Chapter Text
Annual Melancholy
"Haa... it’s almost time for the Archduke Conference again, isn’t it?"
"Ferdinand, we are already married. Why are there still marriage proposals and mediators trying to push second wives, third wives, and concubines on us? They haven't stopped trying to broker concubines for you, either."
"I have loathed this Conference ever since that Royal Decree was issued to you. Honestly, I think the way these higher-ranking duchies keep trying to force their way in means they're looking down on us. Isn't there some way we can just... make them all shut up?"
When I entered the bedroom, I found Rozemyne lamenting with a book in one hand. That Royal Decree was quite a long time ago, yet it seems the bitterness remains deep within her heart.
"Rozemyne, what is it you wish to do?"
"Well... we’ve earned enough foreign currency. For a start, I'd like to suspend trade with those noisy duchies. If they want our goods that badly, they can just buy them from Ehrenfest, can’t they?"
"And dear Adoptive Father... how long does he intend to keep mooching off me? I’m from another duchy now. Even if I was his adopted daughter, even if I owe him for raising me—he takes the things I developed without paying for the costs and says, 'I’ll be releasing these as the new trend.' I’ve always wondered... when you went to Ahrensbach, everyone made such a fuss about you being from 'another duchy,' so why doesn't that logic apply to me?"
"I suppose that no matter how far I go, a commoner is destined to be used until they're worn out."
"And even though we're married, Brother Cornelius is still grumbling about my relationship with you! We're husband and wife now; it should be perfectly fine for us to enter a hidden room together! I guess I'll never understand the noble mindset because I'm just a commoner after all!"
"I know I was baptized as his biological sister, but surely he knows we have different mothers. How long must I keep letting him boss me around? I’m the Aub, yet I only officially became a candidate at the age of seven. That was over ten years ago, and I only spent a single month living in the Linkberg estate. It’s all so strange, isn't it?"
"Even my Adoptive Mother... every time she sees my face, it’s always, 'What’s the next trend?' She should put out some of her own trends for a change!"
"Aaah... is my life always going to be like this? Being exploited and looked down upon everywhere I go? I’m just... tired."
I sat beside her and pulled her into a firm embrace, stroking her back to calm her. Rozemyne is fundamentally optimistic; she usually lets things slide. Long ago, Benno said that as long as it didn’t involve books or her family, she didn't mind being cheated a little. She has always been kind to a fault.
For this Rozemyne to pour out such a torrent of grievances... has something happened? While I stroked her back and pondered this, she fell asleep. Her temperature was slightly high—not quite a fever, but warmer than usual.
I lay down while still holding her, reflecting on her words. It is true that in the two years since our marriage, the other duchies have been insufferable. On top of that, that former royal Sigiswald is pulling strings behind the scenes, instigating the other Aubs. It is high time I dealt them a crushing blow.
And Sylvester... he still refuses to think for himself. He likely assumes Rozemyne and I will simply handle everything. It is becoming a nuisance. Even Wilfried, Charlotte, and Melchior are more earnest than he is. And Lady Florencia, perhaps because she was Rozemyne’s adoptive mother, has developed an irritatingly superior air.
Cornelius as well. It is true that he hasn't maintained the proper boundaries as a subject.
My "Goddess of Everything" is grieving. I must take swift action.
"Ferdinand, good morning. I’m so sorry about last night. My complaints just wouldn't stop coming. To make my husband listen to all that after he worked all day... I’m truly a terrible wife."
Rozemyne apologized, looking as though she was about to cry. My Rozemyne—my Goddess of Everything!
"Good morning, Rozemyne. It is fine. You may say whatever is on your mind. It is my own inadequacy that I can do nothing but listen, and have failed to sweep away your sorrows. It is I who should apologize."
"Oh, Ferdinand, you are a perfect husband! I won't allow anyone to disparage my husband—not even you!"
"My Ferdinand is wonderful! My husband handles everything—from the roles of a first wife to a third wife, and even a concubine! Isn't that amazing?"
She praised me so earnestly. I found myself at a loss for how to respond. My ears felt hot.
