Two days later.
I came out of the Imperial Palace with my aunt and auntie. I had just finished the investigation and was on my way out.
I looked back at the Imperial Palace. I felt like I was suffocating, then I finally let out a breath.
The investigation went well. Although there were investigators who asked sharp questions here and there.
Since I had done nothing wrong, I told them everything as it was.
"On top of that, my aunt and auntie proved my innocence, and Kelsas’s petition also seemed to have an effect."
In many ways, there was no chance I would be accused of regicide.
I took a deep breath, then exhaled.
"I thought I’d be eating tofu after getting out."
Now that the investigation was over, I felt relieved. Even though I hadn’t done anything wrong, I was a little nervous when I was actually being investigated.
However, there was one regrettable thing. I was the one who defeated Grant, the regicide perpetrator.
Yet, they said several meetings would have to be held regarding that achievement.
Well, there’s no guarantee that things will always go smoothly in life. I know that well, but still.
"Hehe♥ Son, you worked hard!"
My heavily pregnant aunt, wearing a plain maternity dress, smiled at me.
My aunt smiled haughtily and shook her head.
"There’s nothing to worry about now, right?"
"Yes."
We then headed out onto the street. Aunt spread her arms wide and smiled brightly, like a child.
"It’s been a really long time since I’ve been to the capital. Hehe. I love it♥"
"Big sis, how long has it been since you were here?"
"It’s been more than 20 years since I went on adventures, hasn’t it? Breathing the capital’s air after so long? Ohoho♥"
Come to think of it, I brought aunt all the way to the capital. It would be a bit of a shame to end things like this, wouldn’t it?
"Since we’ve come all this way, how about we look around a bit?"
"But it’s broken everywhere, isn’t it?"
The capital was truly a mess right now. The Imperial Palace was only called an Imperial Palace in name; in reality, the parts that remained were functioning as a temporary Imperial Palace.
After thinking for a moment, I suggested.
"Let’s go to a place that’s still relatively intact. If we have time after that, we can rest at an inn, or go to Weaverpool and visit Min Jiyu’s cafe!"
"That sounds good! Ohoh."
Aunt warm smile. It was a smile that could melt anyone’s heart just by looking at it.
My aunt rested her chin on her hand.
"A place that’s intact, you say... Shall we go then?"
So we wandered around. The capital had literally become a rag. In truth, it was really hard to find any intact places.
Not only the restaurant we went to last time, but all the cafes were also completely destroyed.
The horrors of war are truly this painful.
As I walked the streets, I considered it the beginning of a peaceful daily life.
It’s all over now. All of it!
Quite a few merchants had set up temporary stalls. We bought drinks and snacks.
As we wandered around aimlessly, one place caught my eye.
It was a clothing store with a sign barely hanging on, looking utterly miserable. As I approached, I saw that it also sold various other items, serving as a general store.
"It miraculously survived."
We decided to go inside. Quite a few pretty clothes were visible.
"Are you open for business?"
In response to my question, a man who seemed to be the owner appeared. He was half-bald, and he was quite boisterous.
"Oh, oh! Of course! I’ve been waiting for customers like you!"
His way of speaking is quite unique.
I looked at various clothes. Aunt pointed at one of them and smiled.
"Oh my, isn’t that the dress from ’The Mermaid Empress’?"
"Yes, that’s the one the protagonist wore. I made it myself!"
"Amazing... You’re incredible!"
"My class is just this good!"
So there’s a work called ’The Mermaid Empress’ in this world.
I looked at the owner and asked.
"I’m looking for clothes that would suit these two ladies."
"I’ll pick them out for you!"
The owner began picking out clothes as if it was perfect timing. I also went to look at clothes separately.
My auntie subtly grabbed my shoulder.
"Isn’t the owner picking them out for you?"
"Because Aunt will probably need clothes to wear after giving birth."
At my words, my auntie snorted.
"Hmph, big sis Selena is the only one precious to you, isn’t she?"
Oh dear, my auntie. She’s getting sulky again.
"Aww, why are you like that? Of course, I’m looking at clothes for you too. Because you have such a great figure. Heung."
My auntie’s face immediately turned red. Yet, she maintained her haughty expression.
"Hmph, thanks for the words, at least. You silly nephew!"
While I was appeasing my auntie, the owner brought over the selected clothes.
That was fast?
I looked at the chosen clothes. As expected of an expert, his sense of style was evident.
"So, what do you think?"
A flowy, one-piece maternity dress that matched Aunt hair color.
And for my auntie, there was a two-piece outfit decorated with small accessories, befitting her dignity as a saintess.
I turned around and asked.
"How are they?"
"They’re good, aren’t they? Hehe."
"You have good fashion sense."
Both Auntie and Aunt seemed to like them.
I wasn’t sure about Aunt, but I thought Auntie would be quite picky.
"Owner, you’re amazing!"
When I even gave him a thumbs-up, the owner praised himself to the fullest.
"I’ve been working in this neighborhood for a whopping 30 years. This level of sense is only natural!"
