After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 147

Episode 147: To Ayaka

“Lutz, I have good news for you.”

On a day when dark rain clouds gathered and pioneering work was completely halted, Gretel unexpectedly spoke to me just as I was about to enjoy my customary evening drink after dinner.

“Good news?”

“Yes, and it’s extraordinary.”

I wonder what it could be. Perhaps she found something valuable during the pioneering work? But if it were something like that, it would have been relayed to me through Max. Knowing Gretel’s lack of interest in money, that’s unlikely.

“So? What’s the good news?”

“Just wait and see.”

Saying this, Gretel disappeared through the door. When the door opened again, she returned, accompanying a somewhat hesitant-looking Ayaka.

“I have a big announcement. Ayaka is expecting her third daughter.”

“Really??”

“…Yes.”

Ayaka, usually so composed, announced the good news in a voice so faint it seemed she might disappear. She was probably being considerate of Gretel.

“But it’s not certain that it’s a daughter…”

“I can feel my magical power increasing. It’s definitely a girl.”

Seriously? Ayaka’s innate magical power was A-class. After conceiving our first daughter, Kaori, it increased to S-class, and after giving birth to Honoka, it reached SS-class.

“Her magical power can increase even more…?”

“I’m somewhat afraid, but I’m happy to be able to be of more help to you, Lutz.”

Ayaka, with cheeks flushed like cherry blossoms, looked so lovable. Regardless of the magical power, the fact that Ayaka is going to have my child makes me very happy. As I was about to let my joy burst forth, I paused.

I wondered how Gretel felt about this situation. Of course, Gretel is a straightforward girl. There’s no doubt she genuinely rejoices in Ayaka’s pregnancy. But Gretel also desperately wanted to have my child. She must be feeling even more wistful.

Looking at Gretel again, she had her usual sharp eyes softened slightly, gazing kindly. But I’m not so insensitive that I can’t see her complex emotions. I’ll need to comfort her later.

—

After Ayaka left, still looking apologetic until the end, Gretel let out a big sigh. A wine glass already lay before her, two-thirds empty.

“Ayaka was so considerate… She should have come to report to you first, Lutz, but she came to me first, asking ‘Please let me give birth.'”

I sighed. It’s not like the ancient Chinese imperial harem or the Edo period’s Ōoku, she doesn’t need to ask the boss for permission… But Ayaka is so considerate of Beato and Gretel.

“Even though she’s a wife just like Beato and me, she can’t come out in public… I actually feel more sorry for Ayaka. If she continues to be so considerate, it might become harder for me… Maybe if I had a child, I could see things differently.”

Gretel began to speak intermittently about the breeding habits—or rather, the difficulties of conception—of light attribute magic users, which I had not been aware of.

In this continent, high-ranking magic users of the light and dark attributes are significantly fewer compared to other attributes.

It’s understandable that dark attribute users are few since they, like Ayaka’s clan, came from distant lands. However, the light attribute was originally rooted in this country. The reason it hasn’t increased is that high-ranking light attribute magic users have a well-known difficulty conceiving, a fact apparently well known among noblewomen. I had no idea.

The light attribute is also known as the “Cleric Attribute,” and for those with combat abilities, it is called the “Hero Attribute.” In any case, it boasts robust self-vitality, body enhancement, and healing abilities for others. However, this robustness extends to the eggs as well, making it difficult for fertilization to occur unless the sperm is exceptionally strong, as the egg’s defense mechanisms prevail.

Because of this, there are extremely few high-ranking light attribute magic users who have children. High-class light magic users like Gretel are often born to mothers of other attributes. The reason I could easily impregnate Daniela, who has a light attribute, through baptism is because her magical power was only about C-class.

“Yes. That’s why my mother taught me from a young age that having my own child would be difficult for someone like me with S-class power. I had given up until I heard that your sperm is special, Lutz.”

At this point, Gretel took a deep breath. It must take considerable effort for her, who is so emotional, to suppress her feelings and explain calmly.

“But when I found out that Lutz possesses the ‘Seed of God,’ I couldn’t help but hold onto a faint hope. I thought that such a strong ‘seed’ might allow me to hold the life that Lutz and I create in my arms…”

As she spoke, clear tears began to flow from her gray eyes.

“But maybe, after all, it’s impossible…”

Seeing her unusually vulnerable, I couldn’t help but deeply kiss her… which, of course, led to the expected night of passionate activity. I was slightly worried, though, as she didn’t showcase her usual prowess in our “knight’s game.”