Side Story 3.3

The elderly imperial physician held Ella’s wrist. Then, as if sensing something, he furrowed his brow and began asking a series of questions in a serious tone.  

“You’ve been feeling nauseous and occasionally gagging lately?”  

“Yes.”  

“Have you had any fever or flu-like symptoms?”  

“Just mild cold symptoms… It’s been cold lately.”  

“Have you been feeling unusually fatigued or experiencing insomnia?”  

“Well… as you know, year-end is so busy I barely have time to sleep… so I’ve been constantly tired.”  

After hearing Ella’s responses, the imperial physician grasped her wrist once more.  

“Hah, this is quite something.”  

“Uh… is it serious?”  

Ella grew anxious as the imperial physician hesitated to answer and let out a dry chuckle. Finally, he released her wrist and smiled brightly.  

“It’s good news for the Ludwig family. Congratulations. Your pulse is healthy and strong.”  

“What?”  

Good news? What good news?  

Ella stared at him, dumbfounded. The imperial physician smiled again and replied,  

“Haha, you’re pregnant. It seems to be in the early stages… about five weeks along. Didn’t you notice?”  

“WHAT?!”  

Ella shouted in disbelief.  

‘I’m pregnant…?’  

When she returned home, Ella collapsed onto her bed without even taking a shower. She couldn’t believe it.  

Was there really a tiny life—mine and Ruby’s child—growing inside me?  

Looking at her still-flat stomach, it felt even less real.  

What confused her even more was something else entirely. Adolf was still using contraceptive magic.  

‘How on earth did I get pregnant?’  

Though they had been married for some time, they had postponed having children due to Ella’s responsibilities as an administrator. She also wanted to spend more time alone with Adolf. And yet, here she was…  

Five weeks ago…  

Closing her eyes, Ella slowly recalled the events of five weeks prior.  

***

That day, there had been a family dinner at the Ludwig Ducal family’s villa, about two hours away from the capital.  

At Adolf’s insistence, they had chosen to live in a modest house near the palace, rather than the grand ducal estate, because he wanted a warm and cozy home like Ella’s childhood house.  

Though she had been part of the family for some time, Ella still felt awkward around them since they didn’t meet often. After a slightly uncomfortable dinner, Ella and Adolf boarded the ducal carriage. As the tension eased, the effects of the wine she had drunk seemed to hit her all at once.  

Leaning against Adolf, Ella asked,  

“I didn’t mess up my manners, did I?”  

“No. You were perfect.”  

“Phew, thank goodness.”  

Even though she had married Adolf, Ella still didn’t fully feel like a member of the ducal family. She was always conscious of the etiquette and the eyes of others when she was at the ducal estate.  

Adolf looked at her with pity. 

“You don’t have to be so nervous…”  

“I want to make a good impression on your family.”  

Ella glared at him playfully before snuggling into his arms. They had been together for seven years and married for two, but Adolf still flinched every time Ella touched him. His shy reactions always amused her.  

‘He’s still so cute.’  

Ella smirked to herself and gently rubbed Adolf’s thigh.  

“W-why are you doing that?”  

Startled, Adolf looked down at her. Ella grinned mischievously.  

“Do you remember that party with Shua about three years ago?”  

“…Yes.”  

“Whenever I drink, I feel like teasing you. That night was so much fun… wasn’t it?”  

Adolf’s neck turned bright red as he recalled that night.  

Since they had left the villa late in the evening, they wouldn’t arrive home until midnight. Out of consideration for Ella’s early work schedule, they had an unspoken rule not to have physical relations after midnight. Knowing this, Ella felt free to tease him as much as she wanted.  

“You know the coachman is right there, so keep it down, okay?”  

“Hah… My lady.”  

“What is it, Darling?”  

Ella ignored Adolf’s pleas and slipped out of his embrace. Leaning against the carriage wall instead of his body, she slowly brushed the tip of her black shoe, worn for the sake of propriety, over Adolf’s torso. Adolf trembled as if he had a chill, staring at Ella.

Adolf’s eyes quivered, but Ella did not stop. Her foot gradually moved down to his lower body. Finally, Ella’s foot reached a slightly swollen area and pressed it gently. Adolf let out a sigh mixed with a groan.

“Ha…”

“Shh.”

Ella removed her gloves. She intended to cover his mouth, which today showed no intention of hiding his m*ans. At that moment, Adolf grasped Ella’s leg tightly and caressed her calf, kissing the top of her foot.

Ella opened her mouth in surprise.

“I can’t stand moaning sounds. If the coachman hears us…”

“Madame, do you know?”

“Yes?”

Unlike the flustered Ella, Adolf’s face was as calm as ever. Adolf continued speaking while fiddling with Ella’s thigh and calf.

“The carriage we’re riding in belongs to the Ludwig Ducal family.”

“Uh, so what?”

“Duke Ludwig has been the head of the administrative department that decides important policies for generations.”

“Stop beating around the bush, and just… uh…”

Adolf’s hands became more daring. Ella struggled to suppress the excitement flowing down her spine as she looked at Adolf.

Without a word, Adolf continued to lift the hem of Ella’s dress. Shocked, Ella tried to shake off his hand, but it was futile. Finally, Adolf, who seemed satisfied looking at Ella’s completely exposed white skin, smiled slightly and spoke.

“All carriages of the Ludwig family are inscribed with soundproof magic circles.”

