After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 207

Chapter 207: Another Strange Child?

The guestroom the maids had prepared ended up not being used. That’s because the guest who was supposed to use it spent the night in my bed.

“Ahhh, thank you for the meal. It had been a while, but it was wonderful,” Adele said.

Last night, Adele’s expression had melted in pleasure, but now she greeted me in the morning with her usual composed look. I’d been hearing such comments often lately. Was I supposed to respond with something like “Sorry to disappoint”?

Well, I was quite satisfied too.

After all, Ayaka is expecting her third child next month. Gretel’s belly has also started to show, and Nicole, the appraiser lady, is happily pregnant. Even Cornelia, the guardswoman who couldn’t resist in her drunken state, is now confident she’s carrying my child and has excused herself from further nighttime visits, saying, “Next time, let others have their turn.” Zelie, though, would probably jump at the chance, but her love feels too heavy, and I’m a bit afraid to approach her.

To put it simply, unless I’m prepared to take on more mistresses, there are no women I can currently be with. For someone like me, stuck in perpetual adolescence, this was a rather tough period of abstinence. So, it’s no wonder that Adele, who extended a welcome invitation, looked like an angel to me… right?

Accompanying the diligent Adele, who never oversleeps despite “morning afters,” I had an early breakfast. As we ate, Gretel came into the dining room, gently rubbing her belly. She sighed, seemingly resigned.

“Well, you look pretty satisfied… If you can’t hold back, use one of the girls from the Lily of the Valley Society.”

All I could do was smile wryly. The Lily of the Valley Society, led by Gretel, is a growing organization of potential mistresses. Women adorned with the golden lilac badge, a mark of being both a leader and an official mistress, now number seven, including Adele and my sister Liese. Even Zelie discreetly wears hers on her priestess robes.

“As expected of Lady Marguerite, it’s a splendid idea. That sense of exclusivity fosters loyalty. And, of course, we must prevent this overly affectionate man from spreading his seed recklessly.”

“Exactly! Beato said she was worried, saying, ‘What if he ends up with a hundred concubines?’ I have to keep an eye on things to make sure that doesn’t happen. By the way, I’ve got two more candidates for golden brooches. Do you think it’s too soon?”

“It’s not too early, but before making them official mistresses, let’s have Beato interview them. We can’t risk letting ill-intentioned individuals near Lord Lutz.”

“Good idea! Beato can come here often now, thanks to Adele.”

Though the conversation revolved around my prospective partners, my opinion had no place in the matter. It was all decided based on Gretel’s preferences, which felt rather frustrating.

Still, it was somewhat comforting to see Gretel enjoying herself. Not long ago, she would cry even while recommending women to me. Now, she’s actively encouraging relationships with women like Cornelia, whom she sees as beneficial to me.

Why the sudden change? Well, it’s obvious.

It’s because her belly now carries a life, my child. The intense possessiveness and love she once directed solely at me have shifted, in large part, to the baby inside her. Look at her now, softly smiling and lovingly rubbing her belly, infusing it with light magic.

Though her jealous streak has subsided, and that’s a relief, I can’t help but feel a bit lonely. Maybe that’s just selfish of me as a man.

“Hmm, something feels strange,” Gretel murmured, tilting her head as she kept her hand on her belly.

Her expression was cute, but what was she puzzled about?

“Adele, you’ve infused your belly with magic before, haven’t you?”

“Yes. It’s delightful to feel the baby move in response to my magic.”

“Right? Pregnant women carrying girls always say that.”

“Is it different for you, Gretel?”

Adele looked confused. Something about this exchange gave me an uneasy feeling. I hoped nothing was wrong with the baby in Gretel’s belly.

“When I place my hand on my belly, I feel something flowing into me instead. Receiving that energy makes me feel stronger, somehow…”

Oh no. Could it be that another strange child is on the way?

Up until recently, the children I conceived followed a consistent pattern. If the mother’s magic was B-class, the child would be A-class. If it was higher, the child would be one rank above, inheriting the same magical attribute and resembling the mother. That pattern had continued for some time.

But lately, things had changed. Clara’s daughter looked just like me and had two magical attributes. Beato’s child, despite having SS-class magic, was possessed by a spirit and unable to use magic. Is something wrong with my “seed”?

And now, Gretel’s child seems unusual as well. Naturally, I couldn’t help but worry.

“Don’t worry, Lutz. It’s your child, whom I adore. No matter what power they’re born with, they’ll surely find happiness… no, I’ll make sure of it.”

Her gray eyes sparkled brightly with determination.