"Hehe, I truly mean it. That’s why I once thought about telling everyone that I don't need anyone who is inferior to Ferdinand."
"But...?"
"What is it, Rozemyne?"
"Ferdinand is a perfect husband, but I’m so useless. That’s why people never stop trying to broker others to you. There are so many women in Yurgenschmidt better than me... and if they ever told me 'this girl would be better than Lady Rozemyne,' I feel like I might accidentally crush them with my crushing. The only way I can win against other women is through mana capacity and the fact that I’ll seize a Foundation by any means necessary. It makes me sad to think that’s all I have... so I stopped."
This is bad. Her mood had lifted for a moment, but now it was plummeting again.
"Rozemyne, that isn't true. You are beautiful, you were the top of your class every year at the Royal Academy, and you have developed countless trends."
"Furthermore, I am alive only because you seized that Foundation for my sake without regard for appearances. I want you to take pride in that."
"But at the Conference, they called me 'barbaric.' They said, 'How savage of Lady Rozemyne to steal a Foundation.'"
"I suppose I just couldn't act 'gracefully' like a noble because I'm originally a commoner. I need to learn to handle things more skillfully, don't I?"
"They even told me... 'Ferdinand only had to marry you because you saved him.' Why are my actions always so clumsy? Even you've always told me I'm careless..."
Oh, no. Rozemyne has burst into tears. What am I supposed to do at a time like this?
There is a knock at the door, but should I even answer?
"Rozemyne, you are likely exhausted. You seem unwell; your temperature is higher than usual. Stay in bed for at least this morning."
"I'm sorry for always being a burden to you because I'm so frail. Even Adoptive Father told me the other day, 'Don't keep causing trouble for Ferdinand'..."
She cried even harder! Honestly, Sylvester never says the right thing!
"It’s alright. May the healing of Heilschmerz be upon you. Now, rest quietly. O Schlaftraum, God of Dreams, grant Rozemyne a peaceful slumber and happy dreams."
Rozemyne had fallen asleep. She seemed to be pushed to her absolute limit.
I walked to the door and opened it.
"Lieselleta, Gretia. Rozemyne seems unwell, so I have just put her to sleep. More importantly, I have something to discuss with you."
"If Gretia and I prepare Rozemyne-sama’s things here, we will send an ordonnanz to you, Lord Ferdinand. Would that be acceptable?"
"Yes, do so. I will go and change. For Rozemyne’s breakfast, please arrange for something light that she would enjoy."
"As you wish."
I opened the door leading to my own quarters and stepped inside.
"Good morning, Lord Ferdinand. You took a bit longer than usual this morning; did something happen?"
Prompted by Justus’s question, I dismissed all retainers except Eckhart. While washing my face and getting dressed, I recounted the conversation from the previous night.
"Cornelius, is it? My apologies. I have told him several times, but for some reason, his instincts as an older brother seem to override everything else," Eckhart sighed.
Justus added, "Setting Cornelius aside, is it not simply that My Lady can no longer endure the things being said by other duchies and Ehrenfest? In Ehrenfest, she was suppressed. Now that she has grown accustomed to the environment of Alexandria, perhaps the things she used to ignore by pretending not to care are finally surfacing? A person’s senses go numb when they are in a bad situation. Now that she is in a safe and secure environment, she may find herself unable to laugh off the things she once let slide."
That might indeed be true. Even I have become much more emotional and less patient than when I was in Ehrenfest. I see... it is because I am in a safe and secure environment. Perhaps Rozemyne can no longer let things flow past her as she once did.
“This is Lieselleta. Any time after this is fine.”
An ordonnanz from Lieselleta arrived. I could not very well call only Lieselleta to my private chambers.
“Can you come to my office along with Hartmut and Clarissa?”
“Understood. We are on our way.”
"Justus, prepare the tea. Eckhart, inform those outside that I will be slightly late for breakfast. Ensure the others know as well."
As I was giving instructions to Justus and Eckhart, there was a knock at the door. Eckhart opened it and invited the three into the room.
"It is about Rozemyne," I began. "Her heart seems quite fragile lately; she falls into depression easily. She seems to be dreading the Archduke Conference. It appears the other duchies have said various things to her. Do any of you have an idea of what might be bothering her?"
