A Warrior Exiled by the Hero and His Lover

It has been two years since our journey to foreign lands. We are currently settled in the city of "Krukbelz" in the northern region of the country Armand.

It is a quiet and comfortable place to live. During this time of year, everything is painted with the colors of autumn, making it even more beautiful.

My house is located in a residential area away from the city center, and right in front flows the beautiful Manul River. Now, with the autumn leaves, it is the most picturesque time.

When I returned home after a week, Frau and Panda greeted me with a tight hug.

"Welcome back!"

"Kyuu!"

"Hello, I'm back. How is Kaede?"

"Oh, yes, she has given birth!"

"When?"

"Two days ago."

I climbed the stairs to the room where Kaede was.

As soon as I entered the room, there she was, lying in bed next to a baby wrapped in a blanket.

She was sweetly smiling at the baby and hadn't noticed my presence.

"Kaede."

"Master! You're back."

"Kaede, I'm no longer your master."

"Oh, right, I'm sorry."

Kaede was no longer a slave. Therefore, the master-servant contract no longer existed, and she no longer wore the collar around her neck. This meant that she was my wife.

"Can I hold her?"

"Of course. Her head is delicate, so hold her gently."

I held the baby in my arms.

She was so small and fragile that it made me feel unsure. It was hard to believe that this little one was my daughter. It all felt new to me, like a dream.

But every time her little fox ears twitched, I felt a wave of love from the depths of my heart.

"It's a girl."

"I'm sure she will be beautiful."

"She will surely grow up to be a great and admirable person, just like you, Toru-sama."

Those flattering words made me break out in a cold sweat... I don't expect this child to be strong as an adult, I just want her to be healthy.

"Have you decided on a name for her?"

"Yes, I discussed it with the girls. How about Clara?"

"It's lovely, I like it."

As I gently stroked the baby's cheek, Kaede smiled softly and said,

"From today onwards, you are Clara Eiban."

Clara Eiban. So that's why, because she is my daughter.

But it still feels strange. I can't believe I am a father now.

"Oh, it seems Grandma Neze came to visit us."

When I turned around, Grandma Neze was peeking her head through the door.

"May I come in...?"

"No need to be afraid. Neze-sama is the most important person after Toru in this house. Don't be shy."

"I might be... But is it okay if I come in? Will I be kicked out after entering?"

It seems she is having trouble adjusting to this new environment, like a hikikomori stepping out of her room.

But I wonder if she's really a golem. Grandma Neze talks so fast that it's difficult to understand her at times.

I looked back at my daughter, and a great sense of pride welled up in my chest. I think about everything I did to acquire a special one just for her. I had heard about a legendary baby crib that can make any child fall asleep within seconds.

I had been wandering through many places in search of its location. And that's when I arrived at those ruins. It was quite an adventure from the start.

"But I don't think that's enough."

"Eh?"

Kaede's words interrupted my thoughts.

Not enough? What does that mean?

Seeing that I hadn't explained enough from my expression, she hastily added,

"Haven't you heard? Marianne-san and Alyusha-san are also pregnant."

What? I had no idea!

I rushed out of the room to hear their words, but my feet got tangled up and I fell down the stairs.

Ouch, it doesn't hurt, but it feels painful.

I got up and ran down the hallway. This house was built by a wealthy merchant in the past. There's also a large courtyard, and behind it, there's a garden and a horse stable. From the window, I could see Marianne and Alyusha chatting while having tea in the courtyard.

"Is it true what you told me? Are both of you pregnant?"

"Oh, Toru-sama."

"Welcome back."

I was overjoyed by this whole situation, so I wrapped my arms around Marianne and lifted her up like a child. But it was only a few seconds later that I realized my actions were not appropriate for a lady.

"It's embarrassing, could you please put me down?"

"I'm sorry."

"It's not fair, Marianne. I want Toru-sama to lift me up too!"

Alyusha jumped around like a wild cat. She used to be a girl with great sharpness and elegance, but now she has completely lost her dignity and is pleading like a little animal craving attention.

If I had to decide who are the laziest ones in our house, she would definitely be among the top three.

"When did you realize you were pregnant?"

"It was after Toru-sama left on his trip. Both of us had several days of feeling nauseous and tired, so we asked Kaede-san to evaluate us. That's when we found out we were pregnant. It's amazing that her appraisal ability can even detect pregnancy. I was astonished."

"We still don't know if it will be a boy or a girl though. I hope it's a boy. Teaching him archery and going hunting together will be a dream come true for me."

I listened to both women's happy words in silence. I truly don't mind if it's a boy or a girl, I'm just happy that I will be a father again.

If it's a boy, I can teach him swordsmanship, although I wouldn't mind teaching her if it's a girl either. But the most important thing is to exercise together. It will be fun to train with my three children.

I can already imagine them saying things like, "Look dad, my biceps are toned."

"You're imagining dangerous things, aren't you?"

"Maybe we should talk about our children's education policy now."

While the two of them were talking, I was absorbed in imagining idyllic scenes with my children.

"You should go to the base soon, otherwise you'll be trapped in a mountain of paperwork again."

"Yes, that's true. I'm also concerned about the territory expansion... I'll leave the care of the house in your hands."

We walked out into the hallway and made our way to the entrance. On the walls, there are pictures of landscapes and of all of us together, every time I see them it brings back memories of those days as if they were yesterday.

Above all, there is one photo that moves me deeply. It's the one where I am with my nine girlfriends. It's such a powerful photo that it makes me forget all my fatigue.

It was our wedding day. Everything was chaotic from the start. Even after it was all over. If a wedding by itself is stressful, imagine doing it with nine women at the same time.

The leader of the research team cried in the middle of the ceremony and at the reception, and on the other hand, the kings from different nations argued among themselves about which country I represent as a hero.

It was a miracle that everything ended well and without any incidents.

"So why did you add sugar?"

"Because it tastes better with sugar."

"Luna is right. Pione is mistaken."

"Is it my fault? I'm just following the recipe as it's written."

Suddenly, I heard the voices of my wives coming from the kitchen. It seems they still have disagreements on how to cook.

After informing Kaede and Grandma Neze about my departure, I left the house.