29 The Death I Saved (2)

“Good evening, Your Grace.”912817605468a192

Elizabeth greeted gracefully.6443bb5556d09966

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“I can hear laughter all the way from the hall. Did you have an interesting conversation?”03180ad05bd7a470

“As long as I’m with Lady Leonie, everything is enjoyable.”418ccbae2410bfaf

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Deon exchanged aaf79b6bac glances with f2eb8a6a3b me, but 83b9f8875d I pretended cfd3651a13 not to a8fe38ffa7 notice and 34ec96398a shrugged my 8a3c8c2263 shoulders.6e0a147781167778

“We were just having the usual conversations that happen when young folks gather, tales that might not interest those who wield swords,” I explained.42306f149be6a540

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Elizabeth and c6d2452a8f I locked 670e9da062 eyes. She responded 89df064a99 with a a45318ff0c gentle smile, 09114a3ff9 as if 1347b6eb3e we had a5aea1b754 shared a 042c64d955 secret, something 8167a550c3 exclusive between 2d2c3d0eda the two f48d7e2343 of us.a2d2ecb29c17bee1

Elizabeth handed the pouch with the ring underneath the dining table. Her slender fingers grazed mine briefly as she passed it, and it felt like a subtle secret was being created, hidden from Deon’s knowledge. It was strange that something could occur in this mansion without Deon’s consent.fe9caf9098684405

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Soon, the 8bfb10b795 head chef 9364db7761 and the 6f903ee156 maid entered a883b287b4 carrying the 69c17b005f main courses: 008ded44a3 potato soup 09a5c39a60 and turkey.d64ae2e68fb8b8af

They placed c407090722 the dishes 3fe667a7a0 on the b03cc4e170 table and b727d10771 lit the f3f6ea5912 candles.1551e233c008e0e9

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It was warm. Scented candles 0b05627c2c subtly filled 138ecf1207 the hall 066246d593 with their abf1972992 fragrance.4f9d0e85f1fb5fcf

Even though there 97364f5f4c were no fancy 1a8a0ff6ff floral decorations or ff7bcd51d1 vases, the dinner f36908b85c showed meticulous care. The napkins were neat, 2347e30cf8 and the tableware was 89a99fb4a4 exquisite. The lighting 9d6b291244 had been 35a06f7cb1 adjusted towards 703088b33a the fireplace 096d1d35bd to dispel 12902e522f the cold a713230788 atmosphere of 209e99fb35 the North.5002a110cc808240

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I had been hesitant about bringing the Lady to the Duke’s residence, fearing that it might reveal the truth about my identity. However, now that she was here, I was taking every precaution to ensure her comfort.bb890655c96e283e

I had the soup prepared with spices commonly used in the capital to suit the Lady’s palate.2db44c04e51a1ba1

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Elizabeth raised a144609cb3 her spoon 7710ccc3ab and delicately e872e5d2ae tasted the 6d8ec5282b soup.b676d03d9724fd1b

It was an act 93d1453003 I had never witnessed ded159f49a before, a deep-rooted elegance 46df4ffe55 in her every movement.d5a169a686f7bb50

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It was 843ce7a9b6 flawless etiquette.3ff49d5577304913

Though it c310150343 was a 3ef32bd902 simple action, 3f424a4958 her posture 9d24f8758f was upright, a2fe8c8b81 graceful, and a610d8a380 refined. She truly looked like 3611f5cbd2 a distinguished lady from 8e02a5b6d7 a reputable family.f202b61e667db268

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“Is there anything uncomfortable about staying at the castle?” I asked.1ea88ca159599354

“Thanks to your consideration, there’s been nothing uncomfortable. I appreciate your hospitality.”7493d886ebdefb92

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“I hope you’ll be comfortable until we arrive at the Count’s estate. We’ll have a personal physician assigned to you, so if there are any health concerns, you can seek immediate treatment.”e36be209f5b50964

“Thank you.”2a9434cd9c740078

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A nearby servant poured d3928b3c72 water into the wine 51f3c1870b glass.8a5126951dce3341

