From storybooks to mobiles, strollers to toys, I went to every store and bought everything labeled as baby supplies.
At first, I started picking out things here and there, but at some point, Julian started saying, "Everything here," without even looking at the items properly, and we had a huge commotion. I ended up buying enough to empty the shelves, if not everything.
As I left the store, night had already fallen. The sky was densely dotted with stars, resembling pearly blue ink. The night view of the capital city below made the city itself resemble a painting.
I was admiring the scenery of the capital city that I hadn't seen in a long time, but I grumbled for no reason.
“Why do you want to buy all that stuff?”
“Is there any reason why not?”
I put my index finger to my lips and lost myself in thought. That's right. Julian had a lot of money, and the Grand Duke's residence in the Grand Duchy was incredibly spacious. If I had to give a compelling reason...
“Adam is so excited to buy us a toy, but what if whatever he gets is something we already have at home?”
Julian, who had been thinking for a moment, nodded in agreement.
“I guess my brother-in-law is sad.”
I placed my hand on his cheek and stared up at him. It was truly strange. We'd been married for several months, had shared our feelings, and even had a baby.
Yet, strangely enough, watching Julian gauge Adam's feelings, I felt like we were truly a family. Not just a couple, but a complex, intertwined family, a relationship that couldn't be broken off in an instant. I felt a pang of embarrassment and touched the back of my neck.
“Adam said he wanted the baby to come out soon. He said he wanted to give it a ride.”
“I see.”
“What about you? Are you going to give the child a ride on a horse?”
I imagined a child, small enough to fit on Julian's lap, perched on his shoulder, burying his chin in his neat black hair, and giggling. Just the thought filled me with joy, bringing a smile to my face. Julian gently stroked my cheek with his fingertips.
“As much as you want. Whenever you want, whenever the child wants.”
“No matter how tired you are?”
“Try not to get tired.”
“You just got full marks on your answer.”
I tiptoed, placing my hands on Julian's shoulders. Julian nodded, as if it were a given. I pressed my lips to his smooth cheeks, as if praising him. I wrapped my arms around Julian's neck and called out to him.
“Julian.”
"Yes."
“Please grant me one favor.”
Julian tilted his head, still held by me, and looked down at me. His eyes, so close to me, shone like rubies in the sunlight. I longed to kiss those beautiful eyes, but now was not the time.
"...say it."
Julian has been generous with me lately. He's been willing to do anything for me as long as it's not detrimental to my health. The fact that he said, "Tell me," was proof that he was wary of my request.
I wanted to ease his worries, but unfortunately, nothing I could say could reassure him in the least.
“We will soon receive an imperial order from the imperial family to come fetch me. Then...”
"No."
It was before I could finish my sentence. Julian had never interrupted me like this. He always listened to me and respected me. But this time was different. Julian carefully pushed me away. It was as if he were drawing a line between us.
“Even if it is an imperial edict, I cannot send you away.”
"No. It's an imperial decree. If we don't follow it, it will be disadvantageous for us."
“Even so, that won’t do.”
"We're ready. The wizards will be finished interpreting the portal soon, right?"
“You have a child. And...”
"You're under a curse." Even without Julian saying anything, I knew what he'd say next. I bit my lower lip, then looked straight at Julian and spoke.
“We have also completed all the preparations we can.”
"Layla. Don't you really understand? I wouldn't be able to stay sane if I let you go."
Those words struck me deeply. I took a step toward Julian. Then, as if afraid of something, he took a step back. I felt a deep sense of guilt for having frightened such a strong and determined man. But I had to convince him.
"Please. I have to make them let their guard down. Everything has to seem to go their way. Only then can I accomplish what I've been striving for in two lifetimes."
I placed my hand on my chest and spoke earnestly. Julian's expression was pained. I knew this was foul language.
Julian knows what I went through before I returned and what kind of mindset I have as I live this life, so he will never be able to refuse my request.
He didn't back down even when I approached him again. I hugged his waist and rested my forehead on his chest.
“When I return, I will never leave your side. I swear.”
Julian hugged me tightly, already in his arms. It was as if he wanted to enclose me in his heart, to protect me. And I, too, thought that if only I could, I would rest in his embrace forever.
I was resting my cheek on Julian's shoulder, making promises and swearing oaths to him without stopping.
A sharp sound was heard, and colorful fireworks erupted in the star-filled sky. I raised my head and looked over Julian's shoulder, into the distant sky.
Meanwhile, Julian, seemingly oblivious to anything, still held me tightly in his arms. I patted his shoulder.
“Julian.”
Julian didn't respond, perhaps thinking I was trying to soothe him again. I leaned my lips against his ear and spoke.
“Julian, look at the sky.”
Julian looked at me with suspicion. I couldn't help but feel resentful, having deceived him so many times. I smiled awkwardly and pointed my finger at the sky. Only then did Julian turn around. Then, once again,
Piyuung― bang―!
A sharp, sharp crack was heard, followed by an explosion. A colorful display of fireworks spread across the night sky. Julian wasn't one to get excited like a child at such things.
