Became Pregnant With the Demon King’s Child

"I hope you don't get hurt."
Lowell didn’t like the idea of doing a sparring match suggested by that nasty-tempered Crown Prince. The fact that he proposed it meant he had something he wanted to prove—and it certainly wasn’t going to be defeat.

If it were any other time, maybe—but not in front of Robin. He’s not going to let himself lose in front of him. And it’s even more unlikely that Felix will go easy on him.
Felix was the kind of man who treated a hundred-year-old sword master and a beginner with the same seriousness when it came to holding a blade.
"There's no risk of getting hurt during a spar. You're more likely to trip and hurt yourself while walking."

It was true, so Lowell momentarily lost the words to respond—then burst out laughing. The words weren’t heavy or light, but somehow they put him at ease.
"Then I’ll watch in peace."
"You're going to watch the spar?"

Felix’s sparring sessions were the only time ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) the two of them spent apart. Because of that, Lowell usually used the time to take care of things he couldn’t do when Felix was around. Assuming tomorrow would be the same, Felix looked at him with surprise.
It’s kind of adorable, seeing someone that big make that kind of face.
Smiling, Lowell rested his head against that cute man’s chest.

"You said you’re doing it because of me."
"I did."
"Then I should be there to see it."

After that, Felix walked in silence for a while. Just as Lowell began to wonder Did I say something he didn’t like?, Felix finally replied—his voice still gruff but unable to hide his joy.
"The sparring ground’s cold. Dress warmer than usual."
It was permission to come.

***
"The ducal estate’s training ground is impressive."
Lowell sat side by side with Robin, watching the people preparing for the sparring match. He thought they’d begin right away, but it seemed there was a deep patch in the ground that needed leveling first.

"Is it? I don’t really know much about the Imperial training grounds."
"They’re similar, but they’re outdoors. On rainy days, you just get soaked while training. Oh, there’s an indoor one too, but usually we’d still train outside."
That was something only possible in the warm capital.
"You seem to know a lot?"

"I wanted to learn swordsmanship, so I used to join the knights at the training ground. I can’t anymore, though."
Robin, for the first time since they met, looked a bit down. There were a few things he had to give up after falling for someone of such high status—and swordsmanship was one of them.
"If you told His Highness that you wanted to learn again, I think he’d teach you."

Lowell gave a brief shake of his head, glanced around to confirm that the noise made eavesdropping difficult, then gently offered the words as a form of comfort.
"I know. But I don’t want to ask."
Robin immediately brightened again, as if he’d never been upset.

"Technically, I’m not allowed to learn swordsmanship. And to make it happen, he’d have to go to extra effort. He’s already carrying so much on my behalf—I don’t want to add even a little more."
It would just mean shutting up the ones who opposed it—but wanting to avoid putting even the smallest burden or scratch on the one he loved… Lowell understood that perfectly, and didn’t challenge it.
It must be the resolve he made when choosing to stay with the Crown Prince.

Lowell knew better than to speak against such self-sacrifice. Instead, he did what he could—without crossing into interference.
"I can’t presume to speak for him, but can I say something just as someone who also loves someone?"
"Of course."

"When you love someone, you want to carry their burdens. It hurts more to see them quietly give up and feel disappointed without saying anything."
As he pulled the blanket the knight had prepared over his shoulders, Lowell glanced at Robin’s reaction. Robin looked slightly shocked—he hadn’t expected Lowell to say something like that.
"While you’re here in Nyx, why not try training again? There’s no one here watching, and no one who knows your identity, right?"

"But I’m just an attendant, aren’t I?"
Robin was unusually hesitant in response to Lowell’s suggestion. Lowell gave a breezy laugh.
"That’s just a formality. Nyx isn’t like Phoibos—it’s not that strict. You’re just helping out by my side. If you say you’re learning swordsmanship, they’ll understand. If anyone asks, just say the Grand Duke told you to. That’ll be enough."

"I’ll think about it. Thank you."
Lowell nodded as he saw Robin’s smile brighten.
As Felix had warned, the training ground was large, and colder than other indoor spaces. For the knights, who would soon warm up through movement, it was just right—but for someone sitting still, it was a little chilly. Lowell pulled his clothes tighter and handed Robin a blanket he had requested in advance.

"Oh? I’m fine."
"Your face is a little red. I’m from Phoibos too, so I get cold more easily than the people here in Nyx."
"Lowell, you’re very kind."

Lowell almost said You’re the one who’s kind, but stopped when murmuring voices signaled that Felix and the Crown Prince had entered. The large training ground felt immediately full just from their presence.
Lowell, instantly captivated, forgot to answer Robin and focused completely on Felix’s every move. Perhaps sensing the heat of Lowell’s gaze, Felix—who was preparing his sword—glanced briefly in his direction. Lowell reflexively smiled.
Stolen attention, quickened pulse, a heart he couldn’t hide… Everything about him was painted in affection.

"You must really love the Grand Duke."
Robin said softly, like he found the flustered Lowell endearing. His neck flushing red, Lowell adjusted how he was sitting, realizing maybe he’d been too obvious.
"Does it look that way?"

"Yes."
"Then that’s good."
His face was red, but Lowell wasn’t embarrassed by his feelings. He wasn’t afraid to let others see it. Of course, in his mind he was thinking, Since I can’t leave a bondmark, I should show it through my actions. But to Robin, it made him look fearless.

"Oh, looks like they’re starting."
Unaware that Robin was quietly impressed, Lowell focused intently on the sparring ground—or more accurately, on Felix. Robin also turned his attention to the Crown Prince. While others might see a completely different appearance, Robin saw the original—a living embodiment of beauty.
"We will now begin today’s first sparring match!"

It was the first sparring match, and the most anticipated. Those who didn’t know the truth were eager to see how badly this new knight would get beaten by Felix.
"Begin."
Even after the signal, neither the Crown Prince nor Felix moved. Their eyes were locked, each watching for how the other would act. The first to move was the Crown Prince.

"He’s not as slow as I expected."
Karise suddenly spoke up behind Lowell, addressing Tia.
"Looks like they’re still warming up. His Highness is moving slowly too."

Just like Tia said, the two were testing each other, lightly clashing blades. The volume of the clashing alone, despite the slow speed, showed how powerful the blows were.
"Ugh. They’re not even using sword aura and it’s still that loud."
"My hands hurt just watching."

Lowell leaned forward, listening to the knights’ murmurs like a live commentary. As the duel progressed, the pace picked up. At first, Lowell could follow their movements easily—but now, his eyes were starting to spin. One second the blades looked like they’d struck, the next they were apart—and then back again.
"Their range of movement is huge."
Tia murmured in admiration. Felix and the Crown Prince were using every inch of the training ground, constantly shifting their movements to throw off each other’s rhythm.

"Wow…"
Gasps leaked out not just from Lowell’s bodyguards, but from the surrounding spectators. The so-called newcomer was keeping up with Felix—and at times, matching him.
Lowell swallowed hard. He could hardly see anything now but motion trails, yet he couldn’t tear his eyes away.

Then it happened.
The Crown Prince dodged Felix’s heavy strike, crouched low, and slipped out of view. Suddenly, from behind, he raised his sword high. The blade was aimed straight at the back of Felix’s neck. After such a large motion, Felix seemed unable to respond in time.
He’s in danger!

Lowell hadn’t seen the whole sequence—only caught the moment the Crown Prince’s blade arced upward. It struck Felix’s neck, leaving a small wound.
In that instant, Lowell couldn’t hold back—he leapt to his feet.