Chapter 35

### Interlude 5

"…Therefore, the Kingdom of Shalowa and Gilbert, more precisely the Shalowa Royal Family, will not leave you alone, as you inherit the bloodline of bestowal magic. I apologize for repeatedly changing my mind, but for that reason, it is no longer possible for me to give you a concubine.

"I am sorry, but for a while, things around you will be quite noisy, and I would like to ask for your cooperation."

That night, after finishing dinner and bathing, Aula sat in one of the harem rooms, facing Zenjiro, and explained in detail the contents of the letter received during the day, the information inferred from it, and the response to it.

One hundred and fifty years ago, the woman who eloped with a prince of the Carpa Kingdom to another world was most likely a princess of the Shalowa Royal Family.

Zenjiro, her descendant, is believed to have the blood of not only the Carpa Royal Family but also the Shalowa Royal Family.

Therefore, while Zenjiro himself, who has manifested the aptitude for temporal magic, is one thing, his children may have the aptitude for bestowal magic.

Thus, to avoid unnecessarily provoking the Shalowa Royal Family, it is not possible for Zenjiro to take a public concubine for a while.

(However, the child between Aula, who has a stronger Carpa Royal Family bloodline than I do, and me would likely have the Carpa bloodline overshadow the Shalowa bloodline, so it wouldn't be an issue.)

Still feeling a bit unreal, Zenjiro finished organizing the information he had just heard in his head, then deeply sank into the sofa, picked up a glass of water mixed with sugar and fruit juice from the table, and brought it to his lips.

As he tilted the glass, the ice inside swirled and a drop of water splashed onto Zenjiro's face.

"Whoa!"

Perhaps he was more shaken than he thought.

"Are you okay, Zenjiro? If it gets in your eyes, it can be extremely painful."

"Yeah, I'm fine. It just hit my face."

In response to Aula's words, Zenjiro, looking somewhat embarrassed, took a white gauze handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his face.

"But, if that's the case, what about me being here? Honestly, isn't my presence in this country a problem?"

To his straightforward question, his wife smiled and shook her head firmly.

"No, indeed, your bloodline is a bit of an issue, but considering our country's current position, it would be a much bigger problem if you weren't here. So, you don't need to worry about it."

"Yeah, I understand. I'm not planning to do anything drastic. I'm not that self-sacrificing. But, if my existence objectively becomes a disadvantage to the kingdom, some of the nobles might take action, right?"

Zenjiro answered, and perhaps stimulated by his own imagination, he shivered.

"Hmm…"

Aula, taken aback by her husband's unexpectedly calm and realistic words, thought for a moment before slowly speaking.

"No, I don't think that's likely. The information that you have the blood of the Shalowa Royal Family is, for now, a highly confidential matter known only to the royal families on both sides. Even if this information were to become public, the likelihood of our country's nobles acting rashly against you is low.

"Even though I am currently pregnant with the heir, the fact that you are one of the few with the blood of the Carpa Royal Family remains unchanged. In any case, the disadvantages of losing you would outweigh the disadvantages of having you here."

Therefore, realistically, what we need to be cautious about is not the nobles of the Carpa Kingdom but the movements of the Kingdom of Shalowa and Gilbert. To the Shalowa Royal Family, the current Zenjiro is undoubtedly a 'hindrance.' We need to convince them, through secret negotiations, that you are not a hindrance worth going to war over.

Of course, there is a possibility that someone might act impulsively to eliminate Zenjiro, both in the Carpa Kingdom and the dual kingdom, but if we consider such unpredictable dangers, we won't be able to move at all. For such unpredictable risks, we can only deal with them reactively.

After saying this, Aula frowned slightly and continued.

"However, as I mentioned, the fact that you have the blood of the Shalowa Royal Family is a highly confidential matter. This means that we cannot disclose this fact when refusing a concubine. Do you understand the implications?"

In response to Aula's question, Zenjiro looked up at the ceiling, thought for a moment, and answered hesitantly.

"Um, so, in addition to the facts, I need a public 'excuse' for refusing a concubine, right?"

Zenjiro's answer made Aula nod.

"Yes, that's right. However, as I mentioned before, refusing a concubine is politically quite unnatural for you at the moment. To be blunt, it's difficult to provide a reason that would silence the nobles' objections.

