Chapter 46

"I never thought you would be so relieved, Your Highness."

"…Why is that?"

"Why? Because you’re only reluctantly cooperating with my whims, right? Once we have a child, you’ll be free from that obligation, and an early pregnancy would be ideal. But of course, this is a compromise from the start."

"No—"

"Oh, right. There’s one more important thing I need to tell you, Your Highness. Actually, I learned how to make Shana from someone I met while studying in Freud. I’ll provide the details in writing, but after learning about the situation in Toisen, I’d like to try firing Shana in a Toisen kiln. It will take some time, so the schedule you’ve arranged will need to be adjusted. Please understand. You have important meetings, so please complete your schedule and return to the palace. I’ll stay in Toisen for a while. Therefore, we’ll need separate security arrangements, but please take care of that. As for other matters, the people I brought from Freud can handle them, so there’s no need to worry. I’m really sorry for not telling you about this important matter earlier. But if we can successfully fire a vessel like Shana, Toisen can regain its vitality. So, will you allow it?"

"That…."

Overwhelmed by Lilith’s momentum, Jessalde almost agreed without thinking. However, given the importance of the matter, he couldn’t give an immediate answer. He knew that a hasty response could lead to irreparable consequences. Jessalde took a deep breath to calm himself and then replied.

"I can’t answer immediately. I need to see the written details to make a decision."

"Understood."

"Also, one more thing."

"What is it?"

"Who else knows about how to make Shana?"

"…Only my teacher, Frederick."

"I see. Then, don’t tell anyone else about this… for now."

"Of course."

Lilith’s clear response made Jessalde nod silently, and he finished the remaining apple cider. Seeing this, Lilith assumed he was about to leave the room and stood up. Jessalde also stood but didn’t leave immediately, lingering in the spot.

"Lilith…."

"Yes?"

"I did say at first that I didn’t want a child. To be honest, I still have my doubts. But I’m not treating you out of compromise or duty. Being with you is… enjoyable. So, I’d be happy if you called me Jed again. Thank you for the apple cider. It was delicious."

Lilith was genuinely surprised by Jessalde’s words. She hadn’t expected him to open up like this. As Jessalde left through the door leading to his bedroom, Lilith, hearing the door close, hurried to follow but found him already gone.

It hurt Lilith to realize how well Jessalde knew the layout of the room. But as she replayed his words in her mind, the pain in her chest gradually warmed and eased.

"…Jed"

Whispering Jessalde’s wish, she felt a sense of joy, and her face softened. Just then, Tena peeked in, frowning at the sight.

"Lilith, are you alright?"

"Of course! But… oh no! I went overboard and spoke without thinking! I should have planned this better…"

"It doesn’t seem like you’re alright."

"…I’ve failed again…"

Lilith, who had been floating on a cloud, was brought back to reality by Tena’s question. In her anger, she had ruined all her plans and strategies. She wasn’t sure how Jessalde had taken her words.

Tena searched for the right words to comfort the dejected Lilith. Given that Lilith herself admitted to “going overboard,” it must have been quite a significant lapse. Tena approached her and gently patted her back.

"You always say that people make mistakes, don’t you?"

"Yes, but… even if you make a mistake, you can always try again."

"I agree."

"…Yes, you’re right. Thank you, Tena. I feel like I’ve made a terrible, horrible, awful mistake, but… I’ll try my best!"

Gradually regaining her spirit, Lilith clenched her fist and lifted her head. Her green eyes sparkled.

"But, you seemed happy just now, even though you failed…"

"Oh, that’s because… guess what! His Highness said he’d be happy if I called him Jed!"

"…You’re still so easily swayed."

"What? What did you say?"

"I said, ‘That’s good, isn’t it?’"

"Isn’t it?"

Tena corrected her slip of the tongue and looked at the beaming Lilith with concern. She hoped that Lilith, who was inexperienced in matters of the heart, wouldn’t get hurt again like she did with her first love, Arnaud. However, that was partly because it was her first love, and she had unrealistic expectations. This time, although the relationship started as a political arrangement, Lilith seemed to have a mental barrier, even if she appeared to be pragmatic. Tena swallowed her sigh and called for Rese to start preparing for bed. Meanwhile, Lilith was thinking positively about the future.

"Well, what’s done is done. I should consider it lucky. The problem of how to bring it up is solved. Now, I just need a convincing explanation. I said I’d provide the details in writing, so I’ll consult with Master Fu tomorrow and write a proper document!"

With this strong resolve, Lilith had no regrets. Her motto was “only forward.” So, as she lay in bed, she recalled Jessalde’s words—how he’d be happy if she called him Jed—and drifted off to sleep, immersed in happiness.