Side Story 3
The following year after the national wedding, at the Prahenfelt Imperial Palace.
Roabellin paced the parlor attached to her bedroom with anxious steps.
“Is there still no word from the Aventador Palace?”
“No, Your Majesty. I shall send word again.”
Roabellin stopped in her tracks at the words of Countess Molly, who bowed her head. After a moment of thought, she waved her hand toward the Head Maid.
“No, no. We’ve done enough; we must wait now. I’m sure they will contact us in due time.”
Trying to calm her mind, Roabellin sat on the sofa. There were stacks of work waiting in her study, but today, she couldn’t focus on anything.
How many hours had passed?
“Your Imperial Majesty, she has given birth!”
Finally, a maid burst in with the long-awaited news.
Estina had given birth to a healthy son. She had conceived immediately after her wedding to Iskal. Roabellin sprang to her feet, her face brightening at the maid’s report.
“Oh, heavens! Bring the communication magic tool. Quickly!”
The device brought by the maid was soon connected to Estina. An image flickered to life above the tool, showing Estina sitting in bed. She looked exhausted, but her pale face wore a radiant smile. Tears welled in Roabellin’s eyes the moment she saw her.
“Auntie, congratulations! You worked so hard. You have no idea how anxious I was while waiting.”
“Thank you. You were right—it really hurts.”
Estina gave a thin smile, echoing Roabellin’s own past description of childbirth. Just then, Iskal poked his face into the frame. He, too, looked a bit worn out, but his expression was one of pure bliss.
“Your Imperial Majesty, I am here as well.”
“Oh, Your Majesty! My sincerest congratulations!”
“Haha, thank you. We’ve named him ‘Lishtrant.’”
“That is a wonderful name.”
With a pleasant laugh, Iskal cradled the baby in his arms.
“Your Majesty, would you like to see his face? He is your cousin, after all.”
He held Lishtrant up to the screen.
“Come now, Lish. Why don’t you open your eyes and greet Her Imperial Majesty for the first time?”
As if understanding the words, the baby wrapped snugly in swaddling clothes slowly blinked his eyes open. Roabellin, who had been tearing up with emotion, brightened instantly upon seeing the infant’s features.
“Oh my, black hair and blue eyes?”
The firstborn of a direct daughter of the Huga family and a legitimate king was supposed to look exactly like that. However, even Estina and Roabellin hadn’t been entirely certain if Estina would be recognized as a direct descendant of her generation. Yet, as if refusing to allow even a shred of doubt, the baby was born with the perfect appearance of a legitimate heir to the throne.
Estina spoke with a faint smile.
“Yes. I thought there was a chance the child I gave birth to might not have black hair and blue eyes. But seeing him like this… honestly, I can’t tell you how relieved I am.”
Roabellin nodded at her words.
“I only had a hunch before, but now I know for sure. I have carried on the legitimacy of the Prahenfelt Imperial House, and you, Auntie, have carried on the Aventador Royal House. Each of us as direct daughters of the Huga family in our respective nations. El and Lish’s appearances are the proof.”
For a thousand years, it was believed that a direct daughter of Hertenes was bound only to Aventador and could only ever be that country’s queen. But thanks to Roabellin and Estina, it had been proven that this was not the case.
Estina nodded slightly, understanding.
“Right… Just as a legitimate heir of Aventador born to a daughter of the Huga family is born with black hair and blue eyes, from now on, a legitimate heir of Prahenfelt born to a daughter of the Huga family will be born with black hair and golden eyes, like El.”
“Yes, most likely. Let’s wait and see what El’s first child looks like later.”
Speaking brightly, Roabellin gazed lovingly at the baby’s face. The beautiful infant, who inherited Iskal’s blue eyes and Estina’s mouth, gave a toothless grin to his cousin on the screen.
In Aventador, it had been over 70 years since a legitimate heir to the throne was born to a daughter of the Huga family. Because of this, the day was declared a national holiday, and festivals broke out across the land. Unaware that the entire kingdom was swept up in joy because of him, Prince Lishtrant slept peacefully.
***
A few months later. Duchess Elina Hertenes gave birth to her first daughter. Naturally, the child had platinum blonde hair and pale violet eyes.
Of course, this was the expected appearance, but seeing the baby in person felt completely different. As Roabellin held her niece in her arms, her tear ducts finally gave way.
