Mama Fox

<Zuri>

“We must head back to the palace at once!” (N)

Zuri froze.

…Oh, what sweet, sweet words.

Images of the Grand Palace, waiting maids and pure comfort flashed in his mind.

Perhaps if the words had come earlier, he would’ve been greatly inclined to jump to them.

Sadly, the situation had changed.

Pregnancy.

To call it important to the Kitsune would be the understatement of the century. If Nori’s excitement wasn’t evidence enough, then her presence here of all places showed its significance. Head of the judicial system, Nori played a key role in the functioning of the kingdom. And although she may be irresponsible at times, it wasn’t to the degree she would abandon the kingdom. She had forgone her business just to come see Zuri due to him being pregnant. A truth not uncommon in custom.

‘What a hassle…’

“Hey, Zuzu, let’s head to the dining table.” (N)

To conclude quickly, pregnancy was a big deal to Kitsune.

It was due to this that Zuri’s desire to go back home had all but vanished.

…There was a real reason he hadn’t wanted that fool to tell his family about it.

A reason far greater than mere embarrassment.

Nori’s words were a double-edged sword.

Due to the rarity of Kitsune pregnancies, a rather loathsome tradition had formed. One meant to protect the mother and soon-to-be child. In order to ensure a successful term, expectant mothers were confined in one room until the day comes due. A room stripped of anything even remotely dangerous. A list that could include: anything with sharp edges, too heavy to carry or plain unsightly. With guards stationed out the doors, healers in rotation and bland food on schedule, it fast became miserable. The benefit of this arrangement was supposed to be laid in the fact that the mother could request for anything—within reason. She would be pampered all through the pregnancy and even more so after the fact.

It went without saying that Zuri wasn’t interested in this arrangement.

Not the pampering part, but the confinement.

He had the displeasure of witnessing what such does to a person firsthand.

The room his aunt destroyed in the Palace was never the same.

Zuri wasn’t one to pay attention to pregnancy-related matters, but even he noticed that.

“Zuuuuzu, are you ignoring me?” (N)

‘Tch’

How needy.

She was just like Cleodora in that regard.

It should go without saying that just because he took a moment to think didn't mean he was ignoring her.

Trapped in her embrace, Zuri vented internally.

Out of everyone in the family, Nori was the most affectionate. Always bothering him for a lick of it. The sheer number of times she had casually barged into Zuri’s room to acquire that was countless. She didn’t have a regard for time and place. Demanding it whenever she pleased. If there was one thing Zuri appreciated about growing older, it was the fact she could no longer pluck him from his bed and carry him off to sleep in her own.

Nori abruptly pulled back from her hug and placed both hands on his shoulder.

She then gazed at Zuri’s stomach before extending a limb.

“Someone’s getting a little big, huh?” (N)

A hand grazed lightly.

“Where do you think you're touching!” (Z)

Swatting her hand away, Zuri pulled at his robes.

There was no way anything was showing… it was… it was far too early for that!

“And to answer your earlier statement, I won’t be returning to the Palace.” (Z)

With a short cough, Zuri changed the subject.

Beyond the pregnancy, there were still two other very good reasons not to go. First being personal pride. There was a lot to say about the fact he got pregnant so abnormally quickly. Many Kitsune would, incorrectly, take it as a sign this union was blessed. Zuri’s family would be no different. Should he step back there with this news, his earlier protests to this marriage would merely look like the embarrassed whining of a child. His family would look down on him even more. Hell, Nori was already doing it now.

Second to that reason was the “Father” of these children. These children yet to be born weren’t just the children of the Third Kitsune Princess; no, they were the children of the great Hero. The Hero, who led the Salvation Army, slew the Demon King and brought peace to the world. If word were to spread, there would be an endless cavalcade of people journeying to bear gifts. So much so that turning them all away could cause a diplomatic incident like no other. Zuri may be bold, but not enough to invoke the wrath of the entire world.

‘Ha…’

Honestly, this might be the first time living in the middle of nowhere was beneficial.

