Side Story 9
Evelyn had her suspicions, but once again, she couldn’t bring herself to tell Dyffrin hastily.
She planned to quietly visit the obstetrician tomorrow and confirm it before sharing the news.
“It’s been a while since we slept in this estate.”
“Yes. Has it been half a year?”
“Probably.”
Evelyn looked around the room. Although it had been renovated, the estate felt unfamiliar, almost like a strange place, making her nestle deeper into Dyffrin’s embrace.
“I miss Ellia.”
“You hold Ellia too close to you.”
“She’s our daughter, especially since she resembles you.”
He seemed to agree, not saying much in response. Instead, he sighed.
“If she were a boy, it might have been easier to handle, but since she’s a girl, I have to be more careful.”
Evelyn knew Dyffrin didn’t necessarily want a son, but due to her recent worries, even meaningless words made her heart sink.
Noticing Evelyn’s silence, Dyffrin stroked her back.
“Don’t worry about what Isaac said. As I mentioned, Ellia alone is enough as an heir.”
“Then Ellia will have a tough path ahead.”
“She’ll do just fine. She takes after me.”
Dyffrin’s reassurance was quite effective.
Indeed, even if they had another child, there was no guarantee it would be a boy. So there was no need to be so anxious.
Evelyn let out a weary smile and stroked Dyffrin’s chin with her hand.
“You really are a kind person.”
With those words, she lightly kissed Dyffrin. However, the light kiss soon deepened.
Kissing him was always exhilarating. She loved how he pressed and swept his tongue over private places, and how they shared hot breaths.
Kissing him felt like sharing souls.
Lost in the languid warmth, Evelyn suddenly opened her eyes.
She became aware of her physical condition.
‘…Come to think of it, I might be pregnant.’
If it was early, she needed to be careful. Making love with him always started as a small flame and grew into a big fire.
Evelyn gently grabbed the large hand that was sliding over her skin.
Dyffrin pulled back and asked,
“Why?”
“I’m not feeling well today. I think we should be careful.”
Remembering how pale Evelyn had looked during the day, Dyffrin withdrew his hand without a word.
“You’re too fragile.”
Despite his complaint, Dyffrin gave Evelyn a goodnight kiss on her forehead.
Evelyn fell asleep, hoping she could share the good news with Dyffrin.
* * *
The next day, after Dyffrin left to meet Rykal, Evelyn visited the medical center alone to see the obstetrician.
“…Is it true?”
Evelyn looked incredulous as she stood before the doctor.
The doctor smiled and nodded.
“It’s true. You’re pregnant. It looks like you’re about two months along.”
Evelyn covered her mouth. She had thought she might not get pregnant again, but another gift had come.
I should tell Dyffrin first, right?
However, that day, Dyffrin sent a message through a servant saying he wouldn’t be home until dawn. He had gone to help Rykal with something, and it seemed things had gone awry.
Feeling a bit deflated, Evelyn thought there was still plenty of time.
There was still time before the party at the palace tomorrow, so she would definitely share the news with Dyffrin and celebrate together before then.
But when Dyffrin returned late at dawn, there was no chance to tell him.
“Sorry. I have to leave early again today. Rykal’s work isn’t finished yet. I’ll be at the party on time, so please understand.”
The reason he had come home despite his busy schedule was because he was worried about her being alone.
Evelyn didn’t want to burden the busy Dyffrin with this news.
Reluctantly, she let Dyffrin leave again in the morning.
By lunchtime, the maids began helping Evelyn get dressed. If Merrilyn were here, she could have shared the news and chatted happily, but Merrilyn was at the ducal estate taking care of Ellia with Dunswell and couldn’t come along.
Evelyn, who had spent a dull time, was now beautifully adorned.
“Oh my, you look so beautiful. Madam, you look just as you did before.”
Evelyn happily accepted the maids’ compliments.
It had been a while since she would see Oakley, Rykal, and Isaac all in one place. It would be nice to meet them looking neat and tidy.
Fenris would also attend, but he would probably just give a brief speech. There was no chance of having a secret conversation like before.
With these thoughts, Evelyn headed to the palace. Dyffrin was already there for Rykal’s work, so she would meet him upon arrival.