He was laughing so much his cheekbones were about to ascend.
Then it’s my turn, isn’t it?
"Alright, please ring these up too."
I handed over the clothes I had chosen.
First, there was a thin sweater, a leather jacket, and a leather skirt, suitable for Aunt figure after childbirth.
These reflected the taste of Aunt, who was once an adventurer.
The other set was an orange cardigan, a white T-shirt, a belt, a gray skirt, and gold pumps that would likely fit Auntie’s figure.
"Auntie will get pregnant soon, so she should dress like a gharu mom..huh."
Auntie dressed like a gyaru. Just imagining it drives me crazy.
Seeing me laughing, the owner clutched his head with both hands.
"Oh, unbelievable! To suggest outfits that suit each customer! You’re truly amazing!"
"Hehe, I am the Hero. Lucian Vane after all."
At my introduction, the owner was surprised and jumped up. He’s a master of reactions.
"Ah, the famous one! But you were involved in an unfortunate incident...?"
As expected, he knows. Well, it happened in the capital, so it must have spread everywhere.
But I was at ease.
I tried to put on a relaxed smile, like one enjoying a cup of coffee, and replied.
"Kukuk, I’ve already been investigated and cleared. No charges!"
"I see! For Hero, I’ll give you a half-price discount!"
The owner seemed to like it even more than I did. He must be happy to meet me, the famous Hero.
But I shook my head. Instead, I took out a few more gold coins.
"No, I’ll pay you more instead."
"What? What do you mean?!"
"Although I wasn’t in the capital, I couldn’t protect it as a Hero, and you’re a small business owner who seems to be struggling. It’s a tough time, but hang in there!"
Honestly, shouldn’t a small business owner with such will and skill succeed?
At my encouragement, the owner took out a handkerchief and wiped away tears. Then, as if overcome with emotion, he even bit the handkerchief and wailed.
"I’m so touched! Thank you! Mademoiselleeeeeeel!"
"Yes, yes. Please wrap them up."
Receiving the owner’s emotional send-off, we left the store. He was truly a fascinating character.
We immediately headed for the inn. My auntie gave a captivating smile.
"My nephew, you’ve really grown up so much. You’re completely mature, aren’t you?"
"Indeed. My son, he’s so dependable! Ohoho♥"
"Aww, of course. Both of you, haha."
I scratched my head, feeling unnecessarily embarrassed. When it comes to boasting about her son, that’s my Aunt for you.
"My son is good at so many things, isn’t he? Especially... Ugh!"
Suddenly, Aunt clutched her stomach and collapsed. My auntie quickly checked on her.
Her expression stiffened.
"No, it’s labor pains!"
What, has the inevitable finally arrived? I quickly carried Aunt on my back.
"Where should we go?"
"The nearest cathedral!"
At my auntie’s instruction, I recalled the local geography and sprinted at full speed. My aunt followed along effortlessly, shaking her head.
"Why now of all times!"
"No, it might actually be for the best!"
I found the nearby cathedral and went straight in. The nuns, wondering what was happening, rushed towards us.
When my auntie explained the situation, the nuns took charge of Aunt.
They were going to help her give birth.
Watching that, I trembled immensely.
"Please, let nothing happen to Aunt, please. Pleeease!"
Soon, preparations were complete, and Aunt was attempting to give birth in what was used as a prayer room.
"Ugh, Kkeuheuaaaaaang! Ahhh!"
Aunt was wailing and suffering as if she were about to die. Her body was drenched in sweat, and her complexion was gradually turning pale.
At that very moment, a desperate scream could be heard, so intense that it wouldn’t have been strange if her breath had stopped.
The nuns continued to help around her, and my aunt was also assisting with healing magic, but still.
Despite that, Aunt seemed to be in agony. I unconsciously stepped back.
"Is Aunt going to die like this? Did I give her too big a burden?"
"Ughaaaaang! Augh, Kkeuheueung!"
Despite that, Aunt pushed through. She even tried to smile at me.
I shook my head.
I stepped forward again. And I held Aunt hand.
"Selena, you can do it. Because you’re the strongest person in the world. Because I’m by your side... Go forward with confidence! You can do it!"
Though clumsy, I poured out every word of encouragement I could.
I also held Aunt hand tightly, as if to say I wouldn’t let go.
Aunt shed tears, yet she smiled at me.
Her whole body kept trembling, her face losing more and more color.
Despite that, she endured and persevered.
"Haaah, Kkeuheuaaaaaaak!"
She screamed with all her might, and finally.
"Euaaaahhh! Uhaang!"
She succeeded in giving birth. The baby came out, and the nuns skillfully caught it and checked it, then.
"It’s a girl. Congratulations!"
"Owaaaah...!"
I unconsciously let out a cheer. Everyone smiled brightly as if congratulating us on the birth of our child.
Finally, our child was born. I had become a father.
It was a moment of inexpressible emotion. I looked down at Aunt.
But then, Aunt’s breathing had stopped.