Chapter 42

"Rilis, do you really want to go to Toisen?"

"Huh?"

"If you chose to go to Toisen because you thought I might be interested in seeing the country, you don't have to force yourself."

"Huh?"

"I heard from Conrad that you want to see other beautiful lands, right?"

"Yes!?"

"Conrad himself offered to show you around the Barthin Duchy, and you were delighted, weren't you? If that's the case—"

"Wait a minute!"

When night fell, Gesualdo entered Rilis's bedroom and started to speak in a reproachful tone. Surprised, Rilis's words seemed to confirm his suspicions, and Gesualdo continued to push the conversation forward. However, realizing she needed to stop him, Rilis shouted.

"Um, I don't understand why the conversation turned this way, but my opinion is completely, utterly different."

"Different?"

"Yes. I want to go to Toisen, preferably to the town of Bumini, as I requested initially. After hearing Mrs. Ecude's story, I was surprised to learn how different it is, even though it's at the foot of the same Hottar Mountains. If there's something I can do, I want to help."

"But Conrad said you couldn't refuse—"

Rilis's explanation seemed to calm Gesualdo down a bit, but he still sounded skeptical. Hearing this, Rilis sighed deeply.

"Whatever he says, it doesn't matter. To begin with, why did you invite me on our honeymoon? I don't want to say anything bad about Jedd's cousin, but isn't Conrad a bit self-centered? He's so full of himself and can't read the room."

Gesualdo frowned, looking displeased at Rilis's harsh words, even though she claimed she didn't want to say them. Seeing his expression, Rilis almost regretted her words, but then, unexpectedly, Gesualdo burst out laughing, contrary to her expectations.

"Jedd?"

"…What you said is so true… But no one has ever said it so clearly before…"

Confused, Rilis tilted her head, and Gesualdo, still laughing, tried to explain, which only made her more confused.

"Um, if that's the case, why do you consider Conrad as the successor? To be honest, I think Conrad is a bit too much for this country."

"You really… What do you mean? Did I say too much? I'm sorry."

"No, …you're right about Conrad in some ways. But I think he's acting on purpose. Of course, not everything is an act. I believe his self-centeredness is genuine."

Hearing Gesualdo's explanation, Rilis nodded in agreement. That was the source of the discomfort she had felt before.

"But why act on purpose?"

"Probably to be considerate of me. As the cursed crown prince, there are those who oppose my becoming the next emperor."

"Oh, that rumor again. So, does Conrad have no interest in the throne?"

"…That's the case."

Answering Rilis's question, Gesualdo sounded disappointed. He had always considered Conrad as his successor. Before Rilis pushed him, Gesualdo had no intention of having children, and he might not have fully given up on the idea. This situation was a compromise, and he probably still couldn't forget Queen Corina.

"Anyway, are you really not hesitant about going to Toisen?"

"---Yes, of course. I'm studying a lot right now. I borrowed a book on the region from the library, and it's full of surprises, unlike Freud."

"I see…"

Rilis, who had been deep in thought, tried to switch her focus to answer Gesualdo's question. Worrying about things she couldn't change was a waste of time.

"By the way, to respond to Conrad's consideration, we need to have a child."

"…"

"I really appreciate your cooperation with my wishes."

"…"

Smiling, Rilis spoke realistically, and Gesualdo fell silent. Being thanked was complicated. If his "cursed crown prince" child was born, would Rilis remain the same as she is now? What if a child with red hair and red eyes was born and faced the same rejection as his mother? Before that, if Rilis actually became pregnant—. Lost in these thoughts, Gesualdo was brought back to reality by Rilis's call.

"---Jedd? Are you feeling unwell?"

"Why?"

"You looked like you were in pain… Should you go to bed early today?"

"---No, I'm fine."

"You shouldn't push yourself so hard. I heard that Jedd works too much."

"Rumor?"

"Yes, a rumor. But I think it's probably true. So, please rest today. Proper rest is as important as work. Sleep is the energy for tomorrow!"

Rilis stood up from the chaise lounge, pulled Gesualdo up from the chair—though he mostly stood up on his own—and led him to the door connecting their rooms. Gesualdo, wondering what would happen next, was led back to his room and even to his bed.

"Here, please lie down."

Rilis pulled back the covers and pointed to the bed. Deciding to see it through to the end, Gesualdo lay down. Rilis covered him up to his shoulders and patted him lightly.

"Please rest well. You'll surely feel better tomorrow."

"…"

Caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events, Gesualdo watched in silence as Rilis dimmed the lights and headed for the door. She turned back at the door and said, "Good night," before disappearing into her own room. Gesualdo could only watch in surprise, speechless.