101st Confession

⟨CHAPTER 129

“Ho, ho, that’s the little lady.”

“The little lady I saw once upon a time is now a grown woman.”

“Hehe, she always said she would marry Master Herwin, and now it’s come true.”

The vassals of House Phoenaeus and the northern aristocrats stared at Herwin and Lucia. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Some recognized Lucia as a child who had often visited the ducal residence as a child. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Usually, they would have liked the new little lady, but there were significantly fewer people who were opposed to her because the Agnes family had been interacting with Phoenaeus for so long.

That didn’t mean that there weren’t some who did. 

“She looks like shed collapse if someone touched her.”

“I don’t know if she can survive in the harsh north with a body like that.”

They thought that Lucia, who looked fragile at first glance, would not be able to survive in the harsh north. 

Amid all the goodwill, curiosity, envy, and jealousy, the two stood before Hail and Scarlett, undaunted by the pressure around them.

They simultaneously bent at the waist and knees, bowing to Duke Phoenaeus.

“Herwin Phoenaeus. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Greeting Hail Phoenaeus and Scarlett Phoenaeus, Eleventh Lord of Phoenaeus.” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Lucia Phoenaeus. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Greeting Hail Phoenaeus and Scarlett Phoenaeus, Eleventh Lord of Phoenaeus.” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Hail held out a hand to indicate they should rise, and they did. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. He smiled at their serious faces. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

The room erupted in laughter as the man who rarely smiled let alone in public, smiled. 

“On this day, I, Hail Phoenaeus, will pass the reins of House Phoenaeus to you, the people of the North. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Do you feel confident enough to carry on the House of Phoenaeus?” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Yes, I will stand firm as the representative of the North and defend the House of Phoenaeus no matter what hardships come my way.”

Hail smiled at the satisfactory answer.

“Very well. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. If anyone has any objections to this succession, let them be voiced here and now.” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Even if some disliked Herwin, none were foolish enough to come forward and challenge him directly, or they would be pretending to be House Phoenaeus.

Hail smiled with satisfaction at the silence.

“I, Hail Phoenaeus, do hereby announce that as of this day, I am stepping down from the Ducal Council and handing over my seat to Herwin Phoenaeus!”

He felt a chill run down his spine. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Hail pinned the mark of his family to Herwin’s chest. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.
It was a seal of honor, proof that he had safely inherited the dukedom, an object with a long and storied history in Phoenaeus. 

Hugging Hail, who had now retreated from his seat, Herwin turned and surveyed the people around him.

“I am Herwin Phoenaeus, 12th Duke of Phoenaeus. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. I promise to be a duke who will stand with you in times of trouble and times of joy, who will consider the needs of the people and walk with the commoners.” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Applause erupted around the room. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Lucia clapped too, looking around at Hail, Scarlet, Jerome, and Sean. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Her normally broad shoulders seemed even broader today. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. She’s going to have to share the heavy burdens that will be placed on those shoulders, Lucia told herself. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

After the solemn ceremony, the mood lightened and the banquet began.

As only northern nobles were present, there wasn’t as much fighting as there would be elsewhere. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. However, due to the nature of the northern accent, some words sounded angry and made her shudder. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Heh heh heh, ma’am, do you remember me, I gave you candy once when we were kids?”

“What a fellow! What the hell are you doing? Isn’t your wife surprised?”

Lucia just grinned with an awkward face.

She was currently dealing with people along with Herwin.

All of them had come to greet the new master of the North. 

The people who were nervous at first began to soften and relax, and some of the older ones even asked Lucia if she remembered them.

She’d been staying at the Duke’s every summer since she was eight, so it was a familiar face.

But, remembering Scarlett’s advice from earlier, she didn’t pretend to know them.

Claiming friendship with a particular faction could lead to unintended consequences later.

“Congratulations on your arrival, Duke. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. This is my maid, Yurianne. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. We’ve met once before, haven’t we?” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“I am Yurianne. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. It’s been a long time, Duke.” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Lucia’s eyebrows waggled as she recognized the woman on the griddle.

She had known that the youngsters had been looking at her with pleading eyes ever since she had appeared here with Herwin, but she hadn’t expected them to approach their parents.

‘No, maybe it was their father who brought it up first.’

Outwardly, they were saying goodbye to Lucia, but there was a hint of expectation and superiority in their eyes.

The man was subtly bragging about his daughter, trying to hook her up with Herwin.

He was using subtlety to avoid being caught, and she couldn’t blame him.

