It was Genevieve. Her pitch-black eyes blazed with anger. I didn’t expect her to react so strongly. While I was staring at her in surprise, Zachary’s eyes narrowed.

“Weren’t you trying to whisper in front of me?”

“That’s because these things should be whispered for dramatic effect!”

“So, what exactly is it that you needed to say in such a manner in front of me?”

Genevieve took a deep breath as if frustrated, then shouted loudly.

“I’m pregnant! Pregnant!”

For a moment, neither Zachary nor I could say anything.

“That’s what I was trying to say! You idiot!”

The word “idiot” echoed throughout the room.

Everyone stared blankly at Genevieve. I came to my senses belatedly and asked her.

“Genevieve, you’re pregnant?”

Genevieve, who had been panting, seemed to have regained her composure somewhat after blurting it out.

“Yes. I found out late because my belly hasn’t swollen, but the baby will be born in five months.”

From the outside, her belly didn’t look like that of a pregnant woman who was already five months along. How could she already be five months pregnant when her stomach looked so flat?

As I couldn’t help but look at Genevieve’s belly in disbelief, she glared at Zachary once before stroking her own belly.

“They say it’s a safe period now, so I’m moving around. A banquet for safe childbirth is scheduled to be held next week.”

Although many things have advanced in this era, childbirth was still not easy. So occasionally, in noble families where children were precious, they would hold banquets to pray for safe childbirth before the child’s birth.

“It’s being held at the Raven family. Oscar, please make sure to come.”

“Of course, I’ll come if I’m invited.”

But something seemed a bit odd. Genevieve had said she would leave the Raven family and live by the sea with her lover. I thought she had settled everything related to the Raven family.

“But Genevieve, I thought you had left the Raven family…”

“This is an exception. It seems my child will be born bearing the Raven surname.”

It seems Genevieve succeeded in leaving the family, but not for her child. Seeing her bitter expression, it seemed there were various complications involved. But I didn’t ask.

“Congratulations.”

The existence of the child takes priority. Since she always used to tell me that she wanted to have a child, I offered my sincere congratulations. Genevieve took out an invitation from her small bag and handed it to me.

“I didn’t know we’d meet today, so it’s a bit crumpled. Please make sure to come.”

“I’ll definitely come.”

“Thank you.”

Out of curiosity, although I knew it was rude, I kept glancing at Genevieve’s belly. Could it be that a child would be born from there in five months? Would it be a nuisance if I said I wanted to visit to see the baby after it’s born?

‘A child, huh.’

Since I hadn’t had many opportunities to see children after being reincarnated here, it was even more fascinating. Meanwhile, Genevieve’s gaze shifted from me to Zachary, who was standing behind.

“You.”

It seemed she was about to give him a piece of her mind. Honestly, it wouldn’t be strange if she did, given the situation. I was prepared to intervene if Zachary spoke sharply to Genevieve. However, what followed was completely unexpected.

“You should come too.”

Genevieve took out another invitation and held it out to Zachary. Of course, her expression was still fierce. Judging by the atmosphere alone, it looked as if Genevieve was handing out a duel challenge rather than a safe childbirth banquet invitation.

“Me, you say?”

Zachary seemed taken aback too. He stared at Genevieve, a bit surprised, not even thinking of taking the invitation.

“Yes. You need to come and make up for this rudeness. For instance, something like an imperial blessing? You should bestow that.”

Although Solaris doesn’t have an official religion, I heard that some nobles secretly invite priests from the Holy Empire to give blessings at safe childbirth banquets or when a child is born.

But I thought this was a custom that had disappeared in recent times because it was not only expensive but also difficult to invite a priest.

“The most expensive one.”

Genevieve probably has more interest in this, given her interest in magic and her previous interactions with the Empire. Of course, I noticed that she wasn’t just doing this for the blessing.

“Officially, I’m…”

“Yes, officially you’re in a state of being missing, right? But aren’t you still a prince who’s well-known in the Empire? A blessing from you would be better than nothing.”