But when Julian looked at the fireworks, a fireworks festival unfolded in my eyes too. I loved watching it.
“I think there’s a festival over there. How exciting.”
I spoke, still looking into Julian's eyes. Julian looked down at me for a long moment, not knowing whether he'd heard me or not.
I tilted my head, provoking Julian right in front of his eyes. How long had it been since we'd been alone like that? Julian finally spoke.
“Do you want to go?”
I couldn't help but burst out laughing.
“If you tell me not to go, I won’t go.”
Julian coughed, his throat clearing. That's how I knew our next destination. We'd probably be heading to the place where the fireworks festival was taking place.
Julian took me into the carriage. He knocked on the coachman's seat and, as expected, said this.
“Let’s go to where the fireworks festival is held.”
The groom, as if he had expected that, answered immediately, “Yes.”
The carriage soon arrived at the fireworks display. Looking out the window, I saw that this was a street frequented more by commoners than nobles.
“There are too many people.”
Julian spoke with concern. He seemed worried that I might bump into people.
I put my worries about Julian aside and took out the black robe I'd brought just in case. If I went out without it, the people on this street would surely crack like a drought-stricken land. I smiled as I draped the robe around Julian's shoulders.
“You can just walk around with your arms around me.”
"Ha..."
I knew I'd won this time, too, because Julian gave me that same, 'How can I stop this woman?' look again.
After we had wrapped our robes tightly, we parked the carriage on the main road. Julian got out first and extended his hand to me.
"Be careful."
Even though he was only getting off the carriage, he was as cautious as if he were crossing a fast-flowing river. I found his cautious demeanor comforting, so I smiled and took his hand.
“Come here.”
I quickly ran into his arms, feeling that his overprotectiveness was a good thing. Julian wrapped his arm around my shoulder, and we walked into the crowd.
The streets where the festival was in full swing were filled with colorful paper flying around, the sound of firecrackers exploding, and the joyful voices of people.
Julian kept watching me the whole time, and I was too busy looking at this mess.
“Julian, I want to eat that.”
I stopped in front of a shop and pointed with my index finger at a skewer of meat marinated in a bright red sauce. The skewers, unmarked as chicken or pork, smelled strangely delicious. Julian shook his head firmly.
“It’s food sold on the street.”
“Just one.”
"No."
I understood why Julian said no. I also knew that what I was eating was also baby food, so I had to be extra careful.
But strangely, right now! Right now! I couldn't resist wanting to eat that food. I pleaded with Julian, giving him a desperate look.
“...Just one bite!”
At first, I started picking out things here and there, but at some point, Julian started saying, "Everything here," without even looking at the items properly, and we had a huge commotion. I ended up buying enough to empty the shelves, if not everything.
As I left the store, night had already fallen. The sky was densely dotted with stars, resembling pearly blue ink. The night view of the capital city below made the city itself resemble a painting.
I was admiring the scenery of the capital city that I hadn't seen in a long time, but I grumbled for no reason.
“Why do you want to buy all that stuff?”
“Is there any reason why not?”
I put my index finger to my lips and lost myself in thought. That's right. Julian had a lot of money, and the Grand Duke's residence in the Grand Duchy was incredibly spacious. If I had to give a compelling reason...
“Adam is so excited to buy us a toy, but what if whatever he gets is something we already have at home?”
Julian, who had been thinking for a moment, nodded in agreement.
“I guess my brother-in-law is sad.”
I placed my hand on his cheek and stared up at him. It was truly strange. We'd been married for several months, had shared our feelings, and even had a baby.
Yet, strangely enough, watching Julian gauge Adam's feelings, I felt like we were truly a family. Not just a couple, but a complex, intertwined family, a relationship that couldn't be broken off in an instant. I felt a pang of embarrassment and touched the back of my neck.
“Adam said he wanted the baby to come out soon. He said he wanted to give it a ride.”
“I see.”
“What about you? Are you going to give the child a ride on a horse?”
I imagined a child, small enough to fit on Julian's lap, perched on his shoulder, burying his chin in his neat black hair, and giggling. Just the thought filled me with joy, bringing a smile to my face. Julian gently stroked my cheek with his fingertips.
“As much as you want. Whenever you want, whenever the child wants.”
“No matter how tired you are?”
“Try not to get tired.”
“You just got full marks on your answer.”
I tiptoed, placing my hands on Julian's shoulders. Julian nodded, as if it were a given. I pressed my lips to his smooth cheeks, as if praising him. I wrapped my arms around Julian's neck and called out to him.
“Julian.”
"Yes."
“Please grant me one favor.”
Julian tilted his head, still held by me, and looked down at me. His eyes, so close to me, shone like rubies in the sunlight. I longed to kiss those beautiful eyes, but now was not the time.
"...say it."
Julian has been generous with me lately. He's been willing to do anything for me as long as it's not detrimental to my health. The fact that he said, "Tell me," was proof that he was wary of my request.
I wanted to ease his worries, but unfortunately, nothing I could say could reassure him in the least.
