The Evil Empress Adores Me - Side Story 23

‘PS.’

 

The enclosed gift is clothing for the coming highness to wear.

 

I made it myself, although my skills are lacking.

 

If you don’t like it, you may discard it without any concern.

 

Please use it comfortably.〉

 

 

Charlize suddenly recalled the last time she had met Lady Bennett.

 

“…I am truly sorry, Lady Charlize.”

 

After the decisive testimony regarding the Emperor came to an end, Lady Bennett left quietly, leaving her apology behind.

 

Since then, she faithfully kept her promise to live quietly without causing any trouble.

 

Charlize gazed down at the gift box and untied the ribbon.

 

All items going to the Emperor and Empress undergo thorough inspection, so there should be no danger.

 

At the same time, her pupils grew slightly larger.

 

“…It’s an undergarment.”

 

Inside the gift box was a neatly folded set of baby clothes.

 

“How adorable.”

 

Charlize couldn’t help but smile at the cute size of it.

 

She cautiously took out the undergarment.

 

The smooth fabric tickled her hand.

 

It was clear that she had gone out of her way to ensure the baby’s comfort.

 

But then, at that moment,

 

Strong arms wrapped around her waist, and a firm chin gently rested on her shoulder.

 

“Charlize.”

 

“Ah, Damian.”

 

Charlize raised her head slightly at the velvety voice that reached her ear.

 

“Did you receive something nice?”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“You’ve been smiling the whole time you were looking at the gift.”

 

“Oh, this.”

 

Charlize showed the undergarment to Damian.

 

“Lady Bennett sent it as a gift.”

 

“Lady Bennett?”

 

“Yes, she heard about my pregnancy and made it herself.”

 

She brushed the undergarment against the palm of her hand with a smile on her face.

 

The soft texture felt pleasant.

 

“Lady Bennett is incredibly skilled. I can’t even attempt to make something like this. I’m envious.”

 

“Well, maybe I can arrange a few lessons for you in the future.”

 

Damian added teasingly.

 

“Remember the grapes?”

 

“…If you’re referring to the handmade handkerchief I gave you as a gift before, it was lilacs, not grapes.”

 

Charlize raised an eyebrow in amusement.

 

Damian burst into laughter and playfully pecked her cheek.

 

“Are you feeling well? Any discomfort anywhere?”

 

“I’m fine. No discomfort at all.”

 

Charlize, who was rolling her eyes, playfully whined, “Somehow, my legs feel a little numb.”

 

“Oh, should I give you a massage or something?”

 

“That would be nice.”

 

With a determined stride, Charlize headed towards the bed.

Her belly was quite round now. Damian, with an adoring gaze that could melt hearts, watched her swaying figure from behind.

 

“Come here.”

 

Damian gently supported his wife, helping her lie down on the bed, his palm softly caressing her swollen belly.

 

“Your belly’s grown quite a lot.”

 

“Mmm-hmm, being pregnant for over seven months does that.”

 

In the midst of their conversation, Charlize’s round belly shook. Damian, who initially looked slightly surprised, soon broke into a wide smile.

 

“Our baby is lively today as well.”

 

“Yes, indeed.”

 

It had been quite some time since the baby started moving in the womb. Not only did it wriggle around, but sometimes it even kicked her gently on the side. 

 

The movements were so intense that Charlize occasionally had trouble sleeping. 

 

Yet, despite the potential discomfort caused by the baby’s movements, Charlize always had a happy expression on her face.

 

Suddenly, she posed a question.

 

“Damian, would you prefer our child to be a boy or a girl? For the sake of strengthening the monarchy, a boy might be preferable. After all, the Empire is still a patriarchal nation. Typically, the eldest son inherits the throne, unless there are special circumstances. But Damian, I know you disagree on this.”

 

“Gender doesn’t matter.”

 

“But still…”

 

“Just as long as you and the baby are healthy, that’s all that matters to me.”

 

Damian added firmly, “Regardless of the baby’s gender, this child will be the future heir to the throne.”

 

“Damian…”

 

“So, Charlize, just focus on your well-being. Understand?”

 

With a firm squeeze, Damian emphasized his words, firmly massaging her legs. A tired sigh escaped Charlize’s lips.

 

“Ah…”

 

“How are you feeling? Are you alright?”

 

“Ah. You truly are… the best.”

 

As Damian gently massaged her legs without saying a word, he gazed down at Charlize. 

 

Her languid voice somehow sounded inviting. But it wasn’t just his imagination.

 

“Do you know what, Damian?”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“I think it’s been quite a while since I entered this stable period.”

 

Whispering like that, Charlize wrapped her arms around Damian’s neck.

