To The North

I-Is something wrong?

That is not the case, milady.

Euphemia let out a sigh of relief as she saw the female doctor in front of her shaking her head.

As you can see by the color, rather than normal breast milk, it was closer to colostrum Its a phenomenon that usually occurs in the middle of pregnancy, but it is rare for it to occur this early.

Ah

Of course, there are some cases where colostrum doesnt come out during pregnancy, but the fact that it is appearing is more of a positive thing than a bad thing.

Why is that?

Because mothers who produce milk during pregnancy, on average, produce more milk after giving birth than other mothers.

The more Euphemia listened to her doctor, the more thrilled she was. However, she still looked towards Ferzen with an apologetic expression on her face.

Having only slept for three or four hours, he showed signs of fatigue on his face, which were rarely there.

Even so, he was still beside her to accompany her throughout the checkup, which really made her happy.

Since there was no pain when your breasts were touched or squeezed, it should not be milk that comes out due to inflammation. If you feel a sting in the future, you can easily cure it by pumping it out until you feel that only half of it is left.

Half?

Yes. If you squeeze too much, you will continue to feel pain during the process of your breasts producing new milk, so be careful.

Is that it?

Yes.

After looking at the doctor who was nodding her head, Ferzen furrowed his brows and took a piece of paper out from his inner pocket.

To be precise, it was not just a piece of paper but a contract.

This is?

Until now, you have been in charge of Euphemia, havent you?

Yes. And Im flattered to be able to do it

We will be away from the capital for the next few months, so come with us. After all, if something happens in the North, its difficult to find a doctor right away.

The North?

The doctor was puzzled for a few seconds before becoming contemplative as she realized that both Ferzen and Euphemia shared the last name Louerg.

Ah, I cant

Having a connection with someone from the Brutein lineage was an invaluable boon. She had experienced it while overseeing Euphemia.

But to follow them to Louerg The worst territory in the north

The doctor pretended to read the contract, unsure of how to refuse the offer. Suddenly, her eyes trembled as she saw the payment that was offered to her.

I-I-If its this much

With this amount, she could open her own clinic after working for a year or more, assisting Euphemia until she delivered her child.

What was the optimal path for a doctor?

It was to become the personal doctor of the Imperial Family, accumulating money, experience, and connections, and then opening their own private clinic before retiring once they were older.

If she does accept the offer, she might miss out on some connections. However, the fame and name associated with Bruteins could be enough of a replacement.

Moreover, until now, she was fortunate enough to take care of pregnant mothers regularly.

Doctors with extensive experience in caring for pregnant patients were always in high demand. So, once she sets up her clinic, she could spend her days happily.

To the extent that her lack of connections might be rendered meaningless.

I-I will take your offer!

Your silence was quite long. Is there some point that disappoints you?

Oh no! Not at all! I have always been a slow reader

Is that so? By the way, we will depart for the North today. Be sure to be ready by 2:00 PM.

Today?

Yes.

The doctor was taken aback by how fast things were moving. Nevertheless, she nodded to tell her new employer that she understands and left the room.

Who cares if I get some frostbite As long as I take care of myself, I should be fine

And since it was summer, the infamous Louerg shouldnt be as cold as rumors told her.

Drawing a blueprint of a happy future in her head, the female doctor skipped around as she ran.

* * * * *

I-Im sorry for waking you up.

Theres nothing you should apologize for.

He had said the same words several times already in a short span of two days.

Didnt she tell you to cover it with a cloth?

Yes

Although it wasnt dripping right now, the slightest force applied to her breast would cause a thin, milk-like liquid to seep from the tip of her nipple.

Seeing Ferzen come to her side with a cloth to provide more cover, Euphemia hesitated before finally opening her mouth to speak.

C-can you squeeze some milk out?

Didnt the doctor just do it?

Thats true, but maybe because Im weak it still feels a bit heavy

Silence filled the air as Euphemia blushed in embarrassment.

S-seems like I made an unreasonable request even though youre tired I-Ill do it myself You should go and get some sleep. Huh!

Euphemia, who spoke gibberish, trembled in shock as Ferzen suddenly reached out towards her breasts.

Since it has been squeezed before, the amount of milk that will come out wouldnt need to be placed somewhere. So, hold the cloth with your hand.

U-ugh Okay!

Ferzen gently cupped her breasts in his large palm and pressed his fingers firmly against the tips of her nipples.

Then, a translucent colostrum dripped from the tip of the pressed nipple and began to dye the cloth she was wearing.

In the meantime, Euphemia was embarrassed as she felt that her nipples were trying to stand up.

Ang Aaanng!

Euphemia moaned several times as her body shuddered and trembled. Eventually, she opened her mouth and whispered, feeling her chest becoming lighter.

T-this much is enough

In the room, a wet piece of cloth that looked like it had been dunked into the water emitted a sweet and warm scent, mixing with Euphemias body odor.

As Euphemia quietly stepped back and watched Ferzen wiping his hands, a strange idea suddenly crossed her mind, and she looked down.

Should she breastfeed him?

However, when she tasted the translucent liquid, it was bland enough to pass as pure water. Therefore, Euphemia suppressed her desire and buried it deeply in her heart.

Still

Occasionally, when he fell into a deep sleep.

She longed to breastfeed him, feeling a mix of superiority and love as if she were caring for her own child.

* * * * *

It was sickening.

Yuriel couldnt help glancing towards Euphemia inside the moving carriage.

Even with the windows open, a faint smell of milk still lingered in the air.

