101st Confession - Chapter 129

<CHAPTER 129

“Ho, ho, that’s the little lady.”

“The little lady I saw once upon a time is now a grown woman.”

“Hehe, she always said she would marry Master Herwin, and now it’s come true.”

The vassals of House Phoenaeus and the northern aristocrats stared at Herwin and Lucia. Some recognized Lucia as a child who had often visited the ducal residence as a child.

Usually, they would have liked the new little lady, but there were significantly fewer people who were opposed to her because the Agnes family had been interacting with Phoenaeus for so long.

That didn’t mean that there weren’t some who did. 

“She looks like shed collapse if someone touched her.”

“I don’t know if she can survive in the harsh north with a body like that.”

They thought that Lucia, who looked fragile at first glance, would not be able to survive in the harsh north. 

Amid all the goodwill, curiosity, envy, and jealousy, the two stood before Hail and Scarlett, undaunted by the pressure around them.

They simultaneously bent at the waist and knees, bowing to Duke Phoenaeus.

“Herwin Phoenaeus. Greeting Hail Phoenaeus and Scarlett Phoenaeus, Eleventh Lord of Phoenaeus.”

“Lucia Phoenaeus. Greeting Hail Phoenaeus and Scarlett Phoenaeus, Eleventh Lord of Phoenaeus.”

Hail held out a hand to indicate they should rise, and they did. He smiled at their serious faces.

The room erupted in laughter as the man who rarely smiled let alone in public, smiled. 

“On this day, I, Hail Phoenaeus, will pass the reins of House Phoenaeus to you, the people of the North. Do you feel confident enough to carry on the House of Phoenaeus?”

“Yes, I will stand firm as the representative of the North and defend the House of Phoenaeus no matter what hardships come my way.”

Hail smiled at the satisfactory answer.

“Very well. If anyone has any objections to this succession, let them be voiced here and now.”

Even if some disliked Herwin, none were foolish enough to come forward and challenge him directly, or they would be pretending to be House Phoenaeus.

Hail smiled with satisfaction at the silence.

“I, Hail Phoenaeus, do hereby announce that as of this day, I am stepping down from the Ducal Council and handing over my seat to Herwin Phoenaeus!”

He felt a chill run down his spine. Hail pinned the mark of his family to Herwin’s chest.
It was a seal of honor, proof that he had safely inherited the dukedom, an object with a long and storied history in Phoenaeus. 

Hugging Hail, who had now retreated from his seat, Herwin turned and surveyed the people around him.

“I am Herwin Phoenaeus, 12th Duke of Phoenaeus. I promise to be a duke who will stand with you in times of trouble and times of joy, who will consider the needs of the people and walk with the commoners.”

Applause erupted around the room. Lucia clapped too, looking around at Hail, Scarlet, Jerome, and Sean.

Her normally broad shoulders seemed even broader today. She’s going to have to share the heavy burdens that will be placed on those shoulders, Lucia told herself.

After the solemn ceremony, the mood lightened and the banquet began.

As only northern nobles were present, there wasn’t as much fighting as there would be elsewhere. However, due to the nature of the northern accent, some words sounded angry and made her shudder.

“Heh heh heh, ma’am, do you remember me, I gave you candy once when we were kids?”

“What a fellow! What the hell are you doing? Isn’t your wife surprised?”

Lucia just grinned with an awkward face.

She was currently dealing with people along with Herwin.

All of them had come to greet the new master of the North. 

The people who were nervous at first began to soften and relax, and some of the older ones even asked Lucia if she remembered them.

She’d been staying at the Duke’s every summer since she was eight, so it was a familiar face.

But, remembering Scarlett’s advice from earlier, she didn’t pretend to know them.

Claiming friendship with a particular faction could lead to unintended consequences later.

“Congratulations on your arrival, Duke. This is my maid, Yurianne. We’ve met once before, haven’t we?”

“I am Yurianne. It’s been a long time, Duke.”

Lucia’s eyebrows waggled as she recognized the woman on the griddle.

She had known that the youngsters had been looking at her with pleading eyes ever since she had appeared here with Herwin, but she hadn’t expected them to approach their parents.

‘No, maybe it was their father who brought it up first.’

Outwardly, they were saying goodbye to Lucia, but there was a hint of expectation and superiority in their eyes.

The man was subtly bragging about his daughter, trying to hook her up with Herwin.

He was using subtlety to avoid being caught, and she couldn’t blame him.

