Yerpi Deilang went near the window and took a deep breath. Seeing the bright, pleasant scenery, the twisting in her stomach eased slightly. Only now could she breathe comfortably.
‘Strangely, my mood feels bad.’
Could it be because she was merely an ordinary human?
Unlike the dragon-blooded whose consciousness dimly faded, her insides only twisted further.
Merca did was human too, but perhaps as a mage, he protected himself with magic power.
Just as she thought about asking Raymond Growen about the phenomenon she was experiencing, he approached her first.
“I’m planning to be away from the castle for about two months.”
“Two whole months?”
Surprised by the unexpected news, Yerpi Deilang repeated in disbelief. Could there be another problem besides the Forest of Discovery? If so, would it be okay not to maintain the empathic connection?
Seeing the complex thoughts in her mind, Raymond Growen continued speaking.
“I’ll begin detailed inspections around this time. This year, it’s the summer territory.”
The detailed inspection was a regular patrol where one season was selected, and the lord of the land would conduct an audit alongside checking overall conditions of the territory.
“I see. I’ve heard the spirits in the summer territory are fierce.”
“Subduing them is also my duty. But this inspection isn’t only about the spirits.”
To her worried inquiry, he revealed the main purpose.
“The lord must prepare to welcome the Archduke. At the summer festival, you’ll be able to meet other nobles from Growen. So, won’t you come to the summer territory?”
This was an invitation to come along.
The territory under regular inspection would host grand celebrations not only at the lord’s castle but also throughout the villages of commoners.
It was said to express reverence and gratitude toward the Archduke, who inherited the blood of the dragon that created the land of Growen and protected it with immense magic.
This was a unique culture exclusive to Growen.
Surprised by the unexpected invitation, Yerpi Deilang asked back.
“Can I really go?”
“The petal of dragon blood is also a special being. There’s even a saying that one who calms and tames the raging dragon is the true king.”
She hadn’t known such a saying existed. But what followed convinced Yerpi Deilang further.
“And if not my lady, then who else would accompany me?”
“I’ll go. I’m curious about the summer territory too.”
She had only obtained the spring seal so far, and many other seals remained.
‘It’s a good opportunity.’
She didn’t know yet how she would obtain them this time, but confronting things directly would be faster. Besides such goals, she was genuinely curious about the summer territory.
“The summer territory is tricky. Your maid can probably tell you about it.”
At his words, Yerpi Deilang recalled one of her maids.
‘Erka was here.’
Erka Core.
She was the fourth daughter of Lord Debora Core, who governed the summer territory. Having heard in advance about the Archduke taking a bride, she had come to the castle a year ago and started working as a servant.
The seasonal territories connected to the Growen castle were linked through noble families centered around the local lords. It was a prime opportunity to gather information.
While she was organizing her thoughts, Raymond Growen was speaking with an aide who had come to see him.
From what she heard, they were discussing preparations to depart for the summer territory.
“I should head back now.”
Since she had made progress regarding Dante, it was time to return. Before turning away, Yerpi Deilang expressed her gratitude.
“Raymond. Thank you. For inviting me to come along.”
Yerpi Deilang conveyed her thanks with a smile and took a step forward.
She had already received the answer. The brief moment his eyes flickered was proof enough.
Yerpi Deilang walked toward the Archduchess’s private chamber, carrying Dante in her arms. In the attached parlor, maids were busy knitting.
One might wonder what need there was for knitting supplies in a castle warm like spring every day, but nights could get quite chilly.
Lightly woven shawls or scarves were popular, and recently, maids competed over whose patterns looked more stylish.
Pepe was the first to notice Yerpi Deilang.
“Your Highness, you’ve come?”
“Yes. Is Erka here?”
After Pepe’s greeting, as Yerpi Deilang looked for Erka, a redhead peeked out from behind Marian.
“Yes. Erka Core is here! Do you have something to entrust me with?”
Erka was a bright and cheerful maid with bright red hair and well-tanned skin.
Though she had come here aiming to become the Archduchess’s personal maid, her unique personality allowed her to easily blend in with the other maids and quickly become part of the group.
“This year, the summer territory has been selected for the lord’s inspection, right?”
“Oh, yes! This morning, I received a letter from my mother! She asked if Your Highness would be coming too.”