This village was so rural merchants didn’t visit it.

Anything needed had to be made from scratch or sourced from more affluent settlements.

‘…Did she think of this?’

Nah, no way.

That would be giving that fool too much credit.

“Zuzu. I think we need to discuss a little more before you decide.” (N)

The half-smile combined with the forced laughter did not bode well.

Frankly, this wasn’t that surprising for Zuri.

Whenever has a simple no ever worked out for him?

“—Mother and Father have always been very lenient with you, you know? They didn’t push much when you kept rejecting suitors nor when you decided to cancel the wedding ceremony they so desperately wanted.” (N)

Sat at the dining table, Zuri felt Cleodora’s gaze briefly fly over him.

…Yep, it was certain; she definitely got the wrong idea about that first thing.

“Yet, even I can’t see them looking past this one. This is too important, Zuzu.” (N)

Zuri felt himself nearly physically recoil at the genuine tone Nori’s words carried.

That familiar chiding tone often taken with children felt especially humiliating.

Regardless, though, he pushed on.

“…Have you informed them of this?” (Z)

Budging from this point now wasn’t going to be worth the hassle in the future.

“Nope, not yet. I wanted to surprise them with your return as well…” (N)

Thank the heavens for such stupid reasoning!

“I understand where you are coming from, sister. I truly do. It’s just that we have decided that this is the best decision.” (Z)

To Zuri’s right sat Cleodora.

At the mention of 'we', she lurched forward slightly and made eye contact with him.

An obvious question was present in her eyes.

We did!?

‘Did that idiot forget whose idea it was to live in this—!?’

Swiftly calming himself down, Zuri answered that silent question with a scowl.

His patience really was being tested today.

“I see. ‘We’ huh?” (N)

Given the love his family had for Cleodora, Zuri tried to leverage it for an easy win. While they had no qualms about telling him 'no', denying the two of them was a different matter entirely. The tactic was a bit underhanded and maybe even pathetic, but Zuri’s reputation with his family literally left no other choice. It’s not in his proudest moments, but Zuri had effectively used this before.

Unfortunately, due to its past high success rate, some form of counter was already developed.

Directly getting the weaker side to abandon ship.

“What do you think, Cleo? It’s been a long while since you stayed back home.” (N)

A pleasant smile made its way onto Nori's face.

“We all miss you so much.” (N)

Seeing Cleodora rub the back of her head gingerly, Zuri pursed his lips.

He was losing already.

‘Fuck!’

…He might need to pull out some of the stops.

Luckily, the target in question was of weak will.

Zuri tugged at Cleodora’s robe.

“Hey.” (Z)

He looked her in the eyes whilst moving the slightest bit closer.

“You don’t want to stay with me here?” (Z)

In a low voice, he added one simple word.

“Alone?” (Z)

And like that, the battle was won.

The swift colour change of his target was all the proof.

“I do! I definitely do!” (C)

‘Finally…’

They were back on the same page.

It was good his sister visited at this opportune time. Zuri breathed a quiet, relieved sigh. Had she shown up but a month before, he wouldn’t have been confident enough to attempt this risky move. If Cleodora was moving like she was then, the worst outcome might’ve come to pass.

A chair screeched loudly as Nori suddenly stood up.

“…Zuzu!” (N)

‘Huh?’

“W-What?” (Z)

“Seriously, we just had a talk about this!!” (N)

It… It took a real long while for the conversation to simmer down.

Apparently, Zuri’s words were provocative enough to deserve a whole other lecture.

“Okay, fine. I get it. You want to stay here.” (N)

Nori licked her lips.

“I’ll drop the matter for now, but I do have a condition.” (N)

“…A condition?” (Z)

Zuri eyed Nori.

Why couldn’t she just leave already?

“Yes, a condition… unless you would like me to inform Mother and Father?” (N)

Nori paused and gave Zuri a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

He relented.

“Continue.” (Z)

“I will be living here from now on.” (N)