101st Confession - Side Story Episode 17 - Herwin\'s Troubles (4)

Side Story Episode 17: Herwin’s Troubles (4)

“Oh! Herwin, look at this!”

Lucia’s face turned red as she unwrapped the last gift. This time, it was food.

It was the things Lucia had mentioned wanting to eat in her letter.

Cookies, candies, and even the special sauce from her favorite chicken skewer place.

Lucia liked the last gift more than anything else.

“As expected, a mother knows her daughter’s heart well. Julian sent such a nice gift. Is it really that delicious?” 

“Yes, it’s so delicious that even if two people eat it, you wouldn’t know one died.”

She had only said it was delicious, but for some reason, it sounded different in Herwin’s ears.

“I should tell the chef to cook with this today. He’s skilled, so maybe he can recreate the sauce perfectly.” 

“Really? That would be great.”

What’s this strange feeling that spicy smells will linger in the dining for a while?

Even though saliva was pooling in his mouth, Herwin awkwardly smiled as his tongue tingled.

“Oh, right. My brother’s mentioned in the letter.”

“Lucas? Why?”

Lucia whispered as if sharing a secret, with a mischievous smile.

“Brother is getting married to Arista.”

Herwin and even Scarlett widened their eyes.

“Married right away? Not even engaged?!”

“Well, she said she’ll tell us the details when we get down there. Isn’t that great?”

“Ha… I mean, I guess I figured it would lead to something, but it’s a little too sudden, don’t you think?”

“That’s true. Just until we left, they seemed lukewarm.”

Having just returned from their honeymoon and coming straight to the north, it hadn’t even been four months since they left the island.

If it was news of dating or engagement, it would make sense, but marriage all of a sudden?

“Mother says maybe because we skipped engagement and went straight to marriage, that’s why the trend these days is to get married without engagement.”

“Then did Lucas follow the trend too?”

“I’m not sure about that. But you know as well. He’s not the type to bring up marriage when he’s not sure.” 

Yes, he knows. Heck, Countess Agnes had even grilled him about why they weren’t getting married.

“When we get to the island, there’s so much to do. We need to choose wedding dresses for Christine, listen to Brother and Arista’s romance, oh! And we have to meet Henry too.”

“Henry misses you.”

Henry had been living in the capital since graduating.

He wanted to come up north right after hearing about Lucia’s pregnancy, but coming to the north in winter is quite dangerous, so they were eagerly awaiting the day when Lucia and Herwin would come down to the island after the weather cleared.

“I miss everyone.”

Lucia hugged the letter tightly, her expression a mix of memories and longing.

Watching her, Herwin was lost in thought.

This place is his hometown, and since everyone here welcomed her, Lucia thought it was a good place too. Of course, she’s adapting well, but it might still feel unfamiliar, and she might not have a place to lean on emotionally. 

Even though there’s Sean, who came up to the island with them, as a noble lady, it might not be easy for Lucia to confide in her feelings to someone of lower status.

Lost in thought for a moment, Herwin asked Scarlett.

“Mother, has the snow melted a bit in the southernmost area?”

” It did melt quite a bit. Why do you ask?”

When the snow melts in the southernmost area, some movement becomes possible.

“Let’s see, it’s April 5th today……”

Usually, it’s easier to move around when the snow completely melts in May, but it wouldn’t be impossible to move around at all now. Plus, according to the butler, the snow is melting faster than last year.

“Lucia, should we go to the island a bit earlier?”

Lucia was surprised.

“Isn’t it dangerous to go down now?”

“In ten days, most of the snow in the south will have melted. By then, other places will have warmed up a lot too, so it should be easier to move around. Even if not, as long as we’re well-prepared, it should be fine. Right, Mother?”

“Then. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll lend you my carriage, so don’t worry.”

Watching Scarlett for a moment, Lucia soon shyly smiled, expressing her happiness.

Both Herwin and Scarlett smiled with satisfaction at her cute expression, like a night flower.

“Oh, and what do you think about having the baby on the island?”

“What?”

Lucia looked bewildered at the unexpected suggestion. Then Scarlett gently smiled and held her hand.

“There will be many inconveniences living here. So, give birth on the island where you can feel comfortable.”

“Oh, no. Mother. Here is…”

“Listen to me. I also gave birth to Henry in winter. Even though I was used to the north, giving birth in that cold was quite challenging.”

No matter how many heating devices were installed to warm up the room, the chill persisted, making it quite difficult to give birth to Henry. Moreover, Lucia’s due date was in October, when the cold would set in the north. 

Before then, she had to take care of her body well, and she couldn’t endure the suffering of giving birth in such a cold place. Moreover, how heartbreaking it was that her parents couldn’t be with her when she gave birth.

