The Villain's End Is Pregnancy - c64
Hendrick’s mind became complicated every time he heard the story told by the Fitzroy family physician.
“You’re saying it’s been over a month.”
But what shook his composure the most was the remark that Ryan’s pregnancy might have exceeded a month.
The physician, who was paying full attention to the prince who had suddenly appeared in a state of high tension, understood his murmuring.
“Y-yes, yes. That’s what it seems to be at the minimum.”
Hendrick’s eyes were dark as he watched the physician’s head bobbing up and down as if it would fall off. If he counted the days, it wasn’t difficult to infer when Ryan had conceived the child.
‘It was during the coming-of-age party.’
Ryan’s behavior started to make sense one by one. The way he would doze off nodding under the warm sunlight, the way he would seek out and eat food or snacks more than usual.
Every time, Hendrick had only thought it was cute, not realizing these were signs, and he felt regret.
“Who else knows about this fact?”
The physician wiped his sweat-soaked forehead with his sleeve, then tensed his shoulders again at the question that came.
“I haven’t told anyone! Young Master Ryan earnestly asked me to keep it a secret. I also firmly promised to do so.”
Worried that he might face some trouble because of this, the physician’s face and neck became drenched in cold sweat again. But this time, he didn’t even dare to wipe it off and pressed his head to the floor.
“Although Young Master Ryan didn’t say it, I thought the biological father of the fetus would be Your Highness. Because he is not someone who would engage in such behavior with anyone other than Your Highness.”
There was a bit of sincerity and a little bit of hope mixed into the words he spoke while trembling. It was out of a desire for Hendrick to not find fault.
In the physician’s view, the only person the youngest son of the Fitzroy family could have done that with was the prince.
“I’m the father.”
“Pardon? Y-yes, yes. Absolutely.”
From a young age, the fact that Ryan looked at this prince like a sunflower was something everyone in the Fitzroy family knew.
‘Come to think of it, the young master seems a bit different from before…’
The physician tilted his head at the thought that suddenly intruded. He couldn’t pinpoint it. But he belatedly realized that there was a difference in Ryan’s expressions, actions, and way of speaking compared to before.
Then he concluded it must be because of the pregnancy.
“If he’s pregnant, there must be things to be careful about.”
“Of course. In the early stages, he needs to be cautious even when moving around, and pay attention to what he eats. He’ll be very tired and sleepy, so it’s best to have him rest unconditionally at those times.”
The physician rambled on with advice bordering on meddling, hoping the prince would cherish Ryan.
“Above all, an omega’s pheromones become unstable in early pregnancy, so the spouse needs to pay attention. It’s pheromones released for self-protection, so it’s not dangerous, but the person himself is unaware of it.”
They were also valuable experiences he gained as a reliable head of household taking care of his wife while raising four children. Then he suddenly came to his senses.
“…!”
Because he realized now was not the time to say such things. He furtively observed the prince in front of him.
“Okay. I will do as you advised.”
Fortunately, Hendrick obediently nodded. Then, as if conscious of his surroundings, he asked a question in a low voice.
“By any chance, did having relations and knotting in early pregnancy put a strain on his body or anything?”
“…Pardon?”
“I’m asking about the child. Did knotting have any effect on it?”
“Ah! Yes, well, it should be fine.”
Hendrick’s brows furrowed. Because the answer was uncertain. The physician, sensing the mood of the prince in front of him, quickly added,
“Since I’m not a specialist in that area, it would be better to receive a separate examination.”
“Hmm… I see.”
The physician examined Hendrick’s complexion once more. Fortunately, he didn’t seem displeased. Rather, he looked somehow pleased.
‘This is good, right?’
Judging by the atmosphere, it didn’t seem bad, so the physician felt a bit relieved. Anyway, Ryan getting together with the prince was something the Fitzroy family had hoped for.
‘The rumor was true after all.’
Just as the physician’s face was relaxing a bit in satisfaction,
“As soon as the day breaks, you go to the Count’s residence and reveal the fact of Ryan’s pregnancy.”
“Pardon?”
“I will visit and explain the details, so tell them not to act rashly without thinking.”
“Uh, um, Your Highness…”
No, if he was going to do that, wouldn’t it be better for him to personally say that Ryan was pregnant?
