Ch.92The Third Flower (1)

“I think I’ll stop here for today.”

In the past, I would have left work when the sun began to turn slightly red, but these days it’s completely different. I usually leave around 3 PM.

Is it because I have less work? That’s not it.

Construction of the city outside the walls is still in full swing, the army dispatched as mercenaries to the Holy Empire continues to demand massive supplies, and with the university’s opening day approaching, there’s actually even more work to be done.

Yet the reason I finish work early is just one thing.

“Ah, you’re home?”

What else could it be? I want to spend time with my family.

As I open the door, Ines greets me with a bright face, holding Liliane, who’s not even ten days old yet, sleeping peacefully in her arms.

Until recently, Chloe and Ines shared a room, but after the babies were born, that became impossible, so they each got separate rooms. Apparently, when either Claudia or Liliane cried, the other would join in, causing both women no small amount of exhaustion.

Of course, with the rooms split, I inevitably had to visit one of them first, which initially caused some friction. They eventually resolved it fairly with rock-paper-scissors.

I was a bit dumbfounded when Chloe said matter-of-factly, [Today, please visit me first, and tomorrow, visit Ines first!] So on days I meet Chloe first, I sleep in her room, and on days I meet Ines first, I sleep in hers.

I couldn’t believe those two, who are so possessive of me, had come to such an agreement.

“How was today?”

“Hehe… don’t even ask. She’s sleeping now, but she keeps waking up and crying terribly.”

Though her words sound like complaints, her face shows no sign of irritation.

With that silly grin, it’s impossible to imagine this is the same Ines who once carried herself with such noble and lofty dignity.

“Are you really okay without a nanny or wet nurse?”

“Yes, I want to raise Liliane myself without relying on others. Nannies and wet nurses are for noble ladies who are busy, but I’m completely free. There’s no reason to hire someone when I have all this time.”

“Ah… well, if that’s how you feel.”

Most noble women leave their children with wet nurses and go to social gatherings or pursue personal activities, but Ines insists on staying with her child.

Given her personality, I had expected her to mingle with the kingdom’s high nobility and solidify her social standing, so this was quite unexpected.

[I just… want to listen to some advice.]

Since it’s unthinkable to discourage a mother from wanting to be with her child, I let it go.

That meaningful comment Ines made back then still bothers me a bit, but since she seemed reluctant to explain what advice she meant, I’ll just leave it be.

“But… are you really okay?”

“Hmm? With what?”

“You used to say you were extremely busy, but lately you always come home early. Oh, I’m not complaining! I’m happy about it, just curious…”

“Ah, that? Before, I handled everything myself, but these days I’ve selected suitable people and distributed the work appropriately, so it’s fine.”

Honestly, I’ve been working too much until now.

Typical nobles work about four hours a day, but I never did that. I put in at least eight hours daily. It’s about time I took it easier.

I’ve distributed the less important tasks among officials, which has made things much more comfortable. In the past, this wouldn’t have been possible due to the low quality of officials, but thanks to Luca’s diligent administrative reforms, it’s now feasible.

Of course, the officials apparently complained about the increased workload, but I’m paying them for their work, so I don’t need to feel sorry.

Now the work system is finally running normally. What superior would work overtime on trivial matters?

“Uuung…”

While chatting with Ines, Liliane, nestled in her arms, begins to whimper and squirm.

It’s amazing how she can move and make crying sounds like this when she’s not even ten days old.

It’s hard to believe this tiny child will someday grow up to be like me or Ines. If that’s not magic, what is?

“Ah, looks like she’s waking up. Was I too loud?”

“No… she always wakes up around this time. She’s hungry.”

Saying that, Ines shifts Liliane to her chest and begins to slightly open her top.

Well… she’s certainly changed a lot since before. Back then, her chest was so modest that one hand could cover it entirelyㅡ

“…My lord.”

“Yes?”

“It’s… embarrassing, so I’d appreciate if you wouldn’t stare so intently…”

“Come on, I’ve already seen everythingㅡ… Alright.”

I tried to tease her a bit more because her face, flushed with embarrassment, was so cute, but when she looked like she might actually cry, I stopped.

Honestly, I’d like to see her cry, but I’m afraid of the consequences.

……….

“Another day comes to an end…”

After dinner, red sunset light pours through the window.

