I Faked a Pregnancy, but My Husband Returned - Chapter 61

It wasn’t as if he desperately needed supplements, but at the very least, Sandra’s skills were trustworthy.

“That really is true…”

Judith laughed softly and gently countered, “But the drinks were brought by Hud. I’d appreciate it if you corrected that.”

“In the end, wasn’t that ‘pleasant conversation time’ over drinks more important?”

“Well, I suppose so.”

The conversation continued effortlessly.

“Come to think of it, Master, you have sulked before when we didn’t do that. You even told me not to come back.”

“Sulked?”

Ekian let out a small laugh and waved his hand.

“Let’s just say I was angry.”

Thinking about it only made his emotions stir more.

It still felt like he hadn’t fully overcome Hud Soden’s shadow. He needed to work harder.

“Ah, and there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Do you happen to know Countess Anitas? She’s the emperor’s mistress…”

Judith replied calmly, “If you mean Anais, I do know her. Before Baron Ailan’s family collapsed, we had some acquaintance. The young ladies of the lesser noble families living in the capital often interacted with one another.”

“I see. Were you close?”

“I’m not sure.”

Judith tilted her head slightly and added, “To be honest, that’s a difficult question for me to answer. When the Ailan barony fell, no one helped me. I understand why, of course, but after experiencing that, I no longer consider anyone as close.”

Ekian fell silent. Her words were reasonable, leaving no room for further questioning.

“But why do you ask about Anais? I don’t have any particular memories of her.”

“She’s been investigating you.”

“Oh my.”

Judith murmured, tilting her head.

“Now that you mention it, I do remember something.”

“What is it?”

“She used to like Young Duke Ekian Mayus.”

“…What?”

“It’s not surprising. Back then, every girl my age liked the Young Duke.”

Judith continued nonchalantly, “Especially Anais, since she was quite beautiful. I think she believed she had a real chance. She also had strong ambitions for social advancement. Honestly, it’s a bit surprising that she became one of His Majesty the Emperor’s mistresses, but she certainly was beautiful. Among our peers, she was definitely the most popular.”

“…I don’t really know.”

“If she wasn’t considered beautiful, then who was?”

Ekian swallowed the words, ‘You’re the more beautiful one,’ and instead asked the question that had been on his mind.

“Were you not very popular?”

If there had been gatherings among the lesser nobles of the capital, there must have been noble sons present as well.

It was hard to believe that Judith hadn’t been noticed.

Was there perhaps a male friend she had been particularly close to? A strange curiosity stirred within him.

Judith answered indifferently, “Oh, I’m not sure. Maybe I wasn’t interested… My memories of that time are quite vague.”

Suddenly, Ekian recalled something.

When he had first met Judith at seventeen, he had thought she was rather pretty but had never viewed her romantically.

Of course, part of that was because she had been a minor at the time. But more than that, it was because of a particular atmosphere she carried.

She seemed indifferent to others, devoid of romantic interest, as if she were hard to connect with emotionally.

She had probably truly been uninterested. Even if some noble sons had thought she was beautiful and made advances, she had likely shown no reaction and soon forgotten about them.

As always, she remained lighthearted, cheerful, and easygoing.

Judith spoke calmly, “In any case, it’s possible Anais is jealous of me. His Majesty the Emperor dislikes the Mayus Ducal House, so naturally, he would be curious about me as well. I could become a weakness of Mayus.”

Even in this situation, she remained analytical. She let out a deep sigh and added, “I’ll be leaving soon… I don’t want to cause unnecessary trouble because of me. I don’t want to be a burden.”

“A burden? That’s nonsense…”

“What should I do? I don’t know much about Anais, so it’s hard to prepare any countermeasures.”

Judith let out a deep sigh, her expression serious. Seeing this, Ekian felt conflicted.

Both she and Ekian were worried about being a burden to each other. In a way, they shared the same concerns.

Wanting to ease her worries quickly, Ekian spoke without hesitation, “Today, I have arranged to meet with her soon.”

“Oh?”

“I plan to find out exactly what she wants. In a way, it’s similar to a sting operation.”

Ekian crossed his arms and continued, “I’ll figure out what she wants and what she’s trying to do. My identity is not widely known among the nobility, and Anais knows even less about me, so it should be easy to deceive her.”

“Ah…”

Judith was momentarily at a loss for words, breathing softly.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just… feel touched.” Judith fidgeted with her fingers and murmured, “I mean… I didn’t even ask, but you’re doing this for me.”

“It’s only natural.”

Ekian glanced at the clock. He needed to send Judith off soon so he could meet Anais next.

“After figuring out what she wants, I’ll visit you tonight. I think we should talk about it in person.”

Judith hesitated awkwardly, “Ah, but since Young Duke and I are sharing a room… I swear, it’s not what you think! Absolutely not! Nothing has happened, we just happen to be sharing a room! We haven’t even touched each other! Well, I mean, we have, but only in a completely meaningless way! I swear!”

“I see,” Ekian responded flatly. “In any case, Ekian Mayus won’t be returning tonight. I’ll make the necessary arrangements.”

“Ah… alright.”

Judith looked at him in admiration.

“You really are amazing.”

Then, after checking the time, she suddenly stood up. Knowing that Anais was coming soon, she felt pressed for time.

“Then I’ll get going. We can discuss everything tonight.”

“Alright.”

Ekian nodded and saw her off.

Since they would be meeting again later, there was no need to say anything more for now.

“Hmm, I feel like there’s so much I want to say since it’s been a while.”

Judith smiled slightly, as if feeling reluctant to part.

“Let’s talk more later.”

“Yes.”

Ekian watched her quietly.

Even though he had seen her that morning, the day before, and every night, parting with her still felt bittersweet.

Every night, he secretly opened his eyes and simply watched her sleeping face for hours on end.

“I’ll be waiting,” Judith whispered.

Ekian felt as if he might melt as he replied, “I won’t be late.”

Judith gave him a quiet smile before finally leaving.

Ekian let out a deep sigh and removed his mask.

He saw her every day, yet somehow, his face kept heating up whenever he thought of her.

At the same time, the only thought in his mind was that he would never forgive anyone who tried to harm her.

That included Anais, who would be arriving soon.

Just as he was about to return his focus to the reports, something caught his eye.

It was the glass vial Judith had left behind.

The neatly tied ribbon was probably done by Judith herself. Sandra wasn’t meticulous enough to add such a touch.

Without hesitation, Ekian drank the contents of the vial in one gulp.

He intended to use every bit of strength he had to eliminate his enemies swiftly.

***

‘Hmm.’

Anais hesitated for a moment in front of the Grey Information Guild’s door.

‘It’s bigger than I expected.’

She had looked down on it, assuming it was a failing guild. The fact that she had been summoned there irritated her even more.

But the entrance was surprisingly well-maintained. As soon as she arrived, the door opened as if they had been expecting her, and she was immediately led to the Master.