After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 184
Chapter 183: Summoned to the Royal Capital
Just as the investigation of Liese’s case had wrapped up, I received a royal summons from Her Majesty the Queen.
I immediately handed the letter to Gretel, but she didn’t seem surprised.
“They’re summoning you to the royal capital? Well, I suppose it’s inevitable.”
Huh? She’s just accepting it like that?
“After all, this incident nearly led to civil unrest. The gossipers will criticize you, Lutz, as the lord, and by extension, your spouse, Sister Beato. But in reality, you’re just a victim… except for the fact that the main culprit is your strange brother. That’s why Her Majesty needs to directly declare in front of the high nobles that you won’t be held responsible, before rumors start spreading.”
I see. So, it’s Her Majesty’s way of showing consideration. I thought a proclamation would suffice, but in this medieval-like aristocratic society, saying it directly in person is important. I constantly need Gretel to teach me these noble customs.
“That’s the official reason, but I think there’s another reason why Her Majesty summoned you.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“Well… isn’t it almost time?”
“Oh…”
That’s right. Clara, who was impregnated last fall, is about to give birth. It seems Her Majesty has timed this summons to allow me to meet the child and Clara. It took Gretel pointing it out for me to realize… I really am a “dense” man.
Gretel, who used to show a pained expression during these conversations, now looked quite happy. Perhaps there’s some bond between those who carry new life within them.
“Yes, if that’s the case, I’ll go along as your guard!”
“No, no, you shouldn’t…”
“Are you worried about the baby? I told you, I have the strongest healing magic, so you don’t need to worry. I’ve still been chopping down trees in the forest every day, haven’t I?”
Indeed, despite my request for her to take it easy, Gretel continues to wield a huge magic silver axe and actively works as the queen of woodcutters.
While it’s true that in this world, strong women often only take a short break before and after childbirth, guarding duties come with the risk of sudden attacks or battles, which would be taxing both physically and mentally. I really want her to refrain this time.
Somehow, I managed to calm down a dissatisfied Gretel, and this time, I entrusted the guard duties to the imperial wind mage women.
This will be the third time with the same group. By now, we’ve formed a solid team, with Michaela’s brutal stone barrage serving as the main offensive and the wind mages providing support. Cornelia, the eldest among them, does a great job coordinating the group and supporting the young Michaela. It seems I can rely on them again this time.
“If it’s for the sake of the baby, then I guess it can’t be helped. I’ll follow your lead this time, Lutz. But… isn’t it about time you give a ‘reward’ to the women in the guard unit?”
Oof, I can’t argue with that. All the imperial mages, except for Michaela, joined in hopes of being “seeded” by me. They’ve already submitted oaths promising to serve me and Beato without returning to the empire after receiving my seed. Beato has also given her approval, and if I just agree, things will proceed immediately.
“Yeah… I know I need to seriously think about it.”
“As long as you’re thinking of us, it’s fine. Beato also confirmed with her ‘Spirit Eye’ that their vows are genuine. To protect you, Lutz, who’ll be constantly targeted from now on, we need as many capable and loyal mage vassals as possible.”
Gretel’s expression was unusually calm as she said this. Before, she used to get irritated just by seeing me look at other women…
“It’s okay. I love you, Lutz. You’re an irreplaceable man who’s given me something so precious. And I believe, even if you impregnate other women, Beato, Sister Ayaka, and I are special.”
Seeing her gently stroke her belly while saying that made my heart tighten. I instinctively pulled her strawberry blonde head closer and pressed my lips against her pink ones. We savored each other’s saliva for a while before slowly pulling away.
“There won’t be any danger this time. It’s not just Michaela’s group—Liese and her capable subordinates will be with us too.”
“True, we might have too much firepower this time. But the real challenge will probably be after we reach the royal capital. Be careful, half of the high nobles are eagerly waiting for the chance to drag you down, Lutz.”
I nodded slowly and deeply.