After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 143
Episode 143: Supposed to Be Happy
“In a long while, I hope we can get along well.”
In the chief’s sleeping quarters, Ayaka-san gracefully gestures with three fingers. When Gretel did this, it felt oddly out of place, but when Ayaka does it, it fits my sensibilities. Well, the sleeping quarters aren’t Western-style beds but traditional tatami rooms familiar to Showa-era Japanese.
Lately, Gretel has been holding nightly sports festivals, but tonight she declared, “It’s Ayaka’s turn!” and quickly returned to the log house. She seemed more drunk than usual. I hope she’s okay.
“However… I deeply apologize to Lady Margarete for this manner…”
It seems Ayaka understands my feelings and gives me a somewhat troubled look.
“Yeah, Gretel may have mixed feelings, but she’s a considerate girl. She respects you too… It’s an opportunity she made for you. Let’s create lifelong memories.”
“Y-yes…”
And so, slowly, like on the day of baptism, as gently as possible, we finished what we started. Just before trying to sleep quietly together.
“Today, I’ve undone the magic… So it might have worked.”
Her “magic,” well, you know what that means. If female wizards start having kids randomly, society controlled by them would collapse. So wizards with attributes other than fire and gold are taught basic magic to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Huh? What about women with fire and gold attributes? They just have to endure it.
Oops, got off track. Even after Honoka was born, there were several times with Ayaka, but she prevented pregnancy with magic. Today, silently undoing that means…
“I also want proof that you’ve loved me, Lutz-sama. Despite already having two precious children… I’m such a greedy woman.”
“That’s not true. If they’re your children, Ayaka, I’d want as many as you’d like.”
“Thank you. But thinking of Lady Margarete’s feelings…”
Right. We already know she hasn’t conceived with Gretel this month. If she finds out about another child between Ayaka and me… she’d be troubled. But if we avoid creating with her in mind, she’ll notice the consideration and be a bothersome child.
“Don’t worry, Gretel is grateful that you respect her. That’s why she prepared today’s wedding.”
“You’re truly a kind-hearted person. To show such consideration for someone like me… I feel so sorry…”
Long lashes lowered, shadows swayed in the lamp light. I instinctively pulled Ayaka’s black bob closer to my chest.
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
The next day, I received a letter from Beato at home.
Usually starting with bland business matters, this letter began with a private topic.
“Lutz. The happiest moment of my life has come. It seems I’m going to have a child.”
The elegant script on the stationery, unlike her usual formal style, was lively, almost girlish. Her excitement seemed to flow directly from her pen. “We won’t be able to see each other for a while, so while I’m in the capital…”
Queen Hildegarde seems especially joyful, having already assigned a dedicated healing wizard and reduced her duties to desk work, always ready to greet “hello, baby.” Clara, who will soon be a mother, has sent various potions useful for preventing morning sickness and such.
And apparently, her magic power has risen as soon as she became aware of conception.
“I feel like I could make the wheat around the capital area a great harvest now. But I’m disappointed that I’ve been banned from outdoor duties by the overly enthusiastic mother.”
So, that means the child’s magic power surpasses even S-class Beato… It’s definitely SS-class. A single SS-class mother, now finally born into the royal family. It’s no wonder Her Majesty is thrilled. Though there’s another hidden SS-class in Baden’s ninja mansion.
“I can’t find enough words to thank Lutz for giving me such a treasure. I will definitely give birth to a strong child and raise her to carry the weight of the country.”
Indeed, Beato’s daughter carries more significance as the rightful heir to the royal lineage for both her and me, rather than just being a treasure. I can’t help but wonder if it’s right to burden a child who hasn’t even been born with such responsibilities… But that’s the kind of world this is.
After writing dozens of times more emotional than usual, a single line was added to the letter:
“Adele is also pregnant. It looks like they’ll give birth around the same time. Looking forward to it.”
Of course, without a doubt, it’s my seed. It’ll surely be a brave child, straight like a star. I hope it doesn’t inherit my GL hobby.
As I slowly savored my joy, a graceful hand reached out from behind and effortlessly took the letter. Without changing her expression, the owner of the hand finished reading the letter and said just one thing:
“I see. Big sister Beato… It’s good, isn’t it? Lutz’s achievements are being recognized again.”
Gretel smiled, raising the corners of her mouth, but did she seem to be forcing it? Perhaps it was just my imagination.