"So, I'm sorry, but can you push through with the excuse that it's your own whim?"

"Whim? What do you mean?"

Tilting his head, Zenjiro asked, and perhaps feeling a bit embarrassed, Aula averted her gaze slightly and answered vaguely.

"Just repeat the opinion you expressed when you first heard about the concubine. Something like, 'I don't want my time alone with you to be interrupted,' or 'I'm so focused on you and the children that I don't have the time to think about anything else.'"

"Oh… Oh! So, that's what you mean, yes, yes."

Zenjiro, also unable to hide his embarrassment, felt his face heat up and stammered. Reflecting on it, he had said some rather embarrassing things back then. While it wasn't a lie, the embarrassment of the words didn't diminish just because they were true.

"Um. Since we can't announce your bloodline, there is no plausible excuse that would satisfy the nobles. Therefore, the least troublesome approach is to use your emotional argument as a shield and push through. …I'm sorry, but this means you will have to bear the brunt of the criticism. For a while, you will be labeled as a 'fool who is so infatuated with one woman that he makes political mistakes.'"

Sitting on the sofa with her knees together, Aula bowed her head slightly. Zenjiro, who had been silent, stood up from the opposite sofa and sat next to Aula on the sofa.

"Zenjiro?"

Sitting next to Aula, Zenjiro took her left hand, which was resting on her lap, and looked at her face from the side.

"But, isn't this the best option? If so, I don't mind. Anyway, I rarely leave the harem, so I don't often hear rumors. If it's a level of infamy that doesn't cause real harm, it might even be more convenient, as it makes it less likely for me to be put on a strange pedestal.

"Besides… the rumor is actually entirely true."

"Zenjiro…"

With her left hand held by Zenjiro, Aula smiled softly and reached out with her right hand to touch his face.

"You're blushing."

She pointed out. Zenjiro, who had been trying to comfort his wife despite his own embarrassment, showed a rare display of anger and raised his voice.

"Be quiet! I'm trying to confess while enduring my embarrassment…!"

Seeing her husband's red face, the queen, who had fully regained her smile, lovingly stroked his cheek with her right hand and apologized with a laugh.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I got carried away with your sincere words and teased you. Thank you, I will definitely repay this kindness."

Zenjiro, feeling the cool touch of Aula's fingers on his flushed cheek, lowered his voice and replied.

"It's okay, no need to repay it. In fact, I'm the one who usually relies on you. If I think of it as the effort needed to maintain our current life, it's no big deal."

To Zenjiro's words, Aula also answered frankly without hesitation.

"Yes, as queen, I can't afford to have a bad reputation. While a bad reputation associated with my harshness on the battlefield or my coldness in diplomacy can be useful, a bad reputation in matters of love is not."

If the queen's companion is rumored to be "so infatuated with the queen that he refuses a concubine," the worst he might be called is a "politically naive fool." However, if the queen is rumored to be "so infatuated with her companion that she prevents him from taking a concubine," it would quickly lead to voices of concern about "the queen's fitness to sit on the throne."

If one of them, Zenjiro or Aula, must bear the stigma of being "infatuated," it is inevitable that Zenjiro should bear it.

After a while, Zenjiro, who had been holding Aula's hand and having his cheek stroked, gently pulled away and resumed his serious expression.

"Actually, I have a request too. I'm sorry for changing my mind, but I want to increase my activities outside the harem in the future. Is that okay?"

At Zenjiro's words, Aula's relaxed expression instantly tightened.

"You? Why?"

To the queen's sharp question, Zenjiro answered without flinching, maintaining a gentle tone.

"Yes, this past month, it's clear that the burden on Aula has been significant. So, I thought I could take over some of the duties that don't require difficult decisions and can be handled by me. Of course, I understand that this might bring out nobles who try to get close to me and pose a danger, but seeing Aula's current state, I think her health is more of a concern."

"Hmm…"

Moved by her husband's sincere concern for her, Aula fell silent for a moment. Indeed, since her pregnancy was confirmed, the past month has been a challenge in her duties. While she has tried to ensure that the country can function with minimal decisions from the queen, having a royal family member to act on her behalf would make things much easier.

"Yes, I appreciate your offer, but it will be quite noisy around you."

To Aula's caution, Zenjiro smiled and nodded.

