The Crazy Villainess in This Area Is Me

“Pregnant?”

I asked again with a shocked face. But naturally, the words of the imperial doctor did not change.

“Yes. Congratulations, Your Majesty! Imagine how happy His Majesty will be when he hears this news!” He laughed heartily, oblivious to Lobelia’s inner turmoil.

It was, of course, a joyous event for the entire empire.

“Did you hear that, Roseni?”

“Yes! We’re finally getting a sibling!”

“

!”

“

!”

The two girls jumped up and down, holding hands, thrilled by the imperial doctor’s words.

Finally, the long-awaited sibling was on the way. They had been told never to enter the emperor and empress’s bedroom at night if they wanted a sibling, so even on stormy nights, Merilly and Roseni held each other’s hands tightly, resisting the urge to go to their parents’ room. It was like a reward for their patience.

“But there were two jewels?”

“Twins?”

“It must be twins!”

“They’re twins, right?”

The two girls looked at the imperial doctor with expectant eyes.

He cleared his throat before speaking. “We still need to monitor it a bit more. The baby has just started to develop.”

“I hope it’s twins!”

“They would be so cute…”

Merilly and Roseni chatted happily, already imagining their unborn siblings.

Amidst all this joy and celebration, only I was confused.

“

…” A sigh escaped my lips.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want the baby. I always regretted not being able to fully experience Merilly’s childhood. But now, knowing a precious baby was growing inside me, how could I not be happy? Frinel would surely be delighted too.

But my primary concern was my two beloved daughters. I looked at them, filled with joy over the news of their sibling, with a worried gaze. They had grown, but they were still young and had already been hurt by Magorit’s abuse and Endimion’s neglect. At an age where they needed their parents’ care and attention, I feared they might get hurt again if those were diverted to their siblings.

Merilly and Roseni, perhaps due to their past experiences, were more mature than their peers. I couldn’t tell if they were genuinely happy or if they felt some obligation towards Frinel, their stepfather.

My complexion gradually darkened.

Noticing my change in demeanor, Roseni and Merilly worriedly asked,

“Mother, are you okay?”

“Is it because pregnancy makes you feel unwell?”

“Imperial Doctor, please prescribe the best medicine for our mother.”

“The baby is important, but the most important thing is our mother’s health.”

The two spoke maturely and continued to chatter.

“Merilly, Roseni…”

“Mother, don’t worry. We’ll help you stay healthy and have the baby!”

“Yes, we’ll support you!”

They assumed my pale face was due to the physical toll of pregnancy.

I looked at my two daughters and smiled softly. Then, as if I had made up my mind, I spoke.

“Merilly, Roseni.”

“Yes?”

“Yes?”

They both looked up at her like curious little chicks, answering in unison.

“I have a question. Can you answer honestly?”

“Of course.”

“Sure, Mother.”

Merilly and Roseni’s eyes sparkled, ready to listen.

After a moment’s pause, I slowly began to speak. “I’m very happy to have a new baby, but I have one concern.”

“A concern?”

“Please tell us!”

“As you know, babies need a lot of care from adults. Naturally, for the first few years, the baby will require more attention, and people’s focus will be on the baby.” I looked at the two, who were listening intently. “Of course, our love for you won’t change. But I’m worried that you might get hurt in the process…”

I trailed off, unable to continue. However, my daughters were much more resilient than I thought. They responded as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

“It’s normal for a baby to need a lot of care from adults, right?”

“That’s right. A baby needs to be looked after. And as for the focus…”

Merilly and Roseni quickly exchanged glances, and each of them took one of my hands.

“We’ll give the baby the most attention!”

“Of course! We love our new sibling already! And we’re already grown up!”

“Roseni is right. By the time the baby is born, we’ll be even more grown. We can share the love Mother and father gave us with the baby.”

At their fluent and convincing words, I could only gape in surprise. When had these children grown so much? The little ones who had once suffered under inexplicable adult violence were now ready to spread their wings and fly.

“…My dears.”

With pride, I opened my arms. How could I resist hugging such mature and loving children? I wanted to shower them with kisses right away.

“You’ll always be the beloved babies of this mom and dad.”

Merilly and Roseni immediately moved and cuddled into my arms.

“Even if the cutest and loveliest sibling is born, you’ll always be just as precious to us…”

“We know.”

“Of course! We always love you, Mother. And father too!”

They rubbed their chubby cheeks against me affectionately. I began kissing them alternately on the cheeks.

“You adorable little things!”

“

!”

“

!”

Their joyful screams echoed happily through the room.

“I’m so happy…”

“Me too…”

“Me too…”

For a long time, the three of us hugged and laughed together, our faces mirroring each other like painted twins.

“But when will father come back?”

“Yes, he needs to hear this happy news too!”

“Hmm, I’ve heard that the bandits have been defeated, and he is helping to rebuild the village.”

“

…”

“

…”

Merilly and Roseni, now resting their chins on their hands, fell into deep thought. Then they exchanged glances and smiled mischievously.

“Roseni, are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“Merilly, you too?”

Their eyes sparkled like jewels, like twins more than real twins.

“

?”

Only I, who was clueless about their exchange, tilted my head in confusion.

“Mother!”

“Mother…!”

Merilly and Roseni exclaimed together. “Let’s throw a surprise party!”

Their cheerful voices made my lips curl into a playful smile as well.