Chapter 37

After having a proper dinner, Lylis heard from Rese about the gossip after yesterday’s tea party. It seemed that the duchess had been quite favorable towards Lylis, perhaps because the frail appearance had worked well. Lylis had sensed during their conversation that she had been perceived as a threat to the duchess’s position at the palace, so this was a relief. Moreover, the noblewomen’s evaluation of Lylis was not just good; they were quite sympathetic towards her.

"Still, it’s a strange story. Why does everyone believe that His Highness the Crown Prince is cursed? I hear the words 'cursed' and 'cursed,' but has anyone actually been cursed? I feel sorry for Queen Corina, but if you think about it calmly, it has nothing to do with a curse, right? I still think it’s strange."

Lylis muttered in frustration upon hearing again that she was being sympathized with by those who served at the palace. Rese nodded in agreement.

"Yes, that’s true. I was also initially frightened by the rumors and her appearance, but nothing has happened, and you seem fine. ... Well, except for the hangover."

"Don’t mention that. It’s irrelevant."

Lylis quickly interjected. Tenna chuckled, and Rese continued with a giggle.

"I’ve only been here for about ten days, but I’ve come to think that His Highness is different from the rumors. Yet, those who have served him for a long time still believe them. And the rumors I hear are vague and unclear."

"That’s... like a superstition, isn’t it?"

"Rumors are unpredictable, as you well know, Lylis. So, if you continue to be well, the rumors will likely fade away. In the meantime, it’s time to get ready for bed."

"Right, I will."

Tenna, who knew that Lylis would sleep soundly even after a nap, urged her. Lylis nodded and stood up, leaving the preparations for bed to the two of them. After entering her bedroom, Lylis lay down on the bed without a book. Despite all the sleep, she was still tired. Yet, she felt excited, thinking about the possibility of being pregnant.

(I need to avoid alcohol and jumping into bed from now on. Other than that... there’s nothing else, right?)

She recalled how her mother, Queen Freud, had been when she was pregnant with Leino, but it didn’t seem much different from her usual life. Perhaps it was because the queen had a gentle personality.

(Even if I can tell, I need at least ten more days... Wait, if I am pregnant, then I won’t need to... with Jed anymore, right?)

Realizing this, the excitement she had felt earlier began to wane. Jed had compromised and agreed to cooperate with her desire for a child, so it was only natural. Lylis sighed, wondering what she should do if she was indeed pregnant and how to handle it until she was sure.

(What should I do? Who can I ask about this? Mother and the former lady-in-waiting to the empress didn’t say anything... Should I call the doctor tomorrow? No, that’s too embarrassing. In such cases, should I ask a midwife? No, that’s absolutely out of the question. If I do that, the rumors will spread throughout the palace and it will become a big deal...)

Lylis turned over in bed, deep in thought. Suddenly, she had an idea.

(That’s it! I should ask Mr. Fu. Yes, it’s a bit embarrassing, but Mr. Fu should know. After all, his wife has passed away, but he has two fine sons.)

Frederick was known as a wise and eccentric man, but his two sons, raised by their diligent mother rather than their often-absent father, were leading stable lives in a certain country. She didn’t know the details because they never revealed their country of origin, but it seemed they held important positions.

Feeling relieved that her problem was solved, Lylis fell asleep immediately. She didn’t notice that Gesualdo had quietly opened the door and, seeing Lylis sleeping peacefully, felt reassured.