Pesilini repeatedly stroked her belly as if soothing the baby inside her.
Even though it wasn't yet time to feel the fetus moving, her stomach kept twitching as if the baby was kicking.
"It'll only be a moment."
The guard urged Pesilini in front of the iron gate where Prince Tesla was imprisoned.
"Yes. Here, take this. Thank you for guiding me."
Pesilini handed the guard a small diamond as payment for his guidance.
If she wanted to continue exchanging messages with Prince Tesla after today, she needed to thank the guard separately.
The guard, who had accepted the diamond, twitched his cheek and politely opened the iron gate.
Pesilini stepped into the dark cell.
"It's me..."
Her voice echoed through the bleak cell.
Prince Tesla, who had been lying with his back to the wall, jumped up at Pesilini's voice.
"H-how is this place... Oh my...!"
Prince Tesla, who had put both feet under the bed, hunched over and groaned.
“Damn it, I’m going to die!”
“What’s wrong, Prince? Does your stomach hurt? Should I call the security?”
Pecilini sat down and looked at Prince Tesla’s disheveled face with pity.
“It’s not my stomach.”
“Then do you need to go to the bathroom?”
“...It’s not my stomach either.”
“Then what’s wrong? What’s wrong?”
Prince Tesla, staring blankly at Pecilini’s worried face, suddenly burst into tears and blurted out words without context.
“He died, but he’ll come back to life!”
“Yes?”
Pecilini asked again, his pronunciation slurred and broken.
“Even if you trample on me, he’ll definitely stand tall!”
Prince Tesla looked down at his lower body, raised his voice, and tears streamed down his face.
Pecilini, not knowing what was going on, wiped Prince Tesla’s tears with the hem of her robe.
“Pesilini, our child... You have to take care of him so he can grow up strong. Do you understand?”
Prince Tesla, who was shedding tears, clenched his teeth and grabbed Pecilini’s shoulders.
Pecilini fell to her knees in shock as she looked closely at Prince Tesla’s face.
“Oh my god!”
Even though she understood what the Prince was saying, his face, mouth open, was difficult to read.
“Th-Th-Thy goodness! Prince’s teeth... Your front teeth...!”
They were gone.
Everything that should have been there was gone.
“Ah. Ah... my stomach... my stomach hurts.”
Pecilini placed both hands on her stomach and frowned.
“What?! Why does your stomach suddenly hurt?”
Even though it wasn't yet time to feel the fetus moving, her stomach kept twitching as if the baby was kicking.
"It'll only be a moment."
The guard urged Pesilini in front of the iron gate where Prince Tesla was imprisoned.
"Yes. Here, take this. Thank you for guiding me."
Pesilini handed the guard a small diamond as payment for his guidance.
If she wanted to continue exchanging messages with Prince Tesla after today, she needed to thank the guard separately.
The guard, who had accepted the diamond, twitched his cheek and politely opened the iron gate.
Pesilini stepped into the dark cell.
"It's me..."
Her voice echoed through the bleak cell.
Prince Tesla, who had been lying with his back to the wall, jumped up at Pesilini's voice.
"H-how is this place... Oh my...!"
Prince Tesla, who had put both feet under the bed, hunched over and groaned.
“Damn it, I’m going to die!”
“What’s wrong, Prince? Does your stomach hurt? Should I call the security?”
Pecilini sat down and looked at Prince Tesla’s disheveled face with pity.
“It’s not my stomach.”
“Then do you need to go to the bathroom?”
“...It’s not my stomach either.”
“Then what’s wrong? What’s wrong?”
Prince Tesla, staring blankly at Pecilini’s worried face, suddenly burst into tears and blurted out words without context.
“He died, but he’ll come back to life!”
“Yes?”
Pecilini asked again, his pronunciation slurred and broken.
“Even if you trample on me, he’ll definitely stand tall!”
Prince Tesla looked down at his lower body, raised his voice, and tears streamed down his face.
Pecilini, not knowing what was going on, wiped Prince Tesla’s tears with the hem of her robe.
“Pesilini, our child... You have to take care of him so he can grow up strong. Do you understand?”
Prince Tesla, who was shedding tears, clenched his teeth and grabbed Pecilini’s shoulders.