“Yes, indeed, you have a fine wife, and you say you’re not even engaged. If so, she’ll find a good match here, or I’ll introduce her to a handsome man who might be suitable for her.”

To get over his favorite person. When he still says something nice, one should just go away.

The words were tinged with anger. The woman’s face froze, while Herwin pursed his lips to hide his amusement.

Barely able to control the corner of his mouth from curling up, Herwin pulled Lucia closer to him.

“That is a good idea. My wife’s eyes are far more accurate than mine. I have a very wise wife indeed. Like no other.”

If the man understands, then he should just go. Herwin doesn’t need another woman besides her wife.

The two people were silent for a moment, and then Lady Yurianne blushed and left with her father. As soon as they turned around, Lucia hardened her face and snorted.

“I’m right next to you, what are you doing?”

“Are you mad?”

“Yeah. There’s no way he won’t do it again, and you better behave yourself. Otherwise, I’m gonna-!”

“Bam! What?”

“……I’m going to go down to the main house.”

“Oh no, you can’t do that. I can’t live a day without you.”

Herwin chuckled and kissed Lucia briefly on the forehead. He wasn’t a fan of kissing in public, but for once, he held still.

When Lucia looked up, still stiff, Herwin wondered.

“Are you angry?”

Normally, she should have been released already. Lucia wasn’t the type of person to get too angry at a trick like this in the first place, but strangely enough, she was feeling especially angry today.

“I don’t know… it sucks…….”

At the sound of her voice, Herwin panicked and hugged Lucia’s shoulders tightly, whispering.

“I’m sorry, Lucia, I should have hit you a long time ago. I promise it won’t happen again.”

“……Yes.”

“There’s only one you, Lucia, and I love you.”

Herwin repeated the words I love you several times to keep Lucia calm. Then, mysteriously, her sinking mood lifted.

“Whoa, I’ve been feeling weird lately. I can’t seem to control my emotions.”

“Yeah, why is that? Have you been under a lot of stress?”

Herwin suddenly felt sorry for Lucia. Even if she hadn’t said anything to him, he’s sure she had a lot of things on her mind when she came to the strange north, but he’s sorry that he was so busy with his work that he didn’t pay attention to her.

Herwin excused himself from the approaching people and led Lucia to a resting place in the corner of the hall.

“Sit down and rest for a while, I’ll get you something to drink.”

Normally, she would have said she didn’t need it, but today she just wanted his favor, and unbeknownst to her, fatigue had set in.

‘I also feel a little hot.’

Lucia touched her neck and felt a searing heat. Her head didn’t hurt, but she felt a strange chill. 

In the distance, Lucia spotted Herwin being held by the others.

He looked like he wanted to come to her, but they wouldn’t let him go.

“Miss, are you tired? You don’t look very well.”

At that moment, the young ladies she had dealt with earlier approached with a soft voice. Lucia quickly wiped away her tiredness and smiled brightly.

“Yes, I’m a little tired.”

Lucia’s words were met with mixed reactions.

“Please take care of yourself. The weather in the north is harsh for people from outside.”

One looked genuinely concerned.

“You seem to have a fragile body, it must be hard for you, so I wonder if you can adapt to the north…….”

The other was sarcasm disguised as concern, especially when they dared to question Lucia’s physical condition if she was weak.

The favorably disposed youths panicked and rushed to stop them, but they continued to mock her.

“Your complexion is pale, and judging from the fact that you’re already exhausted, it seems that your physical strength is weak. Shouldn’t you go to a doctor for a checkup?”

“Of course, you should take care of your health, you’re the Duchess, not someone else, and isn’t your job to carry on the lineage the most important thing?”

“Your Highness, how dare you say that in front of anyone, watch your mouth!”

“You’re not very mature if you can’t keep your personal feelings to yourself.”

Those who crossed the line were scolded by the young ladies who had favored Lucia in the past. 

It was obvious that the pregnant quill was a young lady who had feelings for Herwin.

If a person was too ridiculous, she couldn’t even get angry. This was the one.

Lucia looked at them in disbelief, and she coughed unnecessarily as her foot went numb.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. I apologize on behalf of them.”

The woman who seemed to be the smartest of the remaining youngsters shook her head. Lucia held up a hand.

“No, it’s none of your business to apologize. Thank you for taking my side.”

The lady’s face brightened, and she flushed as if she were embarrassed. 

“Honey.”

The voice was husky, and Herwin appeared with a plate of food and a bottle of champagne.
After a moment of agitation, the young lady hurriedly bent down.

