Chapter 189: Side Story 45 – with illustration  

It had been quite some time since Alexa and Ysildus became lovers. For a wolf, it was no more than a fleeting moment, but by human standards, it could’ve been considered a long time. Perhaps Alexa had even grown tired of Ysildus.

Ysildus could understand her. Even so, there was always a solution to be found. And fortunately, they were in the capital, a place where nothing was lacking.

He summoned the attendant in charge of running errands for him in the capital.

“I’ll be going out. Alone. Prepare accordingly.”

“Yes, Lord Ysildus!”

The attendant scurried off in haste.

* * *

Alexa let out a sigh, overwhelmed by fatigue. Fortunately, her and Ysildus’ child seemed to be strong and healthy. She couldn’t just stop working on a whim, so she had come out to finish up what she needed to do such as organizing patient charts, writing prescriptions, tying up loose ends.

She checked on patients who had been admitted and handed over those she had been personally caring for to other medical staff.

“You shouldn’t overexert yourself. Here, try this.”

What was surprising was how everyone who passed by showed up with something in their hands. At least, none of the wolves had followed her today, which was a relief. Thanks to that, Alexa’s secret seemed safe… at least for now.

She accepted the basket with a slightly awkward expression. It was full of fresh, tangy fruits.

“Thank you…”

“When you’re pregnant, you really start craving sour things. And vitamin C is important too.”

“Here, try this as well.”

Another basket was placed beside the first one.

“They’re rice balls. I filled them with various things, only ingredients that don’t give off strong smells. You should be able to eat them just fine. Doctor, have you had any morning sickness?”

“Not yet… I’ll eat it gratefully, thank you.”

Alexa’s face turned red. For some reason, the situation felt terribly embarrassing. It was as if everyone were treating her like a newborn baby. She had come here to care for patients, and yet she was the one being looked after.

“That’s a relief. I had such bad morning sickness I couldn’t eat properly until I gave birth.”

“I had the opposite. I ate so much while I was pregnant, it was harder losing the weight afterward.”

“I can’t believe someone as tiny and slim as you is having a baby. How worrying. The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess are taking good care of you, right?”

The gathered patients fired off questions in rapid succession.

“Yes, yes! Of course! I haven’t had any morning sickness, and I normally eat well. The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess are very kind to me!”

“That’s good to hear.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen your husband. Is the Young Lord very busy?”

“Yes! He’s just really busy!”

Everyone seemed to have so many questions about Alexa. Which was understandable, considering that it had been quite some time since Thersion effectively took over the imperial capital. And yet, none of the immediate family had made many public appearances.

Alexa was one of the few visible members, so it was only natural that all the questions were directed at her. Among them, the most elusive, Ysildus, had begun to feel like a mythical figure.

“This is the time when the husband should really step up. Wake him up in the middle of the night and ask him to bring you snacks, Doctor.”

“No, no. Nobles usually sleep in separate bedrooms!”

“Oh, right. Hmm. Then at least keep a maid nearby, right?”

“My daughter’s friend is assigned to take care of the doctor, apparently.”

“Then we should remind her to look after her well.”

“I already told my daughter. I said she should take extra care of the doctor. Make sure she’s eating properly, too.”

“Well done, very well done.”

The small crowd had become a lively group, chatting away as if the place had turned into a cozy little café. It felt strangely heartwarming. Someone handed her peeled fruit, and Alexa laughed as she took a bite. It really was a touching moment.

Other doctors stepped in, their faces sheepish, joining the conversation.

‘Word travels faster than expected.’

But it was inevitable. Everyone here already knew.

Alexa was still trying to figure out how to break the news to Ysildus. If she kept stalling for something ‘special,’ he might end up hearing it from someone else.

‘How should I tell him… A bouquet? Too cliché… Isn’t there something better?’

She sighed. Just today. I’ll worry about it just for today.

* * *

Alexa rubbed her tired neck. Even though both the doctors and patients, aware of her pregnancy, had tried to accommodate her all day, her body was clearly crying out for rest.

