Chapter 50

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"Wh-What? Her Highness Elisabeth is pregnant?"

This news came on the morning of the second day of searching for the secret room, while Cyrius and I were having breakfast together.

Dinner is usually a formal affair with King and Queen Wilson and Edward, but breakfast and lunch are brought to our rooms. Olivia and I have been having breakfast together in my room, and as usual, we were facing each other when Cyrius, lowering his voice, told me, "It's still a secret."

Elisabeth had been feeling unwell for some time, and Edward had her examined by the royal physician, where it was discovered that she was pregnant. It had been five years since their marriage, and Elisabeth, who had shown no signs of pregnancy, was apparently oblivious to the changes in her body and never suspected she was pregnant.

According to the physician, she was about eight weeks along, and upon hearing this, Elisabeth reportedly said, "Now that you mention it, I do have a feeling..."

Edward, seeing her in such a daze, felt a growing sense of crisis and ordered her to remain in absolute rest until she reached a stable period, and removed her from the team for the "Selection Ceremony." Elisabeth was unhappy with this decision, but gave in to her husband's overprotective nature, declaring that he would stick by her side at all times if she moved. She is said to be following Edward's orders and staying quiet for the time being.

"Apparently, they plan to announce it to the public once she reaches a stable period. Well, since Prince Edward made a big fuss yesterday, most of the people working in the castle probably already know."

It had been five years since their marriage with no signs of pregnancy, and Edward's joy is said to be overwhelming. Yesterday, he started thinking about names and began interviewing potential wet nurses, which left Queen Regent Isabella speechless when she came to check on the situation.

Incidentally, King Wilson, who is to become a grandfather, is even more excited than Edward. He started making a fuss about it being his second grandchild and was scolded by Isabella for causing stress to Elisabeth.

"So, to replace Her Highness Elisabeth, a new member has been added to our team. It's Countess Arnaud, a friend of Her Highness Elisabeth."

Countess Arnaud's name is Moana, and she is a friend from Elisabeth's school days.

In the kingdom of Brioll, the tradition of noble children being educated at home by private tutors is still strong. However, in Filarius, since the establishment of the Royal Academy, most noble children have been educated there. The basic education lasts for three years, starting in the spring of the year they turn sixteen, and those who wish to can continue for an additional two years of higher education. Of course, after basic education, they can also pursue further education at other institutions such as universities.

Edward attended the academy for five years, including higher education, and it was during this time that he took a liking to Elisabeth, who was three years younger.

"The academy sounds like a lot of fun. We should have one too."

"Yes, but... I think the princes and princesses of Brioll, as well as their fiancés, would lose all their free time."

The education of the princes, princesses, and their fiancés in Brioll is very extensive. Moreover, after reaching adulthood, they are forced to involve themselves in state affairs under the guise of further studies, which means they would have to work instead of attending the academy, effectively being absent almost every day. If Brioll were to establish an academy like Filarius, it would require a fundamental review of the royal education system, which is not something that can be achieved overnight.

"Brioll has a lot of complicated traditions and cultures."

"King Thorsten I was of noble birth."

"Indeed, that does seem to be related. The first king of Filarius was a knight, so he was probably more flexible than King Thorsten."

"The idea of the 'Selection Ceremony' as a peaceful method to choose the next king, rather than a bloody succession struggle, is unique to Filarius."

"On the other hand, our country has a history of a grand succession struggle involving the entire nation."

"Of course, each country has its own strengths, so it's not a matter of which is better."

Different countries prioritize different things. As mere observers, one could easily compare and express opinions, but as rulers, it's not that simple. Adopting new ideas one after another would lead to confusion, and not making any changes would create friction.

"I bet Watteau would love this kind of discussion."

"Yes, he probably would."

Olivia smiled, recalling the stern face of Watteau, the head of the education team for the princess. Since resuming her princess education, Olivia has been learning from Watteau, who loves these kinds of discussions. He enjoys engaging in debates with her, and he would likely be very enthusiastic about this topic as well.

"Princess Olivia, it's almost time to get ready."

While enjoying the conversation over breakfast, Taylor came to call her. It was almost time for her appointment with Eugenia and the others.

"Oh, it's already this late. I've been taking it too easy."

"I don't mind if you stay longer."

"Your Highness, Prince Edward is calling for you, isn't he?"

Colin, standing by the door, said with a sigh, and Cyrius shrugged.

"I know. ...I have no choice. I'll get ready too."

Cyrius stood up, grumbling that he wanted to spend more time with Olivia, and she smiled wryly as she left the room, urged on by Taylor.

---

Eugenia had also received the news of Elisabeth's pregnancy. When Olivia joined her and the others to continue searching for the secret room, most of the topics Eugenia brought up were about Elisabeth's pregnancy.

"It's really good news. My brother was so carefree, saying that children come when they come, and he had no sense of crisis at all. I'm relieved that she's finally pregnant."

Eugenia seemed genuinely happy about Elisabeth's pregnancy, and Olivia, feeling a bit of unease, agreed with her.

"Yes, Prince Edward is said to be very happy."

"Of course. But men are no help at all in such times. Remember that, Princess Olivia. When I was pregnant, Enoch was just a big fuss and didn't help at all."

"That's not true. He did prepare a lot of things, like a baby bed."

"Three months into the pregnancy, he started remodeling the nursery, buying a bed, toys, and even a wet nurse. When he brought Bonnie to me, saying she was the wet nurse for the baby, I didn't know what to do. Bonnie was also at a loss because there was nothing for her to do."

"Was it really that bad?"

"Yes. I'm sure your brother will do the same. You and your brother are so similar in strange ways."

Eugenia sighed dramatically.

"By the way, he initially assumed it was a girl and prepared a girl's room, but it turned out to be a boy, so we had to rush to prepare another room. I wonder what we'll do with the girl's room."

"We can use it for the second child."

"What if the second child is also a boy?"

"Then we'll have a third child."

"How many children does he plan to have? We need to have a serious talk."

Eugenia glared at Enoch, who smiled and backed away.

"Anyway, we must ensure that the fuss around Elisabeth doesn't cause her stress. My brother and father don't listen to anyone. We need to have my mother keep an eye on them."

Eugenia, being a woman, seemed particularly worried about Elisabeth, or rather, the commotion around her. Olivia, who had no experience with pregnancy or childbirth, listened intently.

(But I didn't expect Eugenia to be this worried about Elisabeth.)

According to Edward, Eugenia can be harsh towards Elisabeth. While they weren't enemies, Olivia thought their relationship wasn't particularly good.

"If you're that worried, you should be there for her."

Enoch's suggestion was something Olivia also thought was true. If Edward saw Eugenia worrying about Elisabeth, he wouldn't be so concerned about the relationship between his wife and sister.

"No, I decline. I think it's a bit too early."

(Too early?)

Was it a matter of timing? As Olivia looked puzzled, Eugenia suddenly changed the subject.

"Let's stop chatting and start searching the room. Enoch, show us the floor plan of the castle."

"Sure, just a moment."

Eugenia's comment left a lingering sense of unease, but Enoch, without any doubts, smiled and brought out the floor plan of the castle. Olivia, feeling a small nagging doubt, joined them in looking at the floor plan.