Surviving a Harsh Fantasy with Cheat Items (WN)

Volume 7 – The Return of the King General

The civil war in Silesie had finally come to an end, and I was flying toward the royal capital, Silesie, carried by Kaara.

Our luggage would be sent separately, but only Are, who could fly with her dragon wings, and Louise, riding the great fire dragon, were accompanying us from behind.

I longed to return to the royal capital where my wives awaited me.

There were still matters of concern, though.

「We’ve managed for now.」

「Nation’s Father, the aftermath with the Germania Empire is not yet resolved.」

Indeed, that was another pressing issue, and my mind was burdened with many thoughts.

「Mainz is handling things well over there. We can take our time and address matters one by one.」

「But if we aim to restore the legitimate Germania Empire as a vassal state of Silesie, we can’t leave the imperial throne vacant, can we?」 「True…」

Sending Silesie’s well-connected individuals under the guise of reconstruction aid would still create a strong impression of a puppet state if we reinstated the ailing Emperor Conrad. Ideally, making my granddaughter, Elizabeth, the Empress would be the best solution. She’s young, but we can appoint as many regents as needed. It’s convenient for Silesie because it instills hope for the future.

However, Elizabeth has only just started to experience a normal girl’s life. Is it right to use an intelligent but eight-year-old child as a political tool?

Winning the war brings its own set of dilemmas.

「Nation’s Father! Nation’s Father!」

「What is it, Kaara?」

「Look, isn’t that Her Majesty Oracle?」

「Huh? Oh!」

In the distance, a speck that gradually grew larger turned out to be Oracle. As she approached, I could see her flying, her cloak billowing.

「It’s been a while, Takeru.」

「Thank goodness we didn’t miss each other.」

Oracle, who had flown all the way to me, embraced me.

Apparently, she had been flying toward us.

I hadn’t expected to be welcomed in the sky. Thankfully, we didn’t miss each other.

「I tried to hurry but in the end, I was of no use to you.」

「It’s alright. Oracle, take care of yourself. Your midsection still looks a bit swollen.」

Her once-growing height seemed to have shrunk a little. And despite having given birth and her chest having grown, there was something oddly youthful about her appearance. She had recently started looking more like an adult, but now she tied her whitish hair into twin tails, ensuring it wouldn’t hinder her flight—making her overall appearance more girlish.

「Well, it’s because I’ve safely given birth.」

「Yes, you gave birth? That’s great.」

「Yes, a healthy baby boy.」

「Uwaaa!」

Oracle’s expression suddenly changed.

「What are you screaming for?」

「Wait, you… Did you just mention that you’ve given birth?」

「Yes, I did. It’s obvious when you see that your once-swollen belly has flattened.」

「I see…」

My mind swirled with mixed feelings—regret for not being there during the birth, guilt for not offering a word of comfort. Even though I couldn’t move during the war, being told to return because of the child felt like a circular argument.

Oracle’s decision to give birth without telling me was likely out of consideration. She knew I couldn’t be there.

「Could it be that Takeru regret not being present when I gave birth?」

「Yes.」

She smiled and embraced me, and I rested my head against her. It was a strange situation—being comforted by the girl-like Oracle—but it felt oddly pleasant.

Though we hadn’t yet arrived in Silesie, I finally felt like I was coming home.

「Surely, a woman can give birth even without a man around. Why worry about such things?」

「But I can’t help thinking that if I’m not there, something might happen.」

「Better to give birth than to worry needlessly. Besides, men aren’t much use during childbirth anyway. Don’t fret—I’m something of an expert in that area, and there are healers skilled in recovery magic. The royal palace is an ideal environment for childbirth.」

「Even so…」

「Do you want to see the child once it’s born?」

「Of course, I’d love to meet the baby. But I wish I could have been there during the birth.」

Oracle sighed, looking at me as if I were being unreasonable.

「You’re a stubborn man. I’ve decided that I’ll gave birth alone myself, but if you insist, maybe we should make one more.」

「No, Oracle. Don’t decide whether to give birth based on my presence or absence.」

Oracle raised her head and smiled innocently at my protest.

Was she joking, or was she serious?

「Oh, by the way, I almost forgot—Silhouette and Caroline are also pregnant. Now it’s complete.」

「Oracle!」

I mentally scolded her for the thumbs-up gesture. Seriously, don’t say things like that.

She really doesn’t get it.

「What is it?」

「Such news should come directly from the person involved.」

「Oh… I see. Perhaps I’ve been lacking in consideration because I’ve been alone for so long. Understanding human emotions can be challenging. Well then, let’s pretend I didn’t ask.」

「Oracle, you’ve ruined the emotional moment…」

Well, if someone asked me to act surprised for the first time, I’d probably do the same.

So Silhouette and Caroline are expecting too…though the term ‘complete’ feels a bit odd.

Hmm, complete.

It had a strange resonance.

As we flew once again toward the royal capital of Silesie, I heard Kaara whispering from behind, still serving as my flight unit.

「Nation’s Father.」

「What is it, Kaara?」

「Impressive indeed that you can bear children with all your wives!」

「I don’t like the way you’re praising me.」

「As a king, the ability to produce offspring is a very important quality.」

「Well, I suppose so…..」

「We also extend our regards.」

「Uh, yes…」

And there they were—Louise and Kaara.