‘Felt like I napped for three hours…’

She clicked her tongue. Before getting pregnant, she didn’t feel like this, but ever since realizing she was expecting, she could feel her body changing.

Yawning, Alexa opened the door to her bedroom.

“Haaaahm… Huh?”

She blinked.

She was sure she had made herself clear to Ysildus. He seemed to have agreed, and even this morning, there had been no unusual signs. Yet now, she could feel an unexpected presence in the room.

‘What the…?’

Alexa tilted her head. 

It wasn’t likely that someone had broken into a place guarded by wolves. She cautiously approached the bed. Someone hidden under the covers slowly emerged.

“HUH?!”

Alexa gasped loudly.

“Y-Y-Y-Ysildus…?!”

Her lips trembled uncontrollably. In a sight beyond anything she had ever imagined… Ysildus was lying in bed.

“Alexa.”

He flashed her a seductive smile. Draped in a deep purple slip, Ysildus rose slowly from his alluring pose.

“I prepared this for you.”

What is this?! What even is this seductive aura?!

Alexa’s face turned scarlet as she stumbled backward. Ysildus stalked toward her like a panther closing in on its prey. She frantically waved her hands.

“Ysildus!!!”

Alexa screeched. She couldn’t form words properly. She felt like she’d get a nosebleed at any moment and stumbled back. The hands she extended to push him away were caught by Ysildus.

Leaning in, he whispered, “How is it? Do you like it?”

Alexa shook her head violently.

“Hmm… The Madam at the dress shop said this was their most popular item. That it could even ignite feelings that weren’t there.”

Ysildus’ skin peeked through the sheer fabric of the purple slip. Alexa clamped her eyes shut.

“Haha. Should I have gone with something else? Honestly, the tear here… it was already like that…”

“No!!! I love it!!!”

She abruptly changed her response and nodded enthusiastically.

“Really?”

“Yes!!!”

She nodded again, eyes teary. How do I get out of this alive? Why on earth was Ysildus doing this…

“I just thought… maybe we were hitting a rough patch.”

“What?”

“You kicking me out of bed, what other reason could there be?”

His voice was soft, almost sad. Alexa’s eyes widened. Once again, her eyes were drawn to that provocative appearance.

“So I turned to a book. It taught me how to overcome relationship fatigue.”

She suddenly felt very curious about that book.

“The author said it could help to spice things up in bed. Even suggested sexy underwear.”

What kind of author is this?! I need to know!

Of course, there had been several misunderstandings. Ysildus had gone to the dress shop himself to buy lingerie that would fit him. When the Madam heard about the relationship slump, she naturally assumed he was buying for his wife.

The boutique catered mostly to women, often noble ladies seeking sexy undergarments. Though she was a bit puzzled by the large size, voluptuous ladies weren’t exactly unheard of. With the utmost sincerity, the Madam had selected a sensual slip for him.

[“This is the latest trend! These modest designs are more popular than the flashy ones these days. You’ll have a wonderful time, I promise!”]

Ysildus had believed her every word.

To wolves, clothes were simply tools to protect the body. Just as he had no issue wearing dresses, Ysildus had no hesitation slipping into the garment. Regardless of the process that got him there… 

“Seems like it worked, though.”

He leaned into Alexa, who was being dragged along, her wrist still in his grasp, blinking rapidly with a flaming red face.

“Then… shall we revisit the topic of bedtime, Alexa? I’m willing to learn anything for your sake. If this isn’t enough–”

“That’s not it!!!!”

What ‘special,’ what ‘spice’? At this rate, she was going to be devoured alive! 

Alexa quickly blurted out, “I’m pregnant! I’m having your baby! That’s why I’ve been acting like this!!!”

Survival took priority. But just then… 

Drip.

A stream of bright red blood gushed from both her nostrils.

……

T/N: Look at that seductive wolf, my eyes are blessed