“They’re delicious… you should try some too.”

The strawberries were incredibly juicy and sweet. Just one bite made my eyes widen in delight. I carefully trimmed and picked up a strawberry with a fork and held it to Theodore’s lips. He flinched slightly, then opened his mouth with a shy smile.

“How is it? Good, right?”

“….Yes, it’s really good.”

“Eat a lot, you’ve worked hard to get them.”

When I heard the story, it turned out that Theodore had gone all the way to Dornak to get these glacier strawberries. Zen has helped out a lot, making me think I should write a thank you note.

‘Zen must know now. That I’m having a baby too.’

So, soon the whole kingdom might hear of it? ….King Radel would probably get excited and interfere.

Two days later, my prediction hit the mark.

King Radel and Queen Violetta, who heard the news, sent congratulations with a gift.

Included in their gift, because Zen must have told them about my craving, were glacier strawberries. There were also various precious herbs and fruits, and even the finest silks usually reserved for the royal family. The gifts were nothing short of lavish.

But that wasn’t all.

“Viscount, Duke Delacroix has sent a gift of congratulations.”

“Viscount… County Norbert has sent something as well.”

“Marquisate Wiscontine has also sent a gift…”

“The Dowager Queen…”

Gifts poured in endlessly. The avalanche of presents was overwhelming.

Responding to all the congratulatory letters became a task itself. After writing more than thirty responses, my arms were sore.

Exhausted, I lay in bed with Charlotte massaging my arms, and I soon fell asleep. When I woke up, it was dark, and instead of Charlotte, Theodore was sitting beside me.

“Theodore… When did you get here?”

“Not long ago. Do you want to get up?”

“Yes… I should try to sleep again later. But I won’t be able to fall asleep just yet.”

As I sat up with a sigh, Theodore supported my shoulder with one arm.

He seemed freshly bathed as usual, pale and damp. Watching his appealing appearance, I mentioned.

“Hmm… It looks like I should take a bath too.”

“I’ll help you. Let’s head to the bathroom.”

I nodded obediently and Theodore carefully lifted me. Still sleepy, I yawned softly in his hug, which made him smile as if he found it endearing.

“I’ve finished all the replies to the congratulatory letters. I’ll handle them from now on, so you don’t need to bother.”

“It’s okay though…”

“The doctor said you shouldn’t exert yourself during pregnancy. Just focus on resting well, eating well, and not overdoing it.”

“…”

It was strange. I didn’t mind being taken care of so attentively. It was unexpectedly thrilling. A part of me must have longed for someone who loves me, someone who cherishes me above all else.

“Is the water temperature alright?”

“Yes, it’s perfect.”

Once we were in the bathroom, Theodore carefully adjusted the bathwater temperature and even scattered flower petals, then picked up a bottle of bath salts. Watching him dissolve lavender-scented bath salts into the water, I blinked slowly.

“Our baby is going to be so lucky. To have such a caring father.”

Theodore smiled at my words. His hands were exceptionally gentle as he began to wash my hair.

“King Radel wants to congratulate you personally at the palace. I told him it’s not doable because pregnant women need to be careful.”

“Really? His Majesty really likes….to meddle.”

“Especially when it comes to us.”

King Radel seems to consider Theodore a close friend, but Theodore finds him a bit bothersome. Despite that, King Radel doesn’t get discouraged and keeps coming back. He’s certainly not ordinary. Queen Violetta must be quite remarkable to manage this energetic man.

“I think it’s too much to go all the way to the palace to receive congratulations from the royal couple. I know King Radel, he’ll probably suggest it more than ten times… but we’ll have to politely decline each time.”
“Yes, I agree.”

Theodore and I both preferred quiet and peace. Our common dislike for fuss and noise was one of the things that brought us together.

“…It makes me wonder. What kind of personality will our child have?”

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