Pecilini fell to her knees in shock as she looked closely at Prince Tesla’s face.
“Oh my god!”
Even though she understood what the Prince was saying, his face, mouth open, was difficult to read.
“Th-Th-Thy goodness! Prince’s teeth... Your front teeth...!”
They were gone.
Everything that should have been there was gone.
“Ah. Ah... my stomach... my stomach hurts.”
Pecilini placed both hands on her stomach and frowned.
“What?! Why does your stomach suddenly hurt?”
When Prince Tesla touched Pecilini’s stomach, it pulled in even more.
Pecilini unconsciously swatted Prince Tesla’s hands away.
Then the pain in her stomach eased a little.
It felt like the baby inside her was making a fuss, startled by the sight of its father.
Pecilini stared at Prince Tesla again, bewildered.
Even after wiping her eyes and looking again, the eight teeth that had once been so close together when he smiled brightly were missing.
Prince Tesla, finally aware of his missing front teeth at Pecilini's crumpled expression, quickly shut his mouth.
Then, timidly, his lips pursed slightly, he said,
"When we get out of here, we can hire a magician to put new teeth in."
"I heard that requires teeth... Where are you going to get them?"
"People who need money will be lining up to pull out their teeth. If not, we can just kidnap someone and take them out."
Pecilini consciously placed a hand on her stomach, watching Prince Tesla speak such cruel words so casually.
"Baby, you're quite surprised, aren't you? This may be hard to accept, but this man is your father..."
The baby seemed to struggle in her womb, rejecting the fact that Prince Tesla was his father.
Pecilini took deep breaths to regain her composure, her stomach churning.
“Listen carefully. The trial will begin soon. To be released from the trial, I need the Marquis of Astor’s power.”
“My father’s power?”
“Yes, ask the Marquis to gather the power of his ministers to secure a favorable ruling for me. If he does, I will sign a pledge to hand over the monopoly of trade with the Kingdom of Shattonil to your father’s merchant group. I will tell Grand Duke Martins.”
Prince Tesla smirked and revealed his plan.
“You tried to assassinate Her Majesty the Empress, do you think the ministers would easily side with you?”
“The Empress will freeze to death! Could a second concubine be more important than me, the future King of Shattonil?”
“Honestly, His Majesty, His Majesty would value Her Majesty more. The fact that he took her as his concubine even after it was revealed that she was a proxy Empress proves that.”
Pecilini muttered, but shared her thoughts.
Prince Tesla reacted sharply.
“Who are you siding with? Yes?”
“I’m not taking sides, I’m just saying that’s the reality.”
“Reality or not, do as I say. I have to be safe! Only then will our child inherit the Kingdom of Shattonil one day.”
“If you are released... will you really take me to Shattonil?”
“Just take you? I have to make you my Queen. Of course, you're carrying my child, so it’s only natural!”
Prince Tesla took Pecilini’s hands in his and brought them to his face, looking imploringly.
“Then why did you say that a few days ago? You coldly told me you wouldn’t take me with you.”
Pecilini said with a suspicious look.
“T-That meant it would be difficult right now. You’re Emperor Linel’s concubine, after all. But now that things have come to this, it’s doom and gloom.”
“I’ll tell my father. But I can’t guarantee anything.”
“You’re the only one. You’re the only one.”
Prince Tesla smiled brightly and kissed the back of Pecilini’s hand.
He was quite handsome, but without teeth, he looked older overnight, and even when he smiled, he looked sad.
‘Honey, I’m so sorry you had to see such a bad thing....’
Pecilini unconsciously swatted Prince Tesla’s hands away.
Then the pain in her stomach eased a little.
It felt like the baby inside her was making a fuss, startled by the sight of its father.
Pecilini stared at Prince Tesla again, bewildered.
Even after wiping her eyes and looking again, the eight teeth that had once been so close together when he smiled brightly were missing.
Prince Tesla, finally aware of his missing front teeth at Pecilini's crumpled expression, quickly shut his mouth.
Then, timidly, his lips pursed slightly, he said,
"When we get out of here, we can hire a magician to put new teeth in."
"I heard that requires teeth... Where are you going to get them?"