Lieselleta spoke up. "This is only a possibility, so Gretia and I were discussing waiting until we were more certain, but... Rozemyne-sama’s monthly flowers are late. Her emotions have been exceptionally volatile since yesterday, and I was actually planning to consult with you today about whether we should call a female doctor."
"A female doctor? Would she dislike my examination?"
"Lord Ferdinand... were you even listening?" Eckhart asked me, looking stunned.
Of course I was listening. They want to consult a female doctor, don't they? Is it something they cannot tell me?
"Rozemyne disliked my examination? Did I do something wrong?"
"Master! Get a hold of yourself!" Eckhart shouted. "My Lady’s monthly flowers are late! Because it wasn't certain yet, the attendants were merely observing her!"
"Her physical condition must be quite poor then. Mental distress affects these things. Her temperature was slightly high today as well." I stood up, intending to examine her again. "As I thought, Rozemyne is unwell. I must ensure the other duchies feel a chill in their souls at the Archduke Conference!"
"I see... the Conference. Do you think My Lady will be able to attend?" Hartmut asked.
"That is why I wanted to consult a female doctor," Lieselleta added.
"Why would you not consult me? I am Rozemyne’s primary physician."
"Lord Ferdinand, are you alright? Did you hear a word Lieselleta said?" Even Hartmut was questioning me now. Despite the fact that Rozemyne was unwell, everyone was somehow smiling. It was likely because I had become grumpy. Eckhart suddenly grabbed my arm and tried to force me back into my seat.
"Lord Ferdinand, where do you think you are going?"
"If Rozemyne is unwell, I am going to examine her again. When she wakes up, I will ask her if she truly disliked my examination."
Eckhart put his hand over his eyes and looked at the ceiling. Why? Was it really that bad a thing to do?
"Lord Ferdinand," Eckhart said slowly, "Since Rozemyne is my sister, let me translate Lieselleta’s words for you. Rozemyne’s monthly flowers are late."
"I heard that! To think she was so distressed by what the other duchies said!"
"No. While it’s true that flowers can be delayed by stress, there are other reasons. Lieselleta and the others believe that Rozemyne-sama might be pregnant. It never came to pass, but when Heidemarie was pregnant, she complained and cried to me constantly. One's emotions become unstable during pregnancy."
"......"
"Lord Ferdinand? Did you hear me? Are you alright?"
"......"
"Just leave him, Eckhart," Hartmut sighed. "Our Master's 'processing' has crashed; he won't be back for a while. So, Lieselleta, you truly think My Lady might be pregnant? I know of a female doctor, but how do you plan to bring her to the castle? It’s best not to tell the castle staff yet, isn't it?"
"Exactly. That is why I thought we were here to discuss that. It is a delicate matter. I am glad Rozemyne-sama poured her heart out to Lord Ferdinand, though. Until now, even when the other duchies said things to her, she never became emotional with them. In fact, she repelled them quite effectively. She even swore us to secrecy because she didn't want Lord Ferdinand to scold her for her retorts."
"This morning," I said, my voice finally returning, "Rozemyne started crying because she was told she was barbaric for stealing a Foundation. She said her only pride was her mana capacity and her willingness to seize the Foundation by any means. They told her I only married her because I had no choice after she saved me. She even mentioned Sylvester telling her not to be a burden to me..."
Lieselleta frowned. "The other duchies think Rozemyne-sama is easier to control than you, Lord Ferdinand. That kind of 'back-handed' talk is common in women’s social circles. When they tried to provoke her by saying they felt sorry she 'stole' Ferdinand, she apparently smiled and said, 'It’s such a pity for you, isn't it? But Ferdinand is my Ferdinand now.' When they said mana was her only redeeming quality, she mimicked Lady Angelica—tilting her head with a hand on her cheek—and asked, 'Oh dear, is there some benefit in Yurgenschmidt to having little mana?' Since they kept bringing up the Foundation, she eventually started replying, 'If you're so jealous, why don't you try stealing a Foundation?'"
"......"
