The Young Male Protagonist Who is Destined for Ruin Fell for Me - Chapter 121 (Side Story 5)

What on earth just happened?

Lienne and I sat frozen, blinking in confusion.

The artifact was glowing bright yellow in my hands—the color that appeared when a woman was pregnant.

To double-check, Lienne touched it herself. The light immediately shifted back to black.

‘So it’s not broken… That means…’

As I thought back, memories flashed through my mind—of me backing Kyle into a wall whenever he tried to fetch a magic candy to prevent pregnancy.

Of me boldly flinging open the bathroom door while he was bathing, pretending I was completely innocent, flashing him a mischievous smile.

‘It’s… not impossible.’

Lienne, just as flustered as I was, suddenly grabbed my hand.

“A-Amel! When was your last period?”

“…Last month. No, wait—two months ago.”

“You’re telling me the Duchess of Chaeild missed an entire cycle and didn’t bother getting checked?! And your husband is Kylean Chaeild of all people?!”

“I thought my schedule had thrown my cycle off… I was busy helping with your wedding.”

I turned back to the glowing artifact.

Lienne’s scolding faded into distant noise as an overwhelming surge of emotion washed over me.

I had considered the possibility before—that someday, Kyle and I might have a child.

Back then, I had imagined it would feel like pure happiness.

But right now, I felt… breathless. Lightheaded. My chest was warm and tight.

And more than anything—I wanted to see Kyle.

Lienne’s voice softened as she took my trembling hands.

“Amel. This is wonderful news. Why are you crying? Are you that happy?”

“…It just feels… strange.”

“I’ve already sent someone to Chaeild Manor. I also called for the royal physician—you should have a proper check-up.”

She held my hand firmly as she summoned the physician.

Not long after, Berndt came barreling into the room, looking breathless.

＊＊＊

Meanwhile, Chaeild Manor was in chaos.

Kyle had gathered every servant in the estate, issuing orders down to the finest detail.

“Make sure my wife is completely comfortable.”

His booming command echoed through the hall, met with equally fervent responses.

“I still can’t believe Lady Amel is pregnant.”

“Good thing I’ve been testing new recipes for expectant mothers. She must eat well.”

“This is the greatest blessing for Chaeild!”

“There’s going to be a festival for sure!”

The atmosphere was warm, almost celebratory—until, suddenly, the front doors slammed open.

A breathless servant from the front gate burst into the hall.

“Y-Your Grace! An imperial messenger has arrived—bearing the royal crest…!”

“……!”

The hall fell deathly silent.

Kyle—who had been heading back to his chambers—froze mid-step.

Normally, Kyle had zero interest in imperial affairs.

If the empire was collapsing?

If the palace was under attack?

Not Chaeild’s problem.

But his wife—Amelia Chaeild—was currently at the imperial palace.

‘If they sent a messenger in haste… was she hurt?’

Kyle’s face turned ashen.

Claire, who had been watching him from a distance, was equally startled by his reaction.

He clenched his jaw and moved to summon a horse.

Before he could even finish the order, Claire grabbed his wrist.

But it was too late—before anyone could react, Arete was activated.

Paul. Owen. Haild.

The entire group was swallowed by the teleportation spell.

By the time the imperial messenger stepped into the grand hall—there was no one left to receive him.

＊＊＊

“Duchess Chaeild. Are you feeling well? Any discomfort?”

“I’m fine, Your Majesty.”

“This is a great blessing not just for Chaeild, but for all of Hail. Truly, congratulations. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask.”

I resisted the urge to tell Berndt he was the biggest inconvenience in my life.

Despite Lienne’s repeated attempts to get rid of him, Berndt stubbornly remained by my side.

The moment the physicians completed the blood test, he immediately pressed them for results.

“Well? Report at once!”

“C-Congratulations! The Duchess is in the early stages of pregnancy. She must avoid any strenuous activity—such as horseback riding—and ensure proper nutrition and stress management.”

“…Early stages…”

I barely registered the words as I whispered them back.

Just then—

BANG!

The door flew open with a crash.

The Chaeild entourage stormed inside.

Kyle—who had been surrounded by physicians—stood frozen.

His dazed eyes locked onto mine.

I raised a hand and waved at him with a small, teary smile.

If I hadn’t—he might have collapsed on the spot.

“…Kyle.”

His name left my lips in a trembling breath.

His red eyes flickered wildly between the royal physicians and me.

He already knew.

Just from my face—he knew.

Lienne and Berndt had helped me settle comfortably on the sofa.

Kyle moved forward, his steps unsteady, until he stood before me.

