A Flat-Chest Believer Reincarnated in a World Where Women with Small Breasts Aren't Treated as Women ~ I Ended Up with a Flat-Chested Harem. - Chapter 37

“Huh? The Second Queen is already on her way?”

Summoned by my father to his study alongside Risty, I couldn’t help but let out a surprised voice at his words.

“Yes, apparently, as soon as the express courier left the royal capital, Princess Isabelle’s carriage set off as well.”

A few days after Risty told me she might be pregnant—and after confirming that her “monthly cycle” hadn’t come—we reported the news to our parents. Father, upon hearing this, insisted that we inform His Majesty the King, and thus, a message was sent to the royal capital.

The response we received was, “The Second Queen is on her way to the Gustique estate.”

It was an unexpected situation, but the reason for her sudden visit was clear—she was coming to confirm Risty’s pregnancy.

“Well, I suppose we need to prepare for her arrival, quickly.”

“Yes, I’ll issue the orders right away.”

Given the circumstances, the Second Queen likely wouldn’t mind if we weren’t fully prepared to host her. But of course, that wouldn’t do.

“Still, Isabelle, the Second Queen… I’m unsure of her tastes. Should we ask the retainers who came from the Rolique family?”

“No need. Despite her appearance, Isabelle loves meat—particularly chicken. She’s also fond of tea and sweets. She doesn’t drink much alcohol, and she dislikes overly spicy food.”

Before we could call the retainers who once served the Rolique family, Risty answered.

“Thank you. Do you happen to know her preference for flowers as well?”

“She doesn’t have a specific favorite flower, but she often decorated with combinations of white and blue.”

“That’s helpful. I’ll issue the instructions accordingly.”

Father gave orders to the retainers and servants, and soon enough, the estate was bustling with preparation. Though it was a bit of a rush, preparing a room and a meal wasn’t an impossible task.

The following day, Isabelle, the Second Queen, arrived.

“Thank you for coming all this way, Princess Isabelle.”

Following Father’s lead, we all bowed.

“Thank you for the warm welcome.”

Princess Isabelle smiled and returned our greeting. She had light green hair, soft blue eyes, and a generous bust. Despite being over 30 years old, her youthful face made her look much younger. If she stood next to her son, Prince Stain, and someone claimed they were sisters, you might believe it.

“I apologize for coming so suddenly. His Majesty the King got quite excited and insisted on an immediate confirmation. Even though Queen Charlotte and I tried to stop him by saying it would be inconvenient, he said, ‘It’s fine, Henrique and I are close,’ and sent me off regardless…”

As I had suspected, the sudden visit was due to His Majesty’s impulsiveness. Risty gave a wry smile and muttered, “Father is as unpredictable as ever.”

“No, I was anxious to know as well. I’m very grateful that you’ve come.”

Father’s words were half genuine, half polite.

“Thank you for your understanding. Now, since His Majesty is likely anxiously awaiting the news, I’d like to proceed with the examination right away. Could you show me to a room?”

“Of course. This way, please.”

We led Princess Isabelle to a small room. Joining her inside were Risty, Mother, and me. Father and my two younger sisters, Aria and Lyla, waited in the hall for the results. The other retainers, including Mariel, were also on standby.

In this world, there are no pregnancy tests or ultrasound machines. Confirming a pregnancy in its early stages is difficult. The only way to detect it is through an extremely skilled practitioner of Wind Magic, using a derivative known as ‘Sound’ magic, to listen for the tiny heartbeat of the fetus.

And Princess Isabelle, a master of ‘Sound’ magic, was capable of doing exactly that.

Risty sat on the bed, lifted her shirt, and exposed her abdomen. Princess Isabelle gently placed her hand on Risty’s stomach and closed her eyes.

Slowly, magic began to flow, constructing an intricate and precise spell. Although the attribute was different, Isabelle’s control over her magic even surpassed Father’s. I could understand what she was doing. She was isolating the sounds within Risty’s body—her heartbeat, her breathing, the movement of her organs—everything unrelated to the fetus, and canceling them out. It was like noise-canceling headphones.

