I Faked a Pregnancy, but My Husband Returned - Chapter 13

Indeed.

Judith, who had witnessed this scene in the original story, shuddered at the wickedness of Sarah’s actions. Speaking in such a soft, gentle voice only made the contrast even more horrifying.

‘No wonder the Master is so enraged.’

Judith swallowed hard, recalling the events of the original story.

Sarah had long nurtured dreams of marrying Ekian, and when those dreams were shattered, she began to harbor a deep hatred for the entire Mayus family.

She decided to destroy House Mayus, using her bond with Karl, which she had cultivated since his childhood, to bring about its downfall.

Her reasoning was that if she couldn’t have what she wanted, then it should be ruined beyond repair…

Young Karl, having always trusted the wise and caring Sarah, believed everything she told him. And since the Duke and Duchess were so focused on finding Ekian, they had been somewhat neglectful of Karl.

“How’s your weight these days? I hope you’re not eating well.”

“…I can’t avoid eating. My mother watches me closely, and if I don’t eat, she gets too upset…”

“But if you grow up too quickly, Master Ekian might be hurt. He might think, ‘Even without me, my younger brother is eating well and growing up just fine.'”

“But what can I do? I can’t make my already troubled mother even more upset.”

“Hmm.” Sarah spoke softly, “Then, after your meals, why don’t you come to the garden for a while?”

“The garden?”

“Yes. I’ll help you throw it all up.”

The Master, standing beside Judith, stopped breathing. She was nervously watching him, worried that he might explode in anger once again.

Meanwhile, Sarah gently stroked Karl’s cheek as she continued, “That way, you can avoid upsetting Madam while still showing Master Ekian that you’re waiting for him, thin and frail.”

“Oh, that sounds like a good idea, Sarah.”

Karl nodded innocently, his voice filled with trust he couldn’t hide.

“As expected, you’re the only one who truly cares about my brother. I can trust you.”

At that moment, the Master, as if about to rush out, abruptly stood up.

“No, don’t!” Judith desperately whispered, gripping his waist tightly.

She understood why the Master was so furious. What kind of person would say such things to a child? Restricting him from reading, stopping him from eating, and now even encouraging him to vomit his food!

“Master, please!” Judith whispered urgently, knowing full well that she couldn’t physically stop the Master’s strong frame.

“If you go out now, nothing will change. Who do you think young master Karl will side with—us, who are strangers to him, or Sarah, whom he has known all his life?”

At that moment, Sarah slowly turned her head. “Um, Young Master?”

“Hmm?”

“Didn’t you hear something?”

Judith’s heart dropped. Simultaneously, the Master seemed to regain his senses and stopped moving.

“Really? I didn’t hear anything.”

“Did you bring someone in by chance?”

“No.”

Karl furrowed his brows, narrowing his eyes. “Did you really hear something? Where from?”

“Hmm… I’m not sure.”

Sarah stood up and approached the wardrobe.

Judith’s heart pounded as Sarah, her eyes narrowing, looked around.

“Hmm, it sounds like it came from this area.”

Without hesitation, Sarah opened the wardrobe door wide.

“Hmm?” She tilted her head. “Nothing here… Did I hear wrong?”

Huff, huff, huff…

Judith, practically in the Master’s arms, held her breath.

When Sarah had said, “Didn’t you hear something?” the Master had quickly pulled Judith into his embrace, hiding them both in the entrance of the secret passage.

Although the noise had caused Sarah to open the wardrobe, they had managed to conceal themselves just in time.

“Hmm. Maybe there’s a leak somewhere. I’ll let the head maid know.”

Through the crack in the passage, Judith caught a glimpse of Sarah’s face as she scanned the wardrobe. It was a delicate, pretty face, but filled Judith with terror.

Sarah’s blue eyes roamed the wardrobe half-heartedly. As soon as the door closed with a bang, Judith let out a long, relieved sigh.

“Let’s stay hidden a bit longer, just in case,” whispered the Master in her ear.

Since he was still holding her tightly, it looked as though Judith was almost lying on top of him.

“Yes…”

In the pitch-black darkness, Judith placed her hand on his firm chest and waited quietly. She could feel the rapid beating of his heart.

“Ahem… I apologize for getting so worked up.”

It seemed the master had regained his composure. He spoke quietly, perhaps feeling a bit awkward about the situation.

“I never imagined that maid Sarah would have such a side to her.”

“Who would?”

Not even the head maid, nor the Duke and Duchess of Mayus.

Judith shrugged as the master asked in a low voice, “So, what do you plan to do?”

“Huh?”

“You stopped me earlier because you had something in mind, didn’t you?”

“Ah.”

“You came here in the first place because you couldn’t just leave young Lord Karl alone, could you?”

“Wow.”

Judith, feeling somewhat relaxed, chuckled lightly.

“Master, I’ve never seen you talk so much before. You must be fond of children.”

She found herself laughing more than usual. To her, the Master had always seemed like an emotionless figure, almost like a character from a book, whose voice she could barely recall after each meeting.

“…Stop.” The Master muttered in a raspy voice, “Stop laughing.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Because every time you laugh, your breath touches my neck, and it’s… distracting.”

“Seriously? You’re bothered by something like that?”

Judith grumbled, feeling somewhat embarrassed. “Just bear with it. It’s not like it’s that big of a deal.”

“Judith.”

“Yes?”

“One thing is certain.”

“What is?”

“You’re definitely not pregnant.”

“What… what a strange thing to say…”

“And it’s clear that you don’t know much about men.”

Before Judith could respond, the Master let out a soft groan and asked again, “Anyway, what’s your plan?”

“What else?” She shrugged. “I’ve accomplished today’s goal. Now I can take care of things.”

Then, with confidence, she said, “The ones who can save young master Karl from this situation aren’t us.”

“You mean…?”

“Young master Karl’s parents, of course.”

The Master nodded, seemingly understanding her plan.

***

The next day.

It was the day that Duke Mayus, who had been on a territorial inspection, was set to return.

It was also the day that Duchess Isabella had arranged for Judith to meet the Duke.

That morning, a letter arrived from the Mayus estate.

[How about joining me for lunch today?

We’ll soon be family, and I’d like to introduce you to Karl.

The Duke will arrive this afternoon.

It would be nice if you could join us for tea with him as well.]

Judith told the servant who delivered the letter that she would send her reply shortly, and she picked up her pen.

“A reply?”

The Master, who was seated in front of her, tilted his head.

“Lunch is soon. Wouldn’t it be easier just to go?”

Judith sighed deeply as she looked at the Master. He had been at her boarding house since the morning.

“Master, don’t you have anything else to do?”

“I’m busy.” He added playfully, “I’m too busy wondering what Judith is thinking.”

“Sigh. Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of it.”

Judith knew exactly why the Master had come to her tiny boarding house.

‘It’s because of Karl, of course.’

He had nearly lost his composure in anger just the day before. His range of emotions was broader than she had initially thought, which surprised her.

“I have a younger brother around Karl’s age.”

The Master, sensing her thoughts, spoke in a low voice.

“That’s why it feels personal.”

“Is that so?”

Judith stared at him with wide eyes, still surprised.

“What’s with that look?”

“It’s just… I didn’t expect you to have a family. I thought you were a man without blood, tears, friends, or family.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“Not at all.”

Judith playfully retorted before quickly picking up her quill. Her reply was as follows:

[My apologies, Duchess.

I already have plans for lunch.

I’ll join you for tea.

I noticed that the roses in the garden are blooming beautifully.

I’m looking forward to our tea together.]