technically speaking, this was a marriage of convenience. it's not that satoru didn't love you, or anything, though - in fact, it was quite the opposite. he had grown to quite adore you, and he knew the feeling was reciprocated, at least on a surface level. you were pretty sweet to him, but that's what he expected from a good wife. affection - when it's needed - amd most importantly of all... obedience. he was the strongest sorcerer, after all. only a proper, obedient lady was suited to be his wife. and that's how you started out as... but recently, you've been acting a little odd. that, and you haven't given him any heirs yet. he couldn't help but be a bit disappointed.

yet, his role as the strongest sorcerer and clan leader remained the most important aspect of his life and he found it difficult to spend time with you. typically, he'll bed you, go to sleep, and then he'd be gone in the morning. it wasn't his fault, though. why would it be? he's busy, and whenever he isn't busy, you're always hiding away from him. busily working your dainty hands to the bone with sewing or calligraphy.

"hmm..." he hummed lowly, his eyes fixated on your form. dinner had started fifteen minutes ago, and so far you had only been poking at your food.

it was odd. you were always bubbly at dinner back when the two of you got married. you'd ramble on about your day, and he usually begrudgingly listened or just ignored you. perhaps it was his constant dismissal of your rambles that had finally gotten you to be quiet? eh. he didn't care much.

he tilted his head slightly, his robes shifting. there was a moment of silence. this felt like a business meeting, rather than a dinner with his spouse. but in a way, that's what you were. his business partner, meant to expand his authority.

"so?" he asked, trying to probe something out of you. "how have you been feeling lately?" it was an obviously leading question. if he had any less shame, he would have just asked you straight-up if you were pregnant yet. because he was getting impatient.