When You Turned Your Back On Me, We Became Strangers [EN]: Chapter 110

Aside From Us (9)

Extra Story 9

The meal prepared was quite lavish, making me feel almost guilty for being treated so well. It must have taken a considerable amount of time to prepare, and Reilley glanced at Caber, noticing his slightly embarrassed expression at the fully set table.

“You really didn’t need to prepare so much. This is more than enough. It must have been a lot of work for you all.”

At Caber’s words, the king waved his hand and smiled.

“It’s nothing, really. We have a noble wine produced right here in our country. Would you care to try some?”

Reilley and Caber exchanged troubled glances. It was difficult to refuse such hospitality, but Reilley was currently pregnant.

Caber eventually had no choice but to reveal the truth to the king.

“Actually, the Empress is expecting a child.”

“Oh, my!”

The queen couldn’t hide her surprise and smiled happily. It was a cause for celebration. To hear such blessed news in their country was truly a joyous occasion.

“Then, I will order a special, healthy drink to be prepared for her.”

“It’s alright. I’m worried that I’m causing too much trouble.”

Reilley hurriedly waved her hand in refusal. However, the queen was insistent on offering them something special. They were honored guests visiting her country, after all.

With such a blessing accompanying them, it felt like only good things would come.

“Please, do not refuse my heartfelt sincerity.”

At the queen’s words, Reilley looked at Caber. It was difficult to refuse when she put it that way. It wasn’t that she suspected the people, but she couldn’t help but be cautious.

“Don’t worry. I’ll taste it first this time.”

Ren whispered to Reilley. Reilley felt a little sorry, but she was relieved knowing he was there.

Others wouldn’t be able to see Ren. He only revealed his sword form in special circumstances.

He didn’t show himself carelessly.

Caber was an exception, but that was also because of Reilley’s request. It was obvious that many inconvenient situations would arise if he couldn’t see Ren.

“Thank you, Ren.”

“It’s nothing. Just give me more vacation time next time.”

“Okay. I’ll give you as much as you want.”

Reilley smiled softly as she replied.

“Then, I will gratefully accept.”

Caber nodded at Ren’s signal. Only then did the queen call a maid with a bright face and busily give instructions.

“We have a very skilled doctor in our country. I will have the doctor examine you during your stay.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

“It’s nothing. We also have a priest, so I will ask them to give a blessing. Of course, if you both agree.”

At the king’s words, Reilley readily agreed.

She knew about their customs from books. When a child was born, they would give a blessing to pray for its safe growth until birth.

She knew that their unique blessing ceremony was very precious and difficult to witness.

“It will be a truly wonderful memory.”

“We will never forget this day.”

The king raised his glass towards Reilley. Reilley also raised the drink in front of her and smiled. Ren subtly tasted it and gave her a nod.

The drink she cautiously tasted was quite unique. It was sour and tangy, making her mouth water.

“It’s so delicious!”

At Reilley’s words, the queen seemed relieved and raised her glass. They slowly began to eat the prepared food while conversing.

Reilley’s appetite returned, and she kept eating.

During her previous pregnancy, she hadn’t even been aware of morning sickness due to her emotional distress. She didn’t remember eating so comfortably.

Back then, she was more concerned with other things than the baby. It was an unavoidable situation, even though she didn’t want it to be. The contrast with the present scene left a bitter taste in her mouth.

She felt sorry, so sorry.

Moreover, she felt like she was eating more than usual, and she wasn’t sure if it was okay.

‘I don’t know if I should be eating this much.’

However, contrary to her worries, everyone looked at her with warm eyes. Only then did Reilley realize that it was just her own concern, and she ate comfortably.

* * *

Caber moved to another room with the king to discuss the water supply project separately. Reilley headed to the garden with the queen.

“I took a brief look earlier, and it’s decorated so beautifully. It was a pleasure to see.”

At Reilley’s words, the queen seemed excited and began to explain various things about the garden.

“If there’s anything you particularly like, please tell me. I’ll send it to you as a gift when you leave.”

She was grateful just hearing those words. She had already received excessive hospitality, so she didn’t want to impose further. Besides, these plants would only thrive if they remained in their natural environment.

She lightly shook her head and smiled.

“I simply love the atmosphere here.”

It was a relaxed and peaceful place, harmonized with nature. It was beautiful, and one could easily lose track of time just gazing around.

“Mother!”

Just then, children ran from afar and hugged the queen. She looked slightly embarrassed and apologized to Reilley.

“I’m so sorry. It seems the children couldn’t sleep and came looking for me at this late hour.”

