BOMW 53

chapter 53

Irwen’s plan gained even more momentum thanks to Pervin’s intense reaction. Not long after, a grand party was held at the Carlisle Duke’s mansion. On the surface, it was a party hosted by Pervin on behalf of the royal family, but everyone suspected that a major announcement would follow. As countless nobles arrived one by one at the magnificent mansion, the Carlisle Duke and Duchess, standing at the entrance to warmly welcome the guests, particularly drew attention. Since the Duke rarely hosted gatherings or parties at home, everyone was surprised that he invited guests to this event—but they also suspected ulterior motives.

“Could it really be true, that rumor Duke Sibellom mentioned? That the Duchess is infertile?”

“If that were true, do you think they’d look this happy?”

Questions and whispers multiplied. Especially seeing how the Duke treated the Duchess as if she were a delicate piece of glass, everyone grew even more curious. Not long ago, young ladies secretly invited by the Duchess to the mansion were asked about divorce rumors, but they only blushed and refused to answer—likely due to Pervin’s threats. Any mention of the events at the mansion could have revealed their impropriety to their families, tarnishing their honor. The young ladies, glancing at the seemingly inseparable Duke and Duchess, could barely raise their eyes, cheeks red.

And here were two older gentlemen who also could not meet anyone’s gaze.

“Phew…”

In the party hall, Bocelli and Sellevar quietly slipped through the crowd, carefully avoiding Pervin. Their faces were etched with worry, and they whispered to each other.

“I’m going crazy with worry. I never imagined the Duchess would accept the divorce papers we handed over! I half expected her to demand a new medical check for the heir and take measures to prevent these false rumors from spreading. What if she were actually pregnant? Didn’t we rush things too much?”

“It was you who believed the rumor that she couldn’t have children!”

Bocelli’s face went pale as he retorted. The expression was completely different from the hopeful faces around them.

“Sellevar, you were the one who drafted the divorce papers immediately and got the branch families’ approvals in one fell swoop! It wasn’t me.”

“But Bocelli, if you hadn’t pushed the other relatives, would they have signed so quickly? Probably not.”

“Anyway, I can’t help thinking we might have rushed this.”

“I… I never imagined it would turn out like this. You know the warmth in her eyes when she looks at the Duke? That’s not the look of someone wanting a divorce. Who would have thought she’d submit the papers so willingly?”

“We misjudged her. How could we not have realized she’s that decisive?”

“And we didn’t know the Duke and Duchess were so inseparable either.”

Bocelli pointed to Irwen and Pervin at the entrance. Irwen, slightly apart from Pervin, was happily greeting the young ladies. Pervin clearly disliked them, his cold expression freezing when he saw the insincere smiles aimed at Irwen, quickly positioning himself to protect her belly. Belly… her belly? Seeing this, Bocelli and Sellevar turned even paler.

Many young ladies had hoped for this divorce, as had numerous nobles and Duke Sibellom, who intended to tie the Carlisle family into their alliances. All had attended the party by imperial order, but everyone avoided looking directly at me, the host. Seeing Pervin openly cherish me, their smug expressions fell. These were the same women who had publicly shown off their arrogance when I invited them to the mansion to hear the divorce news.

• “I could give you five children even if your wife cannot!”

• “Then you shouldn’t have married if she was infertile from the start!”

• “We were the family originally negotiating this marriage. How dare a foreign lady aim for it, the gods punish her by not granting children.”

These were the very women who had displayed all manners of improper behavior toward Pervin in the mansion, and now, suddenly, they were silent. They never imagined I was pregnant. I couldn’t help but let out a small smile. Having revealed that divorce would not happen even without children, I now had the power to fully silence these ‘wolves’ competing for the Duchess title. Furthermore, it might destabilize Sibellom’s position—the thought excited me.

“Ahem.”

“Your good mood makes me feel even better.”

When Pervin gently pressed his lips to my forehead, a wave of nausea surged again.

“Ugh!”

“These little rascals, really…”

Pervin cuddled me warmly as if in protest. Holding him, my mind replayed all that had happened. After those young ladies had left in chaos, I revealed to Pervin that I was pregnant and explained the plan. Pervin admitted his heart had nearly dropped but agreed to participate willingly. He shared with me the accurate confirmation of my pregnancy, jointly diagnosed by Accuret and Duelfari. Our brief joy quickly shifted as he entered a competitive mindset toward the children in my womb.

