Became Pregnant With the Demon King’s Child

“That must be Creno Island. It’s where the Temple of the God of Peace is located, so it’s certainly safer than most places.”
“You mean it’s no longer safe now?”

Felix furrowed his brows. Since Creno was far from Nyx, he was inevitably a step behind the Crown Prince when it came to recent intelligence.
“No. There haven’t been any reports of problems on the island itself. But the territory on the opposite shore belongs to Arendelle. He’s one of the noble faction’s members involved in this mess, and he’s itching to prove himself. It’s best to assume that black mages have stationed themselves in that region. Which means it’s highly likely they’ve planted agents in Creno as well.”
Lowell recalled Sage Arendelle—the foolish noble who had once picked a fight with Felix like a smoldering sweet potato. From what Lowell had gathered, the son might be stupid, but the father, who held the actual reins of power, was a rather ambitious man with political instincts.

“He wanted power badly enough to poison his own territory.”
In the original novel, it had only been described briefly: “The remaining black mages were dealt with.” Lowell hadn’t expected things to be this serious.
“What makes you believe the black mages have spread that far?”

“You’ve been moving between battlefields and rarely visiting the capital, so you wouldn’t know. The ritual to gradually manipulate the Emperor’s mind didn’t start until less than five years ago. But the spread of black magic itself—used to counterbalance the royal family’s symbol of light magic—has been going on for over twenty years.”
In other words, the black magic infestation had begun gradually from the time the current Emperor took the throne. As he listened to the Crown Prince’s explanation, Lowell couldn’t deny that, while the information he had was useful, it represented only a small fraction of the whole picture.
“Even the Blessing Month has become less about showing off the central government’s strength, and more about letting nobles in league with the black mages bewitch His Majesty.”

Lowell felt as if the whole puzzle had finally come together. Drugging Felix’s drink, provoking Lowell’s emotions—those had all been part of the same scheme.
“As soon as this situation is resolved, we’ll have to deal with the black mages as well. Lately, there’ve been more reports of monsters showing up near civilian villages—it’s likely they’re reacting to the black magic, given how similar their energies are.”
Felix wasn’t the only knight who’d been dispatched frequently due to monsters near settlements this year. In fact, since Nyx had only had a single such incident, it could even be considered safer. The closer to the capital, the more frequent the reports.

“Then where is safe?”
“There’s no place nearby that’s completely safe.”
“In that case, I cannot move anymore.”

“Count Davon’s estate, just past this mountain, can be trusted. If things get truly dangerous, he can at least evacuate you once.”
“That’s not enough. It needs to be close to perfectly safe.”
Nowhere in the Haleo Empire could guarantee safety—but Felix, too, had something he couldn’t compromise on.

“That ship sailed the moment we headed for the capital.”
Just then, the Crown Prince spoke again—deliberately veering off-topic—and Lowell, who had been silently listening, finally couldn’t hold back and cut in.
“I wasn’t going to say this, but… if the Emperor had targeted me, then going to Nyx would’ve been even more dangerous. He would’ve detained me as well, and used me as a hostage.”
Realizing this now—how heading for the capital was more dangerous than he’d anticipated—Lowell still didn’t regret the decision he’d made.

“Your Highness knows this region better than anyone. I believe you made the best choice available.”
Lowell said it like all the sharpness he’d shown until now had been a lie—as though he was ready to follow the Crown Prince’s judgment.
“I thought you’d keep arguing. That’s unexpected.”

“Your Highness also decided to trust me, even though you still have doubts.”
“I never said I trusted you.”
“Then allow me to correct myself—I believe you will, soon enough.”

They were both smiling with their mouths, but their eyes were locked in a cold stare. Instinctively, they knew—they didn’t get along.
“Then when day breaks, let’s head to the Count’s estate. I’ll escort you.”
“Yes.”