"I'm prepared for that. Though, it might be even more than I imagine."

"It will definitely be far beyond your imagination. When you start activities outside the harem, the noise won't just come from ambitious nobles. Even my loyal confidants will view you with suspicion."

Actively stepping out of the harem, the queen's companion, would be a valuable asset to domestic ambitious nobles and a threat to Aula's loyal confidants. Fábio, Aula's right-hand man, would undoubtedly view every word and action of Zenjiro with suspicion.

To Aula's response, Zenjiro made a slightly troubled face and replied.

"Of course, if it causes trouble for Aula, I'll hold back…"

"Hmm…"

Aula thought for a moment. Initially, she had sought a husband who would not interfere in politics, but a husband who could assist from the shadows while considering not to undermine her authority would be even better. Through their interactions, she was confident that Zenjiro had no ulterior motives to seize power, but whether he had the diplomatic and negotiation skills to navigate the cunning nobles without giving them leverage was questionable.

(But, indeed, my current state will have a significant impact on the country's future. I didn't realize that being pregnant would so severely limit my actions.)

Initially, Aula had planned to continue having children every year, but given the current situation, that option was unrealistic. Pregnancy and childbirth take about ten months, and with a year having twelve months, even with a leap month, she would be pregnant for five-sixths of the year. This would undoubtedly hinder her political duties.

(Indeed, it's a heavy burden to be both a 'mother of the nation' and a 'queen'.)

At the very least, continuing to rule without a marshal or a prime minister, as she had done so far, was unrealistic. However, appointing a marshal and a prime minister would reduce her burden but also her authority and power. This would lead to even more challenges in balancing power with influential nobles.

(Considering this, even if he is not particularly capable, having a high-ranking ally who is trustworthy in character has its value.)

Aula looked at Zenjiro.

"……"

Zenjiro, meeting Aula's gaze head-on, waited silently for her decision. After a moment of intense silence, Aula's expression softened, and she spoke.

"Alright. Indeed, this burden is too great for me to bear alone. If you can help, I would be grateful. However…"

"Yes, I understand. If you judge that I'm causing more trouble, I'll retreat to the harem again, by my own will."

Aula, who was about to finish her sentence, was preempted by Zenjiro's smiling acceptance. Even as a queen, if a wife were to interfere with her husband's free will, it would lead to a bad reputation. Zenjiro was well aware of the country's values in this regard.

"Yes, I'm sorry, but I need your help. By the way, you were planning to go outside the harem to receive the loyalty of the knight, Natalio Maldonado. I will have Fábio, one of my confidants, accompany you."

To her husband's considerate response, the queen replied with a gentle smile. Fábio, as a secretary, would provide Zenjiro with accurate advice. Moreover, if Zenjiro were to develop ambitions, Fábio would detect it early and take appropriate action.

"Then, I will retire to the bedroom. It's a bit early, but since my sleep is often interrupted, I need to take more time for it."

Aula said, slowly rising from the sofa. Recently, she had been waking up at night due to nausea, and her physician, Michelle, had advised her to get as much sleep as possible. Originally, due to the LED lamp Zenjiro had brought, she had developed a habit of being active at night, but in her previous lifestyle, this would have been a time to be asleep.

Hearing Aula's words, Zenjiro glanced at the digital radio clock on the shelf, then stood up from the sofa and gently took Aula's hand.

"Okay, let's go to bed then."

"There's no need for you to follow my early bedtime."

As she was gently led by her husband, Aula declined.

"No, the maids will be on standby in the living room anyway. I won't be able to relax if I stay here."

To Aula's words, Zenjiro shook his head. Due to Aula's pregnancy and morning sickness, the maids in the harem had been assigned night shifts to respond to any changes. After Aula retired to the bedroom, the maids would wait in the living room, the only room connected to the bedroom.

While Zenjiro usually disliked having maids in his private space, for his wife's safety, he couldn't afford to be picky. Thanks to this, he had become less bothered by the maids' presence in the adjacent room recently.

"Alright, then good night."

Aula said, intertwining her arm with Zenjiro's.

"Good night."

Currently, there were two beds in the bedroom. Although they were in the same room, the husband and wife, who would sleep in separate beds, held each other tightly and slowly made their way to the bedroom door.