Chloe and Ines are probably eating in their rooms, unable to bring Claudia and Liliane, who aren’t even ten days old, outside.

Hmm… it would be nice if the children grew up quickly so we could all eat together.

“Saint, I’ll clear the dishes.”

“Ah, I was in your way. Sorry, Jeanne.”

“How can you apologize? I should be the one apologizing.”

Jeanne, who was clearing the dishes, asks me to move back slightly. The other servants and attendants had already left the dining room to avoid disturbing my contemplation.

Well…

I maintain formality and dignity when speaking to other servants and attendants, but somehow I can’t do that with Jeanne.

Perhaps it’s related to how Jeanne calls me “Saint”?

Come to think of it, Saints and Holy Maidens were traditionally paired together.

Clatter—

“Ugh… ungh…”

“…”

Sigh.

I thought things had calmed down after Chloe and Ines gave birth, but here we go again.

She’s subtly pressing against me while pretending to clear the dishes.

…I need to be clear now.

“Jeanne.”

“Yes, Saint.”

“Could you please stop doing this?”

“What…? What do you mean?”

Jeanne’s expression changes instantly upon hearing my words.

Her face, which had been smiling until just now, suddenly stiffens, and her eyes begin to tremble severely.

“Jeanne, you’re beautiful and have tremendous charm. But I’m already married and have children, you know?”

This can’t continue.

In this world where monogamy is the accepted norm, I’ve already crossed an irreversible line by marrying twice, and one of my wives is my adopted sister… but there should still be limits, right?

Above all, it would deeply hurt Chloe and Ines.

How could I possibly be with another woman, especially right after they’ve given birth? I can’t even imagine how they would feel.

“So please stopㅡ”

“Beauti… beautiful… charm…”

“ㅡHuh?”

Wait, what?

Jeanne’s state is a bit… concerning?

I expected her to be greatly disappointed by my words, but she seems to be ignoring everything else I said, focusing only on the first part and repeating it to herself.

What’s going on? This is creepy.

“Saint.”

Thump—

“ㅡ?!”

After muttering to herself for a while, Jeanne suddenly flashes a strange light in her eyes and embraces me forcefully as I sit in my chair.

“Didn’t you hear me?! I’m already marriedㅡ”

“You’ve already married twice, so what’s stopping you from a third time…?”

“Uh… that’s not the pointㅡ”

“No, it’s exactly the point. Two or three, what’s the difference?”

That’s painfully accurate.

Certainly, as Jeanne says, two or three isn’t much different, but…

“…Kuk! No, Chloe and Ines would be sad. I can’t betray themㅡ”

“I’m sad too.”

“ㅡMmph?!”

My mouth is covered by Jeanne’s palm.

I can feel the softness and warmth of her skin against my lips, but my eyes see her tearful face in stark contrast.

“Why can’t we be together just because we met a little later? Why? You and I were destined to share our fate from the beginning. Why? Why can’t we?”

“…”

With her hand still covering my mouth, Jeanne speaks desperately, as if releasing all the resentment she’s been harboring.

Her intensity is so cold yet burning that even if my mouth weren’t covered, I couldn’t have easily responded.

“You must be with me. A Saint and a Holy Maiden naturally belong together.”

‘How is she so strong…?! Could this be another of Jeanne’s abilities or somethingㅡ’

THUD—!!

“Mmph?!”

Displaying strength disproportionate to her delicate frame, Jeanne forces me down to the floor, chair and all, then kicks the chair away and straddles me.

Jeanne’s figure, which her plain maid uniform fails to conceal, becomes even more pronounced from my position looking up. Her large breasts obscure her lips, and her plump bottom gently presses against my stomach.

I want to call for help from the servants and attendants outside, but with my mouth completely covered, I can’t speak at all.

‘Quickly, quickly, someone come in!’

“Saint, there’s no one outside.”

‘…What?’

While I’m desperately hoping for help, Jeanne suddenly seems to read my thoughts and says with a smile in her eyes.

“Even with such a loud noise, no one came in, did they?”

‘Uh…’

Now that she mentions it, that’s true.

The chair fell over with both our weights on it, making a loud noise, and the servants and attendants outside should have heard it.

No, I’m sure they were told to wait outside. Why didn’t theyㅡ Jeanne’s ability?

…I’m screwed.