Chapter 22

"I want a child."

"Huh?"

"I want to have a cute baby like Lino."

"…Indeed, Prince Lino is adorable, but this is rather sudden."

"It’s not sudden. I’ve always wanted a child. I just didn’t say anything because I didn’t have a partner."

"That’s true…"

Of course, it was natural that a princess of a country couldn’t say she wanted a child without a formal fiancé. But Lillis now had a husband. Such a statement wasn’t entirely wrong, but Tiena was at a loss for how to respond.

"Actually… there was a rumor when Queen Corina passed away…"

"What? Is there more to it?"

While helping Lillis with her bedtime preparations, Tiena hesitantly began to speak. She had decided it was best to tell her everything. Lillis, intrigued by Tiena’s demeanor, asked curiously.

"It’s just a rumor, not officially announced, but… Queen Corina might have been pregnant…"

"Eh…?"

Even Lillis, who usually didn’t easily lose her composure, seemed at a loss for words. Tiena regretted speaking but reminded herself that Lillis would eventually find out.

"It’s not certain. It’s just a rumor."

"Yes, I understand. Thank you for telling me, Tiena."

Lillis forced a smile and thanked Tiena, who then bowed and left. Tiena, of course, noticed Lillis’s forced smile but only said, "Good night," before leaving. Once alone, Lillis entered her bedroom, sat on the bed, and took a deep breath.

(Queen Corina might have been pregnant…)

Thinking about it, she recalled the scene and shuddered. If Queen Corina had really been pregnant, how much shock must Jesarld have felt? Was that why he said he didn’t want a child?

(That’s right. Having a child should have been the happiest time…)

Lillis vaguely remembered when her mother was pregnant with Daria. She clearly remembered when Lino was born. Both times, her mother, father, and the whole family were overjoyed.

(But, not all pregnant women feel that way. Some struggle with the changes in their body and mind… I think it’s called ‘maternity blues’ in some world?)

She had heard that they could become irritable or tearful. If that was the case, Reze’s story made sense. Could it have worsened to the point where she took her own life? Thinking that far, Lillis quickly rejected the idea.

(No, that’s not it. It’s too sad. Surely, someone else…)

The more she thought, the more she felt overwhelmed by the tragedy. Realizing it was no good to dwell on this before bed, Lillis stood up determinedly. When in doubt, physical activity was the best. But remembering her failure the previous night, she decided to drink the herbal water Reze had prepared for her as a mood changer.

(Ah, I miss everyone. I want to kiss Lino’s chubby cheeks and hug him tightly!)

Despite telling Eirum she was fine this morning, Lillis was already homesick. Her strong desire for a child was largely due to Lino. Since Lino was born a year ago, she had spent a lot of time taking care of him. Lino, who was fond of his sister Lillis, still needed his mother in crucial moments. The loneliness she felt when Lino, crying for his mother, reached out from her arms to be taken by his mother was overwhelming. She wanted a child of her own, someone who would genuinely seek her out.

(That’s right. Even if the prince doesn’t want it, surely the king and everyone else will be happy. If the father’s love is lacking, I’ll make up for it with my own love!)

With a determined thud, Lillis placed her glass down and glared at the door connecting to Jesarld’s room. Why should she unilaterally accept Jesarld’s wish not to have children? Anger rising, Lillis made up her mind.

(Alright! I’ll do a night visit!)

She had always known the term "night visit" but never understood its meaning until now. It was a bit scary, but for a child, she could do it. Lillis approached the door, gently opened it, and quietly walked down the corridor to stand in front of Jesarld’s door. She knocked politely.

"…What is it now?"

The door opened surprisingly quickly, and Jesarld asked suspiciously. Lillis, wavering in her resolve, managed a smile.

"I’ve come for a night visit."

"…What?"

"You said I shouldn’t be a bother, but you never said I couldn’t be one."

"…No, that’s not the issue, is it?"

"But, you must take responsibility."

"Responsibility?"

"Yes. The responsibility of marrying me."

"…"

Jesarld was speechless. He had never expected to be asked to take responsibility for a marriage. As he struggled to respond, Lillis pressed on.

"You said you don’t want children, but I do. Isn’t it unfair for only your opinion to prevail? As a married couple, we should discuss and resolve this equally. But since it’s a waste of time to argue, why don’t we compromise? I recently learned that to conceive, a husband’s cooperation… your help is needed. So, I’m asking for your cooperation up to that point, and I’ll do the rest. I won’t ask you to be involved in raising the child. I’ll raise it with plenty of love. That’s why I’ve come for a night visit."

Jesarld wanted to flee for the second time in his life. He should have left the room as soon as he sensed someone in the corridor. Even though he suspected it was Lillis, he had made a mistake by waiting with his sword.

Not knowing how to react, Jesarld stood there in a daze as Lillis quickly entered the room and climbed onto the bed. Sitting down, she turned to Jesarld and smiled.

"Please, I’m counting on you."

"…"

It wasn’t a matter of a man’s pride. It wasn’t a honey trap either. Jesarld stood there, speechless, facing the greatest challenge of his life.