I didn’t say a word.

Instead, I took his hand and gently placed it over my stomach.

The warmth of his palm seeped through me.

And at that moment—

Kylean Chaeild’s world changed forever.

The baby wasn’t even moving yet.

And yet, his heart pounded wildly, as if he had just finished a race—because her hand had gently overlapped his.

“Kyle. I guess this is why I’ve been feeling so exhausted lately. I’m carrying your child.”

Kyle had already known.

He had known before she did.

But hearing her say it aloud—watching her acknowledge it with her own voice—was an entirely different experience.

It was overwhelming.

But the first words that left his lips weren’t joy.

They were worry.

“…Are you all right?”

“My stomach feels a little unsettled, but I’m fine. I’m not sick, so you don’t have to be so concerned.”

“That’s not what I meant…”

The words refused to come out.

He wanted to ask her—You’ve always hesitated whenever we talked about children. Are you really okay with this?

But instead, he pulled her into a silent embrace.

Amel blinked, unsure how to respond, when Claire suddenly stepped forward and slipped her engagement ring back onto her finger.

Kyle often left matters of Amel’s jewelry and clothing to Claire.

The ring had been carefully polished by experts, its shine restored to perfection.

And just then—Kyle’s thoughts flowed freely, unfiltered.

「Sister has never once smiled brightly when we talked about children. Is she forcing a smile now, just for me?」

「I didn’t want her to feel pressured by things like heirs and succession.」

「…But would it be selfish to say that I’m happy the woman I love is carrying my child?」

Amel could see the memories surfacing in his mind.

“Just so you know,” Kyle murmured suddenly, “I have full confidence that I’ll be a good father.”

“…Huh?”

She recognized that line.

It was something he had told her long ago, not long after she had moved into Chaeild Manor.

She saw herself in his thoughts—sitting across from him, stiff as a board, her face frozen in near horror.

Kyle had seen her reaction, chuckled wryly, and continued.

“I was actually worried I might be too cold toward my child. Like my own father was.

But how could I ever be distant toward a child that you gave birth to?

Even now, just looking at you makes me smile.”

“……”

“If we ever have a child, I will love them.

And if they take after you—”

His voice had softened.

“—I will love them even more.”

As she recalled that old conversation, she finally understood why he was feeling guilty.

She reached up and stroked his cheek, smiling.

Kyle was always so gentle when it came to her.

It made her love him even more.

“Kylean Chaeild,” she murmured, “I’m truly happy that I’m carrying your child. That is my honest, unshaken truth.”

“…But—”

“I know why you’re worried.

Because I heard everything you were thinking.”

He stiffened.

Like a child caught in a lie.

She giggled.

“The reason I hesitated when we talked about children… was because I was worried for you.

I was afraid the idea of succession and heirs might bring back painful memories.

I thought that having a child might remind you of your past.”

“……”

“I didn’t expect you to be so… fine about it.”

She bit her lip, a little embarrassed.

Kyle placed his large hand over hers, where she still cradled his cheek.

His hands were warm—strong enough to protect everything he held dear.

“…You were worried about me?”

“I’m sorry if I confused you.

I do wish we had enjoyed our honeymoon a little longer, but…

I have always wanted to have a child with you, Kyle.”

“…Really?”

She nodded.

“Because they would be yours.”

Her voice was soft, melting into him.

Kyle held her close.

He felt like he was drowning in something deep and endless.

But he didn’t want to escape.

He wanted to drown in this happiness—so deeply that he could never find his way out.

Kyle held her in silence, simply feeling her warmth, listening to the steady rhythm of her breath.

Then, suddenly, he thought of something.

A small, secret happiness he had been hoarding alone.

“I have a list of baby names.”

“…Huh?”

“In my office. In my desk drawer.

Twenty names for a boy.

Twenty names for a girl.”

Her eyes widened.

“You already picked out names? How long have you been planning this?”

“…Since the first time we talked about children.”

But that wasn’t all.

“I also bought land for a playground.”

“…A playground?”

“I read that children grow up healthier when they can run around freely.”

“You read that?”

“Yes. In A Loving Father’s Guide to Raising Children and Building a Happy Family.”

“…Kyle.”

“…Yes?”

She squinted at him.

“I’ve been meaning to ask—why do you have so many of those sentimental books in the Chaeild library?”

“They’re not part of the library.

I bought them.

And I read them.”

His voice was utterly sincere.

“Because I want to make you happy.”

Amel leaned against his chest, her heart full.

With him by my side, waiting for our child will be nothing but happiness.

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