Every place touched by the gaze shimmered with gold and silver treasures.

“Wow.”

Wondering if this was reality, I lifted handfuls of gold coins.

Chrrrrrrr…

They felt solid but light. The sensation of gold falling between my fingers was vivid.

As I played with the treasure for a while, I felt a bit strange.

“But where is this? Why am I here?”

Muttering to myself, I gasped and held my breath.

It was right in front of me, so why didn’t I notice it?

There were two large gems, whether diamonds or sapphires, I couldn’t tell.

Radiant shades of purple and blue.

They were so beautiful that my heart fluttered wildly. It was almost dizzying.

“Oh my goodness!”

I quickly grabbed the gems. They were so large that both my arms were full. I was overjoyed.

Suddenly, I started worrying if someone would snatch them away.

“These are mine. I won’t give them to anyone.”

I focused my eyes, vigilant of my surroundings. I couldn’t let go of these gems, no matter what.

“…….”

When I opened my eyes again, I saw the pretty ceiling of my bedroom.

My hands were clutching the blanket instead of the gems.

“It was really beautiful gems…”

Even now, they sparkled in my eyes. Feeling disappointed that it was a dream, I rolled my eyes for a moment.

Then, I suddenly thought it might be a premonition.

‘Maybe nature is a bit late…’

At the same time, I realized that I hadn’t properly researched the contraceptive methods in this world.

I had avoided asking directly, feeling embarrassed, and had calculated my cycles as a way of avoiding it. But now, it might be better to look into it in detail.

Actually, I wanted to ask a maid. However, considering the anticipated risks of this journey, I didn’t bring any maids.

After a moment of hesitation, I remembered the age of a maid who happened to be outside and had few words.

“With her age, she probably won’t be embarrassed about matters between men and women.”

I quickly put on my gown and opened the door.

“Did you sleep well, Ellen?”

The voice that greeted me was not exactly scary but far from welcoming.

Beside the maid I intended to converse with was Alexander.

“What brings you here at this hour?”

“Why not? I came to see you because I missed you.”

Alexander showed a pocket watch and lifted one corner of his mouth.

“And now it’s close to lunchtime. I thought you’d be busy preparing for the investiture ceremony.”

His gaze during the conversation fell on my gown.

“I was wondering if you’d wear a uniform or a dress. Shall we have a drink while we’re at it?”

I frowned, examining my gown.

“As you can see, I overslept, so there’s no time for a drink.”

I grabbed the maid’s hand, pulling her into the bedroom.

“Talk to me after the investiture ceremony. And you, talk to me.”

Alexander readily nodded and took a step back.

Before confirming that he was leaving, I closed the door. Then, I asked the maid.

“Hey, is there a contraceptive method?”

“Contraception?
I whispered into the ears, seeing the expression of complete confusion.

“What? Avoiding pregnancy? Why would you think of that?”

The shocked maid rolled her eyes left and right, suddenly making a loud noise.

“No way, are you pregnant?”

Surprised, I quickly covered the maid’s mouth.

“No, I don’t know yet! Stop talking nonsense and answer my question.”

The maid immediately frowned openly.

“There is no such method.”

“What?”

“Childbirth should be granted by God. Pregnancy is not something that can be controlled by human will.”

“Well, that’s true, but if you don’t care about contraception…”

I talked about the contraception methods I knew. However, the maid spoke too firmly, making me doubt myself.

After hearing the story, the maid looked even more pitiful.

“Madam’s words sound like a fairy tale. If that were the case, every household would be overflowing with children by now.”

“…….”

“If you doubt my words, ask how many children are in each household.”

The maid spoke with great certainty. I hesitated and asked again.

“Then why is there a natural law every month?”

“Of course, it means that women can conceive. But trying to artificially prevent the blessing of God is terrible.”

Cutting off my words halfway, the maid even stuck out her tongue.

“I’ve heard of the lady’s notoriety, but I didn’t know it was to this extent.”

“…….”

“Let’s pretend I didn’t hear that. I will prepare for the meal and the investiture ceremony.”

The maid, looking at me with eyes that seemed to see the world’s greatest villain, opened the door without hesitation and left.

Afterwards, other maids came in, bringing meals and helping me get dressed for the investiture ceremony.

I tied my hair neatly, and they put on a red mermaid-line dress.

However, the mature maid didn’t come until the end.

When I asked, she said someone urgently came, and she had a busy task.

“…….”

Thinking it might be a lie, I slyly turned back and asked again.

It seemed like she was indeed having a conversation with someone. However, she didn’t tell me who.