Chapter 505
Mages, priests, and doctors—each profession possesses such distinct characteristics that finding common ground among them is quite a challenge. However, they all share a unique point of intersection: their ability to quickly recognize and validate the joy of couples and family celebrations.
As someone who walks the path of magic, it didn’t take me long to discern whether a woman was pregnant, and feeling the presence of our first child, the much-anticipated “First Snow,” nestled in Mar’s embrace became a delightful highlight of my day. Ironically, though mages are quick to detect others’ pregnancies, they seem utterly oblivious when it comes to their own.
It’s a contradictory situation, but there’s no avoiding it. Mages, who live daily surrounded by mana, often grow desensitized to the new mana developing within their own bodies. Daily enhancements in their mana and their pursuit of natural mana make it easy to overlook how yesterday’s meditation might have boosted their personal mana.
‘I thought that way at first too.’
But as new mana begins to swell, the realization cannot be ignored; a new life is forming inside. That fresh mana isn’t mine—it’s the mana of a new life blossoming within me.
The moment I caught a glimpse of the possibility of becoming a parent, I nearly burst into tears. My parents labored for years to bring me into this world, and I was mentally prepared to invest an equal amount of time for a child of my own. Yet the prospect of becoming a parent felt like a divine gift from the gods—my parents and the celestial beings showering me with blessings from above.
Still, I remained silent, not even voicing this joyful possibility to Carl. I wanted to wait until I could confirm my suspicions, and once I was sure, I would summon a priest and a doctor for cross-verification. I dreaded the thought that if I called them too soon and my hunch turned out to be mere delusion, Carl’s disappointment would be unbearable.
…To be honest, I was terrified. Although the idea of a child is undoubtedly joyous, for a half-elf like me to conceive so soon seemed nearly impossible—similar to the odds of a mage like me misfeeling mana.
So I kept my mouth shut, fearing that a hasty joy would crumble into despair the moment I realized I was wrong. I didn’t want Carl, who would be ecstatic in that moment, to struggle to hide his disappointment either.
“Five have come in, but only two are visible.”
In the midst of my deep thoughts, I found myself unable to ignore a statement from an unexpected source.
It was none other than a former archbishop, indirectly affirming my suspicions.
“Just now, could you elaborate on that statement?”
After that, my body reacted before my mind could catch up. I quickly seated myself before the archbishop, pulling coins from my pocket as I did.
‘…Five?’
But what’s with this “five”?
Could it mean there’s not just one child inside me?
*
Trixy appeared entranced as she absorbed the life lessons—or rather, advice—from the former archbishop.
“Mages can only gauge the growth of a child after some time has passed in their womb, but priests are a bit different. Those of us like myself can instinctively sense when the Lord sends a new life to this world.”
“Instinctively…”
“Of course, it’s not solely based on instinct. Priests have their ways of discerning these things, but what’s crucial to Your Grace right now isn’t those minor details.”
At that, Trixy nodded vigorously, as if uninterested in the mechanics of priestly divination.
It struck me as strange. Trixy, who held a fierce curiosity about the unknown and a desire to explore, would usually inquire in detail about how priests performed their duties.
But the fact that left me even more flabbergasted was,
“Congratulations. Three blessings have taken root within Your Grace.”
Trixy was, astonishingly, pregnant—expecting three children.
‘Is this a dream?’
I barely held back that thought. Having a child is a joy unlike anything else, but Trixy is half-elf. Regrettably, that means our genetic makeup isn’t exactly like pure humans.
I assumed that it would be years before Trixy would be blessed with a child, given how long it took for the noble House of Katoban to bear heirs. Yet, less than a year into our marriage, she was expecting? And not just any child—a set of triplets?
I was dizzy from the overwhelming influx of information. Which swindler said that it’s difficult for a human and an elf to have children? Look at us producing newlywed triplets, something even uncommon among pure humans!
“Excuse me, Elder.”
“What is it?”
As I cautiously opened my mouth, setting aside the chaos in my mind, the former archbishop promptly responded with a curt tone, reverting to his know-it-all persona.
“If what you’re saying is true, it would be the greatest joy, but it feels a bit sudden. Are you really sure Trixy is pregnant with triplets?”
“If you can’t believe me, then ask Your Grace.”
“Excuse me?”
What kind of nonsense was that? Of course, if it relates to children, one should trust the obstetrician—not the expectant mother!
“Your Grace already suspected that you were pregnant. It seems you just weren’t aware it was three.”
But at that, I shifted my gaze back to Trixy.
Thinking about it, it was reasonable to consider. An astute mage like Trixy would certainly have sensed her pregnancy.
