that she increase her food intake.
“This is a time when your baby needs more nutrients to grow. It would be better to eat more, even if it is just a little.”
“Would a snack be enough?”
“That’s enough.”
Since the morning sickness had subsided, it wasn't difficult to eat snacks.
“Jessie. Prepare a basket of snacks.”
“Can I tell you to make a meal that is easy to eat but also balanced?”
“Yes, that will work.”
So, bite-sized snacks were always placed next to Agatha so that she could eat even outside of meal times.
Unlike the peaceful Nobilis Castle, except for the strict guard.
Outside, the whole place was abuzz with news of Nobilis' successor.
As spring society began to take hold, various balls and salons were opened, and the topic of conversation among them all was Agatha Nobilis.
“This is her first pregnancy. Is she planning to give birth in her territory?”
“I heard that His Majesty has sent an imperial doctor. It will be difficult for her to come to the capital while pregnant.”
“I heard that the boundaries of Nobilis Castle are formidable.”
The story of thousands of Aratus Knights surrounding the castle of Lord Nobilis, their military formation almost resembling a siege, was widely spread in the capital.
There is a rumor that Agatha brought a huge amount of precious winter fruits from Castle Nobilis and that the empire dress that Agatha Nobilis chose this time is very beautiful.
“This dress is very unique. I thought she chose an empire dress because of her pregnancy, but it turned out differently than I expected.”
“Even though it’s the same empire dress, this one is different. I heard that the trend is to keep the fabric simple and decorate the waist belt and decorations with extreme extravagance, but when I saw it in person, I was surprised to see that it was much prettier than I thought.”
The lady who spoke was also wearing an empire dress and waving a fan.
“Oh, so now it seems that His Majesty is also interested in His Highness the Crown Prince’s succession?”
“Hohoho, this time, following Nobilis, we might hear good news from the imperial family as well.”
The capital city was noisy, but if we had to be specific, it could be said to be peaceful.
But there was a place where, to anyone who looked, the atmosphere was not peaceful.
Bradfold Castle in the South.
Hundreds of Nobilis' kinsmen, their complexions dark and hard in contrast to the warm spring sunshine, gathered at Lord Bradfold's castle, holding invitations.
The Count of Bradford was one of the first in line for the Nobilis, who was seated in a foreign land.
This was a place where all relatives, putting aside factions, could discuss future plans.
Groan groan-
The heads of each collateral family were seated at the conference table in the hall.
The hostess and her successor were sitting around him, keeping an eye on the conference table.
Bang-!
Count Bradford, sitting at the head of the table, rapped the gavel on the table. The noise died down in an instant.
“First of all, I have one announcement to make. I have reported the current situation to the first in line for succession. I have not received a response yet.”
“Do you have any plans to enter the country?”
“If the First Rank enters the country and a problem arises with Agatha Nobilis, it will be difficult to let it slide due to internal strife within the family. Wouldn’t His Majesty the Emperor step in immediately?”
“...There are times when it’s so sad that you’re a foreigner.”
“We’re still sending out spies. The problem is that once we reach Nobilis Castle, all news is cut off...”
“It seems that the carrier pigeon is under censorship. I heard that the use of carrier pigeons is prohibited within the Nobilis Castle unless authorized.”
What a sturdy defense this is.
He's been aiming for Agatha Nobilis for nearly 18 years, but this is the first time something like this has happened.
“It’s all because I let him marry Marquis Aratus. Before that, when was Agatha Nobilis able to mount a proper counterattack?”
There were indignant cries from all over at Baron Cavillo's remarks.
All Agatha could do up until now was protect herself.
When she was young, through the Emperor.
After marriage, through her husband.
After a divorce, it is important to secure safety through a trustworthy knighthood.
For the first time, the husband intervened in the internal strife of the Nobilis family for the sake of his wife's safety, even though he had not even attempted to fight back for fear of causing trouble.
Even that one person's power was so strong that it was unimaginable!
Not only did the Ten Years' War end, but there were also two territorial battles fought in one year, and both resulted in victory.
There was no way to deal with someone like that who protected Agatha Nobilis with all his might and even counterattacked.
“...No matter what happened, it had to be taken care of before this wedding. The raid back then had to have been successful.”
It was Marquis Aratus who saved her from the large-scale attack before her seventh marriage, and it was also Marquis Aratus who saved her from the attack that took place during the gap between them after their marriage.
“What good will it do to say something like this now? The future is the problem.”
The atmosphere in the hall had become somber, and the knight, Joseph, spoke next.
“It’s already been five months. What should I do now?”
“...”
There was a heavy silence. But, starting with Baron Cavillo, speeches began to come out little by little.
“Can’t you know what the fetus in the stomach is like?”
“It has to be possible for spies to get in.”
“How about stabbing the vassals? Well, even if it’s hard to stab the first secretary, it might be worth stabbing the second secretary or the lower-level officials of each department.”
