Ch.295Awakening (2)

Sonia remembered not only Eidel’s body scent but also the smells of Rustila and Zernya.

Of course, she had to. How many years had they lived together? At the very least, they all used the same fabric softener, so they should have the same fragrance.

‘Something is different.’

An unidentified body scent.

Sonia carefully got up and approached the saint.

“……”

It wasn’t the saint’s smell.

If it wasn’t the saint or the two wives, there was only one woman left.

‘Ireh Hazlen.’

Sonia swallowed.

Ireh had clearly stated with her own mouth that she disliked men. At first, that seemed to be true.

These days, it was different.

Something was strange. Recently, she had been showing an unusually relaxed demeanor only in front of Eidel.

For example, there was her shorts outfit.

Ireh always covered her arms and legs, saying she disliked showing bare skin to men. Even in midsummer, she stuck to long pants and cardigans.

Yet at some point, she started walking around in short sleeves and shorts, but only when she was with Eidel.

Once, Sonia had asked her about it. And the response was:

– The lab is too hot.

That was the answer she gave.

‘Starting from when she began making physical contact with the young master… it’s very suspicious.’

She was a prime suspect.

Sonia’s thoughts naturally turned to the saint.

She thought that what the saint had said earlier might be an important clue.

Either way, it needed investigation.

***

I woke up after a good sleep for once. Though it was only about six hours.

I still couldn’t believe that I had discovered gravitons. With the technology available on Earth, it would have been absolutely impossible.

I felt overwhelmed in many ways.

It wouldn’t be long now.

Once I pass the defense, which corresponds to my true purpose, I can earn my doctorate.

“Whew.”

My heart was racing.

Everything started at the graduate school graduation ceremony. That day when I lost my doctorate, how miserable I felt.

I fell into this world without knowing why, and my degree disappeared. I wanted to cry, but the world wouldn’t even allow that. To survive in a world crawling with outer gods, I had to grit my teeth and earn my degree once more.

Many memories flashed before me like a kaleidoscope. The first time Sonia hit me, the moment I declared to my father that I would go to Stellarium, accidentally making a contract with Cartesia, getting cursed at by Seti, meeting Rustila, having my foot stepped on by Zernya…

So much had happened.

In those few years, I had taken two beautiful women as my wives, and soon I would become a father.

That’s right.

Zernya and Rustila’s due dates were just around the corner.

I met with Professor Feynman to talk.

“Professor, I need to go somewhere before the dissertation defense.”

“I know. Go quickly.”

Despite being busy, I headed to the hospital.

I arrived at the obstetrics department.

As I turned the designated corner, I saw Rustila pacing anxiously in front of the delivery room.

“Rusti.”

“Eidel!”

“Zernya, is she in there now?”

“She’s been in for a while.”

Rustila was also due to give birth this week. However, due to her virgin womb issue, she had undergone artificial insemination and didn’t need to deliver naturally.

The concern was Zernya.

Zernya had insisted on getting pregnant naturally, saying she had to carry my child in her own womb. With that small, delicate body of hers.

“Honestly, I’m worried. Whether she’ll be able to deliver safely…”

Even Rustila was worried about Zernya at this moment.

We waited for a long time in front of the delivery room. My father, mother, and relatives came and went while we kept our vigil.

I didn’t even think about opening the laptop I had brought. I needed to prepare presentation materials for my defense, but I couldn’t focus at all.

And then.

How many hours had passed?

Waaah!

The cry of a new life snapped me to attention. My body reflexively jumped up.

“Congratulations on becoming a father. It’s a beautiful princess!”

“Zernya, what about Zernya?”

“Both mother and child are fine. Don’t worry.”

Upon hearing the nurse’s words, my body swayed like a reed. I let out a sigh of relief.

Soon after, an android rushed over from the opposite direction, shouting:

“Eidel, are you Mr. and Mrs. Rustila von Rheinland? Your daughter has been safely delivered, and you’ll be able to see her in the newborn nursery in an hour.”

“Really?”

Rustila’s face brightened.

Both Zernya and Rustila had given birth without complications. It was somewhat ambiguous to say Rustila had “given birth,” but what did it matter? I couldn’t be happier about the fruits of our love.

Soon, Zernya was wheeled out on a medical cart. She made eye contact with me while breathing heavily.

“Hey, honey.”

“You did well, Zernya. Sorry I came late.”

“No… I’m just glad you came. I know how busy you are.”

Who could possibly call this girl a demon? Though her usual behavior might be rough, her essence was undeniably angelic.

The child of an angel must surely be an angel too.

Zernya slowly closed her eyes.

“…Whew, I’m tired.”

“Rest. See you later.”

Rustila and I moved with Zernya to the recovery room and unpacked our things there. We planned to stay as long as time allowed.

“You did well, Zernya.”

“Honey, look. This is our child.”

“She’s so cute.”

Rustila also held her baby. She smiled with tears in her eyes.

“Look, Eidel. This is your child and mine.”

“She’s cute too. I wonder what she’ll become when she grows up…”

“We should let her do what she wants. I won’t force anything.”

