Chapter 151 - The best gift

Rudbeckia looked at the table full of food and sighed. Then, she suddenly burst into laughter.

“You’re such an idiot.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“But, I didn’t really hate it, you know.”

“They say this kind of consideration is cruel. You were even gagging just a while ago…”

“That was not related at all. It’s because of the pregnancy… Somehow, I’ve been craving things a lot these days.”

With a sigh and a smile, Rudbeckia placed her hand on her belly.

It was a gesture that seemed unfamiliar yet very natural.

Izek watched her for a moment, then cautiously leaned over and pulled her closer.

“Why do I always seem to make things difficult for you?”

“You’re always worrying about me like an idiot, that’s why.”

“I’m the real idiot here.”

“Don’t act so down, it doesn’t suit you. How about being a bit happier like an idiot?”

“Even though it feels like I’m going to be ecstatic, I don’t want to see you suffer. Besides, I ruined the anniversary gift, so I feel too ashamed.”

“You didn’t ruin anything. If anything, I’m the one who can’t complain. I couldn’t prepare a proper gift for you, and all this time…”

“You already gave me the best gift just now.”

“Are you really saying that from your heart?”

“Should I say ‘really, really from my heart’? I’m truly grateful, my queen.”

As they kissed, Rudbeckia raised her head.

Her deep blue eyes widened like a surprised rabbit and soon, her mouth let out sparkling laughter.

Then, her slender arms wrapped tightly around his neck as she hung on.

“I’m grateful too.”

The little one shouldn’t bother his mother too much inside here.

First of all, she’s just so tiny…

With that thought in mind, Izek gently stroked Rudbeckia’s small back.

The two of them stayed like that for quite a while.

“Everyone will be in an uproar.”

“They will undoubtedly be shocked. To make such an announcement on our anniversary, they will misunderstand it as planned.”

“If that’s so, it could be fun. Are you okay? Do you want to rest more?”

“Of course, I’m fine. It’s not like I’m in pain or anything.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

Just as the king and queen were about to head to the banquet hall, an unexpected figure interrupted their path as they stepped out of the main palace, holding hands firmly.

“Your Majesty, I apologize for disturbing your precious time, but…”

“I was just about to go… What, when did you come back?”

“I returned just a little while ago, but more importantly…”

“Silence!”

Before the pale-faced messenger could continue speaking, a loud shout echoed from somewhere.

“Your Majesty! Where are you?”

Though slightly belated, it wasn’t so late that people in the banquet hall should be waiting eagerly for the king. Who could be so impatiently looking for the king?

Somehow, the voice sounded familiar.

Izek exchanged a glance with Rudbeckia for a moment and then gestured towards the palace guards blocking the entrance, signaling them to step back.

“Your Majesty!”

“…Isn’t that… ?”

Izek immediately recognized the identity of the aging messenger, whose mustache fluttered as he rushed over. It was because he was the father of one of their comrades, who had left on a secret mission with the stiff-faced Flower Knight.

“What on earth…”

“Mercy!”

Ignoring the king’s words, the messenger suddenly knelt down and prostrated himself on the floor.

Then, with a desperate voice that seemed as though he was vomiting blood, he cried out, “Please, stop my son!”

“What?”

The small group present in the royal court was in utter chaos.

While the king, who had just received unexpected news, silently observed the situation, the messenger seemed unable to maintain his composure, as if he was about to explode in anger.

And Ruve, who could be considered the culprit behind this unexpected situation, reacted with a rather dignified response, further intensifying the already tense atmosphere.

“Have you finally lost your mind? Did you eat something wrong? Why the sudden display of such inappropriate radical behavior?”

“You said a man’s heart should burn passionately, didn’t you?”

“Is it because your heart is burning that you’re behaving like this? If you act like this, all the orphans in the world will gather at our doorstep.”

“Oh, no, I dislike kids.”

“Can’t you stop with that! You, who claims to dislike kids, have brought some unknown orphan and insisted on adopting him out of the blue! Do you want to remain a bachelor forever and die as a lonely widower?”

“What does getting married have to do with this?”

“Why, do you still want to get married? If you have any sense left, pay attention to the situation! All the elders are advising you about your overwhelming love for that boy, and yet you’re acting like it’s all lies! Which noble family would want to take in a man like you as their son-in-law…”

“That’s a bit unfortunate, but I’ll get married if I find a woman I like. If not, I won’t bother.”