“Except for the First Assistant, First Administrative Officer, First Secretary, and First Executor, no vassals are allowed to enter. Furthermore, the heads of each department have served Agatha Nobilis for over ten years. Do you think they would betray her now? And with an heir who is pregnant with a child who could be the next Duke?”
“...She hasn’t given birth to a successor yet. She might die during childbirth.”
“I don’t know. His Majesty the Emperor himself sent an imperial doctor. He was a very famous doctor who was in charge of the Empress’s childbirth.”
The situation is too unfavorable. After remaining silent for a while, Count Bradfold finally opened his mouth.
“...Let’s wait and see for now. The first in line for the Nobilis succession in another country will send us an answer soon.”
But even if he steps in, will he be able to overcome this situation?
Such thoughts were lingering in the minds of the collaterals gathered here.
Even the head of this meeting, Count Bradford, had such thoughts going through his head.
Traces of worry were reflected in the eyes of some of the heads of the collateral families.
A week later.
Several collateral heads appeared in front of Castle Nobilis, their carriages and carts laden with belated congratulatory gifts.
“The fruit seems okay. Should I ask them to bring a wider variety?”
“It’s winter, is there any variety left?”
The fruits that came as gifts and congratulatory presents from the Emperor were slowly running out.
“There must be a place that stores dried fruit.”
The diet of the Nobilis Castle changed drastically from this day on. Until the morning sickness subsided, Agatha's main diet consisted of various fruits and pickled figs.
The sweet and cool flesh soothed her stomach and replenished her energy.
The fetus in the womb grew slowly and gradually. The slightly protruding belly was proof of this.
Agatha, who felt the dress she usually wore was getting tighter, called out to Jessie.
“I need to restock my dressing room.”
“Should I call a tailor? Madame Charlotte and the upper house have been sending in thinner fabrics these days, Ma’am.”
“That’s good. If you start preparing now, it won’t be uncomfortable.”
Agatha chose the designs she liked from the hundreds sent by Madame Charlotte and made clothes.
“Madam, what should I do with the decoration of my clothes?”
“How about adding a pattern? Since it’s spring, it would be good to add various patterns.”
Dresses made of fine silk, silk, and muslin were light and very soft.
It was a day when she became accustomed to wearing a cloak, a shawl, low-heeled shoes, and her hair naturally down.
While looking at the documents above, the child moved. Agatha, who had been frozen for a moment, quickly raised her head and called Enoch, who was sitting next to her.
“The child is moving.”
Enoch immediately approached and carefully touched the belly. Then the baby inside the belly began to move more actively.
As if to prove its own existence, its birth continued for a long time.
Agatha and Enoch held their breath, their hands on her stomachs, until it became quiet. Enoch asked in a hushed voice.
“Are you not sick?”
“No, it’s not. It just feels a little weird.”
Agatha watched the child's movements with a curious feeling. For some reason, she couldn't help but laugh.
And Enoch was not much different from her.
The two shared their current feelings without saying a word, just looking into each other's eyes.
Becoming a parent has been a different experience for them.
Heavy and burdensome.
The world seemed to have become a lot warmer.
The royal councillor, Gilbert, and the attending doctor put down the basket of herbs.
“Excuse me, Madame Marchioness. I heard you have been in labor. May I examine you?”
“Yes, please.”
Agatha, who was leaning back on the sofa, extended her arm. Gilbert examined her while Enoch watched, and the attending doctor assisted.
The two doctors who examined Agatha every day and checked her condition knew her condition better than anyone else.
“Fetal movement is a sign that your baby is growing up safely and healthily.”
After examining Agatha's physical condition once more, he recommended that she increase her food intake.
“This is a time when your baby needs more nutrients to grow. It would be better to eat more, even if it is just a little.”
“Would a snack be enough?”
“That’s enough.”
Since the morning sickness had subsided, it wasn't difficult to eat snacks.
“Jessie. Prepare a basket of snacks.”
“Can I tell you to make a meal that is easy to eat but also balanced?”
“Yes, that will work.”
So, bite-sized snacks were always placed next to Agatha so that she could eat even outside of meal times.
Unlike the peaceful Nobilis Castle, except for the strict guard.
Outside, the whole place was abuzz with news of Nobilis' successor.
As spring society began to take hold, various balls and salons were opened, and the topic of conversation among them all was Agatha Nobilis.
“This is her first pregnancy. Is she planning to give birth in her territory?”
“I heard that His Majesty has sent an imperial doctor. It will be difficult for her to come to the capital while pregnant.”
“I heard that the boundaries of Nobilis Castle are formidable.”
The story of thousands of Aratus Knights surrounding the castle of Lord Nobilis, their military formation almost resembling a siege, was widely spread in the capital.
