At the imperial palace. Annasophy scanned the dress in front of her, after a moment of pondering she shook her head and ordered to bring another set. The designers looked at each other with confused expressions, this was the 27th dress that the princess refused. Although she said that she doesn't have any particular design in her mind, Annasophy has been dismissing all the dresses after a simple look.
' There isn't a single dress that is loose at the stomach but also with a decent design, I don't want to put pressure on the fetus. Ugh, Lennox did tell me that his spell is well protecting the child yet I can't help but worry– funny, what right do I have to worry about it when I am the one planning to kill it '
The servants and designers watched as the princess's eyes dimmed, their faces turned pale. If not finding a satisfying dress made her this sad, then if they couldn't come up with a solution she might cry. A simple drop of tear could make every single one of them dead meat, never underestimate the Emperor's sensitivity towards his kids.
Just as the poor servants began sweating buckets, one of Annasophy's close maids called out for her.
" Ah, Princess. Please don't be sad, I am sure we will find a dress that can match your preferences. Even if we couldn't find it today, there is a whole month before your birthday banquet, there is still some time "
Annasophy smiled awkwardly. She can't possibly tell them that she is looking for something that doesn't pressure her stomach because this is hella suspicious. Especially since she always liked to wear the close-fitting ones, to say that she wants something loose will rise endless rumours, and that's the last thing she wants.
Just as Annasophy was about to make up some crap and lie through her teeth, the guard at the door announced loudly.
" Attention! His majesty, the Emperor, has arrived "
Instantly, everyone threw whatever they were doing and bowed towards the man walking into the room. Jennings rarely wears formal attire, unless it's a formal meeting or a celebration, he would always wear a casual white shirt. However, his majestic aura can not be hidden under simple clothes, even if he were to wear a potato sack, Jennings would still look noble and aloof.
" Daddy! Why are you here? "
Annasophy warped her hand around Jennings's arm, guiding him to the couch. Jennings didn't follow, he gestured for her to not do so.
" Dear, no need, I won't be staying for long. I just came to check on you since I didn't get to see you today "
Narrowing her eyes, Annasophy glared at Jennings's pale face and tired eyes. Because of her pregnancy symptoms, her father forced her to be examined by the imperial physician out of worry that she might be sick somewhere. But God knows what Lennox did, the imperial physician couldn't detect her pregnancy, and concluded her symptoms as a reaction to stress and fatigue.
" Worry about yourself, why do you look like a racon? "
Respect for the Emperor: zero
Jennings let an awkward laugh. In the past few days, he has super been busy with the Empire's east suction development plan that he couldn't relax for days. However, his condition became more severe since yesterday. His two babies, according to the note they left, were supposed to arrive the day before, yet until now, there was no trace of them. This was the first time ever Lennox took longer than he intended, which made Jennings's heart heavy and he might drop dead at the slightest negative news.
" it's nothing, the meeting with the eastern aristocrats kept me busy these days "
" yeah? That's half the problem, what's the other half? "
Jennings sighed. He really can't hide anything from his bossy daughter. With a helpless smile, Jennings stroke Annasophy's hair as he gazed at her warmly.
" Lennox and Everly sneaked out of the palace, it's been three days since then, but they are yet to return. I am worried "
Annasophy frowned, her voice was a little higher than usual:" that damn demon brother again! Dad, why do always let him fool around freely? He will only bring you troubles at this rate "
" Oh, Anna, don't say that. Lennox is your brother, and the one who will protect you on my behalf when I am no longer around. Well, he does bring troubles from time to time, but I trust him. So don't be mean to him "
Annasophy did not respond, she buried her face in her father's embrace and the latter gladly hugged her back. Jennings kissed her forehead, saying.
" Dear, you are choosing a dress for your birthday, right? Have you decided on something? "
"Ah- no not yet "
" Then I think it's better if you choose a comfortable design. You know, something with more clothes and doesn't strangle your waist "
Annasophy inwardly gave her father a thumbs up, now she has a solid reason! She smirked and looked at him playfully.
" hmm? You mean something that doesn't show my skin or reveal my body shape, right mister jealous daddy? "
Jennings couldn't refute. Annasophy's 21st birthday is also the day for the princess to officially receive marriage proposals, which means that many princes and young masters will attend the banquet. He absolutely hates the idea of these brats who are wet behind the ears, and still smell of milk, to look at his baby!
Jennings touched his nose. He looked quite depressed, saying in a low voice:" if you know, then why tease me? "
" Fine, fine. I will do as daddy says "
After a small chat, Jennings returned to his work. The meeting lasted for five hours, the long table was filled with maps, construction blueprints and scattered documents. In other words, it was a mess. Jennings massaged his temple as he said.
" gentlemen, this will conclude our discussion. If you have any doubts, you may present it now "
The attendees glanced at each other. A good moment later, the man next to Jennings spoke.
" your majesty, your complexion doesn't look good. Maybe you should take some rest "
Jennings waved his hand, yet before he could say anything, the door opened loudly. One of Jennings's guards said hurriedly.
" your majesty, prince Lennox has returned with young lady Everly and– and a wild wyvern! "
Jennings's brows twitched. He put on a smile that didn't reach his eyes, responding calmly:" is that so? "
He turned to one of the men around the table saying with that chilly smile.
" Count do you mind passing me that ruler next to you "
" Ah, yeah, sure... "
Jennings received the long wooden ruler. He walked towards the door as he rolled up his sleeves.
" Mind showing me the way? "