Became Pregnant With the Demon King’s Child

The people who had been staring at Pierre strangely also turned their heads toward the entrance as the stars of the evening made their entrance.
They said he looks like a fairy, right? Let’s see how good-looking he really is. I’m sure the rumors are exaggerated.
Upon hearing that the two were said to be close, Pierre suddenly felt competitive. A burning determination rose within him—he was going to find fault with what was just said, even if he had to nitpick, and prove it was all a lie.

At the entrance, the two appeared—practically stuck together. More specifically, it was hard to tell whether the large man was supporting the other or holding him; they were that close. He looked like a giant hound guarding its master. Their outfits were of different colors but of similar design, making them appear even more like a matched pair.
“Whoa…”
Gasps rippled through the crowd, and not for just one reason. First, because of how Felix was sticking to Lowell like a vigilant bodyguard. Second, because the rumored Lowell really was that beautiful.

My—my looks are at least…
No, not even close. Not even with flattery could Pierre convince himself that he resembled Lowell. Though he’d been praised endlessly in his territory as the most handsome of all alphas and omegas alike, in front of Lowell, he could only appear average.
W-Well, looks aren’t everything. What matters is the inside. I’m sure His Grace Felix thinks that way, too.

Admitting defeat quickly, he opened his eyes wide to search for another flaw in Lowell. Just then, Felix finished a brief greeting, and Lowell stepped forward to speak.
He’s probably going to say something dumb. That’ll kill the mood, right?
Unaware that his predictions were already becoming wishful thinking, Pierre clenched his fists.

“Thank you to everyone who accepted our invitation despite your busy schedules.”
Hearing Lowell’s greeting, Pierre snorted quietly. Acting like a duchess even though he wasn’t even married yet—he didn’t like it one bit. Though, truthfully, he wouldn’t have liked anything Lowell did, and Pierre was just justifying his irritation.
“I dare assume that many of you are curious about the rumors surrounding the Ducal Castle.”

Not only Pierre, but everyone in the banquet hall flinched at those words. Even the band faltered for a beat—that ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) said it all. No one had expected Lowell to address the rumors so directly. Moreover, to bring up rumors at a formal social event was no different from exposing a weakness. Everyone was now focused on what Lowell would say next.
“I believe tonight will serve to clarify the truth of those rumors.”
Spoken almost like a declaration, Lowell’s words carried a commanding force that drew in the listeners. Pierre, who’d unintentionally become caught up in that presence, was now seething with frustrated resentment.

Still, that’s just too blunt. Hasn’t he ever heard of tact?
Pierre knew deep down that Lowell’s boldness wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. But something about it made him feel like he was losing, and so he judged him even more harshly.
“The greenhouse of the Ducal Castle has, as rumored, been beautifully renovated. It was well cared for even before, when it held medicinal herbs, but now it’s been transformed into a garden so breathtaking it’ll leave you speechless. If you’re curious, I highly recommend taking a look today. It’s the result of the hard work of everyone here at the Castle.”
Those who had been frowning in confusion at Lowell’s opening remarks began to laugh as his words continued. He’d used the vague term “rumors” to play a clever trick.

It wasn’t exactly an advanced tactic, but it caught a number of people off guard who hadn’t expected Lowell to come out like this. Among them was Pierre.
Wait, he’s got wit too?
By speaking lightly about the rumors, Lowell made it clear they weren’t true—without directly addressing them. There had been whispers that he was a money-hungry omega without tact, but nothing about him matched that claim.

And it seems like he gets along well with the staff, too! I’d assumed there would be conflict after all those servants were fired at once…
Whether that had been intentional or not, it was a memorable greeting.
“Well then, I’ll stop here before I start boring you with too many words.”

Occasionally, his phrasing and gestures strayed from strict etiquette, but the ease in his demeanor only made him more charming. In the end, Pierre failed to find any fault in Lowell—and was quietly devastated.
***
After finishing his speech, Lowell sat down beside Felix with a silent sigh of relief. Felix turned toward him immediately, as if he’d been waiting—but seemed unaware of doing so himself.

