The new year has begun. During the year-end and New Year holidays, we generally took time off work and indulged in a life of eating and sleeping. Although it was a break, Matokal and Ferris couldn’t help but go to Agarta for work from time to time.
As for me, I struggled to decide on a name for Rico and Mei’s child. However, despite coming up with numerous candidates, we couldn’t settle on one. In the end, we decided to wait until we see the baby’s face before making a decision. So, it became a New Year holiday where I had no idea what I was doing.
My first task of the new year was to receive the lords of Agarta who came to pay their New Year’s greetings. In the time of Duke Juka, the nobles always greeted the king at the beginning of the year, but I carelessly forgot to set a day for their audience. As a result, the lords followed the old tradition and arrived in the capital on the fifth day of the new year, while I had completely taken the first three days off, causing some confusion. I regretted my negligence.
Nevertheless, the lords were understanding, and there was not a single person who complained or criticized me. That was a small relief.
As for the guests from Hideita, Niza, and the Principality of Bythos, whose visit was already planned since last year, we warmly welcomed them in the accommodation area of the guesthouse. Rico’s refined interior design and the thoughtful hospitality arranged by Soleil were highly praised, and it seemed they were quite pleased with the food we served.
By the way, the merchants who accompanied the envoy from the Principality of Bythos mentioned that they wanted to increase their annual trade visits to several times a year before leaving. In their country, you can find cheese and they produce exquisite handicrafts. If the trade expands, Rico, Mei, and Peyris would surely be delighted.
Out of the seven rebellious noble families, two of them came to greet me. One of them was Count Saraceain, who calmly extended his New Year’s greetings to me and expressed his gratitude for taking care of his daughter. Perhaps he came to see her because he was worried. The other one openly conducted reconnaissance, observing various parts of the capital as if inspecting them thoroughly. I didn’t feel particularly good about it, but I decided to leave that person alone.
In the midst of all this, I went to pay my New Year’s greetings to His Majesty the Emperor. I went discreetly, avoiding the time when the nobles gathered, but His Majesty was looking forward to Rico’s child. And guess what? Queen Townsend had knitted a hat out of mohair for the baby.
“Your Majesty, I’m truly grateful.”
“Townsend is also looking forward to the birth of Lord Linos’ child. After all, if it’s a girl, she might become the future princess of Aroze.”
“Your Majesty, it’s too early to talk about that before the child is even born.”
“No, it’s better to decide these things in advance.”
“But the doctor said it might be a boy.”
“In that case, it’s a successor. The heir of the Kingdom of Agarta will be born. That’s also a joyous occasion. Aroze and Agarta can support each other.”
“Your Majesty…”
This person has become a complete doting parent even before the child is born. When I told Rico about this conversation, she burst into laughter.
Finally, Rico’s due date was approaching. To ensure everything was in order, I confined Roni from Pousehai within the mansion. Well, it was more like a mild house arrest with three meals and snacks provided. I wanted Roni to stay by Rico’s side, ready for the baby’s arrival at any moment.
However, even after three days had passed the due date, there were no signs of labor.
“…Nothing seems to be happening,” sighed Rico, cradling her large belly.
“For first-time deliveries, it’s common to go past the due date. There’s no need to worry,” Roni reassured her with a smile.
“Really, this child loves their mom so much,” I said, and the three of us shared a laugh.
However, even after a week had passed the due date, there were still no signs of labor. Roni couldn’t hide her anxiety either. She listened to Rico’s belly with a stethoscope-like device while looking at me with a worried gaze.
“I’ve confirmed the baby’s heartbeat, and it’s strong as if they haven’t been in the womb for a week. However, if this continues, it’s not good for the baby, and moreover, their head might become too large to be born naturally. I apologize, but if contractions don’t start by tomorrow morning, please allow me to prescribe induction medication,” Roni explained.
I could only nod in response.
From then on, I continuously stroked Rico’s belly while being by her side. Even at night, I slept with Rico, continuing to stroke her belly.
“…Linos, wake up. Please wake up,” Rico whispered.
“…Hmm, what is it? Rico?”
It seemed I fell asleep while stroking her belly. When I opened my eyes, Rico’s lovely face was there.
“Somehow, my belly feels a little bit painful.”
“Could it be… is it happening?”
“No, I’m not sure. It’s not that painful.”
I quickly went downstairs to wake up Roni, who was sleeping on the first floor. She immediately rushed over.
“…It seems like labor has started. Could you come to the room on the first floor?”
I held Rico’s hand and descended from the second floor to the first floor. Roni efficiently prepared everything. I asked if there was anything I could do to help, but…
“It’s okay. It’s not active labor yet. You can stay with us for a while,” Roni reassured me.
Taking advantage of her words, I held Rico’s hand and snuggled close to her. And like that, we welcomed the morning.
“For now, I’ll inform everyone that labor seems to have started,” I said to Roni, and then I headed to the dining room, leaving Rico in her care.
