Pregnancy Is Too Much For The Villain-Chapter 171

"At first, you simply sought to prevent that man from ascending to the throne and came to me to form an alliance, didn’t you?"

"Yes, that’s right."

She recalled the day Reynard had come to her before their wedding, offering an invitation and asking her to join him in forming an alliance to prevent the Third Prince from taking power. That was the beginning of their shared cause.

"I know that as my husband grew closer to Your Majesty, the two of you shared similar ideas and beliefs. But for me, it was always about one thing—getting justice for Valentin. My sole intention was to seek revenge on the man who hurt him."

"……."

"It’s true that I planned and orchestrated much of what happened, but it wasn’t for some grand cause. And as for the way things ended, with their perfect destruction, that wasn’t entirely of my doing. I merely laid the bait and bridges along the way. In the end, it was their own greed that led them to their downfall. That’s why I don’t stand here boasting of victory, Your Majesty."

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"So, while you laid the groundwork, their downfall was a result of their own choices and greed, leading them to self-destruction."

"Exactly."

"And there wasn’t any grand noble cause behind it all."

"You understand correctly."

Reynard turned to grasp Valentin’s hand, squeezing it gently. The warmth from Valentin’s hand spread through him, and they shared a quiet moment.

"Then I suppose my becoming Empress was also a matter of chance?" Allison mused, staring off into the distance as if deep in thought.

"That’s not true, Your Majesty."

Valentin’s firm voice broke through her contemplative silence, bringing her attention back.

"What was it that allowed you to survive among those who were consumed by their greed and fell to ruin? It was your unwavering dedication to the people of this empire and your commitment to guiding the nation forward. That’s what set you apart, and that’s why you stand here, deserving of this position."

"……."

"Throughout all the temptations, you always made the right choice for the people. The citizens recognized that, and that’s why you are where you are now."

"Thank you for saying that," Allison replied, her smile filled with warmth.

"But it’s truly a shame. Losing such a great nobleman and talent... Are you still determined not to enter politics, Marquis?"

"I am."

"You would be a great ally and asset if you were to join me…"

"Please don’t lose sight of your own values, Your Majesty. You have always fought to discover talents outside the traditional aristocracy and worked to create opportunities for those people to thrive. That’s who you are," Reynard said.

It was a precise observation. Allison had always challenged the political system dominated by the aristocratic upper house.

"If I were to step into politics now, I would only make things harder for the emerging talents and new noble class who are beginning to find their place. My duty lies in protecting this nation and its seas, as I always have."

"…I see. And yet, you still have no interest in reclaiming your position as heir to the Grand Duke?"

She brought up the matter of Reynard’s relinquished claim to the Grand Duchy. He glanced briefly at Valentin’s face before turning back to the Empress, a look of firm resolve on his features.

"It was the best decision I could have made at the time, and even now, I believe it was the right choice. My husband gave up the ‘freedom’ he cherished so much when he returned to me."

"I didn’t think of it that way, Reynard…" Valentin interjected softly, not wanting to make it seem like he had made some grand sacrifice. Reynard, however, continued speaking without denying or affirming his words.

"That’s why I intend to give up that position as well. I want to return some of that lost freedom to Valentin, to help him live a more peaceful, freer life."

Allison nodded slowly as she listened to Reynard’s explanation.

Indeed, it was a position with no room for freedom.

She fully understood his reasoning now, thanks to their conversation that day.

Valentin brought her back from her thoughts, looking at the couple who now sat together, hands intertwined lovingly.

"My husband may have spoken in grand terms, but Your Majesty…"

"Go on."

"It’s really quite simple. We’ve been through so much, and now we just want to spend the rest of our lives peacefully, looking at each other, away from the turmoil of politics."

"Is that so…?"

It was such a typical Valentin response. Allison, seeing the pride and affection in his eyes, understood the desire to live quietly, peacefully, after being battered by the storms of life. It made perfect sense for the artist who had always loved freedom and peace.

"If that is your true will, I won’t press you further."

"Thank you."

"However, I will make some corrections in the press. It wouldn’t sit right with me to let such a noble achievement go unacknowledged."

"Please do as you see fit."

And with that, their agreement was settled.

"I still have much to organize, but I am planning to abolish absolute monarchy and move toward a constitutional monarchy, with a parliamentary system."

Her words were momentous.

Valentin was stunned. Though he had always considered Allison to be a forward-thinking leader, he had not expected her to possess the courage to give up the centuries-old throne that ruled over the vast continent. She was an even more formidable figure than he had imagined.

"In the future, this country must belong more and more to the people."

"……."

"As I work through such difficult plans, please come visit me sometimes. I don’t want to lose my friends."

"How could we refuse?"

Though they wouldn’t participate in politics, Denox and Valkores would always stand as steadfast allies for the Empress as she undertook this monumental task. Valentin readily promised to maintain his close friendship with her. It was a promise easy to keep, for Allison was a person well worth the effort.

As the Empress left, Valentin looked up at Reynard in the lobby and asked softly, "Are you really okay with giving up everything you had and living freely with me?"

Without the title of Grand Duke’s heir, Reynard’s position within the navy and even his status would no longer be what they once were. He would now live as the Marquis of Valkores, overseeing his estate. But Reynard, showing no concern, shook his head.

"I only had those things because I was born into them, not because I wanted them."

"Really…?"

"I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: The only thing I truly want is you, Valentin."

"Ah…"

"With you by my side, nothing else matters. All I need is ‘us.’"

"Me too."

Valentin wrapped his arms around Reynard, pulling him into a tight embrace. The strength and security in his Alpha’s arms filled him with a sense of peace and joy.

There were no more explanations or justifications needed between them.

The events that had once driven them apart—the accidents, the surging emotions, and the wounds—were now part of the past. Both of them had regrets, yet they did not regret the choices that had led them here.

That time was behind them now.

For the reunited lovers, there was no need to waste time dwelling on the past. Every moment together was too precious, too valuable to waste. And so they chose not to question the past, knowing that they understood everything without needing to say it.

They both knew that this moment, being together, was the most important thing.

They both knew that they would never let go of each other’s hands again.

Valentin smiled as he met Reynard’s unwavering gaze. With a playful tug on his hand, he led Reynard back into their home—the place that would be theirs forever.