I Faked a Pregnancy, but My Husband Returned - Chapter 141

After parting with Ben, Judith returned to her room without incident.

Since she was in the stable period and feeling physically well, she had thought the day would pass without trouble, but once she sat down in a chair, a sigh of relief escaped her lips.

“Ah… I see. I guess I was a bit tired.”

Judith gently spoke as she caressed her belly.

“Baby, you worked hard today too. But you met so many people who love and bless you, so that made you happy, didn’t it?”

She felt deeply how wise it had been of Isabella to tell her to change into comfortable clothes right away.

“Mommy was really happy today. It was my first wedding, and I got to meet so many dear people. Everyone is waiting with joy for our son…”

Judith hesitated a moment before carefully saying the word ‘son.’ Saying it to others and saying it directly to her child felt different.

“When your daddy comes in later, we’ll talk about what we can do for our son.”

She really cherished this quiet time at the end of the day, talking softly to the baby. Usually, Ekian was there too, but just for today, it was okay to be alone. Not lonely at all.

“Son, son, son.”

She quietly whispered the word, and it felt so strange. It was a different feeling than when she used to call him ‘baby.’

She could finally start to picture the child as a real presence. The images of little boys she had passed by on the street came to mind one by one, making her feel a bit emotional.

“Our son…”

Just then, there was a careful knock.

“Your Grace the Grand Duchess, it’s Maji. May I come in for a moment?”

Maji was the head maid of the manor. She was reliable and efficient, someone Judith trusted.

“Yes, come in. What is it?”

Maji entered politely and reported her business with care.

“Her Majesty the Empress said she would like to rest now and has moved into the manor. She has been shown to a prepared room, and her ladies-in-waiting are attending her.”

It wasn’t anything urgent—just a simple report.

Still, the Emperor and Empress were very important guests at the manor. Naturally, Judith, as the hostess, needed to be informed.

“Ah, I see. Thank you.”

Judith rose from her chair.

“I should go check whether the room is comfortable and see if she needs anything. I should also give her my regards before bed.”

That, too, was proper etiquette when hosting the Empress.

Maji bowed respectfully and said, “Ah, but Her Majesty said there’s no need to greet her in person. She said Your Grace must also be tired today and that the two of you already spoke at length earlier.”

Judith shook her head. “That won’t do. She’s come all the way from the capital even in her much heavier condition than mine. Of course I must go see her.”

She promptly took Maji with her and headed to Melanie’s room. As expected, Melanie was already changed into comfortable clothes and seated in a chair.

“Oh dear, you really didn’t need to come.”

Melanie said with a smile, one hand resting on her swollen belly. Her ladies-in-waiting were massaging her swollen legs.

Judith shook her head and sat beside her. “No, I absolutely had to see you in person. Is there anything that feels uncomfortable?”

“There couldn’t possibly be…”

Melanie smiled gently and shook her head—but she didn’t finish her sentence. Suddenly, her brows furrowed sharply.

“Hmm?”

At the same time, the maid massaging her legs jumped up in alarm.

“Oh? T-this… I think—her water just broke?”

Judith didn’t know much about childbirth yet, but she did know that Melanie’s due date was still a bit away.

“Wh-what?”

As Judith stared in panic, Melanie calmly soothed her.

“It’s my second delivery, so I think things are progressing a bit quickly. Even if it’s earlier than expected, I heard it’s still not considered premature. It’s just that I may end up causing some inconvenience…”

“Inconvenience? Not at all, Your Majesty! So—what should I do—what should I do…?”

But the only one in a panic was Judith. One of the maids had already gone to summon the imperial palace physician, and another was instructing the other maids on what supplies to prepare.

They had come fully prepared for such a situation, just in case.

Melanie, supported by another maid, was moved to the bed.

“It feels like labor is starting…”

Melanie spoke while exhaling with effort. After settling her comfortably, a maid exclaimed, “Then I’ll go report to His Majesty!” and dashed out.

“Judith, you may go.”

“No, I can’t possibly…”

“I mean it. Go while I can still speak properly. Once the real contractions begin and I start screaming, it won’t be good for the baby in your belly.”

“Then at the very least, I’ll stay by Your Majesty’s side until His Majesty the Emperor arrives.”

Judith shook her head and took Melanie’s hand.

“We’re family, after all.”

This was of course her first time in such a situation, and though she was flustered, she tried not to show it. Still, her guilt came through as she slumped her shoulders and muttered,

“Maybe we rushed our wedding too much, and now you’re going through this hardship in a foreign land because of it.”

“What are you talking about? It was a pleasant trip and a delightful event. Our daughter wouldn’t come out just because of something like that… she’s not that fragile.”

Melanie replied with a joking laugh. Everyone already knew the baby in her belly was a girl.

But it seemed true that labor was beginning—Melanie’s voice started to tremble.

“She’s just coming out when she wants to… That’s all. But you should go now. You aren’t exactly alone… either.”

Melanie groaned, biting her lower lip. Judith, half out of her mind, shook her head desperately. Though the Emperor would surely arrive soon, she couldn’t leave Melanie alone until then. So she blurted out,

“My baby is fine too. In fact, he might be happy to hear he’ll be meeting his cousin.”

At that, Melanie’s eyes widened. “Ah, it’s a boy?”

Judith immediately realized her slip and blinked. She had said ‘his cousin’ without thinking, in her dazed state. But before she could say that Ekian didn’t know yet, Melanie grabbed the sheets and began groaning.

“Just a moment!”

At that moment, Melanie’s physician from the palace arrived. Judith quickly stepped aside. After checking Melanie’s condition, the physician narrowed her eyes.

“Unbelievable. The labor is progressing extremely fast!”

The room instantly became a flurry of activity. Not long after, Alteion came rushing in.

“Melanie!”

Judith knew then it was truly time for her to step out. After bowing respectfully to Alteion and Melanie, she left the room and immediately gathered all the doctors. She began discussing with Maji how to prepare for any emergency.

“Goodness, I heard Her Majesty has gone into labor?”

Isabella had rushed over by then. Taking over for Judith, Isabella expertly instructed preparations for the newborn’s room and postpartum care.

Judith, now wide awake, sat beside Isabella with a serious face. Soon Ben came hurrying in from the study.

Ben said, “I informed Ekian. Told him to wrap up the banquet quickly.”

And so Ekian announced the sudden end of the banquet, quickly exchanged parting words with the guests, and arrived last. Even that had taken a while.

“Ekian!”

As Judith greeted Ekian just as he came in—

A loud newborn’s cry echoed through the manor.

“Waaaah! Waaaah!”