"People who need money will be lining up to pull out their teeth. If not, we can just kidnap someone and take them out."
Pecilini consciously placed a hand on her stomach, watching Prince Tesla speak such cruel words so casually.
"Baby, you're quite surprised, aren't you? This may be hard to accept, but this man is your father..."
The baby seemed to struggle in her womb, rejecting the fact that Prince Tesla was his father.
Pecilini took deep breaths to regain her composure, her stomach churning.
“Listen carefully. The trial will begin soon. To be released from the trial, I need the Marquis of Astor’s power.”
“My father’s power?”
“Yes, ask the Marquis to gather the power of his ministers to secure a favorable ruling for me. If he does, I will sign a pledge to hand over the monopoly of trade with the Kingdom of Shattonil to your father’s merchant group. I will tell Grand Duke Martins.”
Prince Tesla smirked and revealed his plan.
“You tried to assassinate Her Majesty the Empress, do you think the ministers would easily side with you?”
“The Empress will freeze to death! Could a second concubine be more important than me, the future King of Shattonil?”
“Honestly, His Majesty, His Majesty would value Her Majesty more. The fact that he took her as his concubine even after it was revealed that she was a proxy Empress proves that.”
Pecilini muttered, but shared her thoughts.
Prince Tesla reacted sharply.
“Who are you siding with? Yes?”
“I’m not taking sides, I’m just saying that’s the reality.”
“Reality or not, do as I say. I have to be safe! Only then will our child inherit the Kingdom of Shattonil one day.”
“If you are released... will you really take me to Shattonil?”
“Just take you? I have to make you my Queen. Of course, you're carrying my child, so it’s only natural!”
Prince Tesla took Pecilini’s hands in his and brought them to his face, looking imploringly.
“Then why did you say that a few days ago? You coldly told me you wouldn’t take me with you.”
Pecilini said with a suspicious look.
“T-That meant it would be difficult right now. You’re Emperor Linel’s concubine, after all. But now that things have come to this, it’s doom and gloom.”
“I’ll tell my father. But I can’t guarantee anything.”
“You’re the only one. You’re the only one.”
Prince Tesla smiled brightly and kissed the back of Pecilini’s hand.
He was quite handsome, but without teeth, he looked older overnight, and even when he smiled, he looked sad.
‘Honey, I’m so sorry you had to see such a bad thing....’
They say that when you have a child, you should only see and eat good things, but what on earth was going on?
Pecilini sighed, her gaze fixed on Prince Tesla.
“Go see Grand Duke Martins. Find out what’s going on.”
“Understood. If there’s any news, I’ll relay it through the bribed guards.”
“Yes, yes. Pecilini. You are my hope and my future.”
“So am I...”
Pecilini’s feelings were complicated even as she answered.
But what could she do?
He was the father of the child in her womb.
“I’ll be going now. Take care of yourself.”
Pesilini hurriedly stood up.
Prince Tesla followed suit, but then groaned and hunched over again.
Only then did Pesilini carefully examine the hospital gown the Prince was wearing.
“Prince, by any chance... are you hurt in a vital area too?!”
“Oh, there’s nothing to worry about here.”
Prince Tesla said confidently, placing a hand on his waist, but no hope was visible on his face, which was just gums.
“Because I can get back up! You know better than anyone how great I was, don’t you?”
“I know...”
Pecilini sighed, her gaze fixed on Prince Tesla.
“Go see Grand Duke Martins. Find out what’s going on.”
“Understood. If there’s any news, I’ll relay it through the bribed guards.”
“Yes, yes. Pecilini. You are my hope and my future.”
“So am I...”
Pecilini’s feelings were complicated even as she answered.
But what could she do?
He was the father of the child in her womb.
“I’ll be going now. Take care of yourself.”
Pesilini hurriedly stood up.
Prince Tesla followed suit, but then groaned and hunched over again.
Only then did Pesilini carefully examine the hospital gown the Prince was wearing.
“Prince, by any chance... are you hurt in a vital area too?!”
“Oh, there’s nothing to worry about here.”
Prince Tesla said confidently, placing a hand on his waist, but no hope was visible on his face, which was just gums.