“We’ll have to dance soon.”
Tonight’s banquet wasn’t strictly a ball, but there was a moment for dancing midway through. Naturally, the first to take the floor would be the master of the castle—Felix.
“Looks like I’ll get to use what I learned before.”

It had been a while since Lowell had practiced dancing, and he didn’t remember everything perfectly—but no one here knew him well enough to notice. Even if he was a little clumsy, it wouldn’t be strange.
Even if I mess up, Felix will probably lead me well.
Feeling more at ease, Lowell leaned back in his chair. There was just one thing nagging at him.

He’s still staring.
From the moment he entered, he’d felt an intense gaze. He’d tried to write it off as normal attention since he was one of the hosts—but it was starting to feel off.
Doesn’t seem like he’s looking at me out of curiosity or admiration, does it?

Even while glaring intently at Lowell, the man kept stealing glances at Felix, blushing the whole time.
Looks like he has a crush on Felix. Now that’s a new discovery.
It was one of those things that hadn’t come up in the novel, a fact that bubbled up in real life. Lowell didn’t believe Felix would suddenly become interested in someone he’d never cared about before, let alone cheat—but it still bothered him. Rarely, Lowell felt his nerves tighten like this.

That tension only sharpened after they finished their dance, and Pierre finally approached. After looking like he might stare from afar forever, he blended into the group of well-wishers and walked up to the two of them.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Yes. I’m Lowell.”

Lowell didn’t introduce himself as “Lowell Clarke” like he did with others, just gave his first name—like someone hinting that he’d soon be changing his surname through marriage.
What am I doing, acting so petty with a kid?
He immediately regretted it. He hadn’t expected himself to feel such irrational jealousy, and the self-loathing doubled.

“I-I’m Pierre. You’re even m-more b-beautiful than the rumors said…”
Now that he was seeing Lowell up close, Pierre shrank even further. He couldn’t manage a proper greeting, blurting out something inappropriate. Standing next to Felix didn’t help either. Pierre hated that he was making a fool of himself, but he couldn’t take the words back.
“You’re too kind. It’s flattering to hear that from you, Sir Pierre.”

Lowell replied kindly, his face showing not even a hint of embarrassment.
“And it’s been a long time since I’ve seen Your Grace as well.”
Realizing too late that he’d skipped the order of introductions, Pierre hurriedly turned to Felix. The usually impassive Felix somehow looked annoyed. He was trying not to scowl, which only made him look scarier.

When Felix didn’t answer right away, Pierre felt like fleeing on the spot.
“Felix must be so pleased to see you, he’s just choosing the right words.”
Lowell stepped in smoothly, his voice calm and mature. Felix had been about to say No, but when he saw Lowell’s gentle expression, he lowered his voice and muttered:

“Yes.”
“It was nice seeing you, Sir Pierre.”
That was as good as saying, Please leave. Immediately. Pierre picked up on that much, but his frozen legs wouldn’t move. Seeing this, Felix couldn’t resist adding another line.

“Are you just going to stand there?”
“N-No, I-I’ll be going now.”
“It would be wise to stop looking at someone who’s already taken with such impudent eyes.”

That firm warning shocked not only Pierre—but Lowell as well.
“I-I’m sorry!”
Lowell wasn’t sure if he should offer some excuse, but he also felt a pang of sympathy for the young man. He was clearly still a kid.

“Then… I’ll take my leave.”
Pierre’s voice trembled all the way to the end as he retreated. Lowell clicked his tongue under his breath.
“What? Did you like that guy?”

“What?”
Lowell lowered his voice in surprise at Felix’s disapproving tone.
“He was totally lovestruck with you. Honestly, I think you’ve got a knack for enchanting everyone who enters this castle.”

“What?”
Lowell’s jaw dropped.