I Faked a Pregnancy, but My Husband Returned - Chapter 141

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Judith, having parted from Ben, arrived at her room without incident.

Since she was in her stable period and her body’s condition was good, she thought today would be manageable, but when she actually arrived at her room and sat in the chair, a sigh of relief escaped naturally.

“Ah… That’s right. I think I was a bit tired.”

Judith gently spoke while stroking her belly.

“Baby, you worked hard today too. But you must feel good meeting so many people who love and bless you, right?”

She felt how wise Isabella’s suggestion to change into comfortable clothes right away had been.

“Mommy was really happy today. It was my first wedding, and I met many people I was glad to see. Everyone is waiting for our son… sons with joyful hearts.”

Judith hesitated for a moment before carefully uttering the word ‘son.’ The feeling was different when speaking to people versus speaking directly to the child.

“When your daddy comes in later, we’ll discuss together what to do for our son.”

She really loved this time at the end of the day, quietly talking to the child. Usually it was time Ekian shared with them, but today just the two of them was fine. She didn’t feel lonely at all.

“Son, son, son.”

Quietly murmuring with her mouth, the feeling was very strange. It felt different from when she had called the baby ‘little one’ until now.

A real child was truly beginning to take shape as reality. The images of small boys she had seen passing by on the streets came to mind one by one, making her feel strange.

“Our son…”

That’s when it happened. A careful knocking sound was heard.

“Meius Duchess, it’s Maji. May I come in for a moment?”

Maji was the head maid of the Marquis’ Estate. She did her work neatly and well, so she was also someone Judith trusted.

“Yes, come in. What’s the matter?”

Maji, who entered carefully, first showed proper respect and carefully conveyed her business.

“It’s nothing major, but the Empress said she wanted to rest now and entered the Marquis’ Estate. We’ve guided her to the prepared room, and the Empress’s maids are attending to her.”

It wasn’t anything serious, just a simple report.

However, the Emperor and Empress were very important guests of the Marquis’ Estate. Naturally, it was something Judith needed to know as the lady of the house for situational awareness.

“Ah, I see. Understood.”

Judith rose from her chair.

“I should go ask if the room is comfortable and if there’s any inconvenience, and personally give my evening greetings.”

That was also proper etiquette as the hostess receiving the Empress as a guest. Maji bowed politely and said,

“Ah, but the Empress left a message. She said that since the Meius Duchess was also very tired today and they had talked a lot earlier, you don’t need to come greet her personally.”

“That won’t do.”

Judith shook her head.

“She’s someone who came all the way from the capital here despite her body being much heavier than mine. Of course I should greet her.”

And she immediately went to the room where Melanie was, accompanied by Maji. Indeed, Melanie was already sitting in a chair, having changed into comfortable clothes.

“Oh my, you didn’t need to come.”

Melanie smiled with her hands on her swollen belly. The maids were massaging her swollen legs. Judith shook her head and sat beside her.

“No. Of course I should come see you personally. Is there anything uncomfortable?”

“There couldn’t be any…”

It was when Melanie was shaking her head with a gentle smile. Unable to finish her words, Melanie suddenly frowned deeply.

“Hmm?”

At the same time, the maid who had been massaging her legs jumped up in surprise.

“Huh? This, this… I think her water broke?”

Judith didn’t know much about childbirth yet, but she knew that Melanie’s due date was still some time away.

“What, what?”

Seeing Judith’s panicked expression, Melanie rather calmly comforted her.

“Since it’s my second birth, the process seems a bit fast. Even though it’s earlier than the due date, I heard it wouldn’t be premature if I give birth now. However, I might cause some trouble at the Marquis’ Estate…”

“Trouble? No, Your Majesty the Empress. Then, what should I do…”

However, Judith was the only one in a panic. One maid had already rushed to the accompanying Imperial Physician, and another maid was instructing the servants about preparations.

They had come prepared for such a possibility, thinking ahead.

Melanie moved to the bed with the support of another maid.

“Labor pains seem to be coming…”

Melanie said, breathing heavily with a “whew.” The maid who had made Melanie comfortable said, “Then I’ll go inform His Majesty!” and quickly disappeared.

“Judith, you can go.”

“No. How could I…”

“Really. Go while I can still speak properly like this. Soon the labor will start in earnest, and when I start screaming, it won’t be good for the child in the Meius Duchess’s belly either.”

“Then at least until the Emperor arrives, I’ll stay by your side.”

Judith shook her head and held Melanie’s hand.

“We’re family, aren’t we?”

Naturally, this was her first time in such a situation so she was flustered, but she tried not to show it. However, unable to help her feelings of guilt, she drooped her shoulders and muttered,

“I wonder if you’re suffering and giving birth in a foreign place because we held our wedding too hastily?”

“What are you talking about? It was a comfortable trip and a joyful event. Our daughter isn’t weak enough to come out because of such… things.”

Melanie laughed and retorted jokingly. That the baby in her belly was a daughter was already a fact everyone knew.

But as labor was truly beginning, her voice started to tremble.

“She just came out when she wanted to… come out. But you should go in quickly. The Meius Duchess isn’t… alone either.”

Melanie let out a groan of “ugh” and bit her lower lip. Judith was half out of her mind, shaking her head frantically.

The Emperor would come running soon, but until then, she absolutely couldn’t leave Melanie alone. So she said hurriedly,

“Our child is fine too. Maybe he’s happy to hear he can see his cousin sister.”

Then Melanie’s eyes widened.

“Ah, it was a son?”

Judith felt an “oh no” moment and blinked. Without realizing it, in her confused state of mind, she had blurted out “cousin sister.”

But before she could say that Ekian didn’t know yet, Melanie began groaning while gripping the sheets.

“Wait a moment!”

Then finally the Imperial Physician, who was Melanie’s doctor, arrived. Judith quickly moved out of the way. The Imperial Physician examined Melanie’s condition and narrowed his eyes.

“This is incredible. The progress is extremely fast!”

The room instantly became busy. Not long after, even Alteon burst in.

“Melanie!”

Judith knew it was really time for her to leave. After showing proper respect to Alteon and Melanie, Judith withdrew and began discussing various matters with Maji to gather all the doctors of the Marquis’ Estate and prepare thoroughly for any possible situation.

“My goodness, the Empress has started labor?”

Meanwhile, Isabella also came running. Isabella, in place of Judith, much more skillfully directed preparations for the room for the newborn baby and care for the mother after childbirth.

Judith sat seriously beside Isabella with a face from which all sleep had fled. Not long after, even Ben came running from the study.

“I sent word to Ekian.”

Ben said.

“I told him to wrap up the banquet quickly.”

So Ekian announced the sudden end of the banquet, quickly greeted the other people, and joined them last. Even that took quite some time.

“Ekian!”

Just as Judith welcomed Ekian who had just entered, a resounding cry echoed throughout the Marquis’ Estate.

“Waaaaah! Waaaaaaah!”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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