After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 122

Chapter 122: Parting with the Princess

The detailed appraisal of the ore was, of course, a hit. Moreover, it was of quite high quality… While the scale of the vein still needed confirmation, there was a possibility of meeting all the domestic demand. This could become an achievement that Clara could proudly assert even after returning to the capital. Ah, but was it necessary to keep her visit to Baden a secret?

So today, in our log house, we’re celebrating with a toast, accompanied by the orc meat steaks Gretel brought back. Gretel, who got quite drunk the other day, seems to have learned her lesson and is carefully sipping her glass. Tonight, not only our escort soldiers but also the attendant maids are joining in, celebrating Clara’s major discovery.

“Discovering mithril would be the greatest achievement of the era!”

“We’ve always hoped… that His Highness would someday… but to witness it on a day like this…”

The maid dressed as a cleric sheds tears of emotion. She must have endured for years hearing her mistress being criticized as “a princess of the magic kingdom who can’t do anything.”

“It’s not my achievement. It was using Lord Lutz’s power to cast the magic… And without everyone’s support, I couldn’t have come this far. Thank you…”

Once again, in response to the modest words of the princess, the maid sheds tears. She may seem fragile, but from the perspective of those who serve her, she’s a kind and caring mistress.

“Well, at least it’s a result worth boasting to Her Majesty. Anyway, let’s celebrate today, let’s eat, let’s drink!”

“Yes!” “To His Highness’s accomplishments!” “Congratulations!”

Clara, responding with a smile to her subordinates’ praises, looks puzzled when she tries to delicately cut into the orc meat. Quietly placing down her fork, she begins chanting something towards her wine glass… Probably alcohol extraction, even at a time like this, she doesn’t neglect her training. But as I was thinking that, her eyes widened by about thirty percent.

“Lord Lutz… I understand now. This… is it…”

Clara, her voice trembling with emotion, places her right palm on her stomach. Seeing her figure, I understood what had happened.

“You did it…?”

“Yes. I’m certain now. I feel the magic spreading slowly from around here in my abdomen, filling my entire body. This is the power of Lord Lutz’s ‘Seed of God.'”

A tear trickles down her cheek. It’s the tears of emotion from experiencing for the first time in over twenty years an experience of magic overflowing from her own body.

“Your Highness, are you expecting a child?” “What?!” “Congratulations!”

Clara, seemingly oblivious to her subordinates’ congratulatory remarks, without wiping away her overflowing tears, lovingly strokes her lower abdomen.

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“So, you’re going back?”

“Yes. I’ve learned that even someone like me can work for the people. I can’t afford to leisurely rest.”

Probably because a child with high magic power has taken up residence in her stomach, Clara, who can now demonstrate her delicate magical control even without me as a mobile battery, promptly returns to the capital to work. Beatrice should have said it’s okay to play until the stable period… Truly, she’s an extremely serious princess.

“But in the early stages of pregnancy, riding in a carriage…”

“That’s why we’re here.” “Leave it to us!”

The two maidens clench their fists as if their turn has finally come. Apparently, the wind attribute magic user can keep Clara levitated from the carriage seat for about half a day. So it’s like a magic air cushion; then there’s no need to worry about swaying. And the other maiden is a healing magic user of the light attribute… Yes, indeed, it seems reliable; it should be fine to entrust her.

“In that case, I won’t stop you anymore. Take care of your child.”

“Yes, this child is the light of hope bestowed upon me by Lord Lutz. For me, it’s an irreplaceable treasure… I will definitely give birth to it safely and raise it well.”

The appearance now is completely different from when she first came to the Baden territory, showing confidence and poise. Of course, with each successful experience of magic, she had been gaining confidence, but… there used to be a strong sense of dependence on me. Yet now, in her eyes, there’s no sign of clinging to anyone. She’s determined to protect the little life growing inside her belly with her own strength. Even in my former world, they used to say, “Mothers are strong.”

“Well then, I look forward to meeting you again when we go to the capital.”

“Yes, indeed…”

As we exchange those words, both Clara and I understand. Once we part ways here, even if we’re lucky enough to meet again, we won’t be able to talk intimately anymore. Despite being of the same royal family, I’m the spouse of a rival candidate after all.

“Lutz-sama, this is a token of gratitude for your help. It’s nothing much…”

What was offered was a small stone-carved figurine, about the size of a woman’s pinky finger. It’s a typical Clara-like gift, skilled in craftsmanship… Maybe it’s meant to be worn as a pendant with a string.

“Thank you, I’ll cherish it.”

I accepted it with a smile without giving it much thought… But later, I would come to remember that moment with a tinge of bitterness.