Mushoku Tensei (WN) - Volume 22 - Chapter 234

An assembly of dozens of houses. Crude fences.

Small fields with pakkun flowers[53] on the sides.

Middle schoolers flocking to a large cauldron.

All of them were just as before, just as in memory.

“I trust you’re still healthy, Father-in-Law?”

“I wonder about that…”

It was as if time had stopped in the Migurd village.

About two months had passed since Atofe was recruited.

During that time, I made rounds delivering letters to demon kings in various locations.

With Atofe’s letter and Orsted’s recommended tributes in hand, we went from one end of the Demon Continent to the other…which is to say with the teleportation circles.

The demon kings were a colorful bunch.

Bagraa’Hagraa[54], the gourmet Plundering Demon King who resembled a pig.

Rinebine, the Demon King of Faces who could only have an expression like that of a Moai statue.

Sahmedy’Nohmedy, the Demon King of Light who always emits light from his body.

Patlsetl, the Alluring Demon King whose semi-transparent body was concealed by a veil.

And the list goes on.

We even met Kebrakabra, the demon king of Displeasure that Orsted had warned about.

He was a spherical demon king with open holes throughout his body, and was constantly emitting the stench of vomit from the so-called holes.

We had went to all the locations with the resolve to fight.

They’re demon kings, after all.

When thinking of demon kings, Atoferatofe or Badigadi are the idiots at the top of the list.

They aren’t the type to listen to what you have to say.

Or so I thought, but they were surprisingly communicative.

They were delighted like children when I gave them gifts, and when I gave them Atofe’s letter, they would mutter, “A hero…?” with their faces pale, avert their eyes, and hang their heads.

Some were even unable to control their bowels while entreating, “Please don’t kill me”.

Kebrakabra, the demon king of Displeasure was even one of them.

I came to a good understanding of just how feared and irregular Atofe is.

Demon kings are basically a bunch of nice people who simply just do what they want to do.

If you give them a firm request, they’ll consider it with a serious expression.

However, while I had also asked about the search for Kishirika, most of them had replied “I’m not sure about that far off” for the things related 80 years from now.

The long-lived demon kings apparently don’t think about future matters.

On the way, we stopped by the town of Rikarisu[55] both the town that Badigadi rules over and where Kishirika’s castle is located.

The crater town that Kishirika had once set up as a stronghold.

Badigadi wasn’t there, nor did it seem like he had ever returned upon asking around.

No matter where I wandered to, the soldiers would only shrug.

For the time being, I gave a letter to the defending soldiers and requested they not just search for Kishirika, but Badigadi too.

There were a few demon king castles left and it was looking like things were going to end without a hitch.

When we got to that stage, Roxy called out to me.

“Would it be alright if I visited my hometown for a little bit? Don’t worry, it’ll be over right away and I’ll quickly come and go on my own.”

Like hell I would let you go alone.

I promptly returned home, grabbed Lara and a betrothal gift, and returned to the town of Rikarisu.

And upon ending a three-day journey, we arrived where we’re presently at, the Migurd village.

Just Roxy, Lara, and I.

Eris had said this and that and restrained herself.

I told her to at least thank them for the sword…but upon realizing that even she had remembered the thing called restraint, I was deeply moved.

Rokary, Roxy’s mother, froze upon seeing Roxy.

Well, not quite; she wasn’t looking at Roxy.

She saw me standing intimately next to Roxy, the child Roxy was carrying, and then froze.

Some people in the village took a look at Roxy and then stared intently at her.

I’m sure they were trying to use telepathy, but Rokary was different.

Her thoughts had certainly come to a complete halt.

She was petrified for about 5 seconds or so.

“Mother, I’ve returned.”

Spoken out to, Rokary then trembled.

“R-Roxy, who is this man, and this child?”

“My husband and child.”

“…!!”

The next instant, Rokary made an expression as if to say “Oh!” and surveyed her surroundings in a fluster.

Almost simultaneously, the nearby Migurds looked at the spot we were at, so she was probably yelling something with telepathy.

Or maybe she was calling for Royn, Roxy’s father.

She might even be saying, ‘Eek, Honey, Roxy brought home a man!’

“….”

“….”

The silent gazes hurt.

However, I’m Roxy’s man.

I must behave myself in a way that she won’t be embarrassed.

I folded my arms, aligned my legs, and threw out my chest, cladding myself in Psycho Power…[56]

“Mother, is Father around?”

“Y-yes, I just called for him. He’s at the elder’s home…so I’m sure he’ll be back right away.”

“Then, please let us wait at the house. When too many gazes gathered on Rudy, he started making a weird pose, as you see.”

Whaat!?

Weird!?

It was the pose of a venerable evil leader, though…

“Now then, Rudy, this way.”

“Alright.”

Abiding Roxy, I followed after her.

