A Barbaric Proposal Chapter 134

※After Winter Passes, Spring Arrives※

[Liene] "……Pardon?"

She tilted her head, blinking in confusion.

[Liene] "A baby? That is still a long way off."

To her, the idea of a child felt even more distant than her own coronation. However, Madam Henton clearly did not share that sentiment.

[Henton] "Seeing the way Lord Tiwakan treats you, I expected as much. But tell me, Princess, has it not been a while since your last monthly cycle?"

[Liene] "......Oh."

The words caught in her throat. Madam Flambard, who had known Liene for many years, stepped closer and gently stroked her back.

[Flambard] "Indeed. I had the same thought and discussed it with her. I believe our suspicions are likely correct."

[Liene] "No, wait... that is... I mean..."

[Flambard] "You’ve been quite occupied with the recent construction and the trip to Sharka. Is it possible you lost track of the days?"

[Liene] "I... suppose so? I haven't been keeping count of the date."

[Flambard] "Lord Tiwakan has been constantly fretting over your weight and insisting you eat well. Doesn't that make the possibility even more likely? You haven't been able to keep much down lately, have you?"

[Liene] "....."

Black had indeed mentioned her health a few nights ago. Looking back, if she had simply been ill, Madam Flambard would have been the first to fuss over her. Yet, she had remained uncharacteristically quiet until now.

[Liene] "Did you know all along?"

[Flambard] "I suspected it was because of the baby."

The Madam explained that she had waited until she was nearly certain before speaking up today.

[Flambard] "Why don't you call for a physician today? And you should inform him as well."

[Liene] "I... suppose I should?"

[Flambard] "You must."

[Henton] "Indeed."

Liene continued to shake her head, as if trying to make sense of something impossible.

[Liene] "But is it a child? I don't feel any different."

[Flambard] "That’s perfectly normal. It’s too early for you to feel anything yet."

[Liene] "But what if..."

[Flambard] "Yes, Your Highness?"

[Liene] "……What if I think it’s true, but it turns out I’m wrong?"

[Flambard] "You’ve missed your cycle for over a month. How could it be anything else?"

[Liene] "Still, one never knows."

The two madams exchanged a meaningful glance.

[Flambard] "Do you, by some chance, not wish for a child?"

[Liene] "What? No, that isn't it. Not at all... I just don't quite know how to feel."

She toyed idly with a lock of her hair.

[Liene] "Perhaps it’s because I once lied about this very thing……"

[Flambard] "What does that matter now? It isn't as if he doesn't know the reason behind that lie."

[Liene] "I know, but... it just doesn't feel real yet."

[Flambard] "Well... that is understandable. It may take time. Shall we delay calling the physician? If you wish, we will keep our lips sealed for now."

[Liene] "Yes... I would prefer that. I need to find a way to tell Lord Tiwakan myself."

[Flambard] "As you wish."

While the two madams agreed to her request, they remained decisive in all other matters.

[Flambard] "In that case, I shall go and organize the wardrobe."

[Henton] "I’ll assist you."

[Flambard] "That would be wonderful."

The two madams were set to be incredibly busy for the foreseeable future. Increasing the staff, training them, and refurbishing every corner of this vast castle meant an immense amount of work.

And if a child truly was on the way...

[Liene] "……The Madams might not have any time to sleep at all."

Until the moment the child was safely delivered, Madam Flambard likely wouldn't rest for a second.

Liene imagined that the new wardrobe being prepared would soon be filled with more baby clothes than her own.

[Liene] "Ah......"

As her thoughts drifted, the reality began to sink in, bit by bit.

[Liene] "It actually might be true."

She unconsciously brushed her hand over her stomach. The sudden realization that a life might be growing inside her brought a flash of fear.

[Liene] "What am I supposed to do now?"

She felt utterly lost. She knew absolutely nothing about raising a child.

---

The sun was beginning to set, and though some areas remained damp from the flood, the sky was clear. The sunset glowed with a particularly deep shade of crimson.

