A Saint Who Was Adopted by the Grand Duke
chapter-ex17

When her surprise had subsided and she was composed, Esther carefully rubbed her stomach.

It was surprising that a child was growing inside of it.

When Esther touched her stomach, Shur, who was next to her, raised his head and nodded at her.

“Ah! Is that why Shur has been weird lately?”

Recently, he was acting unusually cute and tried to stick with her. It seemed Shur was the first to notice the child.

“Are you trying to protect me? Thank you.”

The door suddenly opened as she was stroking Shur’s head.

It was the anxious Judy and Dennis, who had been sticking to the door and trying to listen into the conversation.

“What’s wrong with Esther?”

“I asked the doctor, but he didn’t answer. Why did you block his mouth?”

When the doctor didn’t answer and simply left, the twins thought that Esther must have a really serious illness.

Meeting Deheen’s eyes, Esther smiled shyly.

“It’s not an illness.”

“Then what is it? Tell me quickly.”

“Yes. I’m going crazy because I’m worried.”

As the twins hurriedly approached Esther, Deheen put a hand in front of them, blocking their advance.

“Always be careful when approaching Esther in the future.”

And then he smiled and said,

“Esther is pregnant.”

“…What?”

“……?!?”

Judy and Dennis were hardened like rocks, unable to react.

After a moment of blankly staring at Esther and Deheen, Judy shouted.

“Hurray!!! I have a niece!!”

Then, as he tried to lift Esther up, Deheen grabbed him by the collar.

“Didn’t I tell you to be careful?”

“I’m just so happy. Esther, congratulations.”

Judy couldn’t contain his joy and he hugged Esther. Then… he was bitten on the leg by Shur.

On the other hand, Dennis, who was still stiff, turned his head and wiped his eyes.

“Are you crying?”

“…No.”

“Wow. He is crying.”

Judy went beside Dennis, giggling at the sight of his tears.

“Move.”

Dennis pushed Judy away and came to Esther’s side, holding her hand tightly.

“Congratulations. And thank you. My sister will definitely be a good mother.”

Moved by Dennis’ words, Esther’s eyes turned warm as well.

“We will prepare everything you need. You don’t have to worry about anything. Just focus on your health.”

“What would my niece like? Will it be okay if I buy dolls of every type?”

“It could be a boy. You have to prepare several things. Esther, leave the education of your child to me.”

Each celebrated Esther’s pregnancy in their own way, sharing her joy.

After a while, everyone left the room saying that they should start preparing.

“There is still a long way to go.”

Esther sat on the bed, unable to hide her smile, and giggled at the sight of her family already trembling.

She touched her stomach. It was still flat, as though nothing had changed.

“Thank you for coming, baby.”

She whispered softly, hoping the child inside would feel everyone’s delight.

“Will Noah be very surprised?”

Esther’s heart pounded as she thought of Noah’s reaction when he heard the news of her pregnancy.

★★★

During the few days she stayed at the grand ducal house, Esther was unable to lift a hand.

Judy and Dennis took turns standing by her side, moving in her stead.

She didn’t know how many people followed her even when she was simply going down the stairs or taking a walk in the yard.

All kinds of food were prepared before she even said what she wanted to eat.

In the kitchen, her favorite desserts and snacks were freshly made every hour and sent up.

Esther’s face grew rounder in just two days of overflowing love.

Looking into the mirror, Esther tugged her bulging cheek.

“Look at this. I’ve gained weight.”

“There is a precious baby inside Your Highness’ belly. You should eat better and get fatter.”

“I hate that. How long have I been married to Noah?”

Regardless of Esther’s upset heart, the door to her room opened.

A trolley full of sweet desserts rolled in. She lost count on how many times it had happened today.

“I will not eat it.”

“Don’t say that, take a look. Don’t you like these sweets these days?”

Although Esther declared that she would not eat it, her head turned around at the scent of cinnamon that spread throughout the room.

It was just made, crispy and shiny cinnamon cookies, and she ended up getting her hands on it.

Esther, who had eaten all the snacks on the plate before she knew it, stood up, wiping her hands.

“I need to walk a bit.”

“You can’t overdo it.”

“It’s just the garden.”

She headed for the garden, and for some reason, her father and brothers didn’t follow her.