“Because I can get back up! You know better than anyone how great I was, don’t you?”
“I know...”
They say a missing tooth can be replaced using someone else’s, but there’s nothing even a wizard can do about a vital area.
Pesilini hid her bitter expression as she left the iron gate.
She had to leave with an even more complicated heart than when she entered the spire.
My body was finally able to get off his lap after Roxana left the office.
“You could have stayed, but why?”
He said with a regretful expression as I moved to sit next to him.
“I think you were being a bit harsh earlier.”
“What?”
He smiled broadly and raised his eyebrows, as if he didn’t understand what I was saying.
Pesilini hid her bitter expression as she left the iron gate.
She had to leave with an even more complicated heart than when she entered the spire.
***
My body was finally able to get off his lap after Roxana left the office.
“You could have stayed, but why?”
He said with a regretful expression as I moved to sit next to him.
“I think you were being a bit harsh earlier.”
“What?”
He smiled broadly and raised his eyebrows, as if he didn’t understand what I was saying.
“There’s nothing good to be done by provoking Roxana yet.”
“I didn’t do anything intentionally. I was just telling the truth.”
He wrapped his arms around my waist and continued calmly.
“The reason I welcomed Roxana as Empress was because it was the price of your life and that of Joseph, who emerged from the cursed ice. My loss of memory and the revelation that you were the acting Empress forced the current situation.”
Linel spoke calmly, then suddenly kissed me on the lips.
“But my memories have returned, the Avatar Sword is in your heart, and Joseph’s condition is gradually improving.”
“That’s true, but...”
“Besides, the baby wyvern considers you its master, and the wyvern egg Roxana was keeping awakened thanks to your firepower.”
“Still, you shouldn’t underestimate Roxana just yet. The Principality of Aklatto and Tanya Island are acting as one nation. It would be a problem if they raised an army. Moreover, if any of the countries on the continent join Roxana, the situation could worsen.”
“I know. The most troubling thing is that Tanya Island is still breeding galaco.”
When my expression darkened at the mention of Galaco, he relaxed his serious expression and reassured me.
“Don’t worry too much, I’m already looking into the scale of Galaco breeding.”
"If they release Galaco on the Lapion Empire, things will get dire. We need to find a way to isolate Roxana before that happens."
He nodded in agreement.
"We should consider that as well."
"Yes, I'll go get checked out."
I kissed his cheek and rose from the sofa.
Aside from my improved physical condition, I'd noticed a change in my body since morning.
It seemed like my body's heat had been concentrated in one spot since the imprinting, and I felt I should ask the Master of the Tower why.
"I have a meeting coming up, so I can't go with you."
"I can get the treatment on my own. Don't worry."
"What's the worry? I don't want your friendship to deepen without me."
His honest answer made me laugh.
Sometimes, though, he's so cute. What's the point of being so cute?
"It's not like your love is deepening, so why bother? Are you afraid our friendship will turn into love?"
I deliberately provoked him, and his face turned grim.
“Prince Tesla’s room next door is empty.”
“...So?”
“If you don’t want Magic Tower Lord to go there, then keep your mouth shut.”
His voice was genuinely angry.
I clenched my jaw in fright, then hugged his waist and asked,
“You’re coming over later tonight, right?”
“Why are you asking such an obvious question, acting so cute?”
“I thought you might be upset and not come...”
“Do you think I’ll go to another concubine’s quarters because I’m angry? Wake up.”
His lips gently nipped at my weeping lower lip.
“Oh, don’t forget to ask Magic Tower Lord. Is it okay to push yourself a little tonight?”
He whispered secretly, his lips tickling my ear.
I left the office and went to the room where Magic Tower Lord was staying with Sharon.
Magic Tower Lord carefully examined the wound where I had been stabbed by the Incarnation Sword.
He showed me how to use the ointment he had made himself and handed it to Sharon.
“If you apply this ointment morning and night, the wound will heal, not only inside but also on the skin, after a week.”
“Thank you. I’ll apply it diligently.”
“You’re recovering faster than I expected. That’s fortunate.”
“Yes, I can feel that too. My physical condition is much better than before the implantation. Ahem.”
