Character Introduction
Grandthaleous ZhervenniaThe 131st King of Zhervennia
Age: 63 (Physically appears to be 30–34 years old)
Date of Birth: 44th Day of the 2nd Month, Spring Season, Year 3242 of the Zhervennian Era
Gender: Male
Race: Human
Hair Color: Golden blond
Eye Color: Oak brown
Height: 177 cm
Weight: 74 kg
Magic Affinity: Light Elemental Magic
Grandthaleous is the 131st monarch of the Kingdom of Zhervennia—a ruler of exceptional talent and deep reverence. He is not only a visionary leader with great intellect but also a powerful master of high-level magic. As one of the pillars that uphold the kingdom, he has long maintained peace and prosperity throughout the land.
With unwavering dedication to national progress and a strong commitment to fostering diplomatic relations with neighboring nations, Grandthaleous has earned the admiration and respect of both his people and government officials. His compassion and unwavering sense of justice make him a beloved figure throughout Zhervennia.
Episode 3
A couple of hours had passed, and the rain outside only seemed to grow heavier. Occasional situation reports echoed from Grandthaleous's desk, but overall, everything was going smoothly.
Before long, Grandthaleous and Insiren stepped away from the desk, stretching briefly before walking toward me.
Insiren sat beside me, picking up a fork and spearing a slice of kiwi, while Grandthaleous grabbed a plate of English muffins and ate while standing.
"Aren't you going to sit?" I tilted my head, curious.
Grandthaleous shook his head slightly, swallowing a bite before replying with a hint of jest, "I've been sitting so long my legs have gone stiff. Let me stand for a bit to loosen up."
His playful tone made me chuckle softly.
The food had been prepared hours ago. Though kept under a dome lid, the room's steady 24°C temperature had rendered it cold.
What a pity. Oh—right!
"By the way, what did you two come to talk to me about?"
"Huh?" I blinked. I had completely forgotten.
"Eh?" Insiren let out a similar sound.
"Hm?" Grandthaleous arched an eyebrow, confused by our synchronized reactions.
A smile tugged at my lips as I spoke. "I'm pregnant."
Silence fell. Disbelief flickered in Grandthaleous's eyes. He stood still for a moment, then gently placed his plate on the table and turned toward Insiren. The two locked eyes—and Insiren gave him a small, knowing smile.
Is this real?
That was fast.
Previous Eraria heirs were born to parents over 800 years old. I never expected Lady Eirlys, at just 275, to have a child this soon. I didn't think I'd live to see it.
Grandthaleous remained stunned for another moment before his face broke into a wide smile. He turned to me, voice full of joy.
"Thank you for sharing this wonderful news, Lady Eirlys. It's truly an honor to be told something so important."
He clapped his fist into his palm.
"There's so much to prepare. Would you like to make a public announcement?"
I closed my eyes briefly in thought.
"Eventually, yes. But maybe not just yet. I'm still feeling a bit nervous."
Grandthaleous nodded. "Lady Eirlys, may I suggest you move into the palace until the child is born? Your home in the Zenda Forest isn't exactly the most convenient. Insiren's often away during the day. If anything were to happen, there'd be people around to help.
"Plus, you'd have Friedarence and the children for company—someone experienced to talk to. I've been so busy lately, I worry she might feel lonely."
I could hear the concern in his voice and nodded.
"That's a good idea. I don't want any complications during such a crucial time. Staying here would be better for both me and the baby.
"But the house is going to get messy for sure. I usually sweep every day because of the falling leaves."
Insiren smiled. "Don't worry. I'll take care of it."
"Thank you," I said, deeply touched.
Grandthaleous chuckled. "Everything will be just fine, Lady Eirlys. There's nothing to worry about."
That's true. There's nothing to worry about—not with so many people supporting me. The kingdom is at peace. Nothing should go wrong.
Still, the excitement was undeniable.
I'm going to be a mother.
I placed a hand on my abdomen.
I'll do my best.
I was already dreaming about the days to come—moments filled with love and new hope.
Not long after, I found myself still gazing out the window. I rose from the sofa and touched the glass.
A chill spread through my palm, crawling up my arm and across my body. It must've dropped below freezing outside.
My body could endure extreme temperatures, but I wondered—could an ordinary person keep their hand there as I had?
Insiren joined me at the window.
I turned to see him gazing outside, just as I had.
"This might be the strongest storm I've ever seen," he murmured.
"Same here," I replied softly, eyes still on the glass.
Curious, he mirrored my motion—placing his palm against the glass. He recoiled almost instantly.
I giggled, watching him blow warm air over his hand.
"It's too cold!," he said, inching closer for warmth.
I lifted my hand from the glass and wrapped it around his.
Insiren softened immediately. He leaned in slightly, a content smile tugging at his lips.
"Your hand's still warm, even after touching that."
"They're cold now."
"Is it too chilly in here? Should we turn up the heater?"
He nodded. "Yeah. Probably."
"Hey, Grandthaleous-kun! Mind turning the heat up a bit?"
"Of course," Grandthaleous replied. "I was starting to feel cold too."
He walked to the control panel and adjusted the heater. The warmth in the room rose steadily.
Insiren and I returned to the sofa, my hand still wrapped around his.
"Thanks," Insiren said softly, his gaze tender.
"For what? I just didn't want you to be cold," I replied with a smile.
He leaned in—closer and closer—until our lips met.
The warmth of his kiss was overwhelming. I closed my eyes, basking in the love he poured into that one touch.
When we pulled away, I looked into his eyes and saw a love that mirrored mine.
"I love you, Insiren," I whispered.
"I love you too, Eirlys," he replied.
We sat, wrapped in each other's arms, staring out the window, surrounded by the gentle warmth of the heater—and the stronger warmth of our shared love.
"By the way... what's Grandthaleous-kun doing back at the desk again? Wasn't the work done already?"
"He said he was checking the royal records to see how previous Eraria heirs were welcomed."
"But I don't remember any ceremonies from when I was little."
"Can you remember what happened when you were just born?"
"Fair point... Maybe he's reviewing data protocols and security measures. You and the baby are extremely important."
I nodded in understanding.
At that moment, the rain outside grew louder. Insiren stared up at the storm clouds—wild and furious, like a wrathful dragon ready to tear everything below to pieces.
Worry flickered in his eyes.
"It'll be alright. Everything's under control, right?"
"Yeah... but I still can't help worrying."
"Then why not try what you used to do?"
He turned to me. "What do you mean?"
"You used to do it often—observe the storm's patterns and incorporate them into your magic."
"You're right." He approached the window.
"Though with rain this heavy, I'm not sure how much I can see."
He focused, analyzing the storm's flow and wind currents.
If he's concentrating this hard, it's best not to interrupt. I'll just watch from here.