“…”

Ah, she was doomed.

Ella finally realized what she had done. It was as if she had stuck her head into a tiger’s den first. But judging by Adolf’s burning eyes, it seemed too late for regrets.

“Just like three years ago… today, you brought this upon yourself.”

Finishing his words, Adolf buried his face in Ella’s skin. It was the beginning of a sensual carriage journey.

*

That day, when they intertwined their bodies for two hours, was undoubtedly the cause of this unexpected pregnancy. Thinking back to that hot night, she felt her body heat up again.

“Oh, this is not the time!”

Ella, who had been lost in thought, jumped up and spread out various guides that the imperial physician had packed for her. They were filled with instructions on what to be cautious about during pregnancy.

「1. Do not consume alcohol at all.

2. Refrain from caffeine intake.
3. Avoid strenuous exercise and s*xual activity.
4. Ensure adequate rest and sleep.
5. Do not enter hot tubs or baths…. (Omitted)」

“What is this!”

Ella’s face crumpled as she held the guide. She had already violated several of the prohibitions listed. Moreover, she couldn’t guarantee enough rest and sleep in the future. There was a mountain of work to do until the year-end settlement and reporting were completed.

‘What should I do…’

Ella’s face darkened, unable to simply rejoice at the unplanned pregnancy news.

*

Adolf’s return was a day earlier than expected.

While Ella, with a warm tea instead of coffee beside her, was engrossed in reading documents, the quiet office door burst open, and a loud voice echoed.

“Madame!”

It was undoubtedly Adolf, who must have run here immediately after returning to the imperial palace. The administrators sitting at the long desk in front of Ella, handling miscellaneous tasks, looked at Adolf with expressions that said, ‘Of course.’ His love for his wife was already widely rumored throughout the administration.

Initially, whenever they encountered Adolf, the senior assistants, who used to drop their papers and pens in fear, had now become so accustomed to his presence that they could continue their thoughts, thinking, ‘Oh, today must be the day of the envoy’s visit. I should check the reception room later.’

Though their hearts still shrank a bit whenever they saw his fierce gaze (which sparkled with affection towards Ella), they were no longer afraid of him, who cried and laughed at Ella’s words.

‘As expected, he’s here to show off again.’

Rosa looked at him with a pleased face, pretending not to be.

However, Ella was not pleased with the visit. No matter how much they were a couple, Ella was not fond of Adolf, who frequently visited the office as if it were his own home. The guards would often come looking for him here whenever they couldn’t find him.

Ella spoke sternly.

“Lord Adolf, I’ve told you several times to contact me in advance and visit officially when coming to my office, haven’t I?”

“Madame…”

Adolf murmured pitifully, but Ella drew the line once more.

“‘Administrator’.”

“Yes, Administrator.”

In the end, Adolf surrendered. Satisfied with the answer she wanted, Ella finally put down her fountain pen and asked.

“Yes, Lord Adolf. Speak.”

“I missed you so much!”

Oh dear…

Ella held her throbbing head. The administrators, who couldn’t have missed Adolf’s voice echoing throughout the office, tactfully stood up from their seats.

“Uh, we’ll just go to the envoy side for a moment. We have documents to receive. You two can take your time talking.”

“Yeah, let’s get going.”

“Oh, everyone, there’s no need to…”

Ignoring Ella’s attempt to stop them, Rosa and the two administrators hurriedly left their seats.

As Ella withdrew her gaze from the door that closed with a bang, she crossed her arms. It was not a good sign.

Uh-oh.

Slightly frightened, Adolf hesitantly looked at Ella.

“Dear?”

“Yes, Madame…”

“I told you to distinguish between public and private matters, didn’t I?”

“Yes, you did…”

“Then?”

“It’s been so long… I couldn’t think of anything but meeting you right away… I’m sorry…”

Adolf mumbled, looking down at the floor. His ears seemed to droop as well.

Oh dear, what should I do with this puppy?

Ella eventually softened her expression.

“Come here.”

Given permission by Ella, Adolf strode over to her. Then he lifted Ella’s body onto the desk and showered her face with kisses.

“Stop…”

“I can’t.”

Adolf, who boldly refused, finally released Ella’s face after showering her with as many kisses as he wanted. Ella, wiping her now saliva-covered cheeks and lips, asked.

“Did you finish your work? You didn’t just rush through it, did you?”

Adolf, who looked regretful as he watched his traces being wiped clean, quickly replied.

“No! I finished everything neatly before coming.”

“Hmm…”

Ella was a bit doubtful but decided to let it go. Today, there was something more important than scolding him.

“Then is your work done for today?”

“Yes. I’ve guided all members of the visiting envoy to their assigned accommodations and even arranged the escort knights to guard those accommodations, so today’s work is done. What about you?”

“I have a lot left… but I have something important to talk about today. I’ll try to finish as quickly as possible, so will you wait at home? I’ll try to make it by dinner time.”

“Can’t I wait here?”

“Do you think that’s possible?”

Seeing Ella’s firm expression, Adolf eventually left the office reluctantly. Each time he looked back with lingering eyes, Ella responded with a stern look.

Once Adolf was out of sight, Ella’s face, which had remained expressionless, softened slightly.

‘How should I tell him?’

When she first learned about the pregnancy, she was too shocked, but Ella had gradually developed affection for the small life growing inside her.

‘Will Ruby be happy?’

She eagerly awaited the end of the workday.