Why was he entrusting such a difficult task to him?
The physician looked at Hendrick with a face that had turned pale white.
“They need to know the truth in advance so they can respond calmly with less shock when Ryan tells them.”
In other words, in case the Fitzroy family reacted unnecessarily upon hearing the news of the pregnancy and startled Ryan, he was telling the physician to give them a heads-up first.
‘Oh my…’
The physician inwardly let out a hollow laugh. Now that he saw it, it seemed the prince cherished Ryan more than he had thought.
“However, it shouldn’t reach the ears of others.”
“Yes, of course. How could I dare? I will follow your words, Your Highness!”
Hendrick silently looked down at the physician who had his forehead pressed to the floor as if asking for trust, then got up.
After leaving without a greeting, he gestured to the knight who was waiting outside.
“Go to the palace immediately and bring the court physician who will examine Ryan.”
And as soon as he finished giving the order, Hendrick mounted his horse and started galloping away. He glanced at the sky. Thanks to moving quickly, the night had not yet fully faded.
He wanted to go see Ryan right away, but there was something he had to take care of first. The next place he visited was the house of Ryan’s troublesome friend, Derek. The Watson family was thrown into chaos due to the sudden appearance of the prince.
“Oh, Your Highness! What brings you here at this late hour…”
The family head, Marquis Watson, personally came out and invited Hendrick to come inside while trembling, but he refused.
“Where is Derek Watson?”
“Are you referring to my unworthy son?”
Unable to understand why the prince had suddenly appeared looking for Derek, the marquis’ complexion darkened by the minute.
However, Hendrick had no intention of explaining the reason.
“He hasn’t returned to the capital yet.”
“Are you saying he’s traveling?”
“Ah! No. We heard news that he’s on his way up now. That was already ten days ago, so he should be near the capital by now, but…”
Marquis Watson trailed off and furtively observed Hendrick’s complexion. It was night, and with no change in his expression, it was utterly difficult to grasp what he was thinking.
“I see.”
Indifferent to the Watson family’s anxiety, Hendrick, having obtained the answer he wanted, immediately left the place.
‘Leaving the capital was indeed for a different reason.’
He had a hunch. But instead of hastily deciding, he chose to hear it directly from the person involved. And when he finally arrived in front of the hotel, dawn was slowly breaking.
“Your Highness.”
Elena, who had been standing guard there all night, approached Hendrick and bowed her head.
“Ryan?”
“He’s still in his room.”
“I see. I’ll be away for a bit, so keep watching.”
“Yes.”
Hendrick passed through the VIP-only entrance prepared at the hotel. And he entered the nearest room. After quickly finishing a shower and putting on pre-prepared clothes, he came out.
“I was told Lord Ryan just left his room.”
Timely news was relayed. Hendrik brushed back his still-damp hair and deliberately approached the hotel’s main entrance.
“Huk! Isn’t that the prince?”
“It’s Prince Hendrick!”
Among the people who managed to recognize him, murmurs grew louder. Unable to approach him closely, they tried to confirm with their friends, family, or spouses if what they saw was correct.
“I’m telling you, it’s the prince!”
“Really Hendrick? Are you sure? Why would he come here?”
Hendrick paid no attention to the conversations of those who lacked the courage to greet him. He merely walked through indifferently.
How far had he gone like that? Not far away, a familiar and radiant face caught his eye. Soft cheeks, round eyes, and even the black hair that the light beautifully shone upon.
‘Ryan.’
As soon as he called out inwardly, as if hearing it, the round gaze met his. For a moment, Hendrick felt a dizzying, thrilling pain.
The smile that bloomed on his lips was almost instinctive. The surroundings became even noisier than before, but his entire attention was focused solely on one person.
He thought their eyes had met. It seemed like the slightly parted lips let out a surprised gasp. At that moment, Ryan abruptly turned his body and started walking as if running away.
Before even grasping the situation, Hendrick hurriedly followed him.
“Ryan, wait.”
He didn’t understand why Ryan was acting like this as soon as he saw him, but he tried calling his name for now. Fortunately, Ryan stopped in his tracks, and a sigh of relief naturally escaped from Hendrick.
“Ryan.”
Look at me. At me who rushed here all night for you. When he called out affectionately, Ryan finally turned around.