It was by pure coincidence that Tinaria noticed this matter.
"I heard a rumor that there is a movement to gather troops in the neighboring country Jigguras, will it not have an impact here?"
"Speaking of Jigguras, that land is the native country of his Highness" mother. In other words, the current King of Jigguras must be a cousin of his Highness. There shouldn"t be something like an invasion in our country."
This day too, while she was doing the serving at Bellard"s tea party, Tinaria was listening to the conversations and gossips of the wives of high-ranking n.o.bles.
"That"s right. But, we will think of some measures to get rid of your worries. It is for Baldin"s bright future."
While Bellard said so, she unconsciously caressed her belly. Tinaria, who happened to see this, understood the origin of the little discomfort she was feeling until now. It was about Bellard"s dress. She was always wearing dresses with lots of folds that were using too many luxurious fabrics, but this one had a deceiving shape where the corset was not tied, to be loose around the stomach. Tinaria did a small sight to the answer that could be deducted from it.
If the child of Bellard were to come to term, and if that child were a boy…
… The King of Baldin and the Marquis of Conderna would think of Keithfalt as an obstacle for this child"s throne ascension.
Tinaria, whose complexion became bad, rushed in to the back garden the moment the tea party ended.
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"Keithfalt"
Tinaria found Keithfalt sitting on the arbor bench as usual and rushed over in relief. Keithfalt was frowning in suspicion since up to now there was nearly no talk from Tinaria except greetings.
"I am sorry to disturb during your break. - There is just one thing you need to know."
"What is it?"
"… Have you heard about Bellard being pregnant?"
Standing up with a clank, Keithfalt turned to Tinaria with sharp eyes and drew nearer.
"Are you sure?! Who told you that?"
"I am not sure. However, Bellard didn"t drink any alcohol at all since she returned home. She is always wearing a dress that can hide a growing belly. I merely thought about it from these two points."
"It cannot be said to be certain with that alone."
"Yes. It is good if it is only me thinking too much. Well then… Please take care."
Keithfalt came back to the office in a hurry and gave Lionel successive orders.
"Check out the doctors" recent visits in the castle. Also, the details of what was ordered from merchants"
"What happened all of the sudden?"
"Although there is no confirmation yet, there is a possibility that Bellard is pregnant."
Lionel took his breath and immediately went to investigate as instructed. Then the results pointed out that the possibility of Bellard"s pregnancy was very high. Keithfalt sighed as if he had swallowed something bitter.
"While I was quietly thinking about the outside troops, the next stage was inside, wasn"t it…"