"Why is Rozemyne so bellicose?!" Eckhart exclaimed. "Look, Lord Ferdinand has frozen again!"
"However," Lieselleta continued, "Rozemyne-sama finds the exchange of sarcasms exhausting. She says she prefers pleasant times and wonders what is fun about such conversations. She is a kind person. Even if she says she is bad at socializing, she is now the Aub of a top-ranking duchy. It must be agonizing for her to endure the women's social circles throughout the Conference. If she stays silent, they walk all over her. If she speaks back, it’s just a repetitive cycle. Even we retainers wonder if they have anything else to talk about. On top of that, they swarm her for trends, demanding lower prices because she's 'making so much.' Lady Florencia even said things like, 'I think it's about time you lowered the prices, don't you?' and 'You're young, so you might not understand, but men hate women who are stingy with money.'"
Lieselleta's expression grew cold. "Ehrenfest is our home, but I’ve begun to think we should stop giving them preferential treatment. Lady Florencia still treats her like an adopted daughter and always speaks down to her. I suspect she wants to show other duchies that she is Rozemyne's 'mother,' yet the adoption contract is void, isn't it? Aub Ehrenfest also acts as if it’s only natural for them to receive the latest trends first. I truly wish to show the other duchies that Alexandria is superior."
Lieselleta, who always accompanied Rozemyne, clearly had quite a lot of pent-up frustration herself.
"Setting the Archduke Conference measures aside for a moment—the female doctor comes first! Lord Ferdinand, you should also listen to her instructions and learn the proper way to provide support."
"Pregnancy is not a disease, but it is certainly not the same as being in perfect health. If she is pregnant, we must adjust the retainers' shifts. We have to accommodate the pregnancy. That comes first!"
Chastised by Justus, I shifted my focus. I had already constructed a hidden passage for a female doctor to use specifically for when Rozemyne became pregnant. I intended to bind her with a magic contract, and I planned to reconstruct the passage for every single child born!
When I mentioned this, everyone looked at me with exasperated expressions, but surely this is a vital matter? However, I would have to transport Rozemyne to the room connected to the passage. We decided I would use the magic circle of Verbergen, the God of Concealment, to hide her presence while moving her.
Since I had connected the passage to one of the guest rooms, Hartmut and Clarissa went ahead to meet the doctor and finalize the magic contract. The plan was for them to take her to the castle dining hall and then enter the guest room together via the hidden passage from the attendants' room.
Eckhart was to receive an ordonnanz when they left the doctor’s residence.
We decided to keep this a secret from the other male retainers until it was confirmed, though we shared the information with the female retainers. Until the diagnosis, we would officially claim Rozemyne was feeling unwell, and I would handle the morning's administrative duties.
With my mind wandering, I arranged the paperwork and delegated the afternoon tasks. Perhaps because of how Rozemyne had been weeping in distress, I found myself accidentally glaring at Cornelius!
I ate both breakfast and lunch alone. While there had been times I ate without Rozemyne due to her poor health, she had become much healthier in Alexandria than she ever was in Ehrenfest. Sitting at a solitary table for the first time in a long while made the food taste bland. It reminded me of her days in the Temple, when she told me how much she hated eating alone.
I realized then that I had put her through something quite pitiable.
Separated from her family and spending the winters alone in the Temple, she used to beg for "hugs" in exchange for helping with my work. When she became emotionally unstable, she would walk right behind me. Our strides were so different; it must have been exhausting for her to keep up.
I told her she was "careless" so many times. Yet, it was her eccentric ideas and actions that saved my life. Did I ever properly convey my gratitude for that?
Rozemyne does not easily change her mind once she has reached a conclusion! For the longest time, she fretted that returning to Ehrenfest was the only way for me to be happy. No matter how many times I told her otherwise, she wouldn't believe me. When she traveled to the past to save me, she even offered up her own lifespan without hesitation.
Did I ever apologize for my mistaken treatment of her?
"Lord Ferdinand, your cutlery has stopped moving. Is something the matter? Rozemyne-sama will worry if you don't eat properly."
Warned by Justus, I continued my meal, knowing I couldn't afford to make her worry.
