Creating a secret and laying smoke for the child might be considered something for the child, but she also wanted to do something affectionate and lovely.

“Shall I buy a book to read to the child?”

As if he could read her mind, Balter spoke.

“I hope you buy me a book.”

“Sure. Choose as many as you want.”
However, Balter stayed close to Edith and only looked at books for prenatal education. The adorable books were too cute to fit into his hands, which were well-defined with visible muscles.

“Is he choosing children’s books?”

Balter, claiming that he likes such books, shamelessly nodded his head and even asked Edith for recommendations.

She smiled, recalling the fairy tales she read in her mother and father’s arms during her childhood.

“Oh, this one is interesting. The protagonist is a cat adopted into a wolf family.”

“It won’t end with the cat becoming a wolf snack, will it?”

“It’s adorable and cute. Give it a read.”

Edith selected a few more fairy tale books that she enjoyed during her childhood.

However, she couldn’t hide her uneasy feelings, suspecting that someone who might interfere with the child might choose books suitable for children.

“Balter, how about getting a few books for adults?”

Upon hearing the phrase ‘books for adults,’ Balter headed straight to a bookshelf that he had been eyeing.

A while later, he brought several books explaining how couples could enjoy their nights with rich illustrations.

“I thought you had some innate talent, so I was thinking of honing it a bit.”

Even though the intention wasn’t to bring books of this nature, it should have been clearly ridiculous. However, as he sneakily met her eyes, mischievous thoughts invaded his mind.

“If Balter studies this kind of theory… It doesn’t seem like it would be a loss for me.”

Unexpectedly, his slightly sweaty face came to mind, and it became unexpectedly warm.

‘Probably because it’s early in the pregnancy.’

Edith, slightly avoiding responsibility, generously bought all the books Balter chose.

After finishing the enjoyable exploration of the marketplace, the two headed back to the Portrian mansion before it got too late for dinner.

However, the mansion was too noisy for them, especially Helen.

“Why are we…?”

She seemed at a loss for words and then noticed Balter and Edith returning to the mansion.

“Both of you, come and see this. Lexion sent us an invitation to a ball that will take place in a few days.”

Looking at the crest on the invitation sealed by Duke Lexion, Edith froze as if cold water had been poured on her back.

Balter checked the contents of the invitation on her behalf. It was a bit unusual that both Helen Portrian, the lady of the Portrian mansion, and Edith Portrian, the former lady, were mentioned.

What bothered them more was the way the invitation was delivered.

“Lexion is directly sending someone to invite us. It’s a bit strange without any contact.”

During Lady Grey’s etiquette lessons, Helen and Edith had heard brief explanations about Lexion’s gatherings.
“Lexion’s pride, his three daughters, have sent an invitation. Although they have now become prestigious mistresses of respected families, they always personally take care of Lexion’s year-end gatherings. While the festivities take place in the Lexion Duchy, the Duke delegates all responsibilities to his daughters.”

Lady Grey wondered why the Duke held a year-end party every year without even a hint of expression on his face.

“But the person who came to the mansion is said to be the Duke’s right-hand man, Vane……. Even though it’s after the Emperor’s party, it’s unclear what the purpose of this invitation is.”

However, the curiosity was only about the purpose of the invitation. To Helen, the invitation to Lexion’s party was like golden opportunity falling from the sky.

“You must attend and make a good impression. It’s even better if you can connect with prestigious families.”

Helen turned her gaze toward Balter and Edith as if asking about their intention to attend. Edith, looking directly at her name on the invitation, made up her mind.

‘Lexion even included my name in the invitation delivered by a prestigious family. It would be more suspicious if I don’t go.’

Moreover, Lexion’s party was not attended by just one or two people. With a large number of attendees, there would undoubtedly be substantial security.

Rather than staying hidden in the mansion, it was much safer to respond to the invitation, considering the circumstances.

‘Winter has just begun, and people will be wearing thick clothes, so there shouldn’t be any worries about revealing the pregnancy.’

No matter how much she thought about it, responding to the invitation seemed wiser than remaining hidden in the mansion. Edith nodded in agreement with her decision.

Confirming Edith’s decision, Balter expressed his satisfaction, saying he would accompany her.

It seemed like the opportunity to make use of the captured assassins had arrived sooner than expected.