Perhaps they thought she could walk freely now?

“I often ran around with my older brothers here.”

Looking at the fountain and the bench next to it brought up memories, and that made Esther smile.

“Are you going to run around here someday too?”

Esther, who was imagining the future where her child was born, felt a presence and looked back.

“Noah?”

Her gaze collided with the black eyes of Noah, who was sneaking up to surprise her.

“How did you know?”

“I had a feeling. It’s just like you.”

Noah pouted and hugged Esther.

He only held her with one arm, as if he was holding something in his hand, but the hug was tight and warm.

“I miss you.”

“Me too. But how did you come? You are busy.”

“Your father told me to come because something important happened. What’s going on?”

Esther realized that Deheen had called Noah as soon as he found out she was pregnant.

“That…”

She was about to reveal it right away, but somehow hesitated.

“Esther?”

“Actually, I was not feeling well for a few days. So I was examined by a doctor.”

Noah’s expression turned serious as he listened to her words.

“What kind of sickness is it?”

Not wanting to worry Noah, Esther shook her head and carefully delivered the news.

“He said I’m carrying a baby.”

“What? Wait a second… a baby…”

Noah’s face turned into a surprised rabbit’s and he dropped the bouquet he was hiding behind his back.

“It’s as you heard. I am pregnant.”

Taking Noah’s hand, Esther slowly placed it on her stomach.

Tears fell from Noah’s eyes when he finally accepted it as reality.

“Thank you. Thank you so much.”

Noah continued to express gratitude as he stared at Esther’s belly.

Seeing Noah crying like this for the first time, Esther was taken aback and glanced at Noah’s eyes.

“Why are you crying?”

“I can’t control myself because I’m so happy. You have no idea how long I’ve been imagining this moment.”

When even his shoulders started to shake, Esther made him sit on the bench and soothed him.

After a while, Noah finally wiped away his tears.

“Have you calmed down?”

“Yes.”

Noah sniffed, but didn’t let go of Esther’s hand.

And he touched Esther’s stomach again in wonder and fell into deep agony.

“What should we name our child?”

“Hmm, it depends on the gender?”

“If a girl is born…”

Noah gazed into Esther’s eyes and said in a serious voice.

“Daina is good.”

Esther flinched at the name she hadn’t heard in a really long time.

“I want to make Daina happy.”

She was just grateful for Noah’s suggestion because she knew what it was like.

Leaning her head on Noah’s shoulder, Esther smiled.

“Let’s think of several names in advance. I want to give our child a good name.”

She recalled how happy she was when she was given the name Esther.

“Let’s call a few famous naming artists as well. Ah, I should inform the imperial palace right away. Everyone will be delighted.”

Esther was truly delighted their child could receive so much congratulations and celebration just by being born into the world.

“What do you want to eat? Even if you ask me to cook for you, I will try my best.”

“The mansion is already full of food. Look at this. I’ve gained weight.”

“Where did you gain weight? All I can see is increased loveliness.”

Noah cupped Esther’s cheeks with both hands and kissed her on the lips.

★★★

A few days later, in the imperial palace…

Dorothy rushed to find Esther, who was resting in her room.

“Your Highness! His Excellency the Grand Duke has come to visit with a lot of presents.”

“Dad?”

It had been a few days since she went home. She tilted her head, wondering what was going on, and went outside.

Esther was horrified to see an additional carriage lined up in front of the palace where she was living with Noah.

“What is all that?”

“I brought some things that are good for pregnant women.”

Deheen, who was instructing the servants moving the goods, noticed Esther and ran over to her.

“Isn’t all this a little bit too much?”

“It’s all necessary. I’ll tell the maids how to use it.”

There were various types of food and ingredients and all kinds of spices, herbs and medicines that were said to be good for the body.

Deheen’s desire to take care of her could be seen and understood.

“I don’t think there’s anywhere else to put them.”

Dorothy whispered in Esther’s ear.

“Really. There are no vacant rooms anymore.”

Esther sighed in embarrassment.

The members of the imperial family had already heard of Esther’s pregnancy, and thus, they had gathered and sent all kinds of precious things, so there was no longer enough space to store them.

Credits goes to Kushi for raw providing, and Ame for translating.