After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 185

Chapter 185: Clara’s Delivery

“Lord Ludwig… no, Lutz.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“What is the situation with the slaves in Baden following this incident?”

“At first, there was tension between the imperial and principality citizens, but it has calmed down now. Thanks to Deputy Maximilian’s efforts, exchange events between both groups have resumed.”

I purposely referred to Max as “Deputy.” Well, this isn’t for the sake of the Majesty; it’s to prevent high-ranking nobles from making unnecessary comments later.

“I see, then the development in Baden is…”

“It is not stalled. The wheat harvested in early summer alone cannot support thirty thousand slaves, but the magic silver mine is scheduled to be operational by summer. Although assistance from the state will continue until September, we will be self-sufficient by then. There are no changes to the plan for starting tax collection in three years.”

“Understood; then that is good. Keep up the good work.”

As the Majesty concluded, the nobles began to murmur. While my mother could be overlooked, there were expectations for a proper punishment against me as the lord.

“Your Majesty, to not hold the lord of Baden accountable for this situation that could lead to civil unrest…”

A noblewoman, claiming to be the Minister of Justice, interjected. The Chancellor, who should be her main opponent, remained silent, allowing his subordinate to voice his concerns.

“However, there has been no civil unrest. The incident caused a rift between the imperial captives and the principality captives, but it was orchestrated by those foolish brothers. The lord of Baden had no part in this scheme and acted to quell the disturbance… Rather, should we not commend him for that?”

“Ugh…”

Indeed, if a civil war had broken out, the lord could be held responsible, but at this stage, he is more of a victim.

“Thank you for your efforts. For a while, it would be best for your wife, Beatrix, to stay at the palace.”

Feeling the nobles’ resentful gazes piercing my back, I exited the audience chamber.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

Before me lay Clara, my life-saver, with chestnut hair and brown eyes, possessing a simple yet elegant beauty. Her belly had already grown large… of course, that was my child.

Yes, as Gretel pointed out, the reason the Majesty summoned me at this time was to show me Clara’s child about to be born and, if possible, have me witness the delivery.

Staying at Beatrix’s palace was like a cover; I used the corridor that Beatrix and Clara secretly used to visit each other to go to Clara’s palace. Oh, and of course, I didn’t forget to embrace Beatrix and share a kiss to replenish my magic; after all, I am a devoted husband.

“Just as expected from the fortunate one carrying the ‘Seed of God.’ The contractions have already started, but you barely made it in time.”

The midwife, who also seemed to be a healing magic user, offered some unclear praise. Essentially, it meant that the birth would begin soon, so I should keep watch.

“Clara, it’s almost time; let’s do our best.”

“Yes… I will give birth to an important piece of you, Lutz, and present it proudly.”

With a slight sheen of sweat on her forehead, Clara spoke bravely. But it’s her first delivery; it must be tough for her. When my eldest was born in the previous world, I returned from a long trip to find that the birth had already taken place, so I couldn’t understand the pain or offer encouragement…

“I’m happy that you’re here with me.”

I couldn’t ignore her humble request.

However, when the real contractions began, Clara’s breathing became ragged, and cries of pain escaped her. The midwife and a maid dressed as a priestess from Baden were working together to cast light healing magic, but it didn’t seem to alleviate her suffering.

“It looks like it’s going to be a difficult birth… Call for more priestesses!”

A knight rushed off in a panic. Wait, I heard that having healing magic users around meant it would be easy; isn’t this becoming a serious situation?

“Clara…”

“I-it’s okay… I will do my best, ugh…”

She was already soaked in sweat. Deep wrinkles formed on her forehead, and her breathing grew strained.

“Ugh, ah, haah!”

“Clara!”

I had stepped back to avoid disturbing the midwives, but I couldn’t hold back any longer. I rushed over and took Clara’s right hand. Her hand was also cold with sweat…

But I grasped it tightly with both of mine, pouring my feelings into it.

“Ah! The princess’s belly!”

Startled by the maid’s voice, I looked up to see a familiar and mysterious sight reappearing. A platinum light radiated from Clara’s lower abdomen… Oh, this is just like when she was on the verge of death due to the substitution doll, and the child inside responded to Gretel’s light magic… It was the same as that time.

But the light attribute healing magic had already been applied thoroughly by two people, right? The sudden response from the child inside her…

Ah, I understand now. Back then, Gretel’s healing magic alone didn’t provoke a response, but the moment I provided my magic, it began to shine. And today… this child is responding only to my magic, using magic from within her.

“Oh, I’m feeling so much better now…”

“I… I’m not sure why, but Prince Lutz, please continue!”

The priestess seemed to have somewhat realized the truth but decided to look the other way with adult judgment. If they realized that I could provide “special magic,” it would lead to more trouble. By the way, my title of “prince” came from marrying Beatrix and gaining royal status; it’s trivial, but still.

“Yes, you’re doing great, Princess Clara; just a little more…”

And thirty minutes later, my daughter was born into this world.