Side Story 2

“That’s impossible.”

Magnus’s arm instantly pulled Serena close and lifted her up.

He did it with just one arm, swiftly. As she wasn’t heavy at all even with the few added kilos.

And then, as Magnus said, her problem no longer felt like such a big issue.

Serena buried her face in Magnus’s shoulder, and with her neck turning red, she slightly opened her mouth.

“…It’s just, with only my belly sticking out, I look so ugly.”

“…What?”

“I don’t like seeing it myself, so I wonder if others find it even more unpleasant to look at… and I worry that you might start disliking me…”

At Serena’s words, which came out muffled, Magnus frowned.

“I’m so sad that in your eyes, I looked like trash.”

“No. It’s just… I feel like I’m too inadequate compared to you.”

After hearing that, Magnus easily realized that it was time for Serena’s recurring period of low self-esteem.

Since becoming pregnant, Serena would sometimes become depressed and sometimes her self-esteem would drop.

There were times when she would react sensitively to things she would normally brush off with a laugh.

Knowing this, he tried his best not to touch on it, but…

“Serena. If you say you’ve become inadequate, passersby would all laugh.”

Magnus said with a light chuckle.

“Besides, how could I say such a thing to you when you’re pregnant with my child? Of course, I wouldn’t even think that way.”

As Magnus spoke firmly, Serena’s body trembled slightly.

Was that the one thing she wanted to hear? It felt like a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction was welling up from within.

“Why, should I gain some weight too? Would you be satisfied if I became a pot-bellied old man with a belly sticking out like a drunkard?”

Serena furrowed her brow at Magnus’s words.

She thought about it for a moment, and it was… somewhat horrifying.

“…I don’t like that idea.”

“Oh my, so you don’t like me with a pot belly?”

“Wouldn’t it be a shame to ruin that handsome face of yours with a beer belly?”

Magnus slightly furrowed his brow as Serena spoke quite seriously.

Then she burst into laughter.

Noticing her lips curling up into a smile, Magnus let out a light chuckle.

“I’ll help you, so let’s go out quickly. But let me tell you in advance, I won’t dislike you even if you gain 50 more kilos here and become like a ball.”

Magnus’s voice, uttering such an exaggerated statement, was quite firm yet affectionate.

Serena nodded slightly at those kind words.

“Alright, I’m sorry for being fussy.”

“I welcome it, thinking when else would you be if not now.”

Magnus replied, lightly kissing Serena’s nape.

Serena’s eyes curved roundly at his gaze filled with affection.

Inwardly relieved, Magnus kissed her nape again and opened his mouth.

“So, do you still want to do it alone?”

“…No, it would be nice if you could help a bit.”

“Anytime.”

Answering with a voice mixed with laughter, Magnus obediently released her from his embrace again.

Magnus, who had draped a thick shawl over her shoulders after she changed into outdoor clothes, held out his hand.

“Um…”

“Hmm?”

Serena furrowed her brow.

“Isn’t this a bit too much for this weather?”

A cloak and a shawl, it’s not like we’re going to build a snowman.

The weather wasn’t cold, it was just pleasantly cool, perfect for a walk.

“I think this is good.”

Magnus said with a quite worried expression.

“If you catch a cold by mistake, it would be a big problem. We can’t use medicine carelessly.”

“Mmm. I know, but…”

Still, isn’t this too much?

Serena shrugged, looking at her shoulders and body that had become as thick as her belly.

“No, let’s go like this.”

“Alright. Is there anything you want to eat? I’ll tell Pamel in advance to inform the chef.”

“Hmm…”

Serena tilted her head.

Something she wanted to eat?

‘There’s nothing in particular.’

Honestly, since anything she mentioned was prepared right away and sumptuous meals were served every day, there was no way she could be lacking anything.

“Today, I just… I would prefer it if it’s not too greasy.”

“Okay, I’ll pass that on.”

“By the way, it’s nice.”

Serena added, bursting into laughter.

“What’s nice?”

“You fussing over every little thing like this. I heard that when you’re pregnant, you should make your husband run errands… that it’s the only chance…”

She tilted her head slightly, recalling something she had heard somewhere.

“Oh?”

“Because they say if you don’t make use of them then, you’ll regret it later.”

“Is there such a saying?”

Serena nodded slightly. To be precise, it was something she had heard when living in South Korea.

“But you do everything for me and accomplish whatever I ask for, so I don’t feel any regret or disappointment at all.”

“That’s fortunate.”

Magnus replied sincerely as he escorted her towards the garden.

On the way to the garden, they saw the butler, Pamel, so Magnus, after relaying her message, let out a slight laugh.

“Not bad.”

“What is?”

“Walking like this with you, and you relying on me.”

Serena made a puzzled expression at Magnus’s words.

Honestly, since becoming pregnant, there hadn’t been a time when she didn’t rely on Magnus, so she didn’t understand what he meant.

“From now on, if you need anything, just tell me anytime.”

“Okay. I will.”

Magnus said as he reached out his hand and slowly rubbed Serena’s belly.

“…What’s this all of a sudden?”

“I just hope it stops giving you a hard time until it comes out. It’s been tough on you with morning sickness and all.”

“It can’t be helped. It seems to have quite an appetite, taking after someone.”

Serena spoke mischievously with a voice mixed with laughter and Magnus burst into a small laugh.

“Wow…”

Serena’s eyes widened as she stepped into the garden.

“The flowers are in full bloom. It’s only been about a week since I last came.”

“It’s the time for flowers to be in full bloom. The weather isn’t hot, but the sunlight is strong.”

“Yeah. It’s so beautiful. The fragrance of flowers is overwhelming.”

The smell wafted amidst the flowers blooming so profusely that it stung her nose. Serena took a deep breath and smiled slightly.

“It’s the best.”

“Is it?”

“Yes. I’m glad I came out… with you. If it wasn’t now, I wouldn’t have seen the flowers in full bloom. They’ll surely wither soon.”

Serena walked through the garden with quite light steps, smiling brightly.

Butterflies fluttered among the flowers, and the colorful blooming flowers were beautiful.

The fruit trees in the garden were laden with tempting fruits, and a sweet scent wafted through the air.

“There’s definitely something that can only be enjoyed at that moment.”

Magnus chuckled softly as he matched his pace to Serena’s steps.

Suddenly, he stood in front of her and slowly bent down to kiss her lips.

“Wait…!”

Serena exclaimed in surprise, her mouth agape.

“W-wait. What are you doing?!”

She quickly looked around.

Fortunately, perhaps because they had said they were going for a walk, there was no one around. Serena let out a nervous laugh and rubbed her face.

“You startled me…”

“What’s the big deal? We’re married.”

“Even so… I don’t want to be seen by people.”

“It’s fine, I told everyone not to come here.”

Magnus stepped aside slightly, gesturing for her to look around.

Although she knew no one was there, there was still that sense of impropriety in such an open place.

“Then now…”

Magnus bent down, lightly licking his lower lip and bringing his face close to hers.

“May I? Serena.”

Serena’s eyes widened at his seductive words.