Deep Boredom - Part 2

Rasha’s induction was concluded quickly.

Kaim officially announced the existence of his younger sister and submitted the documents requesting approval from the imperial palace for his intention to elevate her status. With the influence of Duke Cecilion, the matter was promptly approved without any delay.

Furthermore, the emperor promptly passed on the formal accusation from Marquis Robeni, which had been submitted earlier.

From his perspective, it was not his place to punish the duke who represented the neutral nobles and led the core of politics. If a dispute arose between the two, it was obvious whose side the sun of this land would favor. The bright light of that sun only shone upon those who recognized its value.

Moreover, during the joint research conducted between the families, an unexpected flaw was found in the mineral extracted from Marquis Robeni’s mine, causing their plans to come to a halt. The fact that the best material to enhance the value of the business turned out to be just ordinary gravel was revealed, and their reputation, which had been skyrocketing, plummeted in an instant.

In such a situation, the emperor could only turn a blind eye to their separation.

After Rasha’s induction was safely completed, their next step was their marriage. As expected, the duke’s vassals and elders were up in arms at the news that Rasha was in fact a Count’s lady, and that she already had a baby in her womb with duke’s blood.

No, in fact, they had no choice but to agree.

“At this point, I feel like I’ve made a lot of concessions. If anyone has any complaints, they can come to my office personally. I will welcome them myself.”

It was evident that even with all this effort, it meant that he wouldn’t let it go if there were those who opposed. If they dared to bring their objections all the way to his office, it was a ruthless warning, as if telling them to stake their lives. Just as the duke had said, he had accommodated everything to a reasonable extent, leaving no room for dissent.

Around that time, as Rasha approached her due date, the wedding preparations became Chedev’s responsibility. They had agreed to hold the wedding after she recovered from childbirth for health reasons, as her pregnancy was nearing its end.

Amidst his busy schedule, Chedev paid meticulous attention to making her the best bride.

His attitude was different from when he was engaged to Lady Robeni. Back then, he was indifferent, treating it as if it were someone else’s wedding. But now, he was driven to the point of madness, wanting to pay attention to the color of the decorations on the walls and the types of flowers placed everywhere. He wanted everything to suit Rasha’s tastes, so that wherever she looked on the day of the wedding, her heart would warm and laughter would bloom.

He was well versed in Rasha after seven years, and the preparations progressed smoothly without any major setbacks.

As Rasha returned to his arms and their relationship was restored, Chedev’s daily routine gradually returned to its original form. Though not as stable as Onyx or the knights, the vassals and council members had keenly felt how unstable he had been for a while. In that regard, they couldn’t help but acknowledge her by now.

Rasha had to be by Duke Cecilion’s side.

“Is it cold?”

Chedev asked as he put a piece of orange in her mouth. Rather than feeling cold, Rasha wrinkled her nose at the sour taste, but soon became enchanted by the flavor and licked her lips. Chedev’s finger, which had been near her mouth, brushed against her cheek.

Although it had improved compared to before, Chedev still couldn’t leave the bedroom easily. Even when he worked in the mansion, he often found himself returning to the bedroom several times. Generally, whenever the uneasiness that had not completely disappeared began to disturb his heart, he would act that way.

Of course, he also had his reasons to worry about Rasha. He was constantly on edge, worried that she might feel uncomfortable or be in pain. He wanted to stick by her side, tightly attached. However, even though he restrained himself, the previous incident of her falling ill for a week after they had sex left him even more frustrated.

He muttered softly as he quietly watched Rasha, who ate the orange he gave her, moving her cheeks like a squirrel.

“So cute…”

Rasha paid little attention and focused on chewing and swallowing fruit slices. Lately, whenever they lay in bed together, it had become a recurring behavior for him to playfully nibble on her cheeks, fingers, and even tickle her buttocks. She could tolerate such words to some extent.

Of course, it wasn’t only in the middle of the night on the bed that he would exhibit such behavior. Sometimes, when he was feeding her, he would insert his own finger into her mouth and ask her to lick it, or he would offer her a small piece of fruit and insist on sharing it by pressing his lips against hers. The result was always a teasing sensation on her tongue.

Today, while chewing on the fruit, he repeatedly pressed his lips against her cheeks and then pulled away. Rasha finished swallowing the tangy fruit and pushed his approaching face away.

“I’m full.”

“Just one more bite.”

“I’m tired…”

“Is my baby sleepy?”

Lately, Chedev occasionally spoke in that manner, as if he was referring to her as a baby.

Although it clearly referred to the baby in her belly, Rasha often felt as if he was calling her by that embarrassing nickname. At first, she felt embarrassed for no reason, but now she had become accustomed to it.

Rasha touched the corner of her eye and nodded. Chedev washed his hands in a basin after getting them dirty while peeling the fruit. He glanced under the bed. The shackles he had secretly prepared long ago were all gone. It was a sight he didn’t want her to discover. Afraid that she might find out and he would incur her displeasure again, he had disposed of them long ago while she was asleep.

Chedev sat on the bed and rested his head on her lap. The red necklace around Rasha’s neck shimmered along with her tilted body. It was a necklace he had modified, putting a tiny glass vial containing a jewel that was no less precious than his own heart. Rasha wore the necklace when she slept, when she woke up, when she bathed, and even when they intertwined their bodies.

Chedev gently stroked her flowing black hair. His touch always felt like a gentle spring breeze to Rasha. So soothing.

“I wish we had a daughter.”

Suddenly, he opened his mouth. It had become a habitual phrase lately.

“Why? I would be happy even if we had a son.”

“I imagine a daughter who resembles you. How beautiful she would be…”

Rasha lifted her head with half-eaten eyes that seemed to be fading away. He had already immersed himself in the sea of imagination, wearing an expression filled with happiness. Laughter escaped Rasha’s lips.

“Even if it’s a boy, I want you to love him just as much.”

“What’s important is that no matter the gender, any child you give birth to will be beautiful.”

“….”

“Still, I prefer a daughter.”

“Tch, well, I prefer a son….”

“Oh, really? Well, I also prefer a son.”

“What’s that about?”

Rasha’s burst of laughter sounded just like a bird’s chirping. It was the laughter that Chedev had longed for so desperately. His hand, which had been gently stroking her fine black hair, slowly descended and touched Rasha’s belly. It was in that moment.

A small sensation, as if a bubble had burst, emanated from the calm belly. Both Rasha, who was carrying the baby, and Chedev, who had his hand on her belly, felt it. They froze simultaneously. Rasha was the first to come back to her senses.

“It’s a kick.”

Whispering softly, Rasha smiled with a dazed expression, as if experiencing it for the first time in her life. Capturing that moment in his eyes, Chedev felt something that had been deeply hidden inside him welling up—like a burst of emotions.

“It feels like it’s answering us.”

“Answering?”

“Telling us to love it, no matter what.”

In response to that answer, Chedev gently caressed Rasha’s belly. There were a few more kicks. It was fascinating. Mysterious, strange, and yet… it brought happiness. In the bedroom of the two people, who were suddenly experiencing the return of spring, there was nothing but warm laughter filling the air.

The regained spring was more radiant than ever.