To Ferzen and Laura, it might be a sweet scent that brought comfort and warmth, but to Yuriel, it was nothing but fishy and disgusting.

Maybe because it resembles its master

Yuriel couldnt help but laugh to herself when she thought about how Euphemia made Ferzen squeeze out her breast milk, which didnt even look like proper breast milk.

I heard that after a woman becomes pregnant, the color of their nipples and areolas darkens.

Yuriel secretly hoped that Euphemias areolas and nipples would not only get dark but also turn ugly.

Meanwhile, sitting beside her, Laura could feel Yuriels hostility firsthand.

Though Yuriel appeared calm on the outside, Laura could sense the displeasure emanating from her.

Judging from her state

Laura couldnt help but wonder if Yuriels menstrual cycle was due this month. If it was, she might end up being stuck in the position that her stuffed rabbit doll was in, on the night of the full moon.

Even though Laura hoped that it wouldnt be the case, she couldnt shake the feeling that it was inevitable, given Yuriels current demeanor.

What a cruel turn of events

* * * * *

After a strenuous march, Ferzen and his procession finally arrived in Bruteins territory. However, instead of resting, Ferzen headed straight to the office to meet his older brother, who was also the Patriarch of the family, Jeremiah.

Long time no see, older brother

Entering the room after knocking, Ferzen greeted his older brother with a hint of awkwardness.

But he wasnt the only one feeling awkward; Jeremiah felt the same way too. He rose to his feet and scratched his cheek, chuckling wryly.

Welcome, little brother.

Yes Its been a while, but I cant stay for long. Ill be leaving again tomorrow.

Of course, youre always busy. By the way, I apologize.

For what?

For not sending you those birthday presents. I was worried it might upset the daughter of the Alfred family.

Oh, please dont worry. Shes not someone who would be bothered by such things.

Is that so? Well, Ill take your word for it then.

With the concern cleared, Jeremiah started to treat Ferzen in a more relaxed manner. While his gaze still occasionally avoided Ferzens, he could at least talk to him face-to-face now.

Is there anything you need? Im sure youll face some troubles up North this time around.

Thats true. In that case, I have a favor to ask of you.

Tell me what you need.

Theres an auction coming up in early October, right? Id like to have five seats at that auction. And please send those invitations with the family crest printed on them.

Brutein was known for not holding many banquets; they were quite rare and only happened on special occasions.

However, there was one event where people could socialize with the head of Bruteinthe annual auction held by the family.

It was a place where, as far as metallurgy was concerned, swords and armor made by Brutein artisans who had been working in the blacksmithing industry for generations were presented.

Furthermore, it was also a place where people could obtain customization rights for those swords and armor. Once the rights were sold, the blacksmiths would not be allowed to recreate those items again.

In terms of quality, there was nothing better than what was displayed.

In terms of scarcity, no words were needed.

For this reason, nobles with their own knight orders often gifted these items to their most trusted knights.

If there were any negatives amid all the positivity surrounding the Bruteins auction, it was the fact that knights belonging to the Imperial Family couldnt wear any of those items.

As members of the Imperial Family, they were required to wear standardized armor to prove their affiliation with the Imperial Knight.

Despite this flaw, no one really cared. The auctions value always remained high because of the presence of the current patriarch of the Brutein family.

Jeremiah burst into laughter upon hearing Ferzens words.

Though Ferzen had asked it politely, the implication was that he wanted to sell his older brothers favor.

Jeremiah doubted there would be any younger brother brave enough to make such a ridiculous request.

Would it be okay with just half? I think a 6:4 ratio would give you a good position.

Under the current head of the North, Count Aslan, there were a total of 10 families. They maintained their neutrality in the succession race by splitting these 10 families in two, to support both the First and Second Princes.

If Ferzen wanted to break this balance, he would have to bring more than half of them to his side.

Thats true, but from the point of view of the Imperial Family, an equal power structure would be the most reassuring.

Though Ferzen was currently the legitimate son of the Brutein family, he would become collateral after some time had passed. Therefore, to justify the stabilization of the North, it would be beneficial for him to maintain the current power balance rather than tilting it to one side.

To be honest

Even if Ferzen didnt do that, the Imperial family wouldnt be able to say anything.

However, he didnt want to continue receiving help from Jeremiah.

Even when the two personalities of his body had merged, Bruteins fundamental fate, which remained strong and shackled to this body, would not allow him to stray from the correct path.

Its going to be a pretty heavy burden for the child who will lead Louerg after you.

It was well known that things would be far easier when power was consolidated in one place.

Maintaining a narrow advantage over the chasing packs was a thousand times harder than that.

If its their fate to be unable to bear the burden and crumble, so be it.

Their connection with Brutein would never end.

However, that connection was not of their making. Louerg was the one clinging on to it.

There was only one significant thing that could maintain it.

To stabilish an incomplete rule.

Now that I think about it

It was a bit odd to call it incomplete.

Kings often displayed the skins or corpses of wild beasts they hunted to showcase their valor and overwhelming power.

But wouldnt it be even more impressive to show that they had perfect control by breeding those living beasts?

Thats why someday Ferzen would have to forcefully sever his ties with the Brutein and cut off their connections with Asran to monopolize the power over it all.

However, if he tried to kill the beast called Count Asran in order to monopolize that power

That time

Would be the day when Bruteins collateral, Louerg, would be doomed.

TL note: How come i never noticed that hiccup is just switching gears on his dragon.

Soooooo Dwarf metal is a thing huh.I love it.