Everyone who heard that Rico’s labor was about to begin was filled with excitement.
“It’s finally happening, my lord!”
Ferris approached me with sparkling eyes.
“Yeah, it’s finally here.”
As we chatted excitedly, Roni arrived in the dining room.
“Labor has started. I apologize for the inconvenience, but please prepare what I’m about to tell you.”
“I’ll take care of that.”
“I’ll head to Agarta. Let me know if anything happens.”
“I’ll go and inform Krumfar.”
Upon hearing Roni’s words, it seemed as if we had previously discussed and coordinated our actions. Everyone sprang into action simultaneously, making quick judgments and exchanging short words, efficiently managing the situation. I couldn’t help but be impressed by the incredible family I had.
I made my way to Rico’s side. She was enduring the pain of contractions.
“Rico…”
“I… I’m fine.”
“I’m counting on you, Rico.”
“Leave it to me… I’ll definitely give birth safely.”
I held Rico’s hand and gently stroked her back.
“Lord Linos, I apologize, but I need to prepare for the delivery. Please wait outside the room for now.”
Roni stood there, and behind her were Luala and Peyris, carrying hot water and supplies. I didn’t want to leave, but with Rico’s gentle smile encouraging me from behind, I reluctantly left the room.
The child didn’t come easily; it was a difficult birth. I went to the front of Rico’s room multiple times, but I hesitated to enter. Sometimes, I could hear her screams and cries that resembled pain, leaving me pacing outside the room.
Even as night fell, the baby hadn’t been born. Everyone gathered in the dining room, but no one spoke. All of us simply gazed towards the room where Rico was.
“Kan-zi-ji-za-sha-ri…ku…”
I unconsciously chanted the Heart Sutra, assuming a prayer-like posture. In reality, I was also a difficult birth. At that time, my grandmother had been chanting the Heart Sutra incessantly. Thanks to that, I was born safely, and my mother was fine. Those memories of a past life suddenly resurfaced in my mind.
“Shiki fu i ku, ku fu i shiki… ku…!”
I chanted the sutra with unwavering focus. How many times had I recited it? And as the sky began to brighten, Roni appeared in the dining room.
“…The baby has been born. Both Lady Ricolette and the child are safe. Congratulations!”
No one said a word. Everyone simply let out a slow exhale. I could feel the tension that had dominated the dining room dissipate rapidly.
Without wiping away the overflowing tears, I followed Roni’s guidance and made my way to Rico’s side.
The new year has begun. During the year-end and New Year holidays, we generally took time off work and indulged in a life of eating and sleeping. Although it was a break, Matokal and Ferris couldn’t help but go to Agarta for work from time to time.
As for me, I struggled to decide on a name for Rico and Mei’s child. However, despite coming up with numerous candidates, we couldn’t settle on one. In the end, we decided to wait until we see the baby’s face before making a decision. So, it became a New Year holiday where I had no idea what I was doing.
My first task of the new year was to receive the lords of Agarta who came to pay their New Year’s greetings. In the time of Duke Juka, the nobles always greeted the king at the beginning of the year, but I carelessly forgot to set a day for their audience. As a result, the lords followed the old tradition and arrived in the capital on the fifth day of the new year, while I had completely taken the first three days off, causing some confusion. I regretted my negligence.
Nevertheless, the lords were understanding, and there was not a single person who complained or criticized me. That was a small relief.
As for the guests from Hideita, Niza, and the Principality of Bythos, whose visit was already planned since last year, we warmly welcomed them in the accommodation area of the guesthouse. Rico’s refined interior design and the thoughtful hospitality arranged by Soleil were highly praised, and it seemed they were quite pleased with the food we served.
By the way, the merchants who accompanied the envoy from the Principality of Bythos mentioned that they wanted to increase their annual trade visits to several times a year before leaving. In their country, you can find cheese and they produce exquisite handicrafts. If the trade expands, Rico, Mei, and Peyris would surely be delighted.
Out of the seven rebellious noble families, two of them came to greet me. One of them was Count Saraceain, who calmly extended his New Year’s greetings to me and expressed his gratitude for taking care of his daughter. Perhaps he came to see her because he was worried. The other one openly conducted reconnaissance, observing various parts of the capital as if inspecting them thoroughly. I didn’t feel particularly good about it, but I decided to leave that person alone.
In the midst of all this, I went to pay my New Year’s greetings to His Majesty the Emperor. I went discreetly, avoiding the time when the nobles gathered, but His Majesty was looking forward to Rico’s child. And guess what? Queen Townsend had knitted a hat out of mohair for the baby.
“Your Majesty, I’m truly grateful.”
“Townsend is also looking forward to the birth of Lord Linos’ child. After all, if it’s a girl, she might become the future princess of Aroze.”
“Your Majesty, it’s too early to talk about that before the child is even born.”
“No, it’s better to decide these things in advance.”
“But the doctor said it might be a boy.”