“Yes, indeed, you have a fine wife, and you say you’re not even engaged. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. If so, she’ll find a good match here, or I’ll introduce her to a handsome man who might be suitable for her.” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

To get over his favorite person. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. When he still says something nice, one should just go away. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

The words were tinged with anger. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. The woman’s face froze, while Herwin pursed his lips to hide his amusement. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Barely able to control the corner of his mouth from curling up, Herwin pulled Lucia closer to him.

“That is a good idea. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. My wife’s eyes are far more accurate than mine. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. I have a very wise wife indeed. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Like no other.” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

If the man understands, then he should just go. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Herwin doesn’t need another woman besides her wife. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

The two people were silent for a moment, and then Lady Yurianne blushed and left with her father. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. As soon as they turned around, Lucia hardened her face and snorted. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“I’m right next to you, what are you doing?”

“Are you mad?”

“Yeah. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. There’s no way he won’t do it again, and you better behave yourself. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Otherwise, I’m gonna-!” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Bam! What?”

“……I’m going to go down to the main house.”

“Oh no, you can’t do that. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. I can’t live a day without you.” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Herwin chuckled and kissed Lucia briefly on the forehead. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. He wasn’t a fan of kissing in public, but for once, he held still. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

When Lucia looked up, still stiff, Herwin wondered.

“Are you angry?”

Normally, she should have been released already. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Lucia wasn’t the type of person to get too angry at a trick like this in the first place, but strangely enough, she was feeling especially angry today. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“I don’t know… it sucks…….”

At the sound of her voice, Herwin panicked and hugged Lucia’s shoulders tightly, whispering.

“I’m sorry, Lucia, I should have hit you a long time ago. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. I promise it won’t happen again.” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“……Yes.”

“There’s only one you, Lucia, and I love you.”

Herwin repeated the words I love you several times to keep Lucia calm. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Then, mysteriously, her sinking mood lifted. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Whoa, I’ve been feeling weird lately. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. I can’t seem to control my emotions.” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Yeah, why is that? Have you been under a lot of stress?”

Herwin suddenly felt sorry for Lucia. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Even if she hadn’t said anything to him, he’s sure she had a lot of things on her mind when she came to the strange north, but he’s sorry that he was so busy with his work that he didn’t pay attention to her. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Herwin excused himself from the approaching people and led Lucia to a resting place in the corner of the hall.

“Sit down and rest for a while, I’ll get you something to drink.”

Normally, she would have said she didn’t need it, but today she just wanted his favor, and unbeknownst to her, fatigue had set in.

‘I also feel a little hot.’

Lucia touched her neck and felt a searing heat. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Her head didn’t hurt, but she felt a strange chill.  read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

In the distance, Lucia spotted Herwin being held by the others.

He looked like he wanted to come to her, but they wouldn’t let him go.

“Miss, are you tired? You don’t look very well.”

At that moment, the young ladies she had dealt with earlier approached with a soft voice. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Lucia quickly wiped away her tiredness and smiled brightly. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Yes, I’m a little tired.”

Lucia’s words were met with mixed reactions.

“Please take care of yourself. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. The weather in the north is harsh for people from outside.” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

One looked genuinely concerned.

“You seem to have a fragile body, it must be hard for you, so I wonder if you can adapt to the north…….”

The other was sarcasm disguised as concern, especially when they dared to question Lucia’s physical condition if she was weak.

The favorably disposed youths panicked and rushed to stop them, but they continued to mock her.

“Your complexion is pale, and judging from the fact that you’re already exhausted, it seems that your physical strength is weak. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Shouldn’t you go to a doctor for a checkup?” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Of course, you should take care of your health, you’re the Duchess, not someone else, and isn’t your job to carry on the lineage the most important thing?”

“Your Highness, how dare you say that in front of anyone, watch your mouth!”

“You’re not very mature if you can’t keep your personal feelings to yourself.”

Those who crossed the line were scolded by the young ladies who had favored Lucia in the past. 

It was obvious that the pregnant quill was a young lady who had feelings for Herwin.

If a person was too ridiculous, she couldn’t even get angry. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. This was the one. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Lucia looked at them in disbelief, and she coughed unnecessarily as her foot went numb.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. I apologize on behalf of them.” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

The woman who seemed to be the smartest of the remaining youngsters shook her head. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Lucia held up a hand. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“No, it’s none of your business to apologize. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Thank you for taking my side.” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

The lady’s face brightened, and she flushed as if she were embarrassed. 

“Honey.”

The voice was husky, and Herwin appeared with a plate of food and a bottle of champagne.
After a moment of agitation, the young lady hurriedly bent down.

