Before she knew it, the carriage had arrived at the Duke's house. The two got out of the carriage and entered together.
Saiki was so tired from moving here and there for the first time in a long time that she just wanted to go in and rest but Clint stopped her from going up to the bedroom without saying a word.
“Ma’am, can we talk for a minute?”
“…”
This grumbling must be obvious. I tried to refuse him, but soon changed my mind.
As he said in the carriage, it seemed like he had said everything he wanted to say these days.
Psyche was wary that her actions would be criticized again.
She followed him quietly, determined to be careful. Going out on her own was a huge act of rebellion for her.
She thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to remain silent the entire time until the banquet.
Upon entering the Duke's office, he first suggested a place to sit.
Saiki sat in the seat she indicated and watched him sit in front of her. Although he must have rushed to follow her, he was someone who was never flustered.
Would you like to have some tea?
“Yes, tea is good.”
Psyche frowned as if the smell of the Zavia leaves that Rachel had given her in the morning seemed to have returned.
“I want you to stay inside the palace for now.”
Like the Duke, he went straight to the point without turning or turning.
This was a strange observation because Saiki had never left the house until today. She stays inside anyway, so he asks her, wondering if there's anything else.
“I will never go out like this again.”
“Yes, you don't have to do that. If something happens to you...”
The Duke shook his head in horror.
“But why, what reason do you insist on asking me to stay inside?”
“I am considering canceling all future parties and gatherings.”
"Yes?"
Saiki had unintentionally overreacted. It was so unexpected that she couldn't help but scream.
“I sent you a message earlier that you will not be able to attend the banquet that Her Majesty the Empress will be hosting. I am sure you will forgive me for that.”
“Ha…”
Psyche was too exhausted to say anything. With a silly face, Clint added an explanation.
“You said you don't like escort knights, and you even wandered off alone today. Given my wife's state of health, this is something I cannot ignore, and I apologize for interfering.”
“Knowing…do you want to do it?”
The Duke said without looking away from Psyche's gaze staring at him.
Yes, all this for my wife.
“What would it be like for me to have my wishes not respected?”
Do you think I'm doing this for no reason?
“Then I would like to hear what the reason is.”
Clint raised his eyebrows slightly at Saiki's words, revealing rare displeasure. It was strange that his face, which did not show any emotions, changed.
“Do you think I did not listen to the report of the attending physician who came to my wife?”
Oh
“You may give birth early, so you should be more relaxed.”
“This is simply because of Zhavia’s paper.”
“Zhavia is leaving?”
Clint's eyes widened slightly at her words.
“Rachel brought… Zhavia leaves...”
He muttered, then looked at Saiki's face with a slightly confused look and met his gaze again.
The puzzled look was quickly wiped off his face.
“Your Highness!”
Eventually, Saiki raised her voice.
“Then go and rest.”
He insisted that he could no longer hold back, and as if he did not want to hear any reason from Psyche, so he ordered her to rest.
However, as Saiki stubbornly sat down, he finally issued orders to his staff.
“Take the lady to the bedroom.”
This was directed at Saeki, who knew she didn't want to embarrass the employees. In the end, Saeki left the room under the eyes of the staff, who were staring at her even though she did not want to.
It was because she didn't want to make things difficult for the others with their two problems.
“Ha.”
She left the room and let out a sigh as she walked slowly.
I don't know why Clint is trying to imprison me.
“If you think about it, the time I came to the Duke...”
It's been 4 years.
At that time, of course, the prestige of the ducal family was great, but not as much as it is now. Clint, who had just become a duke, was still only a duke in appearance but he was still a budding boy who had yet to prove himself as a duke.
But after his marriage to Psyche, he consolidated his position as a duke every day.
When the Duke settled down, Psyche thought their married life would become more stable.
So even if they weren't exactly friends with each other, I thought it wouldn't be a bad thing to raise a child together.
“My dear... I wanted to give you a good family...”
Strangely enough, her eyes were tearing up. From an early age, she longed for a happy family. She was also largely responsible for accepting the Duke's contract. Because he promised her and their child a peaceful life.
“What others enjoy...”
It's not easy for me to give it to you. Blame your mother for not being good enough.
She smiled bitterly and sat quietly on the bed.
“Oh…”
“It'll be over soon... Let's get out of here...”
Still feeling the pain, she leaned against the headboard in a cold sweat. Her body was flabby on its own. This seems to be due to overwork today.
“Rachel... that woman...”
What the hell are women doing?
After swallowing, she let out a tired breath.
When I remembered what happened in the garden, the discomfort increased and the pain intensified.
Oh, let's not think about it.
Only good ideas...
The door opened and Rachel appeared. Moreover, it was a strange visit, very late at night.
As soon as Saiki saw Rachel, she frowned.
Moreover, the fact that she was still staying at the duke's house, she was a woman who didn't even care. The fact that Rachel was in front of me was shocking in many ways.
Moreover, the woman is left alone in a place where a couple resides.
“I never asked you in, young lady.”
Psyche flatly refused.
But Rachel had already entered and stood in front of her with the door closed.
“…”
I was even more impressed by the way Rachel was dressed.
It didn't make sense for a woman from an aristocratic family who wasn't married yet to walk around like this.
“It's getting late at night, so return to the Count.”
Psyche issued a congratulatory order.
If you think about it, unorthodox and easy words were just rude behavior from others' point of view. Psyche sighed.
Rachel shuddered from her position, but she didn't seem to have any intention of leaving, as she stood as if she were nailed to the ground.
Rachel, who had been avoiding looking at Saiki without looking directly at her, opened her mouth hesitantly.
“Sorry for arriving so late.”
Feeling that her words of apology did not match her behavior at all, Saiki burst out laughing.
“I'm glad you know you're sorry you're late. I have nothing to say to the girl, so please come back.”
However, despite Saiki's cold treatment, Rachel remained steadfast.
“It's a story you need to hear.”
It was a very meaningful tone.