* * *
Upon hearing the response, the Grand Duke fell into contemplation for a moment before voicing a long-held thought.
“Then, what do you think?”
“About what, Your Grace?”
“About whether Ed’s body might struggle due to the pregnancy… or if the pain of childbirth might be unbearable for him.”
Noting the concern flickering in the Grand Duke’s eyes, Yen replied in a calm tone.
“I can’t guarantee that there will be no strain on his body, but I believe the risks are minimal.”
“And why is that?”
“His body has already begun adapting to accommodate the child growing within him.”
“…”
“Additionally, the High Priest is investigating whether there are any undiscovered mysteries that could help. I’m also continuing my own research to alleviate Your Grace’s concerns.”
Yen subtly conveyed that the High Priest was taking an interest in Ed’s condition and assured that assistance would be readily available if needed.
Glancing briefly at the Grand Duke, who was attentively listening, Yen continued.
“Furthermore, the male Zelda I observed delivered his child relatively smoothly. He experienced no significant complications afterward. Of course, Ed’s circumstances differ, but I will ensure he is well cared for throughout, so there will be no reason for additional concern after the birth.”
“I see.”
“Yes, and…”
When the Grand Duke folded his arms and gazed down at him, Yen candidly expressed his thoughts.
“Although our conversation was brief, I found Ed to be optimistic and positive in his mindset. And Your Grace has a remarkably steadfast nature. I am confident that any difficulties between the two of you will be swiftly overcome.”
As Yen finished speaking, silence filled the room.
Observing the shadows playing across the Grand Duke’s features under the faint glow of magical lights, Yen began to worry if he had overstepped his boundaries.
‘Was I too presumptuous?’
He regretted letting his guard down and speaking so freely in the Grand Duke’s presence.
The soft sound of him swallowing nervously broke the stillness.
‘After hearing that, it seems I can’t afford to be weak.’
The Grand Duke’s voice, breaking the quiet, made Yen lift his head, his tension palpable as he feared reprimand.
“Also, you agree that Ed has a certain charm about him, don’t you?”
“…Pardon?”
The unexpected question left Yen momentarily stunned.
However, the Grand Duke appeared lost in his own thoughts, wearing a gentle smile as he absentmindedly poured tea into Yen’s empty cup.
“Then is there anything else I should be mindful of when it comes to Ed?”
“Your Grace is already giving him plenty of attention, so maintaining this environment should suffice.”
“And beyond that?”
“It would be best to stay by his side whenever possible, except when attending to urgent matters. There’s nothing better for Ed and the child than a sense of emotional stability.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
The Grand Duke nodded slightly before suddenly asking another question.
“By the way, would it be safe for Ed to take a long-distance trip by carriage?”
The next morning, Ed, still half-asleep and instinctively reaching out for warmth beside him, became aware of a subtle rustling sound near the bed.
Overwhelmed by a drowsiness that seemed never-ending, he lazily lifted his head to look.
And then, he saw it.
“What are you doing, Young Master?”
Ronen, who was crawling into the room on all fours, froze at the sound of Ed’s voice.
He slowly peeked up at him, looking sheepish.
“Did I wake you?”
“No, I was just getting up. But why are you doing that?”
“Really? I didn’t disturb your sleep, did I?”
“Not at all.”
Ronen’s face brightened as he sprang to his feet and quickly approached the bed.
Dragging a chair over, he sat down and reached into his bulging coat pocket, pulling out several felt dolls and placing them on the bed.
“I finished the dolls I was working on yesterday. I was going to quietly leave them on the desk since you were asleep, but now that you’re awake, I can show you.”
He began lining up the dolls—snowmen, wolves, cats, and more—on the mattress, sneaking glances at Ed with a mix of anticipation and nervousness.
Examining the dolls closely, Ed spoke with genuine warmth.
“They’re adorable and beautifully made, Young Master. Your craftsmanship is truly impressive.”
“Ah, no, Tence and Geo did most of the work. I barely did anything.”
“Even so, you came up with their designs, didn’t you? Planning such charming ideas is a talent in itself. You should be proud.”
Encouraged by Ed’s kind words, Ronen grinned and hurried over to the desk, returning with another doll.
Ed recognized it immediately—it was the fox doll he had made yesterday.
It had been squashed during an encounter with the Grand Duke, and Ed had spent the evening restoring it.
Remembering the events of the previous night brought a slight smile to Ed’s face as Ronen placed the doll in front of him.
“Ed, your work is just as lovely. I really wanted to tell you that.”
The sincerity in Ronen’s praise warmed Ed’s heart.
“Thank you, Young Master. It means a lot to me. I’ll treasure this feeling.”
Ronen moved the dolls animatedly, beaming.
“By the way, did you enjoy making them?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Remember how I said I wanted to try making a dragon yesterday? Tence promised to draw up a great design. It might even be ready today. If it is, shall we make it together?”
Just as Ronen seemed excited about the plan, he suddenly remembered something and tilted his head.
“Oh, wait. My brother mentioned you might have to leave the castle today for something important.”
“Me?”
“Yes, he said he wants to take you outside for a change of scenery since you’ve been feeling unwell.”
“But I’m fine now.”
Ronen peered up at Ed thoughtfully, then shook his head slightly.
“You’ve improved a bit, but not entirely. Going out for some fresh air and good food will make you feel even better!”
Ronen clenched his fists confidently, as though to will the idea into reality.
“I wanted to come along, but I have a swordsmanship lesson with Sir Irtel today. I thought about skipping, but I don’t want to waste his time since I promised. So, even though I’d love to go, I’ll hold back.”
“If you truly wish to come, perhaps explaining the situation to Sir Irtel and rescheduling the lesson could work. Then we could all go together.”
Tempted by Ed’s suggestion, Ronen hesitated before shaking his head firmly, recalling his brother’s earlier words.
“Ronen, could you look after the Northern Castle for the day?”
“Me, instead of you, Brother?”
“Yes. I’m planning to go out with Ed today.”
“Just the two of you?”
“Ed hasn’t been feeling well, you know? I thought some fresh air might help him feel better. There’s also something I want to ask his permission for.”
“Hmm…”
“It’s a shame you can’t join us today, Ronen, but next time, let’s plan something fun for all three of us.”
The faint joy in his brother’s face as he spoke made Ronen nod instinctively.
“All right, Brother.”
Suppressing his desire to follow them out of the Northern Castle, Ronen replied brightly.
“I’ll stay and guard the castle today! So Ed, make sure to have fun and tell me all about the exciting things you did when you come back!”
Just as Ronen had said, Ed found himself leaving the castle after lunch.
When their carriage stopped at the entrance to a high mountain path, he felt a flicker of excitement.
Their destination was a restaurant owned by the retired vice-captain and his wife—a place they had visited shortly after arriving in the North.
“Your Grace, the Grand Duke!”
“Welcome, welcome!”
The couple greeted the Grand Duke and Ed warmly and guided them inside.
The restaurant’s interior was adorned with flowers and candles, far different from Ed’s previous visit.
As he looked around in wonder, Ed followed the Grand Duke to their seats.
Once the couple excused themselves, Ed leaned closer and whispered.
“Your Grace, do you think something good happened to the vice-captain and his wife?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Well, the restaurant is decorated with so many flowers—it’s even more elaborate than Ronen’s birthday party. It must’ve been a lot of work…”
Ed trailed off mid-sentence, suddenly falling silent.
* * *
🥰
IS ASNEL GOING TO PROPOSE?!?!
Thank you for the updates ❤️