“Brother. That day, when we were fleeing with the Duke’s castle burning behind us… I never thought the day would come where Hertenes would have descendants again.”
It seemed Itanistad felt the same, as he too became choked up.
“You’re right… To think we would have a child of Hertenes born in a perfectly intact ducal residence, no less.”
“Looking at this child, I can finally feel it. Our Hertenes has truly been reconstructed. The dream I held for so long has finally become a complete reality…”
Estina, who had been tearing up herself while watching the platinum-blonde siblings through the magic tool, managed to offer her greetings to Elina.
“You’ve worked hard, Duchess. Thank you so much.”
Elina gave a soft laugh and attempted to change the tearful atmosphere.
“I’m the one who gave birth to her, yet she took after the Huga family traits so much that I’m almost indignant. She looks like she could be Her Imperial Majesty’s daughter! Hoho.”
Indeed, with her platinum hair and violet eyes, the baby looked like she could have been the daughter of Roabellin or Estina. Of course, upon closer inspection, she had inherited Elina’s features, so it was merely a humorous exaggeration.
Smiling at the new direct daughter of the Huga family, Karina, Roabellin chimed in.
“Hehe. She may not be my daughter, but she will be my daughter-in-law one day. A direct daughter of the Huga family born in the Empire must naturally become the next Empress.”
It was true. Now that Roabellin’s blood had entered the lineage, the Prahenfelt Imperial House also needed a daughter of the Huga family to easily prove the legitimacy of their heirs. For Ezekiel to become the next Emperor, they could never let a daughter of the Huga family be taken by another house.
Elina, still not fully accustomed to the genetic laws of the Huga family, double-checked.
“Then, since the Prince and Karina are cousins… there are truly no issues with the two of them having children… right?”
This time, Estina answered.
“Of course. It’s a fact proven over a thousand years in Aventador. Their genetics are so remarkable that as long as they are at least cousins, no genetic illnesses appear, so do not worry too much.”
“It’s a relief to hear it’s been proven for a thousand years. Fufu. I will raise our Karina well.”
Elina wore a happy smile as she held her daughter, who had been designated as the Empress the moment she was born. In the meantime, Roabellin’s maid approached and handed over another communication tool. When the image appeared…
“Oh? Your Majesty, El.”
The faces of the Emperor and the Prince appeared on the screen. Kaisertern, after offering his congratulations to Elina, got straight to the point.
“Karina, was it? I wanted to see her as soon as possible. If she is the Empress’s niece, she is my niece as well.”
“Oh, honestly. The Duke and his wife are scheduled to bring the baby to the palace in three weeks, so why are you in such a hurry?”
When Roabellin asked with a pleasant laugh, Kaisertern answered coolly.
“Because I heard she is the future bride for our El, and that she looks very much like you.”
He had always been straightforward, but since getting married, Kaisertern seemed to be getting even more honest. This time, however, Ezekiel, who was sitting on his lap, reacted.
“My bwide? What is a bwide?”
Ezekiel was over two years old and spoke quite well now, but there were still many words he didn’t know. Roabellin looked at him with loving eyes and explained.
“When El grows up and becomes an adult, she’s the person El will marry! So you have to be very friendly with Karina from now on~”
But young Ezekiel was caught up on another unfamiliar word.
“Mawwy? What is mawwy?”
“Um, it’s what Mommy and Daddy did. We loved each other and promised to be together forever.”
“Aha~”
The child, seemingly understanding, dropped a bombshell with a clear face.
“What Mommy and Daddy did… Last time at the ball, on the balcony? Um, kissing,”
Before he could say more, the child’s mouth was instantly covered by Kaisertern’s hand.
“…”
For a moment, everyone in the room let their eyes wander, not knowing where to look. Kaisertern, the first to regain his senses, attempted to salvage the situation.
“Ahem, it seems El caught a glimpse of me giving the Empress a light kiss in the atmosphere of the ball.”
Ezekiel, who had given his attendants the slip and gone looking for his parents who had suddenly vanished from the ballroom, had accidentally witnessed their passionate moment. If it was just a light kiss between husband and wife, it wouldn’t have been an issue… but Ezekiel, having brushed Kaisertern’s hand away, dropped a second bombshell with a face full of curiosity.
