When I Took Back My Beloved Child Who Had Been Taken From Me, My Husband's Obsessive Love Began. Why? - Episode 39

Craig finished work considerably earlier than usual and returned to his room.

His footsteps were steady, but his heartbeat was fast enough to be noisy.

I had received reports that Lucienne was indeed in the Empress’s room—preparing in the adjacent room—but I couldn’t believe it until I saw it with my own eyes.

Of course, I don’t intend to seek an intimate relationship all of a sudden. — I do hope that it will come true someday, though.

Just having Lucienne by his side was enough to satisfy Craig at the moment.

Well, even though there’s a wall between us… we might be able to talk a little before going to bed.

Thinking that they might be able to talk alone without their son in Leo’s room, Craig’s heart leaped with joy.

All this time, it was because I was bad at expressing myself that Lucienne had to go through so much hardship.

I want to apologize for that, thank you for risking your life to give birth to Leoldo, and then… beg for your love.

If Lucienne is kind, she wouldn’t be rejected.

I know that they will probably accept it, albeit with some hesitation.

While mocking himself for thinking such cowardly thoughts, Craig entered his room.

Immediately, the servant came to take care of it, but I sent him away.

If Craig visits Lucienne’s bedroom in a relaxed manner, it will surely raise her suspicions.

Having thought that far, Craig, still in his work attire, reached for the door connecting their two bedrooms for the first time in years.

However, realizing that opening it suddenly would be a foolish move, he briefly lets go of the handle, grips his right hand tightly, and knocks cautiously.

It’s still early for Craig to wrap up his duties, but Leoldo should have already fallen asleep, and Lucienne should also have returned to the empress’s room by now.

Until he received a response, Craig was seized by anxiety, wondering if Lucienne might not be in the bedroom, or if she hadn’t even returned to the adjacent room.

“— Yes”

Lucienne’s frail voice was heard, and Craig unconsciously relaxed his tense body.

I can feel the sweat pouring out all at once.

It must have been an astonishingly short time, yet until I heard Lucienne’s response, it felt like an unbearably long time.

“—Lucienne, sorry for bothering you at this hour.”

Craig, mustering his courage to open the door, spoke up while hiding his nervousness.

Lucienne also seems to be nervous, and her complexion isn’t very good.

“Your Majesty, would you like something to drink?”

“Well… ah, yes. Could I ask for yesterday’s tea?”

“Of course. Please wait a moment.”

Lucienne crossed her gown again and rang the bell to call the maid.

Since he was in the bedroom, it was only natural to be getting ready for bed, and Craig inwardly regretted not having mentioned that he intended to visit first.

To be honest, even wearing a thick robe, Lucienne’s nightwear appearance is captivating.

Moreover, since this is the bedroom and Leoldo isn’t here, Craig gathered all his remaining composure and pretended that nothing was wrong.

“Your Majesty, please have a seat.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

He was offered the armchair in the bedroom, and Craig sat down.

Lucienne instructed the newly arrived Riteto brew some tea and then sat down across from her.

Three years ago, I could touch Lucienne without a second thought, as if the distance of this table meant nothing. Thinking about it again, a strong wave of regret hit Craig once more.

Back then, I was satisfied with Lucienne becoming the empress, and I didn’t even consider her feelings.

Distracted by domestic reforms, I took at face value the words about feeling unwell and not being able to meet after finding out about the pregnancy, and I didn’t even try to reach out or show concern for her health, even though I was angry about the rumors with her primary doctor, Aman.

Even though it has become clear that Craig’s sin is one of laziness, he still doesn’t know how to atone to Lucienne.

“Um, sorry for bothering you at such a late hour. I just wanted to talk more seriously…”

“To be honest, I would like to suggest that Your Majesty take a rest, but it seems your complexion is better than yesterday.”

To Craig, who can’t even muster a decent word, Lucienne offers kind words.

Moreover, a smile full of compassion was on his face, and Craig’s heart leaped with joy.

I know that Lucienne is kind to everyone, but I couldn’t help but hope.

“Once again, I want to express my gratitude for giving birth to Leoldo. Thank you so much for bringing such a wonderful child into the world.”

“Such a…”

When Craig said that and bowed his head, Lucienne seemed flustered.

Rite came in with tea prepared, but Craig didn’t lift his head.

I can sense that Lite is quite surprised.

“Your Majesty, please lift your head. I have done nothing to deserve your gratitude… It is I who should be grateful to you for granting me such a wonderful child――”

“No, that’s not it.”

At Lucienne’s flustered words, Craig slowly raised his head.

At the same time, Rite, having finished preparing the tea, hurriedly left the bedroom.

Craig, who quickly interrupted the continuing words, stood up, approached Lucienne, and knelt at her feet.

“Your Majesty…”

“I heard from Aman about how much you were suffering. However, because you had asked him to keep it a secret, he couldn’t tell me everything.”

“Aman is being dramatic.”

Holding Lucienne’s hand, which was more shaken than ever, Craig confessed as if seeking forgiveness.

Lucienne laughed off Aman’s story as if it were nothing, but Craig could tell it was a facade.

I have seen Lucienne’s smile many times since we were children.

However, I haven’t been able to see it much in the past few years.

I know that it’s due to my own negligence.

“Anyway, please, have a seat. It is unthinkable for His Majesty the Emperor to kneel.”

“Indeed, I am an emperor, but I am also just a single human being, and your husband.”

I understood that Lucienne was right, but Craig couldn’t help but voice his weakness.

Then, Lucienne gasped and looked down at Craig with her large eyes.