Beginning of the 10th month, 1,547th year, Continental Calendar
There was a little domain in the mountains of the kingdom. It was the forr domain of Liscias father, the forr king, Sir Albert. He had been the petty noble who ruled this domain, but, one day, hed t Liscias mother, Lady Elisha.
At the ti, the royals had been engaged in a succession crisis over who would take the throne after the death of the previous king. Even now, his personality was, in favorable terms, gentle and without a hunger for power; in less favorable terms, banal and unambitious. He avoided creating enemies where he didnt need them. Thus, by supporting the then-young Lady Elisha with his good-natured personality, Sir Albert had unintentionally created a situation where it was hard for the other royals to turn their hatred toward Lady Elisha.
Thus, the succession crisis had ended with the elimination of all the royals but Lady Elisha, the throne going to her as the sole survivor. In recognition for his continuous support, Sir Albert had been allowed to marry Lady Elisha, thereby becoming king.
Now Sir Alberts forr lands had beco part of the crown desne, but since he had chosen to retire to them, he was essentially the lord there again.
I was now over Sir Alberts domain, looking down from the back of Naden in her ryuu form.
The scenery was the embodint of the countryside, in a way that made it feel like old folk songs would suit it well. There were mountains, streams, fields, and pastures, along with farmhouses dotted around.
For soone used to dealing with a murderous workload every day in the capital, it felt like ti moved slower here. There was no place better for soone who wanted to live the quiet life.
If I quit being king, living in a place like this wouldnt be so bad, I pondered.
Youre way too young to be longing for the countryside. Nadens exasperated voice spoke straight into my mind. I an, you havent even had your coronation yet. Or our wedding. Its a waste of ti to think about what youll do when you quit. For one thing, with tis being what they are, isnt it going to be difficult to have an easy retirent? If there were a sudden change in the situation up north, you might not get to live to old age in the first place, you know?
Reluctantly, I said, I guess you have a point there.
Naden was right. If the situation in the northin other words, the Demon Lords Domainwere to change, there was no telling when this kingdom may get caught up in it. The kingdom was stable now, but if the Demon Lords Domain expanded any further, there would be more refugees, and the chaos from when Id first taken the throne may well return.
The west side of the continent had Marias Gran Chaos Empire defending it, so I was sure they would be fine, but I couldnt shake the feeling that the Union of Eastern Nations on the east side of the continent was just a loose gathering of small- to dium-sized nations. If they collapsed, it would affect our country too. That was why I had to dispatch reinforcents.
I sighed. Its not easy retiring, huh.
Thats how it goes. Besides...you have to create a good country for the children, dont you? Dad.
Ahaha...
Dad...huh. It hasnt really hit ho yet, but thats what Im going to be, arent I ?
Oh, I want to hurry and see Liscia, I said longingly.
Youre going to say that while on my back?
If we have a child together, Naden, Im confident Ill feel the sa way toward you.
Well, thats fine then. Ill carry you there, so just be patient.
Roger that.
Thats my line!
Naden twisted her body and swam through the sky even faster. She swam through the wind toward Sir Alberts mansion where Liscia was staying.
Today was the day I could finally see Liscia. Even after returning from the Republic of Turgis, my free ti had been eaten up by all the accumulated work, preventing from going.
That was why being able to see Liscia for the first ti in a while made so happy, but...at the sa ti, it weighed on a little.
I have to tell her were going to the Union of Eastern Nations after all...
Just when Id thought all my work was taken care of, the Empire had issued a request to send reinforcents to the Union of Eastern Nations. I wouldnt be able to see her again for a while, and it was painful knowing I would worry her.
Id really rather not worry Liscia while shes pregnant.
Deliberately choosing not to tell her wasnt an option. I was going to be organizing an army, and there was no way to hide that. That was why I wanted to give Liscia a proper explanation in advance, to minimize her anxiety. But it still weighed on .
I wonder if this is how a husband who cant tell his wife hes being transferred to a position where hell have to live alone sowhere else feels...
That was what I thought as I stared vaguely up into the clear autumn sky.
The mansion with the blue roof up on the hill was the forr king Sir Alberts mansion.
When Naden and I touched down in front of the entrance, the first one to greet us was Carla in her maid dress. While we were away in Turgis, Carla had been serving as Liscias personal attendant and bodyguard. There were also people from the Black Cats and National Defense Force dispatched here, protecting Liscia and her family from the shadows as well as out in the sunlight.
Carla stood in front of us and bowed. Its been a while, master.
Long ti no see, I said easily. Has anything changed with Liscia or her family?
Yes. Madam Hilde says both Liscia and the baby are healthy, but... Well, it would be better for you to hear it from her yourself.
That makes sense... Sorry. Ive sort of ended up leaving Liscia entirely to you.
No, no. Liscia is my masters partner, but she is also my irreplaceable friend. If I can help, nothing will make happier. Besides...
Besides?
When I pushed her to say more, Carla gave a wonderful smile and said, Unlike the head maid, Lady Elisha doesnt make wear embarrassing outfits!
Oh...
