Side Story 14. [After Story] Serenade

    Imperial Year 662.

    Ten years after the final battle against the monsters.

    Bringar Duchy. Duke’s Palace.

    A peaceful evening bathed in the glow of the setting sun.

    I had just returned from New Terra, the Imperial Capital, back to the Duke’s Palace in the Bringar Duchy—home.

    “...”

    As always, coming back home should have been a joyous occasion, but my heart felt heavier than usual. I stood at the entrance of the palace, exhaling a deep breath.

    ‘An heir...’

    Personally, I don’t necessarily need to have a child. Spending my life happily growing old with Serenade would be more than enough for me.

    But I am the Crown Prince and the future Emperor. In that case, an heir is essential.

    This pressure wasn’t something I alone was feeling. Serenade had also been deeply troubled by the issue.

    In particular, she worried that something might be wrong with her, thinking that it was her fault that she hadn’t been able to conceive.

    Of course, I believe the problem lies with me. After all, I had merged with a dragon, ascended to divinity, and even repeatedly torn my body apart and put it back together using the curse of immortality. If there’s an issue, it’s likely on my side.

    Still, the burden and pressure of not having a child probably weighed heavier on Serenade. As the Duchess, the Crown Princess, and the future Empress... she has always thought that she and her family were lacking in some way.

    ‘Nothing ever goes as planned, does it?’

    Even if we don’t have a child, I just hope Serenade doesn’t feel sad about it.

    Growing old together peacefully would be more than enough joy for the two of us.

    But the environment around us didn’t allow for such peace. It’s not easy.

    ‘If only I could adopt my nephews and make them heirs, that would solve everything, but even that’s difficult...’

    I glared coldly into the empty air.

    ‘Well, if all else fails, I could always transition the Everblack Empire to a republic, following the Bringar Duchy’s example.’

    Of course, in a world where most countries are monarchies, this would be far from easy. Even the Bringar Duchy, nominally a hereditary state, still passed the title of Duke down to descendants of the Dragonblood lineage. R?Α??o?BE?s?

    I know it would be an excessively radical and revolutionary change. But—

    ‘I’d rather change the entire world than see my wife cry.’

    If this world forces my wife to grieve over not being able to bear a child, I’d rather dismantle and reshape it entirely.

    I touched my stiff face with my hands, trying to loosen it.

    ...No, it’s not like it’s been confirmed that we can’t have children yet. We’re still young. There’s no need to jump to conclusions already.

    “I’m home!”

    With a burst of energy, I pushed the door open and stepped into the Duke’s Palace. Immediately, the booming voices of the attendants echoed from both sides.

    “His Grace, the Duke, has returned—!”

    Everyone’s voices seemed a pitch higher than usual, and their expressions were unusually bright. I guess they’re genuinely happy to see their master return.

    “Welcome back, Your Grace. You’ve arrived just in time for dinner.”

    Elize, dressed in her usual sharp black suit, greeted me.

    She also seemed genuinely pleased with my return... What’s this? She’s smiling broadly! For someone notorious for her unfitting, terrifying smiles, it’s quite unsettling!

    “Ah, y-yeah. I’m back. You know, you actually look pretty good when you smile, Elize...”

    “Oh, was I smiling?”

    Elize brushed her hand over her mouth, quickly reverting to her usual expressionless face. Phew, that was a relief.

    But then, she immediately lifted the corners of her mouth again. Sure, smiles bring blessings, but this is just scary! Why have you suddenly turned into a ‘smiling angel’?!

    “How was your trip? Did you enjoy it?”

    “Well, I wouldn’t say enjoyable, but I got the job done.”

    “And the two who accompanied you?”

    “Lucas got permission for leave and headed to Crossroad. As for Body... damn it, I mean Daram... She’s been sent as an envoy to the Great Forest. There’s some business that requires gathering the leaders of the other races. Both of them should be back in a few days.”

    Elize responded with a slight look of disappointment.

    “I see... I hope they return soon.”

    She must miss her colleagues.

    “In any case, let’s go inside. Her Grace, the Duchess, is waiting for you.”

    “Alright.”

    As I walked deeper into the Duke’s Palace, every servant I passed greeted me with beaming smiles, far brighter than usual.

    And each one looked at me with these oddly ticklish, knowing gazes. What’s going on?

