The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

"Really? Is that appropriate?"

"What are you thinking? I just wanted to check out the scar!"

Sexton complied without any fuss, lifting his shirt so Ulrich could take a look.

"Wow, this scar is flawless! My sister is a genius!"

This was Lunaris's handiwork, after all!

As Helen walked in, she caught Ulrich intently examining Sexton's chest, even touching the scar gently.

"What's up with the old man's ticker?"

"Just checking out the old guy's surgery scar."

Not wanting to alarm the elderly couple, Ulrich reluctantly shifted his gaze away.

Sexton chuckled, "Where's Malvina, that little rascal? Haven't seen her in a while. I was thinking of setting her up with Palmer, but you, my boy, swept her off her feet."

Mentioning Malvina Gruber made Ulrich visibly uncomfortable.

"I don't know what's up with her. Lately, she's been picking fights with me, seems really out of sorts."

"Young love, a little tiff here and there is normal!"

To comfort Ulrich, Sexton turned to the recently entered Noella, "Noella, do you and Palmer fight much?" "Never," Noella honestly replied.

Part of it was that their personalities weren't prone to clashing.

Whenever they had a disagreement, they'd rather duke it out in a sparring match than argue.

Moreover, Palmer seemed never to get mad at her no matter the issue!

It wasn't that they didn't cherish their together time; it was quite the opposite.

Ulrich felt even more distressed.

"I don't get it, just because Malvina wanted instant noodles one night, I made them for her, but she complained they weren't right, then accused me of not loving her and started crying!"

"I cleaned her room, did her laundry, and she accused me of thinking she's useless, cried again!"

"She wanted overripe bananas, where was I supposed to find those? I finally got them from a grocery store, and the owner thought I was nuts! Then Malvina threw them up, saying I was torturing her..."

Ulrich was always so accommodating with Malvina.

Faced with this, he was at a loss of what to do.

Noella massaged her temples.

It seemed Ulrich hadn't realized what was going on with Malvina.

Helen frowned, "Sounds like she's either PMSing or experiencing pregnancy mood swings. You're in medical school, don't you know anything about pregnancy?"

"I'm not an obstetrician..."

Ulrich's response got caught in his throat!

He knew Malvina's cycle well!

It wasn't that time, and lately, her mood had been off, struggling with her appetite.

Ulrich was even worried about potential gastrointestinal issues, considering taking her for a scope!

Seeing Ulrich's dumbfounded expression, Helen shook her head in mock disdain.

"Idiot boy, how did you even manage to get a girlfriend? You don't even realize you're about to be a dad!"

"I-I-I... Noella, you-you-you... thi-thi-this..."

Ulrich turned utterly tongue-tied!

Noella summarized her earlier deductions.

"Considering everything you've said, it's likely true, but you should still get Malvina checked out."

"I'll do it right now!"

Ulrich dashed out the door, only to quickly return and hand a medicine kit to Sexton.

Seeing his exhilarated expression, Sexton couldn't help but laugh.

"To think Marcel's grandson would beat me to it, that old fox, always a step ahead."Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Catching the implied meaning in Sexton's words, Noella chuckled lightly.

"Grandpa Sexton, Gavin is cute too."

Mentioning his great-grandson brought a smile to Sexton's face, He is adorable, but I'd love to see yours and Palmer's kids too. You both are so good-looking, your kids would be smart and beautiful..."

He trailed off, letting out an almost inaudible sigh.

Yet, he didn't have much time left.

Helen masked her own touch of sadness, rolling her eyes.

"Why bring up such things to make the kids sad? Watch out, or Noella and Palmer's kids won't visit your grave!"

"That won't do, Noella. Remember to bring the kids to visit grandpa, will you?"

Noella felt a pang of sorrow but promised anyway.

...

Outside the Shadow Dragon Society.

Robert spotted Ulrich from a distance, grinning cheekily as he approached.

"Ulrich, Malvina's inside. Did you guys have another fight?"

Ever since Ulrich threatened to sterilize Robert, he acted like a mouse in front of a cat around him.

Despite Robert's intimidating exterior, Ulrich didn't mind.

He was prepared, ensuring Robert wouldn't get a chance to harm Malvina.

Leading Ulrich into the Shadow Dragon Society, Robert pointed upstairs.

"Malvina's been sleeping since she

got back, not coming down for meals or going to the neighboring gym. Seeing her look so down

figured, heh, must be a lovers' quarrel with you."

He ventured, "Thought maybe you were considering breaking up with Malvina..."

Ulrich gave him a cold look.

"Keep your thoughts to yourself. I'm not leaving Malvina."

"You got me wrong..."

After a warning glance from Ulrich, he marched upstairs and knocked on the door.

"Malvina? Can I come in?"

No reply came from inside. In his urgency, Ulrich forcefully turned the knob, barging in!

Upon opening the door, he found Malvina asleep on the bed, her cheeks flushed, and her forehead alarmingly hot to the touch!

"Damn it!"

He scooped up Malvina, carried her out, and sped towards the hospital.

...

Imperial West Hospital.

Ulrich had barely rushed Malvina into the hospital when he bumped into Noella, who was on her way upstairs to find Calvin.

Without a second thought, he grabbed Noella by the arm.

"Noella, come give me a hand here!"

Ten minutes later.

After Malvina had been thoroughly checked, Noella stood up and removed her mask.

།

"Ulrich, Malvina's got a fever, and she's definitely pregnant. Medication could Karm the baby, so let's try to bring the fever down with some physical methods."

Ulrich was pacing back and forth in the room, a bundle of nerves.

"Okay, you stay with Malvina for a bit. I'll step out into the corridor to call my folks!"

This was big news, and the Schnabel family had to be informed.

More importantly, he needed to let his family know he was planning to get married!

As soon as Sienna picked up the phone, Ulrich was met with a barrage of scolding.

"So, you remember to call, do you? How long has it been since you've been home? Might as well move into the hospital at this point!"

"You never bring Malvina back for dinner. What, have you hooked up with some nurse at the hospital?"

"Let me tell you, if you dare to wrong Malvina, I swear I'll tan your hide!"

Ulrich massaged his temples, bracing himself.

Then he dropped the bombshell.

"Mom, I'm getting married!"