"Justus, Eckhart, Lasfam... I have something I wish to consult you about."
While drinking my post-meal tea, I recounted Rozemyne’s grievances from last night and the thoughts I had during lunch.
I spoke of how she hated solitary meals; how she would follow behind me during her first winter in the Temple when she was lonely; how she practically had to run because of our different strides. How she asked to be held, saying I could increase her workload in exchange—but since nobles don't do such things and I myself loathed physical contact, I only dealt with her when her mana was about to go on a rampage.
I told them how often I called her careless, yet those very eccentricities saved my life. How stubborn she is once she’s convinced of something—how she believed my happiness lay in Ehrenfest and wouldn't trust me no matter how many times I denied it. How she saved me in the past at the cost of her own life.
And despite all she is, she remains shackled by my words calling her "careless." I asked them what I should do.
"Haa... Rozemyne-sama is very kind, but she is certainly stubborn. Lord Ferdinand, can you truly say you have exhausted every possible word?" Lasfam sighed. "With Rozemyne-sama, skipping explanations only leads to disaster."
"Furthermore, even if it turns out to be different this time, when a woman is pregnant, her consciousness shifts entirely toward protecting the child. For the sake of her family, she is the type of person who will do anything, no matter how outrageous, if it’s within her power."
Even Lasfam was scolding me now.
"It’s true, Rozemyne is stubborn," Eckhart added. "I used to think Mother was the scariest person to anger, but Heidemarie was scarier than Mother, and Rozemyne is scarier than Heidemarie. She is the most eccentric and frail person I know, yet she has the most initiative. Moreover, she isn't bound by noble common sense. She never cuts corners when it comes to something she wants to achieve, no matter the methods."
"I heard she even intimidated that Lord Grandather (Bonifatius) to save you, Lord Ferdinand. I don't know anyone else like that. What’s more, she didn't back down an inch in front of the Archducal family of Dunkelfelger; she led a hundred of their knights. While Lady Hannelore and Heisshitze followed her unconditionally, I believe it was truly her skill as a commander. When she thought you might die, she didn't just sit and weep; she immediately thought of how to save you. That’s likely why you called her 'careless' in the past, but it’s because she is that way that you are alive! She is the sister I am most proud of."
Why was Eckhart ending this by bragging about her? These brothers really are quite fond of her. Even though she is my Rozemyne!
"Haa, Master, this is no time to be wallowing in a superiority complex against Eckhart," Justus interrupted. "You must use every word at your disposal when speaking with My Lady! If you let embarrassment stop you, something outrageous will happen again!"
"If My Lady is pregnant, let us deal with the other duchies swiftly. Her responses might be bellicose, but those duchies won't learn unless she goes that far. She is the Aub of a top-ranking duchy; it’s fine if she oversteps slightly. If it shuts them up, isn't that for the best?"
"I’ve heard that mental stress during pregnancy can greatly affect the child. I don't think it’s wise to make her endure too much."
Scolded by all three and told to "exhaust my words," I vowed to take their advice to heart.
After the post-meal scolding ended, I moved to Rozemyne’s room. She was awake and eating, but she didn't seem to have much of an appetite.
"How are you feeling, Rozemyne?"
"Ferdinand! Was the paperwork alright? Thanks to you, I’m feeling a bit better. But as I thought, I’m just not good at eating alone."
"Besides, I feel a little nauseous. I wonder what’s wrong?"
"I didn't have much of an appetite either, having to eat alone for the first time in a while," I admitted. "Justus told me that if I didn't eat properly, I would make you worry, so I finished it all. Food truly does not taste the same when eaten alone."
"Hehe, I’m glad you’re not fond of solitary meals either! Eating together is much more fun and delicious, isn't it? Let’s be sure to have dinner together."
"Yes, let’s do that. Rozemyne, I heard your monthly flowers are late. Since you have come of age, why don't we consult a female doctor together? I wish I could continue to handle all your examinations myself, but I am not comfortable with women other than you, and I am of little use regarding matters specific to women."
"Oh, having had you look after me since I was small, that was more than enough for me! Even for an exam, the thought of letting someone else’s mana flow into me... I feel a bit of resistance to it. So, are we going out this afternoon? Will we go to the doctor's together?"
