The Villain's End Is Pregnancy - c66
Despite many twists and turns, Hendrick achieved what he wanted. He decided to travel alone with Ryan, even if only for a few days.
“It’s not your child.”
Ryan wielded those words like a weapon whenever he was upset, but well, they didn’t have much impact.
“It doesn’t matter.”
Rather, seeing him bristle up while carefully gauging the reaction only reminded Hendrick of his pet cat peacefully living in the palace, making him smile faintly.
“So you should just think about your body.”
They say you have to be careful with everything in the early stages, so he wondered if long-distance travel would be too much. As he was contemplating and casually responding to Ryan’s continued jabs, it happened.
“What if I choose another alpha then?”
He must have been really irritated by the lack of attention. He even said something like that.
‘Another alpha…’
For a moment, the image of a pale-faced noble who had been pestering Ryan for a while popped into Hendrick’s mind. He pretended to be a capable family head and even had an audience with the king, but well.
In Hendrick’s view, he couldn’t be a rival.
‘First of all, he’s a beta, right? He can’t even impregnate a dominant omega, and above all, he’s not someone Ryan would be attracted to.’
He knew the fervent gaze that always looked at him. It was absurd to think he could turn his attention to someone else with that expression.
Recalling the captivated eyes that had been directed at him, Hendrick suddenly smelled a faint spreading pheromone.
Turning around, Ryan seemed unaware that he was doing it.
‘Above all, pheromones are unstable in early pregnancy, so the mate needs to pay attention. The pheromones come out to protect themselves, so it’s not dangerous, but they are not self-aware.’
It’s to gain favor and get help, but why was his reaction different? Hendrick’s gaze furtively glanced down. It wasn’t noticeable, but he couldn’t ignore the heat gathering there.
“If you want…”
Thinking he should divert his attention elsewhere before something big happened, Hendrick blurted out whatever came to mind.
Then, smelling the pheromones that became even thicker than before, he swallowed.
“Never mind.”
As the sharp voice was heard, he barely came to his senses. Unaware of his situation, Ryan looked into his eyes and steadily explained the future plans.
Actually, even that didn’t register properly. Hendrick just struggled to escape the immediate predicament. Fortunately, the coachman soon appeared as he wanted, but somehow he felt deflated.
Anyhow, the trip with Ryan also brought unexpected gains for Hendrick.
The experiment of printing letters on the farm in the vineyard was interesting, but it was incomparable to the joy he felt when Ryan’s heart took a step closer to him.
Especially the kiss they shared was so thrilling and exciting that it was hard to exert self-control more than any other moment.
“What alpha wouldn’t waver in front of the person he loves?”
Those were definitely not words spoken in the heat of the moment. It was a sincere message and vow to Ryan.
That he would not be interested in anyone other than him, that he would only love him.
Seeing the trembling round eyes, fortunately, it seemed his confession was clearly conveyed this time. Otherwise, Ryan wouldn’t have asked what he would name the child.
“You were already thinking about it? What name?”
Of course, when asked that, he denied ever doing so.
Anyhow, looking closely, Ryan had many mischievous and cute sides. In addition to gradually becoming closer to Ryan, Hendrick gained one more thing – a copper mine.
“Anyway, continue developing the mine. You know, right? His Highness will actively support you, so don’t worry.”
At the gaze seeking confirmation that he was right, Hendrick immediately nodded. How could he refuse such lovely eyes?
“Yes. Don’t worry and do as you wish. Whether it’s financial or anything else, I won’t hold back support if you need it.”
As soon as he finished those words, seeing the satisfaction spreading across Ryan’s face made him think even more that this trip became quite a good opportunity for him.
‘Copper… This is truly an unexpected gain.’
It’s true that gold mines are very profitable. It was the most attractive both in monetary value and as a precious item. However, that doesn’t mean copper is less valuable in comparison.
Rather, nobles seemed unaware that it’s a mineral used extensively in various aspects and more profitable in the long run.
‘It was also quite novel that Ryan would use it for printing.’
No, novel was not enough to express it. Of course, there would have been people who had similar ideas as Ryan.
‘But they wouldn’t have tried to solve it this way.’
Making letter frames with metal and using a compressor to imprint them on paper. If this spread in earnest, it would truly cause an immense reaction.
Ryan, with his round eyes sparkling as he spoke of his plans, didn’t seem to think that far.
‘I should definitely support him as he wishes.’
This would be quite positive for both Ryan personally and Hendrick himself. After all, the person who would become his queen in the future would have done something tremendous for the people.
‘My queen.’
Hendrick took a deep breath and slowly exhaled at the words that made his heart tingle with just imagination. There was so much to do once they returned to the capital.
‘First, I should meet Ryan’s family.’
And he had to discuss with His Majesty the King how to proceed with work in the future.
‘I’ll have to prepare for Ryan to stay in the palace.’
Just thinking about what else to do to keep his pregnant omega by his side made Hendrick a little excited, unlike himself.
‘Still, now that it’s come to this, it would be nice to spend some more time with Ryan.’
Anyway, the distance to the capital took 5 days even if the carriage ran fast. Using Ryan’s pregnancy as an excuse to move a little leisurely and extend it by a few more days, he wanted to make a little more memories with him.
“You have to think of your body. Let’s go slowly.”
When he spoke affectionately, Ryan blushed and covered his face with his palms out of embarrassment. As if that would hide it.
‘Cute.’
Expressing the thought that came out naturally, too many times to even count now, Hendrick also softened his eyes.
The trip back to the capital proceeded smoothly. During the carriage ride, Ryan dozed off, and each time, Hendrick willingly offered his shoulder and lap.
“It’s fine…”
Ryan refused at first.
“It’s too cramped to just lie down comfortably. Then should I order to bring the palace carriage right now?”
“There’s no need to go that far.”
Then he readily leaned his small head, and that warm and lovely feeling seemed addictive. Of course, it wasn’t always comfortable.
“Mm…”
Feeling the familiar weight and soft texture with his palm, Hendrick let out a long sigh.
There was something in the confined space that had been thickening in concentration for a while. Sweet and sour, and tempting enough to make saliva pool in the mouth, it was the omega’s pheromones.
“Mmng.”
To make matters worse, whenever Ryan tried to move his body, the soft skin would tickle Hendrick’s neck, making him feel the limits of his patience.
“No, Ryan. You can’t do that.”
His fingertips trembled. Hendrick clenched his fists tightly. It was so awkward that his lower body tightened regardless of his will.
Traveling alone with Ryan was both good and painful. He had to think of something else. Taking a deep breath, he turned his head.
The afternoon sunlight brightly illuminated the wide plains. The waving underbrush in the passing breeze looked peaceful.
And from somewhere, a scent as ripe as a matured fruit wafted strongly.
“Ah…”
Hendrick closed his eyes tightly and opened them. The desire he had barely suppressed surged up unconsciously. He tried biting his tongue hard.
His gaze naturally turned to Ryan, who had fallen asleep leaning against him. The moment he discovered the cute lips, he gulped down dry saliva.
“Your Highness, we have almost entered the fortress.”
Just as his head was about to tilt, a voice was heard from outside.
When had they come this far?
As the coachman said, the fortress surrounding the capital stood majestically not far away. And surprisingly, a familiar face was standing in front of it.
“Huh? Edgar?”
Ryan, who had woken up at some point, exclaimed in surprise as he rubbed his eyes.