Of All
Things, I Became a Crow: Side Story #15
Translators: Nyx and Ririi Rain
*Rainelle’s POV
I thought the party was
just a little grander.
But I didn't know that the scale would bring all
the nobility within the Empire together.
“...I thought it was a big banquet, but it was actually
such a big scale one.”
"Rainelle, the empress conceived, did you think
something less would pass?"
"Uh, it's not like the child was born..."
"It's enough to
celebrate. So don't think like that."
・・・・No, it
doesn’t amount much to the birth.
Those words lingered on the tip of my tongue, but in the
end I didn't say it. All the nobility of the Empire have already been summoned,
so how can I stop it? No, was it possible to throw such a grand party in such a
short amount of time in the first place?
"...How could the nobility of the entire Empire
gather so quickly?"
Karmeut replied with a cough,
“...There is nothing that cannot be done with money and
manpower.”
“…that’s true, but……”
It seems that I should grieve for the servants who were
squeezed with a tight time. Yeah,
they’d have no way to open their mouth if the boss was the emperor...
...and the more I think about it, the more I
feel sorry for them.
Thinking so, I looked at Karmeut.
"What is it, Rainelle?"
"...Because I feel sorry for the servants."
“...I gave them enough extra pay, so it should be fine.”
Karmeut, who added the word “probably,” smiled. Then he
held out a hand and laughed.
"My one and only lady, why don't we go?"
I smiled a little at the action and held his hand.
"Yes, my one and only knight.”
He smiled kindly and began to escort me cautiously.
Laughing and delighted at his action as if he was handling a piece of cracked
glass, I held his hand tightly.
His slight act of giving back reassurance was expected,
but it brought me joy all the same.
***
*3rd person POV
It could be said that the
news of the Empress's pregnancy was so incredible that even the nobles in the
whole territory gathered in a short time.
The size of the Empire was very wide, and there were many
territories as well. Of course, there were a lot of nobles to manage such
territories, so it was a big deal to have them gather in the Capital in a short
period of time.
However, the party was large and magnificent, and the
nobles gathered there chatted in groups of twos and threes with twinkling eyes.
It was not often for all the nobles of the Empire to
gather in one place, and it was also a very perfect place to make connections.
“Did you hear that the Empress has conceived?”
“Yes, of course. Isn't that why all the nobles of the Empire gathered to
celebrate?"
“His Majesty is also amazing. It must not have been easy
to do this in a short period of time…”
"Isn't that how much he love Her Highness the
Empress?"
"Oh......!"
What stopped their chatter was the sound of the trumpet
announcing the entrance of the Imperial couple.
At the sound, everyone closed their mouths and bowed
their heads.
The huge door opened, and the Emperor and Empress entered
with a friendly atmosphere.
"Raise your head."
Hearing the Emperor's low, dignified voice, the nobles
straightened their postures and looked at the Emperor and Empress couple
sitting in their seats.
"Everyone, thank you for coming here to
celebrate."
Saying so, the young emperor swept his eyes on the nobles
slowly. Those who were weak under that gaze flinched and slightly averted their
heads.
His gaze was intense and full of power. In a way, it was
also a gaze close to a warning.
"As you all know from the news, the Empress has
conceived. It is a great joy that the future of the Empire has been conceived
in the body of my one and only companion, the mother of this Empire, and the
queen of all birds."
“Congratulations, Your Majesty.”
"Congratulations, Your Highness the Empress."
The nobles raised their voices and congratulated them.
The Emperor, who looked satisfied with their attitude, continued.
"But unfortunately, the Empress will be leaving now.
I want you guys to stay here and enjoy the banquet."
Saying that, Karmeut, the Emperor, immediately got up
from his seat with Rainelle and then left the banquet hall.
The remaining nobles had no choice but to look dazed at
the absurdity of the behavior of the Emperor and his wife. They were the main
characters of this party. There had never been a case where the main character
leaves immediately after only showing their face.
However, soon the nobles began to enjoy the banquet while
chatting with each other.
All nobles knew that the Emperor loved and cared for the
Empress very much. Because of that, it was not difficult to guess that they
left after saying their greeting so as not to put too much strain on the
Empress' body.
And above all, it could not be denied that the absence of
the Imperial couple was a more comfortable situation to share exchanges with
each other.
That was why the nobles started having fun while talking
happily, even though the main characters of the party were missing.
***
*Rainelle’s POV
"...Can the main characters just say hello and leave
like this?"
