The “Demon Maternity Clinic,” hastily set up in the Labyrinth Country’s pub “Kingfisher Inn,” sounds rather uncanny. In reality, it’s just Vegalzelld, an infernal physician, and his subordinates providing support as midwives. Regardless, Efil was finally at the time of her labor.
“Is it not yet? Isn’t it taking an unusually long time?”
Until that moment arrived, I had been pacing restlessly outside the delivery room. Yes, I’d been constantly walking around. I never thought I’d be doing something so cliché as a husband, but when the time came, I couldn’t stand still, even though I knew I should. Efil’s pained groans could be heard from inside the room, and no matter how much time passed, it felt like it wasn’t progressing. I was truly on edge. At first, I intended to be by her side, holding her hand, but perhaps because I was too restless, Vegalzelld and his staff kicked me out of the room. Damn it, I thought I was being quiet!
“Hmph. Oh King, calm yourself. This is precisely the time when a husband should be steadfast and support his wife.”
“Indeed, my foolish son. I acknowledged you as Sera’s husband only by the skin of my teeth, truly by the skin of my teeth. Therefore, do not be so shaken by such a trifle. Your future is worrying.”
As I restlessly moved my feet, Gerard and my father-in-law offered words of encouragement. As they were both experienced fathers, their backs seemed larger than usual at this moment. Ah, how reliable they were, I felt a deep sense of gratitude.
…Contrary to their reassuring words, my body, like theirs, was restlessly pacing.
“Oh, honestly! All three of you, stop moving around! Your stomping and thumping is so noisy! Worrying so much will only bother Efil!”
“B-but…”
“B-but…”
“Sera, how dependable… As expected of my beloved daughter…!”
“There’s no ‘but’ or ‘however’ about it! Alright, all three of you, sit here in a line!”
” ” “Ah, yes.” ” ”
With Sera’s “Blood Dye” technique, the three of us were forcibly made to sit together. Being seated between Gerard and my father-in-law, I felt extremely suffocated. Needless to say, it was a fatal positioning error. Because the “Blood Dye” effect was active, I couldn’t move to a different spot. It was cramped, so cramped, fatally so… But, conversely, it helped me calm down and refrain from any further unnecessary actions. Sera, good job. But please, leave some space between us.
“Ah, our emergency portable food has run out…!”
“Elder Sister Mel, we should probably refrain from eating right now… Still, it’s taking quite a while, isn’t it? It’s not like Older Kel and the others, but I can understand why you’d be worried…”
“Rion-chan, we who are waiting mustn’t be weak. Efil-chan is fighting against the pain with all her might. As a best friend, as family, as an ally—even if we are apart, let’s believe she’ll be alright. Okay?”
“Older Sister Ange… Yes, you’re right. That’s right. Go, Older Sister Efil! We’re with you!”
“Hmph, those are quite dependable words. Efil, as the spearhead of childbirth, have a good start!”
“We all have one heart. By the way, when it comes to raising the child, I’ll also lend a hand. Specifically, I can take over kitchen duties for Efil about once a week—”
” ” ” —Wait just a moment.” ” ”
Sera, Rion, and Ange simultaneously stopped Mel with their words and hands. Yes, with Mel’s cooking skills, honestly, just warming milk could risk creating an unknown substance X. Mel’s intentions are truly appreciated, but her decision is undeniably correct. For Efil’s sake, and for the sake of the child yet to be seen.
…And then, in the next moment, I thought, Oh no. Remembering the substance X Mel made in the past made me anxious again. Coupled with the mental trauma I received from Summer, my heart began to race. Ooooooh, calm down, calm down, me…! I desperately tried to resist, but I couldn’t overcome the substance X.
“…H-hey, Father-in-law, Gerard? Doesn’t the waiting time feel a bit long? It’s alright, isn’t it? …It IS alright, isn’t it!?”
“Eh? Ho, ho, ho. Oh King, do not worry. It will surely be alright. Yes, surely… It will be alright, won’t it? It WILL be alright, won’t it!?”
“Ugh, um, Vegalzelld’s skill is unmatched on the Northern Continent. Therefore, therefore it’s probably alright… It will likely be alright, won’t it, Vegalzelld!?”
“Ah, honestly, you’re starting to make noise again—”
Sera was about to use “Blood Dye” to restrain our mouths, but he moved even faster.
“—Hey! You’ve been too noisy since earlier!”
Yes, it was the nurse (Giant Race) demon. The demon nurse, who had emerged at incredible speed from the door, was absolutely furious. And with her angry words came a face punch. Its power was comparable to Sera’s fists, and immediately I was sent flying quite a distance backward. Naturally, my father-in-law and Gerard were with me.
“G-gwoooooooh…!”
“G-gof… It resonated to the very core of my armor…”
“Eh? Uh, I’m the Demon King, though…?”
“It doesn’t matter if you’re the Grim Reaper, the Sword Elder, or the Demon King! Do you know where you are?! Even if it’s hastily made, it’s a hospital! Are there idiots shouting in a hospital?! Ah, yes, there are, right in front of me!”
The demon nurse’s expression was terrifying. More importantly, the punch I received at that moment really hurt. It wasn’t the time for this, and it was entirely natural that we were in the wrong, but… I have to admit, I was just a little, only a little, excited. I mean, who are you, to physically send us flying, even if it was a surprise attack?
“Gnnnh… However, Beauty, if you’re going to say that, then you too—”
“—Ahhh!?”
“…No, nothing.”
My father-in-law tried to retort, but he was silenced by the demon nurse’s glare. He was so intently avoiding eye contact, his face had completely turned away.
“Lord Gustav, who exactly is she…?”
“…She is Vegalzelld’s wife and also a nurse. Her appearance and demeanor are frightening— no, she’s a bit of a tomboy, but her skills are unquestionable. There will be no mistakes, not even the slightest. Yes, I guarantee it, yes…”
My father-in-law explained, still looking away from Beauty. And so, I became convinced. Beauty must be incredibly strong! …I thought.
“Honestly, despite your large frame, what are you doing… Ah, right. That’s not important now. Kelvin-san, please go inside.”
“…What? Did something happen!?”
“Yes, something did. Now, Papa, quickly show your wife and daughter your tear-streaked face.”
“!” “Y-yes!”
Then, I started running and burst into the room.
