After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 23
Chapter 23: Am I That Troublesome?
“I didn’t know Lutz had such an amazing child.”
“Indeed, he might be the lead in next year’s studbook.”
Even though I still haven’t fully grasped the situation, my mother and sister are sarcastically praising me. Their faces seem to say, “Are you prepared for the challenges ahead?”
“And to have loyalty pledged by the ‘Dark Clan,’ that’s truly surprising!”
“Yes, especially when they are said to associate only with the royal family.”
Even Sigurd adds his piece, driving the point home. Yes, the members of Ayaka’s clan made a formidable promise to do anything I command. The fact that the ‘Dark Clan’ is willing to do ‘anything’ implies activities like assassination or kidnapping – tasks they have been silently handling for the royal family that provided them with a safe haven, although that fact is not widely known.
Long ago, they were chased from the eastern lands and arrived in this country after several generations. Using their unique body techniques and dark magic, they undertook covert work to sustain themselves. The ‘Dark Magic’ they pride themselves on, however, has been gradually weakening, possibly due to intermingling with the western people who mostly lacked ‘Dark’ attributes.
In this scenario, Ayaka, the one possessing the strongest A-Class ‘Dark’ magic in the clan, found me. Although I don’t fully understand the mechanism, they sensed something instinctively – that I could enhance the power of darkness and pass it on to the next generation. Thus, the ‘Dark Clan’ mobilized, probed when my ‘baptism’ would take place, and manipulated things to ensure there were no other dark attribute partners. Somehow Ayaka ended up volunteering for the task.
Oh, right, in their ancient Japanese-like culture, asking someone other than the clan to be the child’s godparent seems to symbolize submission. Having unknowingly performed this ‘naming’ ceremony for Ayaka’s child, I seem to have made a careless move. Well, my mother seems to have something she wants to ask the ‘Dark Clan,’ so I’ll just keep quiet.
The clan leader declared that when Kaori turns five, she will pass the position to Ayaka. So, Kaori will be the successor… Somehow, I’ve become the father of the future clan leader. It feels kind of heavy.
“Well, I still have five years until I retire. By then, maybe two more…”
I’ll pretend not to have heard the creepy mutterings of the clan leader.
And now, the appraisers from the Bloodline Association, who were making a fuss earlier, hurriedly dashed off somewhere. Their destination is probably…
“Sigh. By now, this result is probably being reported to His Majesty. You’ll likely be summoned to the palace soon. Be prepared for it.”
My mother’s words were accurate. When we returned to the Earl’s house, royal messengers were already waiting. However, the summoning was not for the near future; it was an immediate command.
—
Having grabbed what was necessary, I was forcibly led to the palace by my mother. Even though it was about time for dinner, we were immediately granted an audience with Queen Hildegard. After we bowed, the Queen, who covered her face with a feather fan, had an unreadable expression.
“Why, Hildegarde, the Flame Hero.”
“Yes.”
“…Regarding the recent party and your son, he seems to be quite the troublemaker.”
“I am truly sorry.”
My mother bowed deeply, expressing her remorse. However, I couldn’t understand exactly what my mother was apologizing for. After all, I only followed orders, engaging in partner selection and child-making with the woman assigned to me. I didn’t break any laws, nor did I defy the Queen’s command, right?
While pondering this, I was suddenly grabbed by the back of my head by my mother and forcefully made to bow. Hmm, I’m not convinced.
“I’ve heard the results of the mating.”
“Yes, I sincerely apologize.”
No, no, everyone praised it, right? Although I didn’t achieve anything through effort, I don’t think I did anything wrong.
“They have already received a detailed report from the Bloodline Association. It was a magnificent, or rather, terrifying breeding record since the founding of the country. Not only are they all daughters, but they also perfectly replicate the mothers’ attributes, with magic power exceeding Class A for all of them. Moreover, they have produced an unprecedented Class S dark user, which was thought to be unattainable. Worthy of being hailed as an unparalleled stud.”
See, it’s not something to apologize for, even Her Majesty is praising it. However… Her Majesty is still hiding her expression, and her voice is as cold as ever.
“It’s truly magnificent, too magnificent… to the point of being dangerous. I cannot allow you to continue freely sowing your seed in the future.”
Huh? Why?