* * *
After reading the inscription engraved inside the crown, Ed reached out.
The Grand Duke, moved by the unexpected gesture, silently gazed down at him.
“Would you lower your head for me, just a little?”
The Grand Duke complied—so much so that he bent one knee.
A hush fell over the crowd, followed by thunderous applause before Ed could even ask him to stand.
“This is practically a pledge to honor the Grand Duchess as his eternal partner!”
“Elegant and romantic!”
Ed’s ears burned as the voices from the crowd reached him.
The Grand Duke, catching Ed’s flustered expression, smiled.
Steadying himself, Ed gently placed the crown on the Grand Duke’s head.
Despite his amateur craftsmanship, the crown of platinum and gemstones fit perfectly with the Grand Duke’s dark hair.
Ed exhaled a breath of relief, a radiant smile lighting his face.
The Grand Duke, feeling the weight of the crown, touched it briefly before standing.
“Thank you, Ed.”
Then, he leaned down and kissed Ed deeply, as if to express the infinite joy and honor he felt.
After the ceremony, when they returned to their chambers, Ed cradled his belly.
Though the day must have been tiring, the child inside him seemed content, quietly taking in everything as if fascinated by the world outside.
“To everyone who attended today’s ceremony, we extend our deepest gratitude. We also have one more piece of joyous news to share: the Grand Duchess, Ed, is expecting…”
As the Grand Duke shared the announcement with their guests, the baby responded with a cheerful kick, as if celebrating its introduction to the world.
Relieved that the ceremony had ended, Ed hurried into the castle, overwhelmed by the simultaneous emotions of joy, wonder, and the day’s exhaustion.
“Do you think we revealed the baby’s existence too soon? Perhaps we should have kept the focus on our union.”
“There were likely some who had already guessed. And knowing that you’re carrying our child might strengthen their sense of our bond.”
“But if anyone thinks ill of it…”
The Grand Duke gently removed Ed’s ceremonial attire, shaking his head.
“You don’t need to worry. Everyone knows how remarkable you are as the Grand Duchess.”
Dressed more comfortably, Ed sat on the bed as the Grand Duke massaged his shoulders.
The tension in Ed’s body melted away under the soothing touch, and he let out a soft sigh.
“Seeing the High Priest today reminded me of something.”
“What is it?”
“The story of a healer who saved a wounded dragon.”
“…”
“I used to be moved by how the healer gave up their life to save the dragon. But now I realize…”
“What?”
“That the moment I fell in love with Your Grace, I understood how the healer felt. I’m truly grateful and happy that I was by your side when you were in danger. That I could save you.”
The Grand Duke embraced Ed, pressing a kiss to his forehead.
“I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you never face such peril again.”
Ed wrapped his arms around the Grand Duke’s neck and kissed him.
“And I will support you, no matter where you go.”
The bustling, sacred wedding faded into memory as time moved forward.
The lush spring gave way to the vibrant hues of summer, and even Ronen grew taller.
While the Northern castle bustled with preparations for winter, Ed spent more time confined to bed.
“Is there any discomfort, Your Grace?”
The physician, having just completed an examination, studied Ed carefully.
Ed leaned back against the headboard and shook his head.
“No, I’m fine.”
“With only a little time left until the young master arrives, please let me know if you notice any unusual symptoms. And, as always, keep your mind at ease.”
“With you and Yen taking such good care of me, I feel reassured.”
Though Ed had grown accustomed to being called the Grand Duchess, his ears still turned red at the title.
The physician smiled warmly at the sight.
“Yes, we’ll do our best to ensure everything goes smoothly.”
Ed stood by the bed, watching the Grand Duke’s expression soften as the attending physician assured him that both Ed and the baby were healthy.
When Ed took the Grand Duke’s hand, the physician smiled faintly and quietly left the room.
The Grand Duke adjusted the pillows behind Ed’s back and asked gently, “Do you want to sleep a little longer?”
Ed shook his head, stretching his legs out of the bed.
He wiggled his toes before picking up the socks left at the bedside.
“No, the physician said it’s fine as long as I don’t overdo it. I’d like to take a short walk today.”
After being confined to bed for so long, Ed felt the urge to move his body.
With the Grand Duke finishing his work early, it seemed like a perfect chance to take a leisurely stroll together and enjoy the fresh air.
“…”
But why was putting on socks such a challenge?
Ed propped one foot on the bed and struggled to pull on a sock, groaning as his body refused to bend the way he needed it to.
“Why is this so difficult…?”
When Ed muttered to himself, the Grand Duke chuckled softly, stroking his hair before kneeling down.
He gently placed Ed’s foot on his thigh.
“It’s okay. I can do it,” Ed protested, embarrassed.
“If I could, I’d take your burden and carry it myself, but since I can’t, at least let me help with this.”
The Grand Duke massaged Ed’s foot lightly before sliding the sock on and tucking his foot into the shoe.
After tying the laces snugly, he looked up at Ed.
“Is that comfortable?”
Ed wiggled his toes inside the shoes the Grand Duke had made for him and smiled softly.
“Yes, it’s perfect.”
“Shall we go for a walk then, my Duchess?”
Helping Ed to his feet, the Grand Duke wrapped an arm around his waist, creating a protective space.
Ed chuckled silently and linked his arm with the Grand Duke’s.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
As they left the northern castle and strolled toward the rear garden, the full moon illuminated the dark blue sky.
Ed glanced up at the Grand Duke, his thoughts wandering.
“Your Grace, who do you hope our child will take after—me or you?”
He thought of the child he’d dreamed of: a pale face, black hair, and vivid blue eyes.
There was no guarantee the baby would look exactly as he’d envisioned, but Ed couldn’t shake his concern about the child’s eye color.
“They say the deeper the dragon’s blood, the redder the eyes. If the baby is born with blue eyes, will His Grace be disappointed?”
The Grand Duke’s response was calm and reassuring, as if he’d read Ed’s mind.
“It doesn’t matter. Whatever form our little ‘Ppu-Ppu’ takes, they are a perfect blend of us both and a blessing to us.”
His words soothed Ed’s worries, and he thought to himself, ‘He’ll make a wonderful father.’
Ed rested a hand on his belly, recalling the dreams he’d had in the imperial palace.
“What kind of father do you want to be, Your Grace?”
“What about you?”
“I grew up separated from my parents, so I want our child to grow up without shadows. I suppose I’ll be a soft-hearted father.”
The Grand Duke nodded in agreement.
“That sounds wonderful. Ppu-Ppu should grow up carefree. But I’ve just decided I’ll need to be a little stricter. If we both spoil the child too much, they might grow up undisciplined. As the heir to the Northern Duchy, they’ll have responsibilities.”
Ed couldn’t suppress his laughter, causing the Grand Duke to tilt his head in confusion.
“Why are you laughing, Ed?”
“I just remembered how you immediately started calling them Ppu-Ppu instead of the formal name we spent so much time choosing.”
Ever since Ed had told him about the dream, the baby’s nickname had stuck.
The Grand Duke let out a short sigh, realizing how much his thoughts were already dominated by the unborn child.
“In that case, should we leave the role of strict disciplinarian to Ronen?”
Ed leaned against his arm with a playful smile.
“Yes, let’s do that.”
As the days passed and autumn deepened, a great joy swept through the North.
The child of the Grand Duke and Duchess was born.
* * *