Rozemyne had become quite positive about the idea of going out. She is always stuck in the castle, so I must consider taking her outside more often from now on.
"No, she is coming to a guest room. You and I cannot suddenly vanish on an excursion without cause. If you want to go out, we shall plan a proper trip for something else later."
"Really?! I'm so happy! Where should we go? I'm looking forward to it!"
"Indeed. Now, Rozemyne—I am going to carry you and move us using concealment magic."
"Eh? Is it such a big secret?"
"Well, if we are seen calling a different doctor suddenly, I would rather not deal with rumors that we are on bad terms. Gretia will vanish with us, and we will exit through the door Lieselleta opens. It might be fun to do something like this once in a while, don't you think?"
"It might be! So, you’re going to carry me? Without guards?"
"We can hardly have guards following us if we’re supposed to be invisible, can we? However, Angelica and Eckhart will also be invisible and following close behind."
"It’s like an adventure inside the castle! When do we move?"
"Soon, I expect. When the ordonnanz reaches Eckhart, we will all follow Lieselleta. She cannot close the door until we have all passed through, so we must move quickly."
"Understood! Lieselleta, Gretia, I'm counting on you!"
Just then, an ordonnanz reached Eckhart. Clarissa’s voice announced they were heading to the castle, and a wave of tension washed over the room.
"Rozemyne, let’s go. Angelica, Eckhart—exit first. Then Lieselleta, then us, then Gretia. Lieselleta, you have the Anhaltung magic circle ready? Good. Let’s move."
I lifted Rozemyne into my arms. She happily looped her arms around my neck. While Lieselleta opened the door and gave her usual formal greeting to the empty air to mask our exit, we slipped out into the hallway.
With Lieselleta leading the way, Rozemyne and I were surrounded by Eckhart, Angelica, and Gretia as we advanced. We had situated the guest room on a floor away from our private chambers, the library, and the laboratory. Originally, our private rooms were separate, but since our marriage, we have spent almost every night together in the same bedroom. Keeping the guest rooms separate from the archducal private floor is a defensive necessity, but I began to wonder where would be best to connect future hidden passages.
As I was pondering this, a noble from the former Ahrensbach faction stopped and spoke to Lieselleta.
"The Archduke Conference is approaching; how is Lady Rozemyne’s condition?"
"Thank you for your concern. She is merely resting as a precaution before the Conference, so she is quite well. I shall be sure to tell her of your kind thoughts."
"I see, that is good to hear. Alexandria has become such a wonderful place to live thanks to her. Please tell her to take care."
"I shall. Thank you for your kindness."
I had braced myself for something unpleasant, but it was a relief to find the noble was well-intentioned. Afterward, every person we passed stopped to express concern for Rozemyne. Because of this, our progress was slow, and the doctor had already arrived by the time we reached the room.
The doctor, Linnaee, appeared to be in her early elder years and had a very calm aura.
"Lady Rozemyne, it is a pleasure to meet you. Since Lord Ferdinand is currently holding you, may we save the formal greetings for later?"
"Of course. I look forward to working with you. What should I do? Please, Doctor, take a seat. Is it alright if I sit on the bed?"
"Yes, let’s get you into a comfortable position first. My name is Linnaee. I shall be in your care. Now, may I ask you a few questions? And may I touch your wrist?"
Linnaee proceeded to ask Rozemyne about her monthly flowers, her physical pains, and how she felt today.
"Thank you for your answers. Lord Ferdinand, could you place your hand on Lady Rozemyne’s abdomen? A little lower... yes, there. Now, please flow your mana into her. Very, very thinly—as if you were threading a needle. Like a single strand of thread. If you feel any resistance, please tell me immediately."
"Ah... I feel resistance," I said.
"Then, continue to flow that thread-like mana for a count of three. Ready? One, two, three. That is enough."
"U-Um, Dr. Linnaee? Do I have some terrible illness? Or did you just stimulate me because my flowers haven't come?" Rozemyne asked nervously.
