Civil Servant in Romance Fantasy

Chapter 306: Fools who are happy just by seeing each other's faces (2)

As soon as dawn broke, I rushed to the Mage Duchess to ask for a teleport. She gave me a suspicious look when I suddenly said I was going to the capital, but she agreed right away when I explained I’d finish quickly and meet the 1st and 4th Managers. Being the eldest among the lovers, she became incredibly lenient when it came to issues involving the others. It was a good thing.

“Baby, are you sure it’s nothing serious? It’s not another probation, is it?”

“It’s nothing like that. Honestly, I couldn’t even get in trouble if I tried—there’s no reason for it.”

Instead, worry and doubt lingered in the Mage Duchess’s eyes until the moment I arrived in the capital.

It hurt a bit to be thought of as a delinquent civil servant who was always getting disciplined, but unfortunately, it wasn’t entirely wrong. Most times I had to go to the capital during my academy assignment were for disciplinary reasons, so it was understandable to think that this trip might be for the same reason.

“If it were for punishment, I’d be too embarrassed to mention it, let alone ask you for a teleport. It’s just a quick errand, so don’t worry.”

I hugged her as she continued to gaze at me with those worried, glistening eyes. Honestly, who would brag about a punishment to their significant other and request a teleportation spell for it? I would’ve just slipped away quietly if that were the case.

Besides, if I were in trouble, the Crown Prince himself would send a teleportation mage to drag me to the capital. Saying it like this makes him sound like a slave hunter, though.

“Alright, I understand. But if anything happens, make sure to tell me.”

On another note, I was glad the Mage Duchess seemed to have built up some tolerance for skinship. She used to tremble like crazy at the slightest touch.

“I’ll tell you right away, so rest at my mansion. The butler will show you around.”

No sooner had I finished speaking that I felt a familiar vibration.

This steady rhythm, it was definitely the Mage Duchess I knew.

Still not completely immune, I see.@@novelbin@@

Naturally, showing someone around the mansion implied welcoming them as its lady, so her reaction made sense. Even Marghetta mentioned how happy she’d been when the butler showed her around the mansion.

Anyway, now that I had shown both Marghetta and the Mage Duchess around, I should also give Louise and Irina a tour during the summer vacation.

***

I arrived at the Crown Prince’s palace empty-handed. Visiting to offer congratulations for a pregnancy and showing up without a gift might seem odd, but the Crown Princess’s pregnancy was still a state secret. In this situation, having the Executive Manager visit the Crown Prince’s palace with a gift would draw too much unwanted attention.

Besides, it was practically impossible to choose a gift befitting the imperial family in just a day, so it was better to go in person first and send a gift later.

But what should I send? I’d need to have exchanged such gifts before to know what was appropriate.

Why does it have to be for the Crown Princess?

It was a headache. If it were to congratulate the Crown Prince, a few bottles of liquor would be enough, but the one who was pregnant was the Crown Princess. I couldn’t care less about the Crown Prince’s opinion—I needed to pick something she would genuinely like.

Something safe like jewelry? But that was too common. And the Crown Princess probably already had any jewelry I could get. Or maybe some fine fabric for baby clothes? It was necessary, but it might be too early for that.

…Let’s think about it later.

I gave up after thinking it over a few times. It would be easier to consult with the Invincible Duke or discuss it with the butler.

Asking Marghetta for advice might be a good idea, too. Marghetta had many nieces and nephews, so she probably knew what made a good gift.

***

Lately, I have developed an unusual habit. As the Crown Princess entered her fourth month of pregnancy and her belly started to show, touching her stomach became the highlight of my day.

It was a habit I couldn’t have imagined before, but anyone who had become a father would understand. Knowing that my child was growing inside the belly of the woman I loved, it was only natural to want to look at it more often and touch it as much as possible.

“Crown Princess, your belly just moved. Did the baby kick or something?”

And sometimes, while touching her belly, it felt as though I was communicating with the baby—

“That was me moving, Your Highness.”

“Ah.”

Or maybe not. Strange, I was sure it was our baby playfully kicking to get my attention.

“What a quiet and thoughtful child.”

Still, the baby must be refraining from causing too much commotion, not wanting to trouble their mother. Such a kind and considerate little one—this must be because they take after the Crown Princess.

—Just as I was thinking this, the Crown Princess’s belly moved slightly.

“Ah, it just moved.”

The Crown Princess stroked her belly with a bright voice. This time, it seemed the child really did kick.

To play with their father’s emotions already, what a clever child. The future of the empire was truly bright.

Your future will be bright, too.

With a content heart, I stroked the Crown Princess’s belly again. Unlike my father, who came from a collateral family, and me, who was the eldest son of a concubine, this child was the legitimate heir. The shackles that my father and I inevitably bore from birth wouldn’t exist for this child. If this child succeeded me, it would be the first time in a long while that an emperor with true legitimacy would ascend to the throne.

Father must feel the same way, so he would probably lend his support to this child’s legitimacy. He might even name them Crown Grandchild before abdicating. It was a truly perfect legitimacy.