“The bewilderment you’re feeling was likely what Your Grace felt initially. So don’t hold it against her for keeping it a secret until now.”
Ah.
Though the sentence was short, it resonated with me; I could relate to Trixy’s feelings. I’d probably be quiet, too.
“Thank you for the advice, Elder.”
“You’ve got manners down pat. No one can say you’re rude.”
I nodded respectfully to the former archbishop, who smiled broadly, before gingerly hugging the still-dazed Trixy.
“Ah, Carl…”
“Let’s head back. You need to be careful, especially since you’re not alone anymore.”
At my blunt remark, Trixy’s face flushed red.
“I never expected to hear such good news while in a holy place. Thank you.”
“W-well, it’s not only me who’s responsible.”
Trixy managed a shy smile, her expression a bit dazed as she cradled her belly.
Right now, the awkwardness probably outweighs the joy. While we both anticipated the possibility, it had always been a ‘what if’ scenario. Just minutes ago, we were enjoying our honeymoon in peace; recognizing a pregnancy during such a moment is decidedly surreal.
‘Three, huh.’
I had my own complex feelings, and Trixy must have felt even more overwhelmed, not to mention confused—she had to be in an emotional whirlwind.
No matter how many times I mulled it over, it was admirable. How did we go from none to triplets?
‘Could it be a gift from the gods?’
One from Enen, one from the eternal blue sky, and one from Constantina. Sure, it feels a bit forced, but three is just right.
‘So we already selected the names.’
Regardless, seeing it as a divine gift meant the names came naturally: Sun, Sky, and Greenery were perfect.
Thank goodness I didn’t have to deal with gods of war or death among those related to me.
*
As I grew older, the stiffness in my body began to dissipate, and the fatigue clouding my mind gradually lifted.
No, it isn’t just a feeling—it’s a genuine transformation. With the arrival of an heir to the Duke of Katoban, the stability of the household has solidified, and as the butler of Katoban, I couldn’t help but feel at ease.
‘What a wonderful view.’
Sipping tea and glancing at the sky, I couldn’t help but smile as the clear blue above seemed to celebrate my joy, devoid of a single cloud.
It is truly a magnificent sky. Was the sky ever so beautiful and noble?
‘How is it that I feel so relaxed simply because a flaw has vanished?’
And who could have known that the sole flaw would be resolved after a century?
Of course, the Duke is only married for the time being; it will be several years before they can witness their offspring. Strictly speaking, the lineage of the House of Katoban remains precarious.
But who cares about that? The Duke is just over twenty, and it’s guaranteed that the future Duke of Katoban will be a child born of this house.
And thus, I can smile. The foremost magical family in the Empire and the top supporter of the nation’s founding—the lineage of the Sword Duke shall carry on without hesitation—
‘Huh?’
The communication device I had set beside the teapot began to glow.
“This is Count Sicila.”
Though it interrupted my peaceful tea time, I didn’t mind. I felt so good that nothing could disturb my mood.
– “Naranda.”
If the one reaching out was the Duke, then it’s likely good news.
But it’s puzzling. Didn’t the Duke travel to the Holy Kingdom? For him to take the precious time out to contact me—did something important happen?
– “I’m sorry for reaching out unexpectedly. But there’s something I simply must convey.”
“Not at all, Your Grace. It is my duty and honor to heed your commands.”
Bowing my head with a soft smile, I replied.
Regardless of whether it was significant or trivial, serving the Duke of Katoban in the name of the family is an honor. Even if he were to issue an overnight order, it would be my pleasure to fulfill it.
– “Heh heh, is that so?”
It seemed my reply reflected my will, as the Duke’s smile grew brighter.
– “Then make sure to relay this to the other children. In fact—”
*
The attendants of the Duke’s family hastily gathered in a meeting room.
“About ten months—as far as predicting earlier than that goes, we might as well clear the schedule starting from seven months out!”
“Could we begin by providing some sort of commemorative relief for the impoverished in the principality?”
“Wouldn’t that happen after the child is born?”
“I don’t know! It’s been over a hundred years since anyone was born in the Katoban family!”
And, naturally, the atmosphere in the meeting room was electric.
“First, we must prepare rooms for the young lords! Three little ones, three! They might share a room while young, but when they turn five, they’ll want their own space!”
Several attendants were brought to tears by that roaring declaration.
And honestly, so was I. Who could have imagined that the Duke would be welcoming three little lords?
“But speaking of which…”
While planning rooms, clothes, toys, and all for the young lords, the steward finally broke the silence.
“Who will be their wet nurse?”
An unnatural silence blanketed the meeting room.
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