“It’s a little chilly. I think I have a cold.”
She'd been feeling a bit unwell for a while now. Her lower abdomen felt tight, and she felt nauseous and uncomfortable, as if she had a congestion. Diana dismissed it as a combination of premenstrual syndrome and a mild cold. Ayla, who had been observing her surroundings, lowered her voice and asked her.
“Princess, is this perhaps... a celebration?”
"What..."
Diana calmly collected her thoughts. Her previous period had been as scheduled. However, she remembered it being short, lasting only three days, and extremely light. It was strange, as Mother Nature's wrath couldn't possibly end like this, but she'd been so busy preparing for the party that she'd let it slide. Having been disappointed once before, her expectations had been lowered.
After planning a child, all she did was take daily walks, eat a balanced diet, and avoid drinking alcohol. She even cut down on her medication. While she still occasionally felt short of breath, dizzy, or had a sudden, sharp pounding in her chest, she felt much better than before. The government's policy of refraining from loud activities like fireworks, fighter jet training, and emergency drills in the capital, out of consideration for those suffering from the aftereffects of the war, also helped to minimize the aftereffects.
"Have you received a Christmas present? Congratulations in advance."
A few people, keenly aware of the mood, raised their glasses and offered congratulations. Diana worried that she might be overexcited. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and early pregnancy symptoms are similar and can be easily confused. Diana shook her head, expressionless.
“Well, I’m not sure yet.”
"Would you please come to the hospital tomorrow at a convenient time? I'll tell the gynecologist in charge."
The private hospital director stroked his mustache and grinned. Diana felt embarrassed by the stares, the air bordering on certainty. She didn't like being the center of attention, and the moment the results came back negative, she feared the burdensome attention would pour in. Whether it was jealousy, pity, or support, she didn't like it. There had been a long pause in between, but on the surface, they were a couple with no children in their marriage, so she knew there would be gossip. Suddenly, someone grabbed her attention by clapping their hands together.
"Now, please focus. Today is the Princess's birthday, and I have an important announcement to make."
Sensing Diana's discomfort, it was Councillor Cheshire who quickly changed the mood. True to her politician nature, she smoothly navigated the situation. She smiled slightly at the joke, "Didn't you already make a major announcement?" She then continued speaking in a powerful voice.
Princess Diana plans to establish a foundation to support war orphans, veterans suffering from the aftereffects of war, and those struggling to make ends meet after losing family members in war. If you'd like to donate, volunteer, or make a regular donation, please contact me, a trustee of the foundation.
A thunderous applause poured down on the Princess, who was leading by example and trying to exert a positive influence. The crowd was filled with admiration. The man in the black tuxedo spoke.
“Oh, the Princess truly practices noblesse oblige.”
A young woman in a mink coat agreed with him, dabbing a handkerchief over her eyes.
"I will. I already wanted to help these poor children, so this is great. I happened to see some orphaned children before, and they were so skinny, I cried."
Soon, children wearing Santa hats gathered around and began singing Happy Birthday. Boaz joined in, raising his snout and howling like a wolf. Diana couldn't stop admiring the magnificent three-tiered cake the master pastry chef had created. Atop the lavender cake stood a sugar doll modeled after Diana in a silver dress and Noah in his uniform.
"It's really cool, Herzen. I'd like to keep that sugar doll for myself."
“Haha, thank you. I put a lot of effort into making it.”
Vincent, in particular, was looking at the cake with eyes that seemed to be very impressed.
"Cakes are art. Someday... when I get married, I'll have to ask Herzen Confectionery to make my wedding cake."
"Hey, business partner. Don't get married without my permission like that arrogant Noah Rotsilt."
Vincent glanced at Jace with a disapproving look at his serious tone.
“I'm sorry, Mr. Jace Groenendaal. You haven't met anyone yet.”
"If you don't have feelings for me, how about you stay with me as my partner for the rest of your life? I'll order a cake to commemorate our lifetime business agreement."
Vincent's shoulders trembled as he thought of the cake topped with Jace and his own sugar figures. The mere thought was terrifying.
"I refuse. I've finally escaped Mr. Rotsilt, and now it's you?"
“Unlike that traitor, I won’t let you go.”
“Stop it. I’m dying of disgust.”
As they enjoyed their time, the night grew late. The guests departed one by one, and the last remaining guests, Johanna and her husband, Ayla, Renier, Vincent, and Jace, also departed. The mansion, devoid of the noise and energy of the crowd, seemed unusually quiet and spacious.
“Diana, it’s a gift.”
Noah handed Diana a small, framed painting. It was a terrible drawing he'd done in a previous class. Diana smiled happily.
