The Reason I Made Her My Queen - Chapter 5

I first noticed changes in my physical condition about half a year after being summoned.

In the end, I never returned to the queen’s harem and continued living in the detached palace.

Thanks to Felicie taking care of my daily needs, I’d grown accustomed to comfort.

I once protested about this to her, but she firmly refused, saying, “My Lady, this is my proper duty. And please call me ‘Felicie’ without any honorifics.” I couldn’t argue back.

It felt uncomfortable to address her without honorifics when she was clearly older than me, but since Felicie was determined to maintain this, I eventually gave up.

And yet…

“My Lady.”

I found comfort in seeing myself reflected in her gentle eyes.

Truthfully, it made me happy.

I was always filled with both guilt and gratitude toward Felicie, who worked busily and tirelessly.

Whenever I said, “Let me help too,” she would stubbornly refuse, saying, “I cannot allow My Lady to do such things.”

Thanks to her, I lived without any wants.

She herself seemed strangely frustrated, saying, “It’s still not enough. I wish to increase the number of people attending to you.” but for me, she alone was sufficient.

“Felicie, thank you always. I’m very grateful.”

“My Lady…”

“But please don’t overdo it. I’m happy you’re taking care of me, but I’d be sad if you collapsed.”

“You needn’t worry about me. But I’ll be fine. I’ve been training, you see.”

Come to think of it, Felicie had mentioned she was skilled in martial arts.

“Rather, I feel off if I’m not moving.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes.”

Despite being busy and constantly on the move every day, her complexion kept improving.

It was quite mysterious.

“Speaking of which, My Lady, aren’t you going to eat?”

Felicie expressed concern about my eating habits.

Lately, I had no appetite, and today I hadn’t even eaten breakfast, just lying down.

“It’s not like I’m particularly unwell.”

When I gave this vague response, Felicie shook her head.

“No. I will summon the court physician for you immediately.”

“Eh? That’s excessive. I’m just a little under the weather. It’s been hot lately.”

“No. You will be examined by the court physician.”

“But…”

“My Lady. This is decided.”

Overwhelmed by Felicie’s forceful demeanor that brooked no argument, I could only nod.

I even felt apologetic about the situation where the court physician was called for what was likely just summer fatigue.

I resolved to manage my health properly from now on, but I’ll keep it a secret that I felt somewhat pleased to see Felicie so flustered; something that doesn’t happen often.

“Congratulations. You are with child.”

“Eh?”

When the examination ended and the court physician offered words of congratulations, I blinked in surprise.

“…Pregnant? …Me?”

I unintentionally murmured, and the court physician smiled and nodded. Pregnant? Me?

“My Lady, congratulations. You are with child.”

Felicie took my hand, openly showing her joy.

I was so shocked it felt like the world had turned upside down, leaving me dumbfounded.

“My Lady, you haven’t been in good health recently, which is likely due to your pregnancy.”

“……”

I was at a loss for words.

It should be a joyous occasion, but everything had surpassed my expectations so much that my feelings couldn’t keep up.

“Until you reach the stable period, please rest. Take good care of yourself.”

After saying this, the court physician left the room.

King Ramiro visited the detached palace every night.

It wasn’t strange that I’d become pregnant.

Rather, it was strange that I hadn’t considered the possibility of pregnancy until now.

I was carrying the king’s child.

Just like my mother had.

What should I do?

That night, King Ramiro came as usual.

As always, letting myself be captured in his strong arms while my heart grew colder and colder.

“Your Majesty, I’m sorry.”

“For what are you apologizing?”

“I… I am carrying Your Majesty’s child.”

“I am the one who impregnated you. Why are you apologizing?”

The king’s calm reaction was unexpected.

So, I told him again.

“A lowly person like me is carrying Your Majesty’s child. I’m so sorry.”

“What foolish words. No matter who bears the child, it is undoubtedly mine. Well done, Nila.”

He praised me in an even tone.

But…

“Your Majesty. I don’t mind whatever treatment I receive. Only, the child to be born.”

“Nila, you seem to be misunderstanding something.”

“Eh?”

“Do you think I would do something to you and the child in your womb?”

“…No. Never such a thing…”

“You need not worry. In this kingdom, there is not a single person who would harm you and your child. Who would dare not allow it?”

He implied, “Do not underestimate King Ramiro’s immense power.”

“But, Your Majesty…”

“It is my child. You need only think about giving birth.”

He drew me closer to his chest.

With his large, warm hand, he stroked the back of me, who was sobbing like a child.

“Nila. Bear my child.”

“…Yes.”

Even though I hadn’t been forgiven, I felt relieved for some reason.

Surely, I wouldn’t be forgiven.

The Kingdom of Carnia would not rejoice in my pregnancy.