Chapter 94: Let's Leave
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 94: Let's Leave
Mikhail had said he had a way to divert Herdin's attention, even if only for a moment.
Initially, Blair had planned to go through the proper procedures for a clean divorce. But if Herdin had no intention of cooperating, she had no reason to play by the rules either. She could leave his side whenever she pleased.
Actually, this is for the best. It will be a long journey, so it might be better to leave once the pregnancy stabilizes.
A long trip during the early stages of pregnancy would surely put too much strain on the baby. With that thought, her mind grew calm.
Having settled on her future plans, Blair pulled the bell pull.
However, Lina and Meli, who would normally have rushed in immediately, did not appear. Puzzled, she was about to pull the cord once more when a knock sounded and the door swung open.
"Madam!"
Meli and Lina walked in, holding a small pouch and a bouquet of flowers. Both of their faces were flushed with excitement.
"Congratulations on becoming a mother!"
"We wanted to give you a gift, but we didn't know what would be best… so we rushed out and bought some candy that's supposed to be good for morning sickness."
"And this is a bouquet."
Meli held out the lemon candies while Lina presented the bouquet, which was beautifully tied with a ribbon. It seemed they had already heard the news.
Blair stared blankly at the gifts and the two girls for a moment before letting out a soft laugh and accepting them.
"Thank you both so much."
The two of them had no idea that she and Herdin were in a contract marriage, nor did they know what had truly transpired between them. They only knew that a new life had been conceived between their master and mistress.
Regardless of Herdin's intentions, the baby in her womb deserved to be celebrated—simply for having found a safe home inside her. She felt truly grateful to the maids for reminding her of a truth she herself had forgotten.
The moment held a profound meaning for Blair. In her past life, only Lina had congratulated her. Now, Meli was celebrating alongside her.
Returning to the past wasn't entirely meaningless.
Even if her relationship with Herdin remained shackled to the past, the choices she had made in this life had brought her precious new bonds. With that thought, the gloom that had hung over her since the previous night lifted considerably.
Yet, the very two who had cheered Blair up suddenly looked downcast.
"I thought you were so tired lately because of His Grace, Madam," Meli said. "He really has been putting you through a lot."
"If we had known a baby was on the way, we would have looked after you much more carefully," Lina added. "We're so sorry."
At Lina's words, which still carried a hint of resentment toward Herdin, Blair smiled and shook her head.
"It's alright. It's only natural that you wouldn't know. Besides, you two always made sure I ate regularly, so I've been eating well."
Only then did the two maids' expressions brighten.
Lina, who had been staring intently at Blair's slender stomach, asked, "Then, Madam, when will the baby be born?"
"If all goes as planned, the baby will be born around the beginning of next year."
Blair answered instantly, without needing to calculate. The day Asiel was born was a date she could never forget.
"If the baby resembles you and His Grace, I'm sure they will be incredibly beautiful."
"I know! Oh, I wish next year would hurry up and arrive. Once the baby is born, I'll carry them on my back every single day."
"Hmm, doesn't the baby get a say in that?"
"Oh, if it's Madam's baby, they'll definitely like me. Instinctively!"
Meli and Lina bickered playfully, full of anticipation for a future that was still a long way off. But as Blair watched them, a bittersweet smile touched her lips, and she murmured softly, "...You're right. The baby will definitely like you, Lina."
In her past life, Lina had adored Asiel. And Asiel, as if sensing her affection, had loved and followed Lina in return. But in this life, she would leave the Delmark Ducal Mansion before giving birth. Lina would never get to meet Asiel. The thought filled her with a lingering sadness.
Lina, who had been chattering with Meli, suddenly clapped her hands as if remembering something and turned back to Blair.
"Oh, look at me! It's already past mealtime! Madam, is there anything you'd like to eat? Just say the word, and we'll run to the chef right away."
"The smell of butter makes me nauseous, so something without it would be best. Preferably focused on fruits and vegetables."
"We'll go tell him right away!"
Lina hurried out of the room with light steps. Watching her go, Meli also stood up from her seat.
"Then I'll go fetch some water for you to wash up."
As Meli turned to leave, Blair called out to her, having just remembered something. "Meli, I have a favor to ask on your way out."
"Yes, Madam."
"Could you call Baroness Sionel for me?"