“In that case, it’s a successor. The heir of the Kingdom of Agarta will be born. That’s also a joyous occasion. Aroze and Agarta can support each other.”
“Your Majesty…”
This person has become a complete doting parent even before the child is born. When I told Rico about this conversation, she burst into laughter.
Finally, Rico’s due date was approaching. To ensure everything was in order, I confined Roni from Pousehai within the mansion. Well, it was more like a mild house arrest with three meals and snacks provided. I wanted Roni to stay by Rico’s side, ready for the baby’s arrival at any moment.
However, even after three days had passed the due date, there were no signs of labor.
“…Nothing seems to be happening,” sighed Rico, cradling her large belly.
“For first-time deliveries, it’s common to go past the due date. There’s no need to worry,” Roni reassured her with a smile.
“Really, this child loves their mom so much,” I said, and the three of us shared a laugh.
However, even after a week had passed the due date, there were still no signs of labor. Roni couldn’t hide her anxiety either. She listened to Rico’s belly with a stethoscope-like device while looking at me with a worried gaze.
“I’ve confirmed the baby’s heartbeat, and it’s strong as if they haven’t been in the womb for a week. However, if this continues, it’s not good for the baby, and moreover, their head might become too large to be born naturally. I apologize, but if contractions don’t start by tomorrow morning, please allow me to prescribe induction medication,” Roni explained.
I could only nod in response.
From then on, I continuously stroked Rico’s belly while being by her side. Even at night, I slept with Rico, continuing to stroke her belly.
“…Linos, wake up. Please wake up,” Rico whispered.
“…Hmm, what is it? Rico?”
It seemed I fell asleep while stroking her belly. When I opened my eyes, Rico’s lovely face was there.
“Somehow, my belly feels a little bit painful.”
“Could it be… is it happening?”
“No, I’m not sure. It’s not that painful.”
I quickly went downstairs to wake up Roni, who was sleeping on the first floor. She immediately rushed over.
“…It seems like labor has started. Could you come to the room on the first floor?”
I held Rico’s hand and descended from the second floor to the first floor. Roni efficiently prepared everything. I asked if there was anything I could do to help, but…
“It’s okay. It’s not active labor yet. You can stay with us for a while,” Roni reassured me.
Taking advantage of her words, I held Rico’s hand and snuggled close to her. And like that, we welcomed the morning.
“For now, I’ll inform everyone that labor seems to have started,” I said to Roni, and then I headed to the dining room, leaving Rico in her care.
Everyone who heard that Rico’s labor was about to begin was filled with excitement.
“It’s finally happening, my lord!”
Ferris approached me with sparkling eyes.
“Yeah, it’s finally here.”
As we chatted excitedly, Roni arrived in the dining room.
“Labor has started. I apologize for the inconvenience, but please prepare what I’m about to tell you.”
“I’ll take care of that.”
“I’ll head to Agarta. Let me know if anything happens.”
“I’ll go and inform Krumfar.”
Upon hearing Roni’s words, it seemed as if we had previously discussed and coordinated our actions. Everyone sprang into action simultaneously, making quick judgments and exchanging short words, efficiently managing the situation. I couldn’t help but be impressed by the incredible family I had.
I made my way to Rico’s side. She was enduring the pain of contractions.
“Rico…”
“I… I’m fine.”
“I’m counting on you, Rico.”
“Leave it to me… I’ll definitely give birth safely.”
I held Rico’s hand and gently stroked her back.
“Lord Linos, I apologize, but I need to prepare for the delivery. Please wait outside the room for now.”
Roni stood there, and behind her were Luala and Peyris, carrying hot water and supplies. I didn’t want to leave, but with Rico’s gentle smile encouraging me from behind, I reluctantly left the room.
The child didn’t come easily; it was a difficult birth. I went to the front of Rico’s room multiple times, but I hesitated to enter. Sometimes, I could hear her screams and cries that resembled pain, leaving me pacing outside the room.
Even as night fell, the baby hadn’t been born. Everyone gathered in the dining room, but no one spoke. All of us simply gazed towards the room where Rico was.
“Kan-zi-ji-za-sha-ri…ku…”
I unconsciously chanted the Heart Sutra, assuming a prayer-like posture. In reality, I was also a difficult birth. At that time, my grandmother had been chanting the Heart Sutra incessantly. Thanks to that, I was born safely, and my mother was fine. Those memories of a past life suddenly resurfaced in my mind.
“Shiki fu i ku, ku fu i shiki… ku…!”
I chanted the sutra with unwavering focus. How many times had I recited it? And as the sky began to brighten, Roni appeared in the dining room.
“…The baby has been born. Both Lady Ricolette and the child are safe. Congratulations!”
No one said a word. Everyone simply let out a slow exhale. I could feel the tension that had dominated the dining room dissipate rapidly.
Without wiping away the overflowing tears, I followed Roni’s guidance and made my way to Rico’s side.