“Kiss? Where Daddy eats Mommy’s mouth? Then what is it called when Daddy touches Mommy’s—”
“El seems to be sleepy. We shall take our leave.”
Kaisertern once again covered Ezekiel’s mouth and abruptly cut the magic tool connection. It was the best measure to prevent further accidents, but the embarrassment now belonged to those left behind. In the room where the Emperor and Prince had vanished, the Empress, the Ducal couple, the newborn Lady, and the Queen of Aventador on the screen remained, enduring the awkward atmosphere.
“Ah, children are so unpredictable, aren’t they? Haha. Then… Duchess, please take good care of your health! I shall see you at the palace in three weeks!”
Roabellin, her face bright red, stuttered in a way she never usually did. Even Itanistad, who would normally have ground his teeth at the Emperor for ‘getting our Roa pregnant before the national wedding,’ merely cleared his throat. He was now in a position where he received the same looks from Elina’s father.
“Y-yes… understood, Your Majesty. We shall see you soon at the palace.”
Roabellin made a hasty exit as she accepted their greetings. That night, Kaisertern discussed the day’s mishap with Roabellin and, naturally, used it as an excuse to reenact that moment.
Time flowed by quickly.
“Evan, these are the documents I’ve finished reviewing. Take them.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Count Raymond, having gathered the stack of papers from Kaisertern’s desk, did not leave immediately but lingered with slow steps. Catching the hesitant movement, Kaisertern asked without even looking up from his work.
“What is it? Is there more business?”
“Ah, yes, yes.”
Count Raymond’s voice rose slightly, sounding pleased that his mood had been noticed. Kaisertern gave a slight nod, signaling him to speak. However, the business seemed awkward to bring up, as he hesitated a bit longer before speaking.
“Yes, well… word has come from the Council of Elder Nobles. They are asking why there is still no news of a second imperial grandchild. They say having only the Prince makes them uneasy. And, er, they also expressed concern that perhaps Your Majesty’s relationship with the Empress has grown distant.”
‘I wondered why those old men were so quiet lately.’
Kaisertern’s brow furrowed slightly. At that minute movement, Count Raymond grew tense.
“Sigh… We already have a Prince; I don’t see why they’re so anxious for more grandchildren. You know as well as I do, don’t you? How my brothers treated me.”
The childhood years where his half-brothers had checked and persecuted him after he lost his mother—Count Raymond had witnessed that past from the sidelines.
“Y-yes, I know. I am aware.”
“Exactly. In Prahenfelt, princes are nothing but rivals to each other. That is why I do not wish to create unnecessary siblings for my child to compete with for the throne.”
It had been a tradition for over several hundred years that the strongest prince became the next Emperor. His criticism of the very system he was supposed to uphold as its protector stemmed from the fact that he was a victim of it. And, personally, Kaisertern had an even more important reason.
‘Roa suffered so much while carrying and giving birth to Ezekiel.’
Count Raymond, knowing Kaisertern’s childhood, understood his thoughts to an extent, yet he asked with a worried face.
“Then… if I may be so bold, the rumors of discord with the Empress are…”
Kaisertern’s brow furrowed again, but his expression smoothed out immediately as if it were nothing.
“Impossible. As you know, I always share the Empress’s bed. There is nothing wrong with the Empress’s health. It is simply that I am being careful on my part so that she does not conceive.”
“Ah, I see. Then I shall proceed knowing that there is no discord between the two Majesties and no issues with health…”
Count Raymond tried to slip away as he finished speaking, but he was immediately caught by Kaisertern.
“Where do you think you’re going? Since I’ve shared this much with you, you should be the one to go and silence those useless voices in the Elder Council.”
“P-pardon? Me? How could I possibly say that to them…”
“I’ll give you a choice. Will you try to silence me, or will you silence the nonsense of those old men?”
Count Raymond, frantically waving his hands, felt a sense of déjà vu—as if he had been in this exact situation before—and eventually raised the white flag.
***
That night, in the Empress’ bedroom, a period of heated passion passed, as it always did. Kaisertern lay down beside Roabellin, who was catching her breath, and kissed her cheek. He loved these warm moments—lying together after their intense time, sharing idle conversation.
“Lately, I feel like I’m being hated by El, for some reason.”
A light sigh mixed with Kaisertern’s voice. However, Roabellin looked as if she had never heard such a thing in her life.