The luggage feeling heavy on my back was likely the pressure from meeting the father-in-law and mother-in-law.

I want to think that the affectionate posing didn’t belittle my beloved Roxy.

“Thank you for having us.”

Glancing about while following after the two, we entered the home of Roxy’s parents.

Come to think of it, I didn’t ever go inside their home last time I was here.

Maybe they’ll let me see Roxy’s room from when she was little.

Well, I already know there’s no concept such as a private room in this community, though.

“I wonder if there’s enough food in storage…”

“No, we’ll be leaving before long, so don’t worry over us.”

“But Roxy, you’ve finally returned, so stay a while.”

While listening to Rokary’s lonely tone, I sat down near the hearth, and Roxy promptly sat down beside me.

“We’re rather busy, you see.”

“Is that so…”

Rokary looked rather dejected.

If were inclined to, I think staying 3 or 4 days would be fine…

But Roxy isn’t all that fond of her hometown, so it may only be natural she would want to leave quickly.

“Nevertheless, you returned so suddenly…and with such handsome gentleman in tow, too…”

Rokary once again looked at me, and after a fairly unrestrained examination from head to toe, she suddenly bowed her head as if realizing something.

“Oh, how slow of me. I’m Roxy’s mother, Rokary. It’s nice to meet you.”

Meet me, huh…?

It goes to figure she wouldn’t remember me when we only met once over 10 years or so ago.

“I’m Rudeus Greyrat. We’ve met once before.”

“We have…”

“Yes, around 10 years ago, once. Ruijerd had brought me here.”

“You’re acquainted with Ruijerd Supardia? But he was last here…”

Hearing Ruijerd’s name, Rokary put a hand on her chin as if pondering it.

Eventually, she let out a small voice, seeming to have something come to mind.

“Are you by chance the small human child who was with Ruijerd when he was going on his journey?”

“That’s exactly right.”

“Oh my…! How nostalgic! You’ve certainly gotten bigger, I see. Only a little less than 10 years have gone by, but when humans get so big, they’re already splendid adults, right?”

“Right. I think of myself as an adult, though lacking in many areas…”

There, I placed my hands on the floor and bowed my head.

“It’s a fairly late notice, but I’ve wed your daughter.”

“…Oh, certainly. Erm, are you fine with this girl?”

“This girl is very fine.”

I spoke, looking at Roxy, and her face went red.

“Um, is Roxy being a proper wife for a human? There’s friction between humans demons, isn’t there? She isn’t being a bother, is she?”

“Regardless if there is some, I’m constantly being helped by Roxy. The most reliable one in my home is none other than Roxy.”

“Is that right…”

Roxy poked me in the side.

Wondering what it could be, I looked over at her, and she spoke to me in a whisper.

“You’re flattering me too much.”

Not a word was exaggerated, though.

“But, such a handsome… Are you really fine with our daughter?”

She repeated the question she had just said.

Even Rokary seems fairly flustered.

“Rudy has two other wives as well. I have a position similar to a concubine, so even if I were more or less unworthy, no problems will arise.”

Roxy interjected.

Roxy doesn’t have a single unworthy point about her, nor have I ever treated her as a concubine, though…

“Is that right… But…”

“Mother, you’re making it embarrassing, so please cease.”

“Oh…ok. But I’m still worried. You were always unsociable and silent back then…”

“I understand my own faults. But as you see, I’ve still given birth to a child, and am fulfilling my duties as a wife.”

Duties makes it sound businesslike.

Even if, for example, she never gave birth, my love wouldn’t waver, though…

But maybe it is better to say it that way.

“Rudeus, is this true?”

“Yes. At the very least, my love for Roxy will never run out. I swear to God.”

My love is agape.

It’s infinite love.

“I see…”

Rokary wore a bewildered expression.

It’s probably best to show with action after all.

Thus, I tried embracing Roxy’s shoulders.

Oh, she caught my hand.

You’ve got it wrong, Roxy, I wasn’t thinking of trying to touching your butt, I thought, but she grasped my hand.

Roxy’s hand was very warm.

“Like that, I see.”

Rokary seems to have reached an understanding.

Then Lara, who was sitting next to Roxy, suddenly turned her face toward the outside.

“Oh, Royn’s returned.”

Looks like the father-in-law has arrived.

I’ll have to once again give him my regards.

I’ll brace myself.

I was ready to prostrate myself any time.

Things went smoothly with Royn.

He had a similar reaction to Rokary.

He would say similar phrases, and I would say similar responses. It was very smooth operating.

Looks like I won’t have to prostrate after all.

“At any rate, congratulations, Roxy. I’m glad as long as you’re happy,” Royn finally said, being moved to tears, and grasped Roxy’s hands.

“Thank you, Father.”

Roxy and Rokary were also tearing up.

