Chapter 324. My Mothers Concern (1)

Translator: Aura / Editor: SaWarren

As soon as I made it known that I was pregnant, the priest who was helping us lead the Great Prayer event waved his hands hurriedly,

It came close to becoming a serious problem. You absolutely must not eat this food, Your Majesty.

He had a frightened look. It was probably because the imperial family was at a critical point since the time of the former king.

The priest quickly removed the food.

Is it okay to do this?

When I asked him just in case, he waved his hands again and said anxiously,

Of course, of course. We cannot harm the future of the Western Empire while praying for it.

As we exchanged a few words, murmurs began to be heard all around. Most of the n.o.bles had bright faces and voices.

For both the n.o.bles who supported Heinley and those who did not, the succession issue was important.

Moreover, the fact that I was a foreigner was both a weakness and a strength.

Since I shared no blood ties with any family in the Western Empire, all the n.o.bles wished to become my childs future aides.

Heinley kept a gentle smile and, once the commotion died down, decided to continue with the event.

When we all met for lunch at the end of the event, old Duke Zemensia approached with a gla.s.s of wine.

My sincerest congratulations, Your Majesty.

There were already many n.o.bles who came up to congratulate me, but I didnt expect the old Duke Zemensia to do so as well.

Isnt he Christas father? I dont think hes someone who really wanted to congratulate me.

It wasnt easy to accept his congratulations without hesitation. Although I thanked him with a smile, I could not let my guard down since I did not know his intentions.

The old Duke only showed his true colors after he pretended to be friendly,

Still it was unfair.

Unfair?

The Empresss pregnancy is a national celebration and everyones hope, but it was kept secret for two months. Even we n.o.bles didnt know that Your Majesty was pregnant, and we never ceased to be worried about the succession issue.

Oh I wondered if the food that was harmful to the pregnancy had been served intentionally, and if so, who had done it.

There was a high probability that it was this man who was behind it.

Some n.o.bles who were talking excitedly about the baby were startled to hear the words of the old Duke Zemensia.

They seemed to be those who had on at least one occasion expressed concern about the succession and the rumor of my infertility.

Old Duke Zemensia whispered in their ears like a snake now that they were immersed in joy. He had hinted with his words that, the empress must have kept her pregnancy a secret to test them.

It was necessary to be careful in the early stages of pregnancy.

Heinley spoke calmly with a smile. Then he withdrew the empty gla.s.s from my hand and this time struck back.

Besides, it hasnt been said all the time that nothing is wrong, that there are other things to worry about, that affairs of state are more important right now. The fault lies with those who didnt believe us, with those who had malicious thoughts.

As Heinley and old Duke Zemensia exchanged sly smiles, the faces of several n.o.bles darkened at Heinleys words.

***

That night, my ladies-in-waiting, my parents, and even my brother made a fuss.

It was unfair of you to keep it a secret even from us! Ahh Im glad youre pregnant! Still it was unfair! But Im happy Ahh!

Laura repeatedly got upset, cried and rejoiced.

So, first we have to prepare the babys clothes? Or rather some toys? No, no, whats more important is the crib. What design would be ideal for the crib?

Suddenly, Rose began to talk about what she knew. Countess Jubel, who had extensive experience in marriage, pregnancy, and parenting, boasted with raised shoulders,

What could a young lady who is not married know about that? Leave it all to me, Miss Rose. Leave it to me, Your Majesty.

However, Rose did not seem ready to give in,

Countess Jubel. I have seen and heard many things, so I can handle it too.

Your, Your Majesty. Is it alright for you to remain standing? No, you need to lie down, or rather sit down.

Mastas panicked, as if I had suddenly become a sick person. Once I sat up, I turned to look at my brother and he looked very pensive.

Is he pacing around the room because he cant sit still for a moment?

In contrast, my father didnt move or say anything, wiping his tears with a handkerchief. He seemed to want to congratulate me wholeheartedly, but unfortunately he had a lump in his throat every time he opened his mouth, the words wouldnt come out.

At first, my mother repeatedly patted my fathers back to comfort him, but eventually told him to get out of her sight if he wanted to cry. My father became saddened, stood against the wall in a corner and began to cry louder.

As I smiled awkwardly, my mother put her hand on my belly and gently stroked my hair.

My dear daughter. You are still too little for me. I cant believe my little girl is going to be a mother

Mother, Im not really little.

Youll understand when you have your children. No matter how much they grow up, they will always be to their parents little and helpless.

My elder brother, who had been reprimanded severely instead of being treated like a helpless person every time he got into trouble, moved his lips as if he wanted to complain.

But Im nervous.

Why?

I want to raise my child well.

My mother wrapped her arms around my head and patted me on the shoulders. My mothers sigh ran through my hair.

I dont know if I can do it, mother.

You were an exceptional child. Very smart and obedient.

I know.

Its not easy for a smart person to teach others. Its fine if your child takes after you, but if by any chance

My mothers gaze drifted for a moment between my brother and my father.

If by any chance your child is not so obedient, I worry that you wont be able to handle it.

I must never tell my mother about Heinleys childhood.

Ill do my best, mother.

I wish I could stay by your side to help you.

I also wished my mother could stay here with mebut my mother loved the Eastern Empire. Unable to ask her, I rested my forehead on my mothers chest.

Just then, my brother asked as if he had read my mind.

Mother, cant you stay here with Navier?

I had some hope too, so I looked at my mother.

Ill think about it Honey, you can turn around and come over here.

Wife our our Navier our Navier is still a baby, but our baby Ahh.

My mother frowned at his words. Seeing this scene, Mastas pressed her lips together and lowered her head.

My father smartly hurried away, turned around and took out his handkerchief.

***