One by one, she was silencing the sounds until only the faintest sound remained… As a Wind Magic user myself, I could tell that even with years of training, I wouldn’t be able to perform such a feat.

Nervousness crept over me. I was about to find out if I would truly become a father.

After about fifteen minutes, Princess Isabelle finally spoke.

“It’s done. Let’s go outside.”

It seemed the announcement would be made in front of Father and the others.

As we opened the door, Father and my sisters were anxiously seated on chairs that the servants had brought for them.

Princess Isabelle smiled and began to speak.

“Everyone, I have confirmed the sound of the fetal heartbeat. Without a doubt, Lady Risty is pregnant. Congratulations.”

It was the news we had hoped for. There was some anxiety, but overall, it was a joyful moment. We did it.

“Ah, I see! I see! Yes, yes, the future of the Gustique family is bright! This is wonderful!”

“Congratulations, Risty!”

Father and Mother were beaming with joy. Even Mariel had tears in her eyes.

“Thank you… I’m so glad.”

“Now, I’ll send word to His Majesty at once. Go.”

At Princess Isabelle’s command, one of the retainers who had accompanied her from the royal capital ran off to deliver the news.

It seemed they had been ordered to inform the King immediately, without delay. That must be a tough job.

Risty, her expression a mix of 80% happiness and 20% anxiety, placed her hand gently on her lower abdomen, slowly stroking it.

Though it was still too early to be completely at ease in the pregnancy… it seemed I was going to become a father.

◇◇ ◆ ◇◇

Since Risty’s pregnancy was not yet ready to be publicly announced, the retainers were ordered to keep it a secret from those outside the estate. However, within the mansion, the atmosphere had already turned celebratory.

Princess Isabelle stayed the night and was set to return to the royal capital the following day.

As she had likely grown tired from the long journey, she was escorted to the guest room to rest, followed by dinner later that evening.

The usual dining room was prepared, with polished tableware carefully laid out, and flowers decorating the table. Although it was a small gathering, including just our family and Princess Isabelle, the atmosphere was that of a modest celebration.

“Princess Isabelle, thank you very much for coming all the way to the Gustique estate today.”

“No, I must apologize once again for the sudden visit. However, I’m glad to have been able to bring such good news. Congratulations.”

Risty and I responded by saying, “Thank you,” and the dinner began.

Drinks were poured into the glass cups placed on the table. Risty, Lyla, Aria, and Princess Isabelle, who didn’t drink alcohol, were served grape juice, while the rest of us had wine.

Although I usually don’t drink, I decided to partake tonight. With our trip to the royal capital in the summer and my participation in evening parties, as well as being a married man now, it was time I got used to drinking wine.

“Let’s make a toast!”

At Father’s words, we all raised our glasses to eye level. Then, we brought the cups to our lips and sipped. The rich fruity taste, with a hint of bitterness, danced on my tongue, and the light alcohol left a pleasant warmth in my throat. As expected from the finest wine, it was delicious.

The meal was served.

The first course was vichyssoise soup. Princess Isabelle elegantly brought a spoonful to her lips. A moment later, her face beamed with happiness. It seemed it suited her taste.

“This is delicious. It’s made with potatoes, leeks, and… cream, isn’t it?”

“As expected of Princess Isabelle, that’s exactly right.”

Risty replied with a happy smile.

“Oh, it’s nothing, really.”

Watching them, I could really feel how close Risty and Princess Isabelle were. Despite being the child of the first wife and the second queen, they had a relationship that felt like normal relatives.

As a reincarnated person, I found their bond rather surprising, but in the Rolique Kingdom, it’s not uncommon for the children of the first wife and the second wife to get along well.