Scarlett also understood Lucia’s concerns well.

“But then, Mother and Father won’t be able to see the baby right after it’s born.”

Scarlett blinked. She couldn’t believe Lucia was making such a pretty dilemma about an offer she would accept right away. That’s why Lucia is so lovely.

“If you go down to the island, we’ll be fine. And it’s not like we’re telling you to stay there forever. It’s just a suggestion to go there for about a month before giving birth to take care of your health. I’d be happy to let you stay, but Herwin has a lot to deal with since he’s just inherited the dukedom.”

“Of course, I’m well aware of that. Thank you for your consideration, Mother.”

“If it’s for such an adorable daughter-in-law like you, I’d even pluck stars from the sky. Besides, even if we’re apart for a few months, what’s the big deal when we’ll continue living together in the future?”

Still, knowing that her decision was by no means easy, Lucia hugged Scarlett tightly. Scarlett was surprised for a moment but soon hugged her back.

Herwin smiled contentedly at the affectionate sight of the two women he loved the most.

“If anything upsets you about Herwin while you’re on the island, feel free to tell me anytime. I’ll make sure to give him a good scolding until he cries!”

………… No, maybe one person should be excluded.

* * *

Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was time to leave for the island.

The carriage was filled with all sorts of soft cushions since it was planned for the pregnant woman to travel for a long period.

Despite leaving half a month earlier than planned, luckily, there was no difficulty in traveling as much of the snow in the south of the north had melted.

“This is your first long trip since coming up to the north. Remember, eat lots of delicious food, see only good things, and do not overexert yourself. Got it?”

“Yes, Father. I’ll do that.”

The usually gruff Hail meticulously inspected Lucia’s carriage and held her hand until the end, worrying about her.

Thanks to him, Lucia could comfortably finish her travel preparations without a care in the world.

“Herwin, don’t forget to pass these things on to Julian. Take good care of Henry too, and he must be feeling quite confused after graduating from the academy.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll bring Henry with me when I come up.”

“Oh, come on. Henry should be on the island to meet a good woman like Lucia. There’s no one decent here in the north.”

“Is that so? There’s probably no other woman as good as Lucia.”

“I know you like Lucia, but don’t overdo it.”

Scarlett gave a stern, icy glare. After a long farewell, the two finally managed to get into the carriage.

“Well then, we’ll be off. Mother, Father.”

“Yes. Darling, take care of yourself there, and Herwin, take good care of Lucia.”

“Send my regards to Julian.”

No one wished Herwin a safe journey. But he didn’t mind at all. Instead, he smiled brightly with a refreshing expression.

“Take care of the north while I’m away, Father.”

“Ugh… You’re going off on your own, aren’t you?”

He’d still have work to do on the Island, but at least he’d be able to hand over the northern estates to Hail. 

Herwin’s face trembled with excitement at the thought of finally being liberated from the hellish pile of work he had endured for the past few months.

As the carriage finally departed, Lucia gazed out the window with a pounding heart.

“It’s only been about four months since I’ve been down there, but I’m so nervous. What should I do?”

“Isn’t it because it’s your first time being away from the island for so long?”

“But we were this far away when we were at the Academy. Is it because this is my new home now?”

Even though it was going to Countess Agnes, where she had lived her whole life, why did she feel so excited as if she were opening a new gift? It seemed like this excited feeling wouldn’t fade until they arrived at the island.

But just then, her stomach grumbled. Lucia looked down at her stomach with wide eyes.

As Herwin reached for strawberries to give to Lucia, he chuckled at her strange expression.

“What’s wrong? Is the seat uncomfortable?”

“…………Herwin, the baby moved.”

Herwin’s eyes widened as well. He quickly put away the strawberries and leaned his ear against Lucia’s belly.

Flutter~!

This time, the movement was stronger. When Herwin looked up with an indescribable expression, Lucia also smiled happily.

“Hello, little one. You’re finally moving.”

Herwin’s voice trembled as he touched Lucia’s belly. Lucia stroked his head.

“I guess the baby is excited to go to the island like me.”

“Our baby. It’s good to be lively, but don’t make Mom too tired, okay?”

Flutter~

As if in response to Herwin’s words, the baby moved again. Herwin and Lucia smiled widely at each other.

“Seeing how active it is already, could it be a boy?”

“I don’t know. I’m hoping it’s a girl who looks just like you.”

“Oh. Usually, they say boys take after their mothers, and girls take after their fathers. If it takes after me, wouldn’t it be a boy?”

“Regardless of gender, I hope the baby is born healthy and without any complications.”

Herwin blew a quick kiss to Lucia and sat beside her, feeding her strawberries by hand. Lucia stroked her belly as she ate the tangy-sweet strawberries and cookies.

It felt so good, right from the start.