I wonder if I’m actually making Roxy happy.

In the first place, what is happiness?

I’m not certain, but I want to maintain my love for her.

“Still, Roxy married, huh… The Roxy that would trip over nothing and be a moment from crying when she was small…”

“Please leave out these kind of stories in front of Rudy.”

When Roxy was little, eh?

I’m sure she was adorable.

Or maybe her outer appearance wasn’t all that different from right now.

If I had met her at that time and grew up together…I’m sure our relationship would be different than it is currently.

Well, regardless of the relationship, I don’t think the destiny where I respect Roxy would be replaced.

“Still, I never thought I’d see my grandchild’s face.”

Seems like Royn was getting emotional.

His words were that like of chiding, but he lifted Lara up in a good mood.

Lara, like always, didn’t struggle and simply stared at Royn.

Seeing this made Royn break out into a grin.

“I see, your name’s Lara. Being able to clearly say your name, you’re a clever one.

“Huh?”

“Huh?”

I think Roxy and I let out a voice at the same time.

Lara has yet to say her name.

Or rather, she has yet to say anything at all.

‘So what is this…? ‘

I thought, when Roxy came to a realization and stared at Royn.

“…Can our girl use telepathy?”

“Huh? Yeah. She still has a little difficulty with it, but is clearly understandable.”

Roxy and I exchanged glances.

The shocking truth that just came to light.

That our little girl was an esper.

Thinking it over, it really isn’t that strange of a thing.

Roxy can’t use telepathy, but both of Roxy’s parents can.

Which means it just isn’t hereditary.

“You weren’t aware?”

“…None of us can use telepathy, you see?”

“Really…? But Lara says she often talks with grandma.”

Grandma.

In this case, Lara’s grandmother…doesn’t refer to Rokary.

It’s Zenith.

“Ahh…”

At the same time, I reached a sort of understanding.

Miko had said so, that Zenith can read others’ minds.

Thus, Lara was quite the chatterbox in Zenith’s memory.

The always silent Lara who wore a stern expression.

She had happy memories of chatting with Zenith.

I see, telepathy.

Lara had always been talking with telepathy, which is how she was able to converse with Zentih.

“….”

For some reason, I’m relieved.

But Roxy didn’t share my feelings.

She had a somewhat troubled expression while hanging her head.

She might be thinking about how her daughter can do something she herself cannot.

It was getting dark here.

“Really… Eh? What should I do… Lara, it’s Daddy~”

I said, standing up and brushing Lara’s head.

Lara didn’t smile or anything, just staring at me.

She’s probably saying something.

“She says she has no idea what you’re saying.”

Oh dear?

Oh, right, I was speaking in the Demon God language.

‘Lara, it’s Daddy~’

This time I used the human language and peered at Royn.

“She says she knows that.”

Oh, she knows.

I suppose that’s natural, there’s no way she wouldn’t.

I say it often enough, anyway.

Nevertheless, how dry.

I think even an “I love you Daddy” would be fine even as just lip service.

Recently, even Lucy been saying it.

I suppose language and telepathy aren’t related, though.

Maybe spoken words come off with a different nuance…

I suppose so, otherwise conversing with Zenith would be difficult.

“At any rate, I was thinking she was a bit of a late bloomer, but I’m actually a little relieved.”

“She’s still young, so she can only speak with her head, but I’m sure she’ll be speaking with her mouth before long.”

Royn said with a nostalgic smile.

“I’m sure what you two are feeling is the same when we had Roxy.”

“What do you mean?”

“We also thought Roxy was a bit of a late bloomer when she was born, since she couldn’t speak…”

Roxy, the only one in her family who can’t use telepathy and Lara, the only one in her family who can.

They are similar situations.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

All the same, I’m relieved.

Our girl is growing up just fine.

I really was worried she had no one to speak to at home, but it was nothing of the sort.

Zenith clearly has been, and likely Leo also has some sort of telepathy power as well and has been conversing with Lara with it.

Once she’s able to speak with words, she’ll be able to interact with the other family members as well.

It’s just a little longer.

“Lara is just like Roxy, isn’t she?”

“Ha ha ha. Right, just like her, particularly her eyes.”

Royn was happily laughing and Rokary was enjoying herself, too.

Even Lara, in some way, looked like she had an expression of enjoyment.

After that, I paid back the money they had lent me times ten, and presented them the betrothal gift.

I was grimacing inside at the Great king Land Tortoise cooking I haven’t had in so long, while on the outside I was saying how delicious it was.

It was a fun time.

I’m glad I came here, I thought, but Roxy’s expression didn’t liven up.

She didn’t cheer up all the way to the end.

In the end, Roxy and I decided to stay the night in the village.

Maybe in consideration of being a married couple, we were staying at a vacant house nearby Roxy’s parents’ house.

