Don’T Get Caught By Your Husband! [EN]: Chapter 122

Don’t Get Caught by Your Husband! Side Story 1. Something to Celebrate (1)

#Side Story 1. Something to Celebrate (1)

2024.06.07.

The cold air nipped at the tip of her nose.

Belladonna frowned and stirred awake. The harsh Griblatta winter was proving difficult to acclimatize to.

As she snuggled deeper into the blanket, a warm, strong arm reached out and pulled her close.

“Bella, you need to take advantage of your husband more often.”

The lazy, deep voice resonated in her ear.

Belladonna chuckled softly, leaning her forehead against Escalio’s chest.

She felt the steady rhythm of his heart beating.

“What did you eat? How can you be so warm, even in the dead of winter?”

“It’s not that I’m hot; you’re just too cold,” Escalio teased, tickling her lower back. Belladonna giggled, twisting away.

“That tickles!”

“That’s the idea… Hold on.”

Escalio stopped, his hand stilling as he stared intently at her.

Puzzled by his sudden pause, Belladonna looked up at him.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s not just that you’re cold, but…”

He raised an eyebrow and placed his large palm on her forehead.

Her pale, round face tilted beneath his dark hand.

*What is he doing?*

Escalio sighed deeply and began tucking the blanket more securely around Belladonna.

“I think you’re catching a cold.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you have a slight fever.”

*No wonder I felt a chill…*

Belladonna blinked, now completely enveloped in the thick blanket.

Escalio’s arm muscles flexed as he worked to keep her warm.

Satisfied with his swaddling, he brushed a stray strand of hair from her forehead.

Unlike Belladonna, bundled up with only her eyes and nose visible, he was practically half-naked.

“Wait here. I’ll call for the doctor.”

“You don’t have to! If I warm myself by the fire and dress warmly, it’ll pass…”

“No, winter is only getting started. Even if it’s not a cold, a regular check-up is a good idea.”

He tucked her hair behind her ear.

Belladonna reluctantly nodded, closing her eyes. His gentle touch lingered near her face.

*…Winter already…*

It was early winter when she married Escalio, and she returned after all those events just as the harsh cold was easing and spring was on its way.

And now, winter again.

That meant a year had passed since her marriage to Escalio.

“It was nice for a while,” Belladonna murmured, thinking of the Griblatta summer, which was more cool than hot.

“Will you say it’s good in the future, too? That sounds like you’re only talking about the past.”

Escalio playfully flicked her nose.

His teasing sparked her playful side. Belladonna narrowed her eyes.

“We’ll see. You know I hate the cold.”

“If you want to go to the townhouse in Cirellenia [a warmer region], just say the word. I’ll summon a wizard.”

“You’re busy. You wouldn’t even come with me.”

Escalio’s golden eyes widened, perhaps surprised by her unusually sulky tone. He looked flustered and reached out to soothe her.

“That’s not true. If you want, I’ll go with you anytime. No matter how busy I am.”

“You say that, but you’d rush back here.”

“No, that’s…”

Escalio seemed to be in a hurry to reassure her.

Belladonna chuckled and shook her head.

“I’m kidding. I’m getting used to the cold. This is where I have to live for the rest of my life. The Lady of the estate can’t run off to the south just because it’s a little cold!”

“Really? It’s good to hear you say that.”

At her spirited reply, he smiled, a charming curve of his lips.

*My husband is so handsome!*

Belladonna nodded, feeling happy.

“Still, you have to live a healthy life with me forever, so I’m calling the doctor.”

“Okay.”

Escalio bent down, gently pulled the back of Belladonna’s head, and kissed her forehead.

He kissed her soft cheeks a few times before getting out of bed.

“Get some rest. I’ll have breakfast brought to the room.”

Belladonna nodded, watching him grab clothes from the closet.

He roughly swept his hair back, smiled at her, and left the room.

As soon as the door closed, Belladonna threw herself onto the bed.

“Ugh, it’s so cold.”

This cold gets colder just when I’m about to get used to it!

She had been enduring each day thanks to Escalio’s care, but she couldn’t imagine what the midwinter cold of Griblatta would be like.

Belladonna curled up in the blanket and placed her hand on her lower abdomen.

Since last week, she’d had aches in her lower abdomen and waist, and she thought she should get a check-up.

“First of all, I have to stay healthy…”

Now that she couldn’t use her divine power, there was little chance of serious harm, but her body was naturally weak.

*I should tell Cindy to get me thick socks…*

Thinking about preparations for the cold, Belladonna fell asleep again.

* * *

“Madam! Are you finished eating?”

Cindy, clearing the dishes, looked at Belladonna. The plate was barely touched.

“Don’t you like the soup? Should I ask the chef to make something else?”

Belladonna quickly shook her head.

“No, the food was excellent.”

“Then why did you leave so much?”

“I haven’t been digesting well lately. I think it’s the cold…”

Belladonna scratched her head. She felt bad for wasting the carefully prepared food.

Cindy lifted the dishes, looking worried.

“The doctor is coming this afternoon, right? I’ll tell him to prescribe the strongest cold medicine in Griblatta!”

“Yes, thank you!”

Belladonna nodded, looking up at Cindy.

That afternoon, hearing that the doctor had arrived, Belladonna went to the drawing room.

The doctor stood up as she entered.

“Madam, hello. It’s been a while.”

“Yes, not since summer, I think.”

Belladonna smiled and sat on the sofa.

The doctor stared blankly at her smile, then opened his medical bag.

“Y-you have a cold.”

“Yes, please give me the strongest medicine.”

“What are your symptoms?”

He took out a pen and paper.

*Symptoms…* Belladonna hesitated.

“I think it’s a typical cold. A slight fever, chills, and sometimes indigestion.”

“Hmm…?”

The doctor made a strange noise. His small eyes seemed to shine through his thick lenses.

*What is it?* Belladonna frowned.

*Surely it’s not serious?*

“Madam! I apologize, but I think another test is best.”

“Another test?”

“Yes.”

He rummaged through his bag, taking out unfamiliar tools.

*What kind of test is he doing?*

Belladonna watched with curiosity.

He used a diagnostic tool on her wrist, measured her temperature and blood pressure, and performed a drug reaction test.

“What kind of potion is this?”

Belladonna asked, fascinated by the faint green potion turning blue with a drop of her blood.

The doctor, confirming the color change, nodded with a smile. He flared his nostrils and made eye contact.

“Madam, I’m sorry, but I can’t prescribe strong cold medicine.”

“Why? I’m so sick!”

Belladonna said, sounding unfair. *I don’t want to be sick!*

But the doctor seemed excited.

“Congratulations, Madam. A precious family member will be added to Griblatta Castle.”

“Kyaaak!”

Cindy, standing in the back, screamed.

Belladonna was surprised by her reaction and shuddered. Cindy jumped up and down, making noises.

Belladonna watched the doctor and Cindy, dazed.

*Wait. A precious family member? That means…*

“That means I…”

“Madam, congratulations on your pregnancy!” Cindy shouted, clapping.