He took a sip of water and asked, “What have you been doing all this time?”75ff6205f0212f4d

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His gaze was fixed on me. I put down my spoon and replied, “I’ve been traveling around here and there.”3da0eee03f4d2378

My casual response seemed e88b434c39 to furrow his brow.6c1aed7635ac8e79

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“Is that all?” he asked.5b638d5fbaaa55b1

“What more do I need?” I replied.6ffaefc25b6a07f4

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“I thought you’d spend some quality time with the Lady, considering you’re not going to the office as usual.”088329b5a4015a4a

“Going to the office? I haven’t been to the office…”677fe20f744b0d75

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I realized the meaning behind his words as I thought it over. He was asking why I hadn’t come to the office. Of all times, why did he bring it up when we are with the lady?f065223176f4ed43

“Did you delay work because of me? You’ve been busy showing me around the mansion…”c98e2110ebde8761

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Elizabeth asked cautiously. I shook 85f73fb7c9 my head.f78dda084255d0a8

“No, not at all. I’ve been diligently finishing my work. I even work late into the night. Don’t worry.”10f3c3a39d829f64

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I smoothly changed cdd8748a9e the subject, not e212d91bd6 forgetting to discreetly 3ec4cde8c9 keep an eye 598f8234dd on Deon.4aa3f382b918c6d1

“Did you explore the mansion together?”60191c625096a4c0

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“Yes. Until now, I’ve received tours of the mansion. There’s a beautiful conservatory. While it lacks flowers, it’s filled with magnificent reeds and grasses. The conservatory reflects the tastes and values of the decorator. It’s a place where you can glimpse the grandeur of the mansion’s owner.”df288d750862a8dd

She praised the conservatory bfa8482cc1 with eloquent words.d1835b74daf98161

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It was quite 737080856a an extravagant compliment 5d9193224f for such a a193a6a9da small conservatory.833d796a957506e0

Her words seemed longer 42f8a51710 than the actual length a4f5bd472b of the conservatory.346a6de3e3b6f984

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Such lavish praise for a conservatory that wasn’t all that remarkable, but power had its perks.76e825b8383deeff

“A conservatory?”77c46484efbc52cf

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Ah, he paused 4292abe8f2 for a moment 2d119d0529 and then looked 7cb1f6d413 at me.e14f211bcdc90972

“Oh, right. There was a conservatory.”72dc863b489a9f0e

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What’s the point? If you say it like that, it’s clear that you didn’t decorate it yourself.a21d644c55a3cdbf

Deon had been somewhat careless from the beginning. He kept saying unusual things, as if he were hoping for some acknowledgment. If he weren’t so bulky, I might have thought he was throwing a tantrum.f3ce9fbdea89a1af

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“Nobody’s been using the conservatory often lately.”77bde6200a03684c

“Who used it frequently?”df2ada776b734e3b

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“Ladies of the court used it for tea time during celebrations. It seems like you’re already nostalgic for those times. Even though it wasn’t that long ago.”aa0f8d231e686dfb

I quickly added, then used my fork to pick at the salad on my plate, hoping he wouldn’t continue the conversation. The tomatoes with their knife slits were fresh.f9d27e07988262e5

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“Yes, it’s been a while since I met the Countess… The last time I saw her, the Empress was still alive. I was quite young at the time, but I vaguely remember.”7f46c8511367d11a

Elizabeth trailed d1efd597e8 off her 1617b276ab words, and ab1042829d both of 785ee46ac9 them fell 75d8ff3cc0 into a 2c9a5ebbc8 somber mood.8504a7dbef3dbce8

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“I am well aware of the Count’s loyalty.”3c859c3e8a25497a

“He was a devout supporter who once took an oath of loyalty. After the Empress passed away, they scattered in all directions.”321d822d210bd9a6

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The conversation continued, 34356cd089 delving into events b249401894 from the past, 9044b7056f before the main 599087668a story had truly e806a7191d begun.09b5cda8e8dacf75

