“So the prince set out to rescue the princess…”

Relaxing in a comfortable chair, Liz enjoyed a peaceful afternoon with the sound of someone reading a popular book as background music. Every day was peaceful. There were no numerous casualties from war, and no people sacrificed due to fire.

People of Codel 12 settled in a distant territory under the leadership of the royal family. The lord, who had difficulty with a shortage of labor on the vast land, gladly accepted them and provided them with land and housing. So, they worked there, received compensation for their work, and lived like ordinary people.

It not only improved their quality of life but also brought another advantage. Opening the windows of the long-closed room allowed fresh air to rush in, as if it were natural.

Through interactions with others, they began to consider forming family relationships with people other than their kin. Adrian Esmond received a sentence of exile, and his younger brother took on the role of managing the family.

After his brother left for exile, the younger brother immediately pledged loyalty to Hersis, dedicating the family’s sword to him. He then revealed that it was due to his brother’s request, seeking leniency.

The emperor accepted the plea and sent him to a place better than a deserted island. Liz didn’t think highly of herself as if she had achieved all of this. Instead, she thought she hadn’t done anything and was just lucky.

But even so, there was no reason not to be happy.

They prevented a tragedy.

“Finally, the prince and the princess lived happily ever after.”

The person reading the book finished.

“Shall I read another book?”

“It’s okay. You can stop now.”

At Liz’s words, the reader lifted their knees from the floor. The center of the cushion was slightly depressed. After the reader left, Liz, who was left alone, closed her eyes and gently stroked her belly.

The belly was round and swollen as if there were twins inside. Now, she could clearly feel that childbirth was imminent.

“Just wait a little.”

Liz called out the name of the child.

“Cain.”

It was quite remarkable to think that she would be calling the name that she thought she would never call again throughout her life.

“Well, I did wish for that.”

Back when Hersis was Cain, Liz had thought about how nice it would be to call his lovely name in a different relationship than master and servant. And now, it happened like this.

Life is quite strange.

Wishes often come true in completely different ways.

“Your Majesty.”

Rosa’s voice suddenly came in, and Liz opened her eyes.

“What’s the matter?”

“Marquis Valdemion requests an audience.”

“Ishar? Ah…”

Liz’s eyes, which had briefly widened, returned to almond shape.

“Do I have to do that again?”
He had undoubtedly come to keep that promise.

“Come inside.”

After Liz spoke to Rosa, she stood up. While moving slowly toward the living room table, supported by her waist, Ishar entered. As expected… he held a plate covered with a dome lid in his hands.

“I made it a bit spicier than before.”

Ishar said as he placed the dish on the table. Even before uncovering it, a spicy aroma wafted towards Liz.

Rosa set up the front plate and cutlery. Ishar uncovered the dish.

The spicy steam, trapped under the silver dome, dispersed in all directions, infiltrating Liz’s nose. Just by the smell, she could tell how spicy it was.

“How did you know? That I wanted it spicier?”

Liz said, swallowing the saliva accumulating in her mouth.

“Your expression was clear when I first made it. You seemed a bit disappointed.”

“Ah… I see.”

‘Guess it was noticeable.’

Even though he tried not to show it…

Ishar ladled food onto Liz’s plate.

“Please try it. I hope you find it more satisfying than last time.”

“Last time was satisfying too.”

“It’s not common to be satisfied with something that falls a bit short.”

Ishar placed the plate in front of Liz and stepped back. At that moment, Liz caught a glimpse of his thick lower lip slightly trembling inward. It was a behavior commonly seen in nervous people.

‘What’s this? Is evaluating my taste that nerve-wracking?’

For a moment, she wondered, but thinking that Ishar, who wanted to do everything perfectly, might feel that way, she accepted the situation.

As Ishar was nervous, Liz, too, approached the tasting with a judge-like attitude.

Carefully, she bit into the food.

Liz felt Ishar’s gaze persistently on her lips. It seemed like he had been staring for too long, wondering if the sauce had stuck to her lips.

Liz ran her tongue over her upper and lower lips.

Then, he turned his head. Perhaps he didn’t want to watch anymore. Liz, feeling awkward, tapped her lips with a napkin and said,

“It’s delicious. I’m really satisfied this time.”

“Really?”

Only now did Ishar’s gaze return to Liz. She nodded, honestly expressing her satisfaction.

“Yes, it’s the perfect spiciness I like.”

“Really, I’m glad… I see.”