Reilley quietly watched the children clinging to her arm, acting spoiled. It was a heartwarming sight to see.

“There’s no need to apologize. It looks like I’ve taken you away from the children who need their mother’s embrace.”

At Reilley’s words, the queen stroked the children’s heads and smiled.

“They still act spoiled like this.”

“It’s lovely to see.”

The queen gave Reilley a subtle look.

“They are the apples of my eye, but there are times when I’m less than thrilled with them.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes, especially when they refuse to sleep and run around like this when it’s past their bedtime.”

Reilley smiled faintly at the queen’s words. The queen’s face was full of happiness as she said that. It was clear that she loved her children deeply, despite her playful complaints.

“Why don’t you go put the children to bed? I’ll just look around for a bit and then head inside.”

“Are you sure you’ll be alright?”

The queen looked worried. Reilley then subtly revealed Ren’s presence and nodded.

“Yes, I’m fine. I always have a guard here protecting me.”

“Oh, my… Since when?”

“He’s always with me. So, please don’t worry and go inside.”

At Reilley’s words, the queen reluctantly turned away. It was late at night, but it would be nice to sleep while looking at the stars in the sky.

“Look at the sky. There are quite a few stars out tonight.”

At the queen’s words, Reilley looked up at the sky. The twinkling stars were shining brightly in the dark expanse.

Who were they shining so brightly for?

Reilley silently gazed at the sky.

“Ren, do you think my child who passed away is also up there?”

“…Do you see that star shining the brightest?”

Ren raised his hand and pointed to one of the constantly twinkling stars. Reilley nodded slightly and stared at the star.

“It shines brightly every night. Maybe that beautifully shining star is your child. It was quite beautiful, resembling you. Even if it had been born, it would have shone so brightly that it would have captivated people’s attention.”

Reilley bit her trembling lip tightly. Ren might have actually seen the child.

“And it told me to stop being sad. It said it wants you to be happy.”

“Don’t lie.”

“I’m serious. Besides, the child in your belly is also saying that it will protect you, you know?”

At Ren’s words, Reilley embraced her belly.

‘Is that really true? Is that child really happy to see me too? Does it not resent or hate me?’

It was always a heavy burden in her heart. She was afraid that the child might resent her for not avenging it in the same way. She was afraid that the child, who had left alone because of her lack of resolve, would not be able to leave and would stay by her side.

“So. You can let it go now.”

At Ren’s words, Reilley silently looked at the star. As if in response, it twinkled, as if telling her that it was really okay to do so.

“This child must have sent it because it knew I was having a hard time, right?”

“Of course, it had a kind heart. And the child in your belly now wants you to be happy.”

At his words, Reilley felt a sense of relief. Maybe it was time to let go, little by little.

“You can be happy. No one will blame you for being happy.”

Only then did Reilley let go of her worries and smile brightly. Guilt would still be with her, but she would give the child who came to her all the love it deserved.

“Ren, is my child doing well?”

“Of course. It’s doing well.”

He pointed to the sky and Reilley’s belly, and smiled.

The night sky had never been so beautiful. Reilley leisurely enjoyed the peace, carefully scanning the stars with Ren.

“You’ll get nagged at if you stay out here too long. Let’s go inside.”

Ren took off his jacket and put it on Reilley, saying that it would be better to go inside quickly because the night temperature was chilly.

Reilley felt a little sad, but she decided that it was best not to overdo it for the sake of the baby.

“Okay, let’s go in.”

Reilley got up at her own words, and Ren looked at her in surprise.

“Are you really going in?”

“Yes, I said let’s go in. Or are you going to stay here?”

“No, that’s not it… Caber will be happy if he knows.”

Ren looked at Reilley, who was obediently following him, with an expression of disbelief. Really, could a person change so suddenly?

He felt a strange sense of unease at how easy it was.

“You’re really going in?”

“Yes. Let’s go in.”

Reilley thought it was strange that Ren kept asking. She had just said she would go in when he told her to, so what was with that expression?

“Don’t go in?”

At her words, Ren hurriedly got up and walked ahead.

“No, let’s go in right now.”

“Why are you making that face?”

Ren swallowed a laugh as he looked at Reilley. It would be better to keep his mouth shut, as she might act like a rebellious child if he said anything.

“It’s nothing.”

“It doesn’t seem like nothing.”

“Why are you asking so many questions today? I’m tired, so let’s go in and get some sleep.”

Reilley shrugged at Ren’s words. Whatever it was, it seemed like her actions were surprising to him.