100. Pregnancy
Pregnant?
You're pregnant?
Asherad looked down at the sleeping Daphne. The peach-like blush on her sleeping face had long since disappeared. She was clearly sick, but was she pregnant?
“Is it true?”
"Yes."
“Why didn't she know?"
The doctor let out a small sigh at Asherad's words.
“Usually, nine-year-old girls don’t know about menstruation. This girl is nine years old now. Even if she hadn’t had her period, she would have just let it go.”
Asherad nodded at those words. Young Daphne had no way of knowing the signs of pregnancy. Perhaps adult Daphne had no such symptoms. Daphne’s menstrual cycle was irregular.
Because she's pregnant. Daphne can't have children because she's taking fertility drugs.
He doubted whether that was true, but the female doctor that Asherad had brought was one of the best doctors in the empire. There was no way he would have misdiagnosed her.
Asherad looked at Daphne's belly.
“The belly didn’t come out.”
“It’s been two months now. There’s still a long way to go before her belly comes out.”
Asherad was silent for a long time after the doctor's smiling words. Then Asherad raised his head and asked seriously.
“As you know, Daphne has taken poison. So the unborn child is still alive? Is the child healthy?”
The doctor nodded.
“I was suspicious, too, so I checked several times. The baby’s heartbeat is loud. A good pulse means he’s healthy.”
Asherad sighed in relief. He looked at Daphne, who was sleeping soundly. Fortunately, it wasn't a serious illness.
“I’ll just go out and have a look.”
The doctor bowed and left. The room became quiet again. Now the doctor would prescribe good things for Daphne. Asherad lowered his eyes.
Pregnant. Had a child. His and Daphne's child.
The corners of Asherad's stiff lips twitched into a smile. At this moment, the man was filled with joy.
Ah, I finally succeeded in planting my seed in this woman. Daphne conceived my seed! It was worth the constant feeding of antidotes to Daphne.
He caught Olga, killed her, found out what the poison was, and tried to detoxify her. After continuously feeding her food, Daphne became fertile again.
Ah...
He didn't know what to do with this feeling of fullness. A being that would inherit his and her blood would be born! He reached out and touched Daphne's belly.
Oh, Daphne. You really can't get away from me now.
Even if she regained her memories, nothing would change now. Ah, Daphne, you are mine now. He let out a victorious laugh.
Ioannis opened his eyes wide at Asherad's words. The Emperor, who was in his office, greeted him with a bright face and told him that Daphne was pregnant.
“What did you just say? Are you saying that Miss Daphne is pregnant?”
“Daphne and I are finally together, Ioannis.”
Ioannis looked at Asherad with a stiff face. Daphne was barren. However, she overcame that and managed to conceive a child. Asherad was intoxicated with victory. He let out a snicker.
“Ioannis, can you believe it? It’s my seed. My blood! Daphne has it.”
The man 'bragged' to Ioannis with an ecstatic expression. The face of the man who had become a father was certainly beautiful, but it was also bizarre. The woman had not wanted the pregnancy. Nevertheless, the man was delighted that he had planted the seed.
“Isn’t that amazing? He survived even after being poisoned.”
“...”
“I really wonder what it will be like when he is born.”
“...”
“That child will be the next Emperor, and we will get married.”
Asherad chuckled to himself as he imagined the situation. Ioannis looked at the face of his friend, who had given him the 'good news' for a long time. Ioannis knew what it was.
It's a territory marker.
A warning not to approach a woman with a child of hia own. Ioannis took the childish display in stride. A few questions came to his mind.
“Does Miss Daphne know that?”
Asherad smiled and shook his head. Ioannis's brow furrowed.
“Did you not tell her on purpose?”
"Yes."
Ioannis' eyes widened. The person concerned didn't know that she was pregnant? How could that be possible! He frowned and shouted.
“She should know her own body condition well. What are you doing now, Asherad!”
Asherad narrowed his eyes at the criticism.
“Why does she need to know?”
“...”
“She’s only nine years old. How can you explain her condition?”
“Asherad.”