The fallen Empress, wrongful 3580f1dcfd accusations, and the incidents.b3cbdfcee41eb52c

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It was an interesting d2d5d0b595 conversation, but there was 1a1060157f no room for me c704cdbd81 to interject.e58f1b5738900034

I spread 2b869df6e4 the turkey bdbe2753df meat with a3f1df50f3 a knife. As I cut into 7381b4a455 the flesh, a savory 02eac7c020 aroma wafted up. It looked delicious.e0813618e37cc39a

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I picked up the turkey meat with my fork and took a bite. It had a satisfyingly tender texture. It was so delicious that I couldn’t even feel the chest pain that had been nagging at me.d301d21f745b46b1

“The reason you couldn’t respond to the Count’s invitation from the Count’s estate was because of this, right?”5fd986bccdf1ff96

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“Yes, I couldn’t send a proper letter because I had no means to do so. I apologize.”3f064f6ee680b458

“It was an urgent situation, and you don’t need to apologize for not sending a letter. The news came that the Count is in the western region, focusing on his treatment. It will take some time for him to arrive at the Duke’s residence. Until then, you can stay at the Duchy.”00d08d5e4860a9b0

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“Thank you for your consideration, Your Grace. And for Lady Leonie as well.”fe9bac5d27f2ceca

Elizabeth smiled brightly.e8b9e2f540ad8c4f

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“When is your due date?”12bc3d798a125573

“I asked the physician, and he said there are about four months left.”9ffd954a778948cf

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“I hope you have a safe delivery. I’ve instructed to prepare a birthing chamber in the castle. If there are any deficiencies in your preparations for childbirth, you can always inform the secretary or the housekeeper. It may be difficult to procure high-quality goods in the northern region, but I will make sure to provide the best care for your childbirth.”a8d193cfaff0440f

“Thank you, Your Grace. And… though it may be belated, may I make a formal pledge of loyalty to the Count’s estate? I wanted to offer it when we meet in person.”3d0395010779ba2d

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He nodded.69cec21578ae88a5

She knelt down on one knee and bowed her head slightly, then lightly kissed Deon’s hand.4a839806523dbc69

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“To the Count’s estate, infinite honor. May the sun shine brightly upon it. I hope that my child will grow up to be a capable person who can assist you, Your Grace.”183ad42fed62e37e

*Kuwung*f12c49645ab5d43e

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At that moment, I felt a wave deep in my chest. It was a sensation so profound and overwhelming that it couldn’t be compared to the flutter I had felt when walking through the garden with Elizabeth.a24be9c09365da61

It was a43608392c a sensation 1a81ad1144 that made deb4b286c0 my heart 70cfd0850a skip a a6237315a8 beat, a cc9c05aef5 powerful thrill fba000179f that seemed 4c7b2cf6d6 to envelop b9529e8b7a my entire f593d634c8 being. It was like 6640f9ebd1 a wave that c9782207c4 effortlessly seized control a46ceeb48e of my heart 7f2418cf06 and sent shivers 4fabe2d90f down my spine.36147a3b02706966

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The origin of 63cb8fd263 this sensation was 2fab86f54b unmistakable and easy 1ee5fc2f2e to identify. It had started 828faa1892 from within her 083181f1a0 womb. It was d31bea46e6 the baby 3b17878de4 kicking.66b8d7ec385a4f22

Thump. Thump.3ecf1e092340ab73

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Once the presence became apparent, there was no restraint. The baby’s movements resonated vigorously, perfectly synchronized with my heartbeat, almost overpowering it.918288dbea49dd95

The fetus kicked relentlessly, 1aa0ec04a7 as if announcing its 7b83d74938 presence belatedly, without hesitation.66e4c520dc08a5c9

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I felt dizzy. My vision swirled dcca3865c1 in circles.8c70a1c190d2f5e1

A maid 2e5748c661 placed a c238b9a507 plate in 7e5ee468ba front of c8f967aa43 me and 6112915565 filled an bcb226438c empty glass 898ac0a98c with water. Her movements were 990065a598 casual and unremarkable.f95a25e1864a6e47

