Page 388

0% The celebration marking our safe return ended on a bright and cheerful note. It was a cozy affair attended only by family and soon-to-be family, free from the usual formalities and distractions.

Even the mansion’s servants, who dedicated so much to our family, were invited to enjoy the festivities, making the entire castle feel like one big party venue.

There was a slight hiccup when an unfortunate truth came to light just before the celebration began, but aside from that minor blemish, everything went smoothly. Thankfully, the incident was treated lightly, and I only received a gentle verbal scolding.

“I wish we could celebrate for a whole week.”

“That’s a shame. We could have enjoyed it leisurely if it were vacation.”

The banquet had ended, and the time we had to return to the Academy had arrived. I smiled and replied to Mother, who held my hand while speaking.

My words chased away any lingering regret from Mother’s expression, and she responded with a brighter smile of her own. It might have been a teasing comment, but it was also true: I really enjoyed today’s celebration.

“Let’s definitely do that this winter.”

“Yes, of course.”

Her subtle reminder made my smile grow even wider. This coming winter was special indeed. It was worthy of celebrations lasting not just a week, but perhaps an entire month.

It’s a season worth commemorating.

This winter wouldn’t be just another snowy season. It was when Mar would finally graduate from her three-year journey at the Academy—a truly momentous occasion, as it also marked the day we’d be officially married.

It was a joyous event on every level. Personally, I’d gain a family member, and on a more public scale, it meant the Krasius family would form official ties with a ducal house. It would even be understandable if Mother opened the family’s treasury to celebrate the occasion.

“Next time, I’d like to see you in a white dress.”

“Yes, Mother!”

Mother, who hugged me goodbye with a smiling face, approached Mar and spoke gently.

Naturally, Mar beamed more brightly than ever at this blatant blessing.

A white dress, huh.

I couldn’t help but smile as I imagined Mar, who usually wore elegant red dresses, standing before me in a white wedding gown. It would undoubtedly suit her beautifully, even if it was the first—and hopefully last—time she’d wear white.

I decided to think that way because it would be troublesome if it wasn’t the last.

***Life at the Academy resumed its usual peaceful rhythm.

During regular class hours, I’d go to the president’s office and fool around with Mar and play with Beatrix when she had free time.

Louise and Irina would join us when club time came.

It was a daily life sufficient to melt both body and mind.

“Mar, did you change your perfume?”

“Ah, yes. Is it strange...?”

“Not at all. Any fragrance suits you perfectly.”

Even now, Mar was perched on my lap as she reviewed paperwork.

Mar was shy at first, but she seemed to get used to it as time passed, sometimes leaning against my chest to rest her eyes when she was tired from work. It was cute, like having a cuddly kitten curled up comfortably in my arms.

Though our behavior might make others cringe at our public affection, this arrangement had its advantages.

“Oh, Carl. Can you take a look at this for a moment?”

“Of course.”

There was the excellent advantage of being able to help Mar with her work immediately. It was an advantage everyone could understand and accept.

“The inter-class competition will be held soon, and the students’ enthusiasm this year is greater than last year. I think we need to review the budget allocation plan again.”

However, I momentarily froze at Mar’s words as she handed me a document.

“You’re right... There are definitely more expenses listed than last year.”

“Right? Maybe it’s because there are many new students who enrolled after seeing the princes and Beatrix unnie, but their passion is overflowing.”

Mar muttered as if tired, and I forced myself to respond calmly though my body felt stiff with tension.

Among the Academy’s official second-semester events, the inter-class competition was one I would never forget—even if I resigned from my role as inspector.

No sane person could ever forget accidentally making a noble prince cough up blood due to a lack of control, an event that earned me the unprecedented punishment of being confined to my workplace.

Unless I developed sudden amnesia, the inter-class competition would remain vividly etched into my memory.

Either way, the event typically started fairly early in the second semester—

It’s already right around the corner.

This time, it felt even sooner than before. It had barely been any time at all since I’d returned to the Academy, yet another event was already upon us. Even machines break down if you push them without rest—how much more does that apply to people?

Of course, the Academy was operating normally without postponing or advancing schedules. It only felt quick to me because I missed the start of the second semester due to the war.

...There won’t be anything like last year this time, right?

Last year’s nightmare quickly flashed through my mind. Everything had gone smoothly until the final match when a massive accident occurred. An external participant from Louise’s class suddenly left, forcing me to step in and fill the gap myself.

It was still a traumatic experience that haunted my sleep, but surely, nothing like that would happen this year.

There are no variables.

Last year, disturbances in the North forced the Magic Tower to issue an urgent recall for all mages, including the external participant.

But now, the North had been completely pacified, and the Eastern border had remained quiet for decades.

