Eltia and Reed
“Lady Eltia, just a little more. Keep pushing!”
“Uuuhhh…..aaaaaahh!!”
How much time had passed? Since the labor began, Eltia had lost her sense of time. The intense, persistent pain left no room to think about anything else.
(I can’t do this anymore, it’s impossible.)
Just as Eltia thought that in her mind, a newborn’s cry echoed through the room. At the same time, the doctors and midwives who had gathered to assist the delivery let out joyful voices. Amidst it all, Eltia muttered softly.
“Hah hah……nnn, thank goodness……I was able to give birth safely…”
As she said that, she inwardly wished, (Please let it be a boy). Those present did not know, but Eltia alone knew the contents of the secret pact with the Empire. If her child was a daughter, the future that awaited would be a harsh one. That’s why she could not help but wish for a son.
Eventually, one of the midwives gently placed the newborn baby beside the bed where Eltia lay.
“Congratulations Lady Eltia. It’s a very healthy baby girl!”
“……!! Yes, thank you……”
Eltia, who rarely shed tears in front of others, cried at those words. She didn’t know if the tears streaming down her cheeks were for her child born safely, or because her child would eventually have to go to the Empire.
However, there was one emotion Eltia felt undoubtedly towards her newborn child – a loving tenderness for the child delivered safely. (I will definitely protect this child. I will raise her to be strong enough to live in another country…!!) Eltia silently resolved in her heart.
“……To be having dreams like this, perhaps I’ve let my guard down a bit.”
Earlier, Elias had come to Eltia’s room worried about her condition, but after a brief conversation he had left. While she wasn’t in poor health, the truth was she had been tired. Apparently sometime after that, Eltia had dozed off without realizing it. Then, a soldier’s voice came from outside the room.
“Lady Eltia, Princess Farah and Lord Reed Baldia wish to see you. What are your orders?”
At the mention of Farah and Reed coming to visit, Eltia tilted her head, wondering “What could they want?” Eventually, Eltia let out a quiet sigh and appeared lost in thought, as if recalling something.
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Not long after Farah was born, Eltia had made a resolution. Regardless of what path Farah took in the future, as her mother it was Eltia’s duty to give her daughter a foundation to live on. That’s why she steeled her heart and raised Farah strictly. Of course, she had communicated her approach to Elias and had his cooperation. Initially he had objected to Eltia’s methods, but at the time she stubbornly refused to back down.
“When Farah marries into the Empire, there will be no one to protect her. Therefore, I must temper her heart as much as I can. I have learned some things myself from the Riverton household. Passing even a little of that on to Farah will undoubtedly help her in the future. I ask that Your Majesty also steel your heart and treat Farah accordingly.”
Understanding Eltia’s passion and her way of showing love, Elias consented to Farah’s education approach. Eltia decided on Farah’s education methods with the premise that Farah would marry into the Imperial family. In addition to the usual studies of Renalute history and etiquette, she also taught Farah about the Empire’s history and manners.
Not even crown princes received such an intense immersion at a young age. Though whispered about suspiciously by those unaware of the circumstances, Eltia paid it no mind. At the same time, as she taught Farah many things, Eltia was amazed by her daughter’s aptitude.
Farah was exceptionally talented. Eltia harbored worries that her strict education approach might overwhelm her daughter. However, Farah defied those concerns, readily absorbing everything Eltia taught her.
Watching her child grow, inwardly Eltia felt immense joy and amazement. Yet she never outwardly showed it.
Dark elves live longer than humans. After Farah married into the Empire, she would likely never set foot in Renalute again. Even if only for her childhood, Eltia believed she should not create fond memories for Farah…
While understanding that fond memories can sustain one’s life, Eltia also considered that one could become bound by those memories. In Farah’s case, she thought the latter possibility was high. That’s why Eltia decided to treat Farah coldly.
As she raised Farah strictly, the only faint hope Eltia could cling to was that Farah might have at least a few positive experiences in the Empire. The existence that sparked a light for Eltia’s slim hopes was the sudden appearance of [Reed Baldia].
Initially hearing he was the son of a margrave rather than an Imperial prince, Eltia felt apprehension. If he was someone who would make Farah unhappy, she considered calling off the match by any means necessary. However, her initial misgivings about him were overturned by his unconventional words and deeds. He was truly an [extraordinary prodigy].
Moreover, for some unknown reason, Farah also seemed to have taken a liking to him. If it was him, perhaps he could make Farah happy. With that hopeful thought, Eltia schemed to bring about the union between Farah and Reed.
Norris cooperated as it aligned with Zack’s request as well, describing it as both a ship and a battering ram. Around this time, Eltia also heard from Zack that Reed had been smitten by a portrait modeled after her. Hence, she expected Reed harbored some affection towards Farah.
The deciding factor was the words Reed conveyed to Elias after the match. Upon hearing those words from Elias, Eltia resolved to have Farah marry Reed. She believed he could make Farah happy in her stead. Then the soldier’s voice came again.
“Lady Eltia, my apologies. What are your orders regarding Princess Farah and Lord Reed?”
Eltia collected herself and replied in her usual, resolute tone:
“I understand. Send them in.”
“At once.”
Soon after, voices came from outside the room.
TLNOTE :
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