“Thank goodness, it’s sunny. Lady Juliane, the Third Gonzales Cup will be held without any trouble.”

Liz spoke with a soft smile. Then, she stood up and opened the window. I watched her back and sighed softly.

“No, I’m calling it the Second Queen Juliane Cup. The Crown Princess Cup ended with the first one, so can we stop calling them the Gonzales Cup?”

“But that’s what everyone’s calling it. Gonzales sounds strong, and it’s perfect for a battle to decide the kingdom’s strongest man.”

“Gonzales is a fortune teller with a mysterious and solemn atmosphere! She isn’t a fighter!”

I sighed deeply and the eyes of Alfred’s long serving maid widened.

“Oh my! Lady Juliane, are you not feeling well? If so, perhaps it might be best for you not to attend the Gonzales Cup today?!”

“Like I said, it’s the Queen Juliane Cup! Also, don’t worry about my health, I’m feeling much better today.”

“Yes, but I’m starting to get worried. It’s an important time.”

“I also can’t help but worry…”

“I suppose so. I’m happy to hear you’re worried about me. However, the Knights have been working hard all year for this day, so I have to push myself a little.”

““Don’t push yourself.””

The older maid and Liz both shook their heads.

“By the way, Lord Alfred, are you finished with the morning preparations? The Queen’s Cup isn’t until the afternoon, so shouldn’t you be busy with your official duties?”

Alfred stretched his long legs out on the sofa, resting his head on my thighs.

He spoke bitterly, “Hmm, leaving you is too hard, it makes me sad. I want to work somewhere where I can smell Juliane and feel her breath.”

“Stop that. You’re a king, so keep this lovey-dovey stuff as entertainment in your mind.”

I patted Alfred’s head like a mother.

Alfred shyly pressed his cheek against my stomach, smiling sweetly.

“Hey, since your father is going to do his best, shouldn’t your mother give him a kiss?”

Alfred’s handsome features mischievously twisted for a moment.

“Well, I don’t think he’s big enough to hear yet.”

“That’s not true. He’s our child, so he should be hearing by now. Oh, he just spoke. He said, ‘Mother, please give Father a kiss.’

Good grief! I really want to keep my private life separate! It’s so embarrassing…!

Well, the servants were good at feigning ignorance, so it was okay to flirt a little.

“It’s better to relax before work, right? Since our marriage, that becomes my motto.”

“Uhm, this is my first time I’m hearing that.”

As I fidgeted, Alfred got up and gave me a quick kiss. I didn’t have time to pull away.

The soft, warm, feather-light kiss made my heart pound.

Almost three years had passed since our marriage, yet we were still behaving like newlyweds.  The new life we created together must’ve been shrugging his shoulder.

“Well, Father is off to work. Grow up well. Don’t cause your mother too much trouble,” Alfred spoke, gently kissing my stomach.

Our dream married life, which began with a promise to love each other wholeheartedly, in both sickness and in health, was so busy and dramatic that it was dizzying.

As I stroked my stomach and reminisced, Liz and the maids were busy around me.

Today was the day of the Third Gonzales Cup—also known as the Second Queen Juliane Cup. It was a festival day, one which everyone in the royal capital attended. There was drinking, eating, singing, dancing, the exciting feast would last until morning.

For the first time since my pregnancy, I was going to appear on the balcony facing the square.

After I had taken my time getting ready, Alfred returned.

“Oh, you’ve gotten even prettier while we were apart.”

“You’ve only been working for a few hours. I was really lonely when you were away, too. Don’t act like this, where’s your dignity as a parent…?”

“What? It’s enough if we show everyone that we’re supporting each other and running the kingdom in harmony.”

Alfred, who usually sounded brusque, spoke incredibly sweetly toward me and the baby in my belly.

Feeling a little embarrassed, I bashfully smiled.

“As long as it’s Juliane, I’d stay by her no matter what. A slim and toned Juliane is still beautiful. But from now on, you’ll have to gain weight so the baby can grow healthy. It’s been a while since I’ve last seen a cute, chubby Juliane.”

“Like I said, it’s not good to be overweight while pregnant. We’ve discussed this over and over again for the past three years. I understand that Lord Alfred has bad eyes, but I’m not going back to being a chubby—or rather, a fat Juliane.”

Since our marriage—or rather, since we found out that we were in love with each other, we had taken turns giving compliments and being complimented. We had nothing to criticize about each other’s appearance, personality, daily behavior, etc.

“I know this is rude, but I don’t think it’s appropriate to flirt in public.”

Kyle, who stood behind me, tapped his forehead with his index finger.

Now, Kyle was a skilled aide to Alfred. His popularity among young girls had grown to the point that he had several separate fan clubs.

If you count the lukewarm fans, about half of the young girls in this country are crazy about Kyle.

He was a nobleman who was proud of himself regardless of the situation, with both charisma and star qualities. But for some reason, he hadn’t yet found a fiancée.

“Well, I’m glad it’s sunny, though. Since I’ve won twice and been inducted into the Hall of Fame, I think this year’s Gonzales Cup will be a bit of a surprise. I still want to participate, though.”

The voice that spoke with a perfect blend of politeness and carefreeness belonged to Jack. He was dressed in a knight’s uniform. His face was still as mob-like as ever, and his cheeks were puffed out.

When this carefree man confessed to me three years ago, “Actually, I’m a member of the Royal Knights,” I wondered if I had terribly misheard.