There was no reason for the Tower to call another emergency.

If—just if—another crisis arose somewhere else, not in the North or East, I couldn’t be entirely sure how things would play out. But what were the chances of that?

Besides, I’d be summoned straight back to the capital myself if anything that serious happened again.

***I paced restlessly in the hallway, anxiety clawing at my chest. It was a feeling of powerlessness and uncertainty I hadn’t experienced since becoming Crown Prince.

It felt like madness. I wouldn’t feel this helpless if there was something I could actively do or had some way to influence the outcome. I could bury myself in work, trusting my efforts to produce the best results.

But there was nothing I could do in the current situation. I had to leave everything to others’ hands and to Enen.

Please.

So, I prayed to Enen in the heavens and the Great Emperor who protected the empire.

Please bestow your protection. Please let this end safely.

Let the Crown Princess give birth safely, and let the child be healthy without any discomfort.

Please, let them both be healthy.

I could accept neither losing the Crown Princess nor losing our child. The idea of either leaving my side was unthinkable.

She was the light that came to me when I was just waiting to die. She was the one who supported me to move forward as Crown Prince.

This child was a precious gift amidst the endless responsibilities of my position. For the future of the Imperial family and the Empire itself, this child had to be born.

So, I could give up nothing. I couldn’t lose anything.

“──! ────!”

“───!”

Damn it.

I bit my lip at the shouts and groans I heard through the door.

I wanted to go in right away, but I held back. Even if I went in, I’d only be a hindrance. I would be of no help to the Crown Princess nor the child.

...It’ll be alright, won’t it?

The helplessness and anxiety that had been eating at my chest were turning into unease.

In fact, today wasn’t the Crown Princess’s due date.

A slight discrepancy from the expected date was understandable, but a difference measured in weeks? That was something entirely different. I couldn’t shake the terrifying thought that something was seriously wrong—that the baby might be in danger.

At least it wasn’t so early as to qualify as premature, which was the only comfort left.

“Your Highness, please don’t worry. The empire’s best medical staff has gathered, so nothing will go wrong.”

Perhaps sensing my anxiety, Sir Hendrick, my guard knight, spoke softly.

It was embarrassing, shameful even, to receive comfort from my subordinate when I should have remained composed as the Crown Prince. But right now, I wasn’t the Crown Prince; I was merely a father worried sick for his wife and child.

“Yes, that’s right. Besides, the Crown Princess has always been healthy.”

However, I forced my voice to sound calm. It was the only bit of dignity left to me as Crown Prince.

“Your Highness.”

“Minister of the Imperial Household?”

The Minister of the Imperial Household arrived after I stopped pacing and stared at the closed door.

“What brings the Minister of the Imperial Household here?”

“The legitimate heir of the imperial family is about to enter this world; how could I possibly sit idle, Your Highness?”

At those words, the corners of my mouth lifted slightly.

The Minister of the Imperial Household, true to his title, was in charge of imperial family affairs, including the task of updating the list of imperial family members. His presence indicated absolute confidence in the Crown Princess’s successful delivery.

Between Hendrick’s blunt reassurance and the Minister of the Imperial Household’s subtle encouragement, I felt a little calmer—

“Your Highness!”

The tightly closed door suddenly opened.

“It’s over safely! The Crown Princess is healthy, and a beautiful—“

I couldn’t hear clearly what was said after that. The loud, healthy cries of the newborn baby filled my ears, overpowering all other sounds.

My mind went blank. Although it was the news I had desperately hoped for and the moment I had been waiting for—I stood frozen for a moment.

“Minister, this is the Minister of the Imperial Household. The imperial grandchild has been born. The Crown Princess is also healthy.”

Only after hearing the Minister of the Imperial Household hurriedly take out his communication crystal and report did my body move.

My eyes fell upon the Crown Princess, who was lying exhausted yet smiling warmly, gently holding our child she had just received.

“Your Highness.”

Seeing me approach, the Crown Princess spoke with a still strained but bright smile.

“She’s a lovely daughter who takes after me.”

Without realizing it, tears streamed down my face.

***I was about to sleep after arriving at my quarters when my communication crystal rang out loudly.

This wasn’t the unpleasant alarm of last time, but a joyful fanfare—though it didn’t exactly make me feel better. The louder the crystal’s sound, the more significant the message that had arrived.

Shit, it was even purple. This meant it was related to the imperial family.

Wow.

And sleep fled as soon as I saw the message that arrived on the crystal.

By Enen’s grace and the Great Emperor’s blessing, a noble heir has been born to the Imperial House. Let all those who serve the Empire rejoice in the birth of the legitimate descendant of Livnoman.

It was the first child born between the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.

The ultimate legitimacy that would end the only weakness of the current imperial family had been born.