Book 10: Chapter 50


    You do not need to worry, Countess. Your body will not show visible changes within the first month or two of your pregnancy. There is no need to be overly concerned. You just need to give up sleeping with Count Lin during the meantime. Your child has not stabilised yet, after all. Count Lin will just have to resist in the meantime, the doctor educated with aughed and doctor patted me on the shoulder.


    I dryly chuckled. It was better to keep that sort of talk in private. I noticed Leahs eyes sparkle upon hearing that I couldnt sleep with Veirya. Oh, I knew very well what Leah was thinking. Although there was a bit of a misunderstanding between what I was thinking and what she was thinking, I guess Leah had her wish granted


    After the doctor left, I inhaled hard and notified, Veirya, I might need to go to the South for a while in theing days. You dont need toe with me since youre pregnant. Ill go alone. I dont know how long Ill be gone for, but it shouldnt take a week.


    Is it. Her Majestysmand?


    Not really. I, myself, want to go.


    I decided against hand balling the me to Sisi because Id end up offending two people. Veirya knew my personality too well. I brought a disaster through the door as a consequence of giving into my urges. Even though I knew what sort of disaster I once caused, it didnt dampen my desire to go.


    If the people in the South were barbarians who only swung axes and mumbled mumbo jumbo, then Id agree that youd have to stupid to venture there. As they had their own culture and gave me a sense of dj vu, I had to go and see them.


    The empire wasnt just Sisis empire. It would go on to be the empire my children grew up in. Its a foregone conclusion as to who was happier and more confident between a nobles children born in neenth century Ennd versus children born in the Qing Dynasty. I had to provide my children with a blissful and fulfilling life. To that end, I had to help the empire prosper further. The world wasnt just one in and an elven forest. There was more beyond the blue ocean. If there was more spaciousnd there and it was possible, Id take it for my children.


    I see When will you leave?


    Im not sure. I need to wait until the soldiers score a spectacr win before I go.


    Negotiations required bargaining chips. The opposition currently had the upper hand, so there was no reason they would want to call a ceasefire. From what I gathered thus far, the Empress had grown quite haughty, further reinforced by the fact that she sent assassins after me. It was an invasion for justice before but had turned into a tant attack. Perhaps they were waiting for the water to calm down in winter and spring before assigning more soldiers to their frontline. I was ignorant of who theirmander was but no matter. Even if theirmander was a dog, it didnt change the fact that we had to drive them back before their reinforcements arrived.


    Sisis military outnumbered the Souths military. Ideally, Sisi and Lucilia wouldve resolved their grudge at my wedding as that would put a stop to the war between humans and elves, therefore allowing Sisi to mobilise her forces in the North back to the South. Having said that, mobilising an army would require time. Though the two factions maintained peace, it was just the calm before the storm.


    I see. You should. Go, then, Veirya stated as she rubbed her belly. Im not worried. Now that. Im back here. You dont need. To worry about me. I told you. That you should. Go what you want to do. I used to be. Worried. But not any more.


    After a heaving big breath, I inquired, Veirya, you are Veirya, right? Are you honestly not Angelina?


    What do you mean? Of course. Im Veirya.


    Veirya gave me a grouchy look, so I carefully reached out to hug her. I wasnt worried that Id hurt her; I was worried that Id get hurt. Every time I caught her body reactively jolt when I reached out to her, Id suspect an iing strike. As a result, I would test the waters every time I wanted to hug her. She reciprocated the hug. Once I averted the risk of getting hit, Id always be treated to a reassuring and blissful hug.


    Ill take good. Care of our child. Back at home.


    Ill be back in time.


    I hope. Youe back. Soon.


    Obviously. My wife is pregnant; I must be back as soon as possible. I swear Ill be there to witness our childs birth.


    I touched Veiryas belly then looked to Leah.


    Papa doesnt need to say anything. Leah is used to it now. Papa always has so much to do. Leah knows that crying and whatnot wont stop you. Papa will go regardless of what Leah says or does, so Leah wontment. Leah just hopes Papa cane back soon.


    No, I hope you cane with me this time, Leah. I need your help this time.


    Papa needs Leahs help? Leah riveted, stopped breathing for a few seconds then jumped to her feet. Leah will help Papa. If Papa needs Leah, Leah will do Leahs best! What do you need Leah to do, Papa?! Leah will do anything!


    Nothing. You just need to follow Papa. I scrubbed Leahs small head.


    Veirya warned, If you two go together. You mustnt. Do anything. Behind my back. Leah. We made a deal. You cant. Lay your hands. On your Papa. Understood?


    With a sincere nod, Leah guaranteed, Leah knows, Mama Veirya. Leah wont do it. Of course, even if Leah did break their promise, Veirya wouldnt possibly know