The three of us were sleeping with Lara in the middle in an unoccupied house with a little dust still remaining.

Were this a hotel, I’d feel something over there only being one bed and two pillows lined up.

Though it’s not like I can do that stuff when Lara’s with us, and right now I’m Rudeus the Abstinent anyway.

Even with Roxy lying next to me, I can keep my hands off of her.

But seeing Roxy lying down with her eyes shut certainly isn’t helping.

I started to feel maybe just a little was ok.

I’m getting excited, or rather, I am excited.

Well, let’s think about it.

I began a life of abstinence for a little while so I can’t have any children.

To flip it around, anything fine as long as it can’t end up with children.

Fate won’t go amiss just from the act of ejecting the evil matter.

Roxy is safe.

That said, if you’ll pardon me here—

“Rudy.”

Faah!

I’m sorry.

It was just a passing impulse.

“Are you still awake?”

“Zzz zzz.”

“Skip the pretend sleep. Didn’t you just look me in the eyes?”

I reluctantly opened my eyes.

Roxy, who was lying next to me, was staring at me with a serious expression.

“It’s about Lara.”

Lara was already sleeping soundly.

Usually she had the most brazen expressions, but her sleeping one was that of an angel.

“To be honest, I had been thinking that was how it was.”

What is, I couldn’t bring myself to ask.

It was what she spoke of today.

The fact that Lara can use the Migurd racial ability just fine.

“I had been quiet up until now…but every time I saw Zenith and Lara staring at each other, I considered the possibility.”

“It never came to mind for me.”

“I’m sure. You’ve been quite busy these few years, always moving around.”

I haven’t been watching over my children, is what it felt like she said.

Well, if I had assert one or the other, maybe it would be that I haven’t.

Maybe I’ve just been watching the cute parts and doting on them.

I haven’t done a single thing that would count as raising or educating them.

Frankly, I’ve just been taking advantage of Sylphy and Roxy for that.

“What kind of expression is that? I’m not blaming you for it.”

I appreciate that she can say that.

No matter how much I worry and reflect over it, my hands are currently full with the Hitogami stuff.

I have no resources to devote to raising children.

“It’s just, I was thinking a little.”

“About what?”

Roxy was stroking Lara’s head.

“I was born in this village. Once I became aware of my surroundings, I grew up always feeling alienated.”

“….”

“Thinking back on it, those days were really difficult. Leaving the village, going to a town where they came to mutual understanding with words, making acquaintances there, and when I began my life as an adventurer, I keenly realized that the world I lived in was right here.”

She can’t do what everyone else can.

Not being able to do just such a simple thing.

When asked why she couldn’t do such an ordinary action, she wouldn’t even know.

Just unable to do it and spoken of as a useless failure by her peers, and she even recognized herself as such.

But that really wasn’t common sense.

She was glad she couldn’t do it.

When Roxy knew that, she undoubtedly had an indescribable sense of freedom.

“If Lara is raised as it is, maybe she’ll have the same thoughts I did. I may be glad I left the village, but Lara isn’t me. There aren’t any other races that can use the same ability as the Migurd.”

Roxy, then, suddenly looked away.

But she may be right.

The Migurd don’t leave the village often.

Even on the Demon Continent, I had almost never seen a race like the Migurds.

It may not be exclusive, but they are a self-enclosed race.

I can’t say that Lara won’t feel alienated in the future.

“So I was thinking…”

Roxy said, still facing away.

She had a troubled face as if she had no confidence in her own idea.

“How about leaving Lara with my father and mother?”

“…Huh?”

“I wondering that it might be best to live in the Migurd village as a Migurd until she’s 10 or 15, until she’s grown to some extent. Afterwards, wouldn’t it be for the best to decide if she should leave or stay in the village? That’s what I was thinking.”

“….”

I want to be with my son and daughters as much as I possibly can.

I think that’s the obligation as one who conceived them. I view taking responsibility as including that.

Minus the Hitogami stuff, I want Lara to be raised somewhere I can see.

But Roxy was telling me something she had thought hard over.

She isn’t saying it because she wants to escape from responsibility or because she wants to resign from childcare.

It’s because it will be hard on Lara.

She’s saying it because Lara wouldn’t want to go through the same things she herself had.

A child with blue hair who has a different means of talking with others.

There’s no way there won’t be painful times.

It goes without saying a parent can’t shoulder the child’s pain.

“I’m against it… But if you think it’s for the best, then I…”

The words wouldn’t come out.

I can’t choose.

Should I prioritize my own feelings or Roxy’s suggestion?

I could only keep silent, unsure.

“I’m sorry, Rudy. Please forget this. The conversation never happened.”

Roxy said after a brief period of silence.

That was where we ended the day.

Roxy and I slept with our hands held.

The Migurd village was a quiet village.