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Despite the fact that 28b53dd30d a significant vibration seemed 164865ed23 to envelop the entire 9c19916988 hall, no one except 05bee11520 me seemed to notice. Everyone else was calmly e7d7e867d9 continuing their meal.de3df2663a664467

“Gasp!”9f5dcbeb33fb4b54

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The pressure was 49d6e5f01a so overwhelming that 1d4b7961a2 it became difficult 31ebbb6b74 to breathe.d85809675c1aa014

I dropped my d719f9c209 fork.45b198af2a897ffb

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The dropped fork dbc99c6772 clattered loudly on 269fa3e7bc the marble floor.bbe6ac7b4df0ddad

Only then a4fa42b88c did Deon 3143e9d5f6 and Elizabeth 8ea41b3701 turn their 76734d92b3 gaze towards 5e4e12646f me. They were still holding b62d59e540 hands, not having completed 1e714736f1 their pledge yet.e25a32fc0c966dde

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“Lady Leonie, are you okay?”8a1fd46c23aad709

“I… I’m fine.”1be939a1b9296106

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“We should cool the wound first. Please fetch a towel soaked in cold water. Also, summon the physician.”8218cfbe79586df7

In response 2272b13e6d to her 8107dc3ff1 call, a f76a2336b6 maid hurriedly df7f5d6d5e left the dfe84e640b room.c34080280b7dfee3

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As I dropped 97eb1ba671 the fork, I 2fed1c5d58 accidentally knocked over 0053aa35dd the soup-filled plate, f634c39f80 spilling soup onto 84f3b2a0da my dress.ba6a2a84ef7b4ca4

Instantly, all f991c72db2 eyes were 6e684a3f0d on me. The Duke, Elizabeth, b9b25b79c2 and even the 7337799bf2 maids standing nearby 07ccf4a441 were all looking 245b6d1123 at me.6340f0f9df467c16

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“I’m fine. I just… let go of the fork for a moment.”d0b9eca7352a2347

I hastily used the 120f50a69a napkin to wipe off c3ffc0ad19 the spilled soup from d6ccb24748 my lap.0cffa627e3b93039

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All the while, my c32c28b56a gaze remained fixed on d388352318 Elizabeth.13137e02594bdf38

More precisely, on 4ba4a2545c her round belly.697f9431343bdfa4

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[In the bloodline, we are connected.]

There was a fb18953efd passage in the 49c9fab7e5 book that said 7aff1fe2e6 something like that.972163ea2bd36e42

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It mentioned that 69b98611a6 blood could recognize 3013e6d300 its own kind 4825c19284 and could even 75f4a03f5f anticipate approaching death.06323e4493fe1a00

It was just a f5b3a807a0 simple sentence.94de12c8c91c8f68

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I never dreamed that one person’s life could be so intertwined with mine, sending ripples that would reach me in this way.4ba4f2f4dff30777

Strong. Overwhelming.3099a01aa38d0b83

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And it’s growing fast, ready to engulf me.65270771811a56cb

The child carried strong 861f730da8 blood, perhaps even more c8053585a7 than me.7aca546062c2d4c0

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I could tell. Its pounding heart didn’t hide its existence.99be7e793925d547

Yes, that e77afe58c1 kid is fde0fb61fb the next 040c7bf014 generation.edb4b2ab717e816d

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“Are you alright? Bring me a new fork.”65080587687b87df

A maid extended 8322331375 a fresh fork 4a8f2eda7d wrapped in a 422835c8a8 napkin.ee395367aac77fd0

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I picked up the fork again. I tried to grasp it naturally, but my trembling hand couldn’t be concealed.2dafcd0a01c19b27

I hadn’t finished preparing to escape yet.6a65bed858eeaf7b

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Death came too quickly.d51cde6ecae4a8b2

And I, with my cd8e461042 own hands, sought to d67da9f395 avert that death.05124328ad3f2190

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