Chapter 33

As the physician continued explaining, Ivetsa’s complexion grew even paler. The realization that Elise’s pregnancy was nothing but a complete fabrication weighed heavily on her, and the terrible ordeals she would have to endure if she were truly expecting. Ivetsa found herself unable to determine which of these terrifying prospects she should fear more.

After contemplating for a while, Elise directed her question to the physician, her mind filled with concern. “So, when you mentioned being cautious during intercourse with a dragon, what exactly should I avoid?”

“There are specific periods that you absolutely must steer clear of,” the physician responded. “It is during those times that the dragon’s madness emerges. The timing varies for each individual, and only the person themselves truly knows.”

“What exactly happens during that time?” Elise inquired, her voice tinged with anxiety.

“The wrath of the Great Dragon Sameshita is fully unleashed upon humans. It entails indiscriminate slaughter and even violation. No one, regardless of their gender, is exempt from the peril once they come within its reach.”

“The Duke’s frequent expeditions are likely connected to that very reason,” the words echoed with a chilling effect. Freya, delivering the explanation without even pausing for breath, finally took a moment to catch hers.

“Essentially, dragons are driven by their desires. It is known that they exhibit intense persistence during sexual encounters, likely an instinct to propagate and increase their numbers. Frankly, I can’t fathom how Her Highness, the Princess, manages to endure it with her delicate constitution… I would much prefer her safety above all else.”

“But that’s impossible, of course…!” Ivetsa’s complexion turned even paler, teetering on the edge of fainting. She gazed at Elise, who had regained her composure, as if unable to comprehend her actions.

“How could you engage in such a horrendous affair without risking your life?”

After a brief contemplation, Elise posed an unconventional question that left Freya and Ivetsa unsettled.

“But it’s not entirely impossible, is it?” she inquired.

“Pardon?” Freya responded, confused.

“I mean, from a physical standpoint,” Elise clarified.

“Yes…?” Freya replied, her curiosity piqued.

Elise’s ears turned red, but she pushed aside any concerns about her dignity, focusing solely on her inquiry.

“Well, since I won’t die anyway, I wonder if it’s feasible beforehand. I have a rough understanding of the process… but I’m unsure if it’s accurate…”

Silence hung in the air as everyone absorbed Elise’s words. She continued earnestly, her voice gradually growing quieter.

“Of course, I realize it would be quite painful. However, my curiosity lies not in the extent of the pain but rather the possibility.”

Elise’s hesitant tone conveyed her reluctance to discuss such matters. Freya cautiously responded. “Well, no, I suppose… If His Grace takes proper precautions, it shouldn’t be an impossibility.”

“In that case, during such encounters, does he experience any pain or encounter difficulties?” Elise inquired. “It would be helpful to know in advance, so I can exercise caution.”

“If His Grace takes special care… Well, Your Highness, when men and women engage in intimate relations, it is not always necessary to endure pain if there is consideration and mutual respect. Pleasure can be attained when both parties care for each other…”

“Is that so?” Elise blinked, her eyes filled with an unusual expression, before finally smiling faintly.

“But it’s not something I desire in my current position.”

“No, Your Highness, that’s not what I meant…!” Ivetsa exclaimed, clapping her hands in exasperation. Elise shrugged lightly.

“The Duke rejected me, stating that he didn’t want to bring violence even into the bedroom. I already knew that, so it’s fine.”

Silence fell at Elise’s response, leaving both Ivetsa and Freya unable to conceal their thoughts that the princess lacked a crucial understanding.

On the other hand, Elise had finally resolved the doubts that had plagued her for days. She looked down at her hands clasped on her knees, contemplating silently for a while before finally allowing a relieved smile to grace her face.

“Alright, I understand, at least for now. I will take my leave for today.”

***

Once the physician had departed, Elise proceeded to cleanse her body with the assistance of Ivetsa and a maid. Following that, she had a modest dinner.

Ivetsa maintained her silence until Elise had finished arranging her bedding. Sensing Elise’s deliberate avoidance of conversation, Ivetsa decided to respect her wish and left her alone.

Given that Elise had married the Duke under the pretext of a nonexistent pregnancy, Ivetsa understood that society would likely perceive her as a concubine. It was wearisome to constantly worry about how the maid regarded her. Elise weakly motioned for Ivetsa’s attention.

“You may rest now. I wish to be alone.”

“Yes, Your Highness. If you require anything, simply pull the cord.”

Ivetsa casually draped a shawl over Elise. Then, after a brief moment of hesitation, she gathered her courage and spoke with determination.

“Today, Your Highness, I haven’t heard anything.”

“Huh?”

“Therefore, I won’t say anything either. Everything I witnessed and learned today will remain known only when you grant me permission to speak of it.”

Elise lifted her gaze, her eyes distant as she locked her gaze with Ivetsa.