You can’t hear any conversation.

Since the villagers talk with telepathy, there were no conversations in the village.

Maybe some of them would greet Roxy, but she couldn’t hear it.

But Lara probably could.

The conversations of the people preparing food over there, or a lover’s quarrel inside a home, or all other kinds of racket.

“Seeing this lack of change, I can understand the richness my past ten years had…or rather, the bustle human livelihoods have.”

Roxy spoke, turning her gaze to our daughter that she was carrying.

Lara, as always, was staring at Roxy with a surly face.

I don’t think this village would change even after another decade.

Or even were there to be a change, we wouldn’t notice it.

“Then, take care, alright?”

“It’s alright if you stay a little longer…”

Royn and Rokary were seeing us off at the village entrance.

They looked rather lonely.

“Could I hold Lara once last time?”

Royn asked, and extended his arms.

Grandchildren are cute no matter where in the world you are.

It didn’t appear like they have any intention of having children aside from Roxy.

“It’s perfectly fine, here.”

Roxy held out Lara, who she was holding, to him, or at least tried to.

“What’s this?”

Lara was firmly clinging onto the neck area of Roxy’s robe.

It was like a scene I had seen somewhere.

“Come now, Lara, say goodbye to grandpa and grandma.”

“….”

Lara, making use of both her arms and legs, was clinging onto Roxy like a cicada.

Just like that, she looked over at me.

The usual surly and brazen face she always had was…gone.

Her mouth was warped, her brow furrowed, and she had an expression that looked like she was going to cry at any moment.

It was an expression asking for help.

“Ahh… Ha ha ha. Nevermind, it’s fine after all.”

Royn spoke with a wry smile, waving his hand.

“She’s saying she doesn’t want to be separated from Mom.

“…!”

Roxy looked at Lara, surprised.

Upon seeing Lara’s expression close to crying, anxiety filled Roxy’s own expression in the blink of an eye.

“No, want to be together…”

Lara said, as if squeezing out the words.

Our little girl, who had never spoken before, asserted herself for the first time.

“….”

Perhaps, Lara had heard last night’s conversation.

Even if she hadn’t, maybe she had a dream where she was left behind due to it.

Maybe all we did was make her meaninglessly uneasy.

“It’ll be just fine.”

Roxy hugged Lara tightly in silence.

Her lips were tightly pressed together while holding back tears.

As both mother and daughter were making the same expression, Roxy spoke.

“We’ll always be together.”

With those words, Lara relaxed with a relieved expression.

“Roxy, when will you come back next?”

“Let’s see, once Lara is a bigger… I think we’ll come again in about 10 years.

“…Alright, that’s good. Take care, ok?”

Rokary said, not seeming to think of 10 years as all that long.

And thus, we departed the village.

The two saw us off at the village entrance until we were out of sight.

It was a bit awkward at times, but I’m glad we visited them.

Eris and Sylphy’s parents are gone, passed away.

Roxy’s parents were estranged, but even so, parents are still parents.

I think that as long as they’re alive, you can visit them as many times as you want.

“Now, Rudy, things are going to get hectic again.”

“They sure are.”

Before that, I’ll tidy up the immediate tasks.

With such thoughts in mind, we returned to the town of Rikarisu.

We’ve finished going around and greeting each of the Demon Kings.

They’ve each given me their consideration.[57]

Using Atofe’s name is really convenient.

For now, everything has been going smoothly.

I’ve been getting along well.

Almost to the point that I’m starting to think it’s gone too well; we haven’t run into any issues.

Gisu has been strangely silent.

There hasn’t been any interference from Hitogami either.

I’ve been diligently checking back in on the house, and there’s no sign of any interference with my family.

I’ve had a look at the information on world affairs that the mercenary company has been collecting, and there haven’t been any strange movements.

At least, my actions don’t seem to have conflicted with Gisu’s plot.

Gisu’s letter might have been a bluff; he could be plotting something entirely different…

Or something like that, I don’t know yet.

Even if I don’t know, it’s important to keep moving forward.

For now, there haven’t been any Gisu sightings.

He’s hiding himself well.

At least until I make a request of Kishirika, but she hasn’t been found either.

Well, finding Kishirika is only a matter of time.

In the mean time, I’ve decided to continue networking.

The Holy Land of Swords.

Sword God, Gull Farion.

According to Orsted, he’s a man of good character with a hobby of collecting rare swords.

According to Eris, he’s not the kind of person to listen to what you have to say.

Once in the past I had also met Nina Farion, although…

Well, I had the impression that she was similar to Atofe.

According to the circumstances, I might have to bulldoze through the negotiations in the MK-I.

If that’s the case, then it would be good to bring reinforcements.

That place will be full of people like Eris and Ghyslaine.

At least Atofe’s elite guard, even seeing their boss stare down defeat, won’t act unless commanded.