“It’s my favorite birthday present.”
“I decided to buy you a pleasure plane for your birthday.”
“I like that too.”
Noah didn't bring up the subject of the child. Perhaps it was his own consideration? Diana thought to herself, then took Noah's hand.
“It’s okay if the child doesn’t come looking for you.”
“Yeah. But you should go to the hospital just in case you’re not feeling well.”
"All right."
Diana answered with a slightly hesitant tone. It's human nature to have expectations even when we fear being betrayed. After returning to the bedroom, Diana washed up and sat at her vanity, applying cold cream to her face. She asked cautiously.
“You weren’t disappointed? Last time.”
When she'd previously gone to the hospital for confirmation, she'd been told not only that she was "not" pregnant, but also that her health would make it difficult for her to have children. That thought weighed heavily on her mind, occasionally stinging her painfully. But she'd always reassured herself not to rush into anything. She hadn't been anxiously visiting the hospital or seeking help. Noah, sitting on the edge of her bed in her pajamas, tilted his head.
“I didn’t do it.”
“Why? I thought you wanted that too.”
“There is no reason to be disappointed.”
Was it okay if he was there, or not? He was still a man who was unsettling. Diana rubbed her cheek and lowered her eyes.
“Are you waiting?”
“Yeah. I wish I had a daughter.”
"Daughter?"
“It seems like there are two of you.”
It was a strange answer, as expected. Diana lay in bed in her warm wool pajamas, smiling bashfully.
“I try to be content with what I have now and not feel unhappy about what I don’t have.”
Noah put down the newspaper and lay down next to her, resting his arm on her shoulder. His slightly damp bangs were pushed back to reveal his handsome forehead, and his calm, hued eyes were gleaming with affection.
"You are the most precious thing to me. I think you have to meet the baby to know."
“Will you treat me well when we meet?”
"Yes."
Diana watched Boaz stretch before the fireplace. A memory suddenly flashed through her mind as she remembered Boaz forbidding her from drinking wine.
"Hmm?"
Long ago, when Ayla had made a surprise visit to Medea's mansion outside the city walls, she remembered the scene where Boaz had sniffed Ayla's belly with his snout. It wasn't until later thatshe learned Ayla was pregnant, but by then, she was in the early stages of pregnancy.
"No way."
Diana snickered, dismissing the thought as a pointless one. Noah tilted his head with a curious expression.
"Why?"
“No, I was just thinking something funny.”
It was a morning, the world white with the heavy snowfall the night before. The unfrozen sea was a deep shade, and the sunlight reflected off the snow on the ground, creating a blinding dazzle. Molly began her diligent day as a housekeeper, watching the rising sun. Dressed in a neat, tailored suit, Molly descended to the kitchen to check that breakfast preparations were running smoothly. After dinner, after Diana and Noah had gone to the hospital, she checked the inventory of the pantry and wine cellar.
After checking, she went into the living room and ran her finger over the furniture, decorations, and picture frames to make sure they were clean. Because of the salty air in a mansion near the sea, furniture and exterior walls require special care, so they tend to require a lot of maintenance. Naturally, the maids' salaries are high, and their benefits are generous. As she was climbing the stairs to personally inspect the room after receiving a report that the bedding had been changed and the rooms cleaned, a young maid who had just finished cleaning approached Molly.
"Butler. The Princess went to the hospital this morning. Is she really pregnant? She's been married for quite some time, yet there's been no news of a baby. So, this time too..."
The most important requirements for a housekeeper, who handles the landlord's every detail, are a firm mouth and a strict sense of confidentiality. Molly would occasionally refuse to answer the curious questions of new maids about the couple's private lives, instead responding with a sharp reprimand. She possessed the reservedness and caution befitting a former intelligence officer.
"Bona. Didn't you hear from the head maid? It's a condition that says anyone with a loose mouth can't work in this mansion. This is your final warning. As a servant serving the royal family and high-ranking military officials, please be careful with your words and actions."
“I’m truly sorry. I was just curious.”
The maid bowed with an embarrassed expression and left. Even if you carefully select your servants based on introductions with guarantors, sometimes impurities are bound to creep in. No maid dared to seduce the Princess's husband, but he was clearly a man of distinction, so the stories often revolved around his powerful and enduring stamina, such as how they replaced the mattress because the bedsprings had worn out, or how the nightlight stayed on until morning. For the young maids, the flirting between the overly handsome commander and the aristocratic Princess was a fantasy. Even if such self-gratification was free, speaking it out would be considered shameless ridicule. Molly relentlessly tracked down such men, hunting them down and dismissing them without a letter of recommendation.