“How scary it must be. It’s better to speak slowly when accepting it.”
Looking at the rationalization, Ioannis thought about Asherad's selfishness. He was quite altruistic, except for Daphne. He hated anything dirty or mean, but he worked day and night for the peace of the country. Ioannis let out a low sigh and said.
“Asherad.”
“...”
“Be honest. Wasn’t it to make an excuse so she wouldn’t leave even if her memories came back?”
The smile suddenly disappeared from Asherad's face. Ioannis was blunt and reserved, but when he opened his mouth, his words were sharp and to the point.
“Asherad. You...”
“Shut up.”
“You are no different from your parents.”
“Shut up!”
Even though she had turned into a nine-year-old girl who had lost her memory, she had the right to know about such things. But why did this man continue to make mistakes? Ioannis felt frustrated. He closed his eyes tightly and opened his mouth to touch his sore spot.
To Asherad, a child is a means. A means to capture Daphne. Has he not learned anything about those who use children as a means?
“When that child grows up, just like your parents, you will either use violence or strangle him.”
“Ioannis Turbol!”
“Or, if you don’t need it, just make him drink poison.”
Asherad couldn't hold back and threw the vase on the table. Ioannis easily dodged the vase that flew at him. Asherad glared at him with bloodshot eyes. He trembled with anger. That anger meant that he acknowledged his words.
Ioannis made Asherad realize the baseness of the happy father he was pretending to be. It was Asherad's job to accept it.
Daphne, who had woken up, rubbed her eyes. She looked at Sarah standing next to her. Sarah was looking at Daphne’s face with her mouth shut, and she had a complicated expression on her face. A face that didn’t know what to do, a face that was deep in thought.
“Sister, what are you doing?”
Sarah flinched at Daphne's words. Daphne, who was lying down, got up. As her head spun, Sarah spoke coldly.
“If you feel dizzy, lie down.”
“...Am I sick?”
Daphne was taking a drawing class when she felt nauseous and fell asleep from exhaustion. She clearly remembers Asherad coming to me while she was sleeping...
“I’m not sick. I just don’t feel well.”
When Sarah held out a glass of water, Daphne said a small thank you and drank the water.
“Be careful when you walk forward.”
"Yes."
“If you fall, you’ll be in big trouble.”
"Yes."
“And from now on, you must eat meals regularly and not skip any.”
Daphne smiled and nodded at Sarah's words. Sarah accepted the empty water cup Daphne offered.
“You’re fast.”
"Yes?"
“No, nothing. Do you want to eat anything?”
“I’m not hungry yet.”
At those words, Sarah left the room. Strange? Sarah obviously hates her, but why is she so affectionate? As Daphne tilted her head, she heard a knock on the door.
"Yes."
In response, the door opened, and Asherad came in. Daphne smiled brightly at Asherad as he entered, then made a puzzled expression. His eyes were dark, just like the forest at night.
“Asherad?”
Daphne tried to get up again, but Asherad raised his hand to stop her. Why is everyone telling her not to get up? Askeraad walked over and sat down on the chair next to the bed.
“How are you feeling? Are you still feeling nauseous?”
“No, I’m okay now.”
“...That’s fortunate.”
Daphne blinked and looked at him, his expression filled with worry. Why on earth is that? At that moment, Asherad raised his hand and stroked Daphne’s forehead.
"Daphne."
"Yes."
“Let’s get married.”
Daphne's eyes widened. Marriage?! Marriage all of a sudden? Asherad's hands were gentle, but the words that came out were incredibly surprising.
“Why, why? Suddenly?”
“We were originally lovers, so it’s not strange for us to get married.”
That was it. She didn't know what to do with the sudden proposal. Marriage? Is Asherad going to be my husband? Asherad said, seeing her confused.
“You will be my precious treasure from now on.”
“...”
“I won’t break you or hurt you. I’ll give you everything you want.”
“...”
“I will not let you live in a squalid place, but I will make you live in a cool and warm place. Everything you eat will be precious, and the clothes you wear will be beautiful.”
“...”
Asherad spoke earnestly to the lying Daphne. I know that this man loves me, but...
