Became Pregnant With the Demon King’s Child

As soon as Felix announced that he would be holding a banquet, a fresh wave of uproar swept through the Ducal Castle.
“His Grace said he wanted to hold a banquet? Didn’t he say he hated them? I’m honestly past the point of being surprised.”

“If even His Grace has changed, love really must be something.”
There were no longer any spiteful comments. People had grown accustomed to the situation, and seeing Felix and Lowell together up close made it obvious—they really are in love.
“I’ve never seen a couple so tender with each other. Is it just that they’re still in the honeymoon phase?”

“Nah, I think they’ll stay like that for good.”
So affectionate, it almost seemed like obsession—Felix couldn’t stand being away from Lowell for even a moment, and his eyes were always fixed on him.
“Young Lord’s clothes have arrived! Enough chitchat—get back to work!”

The head maid’s shout snapped the loafing servants into motion. There were so many clothes being delivered that every hand needed to be busy.
“He’ll probably need more fitted clothes later anyway. I wonder if he’ll even get to wear all these.”
A maid who had given birth before sighed at the thought of the overflowing garments, but soon concluded it was unnecessary worry.

Lowell, too, was taken aback when he saw the sheer volume of clothing. He’d expected a few outfits at most, but the clothes just kept coming into the tower’s wardrobe, and his mouth fell open.
“W-What is all this?”
“These are the everyday clothes His Grace had prepared for your comfort, Young Lord.”

“That’s not what I meant… wait, this isn’t all of it?”
What had already arrived was overwhelming enough, and now there were more? Lowell felt a headache coming on.
“The rest are for ceremonial functions and the banquet. It’s not as large a shipment as this one, so you needn’t worry.”

That, at least, gave Lowell a little relief, and he let out a deep sigh.
“Anyone else would’ve been delighted. Young Lord, you really are too modest.”
Hamilton gently scolded him, thinking it unfitting that someone essentially the Duchess was so frugal—but Lowell was too overwhelmed to notice.

“It feels wasteful if I don’t end up wearing them all.”
Lowell had a deeply ingrained mindset: eat only as much as you can, wear only what you’ll use, and buy only what you need. This kind of consumption made no sense to him.
“You’ll have a chance to wear them all eventually. Ah, these coming in now are for the banquet. How about choosing what you’ll wear?”
Hamilton was usually unreadable, but today, even he couldn’t hide his excitement. Lowell, now seated on the sofa after watching the flow of clothes, glanced at Hamilton as he bustled around. The brightness on his face reminded him of the gardener he’d met in the greenhouse not long ago.

Yes, life needs energy, wherever you are.
Though the situation felt overwhelming, Lowell was glad—at least one person was truly enjoying it.
“W-Wait, all of this is clothing?”

Robin, returning from training, widened his eyes at the mountain of garments. Hamilton, pleased by the timing, immediately grabbed him.
“Would you help us decide which outfit suits the Young Lord best?”
“Of course! Though, to be honest, everything looks good on Lord Lowell.”

Robin, with his easy charm, got along quickly with Hamilton and began inspecting the incoming formalwear.
“How about this one?”
Lowell looked at the outfit laid before him and finally understood why it was called “banquet wear.” He’d thought he was dressed up when he went to the Imperial Palace, but that was nothing compared to this.

Shimmering blue gems were embroidered like lace across the fabric. It looked like it might be too much, but somehow, it all came together harmoniously. In short—it looked terrifyingly expensive.
“I was thinking that one would suit you best as well. You’ve got a great eye.”
“Ah, you’re making me blush!”

Watching Robin and Hamilton banter in sync, Lowell quietly took the offered outfit.
“Try it on!”
“You can’t tell how it’ll look until you put it on.”

“But the banquet is still a week away. Do I really need to try it on now?”
Lowell, sensing that this wouldn’t stop with just one outfit, tried to find an escape—but there was no way out.
“Young Lord, we have a mountain of things to prepare. From decorations to the menu, there are many decisions to be made. It’s best to choose your outfit ahead of time.”