As expected, Dyffrin was pacing where the carriage stopped. He hadn’t put much effort into dressing up, yet he stood out, shining alone.
Perhaps Dyffrin was the one who hadn’t changed at all.
Recognizing the carriage, Dyffrin walked up to the door. When Evelyn got out, he extended his hand as if to escort her.
Evelyn gently placed her gloved hand on his.
“Since I’ve been left alone for two days, make sure to escort me properly today.”
“I will.”
Dyffrin smiled broadly and led Evelyn. As they walked to the banquet hall, Evelyn asked,
“Did Rykal’s work go well?”
“It went well. I told him to repay this favor by taking care of Ellia.”
“That’s appropriate.”
Ellia liked Rykal after Isaac the most. Rykal knew how to play at a child’s level.
Dyffrin seemed skeptical about Rykal having such sensibilities, but Evelyn, who knew Rykal’s secret hobby, smiled to herself.
“By the way, Dyffrin, I have something I really want to tell you after this party.”
Dyffrin’s face turned serious.
“Is it bad?”
“No.”
Evelyn shook her head with a reassuring smile. Only then did Dyffrin’s tense expression soften a bit.
Upon entering the banquet hall, they saw Isaac, Rykal, and Oakley already waiting.
Evelyn greeted them warmly in turn. Even though she hadn’t seen Isaac for long, the joy of seeing him was unchanged.
After the greetings, Oakley scrutinized Evelyn and said,
“Madam, you seem to have gained a little weight.”
“Really…?”
Since she was pregnant, she might have gained a bit of weight. It was the same when she had Ellia.
“I think so too.”
Rykal nodded in agreement. Oakley asked excitedly,
“Could it be, is there good news?”
He was asking, hoping for a pregnancy. Rykal also looked at Evelyn with eyes full of expectation.
‘Should I reveal the pregnancy here?’
But she felt uneasy about not having told Dyffrin first.
While she was hesitating, Isaac intervened.
“I know you mean well, but such questions can be burdensome for Sister-in-law.”
“Oh… right.”
Realizing his mistake, Oakley looked apologetic. Rykal also cleared his throat.
“Indeed, it could be a burdensome question for Madam. She must already be under pressure from everyone’s expectations.”
Dyffrin nodded.
“That’s why I’ve already informed the vassals. Ellia will be the heir.”
“Wow, that’s impressive. We might see the first female duke in the empire.”
Oakley clapped his hands in approval.
“Our Ellia is more than capable. She’ll surpass any fool.”
Isaac chimed in. Even the conservative Rykal, who might usually break the mood with a realistic opinion, seemed to agree silently this time.
“Yes. So don’t feel any pressure, Madam. The idea that you must have a son is outdated.”
Oakley said, holding Evelyn’s hand tightly.
“…Right.”
With the conversation flowing towards Ellia being enough, Evelyn swallowed her words.
It seemed difficult to reveal it now. Besides, there was no guarantee it would be a boy anyway.
Oakley tried to change the mood by stopping a maid carrying a tray of whiskey and offering glasses.
However, Evelyn, being pregnant, hesitated as she couldn’t drink strong alcohol.
“Madam, don’t you want any?”
“I’m worried I’ll get drunk quickly since I’m not feeling well.”
“Alright. Then, have this drink instead this time.”
Oakley said, handing Evelyn a glass of sparkling water with lemon.
Under Oakley’s lead, everyone lightly clinked glasses and drank. They all looked unfazed by a glass or two of whiskey.
Just then, maids passed by offering freshly made salmon canapés. Everyone picked up a canapé, as if to cleanse the bitter taste of the whiskey.
“The salmon looks fresh.”
Isaac handed one to Evelyn, who hadn’t eaten anything. The canapé with red salmon looked appetizing. At least in appearance.
Evelyn felt uneasy as she could smell the fishy odor from afar, but this time she couldn’t refuse and accepted the canapé.
However, the strong fishy smell as the canapé approached her mouth made her bend over.
“Ugh!”
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Ravingcrow1118
I just wanted to point out that male pronouns were being used to refer to Oakley!
I also love this chapter. Evelyn and Dryffin are so cute together as always.