In the royal family and among high-ranking nobles, the role of the second wife is primarily to bear a “spare heir,” and not much more is expected of them, so it’s a position that’s often popular among women who want to pursue their hobbies and interests.

Princess Isabelle, for example, loves music and became the second queen to devote more time to her musical activities. She has no ambition and no desire to make her child the king. So, there’s no reason for any conflict.

Next came the sautéed white fish and herb-roasted duck, and the meal continued in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

“Princess Isabelle, how are things in the royal capital?”

“Hmm, things are mostly peaceful. There were a few young ladies who were quite distressed by Folca’s marriage, and… Felicie attempted to escape the palace to charge into the Gustique territory a couple of times.”

“Felicie…”

“She was stopped at the city walls by the gatekeepers, and Pierre and the others would catch her. It’s become a routine.”

If Princess Felicie managed to break through the city walls, she’d probably make her way to Gustique’s territory easily.

“Tell her that if she keeps causing trouble, I won’t let her come home.”

“Hehe. I’ll let her know. I’m sure that will scare her into behaving.”

Dessert was a strawberry mousse. Princess Isabelle seemed to enjoy it as she smiled, happily complimenting the taste.

Afterward, over tea, Risty asked Princess Isabelle and Mother for advice on what to be mindful of during pregnancy, and the dinner came to a close.

◇◇ ◆ ◇◇

Footsteps echoed through the room. King Leogalza was pacing back and forth, unable to sit still. Queen Charlotte, watching her husband’s restless behavior, sighed.

“Is the report still not here?”

“Dear, it’s not time to be talking about ‘still.’”

“But if everything went as fast as possible, it should be about now.”

“You realize that horses can’t run as fast at night as they do during the day, right?”

“Hmm…”

Leogalza continued to pace the room. The retainers standing by the wall exchanged exasperated glances.

Leogalza kept walking as if in some form of religious ritual. Finally, exhausted, he sat down in a chair just as a knock came from the door. “Enter!” he barked, and the door opened.

A retainer, who had accompanied Isabelle to the Gustique estate, staggered in, clearly tired. Taking a deep breath, he spoke.

“Your Majesty! Princess Isabelle has confirmed the sound of the fetus’ heartbeat! Lady Risty is pregnant!”

“Ooooh! Is that so!? Well done bringing the good news! Took you long enough! Get me some wine!!”

Leogalza shouted excitedly.

“Dear! Keep it down, we haven’t officially announced it yet!”

“Ah, my apologies! Make sure it’s the finest wine! This is a celebration! A celebration!”

“Indeed… It truly is wonderful.”

Tears welled up in Charlotte’s eyes. With Isabelle’s expert abilities, there was no room for error. The child Risty had once given up hope of ever having was now confirmed to exist. And this child belonged to the man she truly loved—there could be no better news.

Even those outside the royal family who had once raised objections about Folca and Risty’s marriage would be silenced now that a child was on the way.

A retainer brought in a bottle of wine and glasses, pouring for both Leogalza and Charlotte.

“My first grandchild, Charlotte, our first grandchild!”

Leogalza exclaimed as he downed his glass of wine in one go.

“Indeed. Hehe, I suppose I’m now Grandma Charlotte.”

Charlotte took a sip of wine herself, the rich aroma wafting through her nose, and the deep bitterness and subtle sweetness spreading across her palate.

“Haha! And I’m Grandpa Leogalza! I’m a grandpa!”

Suddenly, the door flew open, and someone entered. It was the previous king, Damian. Incidentally, his supposed illness had long since been ruled as cured.

“Leogalza! Finally, a great-grandchild! My first great-grandchild!!”

Damian rushed over and hugged his son, Leogalza.

“Isn’t it wonderful!? Truly marvelous!!”

Damian grabbed the bottle of wine sitting on the table and began drinking straight from it.

Gulp, gulp—obscene sounds filled the room as the finest wine was consumed in a most undignified manner.

“Honestly…”

Charlotte wiped her tears with her fingers and sighed with a smile.