While she was in the castle, the sadistic head maid, Serina, had been taking good care of Carla. Working under Lady Elisha, who always wore a gentle smile, surely was easier on her.
You know, theres a request from the production team on Overman Silvan saying theyd like you to make an appearance as Miss Dran again soti soon... I mused.
Urgh... I-If you order it, I must obey, Carla said with a truly displeased look on her face.
She seed to have adapted to the short skirt on her maid dress (Serinas idea), but apparently, she still couldnt get used to Miss Drans sexy costu (also Serinas idea).
Theyre apparently getting a lot of letters saying, Bring back Miss Dran. The senders...are mostly full-grown n, I hear.
This entire country should fall to ruin... she moaned.
Dont say that in front of the king!
Her eyes looked quite pretty serious, but it would probably be best for Carla if I just laughed it off as a joke. It wasnt a direct insult to , so her slave collar hadnt responded to it, but if anyone overheard, I would have to try her for lse-majest, so I hoped shed cut it out.
The subject seed dangerous, so I decided to drop it there.
Lets get straight to the point, Carla. Show to where Liscia is.
Ah! Thats right. But first, why not go pay your respects to the forr king? Hes been waiting in the parlor for you to arrive.
Yeah, thatd be the polite thing to do, huh. Okay then, take to see Sir Albert first.
Understood. This way please.
Carla led the way into the mansion, and Naden and I tailed after her. Then, once we were shown through to the parlor, we were greeted by Sir Albert and Lady Elisha.
Why, son-in-law, greeted Sir Albert. How good it is of you to co see us.
You must be Naden, Lady Elisha said, smiling. Youre just as cute as Liscias been telling .
Sir Albert took my hand, and Lady Elisha took Nadens.
Its been a while, I said. Father, Mother. Im glad to see you seem to be as well as ever.
I-Im Naden. Nice to echu. Naden was tense and slurred her words.
Seeing Naden like that, Lady Elisha giggled and hugged Nadens head tight in her ample bosom.
Whuhwhuh?!
Suddenly finding herself in an embrace, Naden panicked and flailed her arms. She had to be feeling shy too.
Elisha gently patted Naden on the head. My daughter will be marrying Sir Souma too. So, Naden, if anything should happen, please rely on as a mother. Im happy to have gotten another cute daughter like Tomoe.
Your scent reminds of Lady Tiamat. Naden wrapped her arms around Lady Elishas waist. Shed been tad in an instant.
A scent like the holy mother dragon...? Was it the sll of motherhood, or sothing like that? As a ryuu, Naden had no relatives. Ruby was the only friend she had left from her holand now too. If Lady Elisha could be her mother in this country, nothing would make happier. Its a happy thing to have soone who will indulge you like a child after all.
While I watched the two of them with a smile, Sir Albert began speaking.
Son-in-law, we will take care of Madam Naden here, so please go be with Liscia. She is on the terrace in the courtyard, eagerly awaiting your arrival.
Thank you. Ill do just that.
I gave my regards to the them both, then left Naden behind and exited the parlor. Then, with guidance from Carla, I headed to the terrace facing out on the courtyard.
On the sunlit white terrace, there was a table with tea already prepared, and a lone woman was seated at it. The woman had her back to , and she was watching the trees sway in the autumn wind.
When I gave Carla the sign indicating shed taken far enough, she bowed then turned on her heel and returned to the mansion.
I silently approached the table, taking a seat where I could get a glimpse of her face. The woman turned to and smiled softly.
It feels like its been such a long ti, Souma.
Yeah, I feel like we havent t in forever. I wanted to see you, Liscia.
Hehe! too. Liscias smile was like a flower blooming.
This was my fiance, who I hadnt seen in over a month since going to the Republic of Turgis. Seeing her for the first ti in a long while, Liscia looked far more like an adult than she had before.
While my heart was racing at the sight of her, I opened my mouth, feeling like I had to say sothing. Your hair... Has it grown?
Yeah. I havent cut it recently after all.
Liscias hair, which she had cut short when issuing the ultimatum to Georg, was now about halfway back to the length it had been when Id first t her.
Will you grow it out to the length it was before? I asked.
Im still deciding. Im fond of the shorter hairstyle now. Which do you think looks better on , Souma?
I like both.
Geez, youre so indecisive.
So long as you dont beco a skinhead, or do anything else too extre with your hair, Im sure Ill love it.
I wont do that with my hair.
Liscia and I looked at one another and smiled. We had a good laugh, then I scratched my head hard.
Whyd I start off talking about your hair? Therere a ton of things I want to ask and tell you, but...I cant find the right words.
Go through them in order, she directed. You have ti to relax today, right?
Yeah. Thats right... Well, first... I turned back to face her, bowing my head to Liscia with her swollen belly. Thank you for making a new mber of my family, Liscia.
Hehe! You an our family, dont you? Liscia said, correcting with a gentle smile. With this, Im a bona fide mber of your family now.
Ive thought of you as family all this ti, but...I feel it even more strongly now.