“We will soon receive an imperial order from the imperial family to come fetch me. Then...”
"No."
It was before I could finish my sentence. Julian had never interrupted me like this. He always listened to me and respected me. But this time was different. Julian carefully pushed me away. It was as if he were drawing a line between us.
“Even if it is an imperial edict, I cannot send you away.”
"No. It's an imperial decree. If we don't follow it, it will be disadvantageous for us."
“Even so, that won’t do.”
"We're ready. The wizards will be finished interpreting the portal soon, right?"
“You have a child. And...”
"You're under a curse." Even without Julian saying anything, I knew what he'd say next. I bit my lower lip, then looked straight at Julian and spoke.
“We have also completed all the preparations we can.”
"Layla. Don't you really understand? I wouldn't be able to stay sane if I let you go."
Those words struck me deeply. I took a step toward Julian. Then, as if afraid of something, he took a step back. I felt a deep sense of guilt for having frightened such a strong and determined man. But I had to convince him.
"Please. I have to make them let their guard down. Everything has to seem to go their way. Only then can I accomplish what I've been striving for in two lifetimes."
I placed my hand on my chest and spoke earnestly. Julian's expression was pained. I knew this was foul language.
Julian knows what I went through before I returned and what kind of mindset I have as I live this life, so he will never be able to refuse my request.
He didn't back down even when I approached him again. I hugged his waist and rested my forehead on his chest.
“When I return, I will never leave your side. I swear.”
Julian hugged me tightly, already in his arms. It was as if he wanted to enclose me in his heart, to protect me. And I, too, thought that if only I could, I would rest in his embrace forever.
I was resting my cheek on Julian's shoulder, making promises and swearing oaths to him without stopping.
A sharp sound was heard, and colorful fireworks erupted in the star-filled sky. I raised my head and looked over Julian's shoulder, into the distant sky.
Meanwhile, Julian, seemingly oblivious to anything, still held me tightly in his arms. I patted his shoulder.
“Julian.”
Julian didn't respond, perhaps thinking I was trying to soothe him again. I leaned my lips against his ear and spoke.
“Julian, look at the sky.”
Julian looked at me with suspicion. I couldn't help but feel resentful, having deceived him so many times. I smiled awkwardly and pointed my finger at the sky. Only then did Julian turn around. Then, once again,
Piyuung― bang―!
A sharp, sharp crack was heard, followed by an explosion. A colorful display of fireworks spread across the night sky. Julian wasn't one to get excited like a child at such things.
But when Julian looked at the fireworks, a fireworks festival unfolded in my eyes too. I loved watching it.
“I think there’s a festival over there. How exciting.”
I spoke, still looking into Julian's eyes. Julian looked down at me for a long moment, not knowing whether he'd heard me or not.
I tilted my head, provoking Julian right in front of his eyes. How long had it been since we'd been alone like that? Julian finally spoke.
“Do you want to go?”
I couldn't help but burst out laughing.
“If you tell me not to go, I won’t go.”
Julian coughed, his throat clearing. That's how I knew our next destination. We'd probably be heading to the place where the fireworks festival was taking place.
Julian took me into the carriage. He knocked on the coachman's seat and, as expected, said this.
“Let’s go to where the fireworks festival is held.”
The groom, as if he had expected that, answered immediately, “Yes.”
The carriage soon arrived at the fireworks display. Looking out the window, I saw that this was a street frequented more by commoners than nobles.
“There are too many people.”
Julian spoke with concern. He seemed worried that I might bump into people.
I put my worries about Julian aside and took out the black robe I'd brought just in case. If I went out without it, the people on this street would surely crack like a drought-stricken land. I smiled as I draped the robe around Julian's shoulders.
“You can just walk around with your arms around me.”
"Ha..."
I knew I'd won this time, too, because Julian gave me that same, 'How can I stop this woman?' look again.
After we had wrapped our robes tightly, we parked the carriage on the main road. Julian got out first and extended his hand to me.
"Be careful."
Even though he was only getting off the carriage, he was as cautious as if he were crossing a fast-flowing river. I found his cautious demeanor comforting, so I smiled and took his hand.
“Come here.”
I quickly ran into his arms, feeling that his overprotectiveness was a good thing. Julian wrapped his arm around my shoulder, and we walked into the crowd.
The streets where the festival was in full swing were filled with colorful paper flying around, the sound of firecrackers exploding, and the joyful voices of people.
Julian kept watching me the whole time, and I was too busy looking at this mess.
“Julian, I want to eat that.”
I stopped in front of a shop and pointed with my index finger at a skewer of meat marinated in a bright red sauce. The skewers, unmarked as chicken or pork, smelled strangely delicious. Julian shook his head firmly.
“It’s food sold on the street.”
“Just one.”
"No."
I understood why Julian said no. I also knew that what I was eating was also baby food, so I had to be extra careful.
But strangely, right now! Right now! I couldn't resist wanting to eat that food. I pleaded with Julian, giving him a desperate look.
“...Just one bite!”
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