第５５９堀：三度目の正直 (Part2)
"Well, it's been four hours now. That's a long time."
"Dressa, it's not that long. Did you know that a first-time birth usually takes over ten hours?"
"Over ten hours!?"
"Yes, over ten hours. But since we’ve received blessings for safe childbirth and various other protections from Lady Lilishe and Luna, we’ve been able to deliver in five or six hours."
"Is that considered fast?"
"According to the midwife who helped us, it’s incredibly fast. The mother doesn't exhaust her stamina as much, and there’s very little blood loss. Since the baby came out crying healthily, it’s considered an ideal, safe birth."
"So *that* counts as a safe birth..."
Indeed. At first, I had naively assumed it would take two or three hours. The midwife had scolded me, asking if I was making light of childbirth by suggesting such a ridiculous timeframe.
Childbirth is far more difficult and complex than men tend to imagine. I knew, intellectually, that there were cases on Earth where childbirth put both mother and child in danger, but knowing it and truly understanding it are two different things.
They say a mother is strong, and it’s true. That’s exactly why I want to be by my wives' sides while they’re working so hard, but the sadness of not being able to do so is overwhelming.
"But in that case, Milly-onesama will still be working hard for at least another hour or two, right?"
"Milly-onesama, do your best!"
Vilia and Hiiro sent their encouragement to Milly, who was still in the midst of her labor.
"I think I might have been taking childbirth too lightly."
"I agree with Cleena. Perhaps we need more resolve. Even when I asked Lady Seraria, she only ever said it was painful."
"Mm. I only ever heard from Master Eris that it was painful, too."
"We need to ask for more detailed accounts and study up on childbirth. For my own sake as well."
"Mm. Still not enough knowledge."
Realizing how naive their understanding of childbirth had been, Cleena and Samantha began discussing how they needed to study properly from now on.
Well, you only ever hear that it’s painful, don't you? I can't even begin to imagine the pain of childbirth myself.
As I listened to them, I suddenly felt the urge to use the restroom. Was it because of the juice I drank? There was no reason to hold it, so I stood up.
"Is something the matter?"
"Mm. Just going to the bathroom."
"Ah, go ahead."
"Go ahead, Onii-chan."
"Make sure you wash your hands, Onii-sama."
"Yes, take care."
With that, I headed toward the restroom. Unfortunately, it was quite a distance from where we were, so I had to walk a fair bit. I had to turn that corner and head to the end of the hall.
"Man, this is further than I thought."
Turning the corner, the restroom came into view, but it felt incredibly far away. I realized it might be a bit risky. I broke into a jog, hurrying down the hallway and ducking into the restroom.
"Phew. Made it."
I didn't think I was actually going to have an accident, but it was closer than I’d liked. If I had tried to stay and keep chatting, I might have been in trouble. I’d have to tell everyone when I got back that the distance to the restroom was quite significant.
After finishing up, I made sure to wash my hands thoroughly as Firia had instructed, applied alcohol disinfectant, and strolled back down the hall.
"It really is a long way. Once Milly’s birth is over, I’ll have to add more restrooms. This is just too inconvenient to use."
Muttering that to myself, I was busy visualizing blueprints and thinking about how to renovate the place when I turned the corner—only to find that everyone was gone.
"Huh? Did I take a wrong turn?"
I immediately turned back to check the hallway I had just come from. Nope, I hadn't taken a wrong turn. So... what does this mean?
As I tilted my head in confusion, the door to the delivery room opened, and Dressa stepped out.
"You forgot Yuki!"
"Ah, that's right. Onii-sama!!"
"Onii! It's born! Milly-onesama's baby is born!"
"What—!?"
I started running. Damn it! Why does this always happen to me? Am I cursed?
Still, I managed to successfully hold the newborn baby together with Milly.
"Thank goodness. Milly, you worked so hard. Thank you."
"…Yes. I was able to safely give birth to your baby, Yuki-san."
Now then, for this child's sake, I need to finish my work quickly. Oh, I have to contact Taiki and the others, too. Ah, it’s nothing but work, really.
I did it! The baby was born safely! I was a little late to the party, but I managed to support Milly properly. Now, all that’s left is to defeat the monster known as "work"...
Honestly, every time I look into this, I’m reminded that being a mother is incredibly tough. They really are strong.