Liene visited the rear garden for the first time in a long while. Perhaps it was just her imagination, but new sprouts seemed to be emerging in the once-desolate garden.

Since winter was approaching, it would be a long time before the grounds were lush with green, but the air already felt different. Instead of the smell of dry dust, the air was filled with the scent of damp wood.

As she stood there, taking deep breaths of the cool air, she heard a voice.

[Randall] "Your Highness!"

He was running toward her from the entrance.

[Liene] "Sir Randall. What is the matter?"

He approached with a hurried stride.

[Randall] "My Lord requested that I bring you to him. Can you come now?"

[Liene] "Right now?"

Black was down by the river with Fermos, overseeing the drainage construction he hoped to finish before the year ended. Liene had thought that might be impossible, as the cold was setting in faster than the previous year.

[Randall] "Yes. He said there is something he wishes to show you."

[Liene] "I see."

This was the first time Black had made such a request.

Does he have something to tell me? Is it about the construction? I already told him I didn't mind if the deadline had to be extended.

[Liene] "Then let’s go."

[Randall] "Would you like to change your clothes? It will get cold once the sun goes down."

[Liene] "I’ll be fine like this."

She was glad she had worn a cloak to the garden. Since the sun would set soon, it was better to save time and head straight to the river.

[Liene] "Which part of the river? How long will it take?"

[Randall] "It isn't far by horseback. Perhaps thirty minutes."

[Liene] "I see."

Until that moment, she hadn't given it a second thought. But the moment she saw the saddled horse, a sudden, irrational worry gripped her.

...What if I fall?

She was a capable rider, but accidents happened. The paths by the river were often rugged and unpaved.

[Liene] "......"

The thought made her lose all desire to mount the horse.

[Randall] "Your Highness? Are you not coming?"

Randall, who was about to hand her the reins, asked in confusion.

She turned away.

[Liene] "I can't go."

[Randall] "Pardon? You can't go? What do you mean?"

[Liene] "I’m sorry, but I cannot ride a horse right now. Is a carriage not an option?"

[Randall] "The path is too rough for a carriage. Should I bring a different horse?"

[Liene] "Just tell him to come back and speak with me here. Or tell him to fetch me himself. I cannot go on my own."

[Randall] "I would be escorting you, of course."

[Liene] "Sir Randall, we cannot share a single horse."

She offered a smile, trying to convey her apologies for making him double back.

[Liene] "Please tell him that."

[Randall] "......?"

He watched her walk away, looking utterly perplexed.

[Randall] "This isn't good……"

He never expected Liene to refuse a request from Black. Randall rubbed his chin, looking uneasy.

[Randall] "She usually rides so well, yet suddenly she refuses... I wonder if they’ve quarreled."

His mind raced, but as a man with almost no experience with women, the true reason was far beyond his grasp.

---

As expected, Black became visibly distressed upon hearing the news.

[Black] "……Did I do something wrong?"

[Fermos] "Well…… I couldn't say."

[Randall] "I don't think any of us would know the answer to that."

[Black] "......"

Even asking Fermos, who was likely the most intelligent man in all of Nauk, proved useless.

[Black] "I wanted her to see this with me."

On the riverbank where the water had receded, a field of purple flowers—or rather, plants that closely resembled them—had appeared as if by magic. In the moonlight, their vibrant color made the entire bank look like a sea of blossoms.

The moon was exceptionally huge tonight. The purple field under the low-hanging moon was a sight never before seen in Nauk. The silver moonlight shattered against the lingering water droplets, making them sparkle. One could easily believe it was a place where fairies lived.

Standing in this beautiful, romantic spot, Tiwakan looked uncharacteristically grim.

[Black] "Was it a mistake to ask her to come here?"

[Fermos] "Hard to say......"

[Black] "Should I have gone to fetch her myself?"

[Fermos] "I genuinely don't know, My Lord......"