I snickered as I saw Zachary at a loss for words, his mouth tightly shut. It seemed clear that this was Genevieve’s small revenge for the resentment that had built up.

“…That’s.”

It was amusing to see Zachary uncharacteristically flustered.

The flustered Zachary didn’t seem to notice the mischievous glint in Genevieve’s eyes.

“Well then, I’ll be going.”

With that, Genevieve disappeared like a whirlwind. After she left, I looked at Zachary.

Zachary’s expression was peculiar as he fiddled with the invitation in his hand.

“Are you going?”

“No.”

I wondered what would be best.

Originally, I had planned to return soon, but I couldn’t leave without congratulating Genevieve on her pregnancy. So I was thinking of attending the banquet and then returning, even if it meant delaying my schedule.

Although Zachary shouldn’t go according to principles, he seemed to feel guilty and concerned about what he had said to Genevieve.

“Oh my. Did something happen?”

Just then, the door opened and my mother entered. Seeing her curved eyes as she came in, it seemed she had deliberately seen Genevieve heading this way and given us some privacy.

“Mother, I was wondering if it’s possible to attend a banquet with a borrowed identity.”

“Hmm?”

“I received an invitation to a banquet…”

I held out the invitation I was holding.

“Oh my. Since children are so precious to the Raven family, their safe childbirth banquets tend to be quite grand. I see you have two invitations, are both of you planning to go to the banquet?”

Although Zachary seemed to have no intention of going, immediately shaking his head to answer, I was a bit quicker.

“I’d like to attend if possible. If not, it can’t be helped.”

Zachary looked at me with slightly surprised eyes. To be honest, if we just concealed the characteristics of the royal family, there weren’t many people who would recognize Zachary except for the Serpentine family.

‘Since he never showed his face as a prince in the first place, the nobles wouldn’t recognize him.’

So wouldn’t it be fine if we just properly concealed his blue eyes?

Of course, there was no reason to take the risk and go to the banquet, but I had another reason for thinking this way.

‘And honestly… I want to go to a banquet together.’

I had never been to a banquet with Zachary before. So, to be precise, it was more about my personal desire. It would be nice to give a blessing to Genevieve, but how many more opportunities would we have to go to a banquet together? Wouldn’t it be a good memory for us to go to a banquet together and enjoy it?

“Hmm. Do I look like someone who would give a flimsy identity?”

Just then, my mother spoke with a slight smile, indicating her permission. Judging by the sparkle in her eyes, it seemed she had some kind of picture in mind.

“In that case, I think it would be good to have an outfit tailored.”

She looked around once, then said with a grin.

“What? Then what about the clothes we bought today…”

But she was already busy moving around. As I stared straight ahead, turning pale, I noticed that Zachary, though not saying anything, had also turned white. I slightly regretted saying we would go, but it was already too late.

Zachary and I were tormented at the tailor’s shop until we were worn out. Still, I couldn’t help but smile because I was happy about attending the banquet together… At that time, I didn’t know.

“I’m Laura, the first daughter of Baron Anastasia’s family. Nice to meet you.”

That I would meet the original female protagonist at that banquet.

***

Clunk, the carriage shakes heavily once.

“Are, are you alright?! A child suddenly ran in front of us.”

The carriage had been passing through a busy street crowded with people. A child who appeared suddenly ran across the road recklessly, causing the carriage to stop abruptly. As the body of the carriage shook violently, the commotion drew people’s attention. The carriage was already eye-catching due to its large size and black color.

‘The Serpentine family?’

The emblem on the carriage was a winding snake shape that anyone familiar with noble families would recognize. A snake with a gaping mouth that looked chilling just to look at.

Although the Serpentine family had become more open than before, their chilling impression hadn’t completely disappeared. The coachman who had suddenly stopped the carriage looked inside with a troubled expression, clearly worried. He was visibly afraid, wondering if the noble passengers inside had been hurt by the sudden jolt.