“I’m still nine years old.”
“...”
“Wouldn’t it be better if I do it when my memory returns?”
It would be better for her to become Asherad's wife as an adult. She knows how scary and difficult the position of the Emperor is. The young girl was not fit for the position. Daphne secretly watched Asherad's expression. Asherad smiled and shook his head.
“No, I like you just the way you are now.”
“...”
Looking into Asherad's earnest eyes, it felt like she was being sucked into the recording. He still made her heart flutter. Why does this kind of person like me? Daphne, who was afraid of this talented man’s love, mumbled and said.
“If you value me so much and give me so much...”
“...”
“What should I give you? I have nothing.”
She had no home, no mother. She had nothing. But she was precious to him, and said he would give her everything. At that, the hand that was stroking her forehead stopped.
“Your heart.”
“Heart? What kind of heart?”
"Love."
He had only asked for love, but it sounded desperate, as if he was asking for his life. Daphne looked at his desperate face and wondered.
They say they just want love, love.
He said that her heart was more precious than anything else. This man was truly in love with her. Daphne's cheeks flushed as she realized this anew. She rolled her eyes here and there, not knowing what to do, and then smiled and said.
“Asherad already has that.”
“...”
“You didn’t know?”
At those words, Asherad's eyes widened and his pupils narrowed. He looked at Daphne with an incredulous face. She was not a liar. What he wanted so badly was now in his grasp. Was it excitement or sadness?
Unable to bear it any longer, he took Daphne's hand, lifted her up, and hugged her tightly.
I won't make the same mistakes I made before. She's no longer a dog, she's my wife. When Asherad closed his eyes, and was grateful for the warmth.
“Your Majesty! Your Majesty!”
The servant's voice was heard beyond the door. The emotion and joy he felt suddenly cooled down. As Asherad pushed Daphne away and answered, the door swung open.
“What's going on?”
If it's not urgent, I'll kill that bastard. When Asherad saw him, the attendant said without hesitation.
“A declaration of war has arrived from Thalassa!”
Pregnant?
You're pregnant?
Asherad looked down at the sleeping Daphne. The peach-like blush on her sleeping face had long since disappeared. She was clearly sick, but was she pregnant?
“Is it true?”
"Yes."
“Why didn't she know?"
The doctor let out a small sigh at Asherad's words.
“Usually, nine-year-old girls don’t know about menstruation. This girl is nine years old now. Even if she hadn’t had her period, she would have just let it go.”
Asherad nodded at those words. Young Daphne had no way of knowing the signs of pregnancy. Perhaps adult Daphne had no such symptoms. Daphne’s menstrual cycle was irregular.
Because she's pregnant. Daphne can't have children because she's taking fertility drugs.
He doubted whether that was true, but the female doctor that Asherad had brought was one of the best doctors in the empire. There was no way he would have misdiagnosed her.
Asherad looked at Daphne's belly.
“The belly didn’t come out.”
“It’s been two months now. There’s still a long way to go before her belly comes out.”
Asherad was silent for a long time after the doctor's smiling words. Then Asherad raised his head and asked seriously.
“As you know, Daphne has taken poison. So the unborn child is still alive? Is the child healthy?”
The doctor nodded.
“I was suspicious, too, so I checked several times. The baby’s heartbeat is loud. A good pulse means he’s healthy.”
Asherad sighed in relief. He looked at Daphne, who was sleeping soundly. Fortunately, it wasn't a serious illness.
“I’ll just go out and have a look.”
The doctor bowed and left. The room became quiet again. Now the doctor would prescribe good things for Daphne. Asherad lowered his eyes.
Pregnant. Had a child. His and Daphne's child.
The corners of Asherad's stiff lips twitched into a smile. At this moment, the man was filled with joy.
Ah, I finally succeeded in planting my seed in this woman. Daphne conceived my seed! It was worth the constant feeding of antidotes to Daphne.
He caught Olga, killed her, found out what the poison was, and tried to detoxify her. After continuously feeding her food, Daphne became fertile again.
Ah...
