I Married a Sick Husband

“… It’s next month.”

 

“The next month? That’s soon!”

 

“I completely forgot about it.”

 

To be precise, she wasn’t the type to remember it carefully.

 

Meredith didn’t know if the day she was born was actually a special day, because she hadn’t been able to celebrate her birthday with anyone since her mother went missing.

 

The Schwartz family showed up once at her birthday, a very long time ago, but they never showed up again and that was probably for the best. After being verbally abused and assaulted by the Duchess of Schwartz and Catarina, saying things like, ‘You shouldn’t have been born!’ or being called a ‘Cursed wretch!’, she gradually leaned to forget about it, but when that day arrived, she would realise it nonetheless. At that time, a single thought would stay in her mind, ‘Oh, today is my birthday.’

 

After omitting everything in her mind, she spoke casually, “I’m not one to pay attention to birthdays. I’m embarrassed.”

 

“It’s not embarrassing. I didn’t particularly care at your age either.”

 

Blair added with a meaningful smile.

 

“However, as I got older, my thoughts changed. Meredith, is there anything you would like to receive as a gift?”

 

“… Well. I’ve never really thought about it.”

 

“Oh no, it doesn’t work that way now. You have become a precious Empress now.”

 

Blair said, shaking her head.

 

“Think of a very expensive and valuable gift. I’ll give you whatever it is.”

 

“I just want to say thank you, Mother. But I really have too much of what I am enjoying right now.”

 

“As expected, my dear is very frugal. I will prepare something suitable.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Meredith couldn’t even refuse.

 

“Have you met His Highness the Prince?”

 

“Yes. He came over early in the morning.”

 

“He’s diligent.”

 

Meredith exclaimed.

 

The morning lifestyle habit seemed to be something she had in her history.

 

“I thought I was pretty early too.”

 

“You come early enough, too. Thanks to you, my morning is double enjoyable.”

 

“When will His Imperial Highness leave?”

 

“Probably soon. And after graduation, I’m going to tell him to go on a trip.”

 

“Trip?”

 

“Yes. Once you get married, it will be difficult to travel abroad alone.”

 

Blair thought it was such a perfect excuse that she couldn’t help but laugh.

 

“….”

 

After hearing those words, Meredith was lost in her thoughts.

 

***

 

Meanwhile, Theodore also belatedly learned about Meredith’s upcoming birthday.

 

‘It’s next month. I don’t have much time.’

 

He became anxious.

 

How could he prepare a satisfactory gift in just over a month?

 

“…..”

 

Theodore turned his head and glanced at his chair next to his desk.

 

On top of it was the teddy bear that Meredith had given to him as a present the previous night.

 

And he slept hugging that thing tightly that night.

 

Although it was a bit embarrassing at his age, he didn’t know if it was because of it that he felt less reluctant than usual to close his eyes and fall asleep.

 

‘She gave me such a touching gift.’

 

He was a man who believed in giving back as much as he received, whether it was favour or revenge.

 

Since he had received such a sincere gift, then he would also have to give a gift that matched the sincerity, or it had to be something which was several times more sincere.

 

That was his creed.

 

He just hated being in debt.

 

‘What gift should I give her…?’

 

Under that justification, Theodore had been deeply concerned about Meredith’s birthday present since that morning.

 

“Sir Felix.”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

“What do women usually like?”

 

“…..”

 

Felix was momentarily speechless and could not answer.

 

‘… I’m embarrassed.’

 

He had no idea that such a question could come out of Theodore’s mouth.

 

But he answered without showing his shock.

 

“Women usually like shiny things.”

 

“Something shiny?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Things like jewelled accessories or rich, sparkly dresses.”

 

“… It’s so ordinary.”

 

Felix felt embarrassed after hearing Theodore’s comment.

 

He asked him what women liked, so he just answered in a general aspect. Of course, it would be ordinary!

 

“… If you are looking for something more special, it would be a good idea to choose something that matches the woman you are gifting it to.”

 

“Your majesty, if you don’t mind sharing, may I know who is the woman you want to give a gift to?”

