“Viscount, really, congratulations! Oh, I’m so happy! We must have a celebration tomorrow! We need to announce this wonderful news to the people of the territory… Oh, wait, have you decided on a baby name yet?”

Charlotte’s excitement made the moment somewhat chaotic, but soon I received congratulations from Jane and the other maids, and it didn’t take long before the news spread throughout Brienne.

It was only a matter of time before it reached Veronis and Valentino as well. Sure enough, the next morning Theodore rushed over in a flurry.

“Lily…!”

I was leisurely admiring the gladioli blooming in the garden when I heard Theodore calling for me. He quickly approached me with an expression that was hard to describe, and suddenly pulled me into a tight hug.

The cool fabric of his clothes brushed against my cheek. I squirmed slightly in his arms and then peeked up at him.

“You’ve heard the news, I guess?”

“Yes…”

Theodore remained silent, holding me close for a long time as if he was overwhelmed with emotion. As we continued to hug , the warmth and comfort transmitting from him felt so good that I involuntarily closed my eyes and snuggled deeper into his embrace.

Then, with a slight jolt, Theodore let out a soft sigh, gently stroked my head, and softly kissed the top of my head in a whisper.

“Thank you, Lily.”

“Congratulations on becoming a father.”

“Yes, I’ll be a good father. Congratulations on becoming a mother.”

“Thank you. I’ll be a good mother too.”

I chuckled and rubbed my cheek against his clothing. I felt so content, almost like a cat. Could this be what perfect happiness feels like?

Theodore kissed my forehead, eyes, and cheeks several times before carefully shifting his posture and lifting me up in his arms. It was the so-called princess-carry.

“It’s chilly out, let’s head back inside. I’ll carry you to your room.”

“It’s not that cold, though…?”

“Better safe than sorry.”

“…”

It seemed his overprotectiveness might only increase from here. I raised my eyebrows and shook my head in mild exasperation. He really does treat me as if I’m made of porcelain.

“Is there something you’d like?”

“Um, well there is….”

I hesitated, my eyes were skeptical of Theodore. I wondered if he would really go to the lengths to fetch whatever I mentioned.

The eye-fight was won by Theodore. Eventually, I conceded with a laugh and told him.

“I’ve been craving glacier strawberries for about a week now.”

Glacier strawberries, a pale pink variety, are cultivated in extremely limited quantities in certain greenhouses, usually reserved for the nobility or even royalty of specific regions. It wasn’t likely that he could actually obtain them.

So I wasn’t really expecting anything with my request. I only said so because Theodore told me to.

“….Understood, I’ll get them right away.”

“…?”

To my surprise, Theodore stood up and began putting on his coat. I got up hastily after a daze.

“Theodore, you really don’t have to go. I don’t want them that badly, and they’re incredibly hard to find…”

“No, I’ll get them. Just relax and wait here comfortably.”

After a quick kiss on my forehead, Theodore was out the door. I stood there, dumbfounded, watching him leave.

About four hours later.

Theodore returned to Arendelle Castle, carrying a large crate.

Inside the crate were copious amounts of the delicate pink glacier strawberries. It was enough to last a week even if I ate them daily.

“Did you really…”

My mouth fell open in disbelief. The beautifully shiny strawberries were neatly packed inside the box. Theodore, with a slight smirk, gently took my hand.

“They’re all for you. Enjoy as much as you like.”

He pulled me in for a brief hug, kissing my temple gently.

As I laughed softly, looking over the pink strawberries, I turned to meet Theodore’s eyes, seeing the affection vividly reflected in his blue gaze.

“….Thank you so much, Theodore.”

“I…I should be the one thanking you… for everything you’ve given me.”

As I gazed into his eyes, I couldn’t help but wrap my arms around him for a hug. The cold he must have endured while fetching the strawberries left his body chilled. This only made me hold him tighter.

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