If a large number of Sword God-style swordsmen were to attack simultaneously…

I feel reluctant just thinking about it.

First of all I’ll bring Eris… but, who else?

It would be unreasonable to ask Ariel to let me bring Ghyslaine…

“You! Clear your plate quickly, don’t make a mess!” (Lucy)[58]

“Aa, sorry. Yes, chew~ chew~” (Norn)

While thinking about such things, I was at home, having a meal with my family.

“Don’t just eat everything but the bell peppers!” (Lucy)

“Eeh, the bell peppers too? I don’t like bell peppers…” (Norn)

“Leaving the bell peppers is no good! Adults have to eat things even if they aren’t delicious!” (Lucy)

My daughter is still small, she’s five years old.

There’s no roof on our house. Our tableware is made of stone, and we’re eating mud dumplings with muddy water to drink.

It’s surely my fault, I’m not earning enough income.

Such hardship.

“Babu~” (Norn)[59]

“Already, but Norn-chan I gave you my breast a little while ago, and you’re already hungry again? I guess it can’t be helped, say ahh~” (Lucy)

Speaking of which, Norn is already 15 years old.

She’ll be 16 years old soon.

She’ll also graduate from the magic university this year, we should probably hold some kind of event despite being busy, but she still seems to miss mama’s milk.

“Wow~ Mama, thank you~” (Norn)

“That’s no good! Baby-talk is no good!” (Lucy)

“Aa… yes. Babu~” (Norn)

My daughter still isn’t good with words.

She’s still an infant, so it can’t be helped.

“Wan wan!” (Aisha)[60]

“Already, Aisha’s hungry too? There’s no helping it, HEY, everyone, time to eat, come to the kitchen!” (Lucy)

Our pet is 15 years old too.

Recently, she’s had to balance between housework and managing the mercenary company, almost like a career woman, but she always ends up playing the role of a maid.

Even so, she’s still a brutish dog that can’t fight against her appetite.

“Wafun~!” (Aisha)

“After you’ve eaten properly, you can go play with Norn-chan!” (Lucy)

“Wafu wafu, wa~an!” (Aisha)

“Babu~…!” (Norn)

“Yaah, it tickles!” (Lucy)

In a fit of excitement, Aisha jumped up, licking their cheeks.

A truly happy family.

I’ll join in too.

“Yay~ Papa~ Papa~” (Norn)[61]

“No! Papa don’t do that!” (Lucy)

Rejected.

This must be what’s called domestic discrimination.[62]

Although it looks like a happy family, the marriage has lost its passion.

A cold married life, a rut.

I mean, why can’t I act like a pet?

I want to hug and lick too…

“*sob* Papa is hated…” (Norn)

“It’s different! Papa is great, but he’s rarely home, and I’m holding the baby, I still love him! It just can’t be helped!” (Lucy)

Maybe not that great, since I’m listening in.

But it can be helped, because I also want to hug the baby.

Love is warmth.

And since I’m warm, I’m happy.

“Um, Rudy… is now a good time to talk?” (Sylphy)

Suddenly, from behind, a voice was heard.

Turning around, from the window of the neighboring house, mother-in-law was… well. That’s enough of that.

“Ah.”

As I was standing up, the hem of my shirt was caught.

Lucy was holding it, looking up at me with an anxious face.

“Papa, are you gonna go to work again?”

I was considering it an hour ago.

About who I should bring to the Holy Land of Swords, maybe I should just ask President Orsted to make the trip.

Or how should I start the negotiations, maybe I should just go in strong…

And various other potential issues, then Norn brought Lucy over to play.

While hiding behind Norn, Lucy was fidgeting saying [Umm… papa, play?]

I consented without a second thought.

“No, I’m just going to go talk with mom a little.”

“… don’t go.”

“I shall return immediately. Until then, play with your big sisters.”

“… Yeah.”

Lucy responded with a squeak and hung her head.

I’m reluctant to leave that cute face.[63]

If it were possible, I’d play all day.

It was fun playing Lucy’s husband.

But, because my true wife is calling, I must go.

“What’s the matter? Sylphy?”

As I head back through the living room after washing my hands, I found Sylphy sitting on the couch.

“Yeah. Um… Recently, Rudy’s been busy, right? So, I heard you earlier, and I don’t think it’s bad…”

Sylphy said with an embarrassed face while scratching the back of her ear with a crunching sound.

I wonder if it’s something difficult to say.

“If I heard properly, are you leaving already for the Holy Land of Swords?”

“Ah, as soon as preparations are complete, probably another 2 or 3 days…”

I still have to decide who to bring.

Eris and someone else.

I’d like to bring someone sensible who can understand the Sword God Style.

I wonder if it would really be unreasonable to ask Ariel to lend out Ghyslaine or Isolte…

“How long will you be gone?”