    ‘Is it because I, their King and the Bringer of Light, have returned?’

    When I finally reached the banquet hall (which normally served as the dining room), I saw her.

    “You’re back, my love!”

    Serenade was waiting for me.

    My wife, radiant as always with her brilliant smile, looked stunning today. I walked over to her, embraced her, and planted a gentle kiss on her lips.

    “I’m home. How long has it been since we last saw each other?”

    “Two months. The distance was quite far, wasn’t it? You must be exhausted from the journey.”

    “Seeing you has wiped away all my fatigue.”

    “Hehe, you always know just what to say.”

    Humming a little tune, Serenade twirled around me, her joy bubbling over.

    “Yes. I’m pregnant, my love.”

    Covering her mouth, Serenade chuckled softly.

    “It’s our child. After all those years of longing and worry, the baby has finally come to us.”

    Ah...!

    At that moment, I finally understood the unusually cheerful atmosphere of the entire palace. I also realized what Serenade meant earlier by calling me clueless.

    Jumping up from my chair, I rushed to Serenade’s side.

    Still seated, Serenade let out a small “Ah—” as she took my hand and placed it on her belly. Her stomach, still slender and not yet showing, felt the same as usual.

    “They’re here. Inside me.”

    “...”

    “Right before you left for the Imperial Capital, I noticed my cycle stopped... At first, I thought it was just a health issue. But now, it’s been three months. I called the doctor to confirm, and they said I’m pregnant.”

    Smiling warmly, Serenade reached out with her other hand and gently cupped my cheek.

    “It took so long, didn’t it?”

    “It really did... It really did...”

    Kneeling before her, I pressed my forehead against her stomach and let out a long sigh.

    “How incredible must this little one be to take ten years to arrive...”

    “Hehe. They’re bound to be an extraordinary child, don’t you think?”

    Serenade giggled brightly, her eyes sparkling as she teasingly looked down at me.

    “By the way, my love.”

    “Yeah?”

    “What exactly were you about to suggest we do twice a day?”

    “...”

    “Hmm? Hmm? I’m curious. Won’t you tell me~?”

    Serenade laughed behind her hand, her gaze mischievous as she looked down at my now bright-red face.

    I had been ready to sacrifice everything and risk it all when I said those words... Don’t tease me too much...!

    “...Thank goodness.”

    Wrapping my arms around Serenade’s waist, I rested my cheek against her stomach and murmured softly.

    “Truly... Thank goodness...”

    Serenade’s hand gently stroked the back of my head.

    “Are you crying, my love?”

    “No, I’m not. It’s just...”

    In a voice heavy with emotion, I confessed,

    “I thought I would never be able to have a child.”

    “...”

    “I thought... because I’m not real... that having a child wouldn’t be allowed for me...”

    For the past ten years, I hadn’t shared this thought with anyone.

    Deep down, I had always wondered if I was unable to have children because I was a fake—a counterfeit.

    I had even begun to accept, in some part of my heart, that this might be the price for saving the world, a burden I simply had to bear.

    “My love.”

    Serenade slowly embraced my head, cradling me in her arms. Her warmth enveloped me.

    “You are the truest of the true. No matter how fragmented your beginnings were, your soul is beautiful.”

    “...”

    “Even if we had never had a child, it wouldn’t matter. You’ve saved countless lives with your own radiance.”

    Placing both hands on my cheeks, Serenade whispered,

    “You saved me.”

    She leaned in and kissed me.

    “And you saved yourself.”

    Serenade wiped the tears from my cheeks and smiled at me.

    It was a warm smile, like that of a mother gazing lovingly at her child.

    “Our baby’s late arrival has nothing to do with those kinds of reasons. Well, if we’d followed your suggestion of twice a day, perhaps they might have arrived a bit sooner...”

    “S-Stop teasing me!”

    “Hehe. More importantly, this baby is yours—a child of my dearest, most lovable husband.”

    Serenade wrapped her arms around me again, holding me close.

    “They may have taken their time, but there’s no doubt that our child will be absolutely beautiful.”

    I nodded quietly, my throat tight with emotion.

    As if to soothe and reassure me, Serenade whispered gently.

    “And together... we’ll raise them wonderfully, won’t we?”

    –TL Notes–

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