 

“Her Majesty the Empress. Isn’t it obvious?”

 

“….”

 

‘It was true, but for some reason it felt awkward to answer yes.’ (Sir Felix)

 

“Well, I didn’t mean to give a casual gift to the Empress… I received such a thoughtful gift from her, so isn’t it only right to repay the favour? I heard her birthday is next month.”

 

Although no one asked, Theodore still explained the matter in detail.

 

When Felix nodded with an expression that showed he wasn’t really curious, Theodore felt even more embarrassment.

 

“… That’s why.”

 

‘Yes. Do you understand it all?’

 

“Rather than that, the teddy bear…Did the Empress tell you to…?”

 

“Ah yes.”

 

Felix asked immediately.

 

“Did she do something decent?”

 

Theodore did not answer right away.

 

“… Well. It may seem like a pointless thing to do, or it may seem like a good thing.”

 

“It seems like that doll was somewhat effective against your insomnia.”

 

Felix stated quietly.

 

“I think last night you slept a little better than usual.”

 

“Is it noticeable?”

 

“It has been 11 years since I began serving Your Majesty. Others may not know, but I do.”

 

“… okay. I guess it wasn’t for nothing, after all?”

 

“If look at the results, yes.”

 

“What do you think? Do you think it was pointless?”

 

“No.”

 

Felix answered firmly.

 

“Seeing that you like it, I think I informed her well.”

 

“….”

 

After hearing those words, Theodore remained silent for a moment.

 

He had a complex look on his face, and Felix just stared at him blankly.

 

‘Are you thinking about the past?’

 

He didn’t want to interrupt Theodore’s reminiscence, so he waited quietly until he opened his mouth again.

 

Suddenly, he heard him say: “… Of course, that would be good.”

 

Felix asked with narrowed eyebrows.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“A gift for the Empress. I’ve made my decision.”

 

“….”

 

‘Oh, so he wasn’t thinking about the past…’

 

‘… Were you thinking about a birthday present for Her Majesty the Empress?’

 

Felix regretted that he had been quiet for no reason.

 

Theodore, unaware of his true intentions, only gave instructions to Felix with a solemn look on his face.

 

“Sir Felix, there is something you must do right now.”

 

***

 

That night, Meredith visited the central palace.

 

“I meet you, Imperial Sun, Your Majesty…”

 

But before she could finish her greeting, something caught her eye and she burst out laughing.

 

“… Did you put that there?”

 

 What made Meredith laugh was the teddy bear next to the desk.

 

 “It seems you really liked it. I’m glad.”

 

 “… I was thinking of putting it next to the bed.”

 

 Theodore, who felt embarrassed for some reason, cleared his throat.

 

 “I think it would be better to leave it there.”

 

 “It definitely has a lively atmosphere.”

 

 Meredith nodded her head in agreement.

 

 “The room has become much brighter.”

 

 “So does it look good?”

 

 “Yes. It’s cute.”

 

 Meredith smiled as brightly as she spoke.

 

 “….”

 

It was when Theodore was absent-minded for a moment at the sight of it, that Meredith spoke again, “But now that you have to sleep, you must move it back to the bedroom.”

 

“…Ah.”

 

At that one word, his mind came back.

 

“I’ll have to.”

 

“Thanks to the teddy bear, I hope you have a good night’s sleep.”

 

“I wish.”

 

Although he seemed to answer insincerely, he could not afford to care about that at the moment.

 

‘…. strange.’

 

Because his heart was so hasty.

 

‘Why do you keep looking so pretty?’

 

Since the beginning, he thought she was beautiful.

 

However, he had no thoughts because he was not interested in the external part of the opposite sex…

 

‘… Wasn’t it so?’

 

It occurred to him that perhaps he had made a big mistake throughout his life.

 

‘… I can’t check with other beauties.’

 

‘It won’t mean much.’

 

He came to that conclusion after a while.

 

He thought seriously about it, but he couldn’t think of anyone more beautiful than her.

 

***

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