Some men tried to seduce Diana, hoping to become her secret mistress. She doesn't know what happened to them now. Some approached her since the days of Medea, but because Diana was so indifferent to her surroundings (though now they seemed a little interested), and because Noah, a fellow man, could read their gazes, they vanished before Diana even realized it. She'll probably never know. As she walked alone, lost in thought, the maid she encountered in the hallway looked at her notebook and asked Molly.
“Butler Delphine, would you like to order apple wood this time?”
"Since the Princess prefers lean smoked meats, I'll order oak. I've also prepared ample coal and oil, so please distribute them to your servants."
“Yes, I understand. Would it be okay if I made socks out of scrap wool?”
"That's right. And Bona, that child seems to be a bit of a talker. Judging by the way she asked me about the private lives of the owners and their children. I suppose you hired her despite her lack of experience, since she's your relative. But you should be careful, as she could easily be charged with insulting the royal family. Immature excuses are absolutely unacceptable."
The maid covered her mouth and opened her eyes wide at Molly's stern gaze.
“I’m sorry. I’ll be sure to tell her.”
Molly left the maid with her head bowed and went out to the backyard to check the laundry hanging out in the bright sunlight.
She gazed at the deep blue sea stretching out behind the mansion, thinking about the couple's child. It must be beautiful. It had been a while since she'd talked about having a child, but with no news yet, she was starting to worry. Diana, who had been receiving early congratulations at the party, looked rather bewildered. Molly knew it was an uncertain worry. She'd gone to the hospital before, expecting a late period, only to hear back that her period was negative. Diana had smiled casually back then, but her disappointment was so heartbreaking that it bothered her.
If the result is negative again, how can I comfort her? Molly sighed as she sat on the bench, dusting off her pants and getting up. She saw the car returning from a distance, then went into the front door and rang the bell.
Soon, Diana and Noah entered the house. Their faces were delicate, their thoughts unreadable. Noah was always like that, but Diana had a strange expression on her face. She looked anxious, yet somehow agitated.
The bodyguards and knights stood upright with their expressions hidden, making it impossible to quickly infer the outcome.
The servants lined up and looked at the hostess's expression.
“Molly.”
Molly turned her head at Noah's soft voice and looked at him. Noah remained expressionless. The tense silence had become so thick it was almost suffocating. Her tension suddenly eased after hearing the calm tone of the results.
She'd been feeling a bit unwell for a while now. Her lower abdomen felt tight, and she felt nauseous and uncomfortable, as if she had a congestion. Diana dismissed it as a combination of premenstrual syndrome and a mild cold. Ayla, who had been observing her surroundings, lowered her voice and asked her.
“Princess, is this perhaps... a celebration?”
"What..."
Diana calmly collected her thoughts. Her previous period had been as scheduled. However, she remembered it being short, lasting only three days, and extremely light. It was strange, as Mother Nature's wrath couldn't possibly end like this, but she'd been so busy preparing for the party that she'd let it slide. Having been disappointed once before, her expectations had been lowered.
After planning a child, all she did was take daily walks, eat a balanced diet, and avoid drinking alcohol. She even cut down on her medication. While she still occasionally felt short of breath, dizzy, or had a sudden, sharp pounding in her chest, she felt much better than before. The government's policy of refraining from loud activities like fireworks, fighter jet training, and emergency drills in the capital, out of consideration for those suffering from the aftereffects of the war, also helped to minimize the aftereffects.
"Have you received a Christmas present? Congratulations in advance."
A few people, keenly aware of the mood, raised their glasses and offered congratulations. Diana worried that she might be overexcited. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and early pregnancy symptoms are similar and can be easily confused. Diana shook her head, expressionless.
“Well, I’m not sure yet.”
"Would you please come to the hospital tomorrow at a convenient time? I'll tell the gynecologist in charge."
The private hospital director stroked his mustache and grinned. Diana felt embarrassed by the stares, the air bordering on certainty. She didn't like being the center of attention, and the moment the results came back negative, she feared the burdensome attention would pour in. Whether it was jealousy, pity, or support, she didn't like it. There had been a long pause in between, but on the surface, they were a couple with no children in their marriage, so she knew there would be gossip. Suddenly, someone grabbed her attention by clapping their hands together.
"Now, please focus. Today is the Princess's birthday, and I have an important announcement to make."
Sensing Diana's discomfort, it was Councillor Cheshire who quickly changed the mood. True to her politician nature, she smoothly navigated the situation. She smiled slightly at the joke, "Didn't you already make a major announcement?" She then continued speaking in a powerful voice.