 

In an instant, the distance between them became close.

 

“We can be intimate.”

 

“What…?”

 

“Of course, we should be careful not to strain our bodies.”

 

Charlize narrowed her eyes and smiled, a subtle smile.

 

Gulp.

 

Damian’s Adam’s apple moved prominently.

 

How long had it been since he restrained himself, resisting the urge to take Charlize in his arms and devour her whole?

 

Honestly, in his heart, he wanted to do just that.

 

But…

 

“No, we can’t. Just in case…”

 

“Hey, I said it’s alright.”

 

Charlize murmured gently.

 

“Our baby would want to see their Mom and Dad in good spirits…”

 

She raised her long eyelashes and looked up at him pleadingly.

 

“…Are you really not going to?”

 

In an instant, Damian felt his rationality slipping away.

 

“I’ll, I’ll be as careful as possible. So…”

 

“Then I’ll be careful too.”

 

She burst into giggling laughter.

 

Damian hastily pressed his lips against his wife’s lips.

 

As he swallowed her breath without leaving a trace, his head spun.

 

How could a person’s breath be so sweet…

 

To him, she was an eternally enchanting mystery that would never be fully unraveled.

 

 

 

****

 

 

 

Duchess Rochester, Lisa, became pregnant earlier than Charlize.

 

That meant Lisa’s labor was just around the corner.

 

The more it approached, the more anxious the Duke became.

 

As a result, he has been unable to focus on his work lately.

 

For example…

 

“Look, Duke Rochester.”

 

“Duke Rochester!”

 

Like now.

 

It wasn’t until Damian called him several times the Duke snapped out of his daze.

 

All eyes were focused on him.

 

The Duke bit his lower lip anxiously.

 

‘Oh, dear.’

 

Despite attending the council meeting, his mind had wandered.

 

It was because he was preoccupied with Lisa.

 

“…I apologize.”

 

He touched his lips with a troubled expression.

 

While he silently watched him, Damian straightened up and stood.

 

“Let’s take a break from the meeting.”

 

“No, it won’t happen again…”

 

“No, it seems like what the Duke needs right now is rest.”

 

At those words, the Duke narrowed his eyes.

 

However, it is somewhat futile to refute those words, considering the fact that it is true that he has been unable to concentrate on his work.

 

“Well, it seems like a good time to refresh the atmosphere.”

 

Damian shrugged his shoulders and swung his arm grandly.

 

“Take a 10-minute break, and then we’ll resume the meeting.”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

“As you wish.”

 

The officials hurriedly left the room.

 

“…Sigh.”

 

The Duke sighed deeply and sat back in his chair.

 

He knew it in his mind.

 

Lisa would prefer him to focus on his work rather than worrying about her.

 

“…However, it’s not an unusual time to give birth.”

 

If she were to go into labor while he was away…

 

But then, at that moment.

 

“Duke Rochester.”

 

Damian strode confidently and sat opposite the Duke, pulling a chair.

 

“Is it because of the Duchess?”

 

“Um… sorry?”

 

“I mean the reason why you’ve been constantly distracted.”

 

Damian’s statement had the Duke taken aback.

 

Instead of answering, his lips remained sealed as Earth stared at him with determination in his eyes.

 

“I’m delighted for you; I understand the concern.”

 

“Of course.”

 

Damian smirked mischievously.

 

The Duke looked dumbfounded.

 

“It’s quite rare to see you, someone usually so stalwart and well-composed, in such a state.”

 

‘Indeed, it is an extraordinary sight.’

 

But that rascal…

 

The Duke glared at him.

 

Damian decided to stop teasing him and let him off the hook generously.

 

“Well, you probably love the Duchess so much to behave this way.”

 

It wasn’t hard to understand that sentiment.

 

“Don’t worry too much about it.”

 

“But…”

 

“Most importantly, isn’t the Empress by her side?”

 

After hearing those words, the Duke’s expression relaxed a bit.

 

Recently, the Empress had been staying at Rochester’s townhouse to be with Lisa, who was close to giving birth.

 

Damian glanced at the clock and opened the meeting.

 

“It’s time to resume the council meeting. Please focus on the meeting this time.”

 

“Yes, we will.”

 

The Duke nodded solemnly.

 

However, his determination crumbled as soon as a hurried knock echoed and a frantic voice burst in.

 

“Duke… Duke Rochester!”

 

The voice shouted urgently.

 

“The Duchess has started labor!”

 

“What?!”

 

The Duke jumped up from his seat and anxiously looked at Damian.

 

Damian gave an affirmative nod.

 

“Go quickly.”

 

“Thank you!”

 

As soon as permission was granted, the Duke rushed out of the room.