To leave the Delmark Ducal Mansion, she first needed to contact her ally.
* * *
The news of Ivan's engagement, announced at the Foundation Festival the day before, also influenced the State Council Meeting. As soon as the meeting regarding the budget for the engagement ceremony concluded, the attending nobles swarmed Ivan, eager to offer their congratulations.
"Once again, my sincerest congratulations on your engagement, Your Majesty."
"Seeing the two of you yesterday, you looked as picture-perfect as a match made in heaven."
The celebratory atmosphere was abruptly cut short when the nobles began to disperse and Herdin stepped forward.
"I am sorry to trouble you while you are busy preparing for your engagement, Your Majesty, but I intend to request a retrial regarding the Empress's Palace Fire Incident from ten years ago."
At the unexpected topic, not only did Ivan's expression stiffen, but the surrounding nobles also turned pale and fell dead silent.
"Thanks to Your Majesty's prior concern regarding that incident, I was able to make up my mind," Herdin continued smoothly.
"……."
"Just as you said back then, may I ask for a fair and just ruling this time as well?"
Ivan stared at Herdin with a cold, rigid expression, swallowing a dry laugh. At first listen, Herdin's words sounded like an expression of gratitude, but they were a trap designed to force Ivan's hand.
If Ivan tried to pressure him, it would only lend weight to the rumors that Imperial Concubine Katrina was the true mastermind behind the incident. Furthermore, because Herdin had framed it as though Ivan had already promised to uncover the truth, the emperor could not possibly refuse.
It was only yesterday that I challenged him to bring evidence, fully intending to destroy it.
What on earth had happened in a single night to make him change his attitude so completely?
Though he had no idea what had changed Herdin's mind, one thing was clear. Bringing this up publicly, in front of the other nobles, was an open declaration of war.
Ivan quickly smoothed over his rigid expression and gave the expected response.
"Of course. If your claim is true, then Her Majesty the Late Empress has been falsely accused. As her child, it is only right that I clear her name."
"Then I shall visit you soon to discuss the trial schedule."
Having received the answer he wanted, Herdin turned and left as if he had no further business there.
What on earth is he plotting?
As the nobles whispered among themselves, watching Herdin walk away, Ivan's eyes narrowed.
* * *
The scenery of the plaza rolled past the carriage window. It was the final day of the Foundation Festival, and the plaza was exceptionally crowded and bustling. Amidst the crowd, what caught Herdin's eye was a young child holding their mother's and father's hands.
Staring quietly at the sight, Herdin broke the silence inside the carriage.
"Ruth."
Ruth, who had been dozing off in the afternoon haze, snapped awake at the sound of his voice.
"Uh, yes?"
"Bring all the witnesses of the Incident From Ten Years Ago to the mansion."
The witnesses had been hidden away in a secure location, just in case the Imperial Family caught wind of them and tried to silence them.
Ruth wiped a smudge of drool from the corner of his mouth and blinked in confusion. Only yesterday, Herdin had said he would postpone the trial to negotiate with the Emperor. It was baffling that he had completely changed his mind in a single day.
"So, did the negotiations with His Majesty go well?"
At Ruth's question, Herdin recalled the words of the attending physician who had examined Blair last night.
'I believe Madam is pregnant.'
He also remembered staring at her stomach for a long time after carrying the sleeping Blair back from Pippi's room at dawn.
A child of his own blood was growing inside her.
Now, he had nothing to lose in this trial. It was a battle he could not possibly lose.
"Yes. There's no need to wait any longer. Prepare for the trial. And..." Herdin, his eyes still fixed on the family of three outside the window, added, "Find some elixirs that are good for pregnant women."
"What would you need those for—" Ruth began, then froze as a sudden realization flashed through his mind.
No way.
And Herdin delivered the very answer he had suspected.
"Blair is pregnant."
Ruth's eyes went wide.
And here he was, telling me there was no way that would happen when I warned him to be careful a few months ago!
Flustered by the unexpected news, Ruth asked cautiously after a brief pause, "...Uh, congratulations are in order, right?"
"Of course. What else?"
"But I thought you said it was a contract marriage."
"It will become a real marriage now."
Judging by Herdin's casual expression, he didn't seem to mind the news at all. However, another worry was already beginning to loom in Ruth's mind.