Liz took care to eat good food and consistently engaged in light exercise. She found time to read books that brought peace to her mind and even summoned musicians to play soothing music. Pouring her heart into prenatal education, she compensated for the aspects she had neglected during Cain’s time. Of course, she did all of these things secretly. Liz wanted to keep it a secret from Herseis for as long as possible.

Recently, there had been a growing trend among nobles of using herbal remedies that could erase the signs of an unwanted child born out of wedlock without any pain. “I don’t need a second one. Cain is enough.” Liz, who cherished Cain so much, didn’t know if she would suggest that method if she knew about Liz’s pregnancy. There was a high probability that she wouldn’t, but since Liz had a history of saying she didn’t want a second child, she wasn’t sure.

Liz endured until the option of not giving birth to the child disappeared completely. She wanted to reveal it when that happened. If it came to that point, she would reluctantly accept the child. However, there was one person she couldn’t keep the truth from.

“Is this temperature okay?”

“Perfect.”

While enjoying a footbath brought by Rosa, who quietly observed her, Liz replied with her eyes closed.

“Now, shouldn’t Your Majesty reveal it?”

Although she rarely voiced her opinions, it seemed that Rosa considered it appropriate to speak up this time. Liz answered with her eyes closed.

“After a while.”

“…Understood.”

Rosa didn’t insist a second time. She seemed to be inclined to suggest that Liz should tell the Emperor, but she chose to return quietly to her place.

After Rosa left, Liz opened her eyes. The sensation of warm water embracing her feet pushed warmth into her swollen veins.

“How much time is left now?”

Liz raised her fingers to count. My goodness. There was still a month left before entering the mid-term. Her belly was gradually getting bigger. The rounded belly that had started to bulge under her hand did not sag despite gravity.

The pace of change was rapid.

If it continued like this, it would be impossible not to be noticed by Herseis. Every night, he would gently stroke Liz’s whole body, comforting her and offering solace to Cain.

Just a few days ago, he had noticed that her breasts had grown a bit.

“Are you gradually recovering your old body?”

If he found out that it wasn’t recovery but rather that she was preparing to breastfeed another baby, what kind of reaction would he have?

Liz couldn’t know.

It seemed that a solution would be needed.

A few days later, Mirabel brought news that seemed like a refreshing rain in a drought.

“We’re thinking of moving our business to Drefold Resort.”

Mirabel spoke to Arias during a visit to the imperial palace.

“It seems like they need us more there. It’s a city that has just started to develop, so transportation is likely insufficient, and the freight costs will be high. We can be of help to them.”
“That place seems to need us more. Since it’s a city that has just started developing, transportation is probably lacking, and as a result, the transportation fees are likely to be high. We can be of help to them.”

“Good idea.”

Liz watched Cain and Ares playing pretend with satisfaction and said, “Children indeed grow up quickly. In the meantime, the grown-up Cain and Ares seem to recognize each other as the opposite gender, accurately distinguishing the roles of mother and father.”

“Excellent idea. Let’s do that.”

“Wouldn’t Your Majesty, the Empress, like to come along as well?”

“Me?”

To the unexpected suggestion, Liz’s eyes widened.

“Your Majesty, you seem tired lately. Since important events have just ended, it would be good for Your Highness and the Crown Prince to take a short break and return. The resort has rivers spreading through the city and spacious parks and greenery. It seems like it would be enough for Your Highness to enjoy.”

It was a charming proposal. It was good for Cain, but above all, it was best for Liz herself.

Staying there for about a month and returning would leave her considerably fulfilled, and if that happened, whether she liked it or not, she would have to accept the second child.

“I’ll consider it.”

Liz said.

But her heart was almost inclined towards going.

⭐⭐⭐

Herseis looked as expectedly displeased.

“Going for a whole month?”

“It’s the vacation period anyway. Important events have ended, and the social season is on a break, so the banquet is already over. I’ll take a short break and come back. It will be a good experience for Cain too.”

“…”

Leaving him behind was somewhat regrettable, but it couldn’t be helped.

“Rest for just two weeks. No more than that.”

“Okay.”

Of course, she had no intention of staying only for two weeks. Liz planned to extend the period by any means necessary. And with her bulging belly, when she returned, whether she liked it or not, she would have to accept the second child.

“I’ll think about it.”

Liz said.

But she was almost inclined in the direction of going.

⭐⭐⭐

Departure day arrived.