Chapter 8
+25 BONUS
Back then, the Mer–King believed Caroline because she had gotten pregnant so soon after arriving.
Everyone was glad. The Mer–King, too, chose to be amused rather than suspicious. He was a willing fool, hoping for joy.
However, when Caroline sneered that my womb did not hold a child, it finally made him pause.
The Mer–King fell silent, then slowly said, “Since Princess Celine is unable to bear children, perhaps it’s fitting she raise them. These two infants, whatever their fin color, are still royal blood. Let this fulfill your yearning for motherhood.”
Caroline thought it was because she carried black–finned children. She truly believed the Mer–King still favored her.
She turned to me and added smugly, “Celine, you’re a failed Pregnancy Maiden. These two mongrels suit you best.
I could not help but laugh.
“Why is it that you keep harping on about me being barren? Could it be you’re afraid the child I give birth to might outrank yours?”
The flicker of panic in her eyes vanished quickly, masked in practiced outrage.
She snapped, “You’re speaking nonsense! Just because you can’t get pregnant, you want to drag me down with you? I was worried you were lonely at Prince Reginald’s manor. That’s all!”
Reginald steadied me and replied calmly, “Princess Caroline, there’s no need to trouble yourself with this. My wife is already expecting. Your concern is unnecessary.”
His words stunned her, but only for a moment. Then, she remembered that the timing of my pregnancy matched hers in the previous life, so she dismissed it.
“What’s the big deal? Even if she’s pregnant, what’s in her belly must be another red–finned runt. She might as well rid herself of it early and save herself the embarrassment. Celine, could it be that you’re hoping to keep that useless child of yours so you can have an excuse to mistreat mine?”
Her words made me laugh.
“So, by your logic, I’m only worthy of raising your red–finned children? I’ll never be good enough to have one of my own?
“First, you said I couldn’t bear children. Now, you claim the one I carry is a disgrace. I know your jealousy runs deep, Caroline, but do try to grasp reality. You birthed the red–tails, not me. You’re the one who should be ashamed.
“If you and Prince Sheldon are so madly in love, surely you’d love everything that comes from him, even his children. Why the disgust?”
I turned to the Mer–King and said, “I ask Your Majesty to judge fairly.”
Reginald stood by my side and said firmly, “Princess Caroline and my wife are sisters by blood. They married into the royal family, into Prince Sheldon’s house and mine, with equal status. There’s no hierarchy between them, yet she’s repeatedly slandered and humiliated my wife. Her conduct is disgraceful, and she is unworthy of her position. Father, I hope you can deal with this justly.”
1/2
Chapter B
+25 BONUS
Caroline’s eyes flared with fury. “You’re twisting everything! I only spoke the truth!”
I turned to her and flashed a cold smile as I replied, “Is the truth you speak the same as claiming your first child was a black–fin? In reality, you gave birth to two red–finned children.
“I understand the prestige of the black–fins. If you’re suffering from delusions, I do hope you get treatment soon. Otherwise, if these new children also disappoint you, what will happen then? Your so–called truth will become nothing more than ramblings of a madwoman.”
Caroline opened her mouth, ready to fire back, but Sheldon struck her hard across the face.
He roared, “You worthless wretch! Haven’t you embarrassed me enough already by spouting all this nonsense? Do you want me to sew that mouth shut?”
Sheldon turned to the Mer–King and said, “Father, let me handle her punishment. I’ll make sure she learns to watch that filthy tongue of hers.”
Caroline did not dare to make another sound.
When Sheldon dragged her away, I caught a glimpse of her eyes.
For the first time, they were filled with fear.
Reginald then briefly explained my pregnancy to the Mer–King.
Mostly, he blamed himself for being too dull, saying he had to learn from books before figuring it out.
The Mer–King laughed in amusement and sent me three chests of pearls as a form of compensation.
