OSO Chapter 4

The others expressed subtle interest in this more intriguing topic. The noblewomen, having chatted for a while about this discreet subject, naturally shifted the conversation to their children. Mia, the only one there without children, could only listen.

Remembering that the LeHart couple had no children, despite being married for over four years due to Dylan’s deployments, they fell silent one by one.

Someone patted Mia’s hand consolingly.

“You and His Lordship will have good news soon, too.”

It was a rather unwelcome misunderstanding for Mia.

However, with the noblewomen clearly watching her reactions, she couldn’t show her displeasure.

Mia offered a gentle smile, and the atmosphere finally eased a little. Mistaking her smile as one stemming from the mention of “good news,” the noblewomen eagerly chimed in.

“How lovely a child born between the two of you would be.”

“Truly beautiful, as everyone praises both His Lordship’s and your appearance.”

“Whether a son or a daughter, the child would be loved and cherished by the people of both Hippoli and Murad.”

Listening to their words, Mia lowered her gaze to her flat stomach.

A child, a child with Dylan.

It was as ludicrous a notion as when he had told her he would treat her like a normal wife.

Aside from her relationship with Dylan, due to years of abuse, Mia’s body was frail, and the probability of her conceiving or carrying a child to term was significantly low. This meant that, even if it weren’t him, she wouldn’t be having children with anyone.

Moreover, Mia had no intention of being tied down anywhere.

Still, one never knew. What if…

Even though it was an impossible scenario, if she were to conceive and bear a child, she would prefer the shimmering gold that caught the light, rather than her own faded sand color.

And the eyes…

Slowly raising her gaze from her stomach, Mia briefly glanced around. The noblewomen’s chatter continued, filling her ears with their murmuring.

As Mia casually scanned the ballroom, her eyes landed on Dylan.

Numerous nobles stood around him, their mouths moving in conversation. Even though his companions spoke incessantly, he was looking at Mia from afar.

Their eyes met. She was captivated by Dylan’s cerulean blue eyes, sparkling under the chandelier light.

Yes, wouldn’t that shade of blue be nice?

“Oh.”

Realizing what she had just thought, Mia felt a flush rise from her throat.

Whose child? What hair and eye color?

It was absurd.

Truly, it was a ridiculous, laughable fantasy.

“What is it?”

It was a curt question, as if he had encountered something displeasing. Mia’s brow furrowed again as his low baritone tickled her ear.

“Don’t mind me.”

She replied calmly, stepping in time with the slow waltz. Without meeting his eyes, her gaze remained fixed on his chest.

“Mia Blair.”

“Yes.”

“I asked what the problem is.”

“Focus on the dance and don’t talk.”

A slightly irritated response escaped her at his probing words. It wasn’t like her. Moreover, this sharp tone didn’t suit her, even to her own ears.

Perhaps she had spoken like this when she was very young, around seven years old.

But she had forgotten her voice and mannerisms from that time. There was a time when she didn’t speak to avoid abuse, and a time when she had to speak softly to appear “princess-like.”

She hadn’t intended to use this tone, these words, but it was pointless to dwell on it now.

It was natural to revert to deeply ingrained habits.

A sigh, tinged with self-deprecation, escaped her lips.

‘No one will notice this level of irritation.’

Just in case, though, she thought she should be more careful in the future. Just then, Dylan asked,

“Why are you irritated?”

Her body stiffened involuntarily at his persistent questioning.

“It’s none of your business.”

“I’ve asked three times.”

His hand, which had been resting on her side, moved to her waist, pulling her closer.

Their bodies pressed together instantly.

Her stomach, the one she had envisioned with a child, touched his. Although her dress wasn’t thin, it was form-fitting, and they could feel each other’s warmth through the fabric.

Thoughts began to pile up again in her mind, which she had forced herself to empty.

“Mia Blair.”

That was the second time.

The second time Dylan had called her by her name.

Before going to the battlefield, he had insisted on addressing her formally, using titles like “you” or “my lady.” After his return, after three years, he had been calling her by her name.

The name she thought no one would ever call her.

“Stop calling me that. What if someone hears you?”

Mia knew better than anyone that it was unlikely.

They, the heroes of the war’s end, were performing the first dance in the center of the hall, and there was no one around them, so it was impossible for anyone to hear her words.

But even with such excuses, she didn’t want to hear her name from Dylan’s lips.

Especially not right after having such absurd thoughts.

“Lift your head.”

“…….”

“You should look at your partner’s eyes, Mia.”

His tone was like that of an adult admonishing a child.

At the same time, it fueled Mia’s discomfort. She ignored Dylan’s prodding words. Despite her lack of response, he showed no reaction.

A silence flowed between them, just like she had felt once before. There was music playing in the hall, yet Mia couldn’t understand why it felt so quiet.

Perhaps due to the heavy silence, her entire body tensed, including their clasped hands.

The tempo of the waltz suddenly quickened, and their steps followed suit. Soon, Mia’s steps faltered, and she ended up stepping on Dylan’s foot.

Startled by her mistake, Mia looked up at Dylan. He was still looking at her, as if he hadn’t averted his gaze at all.

As always, Dylan, who seemed as if he wouldn’t bleed even if pricked by a needle, spoke bluntly and indifferently.

“Well done.”

Was he being sarcastic about her stepping on his foot?

It was a remark she couldn’t decipher. She tried to understand the context, but his stomach against hers was too warm. Her waist, encircled by his arm, felt as if it had been scalded, and his gaze remained insistent.

Less than five minutes felt like an eternity.

* * *

She didn’t know what compelled her to move. As soon as the dance ended, she bid Dylan farewell and left the center of the hall. Other nobles quickly filled the space.

The celebration had officially begun.

Surveying the lively ballroom, Mia walked with Dylan. Having danced, her breathing was slightly uneven. Fatigue washed over her due to the heightened tension in her body.

Her eyes felt dry, but the celebration was just beginning, so she had to endure.

As they neared the edge of the ballroom, Mia loosened her grip on his hand.

Now, as “Saedimia,” she had to resume socializing with the other ladies in the ballroom. So, it was time to part ways with Dylan.

“Dylan, let go of my hand.”

Despite Mia’s request, he didn’t release his grip and led her out of the ballroom.

“Dylan?”

“…….”

“Is there something you need to discuss? We could go to the terrace or a room, but where are we going?”

He didn’t offer a proper answer. He continued to pull her along at a steady pace. Mia had no choice but to follow him.

After walking for a while, they arrived where the carriage they had taken to the palace was waiting. The coachman and horses were already prepared, and he expertly opened the carriage door, greeting Dylan and Mia.

Her brow furrowed at his actions, which clearly indicated his intention to leave the palace immediately.

“Aren’t you going to explain?”

“This is enough. Let’s return to the residence.”

“Do you even realize who the main guests of honor are at this celebration?”

“The guests of honor are supposed to leave early.”

“That’s absurd.”

“I’m tired.”

Dylan definitely had a knack for silencing people. A knack for making them forget how to respond with such baffling and incomprehensible statements.

“Then you go ahead. I’ll stay.”

She felt Dylan’s grip loosen. However, he tightened it again and added calmly, like a tranquil sea,

“You’re the one who’s tired.”