“By El? What do you mean? That sweet child wouldn’t even know how to hate someone.”
To Roabellin, Ezekiel was truly the most gentle and kind-hearted child in the world. But Kaisertern turned to look at her as if he had expected that response, his expression full of grievance.
“I’m telling you, he’s only like that with you. Even though he’s just a little kid, he acts all formal and polite with me while being subtly prickly. When he was a baby, he used to let me hold him just fine, but now he hardly comes to me at all.”
It seemed he was genuinely upset that the child, who shared his exact face, was being so cold toward him. Roabellin, however, cut him off firmly. Her expression suggested he was talking nonsense, though her tone remained affectionate. Sensing the discrepancy, Kaisertern was certain that her facial expression held her true thoughts.
“How could that be? He probably just finds you difficult because you are the Emperor. He’s just a child. Don’t say such things about a boy who is practically an angel.”
Of course, it was true that everyone in the world found Kaisertern difficult to deal with. Was he not the Emperor who exuded an overwhelming pressure, the foremost master of mass-destruction magic? Yet, the person Kaisertern found most difficult these days was his tiny son.
He turned his head back to stare at the ceiling and let out a deep sigh.
“I wanted our child to take after only you, but how did we end up with one who is my spitting image? Your family’s genetics… they’re quite troublesome.”
At his lament, Roabellin let out a giggle and leaned her head against Kaisertern’s shoulder.
“Then let’s have another one. A second child who looks like me.”
Kaisertern looked at her with slightly startled eyes, then shook his head slowly.
“And what if another one comes out looking exactly like me? Besides, I hate seeing you in pain and suffering. One imperial heir is enough.”
As his worry manifested in a sullen tone, Roabellin’s smile deepened.
“Giving birth is hard, of course. But I can do it twice in a lifetime. And why? I like it—I like both you and the child who looks like you.”
But Kaisertern seemed to disagree.
“No. I want a child who looks only like you. Regardless of the gender, they have to look like you to be beautiful.”
Is it said that a true fool for love cannot hide their affection even in moments like this? Roabellin snuggled into his arms with a playful smile.
“According to my family’s laws of inheritance, only the firstborn inherits the appearance of the father, the rightful king. From the second child onward, there’s no telling who they’ll take after. Hoho.”
“Then… a child who takes after you is… possible?”
“Theoretically. Of course, we won’t know until we try.”
“If that’s the case…”
At her words, Kaisertern’s golden eyes instantly darkened. He pushed himself up, shifted his body, and hovered over Roabellin.
“Let’s make one.”
His hot lips lightly touched Roabellin’s before pulling back slightly.
“This time, definitely a second child who looks just like you.”
Roabellin, whose eyes had widened at the sudden change in position, looked into his eyes and smiled happily.
“Okay… Mmgh…”
Before she could even finish her answer, Kaisertern’s lips descended upon hers once more.
***
“Wow… exactly how many carriages has it been today?”
“I think they’ll keep coming until the Empress’ birthday banquet period is over.”
Watching the endless procession of carriages carrying gifts for the Empress, everyone working in the Prahenfelt Imperial Palace was left speechless. They were filled with all sorts of rare treasures sent by the noble families of Prahenfelt and foreign royal houses.
The Imperial couple was also looking down at the procession from the balcony. Roabellin had a troubled look, feeling overwhelmed, while Kaisertern wore a faintly satisfied smile. His expression suggested that he felt this level of tribute was finally fitting for the Empress’ status.
The weight and height of the position of Empress of Prahenfelt were immense. However, the prestige of the current Empress was uniquely high even compared to her predecessors. Much of it was due to the fact that Roabellin had been deified by the people for her divine powers, but the fact that she had already given birth to the first Prince—and, above all, that the Emperor had made a magical oath never to have an heir with another woman—played a massive role.
“It seems everyone is lining up to get on your good side without a second thought. Fortunately, they aren’t complete fools.”
Kaisertern smirked with one side of his lip curled up in satisfaction.
“Is it because there’s at least no chance of me being cast out by you?”
Despite words that sounded a bit sharp, Roabellin also wore a relaxed smile.
“Haha. In truth, they probably don’t know that I’m the one constantly anxious, wondering when you might run away again.”
“Oh my, run away? I promised I would never run away again.”