“Who are these people……?”

“Oh, I was just chatting with them for a bit, and they seemed to be able to communicate with me.”

“Hmph?”

Herwin looked the young women up and down, their faces stiff with anticipation. They seemed pleased that Lucia had gotten a good review.

“I wish you well in the future. My wife is from a long way from home, and she feels lonely. If you don’t mind, I hope you’ll come and visit often and be Lucia’s horse.”

Herwin was pleased, too, and invited them to the duchy before Lucia did. The young ladies were delighted to be invited.

“Yes, of course, it would be an honor for our family!”

“We will be sure to serve you well.”

With a ceremonial smile, Herwin sat down next to Lucia.

“Now, here. You haven’t eaten since breakfast, so I brought you something I thought you might like.”

He could feel the youngsters’ eyes darting over to him. Whether he realized it or not, Herwin was only looking at Lucia.

Sure enough, he was right, the plate was filled with only her favorite things. 

“Thank you. I was getting hungry anyway.”

Lucia’s mouth watered at the sight of the berry tart. The newest one had her craving.

She popped the tart into her mouth before her salivary glands exploded. As Lucia giggled with all the happiness in the world, Herwin smiled at her, his eyes dripping with honey.

It was clear from the first glance that Herwin liked Lucia a lot.

Lucia was about to take a sip of champagne when she felt a strange sensation and put the glass down.

“Why, do you want something else?”

“Um… I just feel weird.”

Herwin hurriedly stopped her and picked up another, this time a different one. It was a crimson-colored salmon. 

It was something she hadn’t eaten much in the capital but had become a favorite when she came north. It had been a long time since she’d had it, so she was looking forward to it, and then-

“Ugh!”

Lucia suddenly felt a wave of nausea. Herwin grabbed her by the shoulders, and the most startled Lucia stood there for a moment, then looked back at the salmon.

“Ugh!”

This time she felt sick to her stomach.

She dropped her plate to the floor and continued to gag. Herwin’s face paled at Lucia’s distress.

“A doctor! Get a doctor now!”

Gazes snapped around the room. The youngsters stared at Lucia in alarm, and Hail and Scarlett rushed through the crowd.

“What’s wrong!”

“Sweetheart, are you hurt?”

“No, no. It’s just that my stomach is suddenly rumbling and… ugh!”

“Lu, Lucia, be patient, I’ve gone to call the doctor, he’ll be here soon.”

Just as Herwin was pacing around Lucia helplessly, the people around her, including Hail and Scarlett, fell silent and looked at Lucia with strange eyes.

“Ah, sweetheart…….”

Scarlett’s voice trembled.

“When was the last time you… had it?”

It was a small voice, but she could hear it clearly because it was so quiet around her. Lucia looked around, puzzled.

“Mother, why is that suddenly…….”

“Don’t be shy, say it. It’s important……!”

“Uh… I mean…….”

Pondering, Lucia suddenly remembered.

“Come to think of it… I’m overdue, I think it’s been about two weeks…….”

She had been so busy preparing for the succession ceremony that she hadn’t even realized she had missed the date.

“This is weird. I’ve never been behind schedule before…….”

“Why, is that bad, Mother, is something wrong with Lucia?”

Herwin’s face contorted as if he were about to cry now. On the other hand, Scarlett and Hail’s faces couldn’t have been brighter.

“Oh, my God! Lucia!”

“My dear, you’ve done something big, you’ve done something big!”

“What? All of a sudden what…….”

“Don’t you see, you’re pregnant!”

Scarlett’s words left both Lucia and Herwin speechless for a moment. 

‘Pregnant? Who? Me?’

Lucia suddenly realized why her body had changed lately.

Was it because she was pregnant?

“Pregnant?”

As she stammered out the word, Herwin shuddered and grabbed Lucia’s shoulder. Lucia could see the look of joy on his face, more than happy.

“Lucia!”

Herwin scooped her up in one swift motion and spun her around in place. He didn’t care what anyone else thought.

She could see the pale faces of the young men who had mocked her for being pregnant and the looks of surprise and joy on the faces of the others. 

And in the distance, the doctor was coming panting, led by servants.

Suddenly it all became real.

Applause and congratulations poured in from all around her, far more than she had received at the succession ceremony today.

Lucia looked down at the ship in Herwin’s arms, dazed.

It was hard to believe that new life was growing there, in a place where she could feel nothing.

She had a premonition that they would have an eventful life ahead of them.

101st Confession.