The comfortable days continued, wrapped in the spring sunshine. Pars had been unusually peaceful lately, with no sudden appearances of vicious monsters or descending angel monsters from days past. It was a stark reminder of the immense impact of the Demon King and the Black Goddess, a realization that hit home more profoundly now. Ah, peace was truly wonderful. A peaceful life was, without a doubt, the best.
“No good, it’s too peaceful…”
As I gazed outside from my private room window, resting my chin on my hand, those words escaped my lips unconsciously. Perhaps sensing my unmotivated declaration, a small bird perched on a nearby branch fluttered away. I didn’t mean anything by it, you know? I wasn’t trying to threaten the peace or anything.
Just a month ago, I had traveled across the continent, thoroughly enjoying myself in the Battle Rally. It was the most fun I’d had since my decisive battle with Kuromel, and even now, if I closed my eyes, the scenery from that time vividly returned. However, that was a month ago. Since then, I’d been busy with various greetings for the upcoming marriage, welcome banquets, preventing the raised platform, and participating in new goddess-related events. My life had been far from battles. If this continued, even a rational battle maniac like myself would be driven to despair from stress. I felt the need to at least have some sparring matches with my allies to satisfy my desires.
“Ah, but maybe fighting with my father-in-law would have been good.”
“What are you talking about, Master?”
Efil reacted to my fleeting murmur. I scratched my cheek, wondering if I’d been overheard. But then I thought, it was fine to be honest with Efil.
“Well, you see, lately we haven’t had any serious sparring sessions or gone out to defeat monsters with all our might, right? So, I’m a little… short on battle.”
“Everyone has been quite busy with their schedules lately, so there hasn’t been much time for that. In that case, Master, shall we head to the Underground Training Ground now? Incompetent as I am, I, Efil, will be your opponent.”
Efil placed her hand on her chest, her expression full of determination. I was very happy about her enthusiasm. But—
“It won’t work to try and please me like that. It’s fine if it’s work, but we decided earlier that combat is absolutely forbidden, right? If anything, I should be gradually reducing your Maid duties.”
“B-but…”
“Guh…! Don’t think you can sway me by looking tearful.”
In the past, I would have readily accepted Efil’s invitation. But now, there was a reason, a perfectly unallowable reason, why I couldn’t! I wanted to shout, “Let’s spar!” But I suppressed the urge, and conquered myself.
“It’s been about a month since the new life has taken root. Efil, please understand my feelings and everyone else’s.”
“I-I’m so sorry. I understand in my head, but I just…”
That’s right, joyfully, Efil was pregnant with my child. After the Battle Rally, Efil, who was usually meticulous about her own management, unusually suffered from a fever and nausea for a while. My recovery magic didn’t change her symptoms, and I, Gerard, and the greatly pampered Dragon Kings became worried, thinking something was seriously wrong. As the family buzzed about needing to see a doctor, or rather, Colette, the Vice Head Maid, Ellie, stopped us and declared,
“Congratulations, Master. You are with child.”
“Congratulations~♪”
Lyuka added her congratulatory remark, but I couldn’t immediately grasp the meaning of her words. Gerard, who unexpectedly became a great-grandfather, met my gaze, and I looked at Ellie to confirm. She nodded firmly. Only then did I turn to Efil, who was blushing, and managed to say, “Well done.” Men can be unreliable when it matters most.
“I thought I would be the first, as the main wife…”
“Mel, you’re already first in a way with Kuromel. Well, I don’t care about the order! Gordiana said that at times like these, a woman’s magnanimity should be shown!”
“Sister Sera, I think you should keep the latter part of that statement to yourself.”
“Grrr…! Is it about the number of times, after all? Congratulations, Efil-chan, even though I’m frustrated!”
“Older Sister Efil, can I touch your belly? Huh, it’s not moving yet?”
“Wow, I’ll have a sister soon. Nice one, Papa.”
Of course, it wasn’t just me and Gerard who were shaken by this. I don’t want to go into details about who said what, but the ladies were quite surprised too. However, in the end, it seems they all agreed that it was only natural for Efil.
After that, the family was in an uproar in various ways, but after much discussion, it was unanimously decided to prohibit Efil from participating in battles. Though I am sometimes tempted like this, I remain steadfast, urging her with iron will. On the other hand, Efil vehemently refused to give up her Maid duties, so I allowed her to perform them within her limits during early pregnancy. I secretly asked Ellie and the others to support her and made efforts to reduce her workload behind the scenes.
“Efil is my foremost supporter. You don’t need to apologize; I know it’s because you’re thinking of me. So, how are you feeling? You seemed to be having trouble with cooking because your taste preferences changed?”
“Ah, yes. I’m managing the adjustments with Lyuka’s help. If I follow the steps and measurements precisely, it comes out almost perfectly.”
“I see. But please, don’t push yourself. If you feel even a little unwell, or if your belly starts to swell, it’s absolute rest from then on.”
“Yes, I understand completely. So, for now, please indulge my selfishness.”
Efil smiled brightly. With a face like that, I couldn’t say anything more. I was going to be completely indulged. How long would my iron will last?
“…Huh?”
Just as the atmosphere was getting pleasant, I heard hurried, stomping footsteps from outside the room. Listening closely, I realized the footsteps were approaching my room. What was going on? The house rules clearly state not to run in the hallways unless it’s an emergency. I wonder if it’s Sera or Lyuka, or perhaps Dahak or Hoover in a long shot. Honestly, I should go tell them off.
—*Bang!*
The door burst open. Hey, hey, that’s not how you open a door. I was about to reprimand them for their lack of manners when I saw Rion standing on the other side of the opened door. I was so surprised by Rion’s uncharacteristic behavior that I couldn’t get the first word out. While I was speechless, Rion thrust a piece of paper towards us.
“Keel-nii! The acceptance letter from Lumiest just arrived!”
“Seriously?! Rion, you did it!”
In an instant, I forgave her for all her previous actions. I caught the Rion who leaped into my arms as if it were the most natural thing in the world and spun around in place for a while, congratulating her. There were probably tons of things she wanted to explain, but at this moment, this connection was the priority.
It’s been a while. This is the after-story, Chapter ○○.
I don’t know how often I’ll be able to update, but I’d be happy if you could endure it for a long time.
I’ve also posted news about my new book, which will be released on January 25th, in my activity report, so please check it out.
