Chapter 119

Kenneth returned to the ducal estate from the capital. Lately, Rosalie had been feeling unusually sleepy, but the anticipation of seeing Kenneth again had her heart racing so much that she could hardly rest.

As the carriage door opened and Kenneth appeared, Rosalie felt as if her heart might burst. She glanced at Carindia, who stood beside her. Carindia, smiling, nodded gently and took Rosalie’s trembling hand in hers.

As Kenneth approached, Rosalie greeted him.

“Did you have a good trip?”

“I did, my lady. Was everything all right while I was away?”

“The physician came to see me.”

At her words, Kenneth’s expression turned serious. He reached out and placed his hand on her forehead. After confirming there was no fever, he quickly looked her over with concern, clearly worried something had happened to require a doctor.

“Were you unwell? Where does it hurt?”

“No, Kenneth. That’s not it.”

Rosalie gently removed the hand gripping her shoulder, then, with a shy and trembling voice, confessed her secret.

“I’m pregnant.”

“…..”

“Kenneth, we’re having a baby.”

A chorus of gasps escaped from the lined-up servants. The most stunned of all was Marie.

Rosalie had kept it a secret all day, sharing it only with Carindia to surprise everyone at once.

Marie, who had been standing upright, suddenly burst into tears. The servants on either side tried to console her, but to no avail.

Blushing, Rosalie looked up at Kenneth. He was staring at her in a daze, as if time had stopped just for him.

Finally, as if snapping out of a trance, Kenneth blinked. His brow furrowed, and a smile crept across his lips—a strange expression that looked both like laughter and tears. Then, without warning, he swept Rosalie into his arms and spun around in place.

Startled by the sudden lift, Rosalie screamed and clung to his neck.

But soon, laughter bubbled out of her. As she laughed joyfully, she felt her eyes grow damp.

They were tears of happiness.

Kenneth gently set Rosalie down and kissed the tears gathered in her eyes.

“You’re a mother now, my lady.”

“And you’ve become a father.”

The word father echoed in Kenneth’s mind. He let out a long, disbelieving breath and gently wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes.

“What else did the physician say?”

“He said it’s still early, so I need to rest.”

“Rest…”

Kenneth paused in thought, then looked over at the steward nearby. The steward, sensing his intent, quickly stepped forward.

“Steward.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Cancel all engagements in the capital. My wife’s health takes priority over any social obligations.”

“Understood.”

Kenneth offered his bent arm to Rosalie, and she linked hers through it. The two of them walked back to the mansion at a pace slower than usual.

That night, lying side by side in bed, Rosalie and Kenneth looked at each other. Their hands rested atop Rosalie’s belly. She blushed at the warm sensation where his palm touched her lower abdomen.

“Do you think it’ll be a girl or a boy?” she asked.

Kenneth kissed her forehead before replying.

“I would be happy with either. What about you?”

“I don’t mind, either. Whether it’s a girl or a boy… I’ll love them all the same.”

She took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling quickly.

“Who do you think the baby will resemble?” Kenneth’s lips brushed her nose.

“I hope the baby looks like you.”

“And I hope the baby looks like you.”

Rosalie stroked his cheek and continued softly,

“Your blue eyes are so beautiful.”

She looked into his eyes, the same ones that once frightened her. But not anymore. Now she knew—they were filled with nothing but love when they looked at her.

“Hmm… oh! What should we name the baby?”

Kenneth let out a quiet laugh at her endless questions and gave her lips a gentle kiss. Rosalie giggled, slightly embarrassed.

“I guess it’s too early for all this, isn’t it? I’m not even showing yet.”

“It just means you’re excited. Let’s take our time, my lady. For now, you should focus on eating well and sleeping plenty.”

He pulled the blanket up to cover her gently. Rosalie closed her eyes obediently.

Eating well and resting—the first steps to nurturing the life growing inside her.

***

The day of the Edven Order’s entrance exam arrived. Aspiring knights from across the empire had gathered in Willow. Naturally, Jaden Segrington was among them.

Standing on the training grounds, Jaden’s eyes were filled with determination. The exam would span five days, after which the successful candidates would be announced and knighted.

From a distance, Kenneth observed Jaden and then turned back toward the estate. Seeing Jaden’s focused expression, he felt no worries. Kenneth had no doubt the young man would earn his place.

Five days later, the exams concluded. Dressed in his formal uniform, Kenneth made his way to the training grounds to officiate the knighting ceremony.

Those who passed stood in formation, now wearing the Edven Order’s uniforms. It didn’t take long for Kenneth to spot Jaden.

As the Duke of Vinzetten entered, everyone knelt on one knee and bowed their heads. Kenneth climbed the dais and addressed the newly appointed knights.

“Each of you standing here today is now a part of the Edven Order. First, allow me to offer my heartfelt congratulations. You’ve worked hard over the past five days, and I thank you for choosing to walk the path of an Edven knight.”

With his words, the official ceremony began. Kenneth placed a sword on the shoulders of each candidate, one by one, declaring them knights of Edven.

When he reached Jaden, the young man knelt, ready to receive the sword. Kenneth touched each of his shoulders with the blade, then lowered it.

Jaden stood and recited his vow.

“I, Jaden Segrington, swear to devote my life as a knight of Edven in service to the House of Vinzetten.”

Kenneth extended his hand. Jaden grasped it, and Kenneth gave it a firm, reassuring shake.

“Congratulations on becoming a knight of Edven, Sir Segrington.”

“Thank you, Duke of Vinzetten.”

Kenneth gave a faint smile, then thumped Jaden lightly twice over the chest before walking past him.

A smile spread across Jaden’s lips as well.

***

“Congratulations, Mr. Segrington—ah, I suppose it’s Sir Segrington now.”

Rosalie offered her congratulations warmly. After the knighting ceremony, the newly appointed knights were granted a one-week break.

Jaden chose to spend his break not in his own territory, but at the ducal estate.

“Thank you for the kind words, Duchess of Vinzetten.”

“I always knew you could do it, Jaden.”

“I’m honored to have earned your trust, Aunt.”

It was the first time since last summer that all of them were gathered together for a meal. As their plates were nearly cleared, Carindia finally spoke.

“When are you planning to tell him, Duke?”

Jaden turned to Kenneth with a puzzled expression. After a brief pause, Kenneth shared the joyful news.

“I’m going to be a father.”

Jaden’s eyes widened in surprise. His gaze quickly shifted to Rosalie. Blushing shyly, she confirmed Kenneth’s words.

“We’re having a baby.”

A gasp of delight escaped Jaden’s lips.

“Truly… congratulations, both of you.”

He offered his heartfelt congratulations to the couple on the new life growing between them. Rosalie and Kenneth smiled at each other brightly.

With the joyous news now shared, the atmosphere in the dining room grew even more cheerful. The four of them spent a warm, pleasant evening together, chatting and enjoying dinner.

Time passed quickly, and winter returned once again. Rosalie was now in the final stages of pregnancy. Not long after the New Year, she began to feel contractions.

The moment they had been waiting for was finally near—their child was on the way.