Black didn't know why Liene was angry, and Tiwakan members were worried that Black might suddenly order them to move the entire purple field into Nauk Castle to appease her.

Fermos quickly snapped off a few of the plants, which looked like round, thorny balls.

[Fermos] "Take these, My Lord. Instead of standing here, it would be faster to ask the Princess directly."

Black agreed. However, the anxiety remained.

[Black] "What if she is actually angry with me?"

[Fermos] "Then you must beg for her forgiveness."

He glowered at Fermos for a moment. Fermos flinched and hid behind Randall’s back.

[Black] "I know that."

He knew, but that didn't mean he liked the prospect. The thought of facing an angry Liene was daunting.

[Fermos] "Then go. If the Princess is truly upset, the sooner you seek her forgiveness, the better."

Fermos spoke from behind his human shield. Randall protested being dragged into the middle of it, but Fermos held his ground.

[Black] "……I’m going."

Black turned on his heel. Then he turned back and snatched the purple plants from Fermos’ hand. Without a word to his men, he departed, leaving them to their own devices.

They all stood still, watching him gallop away. No one needed to be told that this was not the time to follow him.

[Randall] "What could they possibly have to fight about? I saw no sign of trouble."

[Fermos] "How should we know? That is between the two of them."

[Randall] "Still, it’s probably his fault."

[Fermos] "Oh, undeniably."

Since they were all loyal subordinates, they silently prayed that Liene would find it in her heart to forgive him.

---

The moon was indeed magnificent. It was the kind of moon that could only be seen a few nights a year.

Liene sat leaning against the terrace railing, staring at it as if possessed. The tip of her nose was cold, but her mind was so occupied she didn't even notice.

Her heart continued to flutter.

If there is a baby. If it’s true.

What happens now?

Only moments ago, her mind had been a blank void, but now things were beginning to take shape.

If I am with child...

First, he will be overjoyed. Nauk will truly become a home for him. Perhaps he will finally cry—the tears he has held back since he was eight years old.

The Madams and Black would stay by her side until the birth. Once the child was born, everyone would shower it with affection.

The castle, which until recently had been empty and filled with cobwebs, would be warmed by the presence of a family.

[Liene] "……I’ll be so happy it will feel like a dream every day."

She rested her cheek on her knees and smiled softly.

Will it be a son or a daughter?

It doesn't matter, as long as they are healthy. They would be beautiful if they looked like him, and everyone would adore them if they looked like me.

Oh dear. I miss the little one already.

Liene, lost in her own thoughts and expressions, didn't realize until quite late that Black was standing at the terrace entrance.

[Liene] "......You startled me. Why are you just standing there? You didn't even say you had arrived."

[Black] "I was going to say something, but......."

[Liene] "But?"

[Black] "……I lost my train of thought."

[Liene] "Why?"

His eyes said it all.

Because you look as if you might float away in the moonlight. And I didn't know how to hold onto you.

[Liene] "Why are you just staring at me?"

[Black] "……It is cold."

He took off his cloak and wrapped it around her.

[Black] "It might smell of dust, but please."

She smiled warmly.

[Liene] "Sometimes, it feels as if you know everything."

He knelt on the terrace floor, tucking the cloak around her ankles.

[Liene] "What do you mean?"

[Liene] "Instead of telling me to go inside because it’s cold, you wrap me in your cloak. You always seem to know exactly what I want to do."

[Black] "I wish that were true."

He spoke with a low sigh.

[Black] "If I did, I wouldn't have spent the last half-hour feeling as though my head might burst."

[Liene] "Why? Did something happen?"

[Black] "……Seeing as you’re asking that, I take it you aren't angry with me."

[Liene] "Why would I be angry?"

[Black] "You refused to come when I sent for you, so I feared the worst. I’m glad I was wrong. …… Here."

Black pulled something from inside his doublet. It was the plants, looking somewhat withered now.

[Black] "Oh. They’ve already wilted."

He clicked his tongue and set the withered plants on the terrace floor.

