After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 153
## Episode 153: Unexpected Blessing
With Gretel, the strongest in close combat, accompanied by a large number of mages and the Dark Clan lurking in the shadows, our overly strong escort ensured we reached the capital city safely a few days later. Although the Imperial wind mages detected suspicious presences a few times, the enemies seemed deterred by our solid defenses.
Our lodging in the capital was, of course, at the townhouse of the Freudenstadt family, now a marquisate. Having sent a forewarning, we were greeted at the gate by Brother Sieg, Father Albrecht, and even our mother, who is usually traveling across the country. Such a welcoming sight truly made me happy.
“Mother, Father, I’m back. Brother, you look well.”
“Lutz! We’ve been waiting for you!”
Overlapping my homecoming greetings, Mother’s voice brimmed with excitement as she hugged me tightly with her magnificent chest armor, rivaling Ayaka’s. It felt quite nice, but something felt off. Beyond her chest, I could feel her stomach. Given that Mother, a soldier who constantly trains herself, could not possibly gain weight…
“Mother, could it be…?”
“That’s right! You’re going to have a little brother or sister, Lutz!”
Seriously? Isn’t Mother already forty-three? While giving birth in one’s early forties isn’t uncommon in Japan due to advanced medical care, here in this medieval-like society, is she really considering a late pregnancy?
I recalled that women with fire attributes were said to be unable to use contraception magic. Since Mother and Father are still lovey-dovey, perhaps they got carried away. When I looked at Father with a knowing gaze, he appeared rather sheepish.
“You’re thinking something weird, aren’t you? It’s fine, I asked Albrecht because I wanted another child. Watching your exploits made me want one more.”
“But are you going to be okay physically?”
“I’m extremely well-trained, unlike ordinary women. Besides, there are many healing mages in the capital. Even if something happens, it can be managed.”
I see, that makes sense. Well, light and water attribute mages generally can use healing magic. Water attribute magic works gradually, while light attribute magic is more for emergency situations. There are plenty of both in the capital. For the hero who saved Berzenbrück twice from national crises, even His Majesty wouldn’t hesitate to lend a hand.
Mother, who has been on continuous expeditions for over twenty years, decided to take a longer maternity leave this time. With Sister Liese and other water mages joining the military’s main force, Mother’s burden significantly decreased. Mother’s magic is annihilation-based, which was overkill for domestic peacekeeping anyway. This child-making opportunity serves as a good chance to pass military duties to the next generation.
“I’d be happier with a sister.”
“Well, you can’t choose that. My seed isn’t as conveniently inclined to produce daughters like you, Lutz.”
“Of course, I’d be happy with a brother too.”
Father Albrecht gently chastised my irresponsible wish. Yes, it’s not up to me to decide which is better.
“But I have a feeling. Just like when I had Liese… I think I can show you a sister, Lutz.”
Mother, truly looking happy, directed that warm smile towards Father, who softly narrowed his eyes in return.
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
That night’s dinner was delightful. Though Gretel had returned to her family, the Hanover household, bringing Michaela along, Father, Mother, Brother Sieg, and Sister Liese, who hurried back after wrapping up military duties, gathered together. Except for the wayward eldest and second sons, it was the first time in a while that the family was together.
“You’ve grown taller again. Boys grow up so quickly.”
“Indeed. Not long ago, you were only this tall… and now you’ve grown so splendidly.”
It was slightly uncomfortable as Sister and Mother scrutinized me with their comments. Brother Sieg, grinning, offered no help.
“So… when are you planning to do it?”
Mother’s sudden question made me choke on my soup. Glancing at me as I coughed, Sister Liese spoke up.
“I want to do it with Lutz as soon as possible. But right now is difficult… the reorganization of the mages is more challenging than expected, so I can’t take a long leave from military duties.”
“I see. For Liese, timing is tricky.”
Wait, is Mother only concerned about work? She’s not worried at all about me being with Sister like that?