Granted, most of the workload fell to Hamilton, who would bring a few options for Lowell to approve. Still, since it was all new to him, it was mentally exhausting.
“Alright, let’s start with this one, then.”
Giving up on rest, Lowell tried on the outfit Robin had picked. He usually preferred dressing alone, but the design was more complex than it looked, so he needed Robin’s help. Despite its elaborate exterior, the fit around the belly had clearly been tailored for comfort.

“Just this last sash, and you’re done!”
Once the long belt was tied and he stepped out, Hamilton appraised him from head to toe.
“It suits you well.”

“Right? Even though it’s a deep navy, Lord Lowell makes it look bright.”
“Shall we settle on this one, then?”
Lowell, sensing this was going well, replied—and Hamilton took on a more serious expression, as if presiding over a critical state event.

“That red one would also look great on you.”
He gestured to a much flashier piece. Decorated heavily in gold, it was the kind of outfit where the clothes would completely overshadow the face.
Do I really have to try that one on, too?

As Lowell hesitated and glanced at Hamilton, the door to the tower opened, and in walked Felix, hair still damp from a fresh wash.
“Lowell, I heard the clothes had arrived…”
Felix turned his head and locked eyes with Lowell—and froze, like a young man catching sight of Medusa’s gaze. Lowell awkwardly ran a hand through his hair, embarrassed, but to Felix’s eyes, even that small motion looked like a graceful dance.

“We’re picking out an outfit for the banquet. Does this one look okay?”
Felix’s transfixed expression said far more than “okay”—it said perfect. But Lowell, too bashful to meet his eyes, didn’t catch that silent reply.
“Ahem. Not bad.”

Hamilton thought inwardly, “Not bad”? Really? Your eyes are screaming ‘beautiful, stunning’! So dishonest, that one. Slightly irreverent, perhaps—but undeniably true.
“All the RSVP replies are in. Now we just need to finalize the details for the day itself.”
“I hope everyone has a good time.”

“Yes.”
Felix, who honestly only cared if Lowell enjoyed himself, still answered as if he agreed.
“You’ve prepared so thoroughly—it’ll be a wonderful banquet.”

A few minor mishaps followed, and at last, the night of their first banquet arrived.
***
“Wow, this is my first time attending a banquet at Grand Duke Felix’s castle.”

“I’ve been to one of his formal gatherings before, but it ended so quickly I’m not even sure it counted as a banquet.”
The invited guests all said the same thing—This is unexpected. The main topic of conversation was what had made the Duke suddenly decide to hold a banquet. Among them, a young man who had just come of age, Pierre, stood stiffly upright.
I don’t care why the banquet is happening. I’ve waited for this day forever.

Three years ago, he’d fallen in love after attending Felix’s victory ball.
Everyone says that black aura is ominous, but not to me. I’ve never seen someone so handsome in my life. And the way he spoke—so gentlemanly…
Felix, of course, had spoken as plainly as usual, but through the ears of a love-struck Pierre, it sounded charming and elegant.

“Maybe it’s because of him? The rumor is that an omega who’s carrying the Duke’s child followed him all the way to Nyx.”
Pierre pricked up his ears, pretending not to care. He already knew the rumor—but hadn’t paid it any mind.
If they were really together, they’d be married by now. Clearly it’s a lie! His Grace isn’t interested, but that person’s clinging to him, and he has no choice.

He had no idea he was twisting facts to suit his fantasy. The transformation of the Ducal Castle into something bright and festive didn’t even register to him.
“Oh, I heard that person was brought here in secret.”
Pierre nearly forgot he was eavesdropping and almost jumped in angrily.

That rumor was debunked ages ago! How are people still believing it? His Grace would never do something like that!
He was seething. But the next words made his stomach churn even worse.
“No, haven’t you heard the latest? Apparently that new omega has His Grace completely wrapped around his finger. When the two of them are together, they’re practically sickeningly in love. No one believes that ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ kidnapping rumor anymore.”

“Really? Are you serious?”
Just as Pierre finally barged into their conversation, the announcement rang through the hall—signaling the arrival of the banquet’s main stars.