“Who are these people……?”

“Oh, I was just chatting with them for a bit, and they seemed to be able to communicate with me.”

“Hmph?”

Herwin looked the young women up and down, their faces stiff with anticipation. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. They seemed pleased that Lucia had gotten a good review. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“I wish you well in the future. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. My wife is from a long way from home, and she feels lonely. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. If you don’t mind, I hope you’ll come and visit often and be Lucia’s horse.” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Herwin was pleased, too, and invited them to the duchy before Lucia did. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. The young ladies were delighted to be invited. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Yes, of course, it would be an honor for our family!”

“We will be sure to serve you well.”

With a ceremonial smile, Herwin sat down next to Lucia.

“Now, here. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. You haven’t eaten since breakfast, so I brought you something I thought you might like.” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

He could feel the youngsters’ eyes darting over to him. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Whether he realized it or not, Herwin was only looking at Lucia. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Sure enough, he was right, the plate was filled with only her favorite things. 

“Thank you. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. I was getting hungry anyway.” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Lucia’s mouth watered at the sight of the berry tart. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. The newest one had her craving. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

She popped the tart into her mouth before her salivary glands exploded. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. As Lucia giggled with all the happiness in the world, Herwin smiled at her, his eyes dripping with honey. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

It was clear from the first glance that Herwin liked Lucia a lot.

Lucia was about to take a sip of champagne when she felt a strange sensation and put the glass down.

“Why, do you want something else?”

“Um… I just feel weird.”

Herwin hurriedly stopped her and picked up another, this time a different one. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. It was a crimson-colored salmon.  read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

It was something she hadn’t eaten much in the capital but had become a favorite when she came north. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. It had been a long time since she’d had it, so she was looking forward to it, and then- read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Ugh!”

Lucia suddenly felt a wave of nausea. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Herwin grabbed her by the shoulders, and the most startled Lucia stood there for a moment, then looked back at the salmon. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Ugh!”

This time she felt sick to her stomach.

She dropped her plate to the floor and continued to gag. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Herwin’s face paled at Lucia’s distress. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“A doctor! Get a doctor now!”

Gazes snapped around the room. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. The youngsters stared at Lucia in alarm, and Hail and Scarlett rushed through the crowd. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“What’s wrong!”

“Sweetheart, are you hurt?”

“No, no. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. It’s just that my stomach is suddenly rumbling and… ugh!” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Lu, Lucia, be patient, I’ve gone to call the doctor, he’ll be here soon.”

Just as Herwin was pacing around Lucia helplessly, the people around her, including Hail and Scarlett, fell silent and looked at Lucia with strange eyes.

“Ah, sweetheart…….”

Scarlett’s voice trembled.

“When was the last time you… had it?”

It was a small voice, but she could hear it clearly because it was so quiet around her. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Lucia looked around, puzzled. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Mother, why is that suddenly…….”

“Don’t be shy, say it. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. It’s important……!” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Uh… I mean…….”

Pondering, Lucia suddenly remembered.

“Come to think of it… I’m overdue, I think it’s been about two weeks…….”

She had been so busy preparing for the succession ceremony that she hadn’t even realized she had missed the date.

“This is weird. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. I’ve never been behind schedule before…….” read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Why, is that bad, Mother, is something wrong with Lucia?”

Herwin’s face contorted as if he were about to cry now. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. On the other hand, Scarlett and Hail’s faces couldn’t have been brighter. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Oh, my God! Lucia!”

“My dear, you’ve done something big, you’ve done something big!”

“What? All of a sudden what…….”

“Don’t you see, you’re pregnant!”

Scarlett’s words left both Lucia and Herwin speechless for a moment. 

‘Pregnant? Who? Me?’

Lucia suddenly realized why her body had changed lately.

Was it because she was pregnant?

“Pregnant?”

As she stammered out the word, Herwin shuddered and grabbed Lucia’s shoulder. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. Lucia could see the look of joy on his face, more than happy. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Lucia!”

Herwin scooped her up in one swift motion and spun her around in place. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there. He didn’t care what anyone else thought. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

She could see the pale faces of the young men who had mocked her for being pregnant and the looks of surprise and joy on the faces of the others. 

And in the distance, the doctor was coming panting, led by servants.

Suddenly it all became real.

Applause and congratulations poured in from all around her, far more than she had received at the succession ceremony today.

Lucia looked down at the ship in Herwin’s arms, dazed.

It was hard to believe that new life was growing there, in a place where she could feel nothing.

She had a premonition that they would have an eventful life ahead of them.