He didn't know what to do with this feeling of fullness. A being that would inherit his and her blood would be born! He reached out and touched Daphne's belly.
Oh, Daphne. You really can't get away from me now.
Even if she regained her memories, nothing would change now. Ah, Daphne, you are mine now. He let out a victorious laugh.
***
Ioannis opened his eyes wide at Asherad's words. The Emperor, who was in his office, greeted him with a bright face and told him that Daphne was pregnant.
“What did you just say? Are you saying that Miss Daphne is pregnant?”
“Daphne and I are finally together, Ioannis.”
Ioannis looked at Asherad with a stiff face. Daphne was barren. However, she overcame that and managed to conceive a child. Asherad was intoxicated with victory. He let out a snicker.
“Ioannis, can you believe it? It’s my seed. My blood! Daphne has it.”
The man 'bragged' to Ioannis with an ecstatic expression. The face of the man who had become a father was certainly beautiful, but it was also bizarre. The woman had not wanted the pregnancy. Nevertheless, the man was delighted that he had planted the seed.
“Isn’t that amazing? He survived even after being poisoned.”
“...”
“I really wonder what it will be like when he is born.”
“...”
“That child will be the next Emperor, and we will get married.”
Asherad chuckled to himself as he imagined the situation. Ioannis looked at the face of his friend, who had given him the 'good news' for a long time. Ioannis knew what it was.
It's a territory marker.
A warning not to approach a woman with a child of hia own. Ioannis took the childish display in stride. A few questions came to his mind.
“Does Miss Daphne know that?”
Asherad smiled and shook his head. Ioannis's brow furrowed.
“Did you not tell her on purpose?”
"Yes."
Ioannis' eyes widened. The person concerned didn't know that she was pregnant? How could that be possible! He frowned and shouted.
“She should know her own body condition well. What are you doing now, Asherad!”
Asherad narrowed his eyes at the criticism.
“Why does she need to know?”
“...”
“She’s only nine years old. How can you explain her condition?”
“Asherad.”
“How scary it must be. It’s better to speak slowly when accepting it.”
Looking at the rationalization, Ioannis thought about Asherad's selfishness. He was quite altruistic, except for Daphne. He hated anything dirty or mean, but he worked day and night for the peace of the country. Ioannis let out a low sigh and said.
“Asherad.”
“...”
“Be honest. Wasn’t it to make an excuse so she wouldn’t leave even if her memories came back?”
The smile suddenly disappeared from Asherad's face. Ioannis was blunt and reserved, but when he opened his mouth, his words were sharp and to the point.
“Asherad. You...”
“Shut up.”
“You are no different from your parents.”
“Shut up!”
Even though she had turned into a nine-year-old girl who had lost her memory, she had the right to know about such things. But why did this man continue to make mistakes? Ioannis felt frustrated. He closed his eyes tightly and opened his mouth to touch his sore spot.
To Asherad, a child is a means. A means to capture Daphne. Has he not learned anything about those who use children as a means?
“When that child grows up, just like your parents, you will either use violence or strangle him.”
“Ioannis Turbol!”
“Or, if you don’t need it, just make him drink poison.”
Asherad couldn't hold back and threw the vase on the table. Ioannis easily dodged the vase that flew at him. Asherad glared at him with bloodshot eyes. He trembled with anger. That anger meant that he acknowledged his words.
Ioannis made Asherad realize the baseness of the happy father he was pretending to be. It was Asherad's job to accept it.
***
Daphne, who had woken up, rubbed her eyes. She looked at Sarah standing next to her. Sarah was looking at Daphne’s face with her mouth shut, and she had a complicated expression on her face. A face that didn’t know what to do, a face that was deep in thought.
“Sister, what are you doing?”
Sarah flinched at Daphne's words. Daphne, who was lying down, got up. As her head spun, Sarah spoke coldly.
“If you feel dizzy, lie down.”
“...Am I sick?”
Daphne was taking a drawing class when she felt nauseous and fell asleep from exhaustion. She clearly remembers Asherad coming to me while she was sleeping...
