What caught my attention was the attitude of the people who witnessed the deaths of the Prince Consort candidates.
All are expressed consistently in words and actions. The reasons for that consistency can only be two:
First, everything they say is true. That the Prince Concubine candidates actually all died because of the curse. If this assumption is correct, then it is not difficult to understand that their behavior is consistent.
“But that… is impossible.”
I shook my head. The second possibility that can be speculated is that they are under some pressure. Perhaps behind thinking that everything is just a curse, lies another truth.
I read the rejection from those who wanted to eliminate me and the fear in their eyes...
“First of all, Your Highness.”
At that moment, Delfina broke my thoughts. She looked at me seriously.
"Yes?"
“Before sunset, you need to get ready.”
“Prepare for what?”
She blinked, as if she couldn't believe her ears. Did I say something weird?
“Have you forgotten what day it is?”
“What day is important?”
“Check-in day, sir!”
"EH?"
I almost burst out laughing: enter the room? I remember. Over the past few days, Delfina has been meticulously taking care of my skin every night to prepare it. Additionally, this morning she reminded me of the calendar. I completely forgot, focusing on the series of nightmares and related mysteries.
“You should have put on makeup since morning, sir.”
She was busy choosing outfits for me. It turned out that she also called a few more maids to prepare the bath and clothes.
So I was the only one who didn't think anything, and Delfina was extremely worried.
“Sir, do you want to take a milk bath today?”
I quickly shook my head, finding it too luxurious:
"It's too much. Besides, we sleep together every day... there's no need to do that."
Immediately, Delfina's cheeks turned red. I suddenly realized that the statement "sleep together every day" is not wrong, but it is easy to make people imagine it.
“Yes… we know you two get along, but today is your first official check-in day.”
“Ah… no, that…”
I wanted to correct myself but had to go back on my words. We slept together but nothing happened. Delfina just imagined, I can't say "nothing" too clearly, it would sound weird.
I twirled my hair, thinking about how to defend myself.
“Because you two get along so well.”
“Yeah… um…”
Through Delfina's smile, I felt an expectation that was hard to name, making my heart heavy.
We really get along, but not in the way she thinks. Is this a problem?
“Come on, you have to wear makeup anyway.”
Finally, I was convinced by Delfina, dressed from head to toe.
Before checking into the room, there are a few things to check.
I wore the thin nightgown that Delfina chose and stood in front of the Royal Palace Physician and Countess Elda.
The doctor carefully examined my body: asked about my last menstrual period, whether I had anemia or vomiting.
I don't know how the information got out, but he knew how many times I fainted this month and what medicine I took.
Ông còn lấy kim châm đầu ngón tay tôi, nhỏ giọt máu vào dung dịch để thử phản ứng, thực hiện vài xét nghiệm khác.
“Hmm, no problem.”
He said coldly, wrote it down on paper, and handed it to Countess Elda. She scanned the paper and looked at me carefully, making my cheeks burn, like a piece of meat hanging in a slaughterhouse.
Soon, the Countess nodded, and the maid guided me to the bed. I walked carefully, but it wasn't easy.
Everything went smoothly, I was the only one who felt inconvenienced. It feels like being drowned in mud. Thinking about these procedures before entering the room, I felt extremely sad.
“The two of us will wait here, sir.”
Tonight, for some unknown reason, the maid stood guard outside the room. I sighed, my tension rising.
As soon as I entered the room, I saw Cesar lying face down on the bed, waiting. Seeing me, he smiled brightly.
"Lace!"
“Ahaha…”
Looking at him, I felt reassured. Even though we usually meet in the room, now having to walk in after someone confirmed it felt strange. Feeling shy all over.
“What are you doing?”
He held the book out in front of him.
"This."
That's the story I once read to him:
“Ugly duck.”
Lately, before sleeping, we often read books. Cesar started reading along with me, so when I wasn't there, he was still reading quite fluently on his own. The bed was also filled with books.
“Read it to me.”
He was determined that he wanted to listen to this book every night.
"This book again? Let's read another book today."
But he shook his head and emphasized
Ugly duck
.
“This book is better.”
Regardless, I picked up the book. He bent down, listening, so adorable that I found this moment precious.
"Let's see, once upon a time, by a pond, there lived a pair of happy ducks. They gave birth to many eggs from love."
I read calmly. Cesar suddenly pointed to a question:
“What is love?”
"EH?"
"Love."
What is love? Naive question but difficult to answer. I was confused and hesitant.
“Ah… well… love is…”
After thinking for a while, I said:
“Love is liking someone very much.”
“Like it?”
“Yes, a lot.”
He nodded, his face beaming.
“I… love Ren so much!”
“Yes, I love you too.”
I replied, trying not to laugh. Cesar smiled brightly.
“Ren, I love you.”
“Eh…”
The unexpected confession made me confused. Although embarrassed, seeing him waiting for an answer, I replied:
“Me too.”
He smiled with satisfaction and made a cute grimace, making me unbearable. Looking at him, the sad mood just now gradually disappeared, sweet as candy in the mouth. We smiled and looked at each other for a long time.
“The fruit of love.”
"EH?"
He suddenly said:
“And from love they lay eggs.”
“Eh…”
The innocent, flawless face asked me:
“When will the baby be born?”
I get chills down my spine, but I have to ask again:
“What… gave birth to what?”
“Love bears fruit.”
“Love… love… produces fruit…?”
My palms were sweaty. Is he implying what I think? But don't rush to conclusions yet. Cesar knows nothing. “Fruit of love” can be understood in many ways:
It could be the result of studying, or it could be a big plan to turn Cesar into a human being. If successful, it can be called "fruit."
Just when I was lost in speculation, he added:
“Hurry up, give birth.”