Thinking of her family left behind, Erka smiled brightly.
“Yes. I’m going this time too. The lord said I should hear from you in advance about the summer territory.”
“Oh, what an honor! By the way, Your Highness has only been to the spring territory, right?”
“That’s right.”
“I’ll explain everything properly!”
Erka put down her knitting and smiled cheerfully. According to the maid’s explanation, the summer territory was like this:
Blazing, scorching sun. Vast deserts and red mountain ranges. Oases, the only shelters of life.
Spirits living in this land of fire and sand were mostly known for their fierce temperaments.
Life there was so perilous that everyone—women and children included—knew how to wield weapons.
“So, Erka, can you fight too?”
“Of course! Whether noble or commoner, everyone must know how to protect themselves!”
Erka tapped her left chest proudly with her fist.
“That’s truly impressive.”
“Then how about me as your attendant this time? I’ll guide you well.”
She confidently recommended herself without hesitation. Yerpi Deilang smiled at Erka’s boldness and glanced at the other maids.
“That’s settled. Does anyone have objections?”
“Not at all.”
The other maids, except Erka, spoke in unison.
Pepe had gone with the investigation team before, while the maids from autumn and winter territories disliked the heat.
“So I’m definitely the best choice?”
Erka laughed heartily, unanimously chosen to accompany them to the summer territory. Everyone was in a warm, friendly mood—except for Dante in Yerpi Deilang’s arms.
“Dante, are you sleeping?”
She called softly, and seeing him squirm slightly, he seemed awake. But Dante still didn’t respond.
‘Why is he acting like this? Could he be unwell?’
Her anxiety grew. Shaking Dante gently to wake him, the young dragon’s head suddenly popped up.
“Dante?”
[I want to go too! Why did you ask Erka but nobody asked me?!]His sulky face, indignant at being overlooked, was so unbearably cute that the maids hurried to cover their mouths. Yet despite his adorable appearance, he was genuinely upset.
Raymond Growen hadn’t invited him either, and now even Yerpi Deilang had done the same—his feelings were thoroughly hurt.
“Sorry. I thought you didn’t like leaving the castle.”
Until recently, Dante had disliked being seen by people and avoided unfamiliar places.
She had intentionally not invited him… but now that he wanted to come, it seemed his symptoms had improved significantly.
“I’ll ask the lord for permission.”
[Really?]Dante immediately perked up, as if waiting for those words. His expression made her laugh.
“Yes. Really. But even if I get permission, you must be careful. The summer territory has many violent spirits.”
[I’m dragon-blooded too, so I can defeat them!]Dante clenched both fists confidently. She found him so adorable she reached to stroke his head, but the maids beat her to it.
“Really? Our young master is so, so cool!”
[Uh-oh, let go!]Struggling to escape Erka’s barrage of kisses, Dante was soon caught by another maid who made him present his face.
“So cute!”
[Yerpi, help… waaah!]Yerpi Deilang smiled contentedly watching Dante surrounded by the maids.
‘Maybe Dante’s fear of people improved thanks to the maids?’
Even though he protested, the way his tail kept wagging nonstop was an adorable giveaway.
Just as she was watching Dante, she felt a gaze from somewhere. Turning her head, she saw the parlor door slightly ajar. There stood the castle steward, his head full of white hair.
With a brief, silent bow, Yerpi Deilang rose from her seat. As the steward seemed to wish to speak privately, she stepped into the corridor, where he expressed his gratitude.
The Villainous Demon Lord Laid an Egg for Her (Female-Dominated)
Several months after transmigrating into a book, Yu Wu found herself facing the demon lord Li You, who could no longer conceal his dragon horns. With one hand on her aching waist and the other gripping a sharp sword, she stared at him.
The demon lord’s eyes were red with fury:
“This is all your doing! Today, I won’t rest until I kill you!”
Yu Wu rubbed her temples. Putting aside the taboo against bloodshed during pregnancy, wasn’t it this very man who willingly walked into her trap that day?!
Warnings:
- Male pregnancy.
- Height ratios are set to mirror typical male-female height proportions.
- Characters include a foot-loving demon lord and an eldest daughter from an immortal family’s concubine lineage.
