After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 103
Chapter 103: Peony Hot Pot
“Now that everything has settled down after giving birth and all…”
As Ayaka-san served us a peony hot pot-like dish, she smiled softly. Though her cheeks seemed slightly thinner, she was still as charming as ever. Unlike Gretel’s dynamic beauty filled with vitality, Ayaka exuded a graceful serenity, comforting and gentle.
“So Ayaka, are you planning to stay in the Baden territory for a while?”
“Yes. In fact, the dark clan intends to make this our headquarters from now on.”
According to Ayaka-san, becoming an operative for the dark clan requires extensive training from childhood. Doing such things would attract attention if done around the royal capital. They had planned to receive a small rural territory to establish a village for nurturing the next generation of fighters. When I was granted the Baden territory, it seemed like a perfect opportunity for them.
It’s kind of exciting. It’s like our own little ninja village. It tickles my chuunibyou mind seeing young ninja leaving my territory to train.
“However, it might be inconvenient being away from the royal capital for royal orders, isn’t it?”
“Of course, we’ll establish a branch in the capital. But it will consist of matured adults only. Without children or the elderly to slow us down, it’ll be easier to move around. Chief Kanako will stay there, and I’ll focus on establishing the new village in Baden and training our operatives.”
That’s well thought out. It would indeed slow down their movements if they had many people to protect around the royal capital. But, if children and the elderly are coming to Baden…
“Oh, Ayaka-san. Then, my children…”
As I accidentally bit into too much foam, I burned my mouth with the hot negi (spring onion).
“Yes, I’ve brought them along. After they eat and bathe, please meet them.”
Ayaka-san smiled softly again. Though I might be realizing it a bit late, she never shows any negative emotions outwardly. Nevertheless, I’m excited. I can finally meet Kaori and her little sister.
I already have over ten children. Aside from the seven I had through “baptism,” there are also children from Ayaka-san, Suzanna-san, and dark clan women. However, I can only openly refer to Ayaka-san’s two daughters as “my children.” The others are officially considered children of their respective spouses or perhaps illegitimate children. Having my daughters, whom I can openly cherish, nearby makes me very happy. Since I only had sons in my previous world… I’m excited to decorate my daughters. I’ve always wanted to try that.
“Lutz… likes children, doesn’t he?”
“Yeah.”
“…I also want to give Lutz children soon.”
Gretel smiles at me unusually gently, but she seems a bit lonely. Maybe it’s just my imagination. Tears start to well up in her big eyes.
“…Margarete-sama, does the hot pot suit your taste? Many from the Western regions, especially those of noble status, tend to dislike the smell of miso.”
“Oh, um… yeah. It’s unique, but I think it’s good because the miso helps to mask the strong taste of orc meat. Maybe because it’s fermented, the flavor is quite complex.”
As expected, Ayaka-san quickly changes the topic to the food sensing the slightly tense atmosphere. She must feel quite sorry for having given birth to two children while the next princess and the next marquis are still childless. Her consideration towards them is considerable. Beatrice and Gretel also understand her concern, so for now, the relationship among the three fiancées is very good. Will that change if I marry Gretel or Beatrice and have difficulty having children with them…? Well, it’s not the time to worry about that now.
“I’m glad Gretel likes it. In Japan, we call this peony hot pot.”
“What’s a peony?”
Gretel asks with a puzzled expression. Of course, she wouldn’t know.
“It’s a large, colorful flower that was once called the king of flowers in Japan. It’s probably named that way because the meat on the pot looks like petals. I don’t think they have it in Beilschmidt… Ayaka-san, did you have it in Akitsuima?”
“Perhaps it’s what we called ‘fuukisou’.”
So, it exists after all. Come to think of it, I remember there was another name for peonies, ‘fuki grass’. How much does the dark clan’s homeland resemble Japan?
“I see… I wish I could have had that deep connection with Lutz too.”
Her murmuring made my heart ache a little. Originally, as childhood friends, we should have had a bond that couldn’t be surpassed by anyone else… losing that must have been a shock for her after all. Although she tried to say it with a sense of acceptance…
“Hehe, it’s okay, Lutz, Ayaka. I just felt a little lonely for a moment. I’m very happy right now!”
Her smile she directed at us was dazzling. Yeah, I’ll trust you, my dear Gretel.