Chapter 44

The next day, Jessaldu, who had been busy with his duties since morning, suddenly stopped signing a document.

He suddenly remembered what Lilith had said to him last night—about the importance of getting proper rest. Indeed, he felt as if he hadn't taken a break or even spared time for meals for several years.

Last night, he had gone to bed earlier than usual, and today, he felt unusually light.

"…Frio"

"Yes, Your Highness"

"Could you send a message to Her Highness? Ask if… she would like to have dinner with me tonight."

"…Understood."

Frio seemed a bit surprised but quickly stood up and left the room. Watching Frio, Jessaldu realized that it had been a long time since he had shared a meal with someone, not out of duty. Even the lunch he had with Lilith the other day was a rare occurrence.

Thinking about it, he felt a bit uneasy and considered canceling the dinner. But it was too late for that now. Jessaldu continued his work, but without a response from Lilith, he grew increasingly restless.

"The messenger says that Her Highness is still resting and cannot give a response."

Hearing Frio's words, Jessaldu glanced at the clock, which was already close to noon. He worried that Lilith might be tired from meeting Conrad yesterday. Frio, noticing Jessaldu's concern, chuckled softly.

"‘Sleeping Beauty of Freud’—they weren't wrong. She seemed energetic when I met her, but perhaps her health isn't as robust as it appears…"

Frio's smile gradually turned into a look of worry. He had said it himself, but now he was concerned about whether Lilith could endure the upcoming inspection trip to Tuisen and its surroundings—what was supposed to be their honeymoon.

"…I think the Empress will be fine. The trip to Tuisen is her wish, and she knows her own body best."

Before he knew it, Jessaldu was defending Lilith to Frio. The messenger finally returned, and Frio stepped aside to receive Lilith's enthusiastic response: "Of course!"

Jessaldu felt a sense of relief but quickly composed himself. He realized he was being swayed by Lilith, but he couldn't let that continue. If Lilith were to become pregnant, the power dynamics within the palace, already shifting due to their marriage, could change dramatically. Allies could turn into enemies.

Jessaldu sighed, his expression stern as he thought of several faces.

***

"…No way… This can't be true…"

By evening, it was time for Lilith to prepare for dinner with Jessaldu, but she was sprawled on a chaise lounge, lamenting. Rese looked on, flustered, while Tena took a deep breath and spoke firmly to Lilith.

"Lady Lilith, I understand your feelings, but there's nothing we can do. Children are a gift from the heavens. Besides, it's only been a month since your marriage. There's no need to worry. So, let's get you ready. You should look especially beautiful tonight. Come on."

"…I know. I know it's not like a baby would come so soon… But why did he have to come so much earlier than planned? It was a special dinner invitation from the Prince. Afterward, you know, the mood could have been set… But after dinner, it's straight to bed!"

"…Rese, ignore her and get her ready."

Hearing Lilith's complaints, Tena's eyes turned cold, and she smiled at Rese. Rese, unable to resist, nodded and carried Lilith over. Despite her gentle appearance, Rese was quite strong.

Lilith, carried obediently, was placed in front of a mirror and began to be dressed up as Tena had said.

"Lady Lilith, please hold this lightly to your eyes."

Lilith accepted the herb-soaked cloth to cool her slightly red eyes and placed it over them. While doing so, she followed Tena's instructions silently, regretting her actions from the night before.

(Ah, if only I hadn't been so stubborn last night. But the Prince did look tired, so I wasn't wrong. But now, he's invited me to dinner… and it's probably not going to happen for a while…)

"Alright, Lady Lilith. You're all ready."

While Lilith was lost in thought, the cloth was removed, and her makeup and hair were done. She opened her eyes and looked at herself.

"…I feel more beautiful today than usual."

"That's because we worked hard. You have a lovely face, but today we made it a bit more mature."

"Yes, it's a dinner invitation from the Prince. I wanted to change the atmosphere a bit… I put in a lot of effort!"

Tena nodded in satisfaction, and Rese stood up straight. Lilith's beauty was more cute than stunning, but she had always been overshadowed by the breathtakingly beautiful Daria, whom bards sang of as a goddess. The people expected her to be goddess-like because she was often praised alongside Daria. Tena thought Lilith should understand this better, but she knew it would take time.

"Even though I look so beautiful… it's just for dinner…"

"Lady Lilith, your words are ruining everything. Please don't sigh until after your makeup is done. And Rese is still single, so please be considerate."

"Oh… I'm sorry, Rese."

"It's… it's fine."

Even as a single woman, Rese, serving in the castle, heard many things. She had even had her heart flutter for a knight and received advances from men. She knew she had to adapt to such situations to continue her work.

"But if you ever fall in love or receive advances, please tell me. I'll help you!"

"N-no, that's fine."

"Really?"

Rese knew that Lilith's help could be more destructive than helpful. Despite her youth, Rese had been chosen to accompany Lilith on this journey, partly because she had no fiancé or lover.

"Well, sometimes it's better not to meddle in other people's love lives. I may sound confident, but I'm not good with love myself. But there's something I want you to promise me."

"Yes."

Seeing Lilith's serious expression, Rese answered, wondering what it could be. Lilith rarely said anything wrong, even if it was often outrageous.

"If you ever fall in love or receive advances, please consult Tena, at least. I trust you, Rese, but there are many people who will approach you with sweet words. I don't want to say this, but some might try to use you because you're my maid. …I'm sorry."

"No, Lady Lilith, there's no need to apologize. I will be careful, but love can make people foolish. If anything happens, I promise to consult Tena."

This was something Lilith's mother, the Queen, had also warned them before they left the country. Both Rese and Tena understood this well. But hearing it from Lilith again, and seeing her concern, Rese renewed her vow to serve her with all her heart.