“I’ve never experienced anything like this.”

Since becoming pregnant, men rarely approached her, probably assuming she had a child’s father.

While she noticed soldiers’ glances when going through the wards, she dismissed them since people of all ages and genders would often stare at her.

Even that discomfort faded after she secluded herself in the herb room. She thought she could live normally, but what kind of unexpected disruption was this?

Lucy wore a truly troubled and displeased expression.

“He invited you to dinner, and since he’s someone who helps our facility… Well, we can’t completely ignore it. I was thinking we could go together – you, Emerson, me, and the Commander. What do you think?”

“…”

“Ah, of course! If you’re not comfortable with it, you don’t have to go! I’ll try to smooth things over somehow, saying you’re not feeling well!”

Lucy tried to protect her. However, Melissa knew from countless past experiences that avoidance wouldn’t end the matter.

Besides, she wasn’t going alone, and several people were making time to accompany her despite their busy schedules – there was no reason to refuse. Above all, Melissa absolutely had to give birth here.

Hadn’t Horrux said before?

“Your Majesty, this specimen has a high probability of dying during childbirth. It might even be difficult for her to conceive an heir.”

Though that person had peculiar mannerisms, he was quite capable as a royal physician, so he wouldn’t have spoken falsely.

The Forest Grandmother, deeply versed in medicine with dozens of disciples, must have had her reasons for sending her pregnant self to this remote border region…

‘I must give birth here.’

There wouldn’t be a better place for childbirth anywhere in the country. After all, this place had both Emerson, the former royal physician, and Emerson’s mentor.

‘I can’t die and leave my child behind.’

So to survive, she judged she needed to endure here. Melissa smiled gently to calm Lucy and said:

“I’ll go and talk with him.”

* * *

Marquis Allonde was, contrary to expectations, a mild-mannered young man in his thirties. A man with black hair wearing a traditional brown suit that never went out of style, with a checkered pocket square as an accent, extended his hand in greeting.

“Thank you for accepting my dinner invitation, Lady.”

Though her pregnancy was now obvious to anyone who looked at her swollen belly, the Marquis behaved like he couldn’t see it.

Emerson’s eyebrows severely creased at the word ‘Lady’ that treated her as unmarried.

“Please, everyone be seated.”

The dining room of the historic mansion was filled with Altanian decorations.

A lion’s head was mounted on the wall as a taxidermy piece, and marten fur pelts were connected to make paths on the floor. Dozens of strange spiral-shaped candleholders lined the walls, their lights flickering when the wind blew. The room seemed designed for performing rituals, creating a bizarre atmosphere.

Lucy, the Border Commander, and Emerson were clearly uncomfortable with such a formal dinner, so Melissa broke the ice first.

“This is my first time seeing an Altanian dining room.”

Marquis Allonde, who had pulled out her chair, replied with an amused voice.

“It’s unfamiliar, isn’t it? People usually say it’s scary when they first see it.”

Melissa sat down naturally and nodded with an appropriate smile.

“People are weak against unfamiliar things. But I understand. I heard they believe in animism in Altania. They must think the animal’s soul protects the place when they hang its head.”

“What an excellent insight.”

The Marquis sat across from Melissa and spoke while staring intently at her.

“This is an Iltanian noble mansion that can only be found in border regions. It used to be the mansion used by the Makran clan, who were the local lords.”

“Its value must have increased since it wasn’t renovated.”

“It will continue to rise with time. Though I think it still has a way to go.”

“It’s an honor to have such a special experience.”

“I’m the one who should sincerely thank you again for accepting my invitation. I hope everyone can enjoy themselves without feeling burdened.”

While the conversation flowed smoothly, those who weren’t nobles sat uncomfortably in their seats.

Melissa could see Emerson whispering to Lucy beside her, but she paid no mind and picked up her fork and knife.

Emerson probably expected Melissa to immediately reject him at this gathering with “Don’t ever write me letters again!” but that would only escalate the conflict.

Since this person was helping the clinic, they should avoid antagonizing the local lord. Especially since she didn’t want to cause trouble for Lucy, who had taken her in without prejudice.

The dinner went more smoothly than expected.

The atmosphere remained pleasant thanks to the Marquis showing noble etiquette.

He handled the rudeness of bringing so many people graciously, and after finishing dessert, he even courteously suggested they prepare to return.

“It would be better to head back before it gets too late, wouldn’t you agree?”

Everyone nodded, satisfied with their full meals.

“Thanks to the Commander, the bandits have been cleared out, but wild animals remain. These days they come down from the mountains especially since there’s nothing to eat in winter.”

“You mean the wild boar herds?”

The young Marquis nodded with a gentle smile at Lucy’s words. Lucy’s face was flushed from having expensive alcohol for the first time in a while, and she seemed to be in a good mood. She might have even thought they had misunderstood the man based on his clumsy letter alone, given how well-mannered and cultured he appeared.

But unlike Lucy who only saw patients at the clinic, Melissa and Emerson’s eyes were different. After all, there was no law saying another person like Selheim couldn’t exist.

“Let’s head back quickly.”

At Emerson’s urging, Lucy bid farewell to the Marquis.

“Good night, Marquis!”

The Marquis raised his hand in response to Lucy and also exchanged farewells with the Commander who was helping the women into the carriage. As the carriage departed and the seemingly too-easy dinner came to an end, Emerson spoke with suspicious eyes.

“Isn’t this strange? Do you think he didn’t bring up the letter because of us?”

Since Lucy had fallen asleep drunk and the Commander was traveling in a separate carriage, the words were meant for Melissa.

Emerson even ruffled her own hair in irritation.

“Why don’t you just return to the capital! No one there would dare treat Madam this way – what kind of humiliation is this?”

“Humiliation?”

Melissa’s voice grew serious, but Emerson showed no signs of stopping. She vented her frustrations:

“You should have clearly told him to never write such letters again! When words like ‘Lady’ and ‘Miss’ came from that bastard’s mouth, you just let it slide…!”

“I was being careful not to strain relations because it could affect the clinic.”

“Why should you have to be careful about that, Madam? If you had brought up being the Prime Minister’s wife, a mere Marquis wouldn’t have dared to move a muscle!”

“Emerson really doesn’t consider my position at all. Do I look anything like the Prime Minister’s wife right now?”

Melissa gave a hollow laugh.

“I know you’re speaking from Reizen’s side since you’re not my person, but I was ‘Melissa’ before I was Reizen’s wife! After living like someone’s accessory my whole life, I ran away because I didn’t want to live that way anymore. What right do you have to tell me to go back?”

“Madam, that’s not what I…”

“Yes, I survived by marrying Reizen, but it wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted to feel stable and become happy, but it felt like I was falling deeper into an abyss! Above all, Emerson – if someone killed Lucy who raised you, do you think you could live with that person? Could you completely forgive them?”

“…”

Emerson was taken aback. The woman who had been staring at Melissa without even blinking frowned and asked.

“What do you mean… His Highness… no, did the Prime Minister kill your grandfather?”

Why was she pretending not to know? Or did she really not know because it was classified?

Melissa stared directly at Emerson with reddened eyes. Silence fell for a moment. The large-wheeled carriage was passing through the mountain’s rocky road. As the carriage slowed down, Emerson raised her head.

Just as she was about to speak, the carriage suddenly stopped. Emerson paused their conversation and shook Lucy awake.

“Master, I think you need to wake up for a moment.”

But Lucy, who they thought was just drunk and sleeping, limply fell to the side.

At the same time, the carriage door burst open.

The two women’s faces turned pale at the straight beam of light that shot into their eyes.