Feasting Lord in Another World

Countess and Postpartum Care (3)

"This is the reason one should lead a virtuous life. Leading such a life can lead to a six-figure salary, you know. Hehe."

Even as he made his way to meet the Countess, Dominic couldn't contain his smile.

"I'm not entirely sure what you mean by a six-figure salary, but let's refrain from discussing money. There are many prying ears within the castle. And you, leading a virtuous life? You truly lack a moral compass."

"What are you implying? Lack a moral compass? Do you not share the same opinion, Sir? That I am a virtuous, just, and courageous hero of this era."

"I've heard quite a few entertaining things today."

"Hey~ Why did you defend me like that in front of the Lord? Have we suddenly become friends?"

As Dominic playfully prodded, Ian clicked his tongue, as if to command attention.

"Hmph, if I had exposed your true nature in front of the Lord, it would have been tantamount to deceiving not only the former village chief who passed on his position but also the merchant who conducted business with you, and even Lord Theodore, who entrusted you with the meals. There were limits to what I could divulge."

"Ah, indeed. You are remarkable. Truly a knight."

From the start, Dominic only heard what he wanted from Ian.

"So, what's the Countess typically like? If you have any insights, please share."

"...I've never personally served her, so I can't provide precise details. Like most noblewomen, she's said to have refined tastes, but I've heard she's become more gracious since becoming pregnant."

"The last time, during dinner, she seemed content with the meal I prepared. She appeared pleasant, you know?"

Internally celebrating, 'What an easy job!' Dominic felt confident.

"But didn't the Lord also mention that she hasn't left her room since two nights after giving birth."

"She's just given birth, so she probably wants to rest. People can get irked if you disturb them during their rest."

Dominic didn't consider it a major issue.

In his previous life, he had witnessed his sister, who was already irritable, becoming completely touchy shortly after giving birth to her niece.

'She's just given birth, after all. It would be stranger if her disposition hasn't changed. Offering her something delectable might lift her spirits.'

High nutrition, low stimulation!

The postpartum dietary plan for mothers was already taking shape in his mind.

**

"Well, let's forget it!"

A hysterical outcry emanated from the Countess's chamber.

"Please, just give it a try..."

"Emily! Inform the Count I appreciate it, but it's unnecessary! Right now! What? A chef? This is no jest!"

Standing awkwardly at the door, unable to enter, Dominic's thoughts raced.

'Huh? Am I about to be dismissed?'

This could easily make his golden opportunity of one gold coin per week vanish.

"Phew-. I apologize. The Countess currently lacks an appetite... I'll relay it to the Lord."

There it goes~!

In Dominic's eyes, it appeared as if a gold coin had sprouted wings and was soaring far away.

While some of the seaweed business money was accumulating in his favor, forfeiting potential income was a separate issue.

"Excuse me!"

"...Yes?"

Dominic halted the butler who was about to turn away.

'According to what I've heard from the Lord, she appeared to enjoy the seaweed soup! If that's the case, she must have an appetite, so why the sudden cessation... Ah!'

While speaking, a memory from a past life rushed into his mind.

[Are you feuding with pumpkins? You'll get diabetes that way. Do you know how much sugar is in pumpkin juice?]

[Could you please be quiet? If we leave it like this, I'll gain weight! I have to shed those pounds before that.]

[That's just all your excess fat...! Ugh!]

[Get out! Get out, you rascal!]

The sister he had seen shortly after her daughter was born looked no different from before she had the child.

However, to be honest, he barely recognized his sister when he visited her a few days later in the postnatal care center.

'Postpartum edema, I'd only heard about swollen hands and feet, but they truly resembled balloons.'

He had studied about the edema that many new mothers experience in his medical textbooks, but witnessing it in a family member was more startling than he had anticipated.

'The countess locked herself in her room after just two days. She simply stated she doesn't require any food. She must be hungry.'

After gathering his thoughts, Dominic cautiously approached the butler.

"Is the swelling severe?"

"...!"

"The body retains water and fats to produce breast milk. Some individuals experience particularly pronounced swelling, and in such cases, diet plays a critical role in a swift recovery. I can offer my assistance."

"...Please wait a moment."

"Of course."

Postpartum edema is so prevalent that statistics suggest more than half of all new mothers go through it.

The new mothers here were likely no exception.

However, the less active you are during pregnancy and the more fatty foods you consume, the worse the swelling tends to become. The Countess probably falls into this more severe category.

'The Countess didn’t move around much to begin with, and she probably ate even less during her pregnancy. Plus, if she had dinner with the Lord Theodore every evening, she likely consumed overly oily and salty foods to match his preferences.'

Upon reflection, the meals prepared under the old Lord's instructions were quite rich, indicating that the Countess likely gained significant weight during her pregnancy.

Drrrring-.

After some time had elapsed, the door to the Countess’s locked room opened.

"You may enter."

Guided by the butler, Dominic entered a room that surprisingly contained a living area.

'So, this is the renowned "room within a room" concept.'

While immersed in that irrelevant thought, the Countess emerged, supported by her maid, from the adjoining bedroom.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, my lady."

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, my lady."

Ian was the first to offer his respect, and Dominic quickly followed suit. In that very moment, he grasped the Countess's predicament.

'It's severe.'

If the Countess had appeared somewhat plump before, she now resembled someone who had been inflated with air.

A glimpse of her arm extending from her generously tailored indoor dress explained why she had secluded herself.

"...I trust you since you're also overseeing Lord Theodore's diet."

Her voice, which had been frantic just moments ago, now carried a hint of sadness.

'Her self-esteem must have taken a significant blow. I hope she's not grappling with postpartum depression as well. That would be a serious concern...'

Hormonal changes can be overwhelming, pushing individuals to the brink.

Teenagers going through puberty, middle-aged individuals experiencing menopause, and mothers who have recently given birth have all faced similar challenges.

For the noblewomen of this world, maintaining their beauty was a matter of destiny. It was crucial to possess at least some level of beauty, not only to secure a good husband but also to gain an advantage in the social circles where information flowed freely.

"I've been restricting my food intake, but I'm not losing any weight..."

"Here's a record of everything Madame has consumed thus far."

The butler handed over a note.

"Hmm."

"Should we further reduce her intake?"

A weary tone accompanied the question.

In response, Dominic let out a soft sigh.

"You must eat."

"What? Didn't you say you would assist me?"

"That's precisely why you must eat."

"...What?"

"Please, promise me. Adhere to the diet plan I'm prescribing without deviation."

"But...!"

"When you're ill, you visit a healer and take medicine, correct? It's the same principle. What I'm providing you with now is like medicine. You mustn't skip or omit anything. If you faithfully follow this regimen, you will soon return to your original physique."

Observing this interaction, Ian sensed an unusual strength in Dominic's words.

'It's definitely not mana.'

From the moment they first met, Dominic had struck him as an unconventional figure. He could be subservient due to his social standing, yet he spoke his mind freely. He appeared worldly and self-centered, yet his sincerity shone through when discussing food.

'Is it self-confidence? Where does such confidence come from?'

No matter how much Ian trained, he found it challenging to possess the same level of self-assuredness.

Furthermore, Dominic occasionally displayed sage-like qualities, resolving problems with unexpected ideas or approaching situations without preconceived notions.

In reality, this was due to his flexible social standing, shaped by memories from his past life, and his broader knowledge compared to the people of this world. However, from Ian's perspective, unaware of these facts, Dominic didn't resemble the typical village chief of a small village at all.

'Perhaps I should continue observing him a bit longer?'

It appeared that once again, Dominic had earned the trust of another individual.