“Ha, stop with the nonsense! You have such high standards! You might as well destroy the family registry…”

“It’s fortunate that I have a high salary.”

“Who the hell says that, you idiot! Your Majesty, please say something!”

Izek remained silent, simply staring at Ruve’s shameless face, maintaining a serene and faint smile even in this situation.

At that moment, the messenger suddenly trembled, as if his blood pressure had risen.

Among those watching from a distance, Duke Omerta, who seemed to be observing with a sympathetic gaze, approached and placed a tender hand on the messenger’s shoulder.

“You, calm down first and have a drink.”

“Haah… Even if he disgraces the family, he’s too young to throw his life away. My king! Please, disapprove of…”

“Come on, let’s go.”

The pitiful messenger, unable to do anything else, obediently leaned on Duke Omerta’s broad shoulder, swallowing his frustration as he was led away.

A strange silence spread among the remaining officials.

“My apologies, Your Majesty. My father has his peculiarities.”

As Ruve scratched his head awkwardly, the looks from his friends turned increasingly bizarre, and finally, Izek opened his mouth.

“What exactly happened?”

“I tried to stop him, but he didn’t listen.”

Ivan’s response was weak, and his face seemed rather disheartened.

He even hesitated before adding, “But, you know, I thought since he was taking a rather radical direction in his life, I might as well respect him as a friend…”

“Argh! Ivan, are you going along with that guy? What ‘direction’ is he talking about? Hey, you damn brat, what kind of nonsense is this? What kind of trickery is he up to?!”

“That guy with a big mouth couldn’t even let me finish my words, what?! Hey, you disgrace among the Longinus Knights! Our respected commander has emphasized the importance of camaraderie since ancient times, and you dare to speak such nonsense…”

“Why are you bringing up the commander now, you crazy b*stard! From the start, does it even make sense to raise a child on a whim? Hey, don’t you see?”

“That’s true.”

Galar responded briefly and firmly, looking at Ivan with a somewhat apologetic gaze.

Ivan was at a loss for words, and Camu let out a triumphant sigh.

“I’m so annoyed. It’s not like he’s an orphan, and we all clearly know who he is, yet he shamelessly breaks the rules and comes in making a fuss…”

“But technically, he didn’t break the rules, did he?”

“Ugh, Ezekiel, shut up and stay quiet! You sit there acting all high and mighty, pretending not to be jealous, you damn liar!”

“Your words are getting harsh, aren’t they? Aren’t you the one who’s jealous because His Majesty just called Ruve loyal?”

“Damn, has this masked freak gone crazy? Who the hell is jealous of whom?!”

“Well, while we’re at it, let’s be honest. From the beginning, you were the one who showed the most resistance when it came to matters related to Her Majesty. That’s why you’re feeling uneasy now, and that’s why it’s jealousy…”

“I-I want to tear that mouth apart!”

“Who dares to spew such abusive language in the royal court, you crazy loudmouths! People have things they can say and things they can’t!”

In a hurry, Ivan stepped forward and firmly covered Camu’s mouth as he shouted boldly.

Quite a chaotic scene indeed.

With that thought, Izek found himself face to face with Ruve, who had come right up to him.

“What’s wrong? Why are you so close?”

“I’m scared of those guys.”

“They are a bit extreme today.”

“What happened again? I only heard the vague news. My condolences for that. It’s truly unexpected good news.”

“Thank you. Just as you said, it turned out that way.”

“Indeed, you never ask unnecessary probing questions. I knew you wouldn’t.”

“Why would I expect you to ask questions when you have no intention of revealing anything? Are you a pervert or something?”

“Hey… Somehow, the way you say that makes it feel like it’s true.”

So, he really was a pervert.

Looking at Ruve’s troubled expression, Izek confirmed it.

In response, Ruve smiled again, this time directed at him.

“Even if the deceased was a decent guy, in your eyes, he was probably just an indifferent spectator.”

“Indeed, I may be the most loyal knight, but I’m not a heartless bystander. I don’t care what you consider me as. From now on, he’s my son. Keep that in mind.”

“So, now that he’s my son, I don’t need to worry. Don’t fret; I’ll take care of him.”

“But I’ll still worry about him.”

“That’s not something you should be saying.”

While holding their conversation, the atmosphere turned lighter, and the awkward tension seemed to fade away.