There is a rumor that Agatha brought a huge amount of precious winter fruits from Castle Nobilis and that the empire dress that Agatha Nobilis chose this time is very beautiful.
“This dress is very unique. I thought she chose an empire dress because of her pregnancy, but it turned out differently than I expected.”
“Even though it’s the same empire dress, this one is different. I heard that the trend is to keep the fabric simple and decorate the waist belt and decorations with extreme extravagance, but when I saw it in person, I was surprised to see that it was much prettier than I thought.”
The lady who spoke was also wearing an empire dress and waving a fan.
“Oh, so now it seems that His Majesty is also interested in His Highness the Crown Prince’s succession?”
“Hohoho, this time, following Nobilis, we might hear good news from the imperial family as well.”
The capital city was noisy, but if we had to be specific, it could be said to be peaceful.
But there was a place where, to anyone who looked, the atmosphere was not peaceful.
Bradfold Castle in the South.
Hundreds of Nobilis' kinsmen, their complexions dark and hard in contrast to the warm spring sunshine, gathered at Lord Bradfold's castle, holding invitations.
The Count of Bradford was one of the first in line for the Nobilis, who was seated in a foreign land.
This was a place where all relatives, putting aside factions, could discuss future plans.
Groan groan-
The heads of each collateral family were seated at the conference table in the hall.
The hostess and her successor were sitting around him, keeping an eye on the conference table.
Bang-!
Count Bradford, sitting at the head of the table, rapped the gavel on the table. The noise died down in an instant.
“First of all, I have one announcement to make. I have reported the current situation to the first in line for succession. I have not received a response yet.”
“Do you have any plans to enter the country?”
“If the First Rank enters the country and a problem arises with Agatha Nobilis, it will be difficult to let it slide due to internal strife within the family. Wouldn’t His Majesty the Emperor step in immediately?”
“...There are times when it’s so sad that you’re a foreigner.”
“We’re still sending out spies. The problem is that once we reach Nobilis Castle, all news is cut off...”
“It seems that the carrier pigeon is under censorship. I heard that the use of carrier pigeons is prohibited within the Nobilis Castle unless authorized.”
What a sturdy defense this is.
He's been aiming for Agatha Nobilis for nearly 18 years, but this is the first time something like this has happened.
“It’s all because I let him marry Marquis Aratus. Before that, when was Agatha Nobilis able to mount a proper counterattack?”
There were indignant cries from all over at Baron Cavillo's remarks.
All Agatha could do up until now was protect herself.
When she was young, through the Emperor.
After marriage, through her husband.
After a divorce, it is important to secure safety through a trustworthy knighthood.
For the first time, the husband intervened in the internal strife of the Nobilis family for the sake of his wife's safety, even though he had not even attempted to fight back for fear of causing trouble.
Even that one person's power was so strong that it was unimaginable!
Not only did the Ten Years' War end, but there were also two territorial battles fought in one year, and both resulted in victory.
There was no way to deal with someone like that who protected Agatha Nobilis with all his might and even counterattacked.
“...No matter what happened, it had to be taken care of before this wedding. The raid back then had to have been successful.”
It was Marquis Aratus who saved her from the large-scale attack before her seventh marriage, and it was also Marquis Aratus who saved her from the attack that took place during the gap between them after their marriage.
“What good will it do to say something like this now? The future is the problem.”
The atmosphere in the hall had become somber, and the knight, Joseph, spoke next.
“It’s already been five months. What should I do now?”
“...”
There was a heavy silence. But, starting with Baron Cavillo, speeches began to come out little by little.
“Can’t you know what the fetus in the stomach is like?”
“It has to be possible for spies to get in.”
“How about stabbing the vassals? Well, even if it’s hard to stab the first secretary, it might be worth stabbing the second secretary or the lower-level officials of each department.”
“Except for the First Assistant, First Administrative Officer, First Secretary, and First Executor, no vassals are allowed to enter. Furthermore, the heads of each department have served Agatha Nobilis for over ten years. Do you think they would betray her now? And with an heir who is pregnant with a child who could be the next Duke?”
“...She hasn’t given birth to a successor yet. She might die during childbirth.”
“I don’t know. His Majesty the Emperor himself sent an imperial doctor. He was a very famous doctor who was in charge of the Empress’s childbirth.”
The situation is too unfavorable. After remaining silent for a while, Count Bradfold finally opened his mouth.
“...Let’s wait and see for now. The first in line for the Nobilis succession in another country will send us an answer soon.”
But even if he steps in, will he be able to overcome this situation?
Such thoughts were lingering in the minds of the collaterals gathered here.
Even the head of this meeting, Count Bradford, had such thoughts going through his head.
Traces of worry were reflected in the eyes of some of the heads of the collateral families.
A week later.
Several collateral heads appeared in front of Castle Nobilis, their carriages and carts laden with belated congratulatory gifts.
Support Novellate!
Comments
Post a Comment