TOPWL 250

“The increased number of soldiers means our food consumption is higher than expected. At this rate, we’ll run out of provisions before we’ve even been in the capital for a week.”

Yudit squinted as he flipped through the paper the captain handed him. Resolving things within a week would be manageable, but if it wasn’t settled, things would become extremely difficult. Moreover, Khalid, who had left ahead of them, didn’t have much extra food either. If things went badly, they might have to feed Khalid’s troops as well, which would deplete the supplies even faster.

“We’ll try to gather as much as possible from the villages we visit. It wasn’t a bad harvest, so we should be able to get a decent amount.”

“Yes, understood.”

“Is it possible to go any faster?”

“It is possible, but we are already traveling at maximum speed. Pushing harder could result in injuries.”

The captain answered Yudit’s question cautiously. Yudit knew they were already going as fast as they could.

“Understood. Let’s maintain this speed.”

“Yes, then I’ll continue. Regarding the advance party we sent ahead…”

***

Even after the meeting ended, Yudit remained seated for a while. Those who didn’t want to disturb him left first, leaving only Yudit and Noban in the conference hall.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. It seems lately, more people have been asking me if I’m alright.”

“I apologize if it caused you discomfort.”

“Not at all. It’s just a bit pathetic that I can’t manage my own emotions. It seems my education was all for naught.”

“Your perspective differs slightly from mine. Among all the people I’ve met, Commander, you are the most adept at controlling your emotions.”

“I appreciate you saying that.”

Yudit responded with an awkward smile.

“I truly mean it. Among those in power, quite a few prioritize their emotions over human lives. Compared to them, you’re doing exceptionally well.”

“Perhaps I’ve seen too many tyrants meet their ends in books.”

“I wish all those in power would read those book.”

Noban responded to Yudit’s playful tone.

“Have you been having trouble sleeping lately?”

“I sleep as much as I need.”

As he entered his final month of pregnancy, sleeping became increasingly difficult. His belly was heavy, forcing him to sleep on his side. Perhaps because the position was unfamiliar, he’d wake once or twice needing to urinate. He’d wake as the baby, whose movements had suddenly grown stronger, kicked around his belly. He’d wake from nightmares. It was impossible to get any deep, restful sleep. As a result, it became commonplace for him to doze off at his desk instead.

With days like this continuing, it was only natural his condition worsened. Noban looked up at Yudit with a worried gaze. His expression seemed to be debating whether to say more or stop.

“It must be because sleeping is uncomfortable for you.”

“Hmm.”

At his neither-affirmative-nor-negative response, Noban cautiously added,

“But tomorrow is the first time in a while you’ll be able to sleep at an inn. I think it would be best to wrap up the meeting a bit early and get some proper rest. You’re pushing yourself too hard right now…”

“Alright, I’ll do that. Thank you for your concern.”

Noban smiled brightly, clearly pleased that he had listened.

“Then, please rest well.”

After bowing respectfully, Noban exited. Shane and the other guards were waiting outside for Yudit. As Yudit stepped out, Shane draped his cloak over his shoulders.

“It’s warmed up considerably.”

“It’s already late February.”

“Yes, March will be here soon…”

Yudit lifted his head and gazed at the sky. Rich clouds floated across the clear expanse. As they passed through the cold, barren Gotha Kingdom and approached the capital, the temperature gradually grew warmer. The cloak Shane draped over him felt almost too warm.

Upon entering the carriage, Garen and Edmond brought water for washing. After finishing, only Edmond remained while the other withdrew. Shane’s escort had ended, and now Edmond and Garen were taking over.

“Edmond.”

“Yes? Yes?”

“It’s cold out there. Move a little further inside.”

“No. I like this spot. No, I must stay here.”

Yudit tilted his head at Edmond’s strangely stiff reaction, which had persisted since earlier. he had seen a similar pattern last time too.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.”

Yudit, who had been worried seeing Edmond—who usually acted like a haughty young master even while on guard duty—now flustered, moved closer to him. he could feel his back stiffen and the tension in his neck in real time.

“You don’t have a fever…”

“Really, really, I’m fine.”

When Edmond started trembling, Yudit pulled away. Only then did Edmond breathe. Seeing him visibly relax, Yudit realized something.

“I know.”

“What… do you mean?”

“The reason you’re acting like this.”

Edmond flinched at Yudit’s words. Gone was his usual cocky demeanor; he was now trembling like a leaf. Seeing him like this made Yudit feel even more sorry for him.

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”

“Um… thank you?”

“No need for thanks. Anyway, this must be tough. If it gets too hard, should I switch places with Garen?“

”No… I’m fine. But how long have you known?“

”How could I not know? I went through something like that myself once.“

”…You went through something like that?“

”Yes. It’s still hard and painful sometimes. It’s a memory I’ll have to carry for the rest of my life. But sometimes, talking to someone like this… it helps a little.”

“Wait, hold on. So you’re saying the Commander and I… share the same feelings?”

Edmond spoke with a confused expression. Could it be called sharing the same feelings? Yudit pondered for a moment before nodding.

“I suppose you could say that.”

“But the Commander… you’re pregnant, right? You are having a child?”

“Having a child doesn’t mean it disappears.”

“Of course, of course that’s true, but…”

Edmond’s eyes darted around. He kept trying to speak, then stopping, trying again, then stopping. Even in the darkness, his face was flushed bright red like a wildfire.

“I’m sorry. It’s something I never imagined… I’m confused… I need to calm down.”

“Take your time. It’s alright.”

“Um, since when… have you been…?”

“Since when…?”

Yudit searched his memory. But so much had happened lately, and perhaps because he was tired, it just wouldn’t come to him.

“I can’t quite remember. It feels like it’s been quite a while.”

“Quite a while…?”

Edmond grew increasingly confused by Yudit’s words.

“I think it was summer. The river water wasn’t that cold.”

“Summer?”

“Yes.”

“But I met you… in winter?”

“Yes, why?”

Edmond’s expression grew strange at Yudit’s words.

“Um, did you think I was… acting this way for some reason?”

“Huh? Isn’t it because of your claustrophobia?”

“……”

“I thought we were still talking about that.”

“…Y-yes. We were talking about claustrophobia.”

So he was right after all. Yudit been beating around the bush, afraid mentioning it outright might hurt his pride. As expected , Edmond now wore an expression of profound embarrassment.

“We were attacked while in the carriage. We tumbled down the riverbank, and water rose up to the top of the carriage. Ever since, I’ve been a bit afraid of riding in carriages. It’s a good thing I learned to ride horses. Though now, I’ve ended up riding in a carriage again.”

Life in the carriage wasn’t bad. It wasn’t luxurious, but since they had to carry a pregnant omega, they used only the most comfortable and high-quality items, from the wheels to the interior cushions. The driving was also careful, making it far more comfortable than riding a horse. However, the guilt of not being able to lead often made him take on all sorts of tasks, so he was frequently overwhelmed by excessive work rather than resting comfortably inside the carriage.

“…I see.”

Edmond answered dejectedly, then suddenly began laughing hollowly, as if he’d lost his mind. Yudit felt Edmond’s state was more serious than his own.

“If it gets too hard, you can switch places with Garen anytime. Thise’s no shame in it.”

“I’m fine… And my claustrophobia… isn’t that… that severe.”

“Well, that’s a relief.”

Yudit replied with a bright smile. Edmond glanced at his face [Read on]briefly before sighing quietly to himself.