Episode 24
“It was safer to tell you after we arrived in the West.”
Akron spoke calmly, even though Aubrey looked like he was about to explode.
The truth about Yuriel’s pregnancy had been kept secret for her safety. Akron never trusted the capital.
Though the Emperor may have been friendly toward the Veiharz family, his surrounding nobles were not.
“Haa…”
Leaning against the wall, Aubrey looked completely dazed now.
At first, he was stunned by Akron’s indifference, but then guilt hit him like a storm.
“What have I done…?”
He had dared to test his master… and even tried to play mind games with the Grand Duchess, who turned out to be pregnant!
Unable to bear the guilt, Aubrey sank to the ground.
“You’re acting strange today. Don’t tell me you acted like this in front of my wife, too?”
Akron stared at the man sitting on the floor. He wasn’t angry—he simply sighed, as if saying, ‘He’s getting too old.’
“The maids know. They need to be extra careful when serving her.”
Those who carried a dragon’s child would slowly begin to change. Not in appearance, but in their body—flesh, muscles, and bones would begin to fill with vitality.
Only someone carrying a dragon’s heir could receive such power.
“Hey, are you even listening?”
Akron finally noticed how spaced-out Aubrey had become.
Before leaving for the capital, Aubrey had been sharp and full of energy. Now, he seemed like he’d aged ten years.
Seeing him unresponsive, Akron paused and then said:
“You have a son, don’t you? If your health is failing, it’s time to retire.”
Indeed, Aubrey had a grown son who was learning the ropes to become the next butler.
“I… I…”
Aubrey weakly clutched the back of his neck again.
It felt like a second blow. Was he really that old now? Was it time to step down?
“I’ll be going, then.”
Akron knew Aubrey didn’t need help getting up.
This old man worked out every morning with the knights and collected health supplements as a hobby.
Without any concern for Aubrey’s emotional turmoil, Akron left the office.
Later, during dinner…
Yuriel, a bit embarrassed, blushed softly.
The meal was perfect—everything was warm, satisfying, and peaceful.
“I heard Helia Torhisa visited you today.”
Yuriel paused, her fork hovering over her plate. She’d been so busy that she’d forgotten.
“I should ban her from visiting.”
“No, it’s fine. I was also a bit rude.”
Yuriel gently shook her head.
Treating Helia like a child must have deeply hurt her pride.
“She used to be my fiancée long ago. I guess she still can’t let that go and acts out because of it.”
In noble families, engagements were often arranged from childhood.
Helia likely lost that position due to her body not maturing.
Yuriel lowered her eyes. In a way, she could understand how Helia felt.
She also thought of the curse—she wanted to ask if Akron had suffered the same, but now didn’t feel like the right time.
Other than briefly talking about Helia, the couple shared how their days had gone.
Akron spoke about his time in the training grounds, meetings, and the office.
“I should head back to work after dinner.”
He had missed many days and had a pile of documents waiting.
Yuriel nodded, understanding.
“That’s okay. I’m already grateful you made time for this meal.”
She realized that this—sharing quiet time, asking about each other’s day—might be the kind of family life she had longed for.
The warmth of the moment brought tears to her heart, joy mixed with old sorrow.
She forced a smile and tasted her dessert.
After dinner, they walked together toward the couple’s quarters.
Since Akron’s office was in another building, he watched as Yuriel climbed the stairs.
“Take care.”
“Rest well.”
They exchanged a gentle farewell, and Yuriel followed Asha upstairs.
Halfway up the staircase, she stopped and looked back.
Akron was already gone.
The space where he stood made her feel strangely disappointed.
Upstairs in her room…
“My lady, your bath is ready.”
Yuriel followed the maids to the bath.
The room was huge, with a bath large enough for several people and a massage bed to the side.
Steam rose gently from the water.
“Which scent would you like? Rose is nice, but please try the others too.”
Ren brought a box and placed it on a side table.
Inside were small bottles of fragrant oils. She uncorked each one for Yuriel to smell.
Yuriel picked lavender, and Ren poured several bottles into the tub.
These oils, refined from flowers, were extremely expensive—each bottle worth its weight in gold.
The sweet scent filled the bath.
Just breathing it in felt like paradise.
“Let me undress you, my lady.”
“Alright.”
While Ren and Asha prepared the tub, another maid, Roinahh, helped Yuriel undress.
The soft indoor dress came off, revealing her pale body.
Her slender waist now gave way to a slightly round lower belly—a visible sign of her pregnancy.
“A new life… It’s truly amazing.”
Roinahh looked at her belly with awe.
Yuriel remembered how Roinah had teared up when she was first told the news.
Roinah had genuinely rejoiced that Yuriel was finally gaining a family.
“This way, my lady.”
Ren led her to the tub.
Yuriel dipped her toes in first—the warm water wrapped around her gently.
Fully submerged, the temperature felt perfect.
“Your skin is so soft,” Ren whispered while pouring warm water down Yuriel’s back.
Asha and Roinah began massaging her arms.
“Once you’re warmed up, I’ll apply the aromatic oil,” Roinah added cheerfully.
Yuriel nodded.
This was the first time she’d ever had such a luxurious bath with several attendants.
Roinah seemed thrilled to serve properly for once, but Yuriel felt a bit uncomfortable.
“I’d like to be alone for a while.”
“My lady… will you be alright?”
Yuriel nodded firmly.
Though worried, the maids had no choice but to leave.
“Please call us if you need anything.”
They left quietly.
Soon, complete silence filled the steamy bath.
The ceiling was foggy with mist.
Yuriel’s body slowly relaxed into the warm water.
“So warm…”
Dried rose petals floated gently across the surface.
As she moved her hand, the water stirred and released more fragrance.
Such comfort had never existed at the count’s mansion.
Roinah had done her best to help her wash with warm water, but scented oils? Impossible.
Even if Yuriel could get them, Fiona would’ve thrown a fit if she smelled anything luxurious on her.
To sit alone in a deep, fragrant bath like this—it felt like a dream.
Just then—
Creak.
Yuriel’s eyes shot open at the sound of the door opening.