Blood ties. Soul ties. It seed like putting it into words cheapened it, but I felt certain there was a firm bond between Liscia and I now.
Liscia giggled. So now Aisha, Juna, and Roroa need to beco part of the family too.
Theyre all waiting for this child to be born, I said, placing my hand on Liscias belly. Before, we held a family eting, and decided that when a child was born, no matter who it was to, we would have them call all the queens, primary or secondary, their mother. So, well raise all the children together. Im sure Aisha and Naden, being from long-lived races, will have theirs later than everyone else after all.
Liscia laughed happily. So our children will suddenly have five mothers!
The children would grow up surrounded by mothers, including Liscia, who had a lot of personality. Who would influence them, and how would they grow...? I was a little worried, but also looking forward to it.
From there we updated each other on recent happenings and had a generally aimless conversation. Liscia spoke gleefully of her days of rest here.
Lately, you know, Ive been learning to cook from Mother.
You, Liscia? Why?
I want the baby to be able to eat my homade cooking of course. Besides, you can cook, right? It wouldnt do for to be less able to cook than their father.
To think Liscia, who spent every spare mont joining the guards for training, would take learning how to be a proper bride seriously... It was moving, sohow.
So? How are the results so far? I asked.
I baked those snacks over there. She gestured to a large plate on the table filled with scones and cookies.
Homade by Liscia, huh? They didnt look bad, so they probably tasted good.
I took a cookie and chucked it in my mouth. Lets see... Nom.
There was a hard sensation as a sweet taste spread through my mouth. Shed put in too much sugar. That, and shed probably kneaded the batter as hard as she could. Also, the butter had fully lted, making them hard when baked.
I looked at Liscia, sweating hard. Errrrm... Id love to say it was good, but...considering you want to feed them to our child...I cant lie to you.
I know that. I can tell when Ive ssed up at least. Liscia smiled wryly, but her fist was clenched tight. This is what I can do now. But soday, Im sure Ill be able to make them more delicious.
Yeah, I said, nodding. Ill be looking forward to it.
Yeah... But the thing is, Carla started learning at the sa ti, and shes improving so much faster. I thought we were the sa, so Im having a hard ti accepting it.
Well, I an, Carla does have Excels blood in her.
Carlas mother, Accela, was Excels daughter. She was also related to Juna, who was like a walking mass of big sister power, so maybe she had a strong latent ability for dostic tasks.
Liscia sighed. By that sa token, Mother is good at cooking too...
Maybe you were influenced too much by Georg, your teacher in the Army?
Urkh... I cant deny that.
We kept having an aimless conversation like that. Talking about nothing... It was incredibly fun.
Then, suddenly, Liscia put on a serious expression. Souma. You didnt co here today just to see , now did you?
My heart skipped a beat as she hit the nail on the head.
...You could tell?
Yes, I could tell. This is you. While we were talking, it felt like you were hiding sothing that was hard to say.
...
Did you find a new candidate to be queen? Liscia stared at , and I shook my head hard.
No, no! Its just, well... It looks like well be sending troops north.
By north, you an to the Union of Eastern Nations?
Yeah. It seems like attacks from the Demon Lords Domain are on the rise. If the Union of Eastern Nations falls, this country will be affected too. In line with our pact with the Empire, we have to dispatch reinforcents.
When I perfectly relayed the content of my earlier talk with the Empire, Liscia put on a worried face. Will you be going with the troops?
Yeah, I admitted. So...itll be a while before we can see each other again.
Why? This is different from when you were fighting the forces of Amidonia. Her tone didnt bla , but I could tell she didnt want to go. Back then, you had just been given the throne, and the troops wouldnt have trusted you if you hadnt led them yourself. But now everyone sees you as king. Cant you leave this to a commander like Sir Ludwin?
To prepare for unanticipated events, I want to bring powerful fighters like Aisha and Naden, I said. Its better if Im there to lead them. Theres also the fact that I want to see the situation in the north for myself too.
The detail about Julius would only cause her to worry, so I could probably omit it.
I stood up, walked behind Liscia, and gently embraced her. It pains not being able to be by your side when youre about to give birth, but today, when I saw you with the baby so large in your belly, it made even more sure I had to go north. I want to leave my children the best country I can after all.
Souma... Liscia closed her eyes as I kept hugging her tight.
There was a quiet mont between us, then eventually Liscia lightly laid her hand on my arm and smiled.
I understand. But make sure you co back.
Yeah. If things get dangerous, Ill co running back. I cant die without seeing my childs face after all.
She chuckled. Make sure you do. Ill be waiting for you with these kids.
Yeah! I nodded firmly, but then got caught on the wording of what Liscia had just said. ...Huh? These kids?
When I parroted those words back, Liscia had a blank look on her face and said, What? Didnt Hilde tell you? Im pregnant with twins.
Huh...? Whahhhhhhhhh?!
What a shocking fact! I was suddenly going to be a father to twins!
Now that she ntioned it, Liscia was looking awfully big for where she was in the pregnancy. But still, twins, huh...
The feeling that I had to co back ho safely grew even stronger.
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