How would I explain this to my wives in the capital?

Even after the civil war had ended, I had a mountain of thoughts to sort through.

※※※

The news of Takeru’s return hadn’t reached the capital yet. He arrived faster than any messenger on horseback, thanks to Louise and her mighty fire dragon.

As the dragon landed in the courtyard, it caused quite a commotion. Among those who hurried out to see what was happening was Lyle-sensei, whose pregnant belly was now unmistakably visible.

「Are you all right, Lyle-sensei? You haven’t been sleeping.」

「Welcome back, Takeru-dono. It seems you’ve successfully concluded the war.」

But I am more concerned about Lyle-sensei’s condition.

「Yes, things came together well. But how about your health?」

「Don’t worry—I’m fine. Ria used healing magic on my belly before, but lately, I’ve been able to manage without it. I’ve even resumed my official duties.」

「Are you sure it’s safe to be working?」

「Well, about that.」

Meanwhile, Oracle stood there, her short arms crossed.

「What’s on your mind, Oracle?」

「Perhaps. Lyle’s unborn child is using healing magic inside her.」

「What? Are we talking about a genius fetus capable of healing magic?」

「Hmm, maybe I should investigate further.」

「Wait, don’t look!」

「Hey, don’t stare, you lot!」

I quickly ushered the soldiers around away. Perhaps it was an overreaction, but I didn’t want other men ogling Lyle-sensei’s skin.

Hmm, it’s not like anything inappropriate is happening, but whenever I looked at Lyle’s big, white belly adorned with magical runes, I felt a little horny.

Am I a pervert?

「Take it easy, Takeru. It’s a medical procedure.」

「I wasn’t staring!」

Okay, maybe I was glancing a little too much.

「I knew it. The fetus is using healing magic from within. Thanks to that magic of the goddess of creation, the magical connection between the unborn child and the mother remains harmonious.」

「That’s impressive. So, the baby learned the healing magic Ria used?」

Oracle grinned and nodded. I still didn’t fully grasp it, but I trusted Oracle’s expertise. After all, Lyle-sensei’s child had the potential—being Lyle’s child—to become a formidable mage. Even though I myself had zero magical ability, I hadn’t expected my child would be a great mage.

Lyle-sensei, who couldn’t use holy magic, was now carrying a child with this extraordinary talent.

Promising, indeed.

「It feels odd. As if the baby is talking to me.」

As we continued discussing and touching Lyle’s swollen abdomen, she chuckled bitterly.

That certainly sounds odd.

「Welcome back, Takeru-sama.」

「Thank you for your service, master!」

Silhouette in her queen’s dress and Sharon in her apron dress came in.

And Sharon was holding a sleeping infant. Is that the child Oracle gave birth to? It’s sleeping well.

「Ah, I’ve returned. Sharon, this child might be—」

「Yes, master. Oracle-san gave birth to your child.」

「Ah, that explains the resemblance to Oracle. A boy, right?」

When I received the tiny, fragile infant in my arms, I felt both awe and responsibility.

The baby, a half-blood of human and demon lineage, lay there—skin less bluish than expected, closer to a gray hue. Even the hair that sprouted was a muted gray.

This child, born from the mingling of the farthest worlds—a man from another world and a demoness—was both adorable and mysterious. I wonder how this little one would grow, carrying the blood of both transmigrator and demoness.

The weight of fatherhood settled upon me. I am no longer alone. Now, I have to create an environment where this child could grow up safely.

「Uaa-uaa.」

「Ah, it’s alright.」

The baby cooed as it woke, its eyes wide open. Those eyes—ruby red like Oracle’s—stared up at me. Would the baby cry?

I reached out to soothe the small face, and the infant’s tiny hand gripped my finger.

「Kyakkyaa!」

「O-oh!」

I chuckled.

What an adorable smile! It hit me—the realization that this was mine—filling my chest with overwhelming emotion.

「Master, perhaps you should head inside the castle for now.」

「Right, the sunlight outside might be too strong for the child!」

「Master, you’ve become a doting father in an instant…」

「Fufufu.」

I was laughed at by Sharon and Silhouette. Do I really look like that…..

I entrusted Oracle’s unnamed baby to Sharon once more.

Silhouette mentioned we needed to talk about something.

Ah, yes—about that.

And speaking of which, where had Caroline disappeared to?

-0-

In the dimly lit chamber, Silhouette’s cryptic smile hinted at an impending announcement. Takeru knew better than to assume anything; these moments were often filled with surprises.

「I, too, have conceived your child.」

「R-really…..that’s good news.」

My reaction was awkward, but I embraced Silhouette nonetheless.

Was this the right response? Well, Silhouette seemed genuinely pleased. With this revelation, the stability of Silesie Kingdom was further assured.

「By the way, I haven’t seen Ria or Caroline. 」

「Saintess-sama is well, but as for Caroline, she’s been busy packing in her chambers. Seems she’s preparing to return to her homeland. She’s been that way for the past few days.」

「What?!」

I’m genuinely surprised. What I expected to hear was Caroline’s pregnancy, but perhaps I neglected her too much. Had she grown angry?

「Anyway, let’s head to the harem.」

I went to Caroline’s place as quickly as I could.