“When on earth will they stop pushing me away? If they do this even after birth, it’ll be troublesome.”

“So, you don’t want to be disliked by the children either?”

He nodded, as if it were obvious.

“No, it’s just… thinking of competing with them for your affection already gives me a headache.”

When his hand subtly rose to meet mine on my belly, unease bubbled inside me.

“Um, please, not your lips…”

Smack! He kissed my palm. I bent over instinctively from the nausea; Pervin, visibly apologetic, supported me.

“Sorry, I just couldn’t help it—you’re so lovable.”

“I told you, please don’t put your lips there. Ah, now again.”

I covered my lips with my hand, feigning resentment. Pervin’s jade-colored eyes darkened with jealousy, shooting a possessive glare at my belly.

“You told me not to express affection at all. If I don’t, Irwen, I might die!”

“I’m dying every time you approach me—it’s disgusting. You’re usually so patient, so try to endure it a little.”

“You’re already competing with unborn children for my affection. Don’t you think I’m pitiful, Irwen?”

Pervin softly kissed the back of my hand. Perhaps even the children understood their father this time—they were calm.

Minutes passed. Some guests were filled with expectation, others drank feverishly. Clink! Clink! The sound of a wine glass drew everyone’s attention. Pervin, with his arm around my waist, called the crowd to the head table.

“Respected ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending this imperial-ordered party. Before you enjoy yourselves, I have two announcements to make. Sir Dobre, please assist me.”

“I’ve brought the sealed box, as requested.”

Sir Dobre handed Pervin a triple-sealed box. Pervin retrieved three keys from his pocket and slowly unlocked it, revealing a luxurious sheet of parchment, overlaid with thin gold used only by the Emperor. Gasps ran through the crowd.

“This is a personal imperial letter!”

“This letter was given to me by His Majesty to announce here. I will read it on his behalf.”

Pervin’s eyes trembled slightly as I placed my hand on his waist, calming him. Even the children in my womb remained still. Pervin inhaled and read clearly:

“In the House of Teresia, only two daughters exist. Recently, a famine in male births has occurred. With the consent of nobles and the support of the people, I, Emperor Caesar of Teresia, appoint Pervin Carlisle, sixth-generation heir of Erwin Carlisle, along with Sibellom, as successors to the imperial line.”

Shock paled Pervin’s face, and anger boiled over Sibellom’s. Whispered reassurances from Baron Rasendil did little to calm him. Pervin, glancing at me with a hint of pity, placed his hand on my belly.

“While this imperial decree weighs on my shoulders, I must continue. Please share in our joy. My wife Irwen is carrying two healthy boys. This result was confirmed by Drs. Duelfari and Accuret, so it is reliable. Regarding the false rumors of my wife’s infertility, anyone with sound judgment would not be swayed. An educated person would understand.”

Sibellom collapsed into his seat. Many glanced at him, and he shakily pointed at me while being supported by Baron Rasendil.

“Impossible… I don’t believe it! There was never an opportunity for them to conceive, yet…”

Pervin scoffed arrogantly:

“My wife adores me too much to limit us to specific days.”

“Hooray! Finally, we’ll hear children’s cries in the Carlisle house! Hooray!”

Bocelli and Sellevar cried tears of joy, shouting three cheers. Others applauded.

“Now male heirs will be born into the royal family!”

“The diagnosis by Dr. Accuret, who safely delivered the imperial princesses, cannot be wrong.”

“Two boys, not one! What a blessing! Congratulations, Your Grace.”

Pervin smiled mischievously and pulled me close, pressing his lips to mine when I looked at him without nausea.

“Even the children share this joy, right?”

“Quick, kiss me before they get jealous.”

“I will, as much as you want, even if they do get jealous.”

Pervin gently placed his lips on my lower lip.

The news of the Carlisle Duchess’s pregnancy spread like wildfire. In the salons of noblewomen and among the aristocracy frequenting the palace, the news dominated conversation. The first palace council meeting since the announcement, held before the Emperor and Sibellom arrived, centered around congratulating Irwen’s pregnancy.

