After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 225

Chapter 225: Gretel’s Final Month

“It’s really getting big now.”

“Yeah, it’s a bit bigger than I expected.”

With a shy smile, my precious childhood friend slowly rubbed her large belly, which was protecting her most important treasure.

Yes, Gretel, now in her final month, had a belly that was clearly bigger than the other women who had carried my child. Even though she was already over 170 cm tall, her stomach seemed to stand out more than Beatrice’s, who was the smallest among them.

“Does this mean… maybe it’s twins?” I asked.

“I thought that at first, too. I’d be so happy if it were… but the midwife from the capital and Zeri both said, ‘There’s only one magical presence,’” she replied.

I see… Well, if the experts say that, it’s probably true. So, it seems like the baby inside her is just growing unusually large.

“Maybe. But it’s my child, so I wouldn’t be surprised by anything,” she said.

I couldn’t tell if she was complimenting me or teasing me, but I could only smile wryly. Still, there was something worrying me.

The women who carried my child who were B-class or lower had their magical power increase to A-class, and those above A-class saw their power increase by one rank. Beatrice’s child, Fanny, still had uncertain magical potential, but Beatrice herself had been measured as SS-class by the church, so this seemed consistent.

But Gretel seemed to be an exception. After all, she had given birth to three of my children and compared her magical power with Ayaka, who was said to be at the level of a Demon King, and she claimed, “I’m slightly stronger.”

The child growing in her belly was clearly not ordinary. As a parent, I’d be happy if my child was born with great abilities. But would a child that strong put some kind of strain on Gretel? I couldn’t shake the vague worry that something might happen to her during childbirth.

“Ah, you’re thinking something strange again, aren’t you? Stop it. This child is yours, Lutz. It will only make me happy, never unhappy,” she reassured me.

“Yeah, but when your belly gets this big, it’s hard not to worry…”

“Yes, it is a little worrying. But I care about this child more than anything. If I had to, I’d give my life to bring them into this world…”

“Hey, don’t say such scary things.”

“Did you think I’d say something like that?”

With a playful look, Gretel stuck out her tongue, breaking the serious mood. Then, she looked at me with determined, shining gray eyes.

“Don’t worry. No matter what happens, I’ll safely give birth to this child, and I won’t harm myself. Because… if something happens, Lutz would be sad. This child and I are here to make you happy. No matter what bad fate may come, I’ll twist fate with my own strength!”

Ah, this is why my childhood friend is so special. Any worry I come up with, she has already thought about. And after considering everything, she intends to use her strength to give me the happiness I want. I couldn’t help but feel a smile creep onto my face. We both laughed for a while.

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“It’s really about time for the birth. If we wait any longer, it could become dangerous,” said the midwife from the capital with a serious look on her face.

While there were local midwives like Zeri in Baden, there was no need to worry too much about the birth itself. However, Gretel’s parents, the Duke and Duchess of Hannover, were in a frenzy over their first grandchild, sending not only the midwife but also a wet nurse and extra help.

Nobles sure like to waste money. But then again, the child would eventually inherit the Hannover title, so it’s understandable that her grandparents were excited.

Whoops, I got distracted. In any case, the midwife was an experienced professional, and her words carried weight. She warned that if the baby grew any bigger, the birth could be complicated and dangerous for both the child and Gretel.

“If we’re going to give birth soon, what options do we have?” I asked.

“There are medicines to induce labor, but there are side effects…” the midwife hesitated.

She was hesitating because, while the medicine could bring on labor, it seemed to have potential negative effects on the mother and child.

“I see… I don’t want to use the medicine.”

“Then, under these circumstances…” the midwife said, looking at Gretel, “Lady, you must understand… you’re the last hope for the Hannover family. If anything happens to you, we can’t afford it.”

Gretel was still considered “Lady” to the Hannover family, the heir to the marquisate, not just a consort. So, her health was of the utmost importance.

“Yeah, I think we have options. Lutz, come here,” Gretel said.

As usual, when “Lady” gives an order, I immediately stand up and rush to her side.

“Yes, place your hand here,” she instructed.

I followed her instructions and placed my palm on her belly. It seemed like she hadn’t had time to replenish her magical energy in a while, as her expression softened with satisfaction as soon as I made contact.

“Ah… Lutz’s magic is the best…”

Though I couldn’t feel it, I could tell that my magical power was flowing into her body. After a while, I could feel the baby moving distinctly under my hand.

“Ugh, just as I thought. Lutz’s magic seems to encourage labor… Hurry, get ready!” she said.

“Yes, immediately!” I replied.

The air in our log house suddenly became tense.