She feigned innocence with a light glint in her eyes, as if she had never once fled from him. Kaisertern, after all, loved to tease her by bringing up her past escapes whenever he had the chance. With a playful smile, he reached out and wrapped his arm around her waist.
“This is a karma you must carry for the rest of your life. Having a record of running away from me no less than three times. Yes, that’s why I did it.”
“Pardon? Did what?”
“That oath of magic. I actually cast it toward you.”
She had thought he cast it on himself to give her reassurance. Just as she was about to ask what he meant, Kaisertern spoke first.
“I bound myself to you with my very life as collateral, vowing to look only at you forever. I figured that knowing that, you wouldn’t be able to just leave me. I cast it to keep you trapped.”
“….”
Her heart felt heavy, and for a moment, Roabellin couldn’t say a word. He was willing to stake his life on his feelings for her.
‘I didn’t even realize his sincerity and only ran away in fear every time.’
Of course, she had her reasons, but looking back now, she felt nothing but apologetic toward Kaisertern. Roabellin raised her hand and gently stroked his cheek.
“I’m sorry for making you suffer emotionally.”
Kaisertern, who had paused at her apology, immediately cupped the back of her neck and pulled her in. His hot lips overlapped hers.
“Mmgh…”
After a deep and tender kiss, he held Roabellin close and whispered low in her ear.
“If you’re sorry, you’ll have to repay me with an especially heated time tonight.”
Kaisertern didn’t even give Roabellin time to blush. As if he wouldn’t take any other answer, he simply pressed his lips against hers again. Even seeing each other every day, they were a couple whose passion ignited the moment they were out of public sight.
‘It wouldn’t be surprising if El had witnessed a scene like this at least once.’
The memory of Ezekiel’s words, which had embarrassed everyone before, suddenly flashed through his mind. Everything was a karma he had built himself.
***
The third day of the Empress’ birthday banquet. Finally, a setting was prepared where the family could gather and converse comfortably. Roabellin, who had been waiting for this moment throughout the festivities, welcomed the family in the Empress’s drawing-room.
“Greetings to Your Imperial Majesty.”
“Welcome, Duchess. My goodness, Karina has grown so much in just a few months! She’s so beautiful.”
There was the Duke and Duchess of Hertenes, who came with their three-year-old daughter, Karina.
“It’s been a while, Duchess, Itan! Lish, say hello. This is the Duke and Duchess of Hertenes, my maiden family. It’s your first time meeting them in person rather than through a communication crystal, right?”
And the King and Queen of Aventador, who had brought their three-year-old son, Lishtrant. While respecting each other’s status, since it was a private gathering, everyone set aside strict etiquette and spoke more comfortably.
Also present were Kaisertern, Ezekiel, and two-year-old Princess Evelina. As per Kaisertern’s wish, Evelina had platinum-blonde hair and a face that was the spitting image of Roabellin. However, her eyes were a pale gold. The lovely Evelina was practically being raised on Kaisertern’s lap, and today was no exception.
The family, gathered for the first time in a while, exchanged warm greetings and sat around. Roabellin spoke as she looked at Karina.
“A legitimate daughter of the Huga family with platinum hair and purple eyes visiting the palace… it feels strange because it reminds me of my childhood. It’s also fascinating to see El taking care of Karina like that on his own.”
Karina took after Elina’s face quite a bit, but she also had traits of Itanistad, and with her platinum hair and purple eyes, she looked quite similar to Roabellin. At her words, Itanistad smiled.
“Our child is still young, but I am thoroughly preparing to educate her as a daughter of the Huga family should be. However… even though it’s a path toward becoming Empress, honestly, as a parent, I feel like I want to keep her by my side forever and not send her anywhere. I suppose this is how all parents feel.”
Even though it was the distant future, he already seemed to regret the thought of marrying off his precious daughter. Understanding that feeling as a parent herself, Roabellin smiled with a slightly apologetic face.
They looked over at Ezekiel and Karina, who had already gone to a corner of the room to play together. Seeing black-haired, gold-eyed Ezekiel and platinum-haired, purple-eyed Karina together, everyone had the same thought:
‘It looks exactly like the Emperor and Empress became babies and are playing sweetly together.’
Even Kaisertern had a distant look in his eyes. He seemed to be imagining what it would have been like if he and Roabellin had met when they were that young and stayed together ever since.