Knock knock—

As I was making a resolve to raise this child well, I heard a knock at the door.

“Your Highness, the Executive Manager is here.”

Sir Hendrick’s voice from outside the door made me glance over. It was just yesterday that the Crown Princess leaked the news of her pregnancy, and he was here already. As expected, he was quick to act.

“Very well. Tell him to come in.”

Though technically this guest was interrupting my time with the Crown Princess, he was welcome if he was here to congratulate the Crown Princess on her pregnancy. After all, happiness grew with every well-wish.

And how could I not be pleased especially when the guest coming to congratulate us was going to be a pillar supporting the empire for decades to come?

He’s only twenty-two now.

I couldn’t help but think of the Executive Manager’s age. A young man barely in his twenties… he could easily live another 60 years if he took care of his health. No, with the Mage Duchess by his side, maybe it’d be even longer.

On the other hand, I couldn’t guarantee even 40 years, let alone 60. The emperor’s duties were heavy, so I’d likely die before the Executive Manager or abdicate early. So either way, my child would succeed me as emperor, and the Executive Manager would still be active then.

A loyal subject serving three generations.

The thought brought me peace. Knowing that the Executive Manager would support my child filled me with confidence. Given his personality, he wouldn’t look down on someone younger than him, and being the Crown Princess’s child, he wouldn’t treat them coldly.

…Thinking about it, it was a bit disappointing. If only the Executive Manager could live 120 years instead of 60, I’d be truly at ease.

***

I flinched at the sight that greeted me as soon as I opened the door. The Crown Princess was sitting in a chair, and the Crown Prince was kneeling before her.

What was this? If the Crown Prince was kneeling, then did that mean I should kneel, too? No, wait. If the Crown Prince stopped at kneeling, did that mean I had to lie flat on the floor—?

“Your Highness. It will be awkward for the Executive Manager if you stay like that.”

“Oh no. I’ve shown an embarrassing sight to the Executive Manager.”

Thankfully, the Crown Prince stood up when the Crown Princess spoke gently. As expected of the Crown Princess, the only conscience in the imperial family. I knew I could count on her.

“Carl Krasius, heir to the Krasius family and Executive Manager of the Ministry of Finance, greets the small sun and moon of the empire.”

“Welcome. It’s good to see your face even with your busy schedule.”

I quickly bowed deeply once the Crown Prince was standing, and he responded in a calm voice. If he knew I was busy, then wouldn’t it be better not to call me in the first place? Leaking the pregnancy news to the 1st Manager was practically the same as telling me to come.

Still, this was about the imperial grandchild. I’ll let it slide.

Yes, I’ll endure it, but…

Why are you looking at me like that?

As I straightened up, my eyes met the Crown Prince’s. His eyes were filled with an incredibly bizarre emotion that was uncomfortable to describe.

What was with this bastard? His expression was never great to begin with, but now it was downright creepy. His gaze reminded me of a dogcatcher spotting a stray in some rural backwater.

“How could I stay still after hearing such joyous news for the entire empire? I offer my sincerest congratulations, Your Highness.”

Instinctively repelled by his gaze, I hurriedly changed the subject. I came to offer my congratulations, after all, not to leave in terror.

“As always, the Executive Manager’s loyalty is admirable.”

“You flatter me.”

Fortunately, it seemed to be a successful change of subject, as the Crown Prince nodded with a satisfied expression.

“I, too, will greatly celebrate when I hear of the Executive Manager’s joyous news, so be sure to bring me the news quickly.”

Or not? Did I change to the wrong subject?

It was clearly a blessing for a prospective groom, but something about it felt strangely off. Was I just imagining that it sounded more like a command to produce heirs to serve the Empire?

“Executive Manager.”

But it was still a blessing, so I was responding with appropriate ‘yes, yes’ when I heard the Crown Princess’s voice.

“Thank you for coming to congratulate us in person. Even the baby seems happy to see you, judging by the way they’re moving.”

Smiling warmly, she gently stroked her belly. Watching her, the Crown Prince knelt again, placing his hand on her stomach with a tender expression.

It was heartwarming to see such familial love, but couldn’t they do this when there were no subjects around? As a subordinate, it was very awkward to see my superior kneeling.

“Thank you for your kind words. If the imperial grandchild thinks fondly of me, perhaps they will also look kindly upon my children who will serve them.”

It was awkward, but I couldn’t keep my mouth shut. I offered a polite smile and a safe, neutral reply—

“Of course. The Executive Manager will be a loyal minister serving this child, so why would they look unfavorably upon your children?”

?

You son of a—

What the hell did you mean by that, you bastard?

Even for a Crown Prince, that was crossing the line. Did he just imply I should serve this imperial grandchild and that my children should serve their descendants? Who was I, the next Hwang Hui who was forced to serve multiple generations of emperors? Even Hwang Hui retired before King Sejong died! Was he even human?

“It would be truly reassuring to have the Executive Manager watching over this child.”

But seeing the Crown Princess’s eyes sparkle with joy, I couldn’t bring myself to deny it.

“…You’re too kind, Your Highness.”

Damn /genesisforsaken