“I’m not sure, probably between 10 to 30 days. I’ll be back to visit.”

Near the Holy Land of Swords, where famous swordsmen polish their skills, there are also master blacksmiths in training.

I also intend to forge a connection with them.

“Is that so… yeah, well, that won’t be in time after all.”

“… What?”

“The delivery.”

As Sylphy said that, I noticed her belly.

A big belly.

And a slightly larger chest.

They are body changes unsuitable to the slender Sylphy.

“Ah… it’s that time already.”

No way, of course I wouldn’t forget.

Sylphy is always in my mind.

It was just that I didn’t realize we were so close to the due date already…

The stream of time is one that flows briskly.

“… can I touch your belly?”

As I said that, I moved in to touch.

Even though I’m just touching her belly, from the depths, I can feel the pulse of life.

The feeling of two hearts beating, something miraculous.

Sylphy is caring for two lives now.

And, after that life separates from Sylphy, it’s going to become independent.

“Soon Lucy’s little brother or sister will be born.”

Sylphy gently placed her hand on top of mine as I was touching her belly.

“This time, Rudy won’t be here for the birth?”

“No, I’ll be here, in the house.”

“But… Rudy…”

“I’ll be here.”

After hearing my child is about to be born, I can’t just say [Well, take care] and leave the house on a business trip.

If I do that, I’ll truly lose sight of what I’ve been doing everything for.

“… Thank you Rudy. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Sylphy closed her eyes, and put her hand on my shoulder to embrace me.

Yeah, I’m happy…

“Ah, that’s right. Before the birth, we should choose a name. Before you left for Milis, you said you’d think of one, right?”

I sat in a seiza on the floor.

Thus, I decided to stay home for a while.

I don’t feel a particular need to rush things.

Nevertheless, I feel a bit uneasy.

As I assumed a seiza pose, bowing with my forehead near the floor, I informed Sylphy that I hadn’t thought of a name. She looked more disappointed than angry.

She was blue in the face, at a loss for words.

Like she had been betrayed by something she had believed in, she had that kind of expression.

But it only lasted for a second, and she followed up with [Well, then, we need to think of one]…

That’s the face of disappointment.

I’m wearing out her patience.

Her voice just trailed off after that.

Yeah, that’s right.

Surely, Sylphy has, for the last six months, believed in me.

Even when I was far away, she was looking forward to celebrating the birth of our child with me.

Of course, I had every intention of doing so.

I had the intention.

The action, however, I fell short on.

There’s no doubt about that.

“Papa. What’s wrong? Stomach hurts?”

“No, well a little, I accidentally hurt mama’s feelings.”

“Then, you should say sorry.”

Lucy was trying to comfort me.

But, what Sylphy wants isn’t an apology.

She doesn’t want some superficial apology.

She doesn’t want a heartfelt apology either.

No, what she wants is something more vague… she wants a sense of security.

“Lucy. Even if I tell Mama I’m sorry, I don’t think that will help, her feelings will still be hurt.”

“But, Papa won’t hurt Mama’s feelings anymore?”

“I won’t.”

“Well then Mama will forgive you!”

It’s Sylphy after all, I should have understood that from the beginning.

I need to be home for her.

In this kind of situation, I’m probably missing something.

Even if I think I understand, her feelings may be different.

She’s been enduring for a long time.

When I left her while she was pregnant to go help Paul.

When I married Roxy, then Eris.

Time and time again, instead of exploding, she’s only shown understanding.

I’ve been allowed to do as I like.

Once again, she’s enduring.

When she heard that I hadn’t even thought of a name, she was holding herself back.

Surely, even now, she’s still enduring it.

I’m the one making her endure.

Everything’s fine for now.

However a time will come when her patience reaches its limit.

Just like water overflows from a cup, there’s also a limit on what a person can put up with.

At that time, I’ll lose Sylphy.

Just like in the diary, she’ll up and disappear.

That would be awful.

I want to spend the rest of my life with her.

Together, through the painful times too.

That’s just my own selfishness.

Even if she falls out of love with me,

At the very least I want to give Sylphy a sense of security.

I wonder what I should do.

While I was worrying over those kinds of things, the delivery date rapidly approached.

We’re expecting it in the next week or so.

Sylphy has been spending her time as if nothing had happened.

In fact, I was starting to think it wasn’t such a big deal either.

She’s not the type to hold a grudge for this kind of thing.

Perhaps the other day she was just disappointed, and didn’t take things too seriously.

I don’t think things became awkward.

While I was spending as much time as possible with Sylphy, I was desperately thinking of a name for our child.

Just like that, Sylphy started having delivery pains.