“Once again, congratulations, Sir Carlisle. This long-awaited heir must double your joy.”

“You must support the Duchess closely, as her morning sickness may be severe.”

“I am already doing so. I pick lily-of-the-valley for her every morning, give massages, learn to bake her favorite chocolate cake, and…”

Pervin’s face flushed further. According to the Marquis Celestin, who had observed him for years, Pervin rarely smiled openly, yet now he laughed freely outside his home. Count Bell and Young Montague, who had known him since childhood, rubbed their eyes in disbelief.

“Is it true that Pervin is smiling with dimpled eyes?”

“Yes, the smile folds the eyes and dimples appear. He truly is smiling.”

“Such a smile, he used to only show to kittens, and now he shows it to others besides his wife? How happy he must be!”

“Indeed. I never knew he could smile like this.”

The Sibellom faction grumbled begrudgingly:

“It’s fortunate the Carlisle line continues. Even if children are rare, heirs are born. Perhaps the Duchess knew a special remedy… allowing her to conceive at the perfect moment.”

“The Emperor is too harsh, already naming unborn Carlisle heirs. Sibellom must quickly produce his own heirs.”

“Please care for the Duchess’s health. Her predecessor also had difficulty giving birth.”

Count Serevera and his group made absurd speculations, mentioning deceased mothers to irritate Pervin. He frowned inwardly but remained silent under Baron Celestin’s hand on his back. Celestin, self-proclaimed man of fertility, snorted at Serevera.

“You, Count Serevera, are in no position to say that.”

“What do you mean, Baron Celestin?”

“The Duke has remained dignified, avoiding public announcements, but everyone knows, correct?”

Celestin glanced at the nobles, who shifted uncomfortably.

“When your sisters or daughters learned of the false divorce rumor, they rushed to the Carlisle house. What impropriety! Especially your young lady, Count Serevera, acting most rudely, fluttering about.”

“That’s outrageous!” Serevera blushed, protesting.

“It was the Duchess who spread the rumor, urging the ladies to meet the Duke. That’s the bigger fault.”

“Whether spreading rumors or scheming behind the Duke, it’s the same in my eyes.”

“Well said, Lance,” Pervin nodded to Celestin and turned sharply toward Serevera. His dimpled cheeks hardened, eyes cold and sharp like a crescent moon.

“Do not pay unnecessary attention to us in the future. Especially, if anyone spreads absurd rumors about Irwen, I will handle it personally.”

His face radiated a chilling aura. The Sibellom faction fell silent. Pervin exhaled deeply, longing to return home and embrace Irwen.

Meanwhile, outside the council room, the Emperor and Sibellom had a heated private discussion. The Emperor, hearing Sibellom’s ridiculous claims, tried to ignore him—until Sibellom grabbed his arm.

“Brother, after four years of no news, in the fifth year they have twins? They must have used forbidden drugs from the Empire or aphrodisiacs smuggled from Verma.”

“Nonsense, Sibellom.”

The Emperor frowned at his half-brother.

“You forced Pervin into impotence, yet children appeared. Is that why you’re panicking? You almost ruined relations with Verma, and barely managed to pacify Duke Lillias with Count Rune’s help. Sibellom, why did you spread the absurd infertility rumor about the Carlisle Duchess?”

Upon learning the rumor’s source, the Emperor had grimaced. Sibellom grumbled under the Emperor’s harsh reaction.

“She’s pregnant. Isn’t that enough?”

The Emperor, with a gentle expression, bared his fangs at his half-brother. Sibellom gasped, suffocated by contempt.

“Brother, it was a mistake.”

“Fool! Stupid, foolish, almost ruined the country! You couldn’t even follow Pervin’s example! Love endlessly, yet you cannot see the fruit of it, unlike him!”

“Brother! Isn’t supporting the Carlisle heir too much? It’s just a child.”

“Do you not understand Pervin having a child? Sibellom, some things are possible for him, impossible for you. Why can he succeed in love while you cannot?”

“Brother… what are you saying…”

The Emperor inclined his head calmly, reassuring him.

“It’s alright, Sibellom. I will ask Pervin how he achieved this, and you must answer honestly.”

“What…?”

The Emperor smirked.

“Being unable is nothing to be ashamed of.”