“…Are you truly willing to keep this secret?”

“Yes,” Ivetsa replied without hesitation.

Elise’s voice trembled with concern, “You won’t report it to the Emperor? If my true situation is exposed, it won’t be safe for you either.”

“His Grace is unaware of this, isn’t he? If it comes to that, I’ll use his name as a shield,” Ivetsa reassured her.

Relief washed over Elise. At least through Ivetsa, there would be no leak of the truth about her fabricated pregnancy. Slowly, the tension that had gripped Elise’s tightly clenched lips began to ease, allowing a sense of comfort to settle in.

Yet, Ivetsa’s countenance remained clouded with worry.

“But, Your Highness, don’t you desire to reign? Please reconsider your decision.”

Elise’s brows furrowed in confusion, prompting her to question, “Why?”

“It’s a terrible fate, isn’t it? To be branded a sinner as a woman impregnated by a dragon. You shouldn’t willingly accept it when you’re fully aware of the truth. Especially since His Grace remains oblivious…”

The room fell silent, heavy with unspoken words.

“If you’re concerned about the well-being of the people of Rotiara, you have the option to declare that the child was stillborn at an appropriate time. It would raise no suspicion,” Ivetsa suggested, her voice laced with concern.

Elise sighed, her expression tinged with weariness. “But if I do that, the Van Yela Royal Family won’t simply let me be. My very worth and existence would be tied solely to an unborn child.”

Ivetsa couldn’t help but express her dismay. “Why are you so nonchalant about saying such a thing…”

Elise responded with a faint smile, her eyes carrying a quiet resolve.

Indeed, the physician’s blunt explanation had caught Elise off guard. However, she possessed a wealth of knowledge and information far more reliable and trustworthy than the physician’s words.

Within the Argan Royal Family, there were countless hidden tales about the Great Dragon Sameshita and his disciple Gallian, stories that were passed down secretly.

Whenever Elise found herself bored or burdened with melancholy, Andrei would guide her to the palace’s chapel. Beneath the altar, nestled in the underground tombs alongside the remains of their ancestors, slumbered the hidden archives of House Argan, safeguarding ancient secrets.

Within the hidden archives lay the tales of a time when Sameshita, now revered as the Great Dragon, was not yet known by that name. The records recounted the extraordinary bond between Sameshita and his disciple Gallian, detailing the countless magic circles inherited and developed by the latter under the dragon’s tutelage. Among those records rested the ultimate fate of Gallian, an enigma unknown anywhere else on the continent, and the elusive reason why the Argan royal bloodline endured across generations, evading the wrath of the dragon.

It was through these ancient chronicles that Elise found solace and a glimmer of certainty. Her voice, a mere murmur, carried a profound weight.

“If there is a woman in this world whom Rezette Kyrstan can trust wholeheartedly, it would be me.”

Ivetsa remained silent, understanding the gravity of Elise’s words.

“I may face hardships along the way, but I refuse to meet a wretched end. I know that deep within, and that conviction has brought me this far.”

Yet, the challenge lay in maintaining an unwavering facade.

Elise’s gaze fixated upon the closed door of her bedroom, her thoughts drifting towards the uncertainties that awaited her tomorrow and the days to come. Would he come to visit her?

Forcefully, Elise severed her train of thought. Today marked the first day she was dispatched to Rotiara. There was no need to be impatient.

***

Late into the night, the study of the duke was finally illuminated by the flickering glow of lamps.

“The Princess has made significant progress. With proper rest and timely meals, regaining her strength shouldn’t pose much difficulty,” the physician remarked, the scent of freshness mingling with the air. It was a fragrance that Rezette found unmistakably associated with Rotiara.

Seated at a table crafted from red sandalwood, Rezette found himself surrounded by dozens of neatly arranged parchment papers. These documents, detailing reports on territorial management, were spread out before him. However, the words exchanged in that moment delved beyond matters of governance.

“It appears that there are no lingering effects from the incident. There seems to be no immediate cause for concern,” Freya, the physician who had tended to Elise earlier in the day, informed him respectfully.

“You conveyed my message clearly?” Rezette inquired.

“Of course. In addition to the information you provided, I relayed every detail I am aware of,” Freya replied without hesitation.

“And even after hearing such revelations, she remained composed?” Rezette’s lips curved into a smirk. His innocent, dewy eyes blinked as he recalled the woman who had nestled intimately against him, her touch teasing his lower abdomen.

A barely perceptible glimmer of amusement danced at the edge of his tightly pressed lips.

“She’s fearless, it seems,” he mused aloud.

Or perhaps, he pondered, it wasn’t a matter of fearlessness or apathy. Could it be that she held her own convictions, harboring a separate belief in a place unknown to him?

Yet, amidst these musings, a single point of suspicion arose, casting a shadow of doubt over his thoughts.