I Will Raise this Baby as Another Man’s Child

‘Still, don’t lose hope. It’s not too late to think about it once we get to Trycas.’

To do that, she needed to create an opportunity to communicate with Mie in advance.

While she was deep in thought, Chetter and Mie’s marriage discussion was already concluded. Varsel, with a warm demeanor, announced the start of the banquet.

“Thanks to the Emperor’s care, Sarr and Trycas have become allies. Moreover, we are marrying off two princesses, so how can I not be pleased! Everyone, eat, drink, and celebrate this meaningful day!”

As soon as he finished speaking, Lutz leaned in and spoke quietly.

“Come see me for a moment.”

* * *

In the small garden at the entrance of the banquet hall, various flowers bloomed brightly in a myriad of colors. The chirping of birds was also very pleasant.

If it weren’t for Lutz arrogantly blocking her view, she would have enjoyed it more.

“Are you satisfied now?”

It didn’t seem like the kind of conversation you’d have right after the banquet started.

Perhaps reading her curiosity, he plucked a leaf and chewed on its stem.

“It’s rather tiresome to keep up appearances in such a pretentious place. If I call you out, it looks like a newly engaged couple having a private conversation, so it’s easier to stay away for a while.”

Though he had no qualms about speaking bluntly to Varsel, it seemed he intended to maintain some decorum.

As long as it didn’t create further conflict, Hinael had no complaints.

Hinael walked under the porch and sat on a long bench. The porch roof blocked the glaring sunlight, allowing her to fully take in the sight of Lutz.

He still appeared cold, as if he had absorbed the harsh northern winters. His black eyes seemed deep enough to swallow even the brilliant sunlight.

A summer fruit dangled just out of reach above his head.

As she was momentarily captivated, staring blankly, he narrowed his eyes sharply, looking displeased.

“There’s no need to be so upset, is there? Not to your lifesaver.”

“What?”

“You said you’d consider me your lifesaver if I kept my promise. But you’re frowning just because I called you out.”

Hinael rubbed her forehead, realizing she had unconsciously furrowed her brows while observing him.

She quickly explained before he misunderstood. She would never admit she had been lost in admiration.

“Frowning? Absolutely not. I just feel sorry that you had to argue with Count Phil because of me…”

“I could have slit his throat, but why do you think I held back?”

He spat out the leaf and stepped into the shade under the porch.

A deep shadow fell over Hinael as well.

“It’s not a loss for me to be your lifesaver. If I killed the Count, this marriage would be off the table, so I focused on my role until the end.”

“You’ve got me on a leash now.”

“Not that I need to, but thinking of you as keeping a pet isn’t so bad.”

A pet?

She hadn’t expected much, but this was an unexpected expression.

Suddenly, a sense of shame welled up.

He must have gritted his teeth and played the unpleasant role just to see her reaction.

Still, she had steeled herself, so it was bearable. She spoke to him calmly despite being treated like a dog.

“I’m glad you find me interesting.”

“Yes. It wouldn’t be pleasant to have no feelings while impregnating my wife, but at least it’s not to that extent.”

Lutz fiddled with the almoner at his waist and smiled. Then he lay down on the bench opposite, covering his eyes with his arm.

From her brief observation, Lutz seemed to be used to the free-spirited ways of the northern regions, caring little for his surroundings.

Sometimes his harsh expressions were upsetting, but they also provided a subtle satisfaction. He did things a half-princess like her could never do without hesitation.

Hinael tilted her head back and looked up at the lush green trees.

‘Trycas is winter all year round. This might be my last summer.’

While Hinael was lost in sentimental thoughts, Lutz took a nap without a care.

She tapped the ground with the tip of her shoe, waiting for time to pass until Lutz woke up.

* * *

As the music from the banquet hall began to spread, Hinael noticed a noblewoman descending the stairs and heading towards the garden. Her husband was with her.

Seeing her walk with a full-term pregnant belly, holding her husband’s arm, made Hinael’s nose tingle unexpectedly.

