The Price of Breaching the Contract - Chapter 86

The summer of Makari Territory was a particularly special season. While the entire kingdom was exhausted by the sweltering heat, this serene highland in the north welcomed its most pleasant season.

Even at midday, the sunlight wasn’t overly harsh, and by early evening, a cool breeze from the forest permeated the castle. Lush greenery bloomed all around, enveloping the gardens, and the sounds of birds and insects from the thickets added to the summer atmosphere. Yulania felt as if she were deep in the forest simply by leaving the windows open.

And at the heart of that season, she was nearing her due date.

Her belly was already quite swollen, and her shifting center of gravity made movement increasingly difficult. However, Yulania still meticulously combed her hair each morning, changed into a light indoor dress, and sat before her workbench.

Little by little, day by day, she was making things for the baby. As her due date approached, the feeling of creating something with her hands grounded her.

“Still, don’t sit for too long, Princess.”

Vanessa visited her studio several times a day to check her posture, and Maya brought additional cushions for back support and a footrest. In the times when Santia was away, they guarded Yulania’s side thoroughly.

Today was the day to knit a small undershirt. She used a softer yarn than before and added a floral pattern using the tapestry technique. Yulania hung a small yellow starstone in the center of the flower pattern. As always, a very small, soft light swayed gently. It resembled the light that quietly sparkled among the countless flowers she had seen in the garden.

“My Princess.”

When Santia quietly opened the door and entered, Yulania stopped the hand that was placing another stitch on the starstone. Feeling his gaze, she slowly raised her head. Santia silently approached, knelt down, and looked at her belly.

“You’ve become even cuter lately.”

At the sudden remark, Yulania blinked, her hand holding the threaded needle still.

“Huh?”

“Your body has also become softer, which is nice.”

With a sincere expression, he lightly poked near Yulania’s side with his fingertip. She glared at him with an almost shocked expression.

“It’s inevitable for pregnant women to gain weight.”

She said firmly, putting down her needle.

Santia shrugged, suppressing a smile.

“Of course. I said it because I like it.”

Yulania rolled her eyes.

“Who would believe you if you say you like it with that face?”

“I believe it. Our child is the witness.”

He placed his hand on Yulania’s belly and spoke tenderly. At that moment, a very small but distinct tapping sensation was felt from within.

Yulania stopped breathing and covered his hand with hers.

“Did you feel it?”

Santia stared blankly at her for a moment before nodding.

“It’s kicking again.”

Fetal movement occurred several times a day, but moments like this, when they could feel it together, were always special. Lately, the baby had been particularly active, even keeping Yulania awake at night. On those nights, Santia would carefully place his hand on her belly, or Yulania would guide his hand to stroke her belly.

“I hope it’s a son who resembles you.”

Trailing off, she looked at Santia.

“Of course, it would be nice if he were a little more affectionate.”

Santia was silent for a moment before placing his hand on her belly again.

“I still can’t believe it. That I’m going to be a father.”

“I felt the same way at first. But…”

Yulania looked out at the sunlight gently shining through the window.

“When I feel it moving like this every day. I realize it’s a living being, that it’s inside me.”

She looked at Santia, watching him carefully stroke her belly with his fingertips. Soft eyes, suppressed breaths, and a touch as if he were offering a prayer. Just seeing Santia like that made Yulania’s heart throb.

The two sat together in silence for a while. A breeze from the garden gently seeped into the draft-free room. The starstone continued to emit its small light, and the baby inside her belly intermittently moved, announcing its presence.

Now, their summer was nearing its end. But both knew that the end was also a beginning. Everything would change when this child was born. Santia was both afraid and excited about it. Yulania felt an emotion growing stronger within her with each passing day. The responsibility of living with this child, with him, was willingly settling on her shoulders.

And on that summer afternoon, in the silence, they held a very small and clear future.

It was a late afternoon, when the sunlight was gently sweeping across the window. As Yulania, who was threading a tapestry frame, casually put down her wrist and sighed lightly, a cautious knock was heard from beyond the door.

“Come in.”

As expected, it was Santia. He opened the door and entered, his expression slightly different from usual. There was an air of excitement about him. As Yulania looked at him with a questioning gaze, Santia quietly sat in front of her and opened his mouth.

“Yulania.”

“Yes?”

“There’s a place I want to show you.”

She blinked for a moment and put down the thread.

“Now?”

“Not today, maybe tomorrow. A place to stay overnight.”

He continued cautiously.

“It’s not too far, it’s within Makari Territory.”

Yulania unconsciously placed her hand on her belly. Her noticeably larger belly was now heavy enough that she had to be careful even when sitting down or getting up.

“Still, it’s not easy to move around now. Besides—”

“I know.”

Santia immediately responded.

“That’s why I’ve prepared everything very carefully. So you don’t have to walk too much, the route is as comfortable as possible, and above all, it’s a journey designed for you to rest.”

Yulania looked at him. His low voice was filled with conviction, and his eyes were as firm and warm as ever.

“It’s not like riding a horse, you just need to travel by carriage for a short while. When we arrive, we’ll stay overnight in a very quiet place and then come back. You don’t have to do anything, just sit and enjoy the breeze, or lie down and spend time looking at the sky.”

Santia added slowly, as if saving his words.

“I’m sure you’ll like it too.”

At that last word, Yulania’s heart softened a little. It felt like a gift prepared with all his heart by her devoted husband. And above all, she was grateful that he was trying so hard to let her rest.

“Okay.”

She smiled and slowly nodded.

“If you say so much.”

Santia’s expression brightened instantly.

“I’ll prepare the carriage tomorrow morning.”

Yulania chuckled and looked at him.

“I’ll be looking forward to it. Very much.”

At those words, Santia slightly lowered his head, trying to hide his joy. After a moment, he stood up and carefully took her hand, kissing the back of it. Feeling his soft breath, she thought once again about the life she was sharing with this man.

That night, Santia meticulously checked the travel route and luggage, and re-examined the interior of the carriage where Yulania would sit. Soft cushions, water and tea, small snacks, and even medicine in case she suddenly felt unwell were all prepared.

The next morning, Yulania boarded the carriage just as the sunlight was beginning to spread. Santia took her hand and carefully guided her, and inside the carriage, a small bouquet of flowers awaited her.

“What’s this?”

“It’s the beginning of the journey.”

As if he knew he had uttered embarrassing words, Santia immediately turned his head away, avoiding her gaze.

Yulania quietly smiled at those words. Somehow, it seemed like it would be a much better time than she had expected.

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