After I cleared my throat a few times, the quick-witted Magic Tower Lord was the first to speak.
“Lady Zelda, I think you have something to tell me?”
I hesitated for a moment, fiddling with my lips, then slowly opened my mouth.
“His Majesty has a question for you.”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“Regarding marital relations... He wants to know when it will be possible.”
Me too.
I felt my face flush before I could finish my question.
Magic Tower Lord's previously smiling face turned indifferent.
Did I ask for nothing?
An awkward silence flowed for a while.
I met Sharon’s eyes and we both smiled awkwardly.
Magic Tower Lord looked into space, then back at me, then replied in a calm tone.
“As long as Lady Zelda doesn’t make any violent movements, it won’t be a big problem.”
“Really? Ah... I see.”
I unconsciously clapped my hands together in delight before speaking again in a calm voice.
“Did His Majesty ask you to ask?”
Magic Tower Lord asked with a deep sigh.
“No, actually, I was curious, so I asked.”
“...Oh, yes.”
Magic Tower Lord nodded briefly, then turned around and began organizing the medicine box.
“I have one more question.”
“Go ahead.”
“I didn’t do anything intentionally. I was just telling the truth.”
He wrapped his arms around my waist and continued calmly.
“The reason I welcomed Roxana as Empress was because it was the price of your life and that of Joseph, who emerged from the cursed ice. My loss of memory and the revelation that you were the acting Empress forced the current situation.”
Linel spoke calmly, then suddenly kissed me on the lips.
“But my memories have returned, the Avatar Sword is in your heart, and Joseph’s condition is gradually improving.”
“That’s true, but...”
“Besides, the baby wyvern considers you its master, and the wyvern egg Roxana was keeping awakened thanks to your firepower.”
“Still, you shouldn’t underestimate Roxana just yet. The Principality of Aklatto and Tanya Island are acting as one nation. It would be a problem if they raised an army. Moreover, if any of the countries on the continent join Roxana, the situation could worsen.”
“I know. The most troubling thing is that Tanya Island is still breeding galaco.”
When my expression darkened at the mention of Galaco, he relaxed his serious expression and reassured me.
“Don’t worry too much, I’m already looking into the scale of Galaco breeding.”
"If they release Galaco on the Lapion Empire, things will get dire. We need to find a way to isolate Roxana before that happens."
He nodded in agreement.
"We should consider that as well."
"Yes, I'll go get checked out."
I kissed his cheek and rose from the sofa.
Aside from my improved physical condition, I'd noticed a change in my body since morning.
It seemed like my body's heat had been concentrated in one spot since the imprinting, and I felt I should ask the Master of the Tower why.
"I have a meeting coming up, so I can't go with you."
"I can get the treatment on my own. Don't worry."
"What's the worry? I don't want your friendship to deepen without me."
His honest answer made me laugh.
Sometimes, though, he's so cute. What's the point of being so cute?
"It's not like your love is deepening, so why bother? Are you afraid our friendship will turn into love?"
I deliberately provoked him, and his face turned grim.
“Prince Tesla’s room next door is empty.”
“...So?”
“If you don’t want Magic Tower Lord to go there, then keep your mouth shut.”
His voice was genuinely angry.
I clenched my jaw in fright, then hugged his waist and asked,
“You’re coming over later tonight, right?”
“Why are you asking such an obvious question, acting so cute?”
“I thought you might be upset and not come...”
“Do you think I’ll go to another concubine’s quarters because I’m angry? Wake up.”
His lips gently nipped at my weeping lower lip.
“Oh, don’t forget to ask Magic Tower Lord. Is it okay to push yourself a little tonight?”
He whispered secretly, his lips tickling my ear.
***
I left the office and went to the room where Magic Tower Lord was staying with Sharon.
Magic Tower Lord carefully examined the wound where I had been stabbed by the Incarnation Sword.
He showed me how to use the ointment he had made himself and handed it to Sharon.
“If you apply this ointment morning and night, the wound will heal, not only inside but also on the skin, after a week.”
“Thank you. I’ll apply it diligently.”
“You’re recovering faster than I expected. That’s fortunate.”
“Yes, I can feel that too. My physical condition is much better than before the implantation. Ahem.”
