CHAPTER 1042: CHAPTER 1042: A TERRIFYING WARNING

They were indeed perfect examples of how dragons were overprotective of their mates.

’I shouldn’t have cried! Why is it so easy for me to tear up now?!’ Arabella internally scolded herself for crying earlier. Her tears did come on their own, though.

But now, it was another reason that made Ferdinand and Raymond misunderstand things.

"Your Holiness, my wife is currently in a very sensitive period. She had not even gotten out of the estate to meet anyone or attend events for safety purposes," Raymond said. He immediately rejected letting Clarisse meet the Pope now.

"I understand. And this is exactly why I wanted to meet her," Pope Elsevier pushed through regardless.

"What do you mean?" Raymond frowned. His expression was grim and cautious in contrast to his usual calm and friendly demeanor.

[Why would he want to meet Clarisse now, despite already knowing she’s pregnant? Is he up to something?] Ferdinand was wary as well, worried that the Pope might also meddle when Arabella gets pregnant, too.

Pope Elsevier then explained his observation and why he concluded it was having more children that caused the deaths of the other mates of dragons.

"If that’s the case, we can check it ourselves. We are immensely grateful for Your Holiness for informing us, but we have our own doctors and healers,’’ Raymond said, even more wary now that it involves a situation this dangerous.

"I want to see her and speak with her in person.

She is a human, and regardless of your position in Estrella, all humans, especially those mated to the long-lived races, are under my care now.

I know you have a good reputation in Valeria, and it is known in the Empire how you and your wife get along well.

Empress Arabella has also vouched for this.

However, I still would like to meet her in person to ensure she was not forced into any of this and check for myself that she’s alright." Pope Elsevier did not back down.

"I will never force my wife into anything!" Raymond glared at the Pope. He was getting emotional with Clarisse involved.

"That’s good then. But I still need to see her.

Most of the younger ones among the long-lived races died in the Great War.

And you lot who are still around are mostly those who lived for more than six millennia and have tons of mana reserves.

The more mana you have, the more you miss the slightest changes.

All of you have too much mana. I know by now she must have received a lot of mana from you after five years of marriage, but I must still check on her.

I hope you understand, this is my job.

It’s nothing personal.

If you truly care for her, allow me to check on her.

As a former magician, I also have a lot of mana, but it is nothing compared to yours.

And I believe you know by now that I use divine power instead.

With humans as the main beneficiary of this power, I notice the slightest changes in a person’s health, be it caused by illness, mana, or not," Pope Elsevier pointed out.

It was clear the Pope would not back down on this.

Raymond thought about it logically and glanced at Arabella. He then spoke with her telepathically.

{Since Your Majesty vouched for him, it means he had no underlying motives and only wanted to truly ensure Clarisse is safe, right?}

{Yes. I can hear his thoughts, and all of it was indeed out of concern and a desire to complete his task. I cried earlier, not because he said something to incite me against the long-lived races or Ferdinand.} Arabella assured Raymond that the Pope meant no harm and did not try to convince her to part with Ferdinand. {I only vouched for him because I am also worried about Clarisse.}

{I see...Thank you, Your Majesty.}

Raymond then said to the Pope, "Alright then. But I’ll have to speak with Clarisse about this first. We will have to schedule it when she is fine with meeting a guest."

"Yes, that is fine with me. I’ll be here in Crux for the meantime. You can send a messenger here once you have a schedule in mind,’’ Pope Elsevier agreed.

Raymond nodded, and their meeting finally concluded.

Ferdinand and Raymond were left overthinking things as they thought about the pregnancy issue.

Raymond settled his back on the couch and sighed deeply after Pope Elsevier left to discuss with Sebastian and Seraphina about the Sacred Tree and the story they would give to the people.

This was the first time Arabella had seen Raymond like this. And it was understandable. They were talking about the possible death of his wife, after all.

The Pope had even warned Raymond that he might have to choose between Clarisse and their third child.

[What should I do if Clarisse is indeed at risk? My wife or my third child, huh... No, I don’t even want to think about it! I don’t want to lose either of them!] Raymond did not want to accept the possibility.

’’Raymond, you may return first and visit your wife,’’ Ferdinand said, understanding how much worry and fear Raymond was in right now.

’’Thank you, Your Majesty!’’ Raymond was glad Ferdinand dismissed him. To Arabella, Raymond said, ’’Thank you as well, Your Majesty. I’ll be leaving first.’’

’’Please send my regards to Clarisse. Oh, and ask her as well if she needs anything from Lobelius,’’ Arabella added.

Raymond nodded and asked Alwin to teleport him back to his estate. Noticing the expression on Raymond’s face, Alwin did without question.

[What would I do if I were given that kind of warning? My wife or my child?] Ferdinand thought and glanced at Arabella.

He shivered. Ferdinand suddenly felt relieved that they had agreed to postpone having children.

[What a terrifying warning! I don’t want to ever hear such a choice given to me. I think Arabella and I should not have children yet, until this is resolved.]

’What choice would he make if it were him?’ Arabella wondered as well. It was indeed a terrifying warning!