The Villain's End Is Pregnancy - c78
Ryan’s family was surprised by the marriage story just as they had discussed, but on the other hand, they quickly agreed and actively participated in the plan.
“Well, since there’s a child, Ryan will be cautious too. But shouldn’t His Majesty know about this?”
It was the Countess who calmly voiced her opinion.
“I’ll tell him separately soon, so don’t worry.”
“Do you also intend to let Ryan know later?”
It was Catherine who asked again in response to Hendrick’s answer.
“That’s what I’m thinking, but?”
Catherine pondered for a moment and then carefully asked again.
“If Ryan finds out the truth, he might be shocked and greatly disappointed in you, Your Highness. Will you still be okay with that?”
“That’s why I asked for your help, so that doesn’t happen.”
It was closer to a unilateral demand than a request for help, but the family did not engage in the inefficient task of questioning it.
After all, it was something the only heir to the throne was doing out of his deep affection and love for his youngest brother.
They should be grateful that he gathered them all and explained, even though he could have just pushed through without any explanation.
“I understand. I’m a little worried, but I’ll trust you, Your Highness.”
Edgar, who was next to Catherine, looked at the prince’s reaction to her words that could be seen as somewhat arrogant. Then he quickly tapped the heel of Catherine’s shoe with his toe, meaning to apologize.
“I apologize again for creating this situation. If I had given Ryan more definite trust, this wouldn’t have happened. No matter how many times I apologize, it’s not enough.”
Hendrick uttered words that would not be enough no matter how many times he said them, and made eye contact with each member of Ryan’s family.
“But I hope you’ll believe me. That I truly love Ryan.”
Love, he said. Everyone was at a loss for words in a different sense at the overly direct expression. Catherine even covered her cheeks with both palms, feeling warm as if she had a fever.
She recalled the passionate confession she had heard from her husband a long time ago, and her heart was pleasantly pounding.
‘My, even the prince is just a young man who has inevitably fallen in love.’
She was naturally filled with a sense of relief and contentment that her brother had found a good match. The prince had always been very popular. Even his close friend Elena, who watched him closely, constantly praised him.
Only now could Catherine feel a deeper trust in Hendrick. The prince’s sincere attitude made the atmosphere even more relaxed.
It became so favorable that everyone even welcomed Hendrick’s words about staying for a few days.
“The room next to Ryan’s is empty, the front room is empty, and there’s even the same floor. Is there really a need for you to stay in the annex?”
Rather, the Countess expressed her opinion that since things had come to this, it would be better for Hendrick to stay close to Ryan.
“I’ll think about that gradually, but for now, it’s best to stay in the annex. I haven’t properly explained it to Ryan yet.”
Since Hendrick said so, the Countess couldn’t insist any further and obediently backed down. Rather, Count Fitzroy seemed to have built even more trust in those words.
“Then, Your Highness, please allocate some time for me now. I have some good wine in storage, so I will serve you with that.”
“Let’s drink that later. Today, I would like to spend time with the Count at a nice pub, what do you think?”
At those words, the Count’s face brightened even more. After the conversation was over, Hendrick was guided by a servant to the annex.
And he sent someone to the palace to inform Peter that he would be staying at the Count’s estate for a day. Of course, he didn’t reveal the plan to stay for a few days.
‘He’ll find out tomorrow anyway.’
Perhaps Peter would figure it out as soon as he heard the story. He was a quite capable and quick-witted attendant. Anyway, after swiftly finishing the arrangements, Hendrick went to a luxurious pub with Count Fitzroy.
And they built more intimacy while talking. Of course, he didn’t forget the purpose of wanting to meet him alone. It was related to the business Ryan was preparing recently.
“Are you saying that Ryan is trying to start a printing business?”
“It seems you’re hearing this for the first time.”
“Not only me, but the other family members probably don’t know either…. Hoho, our Ryan has really grown up.”
Watching the Count with an emotional expression, Hendrick felt a little joy in knowing Ryan’s affairs that even they didn’t know.