Watching the children with a fond expression, Elina stroked her protruding belly and spoke.
“I gave birth to Karina, but she doesn’t resemble my hair or eye color at all. It’s always amazing how faithfully the Huga family’s genes manifest. I suppose our second child here will be the same?”
“Hmm, probably? The Hertenes genes are quite powerful… I feel somewhat sorry to the Duchess. Still, Karina resembles you a lot in her facial features.”
Though it wasn’t her fault, Roabellin looked apologetic. Seeing her, Elina gave a playful smile.
“If you’re going to feel sorry for that, then His Imperial Majesty should feel sorry to you, Your Majesty. The Prince is the spitting image of the Emperor.”
At her words, Kaisertern let out a sigh as if he had been waiting.
“Sigh… truly. He should have taken after only the Empress. As you can see, not just his looks, but as he grows, his personality is becoming just like mine. The fellow was so gentle when he was a baby, but he’s getting pricklier by the day.”
By saying he was prickly and just like him, he was essentially admitting that his own personality was like that. This caused a wave of light laughter to pass through the family.
“Hoho, even those who have served His Majesty for a long time find it fascinating. They say that not only his face but his personality and his formidable mana are all just like His Majesty.”
At Roabellin’s words, Kaisertern sighed once more.
“They say a child is a mirror of the parent; I feel like I’m watching my own childhood actions. It’s a great relief that El doesn’t have any half-brothers. If they had acted up, they wouldn’t have been safe even if they were older brothers.”
It was a comment very much like him—the man who had finished off his own half-brothers who plotted treason. He leaned down and gave a light kiss to the pink cheek of Evelina, who was sitting on his lap.
“If only El had taken after the Empress like our Lina.”
Evelina had been sitting quietly with a prim expression, but at her father’s kiss, she burst into giggles.
“Kyah, it tickles~!”
Watching the child laugh with a face that looked just like Roabellin’s childhood, honey practically dripped from Kaisertern’s eyes. He looked at his daughter’s face as if he were beholding the most lovely and moving thing in the world.
Evelina, turning her face still filled with laughter to face her father, suddenly gave Kaisertern a short kiss on the cheek and pulled away. The child’s pale gold eyes crinkled as a mischievous smile spread across her soft face.
“Ah…”
Overwhelmed with a happiness that felt like his heart might burst, Kaisertern clutched his chest with his right hand. He reached out again and pulled his small, precious daughter into a tight embrace.
“How can such a lovely being exist in this world? This is all thanks to you, Empress. Haa… How about we pass the Empire down to our Lina instead of that fellow El?”
“Empaya?”
Evelina blinked her curious eyes, and Roabellin, watching this scene from the side, shook her head with a smile.
The Prince of Aventador, Lishtrant, was playing with Ezekiel and Karina. He was a handsome child already, with black hair and blue eyes. After looking at her son for a moment, Estina turned her gaze to Elina.
“Duchess, you’ll marry the second child into Aventador, won’t you?”
Iskal, standing beside her, immediately joined the support fire.
“Have not the daughters of the Huga family been destined to be Queens of Aventador for generations? It’s a shame Karina is already slated to be the Prince’s partner, so it would be good if the second child became the Queen of Aventador as originally intended.”
At the active solicitation from the King and Queen, Elina laughed pleasantly.
“My, it seems I’m going to marry my first daughter to the Imperial family and my second to the Royal family. To think the Royal family is pre-ordering before the child is even born. So this is what it means to be the Huga family. Hoho.”
However, Itanistad seemed to have a different thought. He already felt like he had lost his first daughter, who was still a baby, to the Imperial family, and now it felt like he was giving away the second before they were even born. He reached out and lightly covered Elina’s belly as if to protect it.
“No, if you take them as soon as they’re born, who will be the heir to Hertenes? Whether it’s right to send the second as a Queen… I’ll have to think about it.”
His feeling of loss was real, but of course, it was a joke. The duty and mission of the Huga family were to give birth to and raise Queens.
To this, Iskal countered with something that might have been a joke or might have been serious.
“Then raise the second child as the young head of the family, and send the third as the Queen.”
Of course, it was nonsense since one cannot choose the gender of their children. Moreover, the nuance seemed to be that the Aventador Royal family was making a generous concession. While Itanistad looked like he had been caught off guard, Elina chimed in, pretending to be surprised.
