Chapter 506
As soon as I realized that our honeymoon turned into a family trip with five instead of just two, I started preparing for our return home.
Fortunately, our mission in the Holy Kingdom was complete, and we’d already visited most of the tourist spots before heading to the Mage Tower. There was no reason to linger in Enestie any longer. So it was best to let go of any lingering desires about our honeymoon and just return quickly.
It’s even more ridiculous to find out about their identities only after the fact. These kids aren’t even born yet, and they’re already showing such filial piety!
“It’s a shame. I didn’t think you’d be leaving so soon after yesterday’s card game,” Tannian said, walking us to the port.
“Still, it’s harsh for someone carrying a new life to stay in an unfamiliar place,” he added.
“Thank you for understanding.”
“Haha, I’m embarrassed to hear you say that. It’s only natural, isn’t it?”
Tannian’s small chuckle made me smile as well. I’d worried that the sudden departure would leave the Holy Kingdom feeling awkward, but it seemed they bore no grudge. Even if they did, I doubted they would make a fuss about it.
“The Pope and the cardinals hope you both had a wonderful trip and give their heartfelt congratulations on the new life coming into the world.”
“That’s an honor. Once the children are born, we’ll make sure to visit the church.”
“Oh, and please show the cards to the bishop at that time. He’ll bestow the greatest blessings he can offer.”
At that, Trixy’s expression softened instantly.
Receiving the best blessings for the tiny triplets who will someday come into the world would indeed be a great happiness for an expectant mother. Even though these triplets would carry the elf blood that serves Constantina, they would be living in the human world. In this continent, how much divine favor and blessings one gains is one measure of their authority.
Of course, nothing is more authoritative than being the offspring of the Katoban Duke, born after nearly 100 years.
“Then, brothers and sisters, I will pray for the blessings of the Lord upon the three children who will be born next year.”
With Tannian’s bowing farewell, we returned to the Empire. What began as a honeymoon had turned into an oddly comforting family trip.
Upon arriving at the estate, a fiery welcome awaited us.
“Welcome back, Sister! It must have been tough out there!”
“Master, is there anything uncomfortable? Or anything you want to eat!”
“This is a tea that’s good for pregnant women!”
The welcoming chatter was directed entirely at Trixy, not me.
Well, it’s not surprising that anyone would be shocked to see someone return from a honeymoon with three kids. Still, I felt a bit slighted being overlooked. Didn’t I also play a significant historic role in the Council?
As I noticed the lovers being pandered to, I saw Titi and several servants rushing in from the hallway.
“Second Lady! Second Ladiiiies!”
“Housekeeper, please don’t shout like that! You’ll startle the Lady!”
The servants seemed only to have eyes for Trixy, checking on her body without exception.
–Woof!
Only Titi wagged her tail, happily greeting her owner.
‘Good dog.’
As I petted Titi’s panting head, I quietly closed my eyes. In this vast mansion, you are the only one on my side. I’ll make sure to treat you with some good meat tonight.
No, from now on, our Titi shall only have the finest beef.
*
I took a moment of silence, looking at the back of His Excellency as he fed carrots to the black horse. Even he must have engaged in such actions to sort through his thoughts.
“Your Excellency.”
“Yes, Sir.”
After a moment, I lowered my head slightly to respond.
“There are many pillars that support the Empire, but the strongest ones are five. This has remained unchanged since the Great Emperor personally selected those five pillars.”
Respecting my position as Emperor, His Excellency stroked the black horse’s head and turned to face me.
“And if even one of those five pillars falls, it’s equivalent to admitting that the Empire is unstable.”
“Your Excellency’s words are true.”
I nodded again, agreeing with His Excellency’s statement. If any one of the dukes fell, it would signify that the Empire and the imperial family couldn’t manage their own affairs adequately, which would be apparent to the entire continent.
Everyone knows how significant those five dukes are to the royal family.
Since about 100 years ago, the shared worry of successive emperors has been the heir situation of the Katoban Duke. While the other dukes are merrily marrying and having children, the Marcilio Duke remained alone, never marrying.
But thanks to the Duke’s long lifespan, he hasn’t needed to marry yet; if he were human, the Emperor would have personally intervened long ago.
In fact, the founding father of the Katoban Dukedom was a pivotal figure who dealt a fatal blow to Apels’ heavenly mandate. The revolutionary who openly questioned the legitimacy of the last emperor of Apels in the square of the Apels Empire. If this man’s descendants were to die out, it would undoubtedly tarnish Krasius’s image as the one who brought down Apels.
“However, the heavenly mandate resides in the Empire; everything flows in accordance with the natural order.”
His next statement was indeed correct. The worry that’s plagued the emperors for centuries was no more, as the Marcilio Duke has now married and brought forth an heir for Katoban.
