I Faked a Pregnancy, but My Husband Returned - Chapter 66

Anais had not only sent the invitation to Judith but to every noblewoman of her age group in the capital—even the Crown Princess.

‘Whether she comes or not, it will be a topic of conversation either way.’

Rumors of the garden party had already spread throughout high society. Since Judith had made such a strong impression at the Crown Prince’s birthday banquet, everyone was bound to be curious and attend.

‘If she doesn’t come, she’ll be called petty. If she does…’

Anais smirked and raised an eyebrow.

‘It’s best if as many people as possible are watching.’

She had already secured cooperation from the Master of the Grey Information Guild. In exchange for a high sum, he had agreed to spread scandalous rumors about Judith.

Anais was well-versed in this kind of scandal. A reputation did not crumble with just one rumor—it had to be as provocative as possible, in front of as many eyes as possible, and persist for as long as possible.

‘I need to stage a scene where Judith and the Master happen to run into each other and talk. The more people who witness it, the better. If they can create a subtly suggestive atmosphere, even better.’

That was now the Master’s role. She had already laid out detailed plans for him as well.

The most important thing at this garden party was to visually demonstrate to as many people as possible that Judith and the mysterious man had been close for a long time.

‘And if the Master refuses or fumbles?’

Anais grinned slyly.

‘I’ll have to intervene and make sure he earns his payment, won’t I?’

***

Crown Prince’s Palace.

Crown Princess Melanie tilted her head as she examined the invitation.

“Melanie?”

Crown Prince Alteion called out to his wife.

Alteion and Melanie had married for political reasons, but over time, their relationship had grown strong. They now had one son, and Melanie was expecting their second child.

Melanie’s family background was not particularly prestigious. She was the second daughter of a struggling count’s house, and the emperor, wary of Alteion’s growing power, had selected her as his bride for that very reason. However, Alteion cherished her deeply.

Initially, there had been gossip, and she had been looked down upon by other noblewomen. But that was all in the past. By building a solid, respectable household with Alteion and maintaining her dignity, she had silenced the rumors.

“What’s wrong?”

“Ah.”

Melanie smiled at Alteion’s question and held up the invitation.

“It’s from the Countess of Anitas. She’s hosting a garden party.”

“Anais Anitas?”

Alteion frowned. As the emperor’s mistress and trusted agent, she was someone he could never view favorably.

Melanie nodded. “Yes. Apparently, she and Judith used to be quite close when Judith was still a baron’s daughter. They had a falling out due to a small misunderstanding, but at the imperial banquet, they reconciled and decided to reconnect… At least, that’s what’s being said. Since Judith Mayus, the Young Duchess, has not been active in social circles, it’s hard to verify the truth. But supposedly, this party is meant to clear up their past misunderstandings.”

Alteion scoffed. “As if that woman would host such an event out of goodwill.”

“Well, I think the same.”

Melanie agreed without hesitation.

“It’s obvious this invitation was sent to me as a formality. I’m not sure whether to go or not. I am curious about Judith Mayus, but I don’t have any real reason to attend.”

However, the moment she mentioned ‘Judith Mayus,’ Alteion suddenly showed interest.

“Is that so?”

He tapped the invitation lightly and tilted his head.

“Judith Mayus… She’s expected to be there?”

“I don’t know for sure, but it’s likely. Anais has made such a spectacle out of this event that if Judith doesn’t attend, there will be even more rumors circulating about her.”

Melanie furrowed her brows, sensing something serious in the air.

“High society has put so much effort into this. If she doesn’t attend, it’s practically the same as raising a white flag, so I expect she’ll come.”

“I see. If you don’t mind, Melanie.”

Alteion spoke gently.

“Could you go and take a look at the Young Duchess?”

“Pardon?”

“I’ve been curious about Ekian’s wife.”

Melanie was well aware that Alteion and Ekian had been close friends for a long time. When Ekian disappeared, Alteion had been genuinely worried about him. On the day of the imperial banquet, when Ekian returned, Alteion had finally looked relieved.

He had even confided in Melanie about what happened that day—how Ekian had deliberately appeared to warn and protect him from danger.

“There are many strange things about this situation. Ekian isn’t the type of man who would irresponsibly get a woman pregnant, let alone abandon her. At first, I suspected that she might be a fraud… but now, I’m not so sure.”

“Why is that?”

“At the banquet, I saw the way Ekian looked at her from afar. His gaze was absolute.”

Alteion spoke slowly.

“After five years, seeing Ekian again… He looked empty. He wasn’t the flawless Young Duke he used to be—there was something hollow, as if he had suffered a deep wound. He must have gone through something severe. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have looked at someone with such desperate eyes.”

“Was it that serious?”

“Yes. That’s why I find it all the more intriguing, suspicious, and strange.”

Alteion placed a hand on Melanie’s shoulder and smiled.

“That’s why I’d like you to observe her. I want to know what kind of woman she is and what her story might be. I also want to make sure she won’t bring harm to Ekian.”

“I’ll do it.”

Melanie nodded without hesitation.

“I’ll see what else I can learn while I’m there.”

In truth, Melanie had been looking for an excuse to leave the palace.

After Ekian had warned them to seek medical help outside the imperial palace, she and Alteion had been searching for a doctor.

Since the poison was from the emperor, curing it wouldn’t be easy. They needed a physician with guaranteed skills.

However, it wasn’t a simple matter. All the skilled doctors in the capital were either employed by high-ranking nobles or had already entered the imperial court.

“No, no. You don’t need to worry about that.”

Alteion’s expression immediately turned serious. He didn’t want his pregnant wife to concern herself with such dangerous matters.

“I can handle it myself. You just need to focus on your health. Honestly, I’m worried about you. Do you really think the emperor will leave you alone?”

“I can at least gather some information while I’m out.”

Melanie smiled softly and picked up a quill to write her response.

She would attend the garden party.

“After hearing you talk, I’m curious about Judith myself.”

She raised an intrigued eyebrow.

“I’ll make sure to observe her carefully.”

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

“What is it?”

Alteion asked, and a servant entered respectfully, handing him a letter.

“This… it’s from Young Duke Ekian Mayus.”

Alteion immediately unfolded the letter. After reading it, he let out a deep sigh, looking utterly dumbfounded.

“Seriously?”

The letter was short and to the point.

It explained that he had circumstances preventing him from returning to the Mayus estate, and he would use the Crown Prince as an excuse for his absence.

“…How long has he been home, and he’s already staying out again? And now he’s making excuses on top of it?”

Melanie muttered in disbelief, “Is Young Duke Mayus truly a responsible man?”

For once, Alteion found himself at a loss for words.