“My, you want me to have three children? I thought this second one would be the last.”
Itanistad quickly smiled and wrapped his arm around Elina’s shoulder.
“I like it because it gives me an excuse to make more children, but whether we have a third will be according to my wife’s opinion.”
At the solid defense of the Duke and Duchess, this time Iskal and Estina’s faces were colored with a sense of defeat. Aventador absolutely needed a Queen from the Huga family. However, since they were now a family belonging to the Empire, they couldn’t force the Duke to give up a daughter. Estina quickly changed her strategy. To pleading!
“Duchess, don’t be like that… We will be really good to the Duchy. I’ve always cared for it since it’s my maiden home, but I’ll do even better in the future. Please give our Lish a chance to have a Queen from the Huga family, yes?”
How many people in the world would get to hear a Queen of a nation plead? Elina replied with a pleasant smile.
“To hear such words from Her Majesty the Queen. Being the Duchess of Hertenes is quite worth it. Fufu. Let’s talk about it after I give birth to a girl first.”
“Well, it only matters if the child is a girl. Let’s wait for now, then.”
Iskal stepped back in agreement, but Itanistad hurriedly waved his hand.
“Your Majesty, even if it’s a girl, I’m not saying I’ll definitely send her to Aventador! I’m saying I’ll consider it if it’s a girl.”
His defense looked so genuinely urgent that everyone except him burst into laughter.
“Hahaha, understood.”
As Iskal concluded, Estina added, “Itan. I’ll raise our Lish to be a truly wonderful husband. Duchess, please think positively. Definitely.”
Roabellin, who had been watching with a smile, glanced at the children playing across the drawing-room and said,
“The Imperial family will have to be even better to the Duchy as well. Seeing how proactive my aunt is, if a daughter is no longer born to the Duchy, Karina might get snatched away to Aventador.”
The adults laughed it off as a joke, but to Ezekiel, who was playing with Karina and Lishtrant a short distance away, it was a serious problem. Ezekiel, having inherited a very sensitive sense of hearing from Kaisertern, could hear all of the adults’ conversation. Ezekiel reached out and quietly took Karina’s hand.
“…?”
Not knowing the reason, Karina blinked her beautiful purple eyes and looked at Ezekiel. Ezekiel gave Karina a dazzling smile with his enchanting face. The ability to use his strangely alluring looks at the right moment was surely also inherited from his father.
“Karina, you are my bride. You know that, right?”
Daughter of the Huga family or not, she was only a three-year-old child.
“Blide?”
Karina couldn’t help but ask the same question Ezekiel once did. But Ezekiel was now five years old. Instead of a detailed explanation, he held out his other hand to Karina, with only his pinky extended.
“Here, pinky swear!”
As Karina hooked her pinky while tilting her head, Ezekiel finally wore a satisfied smile.
“Being my bride means you’re the one I’m closest to. We promised!”
Kaisertern, who had also been listening to everything Ezekiel was doing with his superhuman hearing, turned his head slightly and met his son’s eyes. He smirked and gave Ezekiel a thumbs up.
“My son is already catching the girl who will be his wife and making promises. Not bad.”
“Pardon?”
At the sudden remark, Roabellin followed his gaze and soon grasped the situation.
“Oh my. It seems we don’t have to worry about Karina being snatched away to Aventador.”
At Roabellin’s amused remark, this time Elina spoke up.
“Fufu, then I suppose I have no choice but to give birth to a daughter to send to Aventador as well.”
“Whoa!!”
Estina and Iskal shouted in admiration, forgetting their dignity.
“Thank you so much, Duchess! Lish! You succeeded!”
Lishtrant’s eyes widened, not knowing the reason. There was no way he could know that a grand promise for his stable throne had just been made. Beside him, Ezekiel let out a small sigh of relief while holding Karina’s hand tightly.
The happy laughter of the families watching the children spread like gentle ripples across the green garden outside the sunlit window.
[End of Story]
There’s the end of Roa and Kai’s story, everyone! This last chapter was uhh i’m not sure how to put it but something. Still, I don’t think it changes the fact that, for at least me, it was a good book. I hope everyone enjoyed it as well! I absolutely loved that Kai made an unbinding vow so that might’ve made him one of my top ten leads but with all the books out there, who knows. We’ll have to see with the next book. See you then!