‘Maybe it’s youth giving him strength.’
Moreover, not long after marrying, he already has children on the way.
Though I haven’t yet officially heard of a pregnancy from the minister or the Duke, news began circulating last evening about the Duke’s retainers seeking experienced former wet-nurses. The sudden desire for a wet-nurse from the Katoban family, and the fact that they are making no effort to hide it is pretty clear what it implies.
The heirs of the Katoban Dukedom have finally appeared after about 100 years.
“Thus, Your Excellency, the royal family should be merely congratulating this joyful occasion. Essentially, this is a regular occurrence of an heir being born in a ducal family, isn’t it?”
His Excellency advised against the royal family’s silence amidst such historic and continental good fortune.
While the royal family would send gifts to congratulate the minister and the Marcilio Duke for their child, that is entirely standard procedure. To specifically take further measures could seem embarrassing. His Excellency was suggesting they didn’t need to go overboard.
Yes, despite this joyful occasion, it ultimately involves an heir being born in one of the five noble families. Such has happened countless times over the 300-year history of the Empire. If the royal family were to lavish excessive congratulations, it would disrupt the already precarious balance among the dukes.
“Thanks to Your Excellency’s invaluable advice, my mind feels much clearer.”
“I’m glad it was helpful.”
I only learned of the fact that the Marcilio Duke was expecting triplets about 20 minutes later.
“……”
“……”
Neither I nor His Excellency could find words to utter at the unexpected news of the triplets.
*
If the communication devices generated heat like cell phones, mine would have turned to ash already.
‘Might as well use it as a light bulb.’
Looking at the communication device carelessly left on my desk, I found myself chuckling. It sparkled incessantly enough to make its presence known even when thrown into a midnight forest. How come the connection hasn’t been interrupted even once?
‘Trixy seems quiet though.’
It feels strange. The news of her pregnancy spread across the entire Empire faster than I expected, but why am I receiving more messages than Trixy, who is the actual expectant mother?
…Could it be that Trixy is intimidating, and I’m the soft target?
‘Sounds about right.’
I accepted that. Though I’m not one to be easily dismissed, it’s true that I fall short compared to Trixy. After all, who wouldn’t feel lesser when compared to someone who has reigned supreme in the field for over a century?
Anyway, the previously used communication device is now left barely touched due to the flood of messages. Responding to them all would keep me awake for days on end. Rather than replying to some and ignoring others, it’s better to ignore them all equally.
– Carl, is something wrong?
“Oh, it’s nothing.”
So I asked Trixy to help me make a temporary communication device. It wouldn’t be very filial to ignore my parents’ calls just because I wasn’t answering anyone else’s!
– Seems you’re feeling a bit complicated. I understand. It would be more strange if you weren’t worried about becoming a father overnight.
Seeing my mother chuckle, I managed an awkward smile.
When I first reached out to her, she seemed far more excited than me, but let’s not bring that up. Overnight, she became the grandmother of four grandchildren, so it would make sense if she felt a little overwhelmed—
– Oh, by the way, Laura seems interested in the Duke of Katoban’s search for a wet-nurse.
“Wet-nurse?”
Her words made me blink in surprise.
What the Katoban family is actually looking for are not wet-nurses to care for the babies directly, but rather experienced ones to share nurturing knowledge. The wet-nurses themselves will naturally be selected from among the retainers’ families.
And this wet-nurse would be the one who took care of me and Erich. The only downside is that instead of enjoying a comfortable retirement, she’s currently the head maid. Still, a wet-nurse who can’t handle her duties wouldn’t be the type to show interest in anything else. Surely, she must have enough time on her hands to show interest in the job postings from Katoban.
‘…This could work out well.’
I stroked my chin, brainstorming. Given how well Erich and I turned out, I knew the wet-nurse would be highly skilled and filled with love. If those taught by her take care of our children, I consider that a win.
“I’ll make sure to mention it to the Katoban family. I can trust a wet-nurse like that.”
It made me smile that capable talent was voluntarily wishing to join. Unlike the Baron Vendel family, which enjoys an abundance of offspring, Katoban had faced challenges in securing nurturing talent.
Now, even if a wet-nurse changes her mind, she won’t be able to escape from it. She’ll become the matriarch of Katoban’s wet-nurses!
I now understood why my mother brought up the topic of wet-nurses.
“What did you say?”
– We’ve already received an influx of applications from all over the continent. I’ve counted up to 500, but beyond that, I can’t say!
I chuckled at the sight of the housekeeper, who seemed almost zen-like in her stupor.
‘These crazy mages.’
I didn’t quite catch the details, but I could guess the situation.
Those who previously worked as mages and wet-nurses have gone into a frenzy over the title of “wet-nurse mentor of the Marcilio Duke’s child.”
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