“Is the madam alright?”

If she had considered a contract marriage, it means she also had no intention of continuing this marriage. This unexpected pregnancy might be burdensome for her too.

“Well, living together might have grown on her.”

Despite occasional arguments, they seemed to get along quite well. Moreover, with Blair’s relationship with the royal family completely strained by this incident, it might be for the better for her.

Even in the royal family and in Delmark, if an heir were to be born in such an unfavorable position, even the influential elders couldn’t force her out, especially since she was carrying a child from Delmark.

After finishing his thoughts, Ruth hesitated for a moment and cautiously offered his congratulations.

“I congratulate you on becoming a father, Your Highness.”

Father.

He had only thought about creating an excuse to keep Blair close, never once considering the child.

The unfamiliar word made him feel strange.

Simultaneously, Blair also felt a fresh realization of becoming the child’s mother.

Having momentarily lost in thought, Haldin noticed something in the landscape outside and commanded Ruth.

“Stop the carriage.”

Meeting Haldin as he returned to the mansion, Mason, who had come out to greet him, hesitated upon seeing him disembark from the carriage.

He was holding a bouquet of flowers.

Though the sight was unfamiliar, Mason, recalling Blair’s pregnancy news, understood why he had suddenly bought flowers.

Haldin, as usual, inquired about Blair’s well-being.

“Is the mistress…”

“It seems she’s in the bedroom.”

“Anything else?”

“The maids seem to have congratulated her in their own ways. Madam seemed to like it as well.”

Mason, who followed behind Haldin, added as an afterthought, as if suddenly remembering something.

“Oh, and Madam requested Lady Sionelle to be summoned.”

It seemed she wanted to prepare clothes in advance as it might be uncomfortable when her belly starts to show. Haldin casually brushed it off and went straight to Blair’s room.

As he approached, Mason, who was hesitating, added, “Ah, and Madam also asked for any medicine good for pregnant women.”

Once the belly started to show, clothes that fit comfortably would be appropriate, and it seemed like they were preparing in advance.

Haldin took it lightly and went straight to Blair’s room.
While contemplating these thoughts, Haldin’s hands caressing Blair’s belly, her closed eyes suddenly opened. As Blair, still in a daze, focused her pupils on Haldin, a gaze filled with hatred towards him surged in her eyes.

However, she didn’t avert her eyes when their gazes met. Instead, she merely pushed down the hand resting on her belly.

To show such a face to you in this situation, would it be insane?

Without deep consideration, Haldin followed his desires and kissed her lips. There was no reputation left to be tarnished further, so there was nothing to hold back.

“Mmm…”

Haldin firmly held Blair’s waist, who was trying to move away, and grabbed the back of her neck to prevent her from avoiding his lips.

Even if Blair struggled, he didn’t flinch. On the contrary, he persistently deepened the kiss.

However, when Blair’s resistance didn’t stop, Haldin finally let go of her lips and, while still caressing her belly, asked, “The baby might feel it if the mother is in pain.”

“…”

“Is it still okay?”

Blair, who had been glaring at him and pushing away his hand, stopped the gesture. Somehow, the warmth felt from that touch seemed eerie.

This man is crazy.

She knew that whatever she said now wouldn’t get through to him.

She was tired of fighting with such an opponent, consuming emotions. Above all, because he was someone she would part with soon.

Blair sighed, lowered her eyes, and said, “We can’t have a relationship.”

“I understand.”

It was the advice given by the doctor who diagnosed her pregnancy yesterday. They should avoid intimate relations during the early stages of pregnancy.

Even if he were a man blind with lust, he was aware of how precious the child in her belly was in this situation.

This lovely woman was the shackle to keep her by his side, the link that would connect them in the end.

Our precious child.

Even if she pushed him away and showed anger for now, eventually, she would resign and accept him as the child’s dad and husband.

As much as she loved the child in her belly.

It just needed time.

Until then, he could wait while embracing her until she got used to his warmth.

“I won’t go inside.”

Whispering to soothe Blair, Haldin moved up and kissed her while trapping her between his arms.

Blair didn’t respond to his kiss as before, but she didn’t avoid it either. She just stayed still.

The more Haldin grew impatient, the more he delved into her. At the same time, his hand that was caressing Blair’s belly lifted her skirt. And he touched the gentle curves of her body.

Following that touch, Blair’s body trembled, and she let out a faint moan.

“Hmm…”