Felix seemed like he wanted to keep discussing Lowell’s arrangements, but no better alternative came to mind.
“Let’s cross-check our intel.”
Even though he wanted nothing more than to collapse into sleep, Lowell stubbornly pressed on. He had «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» organized key details from the novel in the study and compared them meticulously with historical and geographic records, so over the course of their late-night discussion, the Crown Prince had no choice but to acknowledge the accuracy of Lowell’s information.

***
Lowell, who had barely slept and was physically exhausted, finally dozed off on horseback this time. Thanks to that short nap, they arrived at Count Davon’s estate before he knew it.
“This way, please.”

After opening the back gate, Count Davon checked whether any tracking spells had been placed on the prisoners, then ordered them taken to the dungeon. He turned to welcome the rest of the party with utmost hospitality.
“We won’t be staying long. We’ll move on immediately.”
At the Crown Prince’s words, Count Davon’s face visibly darkened with disappointment. His emotions were so transparent, it was hard to doubt his loyalty.

“Duke, if the two of you have things to discuss, do it quickly.”
Before the Crown Prince could even speak, Felix had already helped Lowell off the horse and was inspecting him for injuries.
“Once something happens, it’ll be too late—so if you sense any danger, contact me immediately. Even if it’s the slightest risk.”

He paused briefly, ears flushing, before adding—
“Even if there’s no danger… you can still call for me. No matter what, I’ll answer.”
Despite everything, Lowell reached out and caressed Felix’s face. Felix bent low so that Lowell could easily touch him.

How could I… when no one knows when or where a battle might break out?
Using a magic orb would release a pulse. In an emergency, that could reveal their position—and that might mean death. But Lowell didn’t say it.
“I will. In return, promise me you’ll come back safe. You remember what you said—you wouldn’t let me lose the person I love in a war, right?”

“Lowell, I can promise you anytime. You promise me you won’t get hurt.”
“I will.”
“If you’re injured—even a scratch—I swear I’ll never let you leave the tower again.”

“Then I’ll have to stay unharmed, just from fear of that.”
Lowell was amazed—and thankful—that he could still smile sincerely like this.
“Tia, the knights who were guarding Lowell—have them remain here with him.”

Even though Felix’s knights were already an elite few, he still announced he’d leave half of them behind. Some of them clearly wanted to follow, but none voiced any objection.
“I’ll stay too.”
Lowell blinked in surprise at Tony, who had dropped to one knee and was asking permission. Felix didn’t immediately respond.

“Please let me repay the life debt I owe you. I’ll be Lowell-nim’s extra life.”
Tony lowered himself even further. Felix looked down at him with an expression so impassive, it felt almost inhuman.
“This is your last chance.”

When Felix finally gave his reluctant approval, Tony bowed deeply. His clenched fists on the ground trembled, his whole body taut with tension.
“Yes, sir!”
He stood and bowed again. Felix merely nodded in response.

“Let’s go.”
“Wait.”
Lowell, not caring about the others watching, rose on tiptoe and pressed a soft kiss to Felix’s lowered lips. Felix’s hand clenched tightly in response.

“Feels like I’m leaving my heart behind.”
“I’ll take good care of it.”
“Good. I’m entrusting you with everything.”

Felix gritted his teeth as he tore himself away and mounted his horse. Watching the scene unfold, the Crown Prince curled his lips slightly.
“I’ll send backup—just in case.”
“Backup?”

“You’ll know who it is when they arrive.”
As if to say there was nothing more to explain, the Crown Prince led Felix and the knights away. The moment Felix’s figure disappeared into the distance, Lowell’s body gave out. As he crumpled, he instinctively curled in to shield his belly.
“Lowell-nim!”

Fortunately, the knights had kept their full attention on him and caught him before he hit the ground.
“Ugh…”
The pain came all at once—muscle aches and everything else attacking his body in unison. Lowell’s fragile frame couldn’t possibly handle this forced march. He’d endured it only by sheer will, thinking Felix wouldn’t be able to leave if he showed he was in pain.

“Summon…! Get a priest—one not from the capital—bring one in secretly!”
With those final words, Lowell’s consciousness faded completely.