Thanks to that, he had a longer drinking session than planned, but it wasn’t bad. Count Fitzroy was amazed but didn’t want to believe it easily, and at the same time, he was moved to know that Hendrick was actively helping Ryan.
That attitude continued even to the breakfast table the next morning, and he kept talking to Hendrick without even knowing that Ryan had come to the dining room.
Of course, he was still doubtful about the printing business they had discussed yesterday.
“Wouldn’t it be faster to just write on paper rather than making letters out of metal one by one?”
Anyone would have that question. Hendrick also had that point in mind.
“Trust your son. He will surely do great things.”
But for him, things like efficiency or cost didn’t matter. He was willing to do anything as long as Ryan wanted it.
Rather, even if Ryan doubted this attitude of his and confronted him, Hendrick was steadfast.
“I’m done eating, so I’ll be going back.”
“That’s too much. Are you going to heartlessly kick me out without even offering me a cup of tea?”
And where was he going back to? Peter had already excellently grasped the intentions of his prince and prepared enough luggage in the annex to stay for a few days.
Hendrick had no intention of backing down easily, so he slyly drew Ryan’s attention to a topic he would be interested in.
The plan succeeded without difficulty. With Ryan’s family members actively participating, Ryan was puzzled but couldn’t be suspicious.
Thanks to that, he was able to stay comfortably and happily at the Count’s estate for ten days, but that time seemed to be coming to an end now.
“I’m done eating. You go now.”
While he was briefly lost in thought, the glasses and plates that had been piled up in front of Ryan were cleanly emptied. Hendrick got up from his seat, regretting that he had no more excuses to hold on.
But this time, it was Ryan who was watching him and moving his lips. It seemed like he had something to say, so Hendrick waited quietly, but nothing else came out.
“Ryan? If you have something to say, say it.”
He asked, thinking that Ryan might have a request since he said he was going to the palace.
“The person you’re meeting today….”
He started as if shaken by those words, then shook his head vigorously. He seemed curious about who Hendrick was meeting at the palace, but hesitant to ask.
‘I could tell him if he asks again.’
Of course, he wouldn’t fully reveal it. He was going to delay it a bit for Ryan’s future joy.
“Hurry up and go.”
“Okay. You rest well too.”
He kept looking this way, seeming curious, but Ryan tried hard to wave him away, so he had no choice but to take unwilling steps.
As soon as he arrived at the palace, Hendrick had a private meeting with the king. And he disclosed the contents of the meeting with Ryan’s family and demanded his participation.
“I knew you would cause a big incident like this.”
The king laughed loudly and readily accepted, telling him to do as he wished. The next person Hendrick met after finishing his conversation with the king was Julian.
“I need ornaments to use as betrothal gifts. The period is one month. It will be possible, right?”
It was actually the biggest reason Hendrick came to the palace today.
“It’s a bit… tight, but of course I have to do it since it’s something you’re requesting, Your Highness.”
“I’ll look at it together when it’s completed, so contact me then.”
“I understand.”
Having obtained what he wanted, Hendrick tried to get up right away. He couldn’t do that because of what Julian brought up next.
“I hope Ryan will like it.”
His smiling face was full of pure goodwill, but Hendrick wasn’t. It was because he didn’t like how Julian specifically mentioned Ryan and acted like he knew.
But he soon changed his mind and answered.
“It’s not something for you to worry about. Rather, shouldn’t you be concerned about your business partner? It seems like you’re putting in quite a lot of effort for them.”
Hendrick deliberately gestured with his eyes out the window. There, a woman was waiting with Julian.
“I’ll introduce you to a nice restaurant.”
The words he offered, saying that he had been there with Ryan and that the food and service were excellent, were arrogant. Even with that attitude, Julian smiled without wavering.
“Thank you, Your Highness. Thanks to you, I’ll be able to have a good time. Please give my regards to Ryan as well.”
He was always an unpleasant person to meet.
‘If only he wasn’t involved with Ryan.’
Hendrick no longer wanted to be with him, so he left Julian behind and left first.