“I’m not sick. I just don’t feel well.”
When Sarah held out a glass of water, Daphne said a small thank you and drank the water.
“Be careful when you walk forward.”
"Yes."
“If you fall, you’ll be in big trouble.”
"Yes."
“And from now on, you must eat meals regularly and not skip any.”
Daphne smiled and nodded at Sarah's words. Sarah accepted the empty water cup Daphne offered.
“You’re fast.”
"Yes?"
“No, nothing. Do you want to eat anything?”
“I’m not hungry yet.”
At those words, Sarah left the room. Strange? Sarah obviously hates her, but why is she so affectionate? As Daphne tilted her head, she heard a knock on the door.
"Yes."
In response, the door opened, and Asherad came in. Daphne smiled brightly at Asherad as he entered, then made a puzzled expression. His eyes were dark, just like the forest at night.
“Asherad?”
Daphne tried to get up again, but Asherad raised his hand to stop her. Why is everyone telling her not to get up? Askeraad walked over and sat down on the chair next to the bed.
“How are you feeling? Are you still feeling nauseous?”
“No, I’m okay now.”
“...That’s fortunate.”
Daphne blinked and looked at him, his expression filled with worry. Why on earth is that? At that moment, Asherad raised his hand and stroked Daphne’s forehead.
"Daphne."
"Yes."
“Let’s get married.”
Daphne's eyes widened. Marriage?! Marriage all of a sudden? Asherad's hands were gentle, but the words that came out were incredibly surprising.
“Why, why? Suddenly?”
“We were originally lovers, so it’s not strange for us to get married.”
That was it. She didn't know what to do with the sudden proposal. Marriage? Is Asherad going to be my husband? Asherad said, seeing her confused.
“You will be my precious treasure from now on.”
“...”
“I won’t break you or hurt you. I’ll give you everything you want.”
“...”
“I will not let you live in a squalid place, but I will make you live in a cool and warm place. Everything you eat will be precious, and the clothes you wear will be beautiful.”
“...”
Asherad spoke earnestly to the lying Daphne. I know that this man loves me, but...
“I’m still nine years old.”
“...”
“Wouldn’t it be better if I do it when my memory returns?”
It would be better for her to become Asherad's wife as an adult. She knows how scary and difficult the position of the Emperor is. The young girl was not fit for the position. Daphne secretly watched Asherad's expression. Asherad smiled and shook his head.
“No, I like you just the way you are now.”
“...”
Looking into Asherad's earnest eyes, it felt like she was being sucked into the recording. He still made her heart flutter. Why does this kind of person like me? Daphne, who was afraid of this talented man’s love, mumbled and said.
“If you value me so much and give me so much...”
“...”
“What should I give you? I have nothing.”
She had no home, no mother. She had nothing. But she was precious to him, and said he would give her everything. At that, the hand that was stroking her forehead stopped.
“Your heart.”
“Heart? What kind of heart?”
"Love."
He had only asked for love, but it sounded desperate, as if he was asking for his life. Daphne looked at his desperate face and wondered.
They say they just want love, love.
He said that her heart was more precious than anything else. This man was truly in love with her. Daphne's cheeks flushed as she realized this anew. She rolled her eyes here and there, not knowing what to do, and then smiled and said.
“Asherad already has that.”
“...”
“You didn’t know?”
At those words, Asherad's eyes widened and his pupils narrowed. He looked at Daphne with an incredulous face. She was not a liar. What he wanted so badly was now in his grasp. Was it excitement or sadness?
Unable to bear it any longer, he took Daphne's hand, lifted her up, and hugged her tightly.
I won't make the same mistakes I made before. She's no longer a dog, she's my wife. When Asherad closed his eyes, and was grateful for the warmth.
“Your Majesty! Your Majesty!”
The servant's voice was heard beyond the door. The emotion and joy he felt suddenly cooled down. As Asherad pushed Daphne away and answered, the door swung open.
“What's going on?”
If it's not urgent, I'll kill that bastard. When Asherad saw him, the attendant said without hesitation.
“A declaration of war has arrived from Thalassa!”
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