第１２０９堀：テンションが高いと意外と寝なくてもいける (Part2)
By the time I reached them, she was already surrounded by the other wives and children, but the moment I drew near, her gaze locked onto mine.
"Yuki-sama. It’s a healthy baby girl."
"I see. Truly. Are you alright? Are you in any pain?"
"I am overflowing with happiness now. I’m just so grateful she was born. Though, the delivery itself was quite difficult. Ahaha."
"I’m sorry."
"There is no need for you to apologize for such a thing. On the contrary, this is exactly what I wished for. I look forward to your continued love for both of us."
"Yes. I look forward to it, too."
"Now, please go and see Cleena-san next."
Though a part of me wanted to linger, I couldn't very well ignore Samantha’s request. I made my way over to Cleena.
"Cleena-kaka? Is this my little sister?"
"That’s right, Akiten. Your little sister. And my child with Yuki."
Cleena answered the leaning, inquisitive Akiten with a gentle smile before turning her eyes toward me.
"Toto-sama, Cleena-kaka gave birth to my little sister! Yay! Samantha-kaka, Ria-kaka, and Jessica-kaka, too!! I’m so happy! I’m going to be an even better big sister now."
"Yes, I’m sure you will."
After ruffling Akiten’s hair as she beamed with pure, unadulterated joy, I turned my attention back to Cleena.
"Cleena. You worked so hard. Thank you. How are you feeling?"
"Mm. I am Yuki’s wife. This much is nothing. If anything, I’m just so happy I can’t contain it. I still can’t believe this child came from within me. Truly, the crystallization of our love."
"I agree."
"And with Akiten and all the other children, my world is filled with treasures. Yuki, I should be the one thanking you. But you’d better start thinking of a good excuse for Jessica."
"…Understood."
That single addition gave me a momentary pang of stomach pain, but there was no turning back now.
"Now then, why did you leave me for last? Not that I’m asking, of course. It was simply because I was the furthest in, wasn't it? And you really don't need to worry about such things. Given our positions, it is only appropriate that I be last."
Jessica said this with a wry smile, cradling her newborn in her arms.
"Jessica. Are you alright? Mentally, I mean?"
Instead of being relieved, I found myself worrying that she was forcing herself to be strong, perhaps overthinking the hierarchy and standing she had just mentioned. While it was true that there was a natural order based on our positions, I didn't place much weight on such things. As she had noted, it was merely a matter of who was closest to the entrance of the room.
The fact that she felt the need to voice it, however, left a lingering unease in my chest. Jessica blinked, momentarily taken aback, before breaking into a bright smile.
"Ahaha. You really are too kind, Yuki. You could stand to be a little rougher with us, you know. Women are surprisingly resilient."
"That doesn't hold much weight coming from the woman who was sobbing uncontrollably when I was summoned to Kagura."
"Ugh. That was a special circumstance! …Ahem. Regardless, I am fine, so please don't trouble yourself. If anything, the hierarchy based on our positions will naturally continue to arise. Don't worry about me; you should be the one paying attention to those nuances. That is what I wanted to say. If you had come to me first, I would have scolded you."
"So that’s how it is."
"That is how it is. But you must be sure to show us consideration at the end, just like this. Otherwise, I might just cry from loneliness."
"Of course. And then we can all enjoy some quality family time together."
"Indeed."
As she said this, Jessica looked around at everyone, including the newborns, her expression softening into a smile. Seeing that sight, I steeled my resolve once more; I would maintain this family with everything I had.
"Yuki. I understand your sentiment, but marriage is about supporting one another. So, when things get tough, please make sure to say, 'This is tough.' Understood?"
"Yeah, understood. For starters, I’m exhausted from the sleepless night, so I’m going to get some rest."
"Yes. Goodnight."
And so, while I hadn't been indifferent to the health of my wives and children, I had finally reached the limit of my own physical endurance. I returned home, collapsed onto the bed, and my consciousness vanished in an instant.
I recall having a strange thought just before I drifted off—something about how I’d likely never have to worry about insomnia.
When my spirits are high, I can stay awake indefinitely, but the moment that tension drops, I fall like a stone. It’s all a matter of willpower, I suppose.