Eris had a calm face and took off sprinting to the doctor,

Lilia and Aisha prepared for the delivery,

Roxy was waiting off to the side as an auxiliary healing specialist,

Leo was taken with the children to another room,

And I was next to Sylphy the entire time.

After a little bit, Eris returned with the doctor.

Under her arm that is, his eyes were spinning, but he immediately set out to prepare for the delivery.

Everyone was familiar with the process.

This is Sylphy’s second child, my fourth.

If I count the number of births I’ve witnessed, including Aisha and Norn, it’s five.

If I count my previous life, it’s a few more.

Even the doctor is a veteran; there isn’t a single inexperienced person here.

With this lineup, I can have peace of mind.

And with everyone present, the delivery began.

There was no panic or confusion, everyone was calm and proceeded smoothly…

“Ugh.”

When the head crowned, the doctor moaned.

My peace of mind broke in an instant; anxiety is coursing through my body.

Even though I’m accustomed to the process, delivery then birth.

I shouldn’t have relaxed my guard.

I know it’s not a breech delivery, because the head was crowning…

There’s no way it could be a stillbirth.

Roxy stood up with her staff in hand.

“Do we need healing magic?”

“That’s not necessary.”

As the doctor said that, the delivery continued.

The delivery proceeded smoothly, with Sylphy letting out as little of her voice as she could.

I don’t see anything going wrong.

“… Aah~ aah~”

Then, suddenly, in the quiet room, a baby’s cries emerged.

The doctor finished delivering the baby without saying anything.

There doesn’t seem to be any problem.

But, the doctor’s expression is stiff.

Now I see why.

From a glance at the baby, it’s obvious.

The reason why the doctor still has a stiff expression, that is.

The baby’s hair was the problem.

When Lucy was born, she had a little bit of light brown hair.

Lara was born without any hair.

Arus was born while I was away, but when I first saw him, he had red hair.

“….”

Sylphy’s second child.

The baby’s hair, was green.

It’s not bright enough to be emerald green.

But, it was green.

Almost similar to Sylphy’s old…

“That….”

Sylphy’s complexion has gone completely blue.

“Ah… Ah… a lie…”

Roxy, Eris, Aisha, Lilia, and I have normal expressions.

In this house, it’s not unusual for a child with colorful hair to be born.

And, I’m also good friends with Ruijerd.

I don’t see anything wrong with green hair.

But, Sylphy…

For her…

It’s different.

“… Congratulations. It’s a boy.”

“……”

Sylphy looked at the baby with a hopeless face.

The doctor presented the baby, held to his chest, when Sylphy put up her hands like she didn’t know what to do.

“Sylphy.”

We should be celebrating.

There’s no reason not to celebrate.

Out of appreciation for Sylphy, it’s necessary to celebrate.

Afterwards, we need to raise him to become a fine man.

With as many smiles as possible.

In order to create a sense of security.

“Everything’s fine, it’s fine, thank you.”

“…… Rudy… I’m sorry.”

Before I could say anything else, Sylphy replied.

“There’s no reason to apologize, so–“

As I said that, as if her battery suddenly died, she lost all of her strength.

I caught the baby as he slipped from her grasp.

“Eh?”

“Rudy! Please move!”

Roxy and the doctor suddenly pushed me out of the way.

Sylphy had lost consciousness, they were checking on her condition.

I can’t seem to do anything but look on, stunned.

“She’s only fainted.”

A feeling of relief filled the room at the doctor’s words.

I was still frozen in place, holding my naked baby.

Unable to move an inch, just standing there.

Aisha approached with a cloth.

“Oniichan, we need to wrap the baby in this.”

“Y-yeah.”

As Aisha said that, I took the cloth.

Sylphy was uneasy.

She’s had a vague sense of anxiety about her.

And, her uneasiness was proved right when she saw her child’s hair was green.

As if she had finally snapped under the tension, or whether her stress had reached a limit, she fainted.

If I’d been better at providing her with a sense of security, things might have gone differently.

I’m sorry.

But, I also feel as if this is a sort of blessing.

Certainly, he has green hair, but there’s nothing wrong with that.

Everything went smoothly.

This is my fourth child. I’ve properly thought of a name.

“… You, why are you here?”

Eris, who was sitting in the corner of the room, abruptly asked.

She was asking me.

I’ve been acting cowardly, and Eris responded with harsh words.

With that feeling in the pit of my stomach, I turned around.

“Huh?”

That wasn’t it.

She wasn’t referring to me.

There’s a strange guy in the room.

Blonde hair. Wearing a white school uniform, with a buttoned shirt and long pants.

And, a familiar yellow fox-motif mask.

“Arumanfi…?”

Arumanfi was watching me patiently.

Or, more accurately, my baby.

He was patiently watching my green haired baby.

“Rudeus Greyrat. Perugius-sama requests your presence at the sky castle.”

It would seem I’ve been summoned by Perugius.