After I cleared my throat a few times, the quick-witted Magic Tower Lord was the first to speak.
“Lady Zelda, I think you have something to tell me?”
I hesitated for a moment, fiddling with my lips, then slowly opened my mouth.
“His Majesty has a question for you.”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“Regarding marital relations... He wants to know when it will be possible.”
Me too.
I felt my face flush before I could finish my question.
Magic Tower Lord's previously smiling face turned indifferent.
Did I ask for nothing?
An awkward silence flowed for a while.
I met Sharon’s eyes and we both smiled awkwardly.
Magic Tower Lord looked into space, then back at me, then replied in a calm tone.
“As long as Lady Zelda doesn’t make any violent movements, it won’t be a big problem.”
“Really? Ah... I see.”
I unconsciously clapped my hands together in delight before speaking again in a calm voice.
“Did His Majesty ask you to ask?”
Magic Tower Lord asked with a deep sigh.
“No, actually, I was curious, so I asked.”
“...Oh, yes.”
Magic Tower Lord nodded briefly, then turned around and began organizing the medicine box.
“I have one more question.”
“Go ahead.”
“After yesterday’s imprint, the heat that had been gathering in my heart seemed to be moving throughout my body.”
“I think it’s because the power of the imprint is forming like a single flame and spreading throughout your body, causing this phenomenon.”
Magic Tower Lord explained to me while turning his back.
I approached Magic Tower Lord and cautiously told him about a new symptom I had experienced that day.
“But, since this morning, the heat has been concentrated in my stomach.”
I placed a hand on my stomach and continued.
"After the heat built up in my stomach, it's been the same."
"Do you still feel that way?"
Only then did Magic Tower Lord turn to me and glance down at my stomach.
“Yes, it’s not as severe as when I have a fever, but it definitely feels high.”
“I’ll try to read your energy. Lie down on the bed for a moment.”
“Yes, please.”
I did as Magic Tower Lord instructed and lay flat on the bed.
Magic Tower Lord raised both hands, tracing my entire body before stopping on my stomach and closing his eyes.
With his eyes closed, the Magic Tower Lord's expression varied.
He seemed surprised, then a serious frown, and occasionally sighed, which made me feel a bit uneasy...
A few minutes later, Magic Tower Lord opened his eyes, lowered his hands, and stared intently at my face.
I sat up, supported by Sharon.
“Is something wrong with you?”
Although my condition was better than ever, Magic Tower Lord's furrowed brow bothered me.
“Your relationship with His Majesty will be difficult today.”
“...Why?”
Why?
My voice dropped at Magic Tower Lord's disappointing diagnosis.
“Is there really something wrong?”
“You seem... to be pregnant.”
“!”
“I think it’s because the power of the imprint is forming like a single flame and spreading throughout your body, causing this phenomenon.”
Magic Tower Lord explained to me while turning his back.
I approached Magic Tower Lord and cautiously told him about a new symptom I had experienced that day.
“But, since this morning, the heat has been concentrated in my stomach.”
I placed a hand on my stomach and continued.
"After the heat built up in my stomach, it's been the same."
"Do you still feel that way?"
Only then did Magic Tower Lord turn to me and glance down at my stomach.
“Yes, it’s not as severe as when I have a fever, but it definitely feels high.”
“I’ll try to read your energy. Lie down on the bed for a moment.”
“Yes, please.”
I did as Magic Tower Lord instructed and lay flat on the bed.
Magic Tower Lord raised both hands, tracing my entire body before stopping on my stomach and closing his eyes.
With his eyes closed, the Magic Tower Lord's expression varied.
He seemed surprised, then a serious frown, and occasionally sighed, which made me feel a bit uneasy...
A few minutes later, Magic Tower Lord opened his eyes, lowered his hands, and stared intently at my face.
I sat up, supported by Sharon.
“Is something wrong with you?”
Although my condition was better than ever, Magic Tower Lord's furrowed brow bothered me.
“Your relationship with His Majesty will be difficult today.”
“...Why?”
Why?
My voice dropped at Magic Tower Lord's disappointing diagnosis.
“Is there really something wrong?”
“You seem... to be pregnant.”
“!”
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