“Still no appetite?”

Casus asked Artia.

“No. Nothing really appeals to me. It’s just fascinating…”

Artia, who hadn’t experienced such intimacy even in her past life, shared various physical affections with Casus.

From holding hands to kissing and sharing love, it was only natural that they embraced the idea of having a child.

Even though the timing seemed sooner than expected, the arrival of the child was a blessing.

While gently caressing her belly, Casus placed his hand on top of Artia’s.

His large hand enveloped her small hand.

Artia felt a sense of calm when his warm touch reached her.

It was a comforting touch that made her forget the worries about the baby’s well-being.

Closing her eyes, Artia felt Casus taking her lips into a kiss.

A soft and sweet exchange of kisses.

The fact that they were having a child made it even more romantic.

Casus embraced her with his strong arms.

Although his touch had become somewhat gentler, his love for her remained unchanged.

It was a lazy afternoon.

Perhaps realizing that she was pregnant, Artia continued to fall asleep even when she tried to rest.

Turning her head, she couldn’t see Casus.

‘Where did he go?’

Artia stretched, looking at the sunset shining through the window.

“Sigh, I’m sleepy even after sleeping.”

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Artia had a decision to make.

Whether to stay in the warm south or go to the north.

The palace wasn’t uncomfortable, but Artia wanted to give birth in the north if she had a child.

‘It’s been a long time since I saw Father… I wonder if he’s well.’

She was curious about her father’s reaction when he heard the news of her pregnancy.

‘He’ll be happy, right?’

Just imagining his delighted face already made her feel good.

‘But… what about the gym?’

Artia pondered how to manage the gym.

Despite recent expansions, the space still felt insufficient.

So Artia was considering asking the Crown Prince for another expansion.

‘I might leave for a while to the north.’

Staying in the palace indefinitely wasn’t an option.

However, she couldn’t leave without handling her responsibilities and leaving the gym in disarray.

‘Kesha and Hari are doing well now…’

Due to Casus sticking by Artia’s side every day, Kesha and Hari couldn’t perform their duties as handmaidens properly.

Therefore, they taught aristocrats who seemed to have potential in the gym rather than doing menial tasks for Artia.

So, within the gym, there was no shortage of hands.
“Will it be okay without me?”

Because Artia had established a somewhat systematic structure, it seemed that there wouldn’t be significant issues even if she left. Artia had already passed on her knowledge to Kesha, who, in turn, taught Hari, and they expanded their activities by instructing others on exercise methods.

While she had fulfilled her dream of establishing a gym, Artia felt that if the opportunity arose, she wanted to create an even larger gym solely through her efforts. Furthermore, she had to carry out her determination to make her father the oldest nobleman at the Duke’s residence.

‘Ah, I should go to the north and check on Father.’

Artia worried that Hydeger’s body might have deteriorated during the time she hadn’t seen him. She couldn’t tolerate anything tarnishing his dazzling and enchanting physique. Artia cherished Hydeger’s body as much as her own.

Lost in thought, Artia stood up, as if she had made a decision.

Artia sought out Owen’s office.

Although she knew that Casus would return shortly, it seemed better to speak quickly. Artia also judged that it was more appropriate to go and talk in person rather than having someone else relay the message.

Looking at Artia, who was wearing clothes a size larger than her usual, Owen raised his eyebrows.

“I was out at the port until a little while ago. The timing is good.”

“Is that so?”

Observing Artia, who had transformed into a robust physique, Owen swept his hair back and pondered.

‘How did she grow her body like that?’

No matter how she looked, Artia’s body didn’t seem to match her delicate face. It felt like water and oil were separate.

“The Duke didn’t come with you?”

“No. When I woke up, he wasn’t there. If he had been, he probably would have come with me.”

“I see.”

Owen had rarely had a proper conversation with her, mainly because Casus always interrupted when he tried to talk to her. Aside from official matters, they exchanged only a few words of trivial conversation.

Before asking what brought her there, Owen, unable to endure any longer, inquired about her state, which changed every day.

“I’ve heard rumors about the gym you run, reaching even my ears. People are talking a lot.”

“Really? What kind of rumors?”

“There’s a rumor that going to the gym cures all worries. They say you know everything about the human body and can fulfill any request just by touching it.”

“Oh, my. The rumors sound lovely. I just examined the body; it’s receiving the treatment fit for a creator.”

Artia proudly raised her eyebrows as if boasting.