Apparently, knights had regularly been being dispatched to guard me, the future crown princess, and to act as a liaison with the royal palace.

Only father knew, and he kept it a secret out of consideration. Apparently, he didn’t want to cause his beloved daughter any unnecessary stress. It was a rather thoughtless, frivolous, and annoying act of parental behavior.

“The Gessel family’s security is too thorough. I had nothing to do, and several of my friends had been dismissed for getting too close to you. I was at a loss until, one way or another, I met Liz and fell in love. I was lucky to end up under Lady Juliane’s wings!”

That was what Jack used to say.

In addition, it seemed that there were several knights among the lovebirds I had previously found and dismissed. They had married the maids who’d been dismissed from our house. As such, a belief had been developed among the knights: being sent to the Gessel family meant finding a wife.

“But the allowance is low. Shouldn’t I be rewarded for that? Plus, I worked super hard after approaching Lady Juliane. I was extremely concerned, but I didn’t report the Gonzales incident to the royal palace.”

The reason I was able to go out into the city so freely was because Jack had ensured my safety.

“I was determined to protect Lady Juliane and Liz with my life. It made me happy to see Lady Juliane change for the better, so I wanted to let her do as she pleased.”

And so, this easy-going young man was actually incredibly strong.

Liz, who, like me, seemed completely oblivious, was proposed to by Jack. He had won the first Gonzales Cup (I’m just going to call all the Cups that), and she went ahead and married him.

“Your Majesties the King and Queen, it’s about time.”

Liz, who stood next to me, had gentle eyes, as if she was melting.

Anxiety, fear, expectation, and hope. During my time as Madam Gonzales, I was driven by such things, urging me to do this and that, but Liz and Jack really helped me out.

I nodded to Liz, then turned around and nodded to Kyle and Jack. Finally, I looked at Alfred, who was right next to me, and nodded.

“If I entered the Gonzales Cup, I’d definitely win. Won’t it be amazing if the king was revealed to be the strongest man in the kingdom?”

“Oh, we’ve spoken about this. This is a once-a-year big stage for our knights, you know?”

“I know,” Alfred nodded and took my hand.

The large doors leading to the balcony slid open. As I stepped out, a loud cheer rang out.

The moment I appeared before the public, I got so nervous and embarrassed that I could cry if I wasn’t careful. So, I tightened my grip on his hand.

Alfred immediately shook my hand firmly, and my smile deepened. Many smiling faces looked up at me, cheering, “Long live the King!” and “Long live the Queen!”

“Long live the Queen.”

“Wow, the King and Queen of this country sure are popular,” muttered the Grand Duke with a wry smile. He sat in the same VIP area as us, diagonally behind me.

“If you’re upset, why don’t you just get married? I’ll always be happy with Juliane. With such an unparalleled treasure, I won’t have time to look elsewhere.”

“But it’s difficult to find a girl as oddly fascinating, intriguing, and captivating as Juliane.”

“Of course. Juliane is one of a kind. Please find someone else.”

As Alfred said this while waving his hand at the people, the Grand Duke couldn’t help but smile and say, “Everything can change.”

Lord Alfred has become so comfortable saying such sweet words and making me feel embarrassed.

I remembered thinking in my empty heart, “I wish I’d been happy,” just before the end of my previous life.

I didn’t know what happiness was. I didn’t know if such a thing even existed. Nevertheless, I’d arrived at a place where I could be myself. A happiness where I was forgiven, accepted, and fulfilled. I never thought I’d be this happy. I truly didn’t.

The happiness I’d find from now on might not be a compilation of all the joys of this world. I had no doubt I’d face many sufferings and hardships.

“Hey, Lord Alfred. Even the most insignificant efforts can add up. Let’s keep working hard together.”

“Of course! With Juliane, I can work as hard as I want, no matter what!”

Alfred pulled me into a rather rough embrace, pressing his forehead against mine. I screamed as he rubbed against me.

“Please stop, my makeup will come off!”

“Juliane is cute enough without makeup!”

The cheers of the people grew louder. From behind me, I could hear Kyle sigh loudly.

Sasha and the head chef were here too. We wouldn’t be sitting at the VIP table together, but after the Gonzales Cup was over, we’d be merrily asking each other all about our recent happenings.

By the way, my father had handed over the title of marquis to Kyle over two years ago. Along with my mother, they returned to the territory and were devoting themselves to their second lives in hair growth and beauty. Their relationships with the people of the territory seemed to be generally good as well.

My family and I were all happy. Could anything be more wonderful than this?

“Juliane.”

When I answered, Alfred held my hand tightly.

Then, Alfred loudly declared the beginning of the Gonzales Cup. Cheers echoed like thunder throughout the venue.

Waving to all the precious people, we all smiled. No matter what beautiful things or ugly things we packed into our bodies and hearts, we could share them all.

I’m not alone.

I, Lord Alfred, Kyle, Sasha, our precious people, and everyone else are one.

“I feel so happy that we’re able to do this. I want to kiss you. It’d be a service to the people, too.”

“Hmm, that’s a bit embarrassing,” I said, smiling shyly.

But I’m sure that in just a little while, Lord Alfred’s lips will be descending upon me.

I was determined to accept this happiness, one that I could hold with my own hands.

---

***T/N: Thank you for your patience all this time everyone! The novel is finally finished 😀

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