Something Sweet

Chapter 13

Revised

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Chapter 13

"If I didn't know any better, I must say you are practically glowing...." Lisa observed, serenely sipping her small cup of tea, "So it seems the newlywed glow appears to be true."

With Lisa visiting the Dawn Winery early the following day, Jean was slightly underprepared for her friend's sudden visit. "W—what newlywed glow? You know there is no such thing." The thought made her uneasy, so she quickly brushed off the witty remark, "It must be my recovery. The last time we spoke, my health wasn't at its best."

"If you say so..." The hint of a smile remained on her scholar friend, "I appreciate the acceptance of my unannounced visit, as I found myself curious about your time off, Acting Grandmaster Jean. I'm relieved you're looking much better. I see..." Lisa's words stalled as she noticed Jean's growing condition, "Your pregnancy has indeed progressed. I'm amazed, actually."

Immediately growing self-conscious about her mage friend repeatedly glancing at her stomach area, Jean adjusted her sitting position on the couch, "The... doctor said it's expected to show at five months...."

"Five months...?" A small chuckle escaped the mage as she couldn't help but hint at her disbelief, "Judging from your size, are you sure you aren't further along?"

Jean nervously crossed her legs, purposely shifting the lower half of her dress to hide her figure. "What are you insinuating? But, of course, it's only been five months. I'd have to be—" Sharp to clear her throat and interrupt herself. Jean paused to force a calm sip from her cup of tea, "It's approximately been five months since it all started, and the doctor has mentioned a chronic food reaction to my condition. If anything, I'm likely bloated. That's all that is."

"Bloating, if such were true..."

"Excuse me?" Jean nervously sat forward, "My condition has immensely improved with the doctor's provisions and guidance. I'm—actually expecting a second doctor to arrive from Liyue within a few days to monitor the rest of my pregnancy."

Lisa casually nodded and attempted to change the subject, "I meant no disrespect or to challenge the words of a doctor. Simply speaking, I'm, above all, curious. On another note, has your decision to marry proven to be a positive experience?"

A nervous yet awkward laugh escaped Jean as she didn't expect to remember last night's intimacy with her 'said' husband, "I—I can clearly assure you it is not as it seems." Her hands tightened around her cup of tea. The acting grandmaster resisted, alerting any further suspicion, "It's been weeks since we've signed the marriage contract, yet I spend my time in this mansion making idle chitchat with the maids. I eat, bathe, and sleep on my own. Then, repeat the same sequence day after day after day. I'm sure you can confirm such speculation as Sir Diluc spends most of his time in the presence of the knights rather than with his pregnant wife." Unaware that her temper had long begun to fuel her words, her argument turned into a rant. "I am ALONE. I am PREGNANT. I wish to eat food I am prohibited from consuming. And I am doing absolutely NOTHING as everyone expects me to. Is this not how a marriage under contract should be--"

The sudden thud of an object falling, followed by papers scattering, startled the two from behind as Jean and Lisa drew their attention to the sudden noise.

Having caught hints of their conversation as he entered the sitting room, the scarlet-haired man had stumbled his footing to one of the carpets as he approached the middle of the room.

Elzer had reacted fast enough to keep his young master from tripping entirely, but the collection of reports from last night's incident had now scattered across the wooden floorboards.