(It’s hard to believe…)
Fiona smiled softly as she gently placed her hand on her belly.
It had been four years since she married her husband, Harry. During that time, they had not been blessed with a child—until just a few days ago.
“Congratulations. You’re pregnant,” the doctor had told her.
“Is that true?”
Upon hearing the news, Fiona was overwhelmed with joy. It was only natural—her long-held dream had finally come true.
Harry, too, shared her happiness. He had expressed relief, saying, “Now our parents can stop worrying.”
(Even so, I wonder when Harry will come back next…)
As Fiona pondered this, her chest ached slightly.
For the past two years, Harry had only returned home every few days. As a knight, he was understandably busy, but his absences weren’t solely because of work.
(But even so, as long as this child is with me, I’ll be happy.)
Shaking her head, Fiona placed her hand on her belly again, her eyes softening.
“Could you prepare the carriage for me? I’d like to go shopping.”
There was no point in spending time worrying. Fiona instructed a servant to ready the carriage and set off for town.
(Adorable clothes. This fabric. And since the baby will be born during the cold season, I should buy some yarn too.)
As she pictured her child, whom she would meet in a few months, a gentle smile spread across her face. She imagined the clothes she wanted to dress them in, the activities they could do together, and the places they could visit. Even though she knew it was a bit premature, the thought of planning and preparing brought her immense joy. Fiona stroked her belly once more, slowly and lovingly.
“—Stop it, please!”
Her attention was drawn to a commotion ahead. A man and a woman were arguing. It appeared that the man was pestering the woman, who was visibly uncomfortable. Fiona couldn’t bring herself to simply walk past.
“Um…”
Fiona mustered her courage and called out to the pair. Upon noticing her, the man clicked his tongue in annoyance and quickly left.
“Thank you so much for helping me! Please, allow me to repay you!”
The woman grabbed Fiona’s hands tightly as she spoke.
“Huh? Oh, no… I didn’t do anything,” Fiona replied, flustered. She had only said a few words. It wasn’t the kind of act that warranted gratitude.
“No, I insist. I wouldn’t feel right otherwise. Please, let me do something for you… Oh, I know! How about having tea with me?”
“Tea? Uh… well, if it’s just that…”
Fiona found it hard to refuse such earnest insistence, so she agreed to follow the woman.
“This is my favorite spot. I often come here for dates with my lover,” the woman explained.
“Really? What’s your lover like?” Fiona asked.
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