[Liene] "What are those? Weren't they meant for me? Then give them to me."

He shook his head.

[Black] "They have already lost their life. Next time."

[Liene] "They don't look like flowers."

[Black] "Out there, under the moon, they looked like a field of blossoms."

[Liene] "Ah...... so that’s what you wanted to show me."

[Black] "The moon was so bright tonight. It was quite a sight."

Liene found herself momentarily speechless.

She realized, a moment too late, that she was falling for him all over again.

……He loves me as naturally as he breathes.

Her child would be happy because of that. Black would love the child just as he loved her. And their child would be happy because she, too, would pour all her love into them.

[Liene] "I have something to tell you."

[Black] "If it is something that will hurt me, please give me a moment to prepare myself."

[Liene] "It isn't that...... It’s more of a surprise."

[Black] "Hmm...... then you may proceed. I am not easily startled."

She spoke without hesitation.

[Liene] "I think a child is coming."

He nodded, his expression unchanged.

[Black] "That is good news. We should celebrate."

[Liene] "Ah...... you aren't surprised. I expected you to be happier."

[Black] "If it makes the Princess happy, then it makes me happy as well. Shall I send a gift?"

[Liene] "A gift would be nice. What will you give me?"

[Black] "What would you like? You choose."

[Liene] "Hmm…… how about a crown? A small one, made for a child's head. Perhaps the three of us should have a coronation together."

[Black] "A crown?"

He frowned slightly.

[Black] "I think that is something the child you bear should wear. Is there nothing else?"

[Liene] "But it is the child I am bearing, so isn't it fine?"

[Black] "If that is the case...... no, wait."

He waved his hand as if trying to clear his thoughts.

[Black] "Wait…… the Princess…… no. What did you say? The child......?"

[Liene] "The Madams say the child will be born once winter passes and spring comes."

[Black] "......"

He froze. He might have even stopped breathing for a moment.

[Liene] "I think it happened on our first night in Sharka."

[Black] "......"

[Liene] "Or perhaps before then. Or after."

[Black] "......"

A slow tremor began to spread through his wide-eyed gaze.

Liene reached out to touch his eyes, which were shaking as if an earthquake were happening within him.

[Liene] "You actually are surprised now, aren't you? You seem far more shocked than I expected…… ah."

Black buried his forehead against her knees, which were still wrapped in the cloak, startling her.

[Black] "……I thought my heart had stopped."

[Liene] "You really were surprised."

[Black] "Yes."

It was a long time before he finally looked up.

While she waited, she could hear the sound of a heartbeat—so loud she could hear it in her own ears.

[Black] "Tell me again. What do you want besides a crown?"

[Liene] "Hmm...... for now, that is enough."

[Black] "It doesn't feel like enough to me......."

[Liene] "We have plenty of time."

She pulled on his collar.

[Liene] "Let’s think about the rest a little bit each day. There’s no reason to rush. For now, just be happy."

Black stood up and pulled her into a crushing embrace. The sound of his heart spoke the words he could not.

[Black] "I am happy."

He likely meant that he had never been this happy in his entire life. She had never heard a heart beat with such thunderous force.

[Black] "……I didn't know it was possible to feel this much joy."

[Liene] "I feel the same."

She hugged him back. As she moved her arms, the cloak he had wrapped around her slipped off and fluttered away into the dark sky.

She didn't panic or think about retrieving it; she simply laughed. Even that small accident felt like an omen that tomorrow would be just as happy as today.

[Liene] "It’s getting a bit chilly now...... shall we go inside?"

[Black] "As you wish."

Black carefully lifted her in his arms. She nestled against him as he carried her into the bedroom.

The movement of her dangling feet, the locking of their eyes, and the kiss they couldn't help but share as they stopped in their tracks—it was all a sign.

A sign sent by the Gods to humans, or sent by humans to their own lives.

---

The main story is complete!

But don't worry, the journey continues.

Get ready for a 44-chapter side story coming your way.

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