When Edit first heard that Balter had gone out, she was convinced that he must have gone to the Lexion Duchy.

“He said he’s going to see the house where the lady is staying, so don’t worry too much. You know he’s a strong man.”

“We know Balter is strong. But…”

As Lady Edit showed an ambiguous response, Reinhardt added gentle advice.

“May I share what I said with the lady?”

“Sure.”

“You don’t have to bear all the decisions and responsibilities alone. Balter, that guy, would be pleased if you relied on him, as long as the lady has expectations. Even if he suddenly tells you to take all the responsibility, you know he’s the kind of guy who would be glad to do it.”

“… Well, even if the lady doesn’t expect it, he’ll manage on his own.”

Instead of forcing her to respond, Reinhardt gave her time to make a decision.

Even if there was no evidence that the Duke and Balter shared the same bloodline, it was apparent. The overwhelming gaze, the imposing presence, a strength mixed with arrogance—they were eerily similar. Moreover, there was no need to worry about the Lexion family tormenting Balter and the child. Regardless of what society said, it was evident that the Duke cherished his family.

Edit envisioned Balter negotiating with the Duke, thinking that she could now easily imagine him. Dignified, strong, a trustworthy man who protected her. She no longer needed to worry and be anxious alone.

‘For now, as long as it’s just the weight of the child…’

Having sorted out her thoughts, she said to Reinhardt, “Reinhardt, prepare the carriage, and accompany me as my escort.”

Thus, Edit, who had arrived at the Lexion Duchy, was promptly guided to where Balter was.

“Before, you didn’t even know that I existed, and suddenly you threatened my woman with magic.”

‘Looks like Balter checked the bloodline during that time.’

Seeing Balter, who was saying such things while clenching his fist, she thought it was a good idea to come here.

His back and shoulders were broad enough to bear the weight of one more child, and it was enough to lean on. So, she decided to temporarily set aside the idea of being a burden and rely on Balter.

“I have a child. This person’s child.”

“…!”

With her declaration that she had Balter’s child, people’s attention shifted to her belly.
The members of the Lexion Duchy, including Balter, were surprised by her statement. Balter had thought that Edit, who viewed the duchy with disdain, would keep the pregnancy a secret for quite a long time.

Edit Lowell was a person who wouldn’t move without certainty, and her emotions rarely took precedence.

Nevertheless, he intended to let things roll according to the lady’s taste. As long as he stayed by her side, he could do anything.

‘But Edit comes here herself and reveals that she’s pregnant.’

Moreover, she said it was his child.

Even though he already knew his name was Izhak, when those words came out of her mouth, his heart pricked.

It wasn’t only Balter who was moved by emotion.

“Nice to meet you, Lady Portrion.”

“When you’re pregnant, it’s good to be comfortable.”

“Bane. Bring a sofa and warm water.”

As three women walked out from the blind spot, Edit widened her eyes.

All three were individuals shown in a portrait that Grei lady presented as people to be courteous to when meeting them. ‘Lady Leah’s younger sisters.’

Edit belatedly showed courtesy to them. Although it was undoubtedly rude for them to approach her suddenly, they sat her down, draped a shawl over her shoulders.

Seeing their scrutinizing looks without any sign of emotional disturbance, Edit recalled what Lady Leah had said.

“My sisters? I made them ladies with great difficulty. Now they’re all married.”

“Ladies?”

“Yeah. It means they know how to behave properly. But in front of the family, they’re always lovely troublemakers.”

“Thank you, ladies.”

As Edit smiled and greeted them, the three ladies responded with warm smiles. Even though they had slightly different thoughts inside.

‘We shouldn’t ruin the first impression even though Father and Bane already did.’

‘No matter how much she dislikes Portrion, it’s not right to do anything to such a cute lady.’

‘Sister Leah specifically asked to cherish this child.’

Quick-witted as expected of Lexion ladies, they discreetly stood behind Edit. Strengthened, Edit could muster the courage to speak to the duke.

“Please add a clause that helps safely deliver and raise the child in response to the conditions Balter proposes, Your Grace.”

Balter stared at her profile as if entranced. The fact that Edit, who wouldn’t hesitate to assert herself, spoke with unshakable conviction meant one thing.

Edit found something else to believe in.

And the moment their eyes met, Balter realized.

This woman now believed in herself.

“Is it okay, Balter, even if I do that?”

She was asking if he could rely on the sense of responsibility that would manifest due to his lineage, magic, and skills, in case something went wrong.