"Rainelle, who would dare to tell you not to do that
there?"
I shut my mouth at the
remark. Indeed,
that was right. Who can tell the
higher ranking ones what to do without fear?
"Uh, but...?
"Above all, I will never let you do anything that will strain your body."
Saying so, Karmeut's gaze shone resolutely. I nodded my
head at the expression on his face that seemed to convey that no matter what I
said, he wonn't back down.
...Above all, how could I complain to someone who gave so
much to me like that?
"...Yeah, I understand. Thanks, Karmeut."
"It's a matter of course."
Karmeut lightly kissed me on the cheek and held my hand
tightly.
"Hey, Rainelle."
"Huh?"
"There's a place I'd like you to go with me for a
second."
Karmeut's expression when he said that was quite serious.
Going where? He said this right
after saying that I shouldn't overdo it, so where are we going?
"Where?"
When I asked directly out of curiosity, Karmeut replied
with a gentle smile.
"I'll guide you."
"Huh... ah?"
I was startled by his sudden action of picking me up.
Perhaps finding my reaction amusing, he smiled and kissed me on the cheek again.
“Can we go like this?”
"... I would have been less surprised if you had
told me in advance."
“Sorry, but I want to carry Rainelle. I didn’t want you
to overdo it.”
I sighed and hugged him by the neck. Then, the sound of
Karmeut’s low laugh tickled my ear.
He walked longer than I expected while holding me, as if
it wasn't hard or finding me heavy.
"...Huh? Isn't this inside the Imperial
Palace?"
"Yes. It is here."
At those words, I looked around.
This was one of the
gardens of the Imperial Palace. It was a place where it was pretty deep.
Wondering why Karmeut brought me here, I tilted my head,
but then he opened his mouth,
"Rainelle, can you close your eyes for a
moment?"
"Huh? Okay."
I was curious, but I closed my eyes. No, I even covered my
eyes with both of my hands so I wouldn't see by mistake.
Then I felt Karmeut walk further inside.
When
should I ask him when to open his eyes?
I was still holding back my curiosity and kept closing my
eyes when he said,
"You can open your eyes now.
Hearing that, I opened my eyes right away. Then my mouth
opened wide at the sight that I saw.
"......Whoa....."
In the back of the garden, in the deepest part, within
the wall of shrubs and flower trees, was a nest.
Inside of the nest, which was large enough to fit even a
large bird, was meticulously filled with soft-looking fur, and flowers or
sparkling ornaments were inserted in the middle of the branches.
In addition, a large tree stretched out its branches
above, creating a natural roof. If
I was asked where the coziest nest was, I would pick the big, nice, and
cozy-looking nest that was in front of me now.
"Karmeut, this is..."
"...If you give birth
in the form of a bird, not a person, I thought you might need a nest
then."
He spoke calmly, but his cheeks were stained red, perhaps
because he was embarrassed.
“I don’t know if you will be a small crow or a big bird…
but I thought it would be better to be bigger than too small.”
Saying that, Karmeut scratched his cheek and looked over
carefully.
“...I asked Hempel-nim and I made it myself. How is it?”
"...You made this yourself?"
"Of course I didn't do the transplanting of the
shrubbery or the trees, but I made the nest."
Having said that, Karmeut
continued to look at me, seemingly unsure. In response to his behavior,
I turned and approached the nest.
How meticulously it was
made. The nest did not budge even when pressed hard. In addition, the twigs
were as soft and flexible as possible, and there was elasticity.
To
think that he made a nest of this size by himself without having someone else
do it… Thinking so, indescribable emotions welled up in me.
"...Karmeut."
"You don't like it, Rainelle?"
At that, I shook my head. Then I went over to him and
gave him a hug. I said,
"This is the best gift I've ever received."
"---!"
"Thank you so much, Karmeut. For doing so much for
me."
Saying so, I buried my face in Karmeut's chest. Then I
pulled out my wings, hugged him with them, and whispered.
“My child, I hope you will be born soon.”
“...I hope you two are safe and sound.”
"Yeah, I'll make sure not to get sick. Karmeut's
child is here after all."
Saying so, I took Karmeut's hand and placed it on my
stomach. Then with my lips, I wordlessly said,
And
together with Karmeut, I want to hold you. If that happens, I'll be really...
really happy.
"Of All Things I Became a Crow" side story: Finish
Translator(s) note: Next we will get into the special
side story. Wondering what the child will look like~
***
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