第２１１掘：大変な時間
**Dungeon Excavation 211: A Trying Time**
My apologies for the delay!!
I also apologize for the shorter word count this time!!
It has nothing to do with me playing games, probably.
***
**A Trying Time**
**Side: Seraria**
I am experiencing something for the first time in my life.
I have faced monsters and charged through battlefields countless times, but I feel a terror that surpasses all of that.
"Ughhh!! Uuuuughhhhh!!"
That sound just now… it came from me.
I never imagined I would make such noises from the pain of childbirth.
I’ve had arms and legs slashed in battle and bones broken, but this is a completely different kind of pain and fear.
"Come now, push!! Breathe, hee-hee-hoo!! Your husband’s knowledge is spot on!! Keep at it!!"
"Big Sister Chi, please hang in there!! Lady Rurua, too!!"
Right now, the delivery room is led by Grandma, with assistants like Elju, Milly, and Kaya—all of whom have experience helping with births—gathered around.
Truly, my husband’s ability to secure such talented people is magnificent…
I wipe the cold sweat from my forehead, trying to catch a glimpse of everyone around me.
The other pregnant members should be watching from the other side of the delivery room’s glass, but I don’t have the luxury of checking.
The terror of whether I can truly give birth to my husband’s child.
The pain, unlike anything I have ever known.
I wonder if Rurua, beside me, feels the same.
"Ugh!! Husband-samaaaaaa!!"
I hear a voice from Rurua that is practically a scream.
"Lady Rurua, please calm down. Yuki-san has arrived safely at this hospital. He even brought you here himself just a moment ago."
"Y-yes… but, ughhh!!"
It seems Rurua still has enough composure to answer, at least.
Luna, Lady Lilishe, is this really considered an "easy birth"!?
"Seraria-chan, keep your consciousness clear!! Hee-hee-hoo!!"
"Ah… I know that!!"
Hearing Grandma’s voice, I realize my consciousness is starting to drift away.
Goodness, I had no idea childbirth was this difficult.
But I will absolutely give birth to my husband’s child!!
"Haa, haa, ughhhhh!!"
Still, I think I’ll wait a while before having a second one.
I want to spend more time cuddling with my husband first.
Grandma really is amazing, isn't she?
…To think she gave birth to three children.
"That’s the spirit. Seraria-chan, the child’s head is starting to show!!"
I can’t let Grandma down.
…I’ll do it, won’t I!!
I, too, will show that I can give birth to my beloved husband’s child!!
***
**Side: Jessica**
I am watching the situation in the delivery room along with everyone else.
However, this is beyond my imagination.
"To think Lady Seraria would have her face twisted in such agony…"
"Yeah. I guess childbirth really is tough."
Beside me, Ria is watching Lady Seraria with an indescribable expression.
I’m sure I have the same look on my face.
After all, this is the first time I have ever seen Lady Seraria, known as the War Princess, contort her face in such pain.
That is how difficult childbirth must be.
"…Ugh. I-I think I’ll pass on having children for a while."
"Riel…"
"It can’t be helped!! Just look at Seraria and Rurua’s faces!! It’s that bad!?"
Riel is a bit put off after seeing the two of them.
Tori is criticizing Riel for that, but I think it’s understandable.
"Kirue doesn't seem very shaken."
"Of course not. Isn't that the same for you, Ratz-san?"
"Well, it’s my brother’s child, isn't it? It’s the crystallization of our love. Something like this is a piece of cake."
"That is exactly right."
"…My, you two are both so resilient."
Ratz and Kirue, who are also pregnant, are talking calmly without taking their eyes off the scene.
As Lady Shera said, I don't think their reactions are something an ordinary person could manage.
And as for the rest of the pregnant group…
"There, there, it’s going to be okay. See?"
"It’s scary… I never knew childbirth was this painful. Is this how Mother gave birth to me…?"
"Deryu will be giving birth soon, too, you know?"
"Hiiiii!! It’s Yuki’s child, but still…"
"Sigh, why is the Demon Lord acting so timid?"
"It can’t be helped!! Even I have things I’m afraid of!!"
…What is this?
Ever since I came to Weed, my common sense has been crumbling away.
To think I would see the Demon Lord looking so frail…
No, the Hero is right next to me, too.
By the way, Aslin and Firia seem to have fallen asleep and are lying down with Yuki.
…Ugh, I’m not jealous at all.
"Hey, Jessica."
"Ah. What is it, Ria!? Was the baby born!?"
"No, not yet. But childbirth takes a long time, doesn't it? It’s already been an hour."
Ria points to the clock.
Indeed, an hour has passed since Lady Seraria and Lady Rurua entered the delivery room.
"It seems so. However, I never thought waiting would be this nerve-wracking."
I never imagined that every minute and every second would feel this long.
"Yeah. But let’s see it through to the end."
"Yes."
Ria and I keep our eyes fixed on the delivery room to witness the birth of Lady Seraria and Lady Rurua’s children.
It was the right decision to let Yuki sleep.
If he were awake, I can easily imagine him running around in a panic by now.
***
**Side: Yuki**
"Mmm. Seraria… Rurua…"
"Big Brother is warm."
"Big Brother~"
"Fufu, if he wakes up like this, he won't be making a scene since the two of them are here."
Well then, it seems a first birth is a trying ordeal.
Since I’m a man, I don’t really get it.
Still, thinking about things like this makes me a bit troubled.
Anyway, regarding the progress of the games I mentioned last time:
- Bloodborne: Defeated 3 bosses. Beat everyone on the second attempt.
- Disgaea 5: Stats are easy to raise, so they’re already off the charts.
- Senran Kagura: Eternal something—still unopened.
I’ll do my best!!