Princess Diana plans to establish a foundation to support war orphans, veterans suffering from the aftereffects of war, and those struggling to make ends meet after losing family members in war. If you'd like to donate, volunteer, or make a regular donation, please contact me, a trustee of the foundation.
A thunderous applause poured down on the Princess, who was leading by example and trying to exert a positive influence. The crowd was filled with admiration. The man in the black tuxedo spoke.
“Oh, the Princess truly practices noblesse oblige.”
A young woman in a mink coat agreed with him, dabbing a handkerchief over her eyes.
"I will. I already wanted to help these poor children, so this is great. I happened to see some orphaned children before, and they were so skinny, I cried."
Soon, children wearing Santa hats gathered around and began singing Happy Birthday. Boaz joined in, raising his snout and howling like a wolf. Diana couldn't stop admiring the magnificent three-tiered cake the master pastry chef had created. Atop the lavender cake stood a sugar doll modeled after Diana in a silver dress and Noah in his uniform.
"It's really cool, Herzen. I'd like to keep that sugar doll for myself."
“Haha, thank you. I put a lot of effort into making it.”
Vincent, in particular, was looking at the cake with eyes that seemed to be very impressed.
"Cakes are art. Someday... when I get married, I'll have to ask Herzen Confectionery to make my wedding cake."
"Hey, business partner. Don't get married without my permission like that arrogant Noah Rotsilt."
Vincent glanced at Jace with a disapproving look at his serious tone.
“I'm sorry, Mr. Jace Groenendaal. You haven't met anyone yet.”
"If you don't have feelings for me, how about you stay with me as my partner for the rest of your life? I'll order a cake to commemorate our lifetime business agreement."
Vincent's shoulders trembled as he thought of the cake topped with Jace and his own sugar figures. The mere thought was terrifying.
"I refuse. I've finally escaped Mr. Rotsilt, and now it's you?"
“Unlike that traitor, I won’t let you go.”
“Stop it. I’m dying of disgust.”
As they enjoyed their time, the night grew late. The guests departed one by one, and the last remaining guests, Johanna and her husband, Ayla, Renier, Vincent, and Jace, also departed. The mansion, devoid of the noise and energy of the crowd, seemed unusually quiet and spacious.
“Diana, it’s a gift.”
Noah handed Diana a small, framed painting. It was a terrible drawing he'd done in a previous class. Diana smiled happily.
“It’s my favorite birthday present.”
“I decided to buy you a pleasure plane for your birthday.”
“I like that too.”
Noah didn't bring up the subject of the child. Perhaps it was his own consideration? Diana thought to herself, then took Noah's hand.
“It’s okay if the child doesn’t come looking for you.”
“Yeah. But you should go to the hospital just in case you’re not feeling well.”
"All right."
Diana answered with a slightly hesitant tone. It's human nature to have expectations even when we fear being betrayed. After returning to the bedroom, Diana washed up and sat at her vanity, applying cold cream to her face. She asked cautiously.
“You weren’t disappointed? Last time.”
When she'd previously gone to the hospital for confirmation, she'd been told not only that she was "not" pregnant, but also that her health would make it difficult for her to have children. That thought weighed heavily on her mind, occasionally stinging her painfully. But she'd always reassured herself not to rush into anything. She hadn't been anxiously visiting the hospital or seeking help. Noah, sitting on the edge of her bed in her pajamas, tilted his head.
“I didn’t do it.”
“Why? I thought you wanted that too.”
“There is no reason to be disappointed.”
Was it okay if he was there, or not? He was still a man who was unsettling. Diana rubbed her cheek and lowered her eyes.
“Are you waiting?”
“Yeah. I wish I had a daughter.”
"Daughter?"
“It seems like there are two of you.”
It was a strange answer, as expected. Diana lay in bed in her warm wool pajamas, smiling bashfully.
“I try to be content with what I have now and not feel unhappy about what I don’t have.”
Noah put down the newspaper and lay down next to her, resting his arm on her shoulder. His slightly damp bangs were pushed back to reveal his handsome forehead, and his calm, hued eyes were gleaming with affection.
"You are the most precious thing to me. I think you have to meet the baby to know."
“Will you treat me well when we meet?”
"Yes."
Diana watched Boaz stretch before the fireplace. A memory suddenly flashed through her mind as she remembered Boaz forbidding her from drinking wine.
"Hmm?"
Long ago, when Ayla had made a surprise visit to Medea's mansion outside the city walls, she remembered the scene where Boaz had sniffed Ayla's belly with his snout. It wasn't until later thatshe learned Ayla was pregnant, but by then, she was in the early stages of pregnancy.
"No way."
Diana snickered, dismissing the thought as a pointless one. Noah tilted his head with a curious expression.