That was Rustila’s parenting philosophy.

Anyway, both children strongly resembled their parents.

It was amazing no matter how many times I looked.

[“Interesting. The youngster has become a replicator.”]

Cartesia said.

[“I never thought I’d see the youngster pregnant and giving birth. I thought you’d die before that.”]

Come to think of it, Cartesia deserves much credit for all these achievements.

Without her help, I wouldn’t have made it this far.

Cartesia made a humming sound and rolled her tongue.

[“I’ve watched new life come into being many times while trapped in this galaxy. But this is the first time a contract subject has had children. It’s new from a microscopic perspective. An interesting viewpoint.”]

For an outer god, her tone was quite caring. Perhaps because she had a female form.

[“But what about the feeding issue?”]

Wait, feeding?

[“Isn’t your species mammals? I understand you provide basic nutrients necessary for immunity through organs called breasts, but in the current situation, the white-haired female alone must produce energy for two. How do you plan to solve this problem?”]

Her word choice was strange, but she’s an outer god, so I’ll let it slide.

It was a valid question.

Rustila doesn’t produce breast milk. Zernya alone must share her milk between the two babies.

But if that’s a problem, then all mothers of twins must have faced the same hardship.

[“I see, so that’s it. The mother produces as much energy as needed. That’s rational. Not being one of Darwin’s bunch, I didn’t know.”]

[— The God of Wisdom and Curiosity tilts its head.]

[“Would it be the same between humans and our species?”]

A chill ran down my spine when I heard that.

[“Anyway, it was an interesting spectacle.”]

Cartesia muttered with satisfaction and cut off the telepathic communication. Soon, a wind-like silence followed.

Zernya diligently nursed for Rustila’s share too. She looked at Rustila with a smug expression.

“My children.”

“What?”

“Both are my children.”

“You… are you trying to pick a fight with me now?”

Well, of course. They’re fighting again.

As always, Zernya defeated Rustila with her words. Then Rustila would huff indignantly before whining to me.

“Eidel… hurry up and make that thing.”

“The graviton bomb?”

“Yes. So we can make a second child.”

There was so much to make. Plus, I needed to talk about Sonia too. But now wasn’t the time.

***

After handling various chores, Ireh belatedly headed to the hospital where Eidel was.

Normally, she could have finished these tasks quickly. However, because of the kissing incident with Eidel, her mind was in such disarray that she couldn’t concentrate.

Even now, it took courage to take each step.

“Please hurry up.”

Sonia urged from behind. Ireh nodded awkwardly.

“But why are you with me instead of staying by Eidel’s side?”

“That’s because we haven’t completely fooled the government’s eyes yet. You and I need to move as a pair so we can switch at any time. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten such an obvious fact because you were busy researching?”

“No, that’s not it…”

Sonia’s eyes narrowed. Ireh turned her head away, avoiding her gaze.

She felt guilty for no reason. After all, Ireh had received Eidel’s kiss and confession that should have gone to Sonia.

Should she tell her or not?

Whether she told or not, it would be problematic either way. Eventually, it might be discovered anyway.

In the end, there was only one compromise.

Tell only Eidel secretly and pretend it never happened.

But now wasn’t the time. Beyond embarrassment, she feared that if she handled it wrong, she might not be able to maintain the same relationship with Eidel as before.

“What are you doing?”

“Huh?”

When she came to her senses, she was already in front of the recovery room. Unconsciously, she had been unable to open the door.

“Why are you standing there stupidly? Go in.”

Sonia pushed her back.

“Young master, we’re here.”

“Sonia, and… Ms. Ireh came too.”

Ireh carefully stepped inside.

Eidel showed her the two newborns and said:

“Look, Ms. Ireh. These are my princesses. Aren’t they cute?”

“Oh, y-yes. They’re definitely… cute.”

They were beyond cute—they were strikingly beautiful.

Ireh had a sense for these things. As soon as she saw Eidel’s two daughters, she felt it. These children would clearly achieve greatness.

“Lucia, no. Look over here. That’s right. Wow, look at her eyes moving. Ms. Ireh, what should I do! I think both my daughters are geniuses!”

“They’re truly adorable, young master. May I hold one?”

“You need to hold them carefully?”

“Don’t worry.”

Following Rustila’s instructions, Sonia held the baby. Her usually expressionless face softened instantly.

“This must be Miss Lucia.”

“Yes, I combined my name with Eidel’s.”

“And Miss Anya would be the same. Both young ladies have intelligent eyes. They will surely achieve great things.”

“Of course.”

Zernya puffed up proudly.

“Would Miss Ireh like to hold one too?”

Sonia suggested with a strange look in her eyes.

“No, I…”

“It’s okay, Ireh. Since you came all this way, you should hold one at least once.”

“W-well then.”

Ireh carefully took Lucia. Lucia was smiling like the sun. At that sight, Ireh was overwhelmed by an indescribable thrill.

It was something she had never experienced before—the sensation of maternal love.

‘If I have a daughter, I should name her Lea…’

Ireh’s thoughts came to a halt.

What was I just thinking?