“This must be the hardest time. Your body is heavy, and you can’t sleep because of a vague fear.”

“You haven’t even experienced it yet, and you’re already acting pitiful.”

“Ah, you startled me!”

Lutz, who had woken up at some point, was straightening his clothes.

Would he understand the feeling of being shackled by marriage and childbirth?

Hinael erased her bitter smile and faced Lutz. At that moment, he tilted his head and frowned.

“Are you crying?”

“…What?”

Without realizing it, she must have deeply empathized with the pregnant woman. When she quickly wiped her cheeks, the moisture blurred and spread.

“I must have shed tears without realizing it because I thought of my mother.”

Although she lied, Lutz nodded as if he understood.

“It makes sense since you don’t know when you’ll return once you leave Sarr. We plan to leave immediately after the wedding ceremony. Spend as much time as you can with your mother before then.”

“We’re leaving immediately?”

“There’s no reason to stay here. I’m sick of the hot weather.”

Lutz flapped his collar and walked ahead. He took long strides with his long legs but suddenly stopped and clicked his tongue.

“Tsk! What are you doing, not coming quickly? We came out together, so we should go back in together.”

“Ah, yes.”

Hinael carefully ran while holding her dress hem tightly to avoid tripping.

Even though she stood close to him, he didn’t move at all. Just as she was about to urge him to go inside, thinking he might be annoyed by her slow pace, he spoke.

“What, what is it?”

“What do you think? I’m escorting you.”

Surprisingly, Lutz raised his arm slightly, making it clear she could take his arm.

It was too gentlemanly a gesture for someone who treated her like a pet, leaving her bewildered.

“If I don’t do this with my betrothed, people will call me a northern barbarian behind my back. So hurry up and take it.”

While looking at Lutz’s profile, standing like a rock and staring straight ahead, she slowly linked her arm with his.

* * *

As soon as they entered the banquet hall, Lutz had to step aside to greet the distinguished guests who wanted to speak with him.

‘This is my chance. I should meet Mie.’

Hinael wandered around looking for Mie.

Mie was conversing with her mother. Hinael quickly approached, bowed her head, and greeted them.

“Greetings to Your Highness, the Fourth Consort.”

“Yes, Hinael. You were always beautiful, but you shine even more on this auspicious day.”

“You flatter me.”

“I didn’t get a chance to greet you earlier. Congratulations on your marriage.”

Mie’s mother, coming from a humble family, had no influence in the palace. Perhaps because of this, she wasn’t hostile towards Hinael, who was in a similar situation.

The same was true for Mie. Moreover, Mie was three years younger than Hinael, making her easier to approach than other princesses.

Hinael hesitated before speaking to Mie first.

“Mie, congratulations.”

“Congratulations to you too, Your Highness.”

Mie hesitated but addressed her formally. It seemed she did so because Hinael was to become a prince’s consort.

As long as she could establish a connection now, the artificial title didn’t matter at all.

Hinael took a glass of wine from a passing servant and handed one to Mie. Meanwhile, Mie’s mother stepped aside to let them converse privately.

“We’ve been distant for a while, haven’t we? Thinking about leaving made me regret it. I wish I had been brave enough to get closer to you sooner.”

“I didn’t do it either.”

“Can I visit your quarters before I leave?”

“…”

“We’re the only ones among the princesses getting married. It might seem sudden, but I felt a sense of solidarity.”

Though Hinael, who had never shown interest before, suddenly intruding into her space might not be welcome, the fact that they were marrying at the same time played a significant role in softening her heart.

Mie let down her guard and smiled brightly.

“Of course. Come visit anytime.”

“Thank you. I’ll bring lots of delicious desserts. Let’s have tea and chat.”

Suddenly, Hinael became curious about how Mie felt about Chetter.

Mie must know that Chetter wanted to marry Hinael…

That made her uneasy.

Hinael fiddled with her glass.

“You know, Mie.”

“Yes?”

“Do you like Count Phil?”

“Well…”

“It’s just… Since there were rumors related to me, I was worried.”