33: Congratulations on Your Pregnancy

There were no longer instances where she was treated poorly by the servants. However, she had become completely invisible. Aella Blueanz was entirely an “outsider” in the Hormons ducal estate—or rather, she wasn’t even allowed to exist as an outsider. Her presence itself was not “permitted.”

The only times Aella could become the “Duchess of Hormons” were brief moments when guests visited the estate. Only then would she be treated as “Mistress of the House” and addressed as “the Duchess.”

Unless there were guests or a need to visit the imperial palace, Aella had no opportunity to see Kael. A special rule applied solely to her in the Hormons estate:

When Kael Hormons was at home, she was to remain quietly in the space assigned to her.

Aella followed this rule. And just like before, when Kael left for work, she would leave her quarters to teach the village children or care for those in need of healing.

“Why do I feel so tired these days? My body feels heavier and heavier. Could it be… am I sick?”

Aella let out a faint laugh.

‘I wish I were. Maybe it would be better if everything just ended. I’m so exhausted now.’

Swoosh—

No matter how hard she tried to steady her increasingly hollow heart, it wasn’t easy. The happiness she had once felt, though fleeting, lingered painfully in her memory, making her chest ache. Fighting back tears, Aella pressed her lips tightly together and looked up at the distant sky.

“The weather is so clear again today. Autumn will be here soon. Summer… I don’t even know how it passed.”

“Pfft.”

Aella let out an involuntary laugh. Then, she saw some children running past her.

The two children, laughing and playing, reminded her of herself and Kael when they were young. Closing her eyes, Aella let herself recall those happy days.

‘I want to go back. How wonderful would it be if I could return?’

But knowing full well that no amount of longing or wishing would bring her back, Aella clutched her chest tightly, inhaled deeply, and exhaled. Then, she stood up abruptly.

“I can do this. Aella, believe in yourself. You’re still by Kael’s side. Just being near him is enough. That’s all I need.”

Some might look at her and call her foolish or pathetic. But even knowing that, she wanted to stay by Kael’s side. She understood better than anyone why he kept her close despite his hatred. Aella wanted to atone to Kael.

Even now, her father shamelessly referred to Kael as his “son-in-law” and occasionally showed up, flaunting his presence. To atone for the sins her father had committed, Aella decided to stop denying reality and accept it humbly.

No matter how much she rejected the fact that she was the daughter of the devilish Count Blueanz, nothing would change. So, she chose to accept everything. It was the only way she felt she could endure this sorrowful life.

There was another reason as well: to prepare for the worst. She feared that her greedy, demonic father might target Kael next.

‘Laura said recently that the Count’s behavior has been suspicious. He hasn’t been visiting his harem as often and seems to be secretly conspiring with someone. Who could it be…?’

Aella let out a bitter laugh, as if she already had a good idea of who it might be.

Looking up at the sky again, she murmured softly,

“Almighty Heavenly God, if you truly exist, please… rid the world of all evil. That way… there will be no more unjust victims.”

Letting out a long sigh, Aella stood and climbed into her carriage. The coachman silently guided her back to the estate—a place where no one would welcome her as the “Duchess of Hormons.”

—

Kael sat face-to-face with the Emperor for the first time in a while. Also present were the Crown Prince, whom Kael detested, and the Princess of Roden, who was soon to become the Crown Prince’s bride.

“Duke, how is your wife doing?”

“She has recovered significantly and is now able to go out freely.”

“That’s such good news. When I heard about the landslide, I was so worried.”

Placing a hand over his chest, Kael bowed slightly before straightening up to speak.

“I apologize for causing you unnecessary concern.”

“Oh, come now. Don’t say that. Since the Duchess has recovered, she’ll be able to attend the Crown Prince’s wedding, won’t she?”

“Of course.”

“Hahaha, excellent! In that case…”

As the Emperor spoke enthusiastically, Kael glanced at the Crown Prince, who was frowning subtly. Kael responded with a faint smile, completely unfazed by the Crown Prince’s silent glares.

“Your Majesty, I will take my leave now.”

“Very well. Oh, next time, bring your wife with you. I’d love to host a banquet with both of you.”

Instead of replying, Kael simply smiled and left.

“Lord Kael!”

Kael turned to see the twin prince and princess running toward him.

“Is Ella really okay?”

“Yes, thanks to your concern.”

“Oh! Are you sure nothing is wrong with Ella?”

“Pardon?”

“Our mother had the most amazing dream a few days ago! A beautiful light descended and spread over Aella’s body!”

