Civil Servant in Romance Fantasy - Chapter 306

Chapter 306: Fools who are happy just by seeing each other's faces (2)

As soon as dawn broke, I rushed to the Mage Duchess to ask for a teleport. She gave me a suspicious look when I suddenly said I was going to the capital, but she agreed right away when I explained I’d finish quickly and meet the 1st and 4th Managers. Being the eldest among the lovers, she became incredibly lenient when it came to issues involving the others. It was a good thing.

“Baby, are you sure it’s nothing serious? It’s not another probation, is it?”

“It’s nothing like that. Honestly, I couldn’t even get in trouble if I tried—there’s no reason for it.”

Instead, worry and doubt lingered in the Mage Duchess’s eyes until the moment I arrived in the capital.

It hurt a bit to be thought of as a delinquent civil servant who was always getting disciplined, but unfortunately, it wasn’t entirely wrong. Most times I had to go to the capital during my academy assignment were for disciplinary reasons, so it was understandable to think that this trip might be for the same reason.

“If it were for punishment, I’d be too embarrassed to mention it, let alone ask you for a teleport. It’s just a quick errand, so don’t worry.”

I hugged her as she continued to gaze at me with those worried, glistening eyes. Honestly, who would brag about a punishment to their significant other and request a teleportation spell for it? I would’ve just slipped away quietly if that were the case.

Besides, if I were in trouble, the Crown Prince himself would send a teleportation mage to drag me to the capital. Saying it like this makes him sound like a slave hunter, though.

“Alright, I understand. But if anything happens, make sure to tell me.”

The Mage Duchess hugged me back and whispered softly as I hugged her. Of course. If anyone tried to bully me through unofficial means rather than discipline, I was fully prepared to counter-attack with Mage Duchess power.

On another note, I was glad the Mage Duchess seemed to have built up some tolerance for skinship. She used to tremble like crazy at the slightest touch.

“I’ll tell you right away, so rest at my mansion. The butler will show you around.”

No sooner had I finished speaking that I felt a familiar vibration.

This steady rhythm, it was definitely the Mage Duchess I knew.

Still not completely immune, I see.

Naturally, showing someone around the mansion implied welcoming them as its lady, so her reaction made sense. Even Marghetta mentioned how happy she’d been when the butler showed her around the mansion.

Anyway, now that I had shown both Marghetta and the Mage Duchess around, I should also give Louise and Irina a tour during the summer vacation.

***

I arrived at the Crown Prince’s palace empty-handed. Visiting to offer congratulations for a pregnancy and showing up without a gift might seem odd, but the Crown Princess’s pregnancy was still a state secret. In this situation, having the Executive Manager visit the Crown Prince’s palace with a gift would draw too much unwanted attention.

Besides, it was practically impossible to choose a gift befitting the imperial family in just a day, so it was better to go in person first and send a gift later.

But what should I send? I’d need to have exchanged such gifts before to know what was appropriate.@@novelbin@@

Why does it have to be for the Crown Princess?

It was a headache. If it were to congratulate the Crown Prince, a few bottles of liquor would be enough, but the one who was pregnant was the Crown Princess. I couldn’t care less about the Crown Prince’s opinion—I needed to pick something she would genuinely like.

Something safe like jewelry? But that was too common. And the Crown Princess probably already had any jewelry I could get. Or maybe some fine fabric for baby clothes? It was necessary, but it might be too early for that.

...Let’s think about it later.

I gave up after thinking it over a few times. It would be easier to consult with the Invincible Duke or discuss it with the butler.

Asking Marghetta for advice might be a good idea, too. Marghetta had many nieces and nephews, so she probably knew what made a good gift.

***

Lately, I have developed an unusual habit. As the Crown Princess entered her fourth month of pregnancy and her belly started to show, touching her stomach became the highlight of my day.

It was a habit I couldn’t have imagined before, but anyone who had become a father would understand. Knowing that my child was growing inside the belly of the woman I loved, it was only natural to want to look at it more often and touch it as much as possible.

“Crown Princess, your belly just moved. Did the baby kick or something?”

And sometimes, while touching her belly, it felt as though I was communicating with the baby—

“Welcome. It’s good to see your face even with your busy schedule.”

I quickly bowed deeply once the Crown Prince was standing, and he responded in a calm voice. If he knew I was busy, then wouldn’t it be better not to call me in the first place? Leaking the pregnancy news to the 1st Manager was practically the same as telling me to come.

Still, this was about the imperial grandchild. I’ll let it slide.

Yes, I’ll endure it, but...

Why are you looking at me like that?

As I straightened up, my eyes met the Crown Prince’s. His eyes were filled with an incredibly bizarre emotion that was uncomfortable to describe.

What was with this bastard? His expression was never great to begin with, but now it was downright creepy. His gaze reminded me of a dogcatcher spotting a stray in some rural backwater.

“How could I stay still after hearing such joyous news for the entire empire? I offer my sincerest congratulations, Your Highness.”

Instinctively repelled by his gaze, I hurriedly changed the subject. I came to offer my congratulations, after all, not to leave in terror.

“As always, the Executive Manager’s loyalty is admirable.”

“You flatter me.”

Fortunately, it seemed to be a successful change of subject, as the Crown Prince nodded with a satisfied expression.

“I, too, will greatly celebrate when I hear of the Executive Manager’s joyous news, so be sure to bring me the news quickly.”

Or not? Did I change to the wrong subject?

It was clearly a blessing for a prospective groom, but something about it felt strangely off. Was I just imagining that it sounded more like a command to produce heirs to serve the Empire?

“Executive Manager.”

But it was still a blessing, so I was responding with appropriate ‘yes, yes’ when I heard the Crown Princess’s voice.

“Thank you for coming to congratulate us in person. Even the baby seems happy to see you, judging by the way they’re moving.”

Smiling warmly, she gently stroked her belly. Watching her, the Crown Prince knelt again, placing his hand on her stomach with a tender expression.

It was heartwarming to see such familial love, but couldn’t they do this when there were no subjects around? As a subordinate, it was very awkward to see my superior kneeling.

“Thank you for your kind words. If the imperial grandchild thinks fondly of me, perhaps they will also look kindly upon my children who will serve them.”

It was awkward, but I couldn’t keep my mouth shut. I offered a polite smile and a safe, neutral reply—

“Of course. The Executive Manager will be a loyal minister serving this child, so why would they look unfavorably upon your children?”

?

You son of a—

What the hell did you mean by that, you bastard?

Even for a Crown Prince, that was crossing the line. Did he just imply I should serve this imperial grandchild and that my children should serve their descendants? Who was I, the next Hwang Hui who was forced to serve multiple generations of emperors? Even Hwang Hui retired before King Sejong died! Was he even human?

“It would be truly reassuring to have the Executive Manager watching over this child.”

But seeing the Crown Princess’s eyes sparkle with joy, I couldn’t bring myself to deny it.

“...You’re too kind, Your Highness.”

Damn /genesisforsaken