Hain was amazed that a child had settled in Siennas belly, so she would listen to Siennas belly whenever there were only two of them left. Sometimes, she looked up at Sienna with surprised eyes when she felt movements.

Even today, Hain listened to the childs heart with her ears on Siennas belly.

This boy will feel closer to Hain than to Carl. Because Hain listens to him more than Carl.

Hain took her ear off Siennas belly and replied, shaking off her skirt for no reason.

Its amazing. Of course, I knew women get pregnant and give birth to a baby. But isnt it amazing that life exists together in the stomach for such a long time, and that later it gets out of the mothers womb and becomes a human figure?

Didnt you say that you have a lot of younger siblings? You must have seen your mother pregnant, why is this any different?

Actually, I cant think of them because I was young. And I came to the palace so young that I didnt have much time with themand the palace kicked out any maid that is pregnant so The two babies were born after I entered the castle, so I didnt get to be there. I just thought, When I go home after a long time, my moms stomach is bigger than before. And then one day, I was just surprised to see two really tiny guys wriggling around.

Was it twins?

Yes, its amazing that they look identical, but surprisingly they have the opposite personality. One of them is such an adventurer that his knees never have time to heal, and the other never takes his eyes off the book. Hell be a bigger book addict than I am. Whew, I dont know when they got so big?

Said Hain, sighing like an old man.

I cant wait for this one to come out and grow up.

Theyre cuter when theyre youngeryou dont know how annoying they are when they say theyre all grown up. When they were just wriggling, they were so cute.

How old are they now?

7 years.

Sienna nodded. It seemed like an age when kids get more hands-on and annoying.

When will this one grow up like that?

Hell grow up in a blink of an eye once hes born. Whenever I go home after a long time, I cant recognize them.

At Hains words, Sienna burst into laughter. Though grumbling, she could feel affection in Hains words.

*

There were also places that became so deadly quiet when the whole capital city became noisier with news of Siennas pregnancy. It was the Empresss Palace, where Bluebell was residing.

After Bluebells nanny was executed for the attempted poisoning of Sienna, the atmosphere was tense at Bluebells palace because Bluebell no longer participated in any outside activities. When the news of Siennas pregnancy was made public, it became more like an ice castle. The maids working in her castle kept their breath as low as possible as to keep out of sight of Bluebell.

On top of that, there was sort of a grudge against Carl, who did not visit Bluebell who was pregnant earlier than Sienna, and there was cautious speculation that Bluebell was abandoned by the emperor.

But Bluebell stepped out of her quarters after a very long hiatus. She strode to the palace of Empress Arya without telling the knights where she was going.

Currently, there was a rumor circulating in the palace that Bluebell was insane because sometimes, her screaming like a beast could be transmitted beyond the wall.

People would have no choice but to agree with the rumor if they saw her eyes now. She didnt seem to be thinking straight.

Without courtesy, Bluebell pushed aside the knights in front of the palace of Empress Arya.

Arya, who was receiving guests, stood up from her seat. The aristocratic wives, who were being served tea by her, also raised themselves with surprised faces.

Arya often called in aristocratic wives for tea time. It was one of the ways she tried to expand her influence, and this afternoon she was spending time appreciating the works of a famous artist. However, Bluebell came to the meeting without notifying the members of the meeting in advance.

Bluebells sweaty make-up made it questionable that she was once praised as a fairy goddess. Her empty eyes indicated that she didnt even notice the presence of others.

Im pleased to see you, Empress Bluebell.

The aristocratic wives also bowed to Aryas greetings. Arya tried to introduce them to Bluebell, but Bluebells words were faster.

What you said last time, lets finish talking about that!

Aryas expression hardened to Bluebells urgent voice. The aristocratic wives interchanged looks between Bluebell and Arya with puzzled faces.

Bluebells behavior at the moment was incredibly rude. Not only did she visit without notice, but she opened the door without permission, and even ignored the greetings of aristocratic wives, and made a surprise announcement.

Arya laughed at the sight. The urgent-looking Bluebell looked like a baby raccoon struggling in his trap. The thought of attracting dad raccoon with that little raccoon had already excited Arya with its smell of success.

Im sorry, but Im afraid that Empress Bluebell has something important to say to me. I know its not polite to do this after inviting you like this, but I ask for your understanding.

Its all right. Your Majesty and Her Majesty seem to have an urgent matter, so well leave now.

The aristocratic wives answered politely, hiding the signs of curiosity.

Thank you. A rare painting from the Kingdom of Cosmo will arrive next month.

The Kingdom of Cosmo You mean that painting?

Arya nodded.

Im looking forward to seeing that painting. Well see you then.

They lifted the hem of their skirts and greeted Arya gracefully. They also said hello to Bluebell, but she didnt say hello back.

The ladies, who were smiling like dolls, then turned stiff. The women left the palace of Empress Arya with a look of bitterness.

Oh, my God, Empress Bluebell

I will! I will!

Arya tried to talk about Bluebells rude behavior, but Bluebell shouted without even listening to her. Her voice was so urgent and mournful.

A smile spread around Aryas mouth.

As I told you before, its not easy. It could hurt him.

Knowing that it was Carl that Arya referred to as he, Bluebell clenched her lips and nodded.

Bluebell was feeling that Carl was rapidly changing.

If it had been in the past, it was certainly a ridiculous choice. Not even worth a consideration. It was ridiculous to grab the hand of someone who suggested they should hurt her most beloved person in the world.

But she was now on the brink. She was even given an ultimatum from Carl that he would not let her go unless she told the truth. There were no more options.

What she most wanted to be Carls love, but it wasnt the only thing she had to give up if she did what Carl asked. Pride, the Empress seat, her own familythere was so much entangled.

She didnt marry Carl just because of love. Bluebell thought it was because of love, but that was just her own illusion.

But because she loved Carl, the feeling of despair and betrayal she felt was greater.

You may be wetting your hands with his blood.

Thats why Bluebell could nod her head at that scary remark of Arya.

It doesnt matter.

Ill make you cry tears of blood, you betrayed me.

Bluebells eyes gleamed with insanity.

Arya embraced Bluebells shoulders. Bluebell pushed her back, thinking that Arya was pitying her.

You dont need to pity me!

Only

Why would I pity Empress Bluebell? You are carrying the next imperial heir.

The two nodded as if there was something precious in Bluebells empty uterus.

Then what should I do? I dont know when Siennas due, but before that

Arya nodded at the urgent Bluebell.

First of all, will you call Count Ferrer?

What are you talking about! Why call my father?!

When asked to call Count Ferrer, Bluebell jumped and refused. She never wanted to let him know. Even if people in the world knew and pointed fingers at her, she wanted her father to never find out about this secret for the rest of his life.