Linnaee chuckled. "No, you are quite alright. Allow me to introduce myself properly. Lady Rozemyne, I am Linnaee, and I am a midwife. From this day forward, I shall assist you through your pregnancy and your delivery."
"Oh, so you're the doctor for when I get pregnant? Well then, when that happens, I look forward to your help. I do hope to have Ferdinand’s child someday, though it’s not something I can force... I look forward to your care then."
"Lady Rozemyne? You are pregnant now."
"..."
"Did the thought truly not cross your mind?"
"Eeeeh?! Ferdinand! What should I do?! I’m pregnant! Oh my! I'm so happy! Gods, I offer you my pray—"
"Stop right there!" Linnaee interrupted. "If you suddenly move a large amount of mana during pregnancy, the baby inside will be startled. Also, I have brought this herbal tea for you. You were already showing signs of morning sickness during lunch, after all."
"Lord Ferdinand, this is a blend of medicinal herbs and tea. Here is the formula. I’ve written down the proportions, so perhaps you would like to blend it yourself? I hear you are normally her primary physician. May I speak to you both about what comes next? Her attendants should listen as well."
"There are male retainers and guards present," I noted. "Is it alright for them to hear?"
"Oh, it's fine," Rozemyne chirped. "That knight is my biological brother. And the other is my head scholar who has given me his name, so he is safe too."
"I see! Then the older brother should listen too! Is everyone ready?"
Linnaee looked at us all seriously. "The leadership of Alexandria is very young, so listen well for your own futures as well."
"First: Pregnancy is not a disease, but you cannot live exactly as you did before. One—using large amounts of mana or giving blessings in a state of excitement, like just now, is forbidden. This is to ensure the mana flow to the child is not interrupted. Understood? When supplying the Foundation, please use half the usual time and less than half the usual mana."
"Is it safe to supply the Foundation at all?" I asked.
"Yes. Moving no mana at all is like keeping a mass of stagnant mana in the body; it is important for Lady Rozemyne to keep her mana circulating. The instructions will change in the later stages, but for now, please do it this way. Second: Lord Ferdinand, please give mana to the child about three times a day—the same amount as earlier. If you must miss a session, increase the duration of the other two from a count of three to four."
"Third: If she loses her appetite, do not force her to eat. Let her eat what she can. Her tastes may change suddenly, but do not worry; that is simply how pregnancy is. Fourth: Delivery requires physical strength. Do not over-pamper her to the point of stagnation; she must maintain her strength. If possible, it would be wonderful for her to walk in the garden with Lord Ferdinand every day."
"Fifth: If there is any sudden bleeding, do not hesitate to contact me immediately. Sometimes it is nothing to be alarmed about, but stay calm and wait in bed. Sixth: Even with the best care, a child still in the womb belongs to the Gods. Sometimes they simply decide to stop growing. But even then, the child’s will remains within the mother. Do not fall into despair; wait for the next opportunity. You have successfully conceived, Lady Rozemyne. It will be alright. In such a case, simply tell your belly, 'I'll be waiting for you.'"
"Seventh: You will soon be at the mercy of your own emotions. When that happens, rely on your husband, Lord Ferdinand. Depend on him and speak your mind. If the mother has someone she can depend on and feel safe with, the child will feel safe too. So, consider it a part of the pregnancy and be as selfish and spoiled as you like, alright?"
"Is... is that really okay? I feel like I'll be a nuisance," Rozemyne whispered.
"Not at all! Your husband will surely catch you no matter how much you lean on him. A man can endure even being yelled at if it's by the wife carrying his child. And to the retainers: do not try to stop her or soothe her out of it; let her vent. Keeping pent-up feelings inside is not good during pregnancy."
"Eighth: The Archduke Conference is coming up. Based on her health, I would prefer she skip it, but if she must go, I will accompany you to the Royal Academy. However, it would be best to leave the dealings with other duchies to Lord Ferdinand and the retainers. Lord Ferdinand will be providing mana to the baby anyway, so Lady Rozemyne, just think of it as 'going along for the ride.' Even if you stay behind, I can provide the baby with stones filled with Ferdinand’s mana. Does anyone have any questions?"