"Why?"
“No, I was just thinking something funny.”
***
It was a morning, the world white with the heavy snowfall the night before. The unfrozen sea was a deep shade, and the sunlight reflected off the snow on the ground, creating a blinding dazzle. Molly began her diligent day as a housekeeper, watching the rising sun. Dressed in a neat, tailored suit, Molly descended to the kitchen to check that breakfast preparations were running smoothly. After dinner, after Diana and Noah had gone to the hospital, she checked the inventory of the pantry and wine cellar.
After checking, she went into the living room and ran her finger over the furniture, decorations, and picture frames to make sure they were clean. Because of the salty air in a mansion near the sea, furniture and exterior walls require special care, so they tend to require a lot of maintenance. Naturally, the maids' salaries are high, and their benefits are generous. As she was climbing the stairs to personally inspect the room after receiving a report that the bedding had been changed and the rooms cleaned, a young maid who had just finished cleaning approached Molly.
"Butler. The Princess went to the hospital this morning. Is she really pregnant? She's been married for quite some time, yet there's been no news of a baby. So, this time too..."
The most important requirements for a housekeeper, who handles the landlord's every detail, are a firm mouth and a strict sense of confidentiality. Molly would occasionally refuse to answer the curious questions of new maids about the couple's private lives, instead responding with a sharp reprimand. She possessed the reservedness and caution befitting a former intelligence officer.
"Bona. Didn't you hear from the head maid? It's a condition that says anyone with a loose mouth can't work in this mansion. This is your final warning. As a servant serving the royal family and high-ranking military officials, please be careful with your words and actions."
“I’m truly sorry. I was just curious.”
The maid bowed with an embarrassed expression and left. Even if you carefully select your servants based on introductions with guarantors, sometimes impurities are bound to creep in. No maid dared to seduce the Princess's husband, but he was clearly a man of distinction, so the stories often revolved around his powerful and enduring stamina, such as how they replaced the mattress because the bedsprings had worn out, or how the nightlight stayed on until morning. For the young maids, the flirting between the overly handsome commander and the aristocratic Princess was a fantasy. Even if such self-gratification was free, speaking it out would be considered shameless ridicule. Molly relentlessly tracked down such men, hunting them down and dismissing them without a letter of recommendation.
Some men tried to seduce Diana, hoping to become her secret mistress. She doesn't know what happened to them now. Some approached her since the days of Medea, but because Diana was so indifferent to her surroundings (though now they seemed a little interested), and because Noah, a fellow man, could read their gazes, they vanished before Diana even realized it. She'll probably never know. As she walked alone, lost in thought, the maid she encountered in the hallway looked at her notebook and asked Molly.
“Butler Delphine, would you like to order apple wood this time?”
"Since the Princess prefers lean smoked meats, I'll order oak. I've also prepared ample coal and oil, so please distribute them to your servants."
“Yes, I understand. Would it be okay if I made socks out of scrap wool?”
"That's right. And Bona, that child seems to be a bit of a talker. Judging by the way she asked me about the private lives of the owners and their children. I suppose you hired her despite her lack of experience, since she's your relative. But you should be careful, as she could easily be charged with insulting the royal family. Immature excuses are absolutely unacceptable."
The maid covered her mouth and opened her eyes wide at Molly's stern gaze.
“I’m sorry. I’ll be sure to tell her.”
Molly left the maid with her head bowed and went out to the backyard to check the laundry hanging out in the bright sunlight.
She gazed at the deep blue sea stretching out behind the mansion, thinking about the couple's child. It must be beautiful. It had been a while since she'd talked about having a child, but with no news yet, she was starting to worry. Diana, who had been receiving early congratulations at the party, looked rather bewildered. Molly knew it was an uncertain worry. She'd gone to the hospital before, expecting a late period, only to hear back that her period was negative. Diana had smiled casually back then, but her disappointment was so heartbreaking that it bothered her.
If the result is negative again, how can I comfort her? Molly sighed as she sat on the bench, dusting off her pants and getting up. She saw the car returning from a distance, then went into the front door and rang the bell.
Soon, Diana and Noah entered the house. Their faces were delicate, their thoughts unreadable. Noah was always like that, but Diana had a strange expression on her face. She looked anxious, yet somehow agitated.
The bodyguards and knights stood upright with their expressions hidden, making it impossible to quickly infer the outcome.
The servants lined up and looked at the hostess's expression.
“Molly.”
Molly turned her head at Noah's soft voice and looked at him. Noah remained expressionless. The tense silence had become so thick it was almost suffocating. Her tension suddenly eased after hearing the calm tone of the results.
“We're having a baby.”
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