“…”

“She thought it might be a pregnancy dream! Could Ella be pregnant?”

The young princess’s sparkling eyes made Kael smile faintly as he replied,

“My wife hasn’t mentioned anything yet, but I hope to share good news with you both soon.”

“Alright!”

“Next time, bring Ella with you, Lord Kael!”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Ren! It’s time for lessons! Let’s go!”

“Ah! Wait, sister! I’m coming!”

Kael chuckled softly, knowing why the princess, who had never been interested in studying, was now so eager for lessons.

‘She must like her handsome young tutor.’

As Kael turned to leave, the Crown Prince approached him with determined strides.

“You’ve regained your memory.”

“Yes, I have.”

“…”

“Is there something you wish to say, Your Highness?”

“Let Aella go.”

“…”

“If you’re going to treat her like she doesn’t exist, why keep her by your side?”

“Ha. Could it be that you’ve planted a spy in my estate?”

“Don’t overstep your bounds, Kael Hormons.”

Kael placed a hand over his chest and bowed slightly.

“If that’s how you feel, I apologize. However, Your Highness, I must ask you to refrain from meddling in another man’s household affairs.”

“…”

“Also, as someone who is soon to marry, it’s unbecoming for you to show interest in a married woman. It’s disgraceful for the future Emperor.”

Grit!

Hearing the Crown Prince grind his teeth, Kael excused himself and turned to leave.

“You will regret this.”

“I’ll return those words to you.”

“What?”

“Your Highness will also reap what you sow.”

“You insolent—!”

“Your Highness!”

“Let go of me!”

Leaving behind the Crown Prince, who was being restrained by his aide, Kael stepped outside and looked up at the clear sky.

“A pregnancy dream, huh? Aella Blueanz… pregnant… If that’s true, then the child…”

Kael’s gaze grew sharper.

Thinking of Aella, who stayed by his side while pretending to be fine, Kael unconsciously reached into his pocket and pulled something out.

“This is…”

It was the Vision Stone he had purchased when his memory was still incomplete. It contained moments from their short trip together.

“…”

Inside the Vision Stone, Kael saw himself smiling as if he owned the world, sitting next to Aella, who was also smiling brightly.

Kael raised the Vision Stone high, ready to smash it to the ground. But his hand, gripping the stone tightly, trembled violently.

“D*mn it!”

He struggled to erase the memories that kept resurfacing. After being trampled by his horse and barely surviving, Kael had lived without memories of Aella Blueanz. But now, every action he had taken during that time came flooding back, and he wanted to carve those memories out of his mind.

To Kael, Aella Blueanz was nothing more than a target for revenge.

She was the daughter of Count Blueanz, the man who had caused his father’s death. That wretched man shamelessly called Kael his “son-in-law” and had the audacity to ask for financial help, claiming his business was struggling.

Kael wanted to see that man suffer as he watched his daughter waste away. But no matter how much Aella withered, the Count seemed indifferent. The only thing he cared about was money.

“Should I push him further? Drive him to the brink of death?”

Kael smirked coldly and walked away.

Step, step, step—

“Your Majesty the Empress.”

“Leave me alone for a moment.”

After the maids retreated, Alenoa let out a long sigh and gazed in the direction Kael had disappeared.

“What a foolish man. I understand his feelings, but… how tragic.”

Shaking her head, Alenoa turned and walked away.

—

“Ugh!”

Aella gagged at the sight of food. The mere smell made her nauseous, and anything she ate came back up. She began to wonder if she had contracted a terminal illness.

If this was how she was going to live, she thought it might be better to die. But the thought of death still terrified her.

“Your Grace! Dr. Wilson is here!”

“It’s been a while, Duchess.”

“Thank you for coming, Dr. Wilson.”

“Not at all. I hear you’ve been feeling nauseous and unwell lately?”

“Yes, I’ve been feeling heavy and lethargic, and I’ve been unusually tired and sleeping more than usual.”

“…”

Seeing Dr. Wilson’s serious expression, Aella grew anxious, fearing she truly was ill.

“Your Grace, when was your last period?”

“…!”

“Your Grace?”

“Could it be…?”

“Let me examine you.”

As Dr. Wilson took her arm to check, Aella’s heart began to race.

‘Could it be… could I really…?’

“Your Grace, congratulations on your pregnancy.”

At Dr. Wilson’s words, Kina’s expression stiffened, but a faint smile spread across Aella’s lips.

‘I’m carrying Kael’s child.’